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Sally & Russell Davis both began their careers at the famous Commander’s Palace Restaurant in New Orleans; she in marketing and event planning and he in operations. From their first date (orchestrated by a Commander’s co-worker and friend), they discovered a shared interest in food, wine and hospitality, as well as a deep desire to one day create something special of their own.

In 2004, Russell opened Saltwater Grill in the Riverbend area of New Orleans.  It was here that he took the leap from operations to chef - a move he had long been wanting to make.  His local, no-frills menu was a fast favorite, making Saltwater Grill a neighborhood restaurant that not only endured, but managed to flourish in the years after Hurricane Katrina. Meanwhile, Sally continued her career as Brand Manager at McIlhenny Company,  maker of the iconic Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce.  Her years spent traveling the country on behalf of Tabasco provided a deep education and appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of the South.  

Eager to return to Sally's hometown and large extended family, the couple arrived in Baton Rouge in 2015 and felt the timing was finally right to combine their experiences and talents to create a restaurant concept of their own.  Named for their now-17-year-old daughter, Eliza Restaurant & Bar opened its doors on November 15, 2016.

The contemporary Creole restaurant has always had a very simple mission - to serve southern favorites, made with the highest quality ingredients, served with an abundance of hospitality. True to the mission, the team at Eliza strives to deliver on that promise every day. 

RECENT PRESS: 

IN REGISTER MAGAZINE, January 2023 | Farm to Table Dinner

225 MAGAZINE, December 2022 | Reveillon Dinners Return to Eliza

225 MAGAZINE, July 2022 | How Chef Russell Keeps His Family Fed at Home

THE ADVOCATE, May 25, 2022 | Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

MODERN RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT, February 9, 2022 | Galentine’s Lunch

WAFB LOUISIANA WEEKEND, August 15, 2021 | Julia Child Menu

THE ADVOCATE, December 22, 2020 | 2020 Reveillon Dinner

IN REGISTER MAGAZINE, October 2020 | The Dish: Roasted Cauliflower Steak

LOUISIANA LIFE MAGAZINE, July/August 2019 | Classically Louisiana

USA TODAY, March 2019 | Best Gumbo in Louisiana

GREATER B.R. BUSINESS REPORT, March 2019 | Business Lunch

GREATER B.R. BUSINESS REPORT, December 2018 | Entrepreneur Spotlight

GARDEN & GUN MAGAZINE, November 2018 | Louisiana x Nashville

THRILLIST.COM, September 2018 | “The Best Restaurants in Baton Rouge”

225 MAGAZINE, July 2018 | Dining with Allergies

THE LOUISIANA WEEKEND, July 2018 | $40 Foodie Fix

THE ADVOCATE, December 2017 | The Best Food I Ate in Baton Rouge in 2017

225 MAGAZINE, August 2017 | Restaurant Review

THE ADVOCATE, May 2017 | Restaurant Review

225 MAGAZINE, April 2017 | What Brings Natives Back to the Capital City?

IN REGISTER MAGAZINE, March 2017 | The Dish: Eliza’s Yellowfin Tuna Melt

225 MAGAZINE, November 2016 | Fast Break: Louisiana Favorites at the New Eliza Restaurant