Mariner's Restaurant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Family Vision, Built During a Pandemic

In September 2020, Keri and Ben Fidelak purchased Mariner's Restaurant and set about transforming it entirely — right in the middle of a pandemic. With their children, Lauren and Graeme, alongside friends and family, they spent their days overhauling the building inside and out. Evenings went toward crafting new menus, specialty drinks, and a wine list serious enough to earn a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023. That recognition is a direct reflection of the care poured into every detail from the start.

Forty Countries on a Plate

Before taking over Mariner's, Keri and Ben spent two decades traveling to more than 40 countries, seeking out exceptional dining experiences. That global perspective shapes everything on the menu. As they put it, the wine list draws from favorite destinations including Croatia, South Africa, Italy, France, Greece, and Austria. The culinary focus, however, stays grounded: signature dishes built on international inspiration, finished with the southern flair that Louisiana cuisine demands.

The result is American seafood and regional cooking that feels genuinely considered rather than formulaic — a lakefront dining room in Natchitoches where the food reflects real experience rather than trend-chasing.

Drinks as Seriously as the Food

The beverage program at Mariner's goes well beyond the Wine Spectator-recognized wine list. The whiskey selection is extensive — running from approachable everyday pours to rare bottles like Pappy Van Winkle's 15 Year, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel, and E.H. Taylor Single Barrel. Scotch, rye, and specialty cocktails round out a drinks menu that clearly reflects the same curiosity driving the kitchen.

Regular wine dinners and tasting events — pairing the restaurant's signature dishes with producers from around the world — give regulars and first-time visitors alike a reason to return throughout the year.

The Setting

Mariner's sits on Highway 1 outside Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest city, with outdoor seating that makes the most of its lakefront position. Private party options and full wheelchair access make it a practical choice for gatherings of all kinds, while the American seafood menu and thoughtful wine program keep the experience squarely in special-occasion territory.