Photo courtesy of Visit the Northshore

Covington's Tavi draws inspiration from the Levantine cuisines of Lebanon, Israel, and North Africa

The town's compact, highly walkable Downtown District is buzzing with new energy, as its already thriving dining scene continues to expand and evolve

Recently, historic downtown Covington’s already bustling restaurant scene has been experiencing an additional burst of culinary creativity. A host of new restaurants are dazzling diners and attracting rave reviews with menus that offer everything from traditional Southern dishes, to French bistro classics made with local ingredients, to uniquely contemporary cocktails inspired by a Southern literary legend.

Southern comforts: The Hampshire’s menu is an homage to dearly-beloved Southern classics like Gulf Fish Amandine, decadent crab cakes and shrimp and grits, all made with the freshest ingredients. Sample the latest of Chef Ryan Gall’s oft-changing seasonal small plates, or opt for an “untraditional” wedge salad, which features pickled peppers, whipped gorgonzola cheese, and bacon for good measure.

French connections: Looking for a continental escape without the cost of a transatlantic flight? Feliciana Bistrôt offers diners the relaxed elegance of an old-world French bistro replete with comforting classics such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, moules-frites, and beef bourguignon, wrought by the sure hand of Chef Patrick Teagle (former Chef de Cuisine at New Orleans’s Restaurant August). Take your time with the bistro’s expansive wine list; a slice of Chef Teagle’s silky tarte tatin, or the airy sweetness of a blueberry Pavlova topped with a tart, creamy lemon curd, are lovely ways to finish with a flourish. 

Paradise awaits: Upstairs from Feliciana, another recent arrival is also under the steady hand of Chef Patrick Teagle. Paradise Cocktail Lounge is an exquisite cocktail bar installed on the top floor of the former Star Theater building, inspired by Louisiana literary giant and Covington resident, Walker Percy (the name recalls the fictional Louisiana town in which Percy’s novel Love in the Ruins is set). Imaginative, beautifully wrought cocktails to choose from include the aptly named Feliciana Fog, made with smooth Rancho de la Luna mezcal, Luxardo Del Santo, and finished with a tart, refreshing burst of summer citrus. For the sober-curious or folks who’d just rather not drink, Paradise offers an extensive range of refreshing mocktails, too.

Tucked behind a coral-pink door, Bertie’s Bake Shop offers a rotating line-up of gourmet baked goods such as giant chocolate chip cookies topped with flaked salt, cinnamon rolls, cakes and more. Run by Keith and Nealy Frenz, the talented husband-and-wife duo who helm local favorite LOLA, Bertie’s also offers savory options including breakfast sandwiches made with fluffy, fresh-baked biscuits.

At Tavi, Louisiana ingredients meet the timeless traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine. Relax on a sunny patio with a basket of fresh pita bread still warm from the wood-fired oven, which the restaurant uses for many of its dishes. The always-popular crispy halloumi comes topped with pistachios and locally sourced fresh berries. With a menu designed for sharing, Tavi is a wonderful choice for family-style meals, or for catching up with friends old and new. 

Discover summer specials at all these restaurants and more, at TammanyTaste.com.