(From our travel archives) Sal Impastato is from Sicily – having come to a America as a young man 50 years ago, and worked in restaurants in NOLA and TX, Sal finally got to open his own place several decades ago – on a quiet country road in Lacombe, Louisiana.
“People” say “Italian” in New Orleans and thoughts usually go to Mosca’s, on the West Bank. Lacombe is probably the same distance or a little bit longer, in the opposite direction, but light years apart in their food, preparation, and service.
It was my first visit to Sal and Judy’s, and it was memorable, to say the least, because I was a guest of the owners, and ate in the kitchen.
And I am here to tell ya – me, “mr. I seldom use superlatives,” Sal and Judy’s is incredible. We plowed through the menu with abandon, sampling numerous appetizers and entrees.
Starters included crab claws in a cream/lemon/wine sauce; baked oysters with Italian sausage; a crab stuffed giant “cannoli” sauce piece of pasta with creamy cheese sauce. Entrees ranged the gambit – lemon breaded veal, pasta with red gravy, seasoned rib eye steak, and at that point I either lost count or consciousness.
Waiting for my host earlier, I had sat at the bar for a few moments, and listened to the phone ring time after time, and here the reservationist say “No, sorry, sold out that night,” or “sorry, the only seating we have that night is at 5PM,” and similar remarks. You have to plan ahead to go to Sal & Judy’s, and it is a plan worth making.
They have a private room as well for your (smaller) events, and I believe, but am not sure, they do some catering.
“Best Italian in New Orleans.” No question.
Some Sal & Judy’s products are available in your local grocery, including a half dozen pasta sauces, a few salad dressings, and olive salad. All are the exact same product you will find at the restaurant.
Sal & Judy’s is at 27491 Highway 190 West, in Lacombe, LA. Reservations (985) 882-9443
I live 3 blocks from Sal & Judy’s. It is well loved. My parents drive over an hour to eat there as often as possible. And Sal is always there.