Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering

"Once a catering operation that gained a following with crawfish boils, Clesi’s is now an essential crawfish destination in Mid City. James Clesi runs the restaurant and the catering arm with his siblings, Carlo and Sonya, serving some of the best crawfish around — think citrus, pepper, and clove. As a bonus, you get to watch them boil." - Clair Lorell, Beth D'Addono

"We love Clesi’s for boiled seafood because it’s spicy without burning your lips, never too salty, and everything peels without a struggle. Boiled crabs and shrimp—and crawfish when it’s in season—are our go-to’s, with plump sausage, red potatoes, corn, garlic, and mushrooms on the side. Try to snag a spot on the deck, where you can watch some TV and blend in with the buzzy crowd." - Megan Braden-Perry

"Once a catering operation that gained a following with crawfish boils, Clesi’s is now an essential crawfish destination in Mid City. James Clesi runs the restaurant and the catering arm with his siblings, Carlo Clesi and Sonya Clesi, serving some of the best crawfish around — think citrus, pepper, and clove. As a bonus, you get to watch them boil. Searching for crawfish Uptown? Find this delicacy at Frankie & Johnny’s; on the West Bank, head towards Big EZ Seafood or J&J; and in the East, definitely hit up Castnet. Here’s a full list of spots boiling during the season." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff

"This family-run seafooder is well known for its seasonal crab, crawfish, and shrimp boils. But Clesi’s also serves chargrilled oysters, jambalaya, po’boys, and fried seafood, all in a lively, kid-friendly setting with a great patio." - Beth D'Addono

"Master boiler James Clesi heads up this family-run eatery and caterer, with boiled seafood front and center always. Clesi’s also does a fine job at the fryer, the secret of course is pristine fresh seafood. The catfish platter comes with seven pieces, always hot from the fryer." - Beth D'Addono