Whether you live on the Northshore (which, we highly recommend) or find yourself in the Mandeville / Covington area visiting Fontainbleau State Park … we strongly suggest making time to visit these delicious restaurants in Mandeville in Covington.

Two Must Visit Restaurants on the Northshore

I love to try new restaurants in New Orleans. A lot. As a child I remember walking into the Foodies on Veterans (RIP, Foodies  – anyone else remember that?) and seeing a quote that just sang to me.

In other cities people eat to live; in New Orleans, we live to eat.

I think that pretty much sums it up, am I right? I love any chance to try new food, and I bet many of you are the same.

Must Visit Restaurants On The Northshore

It’s no secret that we really, really love our food in New Orleans; in fact, one of my favorite dinner conversations is where we should have brunch the next day. All of the best memories happen around a table with the people we love, so it makes sense in a way. Good food with good wine and good company is good for the soul!

My husband and I found ourselves on the Northshore a few weeks ago, home to some of my very favorite shopping and interior decor spots. We’ve had many great meals in Mandeville and Covington before, and while sometimes we crave consistency and predictability, we also like to venture out and try places we have not been before. We love, love, love the lunch (and mimosas) at Toad Hollow and to enjoy a few beers at Old Rail Brewing, but we received a recommendation to hit up Forks & Corks and holy moly we are still thinking about that meal.

Forks & Corks :: Date Spot In Covington

We walked into Forks & Corks and immediately loved it. The restaurant has a ton of natural light, a gorgeous bar area and fun, upbeat Louisiana art. It is nice without being stuffy, upscale without being pretentious. It felt nicer than “just another lunch” but not “ZOMG what will this cost us.” In short, it was a perfect choice for a lovely lunch sans children. Because we had absolutely no agenda and nowhere to be, we each ordered a drink and contemplated the delectable menu.

In the end, I convinced my husband that we had to try deviled eggs (they take me back to my childhood, what can I say?!) and even he – someone who often laments that he “doesn’t like” deviled eggs – said they were the bomb dot com. Some people may say “oh, cool – deviled eggs.” But y’all. They really were THAT good.

For our entrees, the waiter informed my husband that they made the very best fried chicken you’ll ever taste, and in Louisiana those are fighting words. If you say it, you better be up to the challenge. And the fried chicken really was divine. In the end, whether it is the best probably comes down to how closely you associate Popeye’s with heaven, but it’s a meal we’d recommend for any day that ends in “y.” I personally ordered the shrimp and grits, which was also delicious. I tend to think of that as a heavy dish, but the ingredients used were so fresh that the meal was actually fairly light but satisfying all at once.

Forks & Corks, you filled our souls and bellies … we will be back! Our waiter was also absolutely delightful and attentive without being overbearing, both of which ensured we’d recommend the food again and again and again!

Oh wait – I almost forgot the bread. There was ah-mazing bread at this meal, too. With a butter spread that was dangerous. Really, y’all need to go!

Meribo :: Mouth Watering At Any Hour of the Day

The following day we hit up Meribo in downtown Covington for brunch. Choosing what to eat was beyond difficult, especially since it was a grey, cold and dreary day. We wanted the pizza, the brunch, the drinks, the sides and …. the entire right side of the menu. And that’s just what we did! {And yes, I realize that’s why my jeans were tight come January 1. Ahem.}

I don’t care if you like brussels sprouts or not, but the brussels sprouts at Meribo will legitimately knock your socks off. They are beyond delicious and leave you spooning every last remnant out of the bowl. Taste them once and you’ll see what we mean.

We then moved on to the main attraction, which was the most divine wood-fired pizza I’ve tasted in ages, as well as a brunch special. I am a minimalist pizza gal (hold the pineapple, please) and the margherita did not disappoint. They have a breakfast pizza on the menu, which honestly tempted us because hello, what could be better than breakfast on pizza, but in the end I had to stay old-fashioned here. Meribo’s entire atmosphere is sleek and modern, and you can see them slide that goodness right out of the oven, which is a neat touch. They also have a few beers on tap, many of which were local, and my beer snob husband was thrilled with the options.

The benedict we tried was equally good, although for me personally a tad heavy. The taste was 100% on point, but I always find benedicts heavy by nature so this is more a commentary on my husband’s choice rather than the taste or quality of the ingredients. Throughout the entire meal, our waitress was equally attentive and kind, as well as easy to chat with. The food spoke for itself, really, but her personality and service were the icing on the cake.

All in all, these are two Covington restaurants that I would recommend all New Orleans foodies give a try! They are both worth the drive from New Orleans proper and/or neat places to enjoy a delicious meal with the people you love.

What Northshore restaurants are musts for you?