Welcome to Eliza. We are a scratch kitchen focused on using local, seasonal products. Discover the faces behind the flavors – meet our passionate team dedicated to crafting culinary experiences that delight and inspire.
Sally & Russell Davis both began their careers at the famous Commander’s Palace Restaurant in New Orleans; she was in marketing and event planning, and she was 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 and 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. Here, he took the leap from operations to chef - a move he had long wanted 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.
Our Team
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Hayden
Executive Chef
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Hayden's love for food began around the family table. Inspired by his culinary roots and encouraged by his grandfather, Hayden pursued formal training at the Louisiana Culinary Institute. His journey began at Eliza as a line cook while still in school, followed by an internship at Le Cellier Steakhouse at Disney World, where he refined his technique and broadened his culinary perspective.
Returning to Baton Rouge, Hayden rejoined the Eliza team and quickly rose through the ranks. Now Executive Chef, he brings creativity, heart, and a passion for making memorable dining experiences with every dish he serves.
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Madelyn
General Manager
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Madelyn’s passion for hospitality was inspired by the generations of talented women in her family known for their love of cooking and baking. Her journey in the restaurant world began at age 16 at Randy Montalbano’s Seafood and Catering, where she learned the value of treating every guest like family—a philosophy that continues to guide her today.
Though initially pursuing a path in architecture, Madelyn quickly realized her heart belonged to the hospitality industry. Her leadership experience grew through roles at Soji: Modern Asian and Tap 65, where she was instrumental in training staff and opening new locations. Now at Eliza, she brings a thoughtful, guest-focused approach to her role as General Manager, combining her deep roots in Baton Rouge with a true love for creating meaningful dining experiences.
In The News
In The News
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