By Jeanni Ritchie
After hearing rave reviews about Diamond Grill since I moved home two years ago, I finally had the chance to experience this Alexandria classic for myself—and it did not disappoint. Located at 924 3rd Street in Downtown Alexandria, Diamond Grill has been delighting locals since the early 2000s, but the building’s history stretches back even further: in 1931, it was a downtown jewelry store. Today, the restaurant, recipient of the 2006 Louisiana Preservation Honor Award, offers a menu that blends French culinary technique with a Cajun flair, highlighting prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local produce.
I started my meal with a standout appetizer: the lobster quesadilla. Filled with succulent lobster claw meat, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese, and sweet tomato jam, it was a perfect balance of flavors that whetted my appetite for the courses to come.
For my entree, I chose the 8-ounce filet paired with Parmesan risotto. The steak was perfectly seasoned and grilled—no small feat. I ALWAYS add salt, but not this time. Every bite was tender, flavorful, and absolutely the highlight of my plate. The risotto was rich and creamy, a wonderful complement to the filet.
Dessert was the almond caramel bread pudding, and it was divine. A bite of warm bread pudding topped with sweet caramel and a few slices of strawberry provided a perfect, indulgent finish to the meal.
To sip alongside, I tried the Sunset Punch mocktail, a refreshing mix of orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a splash of Sprite—a bright and cheerful way to toast a lovely evening sans alcohol.
Diamond Grill’s menu is extensive and creative, offering “firsts” (appetizers) like lamb pops with raspberry pepper jelly, Shrimp Alexandria, crab cakes, steak crostini, shrimp crunch, tuna Napoleon, shrimp cocktail, spinach dip, and more.
Entrees range from seafood classics like redfish, salmon, trout almondine, flounder, halibut, and sea bass, to pasta dishes featuring Tuscan chicken, seafood, or fajitas with linguini, as well as prime cuts from the grill including ribeye, New York strip, petite filet, and pork loin.
Sides are equally tempting: Parmesan risotto, cheese-herb whipped potatoes, steak fries, sautéed red potatoes, sautéed Parmesan broccoli, grilled or bacon-wrapped asparagus, Brussels sprouts, lobster mac and cheese, and smothered green beans and potatoes.
Diamond Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering an inviting downtown dining experience that’s perfect for a date night, a special celebration, or simply a memorable evening out. If you’re looking for expertly crafted dishes, a warm atmosphere, and a true taste of Alexandria, Diamond Grill is worth every bite.
