Chef Info

Chef & Owner, Vincent Catalanotto

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine was founded in 1989 by native New Orleanian Vincent Catalanotto. From a large, close Sicilian family, Vincent grew up eating wonderful food prepared by his parents who were both great cooks. Vincent learned to love and appreciate food at an early age, and then spent most of his life working in the service industry, fueling his passion for the restaurant business while allowing him to hone his innate ability to create fabulous meals and to make people happy. His years of experience as a waiter convinced him that people like to eat food that is familiar, but which has a spark of uniqueness about it.

Vincent opened the first of his successful neighborhood restaurants in 1989. The “little Italian place on the side street” quickly became Metairie’s hidden jewel. Vincent developed a menu that showcases the finest and freshest ingredients available (in fact, there are no walk-in coolers or freezers at Vincent’s - produce, seafood, meats and cheeses are delivered fresh daily!) He blended his own ideas about New Orleans style Italian cooking with some things he learned while working in fine dining rooms around the city. Locals returned often because of the quality and value of the food as well as for the comfortable atmosphere created by Vincent and his well-chosen staff. It wasn’t long before Vincent had more customers than chairs; the addition of a second location was inevitable.

Vincent’s second location debuted in 1997 on St. Charles Avenue near the Riverbend, much to the delight of the Uptown community, which has since embraced Vincent’s Italian Cuisine as their favorite neighborhood restaurant. The restaurant is located on the historic St. Charles streetcar line, making it a popular destination for tourists as well; guests now visit from all over the world.

Each of the Vincent’s locations has its own unique charm, but you can depend on getting a fabulous meal at both of them…try the famous Corn & Crab Bisque served in a toasted bread bowl, the Veal & Spinach stuffed Canneloni (the House Specialty), the gigantic Seafood Stuffed Pork Chop, or any of the delicious daily specials. While Vincent acts as executive chef, he affords the head chefs in each kitchen a wide berth to showcase their own creations. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by name on your subsequent visits – eating at Vincent’s is like dining with family. Once you’ve eaten at Vincent’s you’ll want to come back again and again. Call today for a reservation; we look forward to seeing you. Ciao!