One expects seafood in West End, and one gets it at Two Tonys, even though the place is better known for its Italian food. This is basic, homestyle New Orleans Italian, for those who grew up eating it this way and no interest in what may exist beyond veal Parmigiana. There are a place and a need for that cookery, and here they come together.
The sign “II Tonys” refers to Anthony Montalbano Sr. and Jr. The old man--a good fella--passed away in 2010, by which time Junior was running the place for years. He has a young son named Tony, so the sign doesn't need to change. It all began in the early 1980s in the French Quarter. A second location opened a few years later in Bucktown, and the Quarter shop closed. After Katrina, the restaurant's location next to where the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to put in critical new pumping facilities forced a move to the former West End Cafe/Pontchartratain Point location, near the marina.
Two dining rooms: a spacious, well-windowed front area with a large bar, and a smaller room beyond it. Completely casual, larger and brighter than the told place was. In the service, the emphasis has always been more on friendliness and welcome than fine points, so loosen up.
No matter what you order here, you'll get too much food. Consider splitting entrees in the ratio of three platters per four people. Do not take the raves of the restaurant's regulars at face value.
| Attitude | 1 |
|---|---|
| Environment | 0 |
| Hipness | 0 |
| Local Color | 2 |
| Service | 1 |
| Value | 1 |
| Wine | 0 |
