Mosca's New Orleans Menu: Signature Dishes, Hours & What to Order

Mosca's is most famous for Oysters Mosca -- fresh Gulf oysters baked in the shell with garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, olive oil and herbs -- and for Shrimp Italian, a robust herb-and-garlic preparation that has been on the menu since the restaurant opened in 1946. The restaurant is equally known for its atmosphere: a plain roadhouse with no sign on the building, cash-only policy, and a bring-your-own-wine tradition. It is consistently listed among the most important restaurants in New Orleans and in American Italian dining history.

Mosca's is located at 4137 US Highway 90, Avondale, Louisiana 70094, roughly 12 miles west of downtown New Orleans across the Mississippi River. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes from the French Quarter without traffic. The building is a nondescript roadhouse with no exterior signage -- first-timers sometimes drive past it. Use GPS and look for the plain building and parked cars.

Yes, and reservations are strongly recommended -- often essential. Mosca's is a small, beloved institution with a loyal following, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated for dinner. Call ahead well in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions. Contact the restaurant directly via moscasrestaurant.com or by phone for current reservation availability.

Yes. Mosca's is cash only -- no credit cards, no debit cards. Come prepared with enough cash for your group. Meals at Mosca's run on the higher end of the casual-Italian range given the quality of ingredients and generous portions; plan accordingly. There is an ATM in the area, but it is worth having cash in hand before arriving.

Yes -- Mosca's is BYOB (bring your own wine). The restaurant does not have a liquor license, which is part of its charm. Guests bring their own bottles; there is no corkage fee. Red and white Italian or Burgundy-style wines tend to pair well with the garlic-forward Creole-Italian menu. Beer is typically available at the restaurant.

Mosca's keeps limited hours -- it is closed Monday and Tuesday. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday. Hours can vary seasonally and around holidays. Always call ahead or check the official website at moscasrestaurant.com before making the drive, especially for holidays or special events.

Mosca's does not publish prices online. Dinner is generally priced in the moderate-to-upscale range for a New Orleans restaurant -- the generous family-style portions mean the per-person cost can vary depending on how many dishes the table shares. Most diners report a satisfying full-table meal. Bring cash and plan for a full dinner. Check with the restaurant directly for current pricing.

Mosca's was founded in 1946 by Provino and Lisa Mosca, Sicilian immigrants who opened the roadhouse outside New Orleans. The restaurant has remained in the Mosca family for nearly 80 years, surviving floods, hurricanes and the constant churn of the restaurant industry. It is one of the longest-running family-owned restaurants in Louisiana and a cornerstone of the city's Creole-Italian culinary tradition.

First-time visitors should anchor the table around the two signature dishes: Oysters Mosca and Shrimp Italian. Both are baked preparations with garlic, olive oil and Italian herbs -- simple but deeply satisfying. Add Chicken a la Grande (bone-in chicken over pasta) if you want something more substantial, and Spaghetti Bordelaise as a shared pasta. Order garlic bread without question. Finish with Spumoni or Cannoli. Share everything -- Mosca's is a communal table experience.