201 RESTAURANT AND BAR
201 Decatur St. 561-0007
www.201restaurantandbar.com
Sleek, modern elegance spun inside the timeless charm of the French Quarter defines 201’s ambience. Enjoy Chef Thaddeus Palmese’s twists on traditional Creole cuisine with dishes such as the sauteed rainbow trout on crawfish and potato hash with a sweet onion-thyme butter sauce. Cap off your meal with the sweet potato pound cake layered with pecan praline ice cream. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
827 1/2 TOULOUSE
827 Toulouse St. (Hotel St. Marie) 571-2888
This quiet, elegant French Quarter spot showcases classic Creole and Continental dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. Favorites include the eggplant Napoleon appetizer: breaded slices of eggplant in a creamy crawfish dill sauce. Or, go for the pan-seared foie gras in lobster cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$$
ACME OYSTER HOUSE
724 Iberville St. 522-5973
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
ALEX PATOUT’S LOUISIANA RESTAURANT
221 Royal St. 525-7788
www.patout.com
Along with earning the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Alex Patout’s is known for dressing up traditional Cajun dishes to fit the tastes of citified palates. Louisiana wontons stuffed with shrimp and crawfish are served on a bed of mango chutney and sweet soy sauce. Lamb shanks are slow-cooked with white beans, tasso, tomatoes, rosemary and smoked garlic. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
THE ALPINE
620 Chartres St. 523-3005
www.thealpinebistro.com
Local artists are responsible for the wall decor of this cool, quaint, French Quarter restaurant. Chef-owner Amer Bader’s spot specializes in local flavors: crawfish sauces, oysters, seafood pastas and a Cajun stir-fry of vegetables. Barbecue shrimp are cooked in the shell, drowning in a buttery broth and served with French bread. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday, late-night Saturday. Credit cards. $$
ANDREW JAEGER’S BACK KITCHEN
321-325 Exchange Place 522-9669
For a down-home New Orleans dinner under the French Quarter stars, it’s difficult to top this alleyway restaurant. Chef Andrew Jaeger recommends crabmeat dressing folded into a three-egg omelette, topped with more crab in bordelaise gravy. Smothered steak satisfies, made with beef tips and mushroom-onion gravy and served atop French bread. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast (until 2 p.m.), lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
ANDREW JAEGER’S HOUSE OF SEAFOOD
622 Conti St. 522-4964
www.andrewjaegers.com
Chef Andrew Jaeger figured out to get the two things he loves most under one roof: traditional New Orleans cuisine and New Orleans music. You’ll find both at his fine dining restaurant every night. Shrimp Drago comes with nine shrimp — some grilled, some blackened and one stuffed — each with its own sauce. Seafood tomato and basil linguine is packed with oysters, shrimp and crawfish tails. Private dining rooms available. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
ANGELI ON DECATUR
1141 Decatur St. 566-0077
A diamond in the rough that is lower Decatur Street, Angeli offers a varied menu perfect for lunch dates or late-night cravings. Start off with the Divine Portobello appetizer with chicken and spinach topped with creamy, spiced red pepper sauce. Eclectic choices such as marinated shish kebabs and the recently added baba ghanoush complement an array of burgers and pizzas. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
ANTOINE’S
713 St. Louis St. 581-4422
www.antoines.com
A venerable New Orleans classic since 1840, this French Quarter institution is now in its fifth generation of family ownership. Little has changed, and with good reason. The menu is still written entirely in French, and all 15 dining rooms exude their distinct brand of elegance. The oysters Rockefeller is an Antoine’s creation and signature item. The oysters a la Foch are fried and served on toast buttered with foie gras and Colbert sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
ARNAUD’S
813 Bienville St. 523-5433
www.arnauds.com
A Mardi Gras museum in a restaurant? Leave it to a place where history has been in the making for 83 years. Try Arnaud’s classic preparation of shrimp remoulade, or a sampler entree of three other specialties: veal Chantal, Creole crabcakes and crawfish O’Connor. There’s live jazz nightly in the Richelieu Room, as well as a bar dedicated to the stogie. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
BACCO
310 Chartres St. 522-2426
www.bacco.com
Ralph Brennan’s Bacco puts out an upscale, modernized Tuscan cuisine. If you missed Bacco’s annual October truffle festival, help celebrate their 10th birthday in December. Bacco’s famous signature pasta is a toss of fresh noodles, black truffle sauce and Parmesan. Mussels steamed in sweet vermouth with red onions and pancetta also have their fans. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BARRACKS STREET CAFE
430 Barracks St. 525-0330
Most people would be surprised to learn of the cuisine styles that pour from the kitchen of this friendly little French Quarter cafe. Vegetarians delight with the tofu option available with every menu item, a choice especially popular in Barracks’ specialty wraps. Another favorite is the quesadilla topped with red onions, black beans, rice, cheese, jalapenos and a choice of chicken, beef or tofu. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $
BAYONA
430 Dauphine St. 525-4455
www.bayona.com
Chef Susan Spicer is continually lauded for her French-inspired cuisine; the most recent accolade came when Gourmet magazine named Bayona one of the "Top Tables in America." Maybe it’s the salmon with choucroute (sauerkraut) and Gewurztraminer sauce, or the grilled duck breast with spicy pepper jelly glaze. The 200-year-old Creole cottage offers romantic dining made even more so with a 250-strong wine list. Reservations required. Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
BEGUE’S
300 Bourbon St. (Royal Sonesta Hotel) 553-2278
www.royalsonestano.com
Tucked into the plush trappings of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, the intimate, jungle-like courtyard of Begue’s is host to an inventive contemporary French and Creole menu. In addition to a Sunday champagne brunch and a seafood buffet on Friday, certain standards highlight the menu. At lunch, try shrimp and crabmeat remoulade on chilled avocado; for dinner treat yourself to sauteed shrimp with a shrimp and crawfish butter, polenta triangles and wilted spinach. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. Credit cards. $$$
BELLA LUNA
914 N. Peters St. 529-1583
www.bellalunarestaurant.com
Routinely voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the city, Bella Luna offers gorgeous views of both the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline. To top it off, Chef Horst Pfeifer’s innovative cuisine includes entrees like cranberry and ancho-crusted snapper with Plaquemines Parish citrus sauce, and a new autumn appetizer: crabmeat-stuffed shrimp with mango-jalapeno jelly. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
THE BISTRO AT MAISON DE VILLE
733 Toulouse St. 528-9206
www.maisondeville.com
Over the past few years, Chef Greg Picolo has built quite a reputation at this quaint bistro. Oozing Parisian charm, the ambience is complemented by specialty dishes such as the Brussels-style mussels with French fries, and the duck sampler with duck breast, confit and foie gras. The Bistro at Maison de Ville is also a wine destination featuring 800 selections, along with 55 different single-malt scotches. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
BISTRO MOISE
827 Toulouse St. (Hotel St. Marie) 571-2888
Having just opened at the end of April, Bistro Moise is already managing to distinguish itself with 827 1/2 Toulouse’s Chef Ed Moise. The menu includes bistro classics like pate and cheese boards alongside signature dishes like onion soup gratinee topped with Gruyere cheese soaked in housemade beer. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $$
BOMBAY CLUB
830 Conti St. 586-0972
www.thebombayclub.com
Along with the many designer martinis, the nightly live entertainment and sophisticated ambiance, the Bombay Club offers edibles like fried Nova Scotia calamari served with a salad of baby arugula, tomatoes, goat cheese and garlic vinaigrette. Duckling cured in pear cider is prepared two ways: the leg is roasted, while the breast is pan-seared. And the two are served together with ginger au jus. Opening for lunch daily in November. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, late-night Wednesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
BRENNAN’S
417 Royal St. 525-9713
www.brennansneworleans.com
Everyone talks about breakfast at Brennan’s. And who wouldn’t, when there’s a full wine list offered way before noon and signature cocktails galore? Enjoy breakfast appetizers like turtle soup and Southern baked apples, followed by classic grillades and grits. For dinner, try the original filet Stanley: tender beef, mushrooms in red wine sauce, sauteed banana and tangy horseradish. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BROUSSARD’S
819 Conti St. 581-3866
www.broussards.com
Since its opening in 1920, Broussard’s has built itself into a New Orleans legend. This fall, great deals come in the form of a four-course Table D’Hote (appetizer, salad, entree and dessert) priced between $32 and $44, depending upon a choice between 11 different entrees. Selections include a sauteed veal scaloppini with crabmeat or crawfish in dill-mustard bechamel, and salmon stuffed with pecans, crabmeat and shrimp, which is also served with dill sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.
429 Decatur St. 522-5800
You always know what you’ll get at this eatery: heaps of meat or seafood. Shrimp Shack Pasta is a toss of fusilli, penne and rigatoni with lemon-garlic sauce, Gulf shrimp and feta. The baby back ribs are served with French fries and creamy cole slaw. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE DU MONDE
800 Decatur St. 587-0833
www.cafedumonde.com
We know you know what to expect when you visit Cafe du Monde. A long time ago, steaming coffee and a mountain of powdered sugar defined what beignets and cafe au lait should be in New Orleans, and it remains a taste without duplication. A cool autumn night under the famed green awning makes for a perfect date. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Cash only. $
CAFE GIOVANNI
117 Decatur St. 529-2154
Customers don’t sing for their supper here; someone else does it for them. Enjoy opera performances Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, or piano music on Thursdays, meanwhile sampling tournedos served with portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet potato grits and Abita root beer sauce. Pasta Gambino is a toss of sauteed rock shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes and herb peppers in a cheesy sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
CAFE GUMBOLAYA
1000 N. Peters St. 523-7418
Grab a table on the patio and prepare your eyes and mouth for tastes of the French Quarter. The Cajun sampler provides portions of blackened shrimp (it’s made with a secret recipe), fried oysters and crawfish cakes, served with Florentine, remoulade and lemon-butter sauces. Also check out the champagne brunch on Sunday. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE MASPERO
601 Decatur St. 523-6250
Cafe Maspero offers local staples, but little touches place it heads above most. They make their own olive salad for mighty muffalettas, for example, and a mean homemade beef chili. Although sandwiches account for the bulk of the menu, Maspero also serves French onion soup and hot New Orleans dishes like red beans with rice and fried seafood platters. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
CAFE PONTALBA
546 St. Peter St. 522-1180
Housed in the oldest apartment building in the United States on charming Jackson Square, Cafe Pontalba keeps its Creole roots in mind with house specials like softshell crab Pontalba with a tangy lemon-butter sauce and served with jambalaya or French fries. The Ragin Cajun Pasta combines Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage and crawfish tails simmered in a spicy, creamy tasso sauce. No reservations. Breakfast Saturday and Sunday; lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards $$.
CAFE SBISA
1011 Decatur St. 522-5565
www.cafesbisa.com
The century-long tradition of classic Creole-Cajun fare at Cafe Sbisa is going strong. Barbecue shrimp are marinated and served in a tangy butter bath with fresh herbs. Trout Eugene is topped with shrimp, crawfish and crab fingers, then served with rice and asparagus. Choose a spot on one of the balconies, the patio or the veranda. Private parties are welcome. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
CARMELO RISTORANTE
541 Decatur St. 586-1414
www.ristorantecarmelo.com
Carmelo has a new lunch menu featuring items all priced under $10. What hasn’t changed is the selection of 20 homemade pasta dishes. The house special ravioli is stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp. A Brunello or Chianti off the all-Italian wine list makes their balcony view all that more romantic. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CC’S GOURMET COFFEEHOUSE
941 Royal St. 581-6996
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
CENTRAL GROCERY
925 Decatur St. 523-1620
Home of the original muffaletta and open since 1906, Central Grocery is still a bona fide European grocery. Square footage not claimed by the face-to-face counter seating is crammed with imports like hazelnut oil, marinated octopus, sherry vinegar and amaretti. The Tusa cousins’ paper-wrapped sandwiches are timeless. The house standard packs salami, ham, mortadella, Emmentaler cheese and olive salad with an extra punch of oregano. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday. Cash only. $
CLOVER GRILL
900 Bourbon St. 598-1010
www.clovergrill.com
Clover Grill gives new meaning to the term "American-made." Burgers formed in-house with USDA choice ground beef are fried under American-made hubcaps, then finished with any combination of mushrooms, bacon, cheese and onions. For protein power, ask for a fried egg on top. The daily breakfast special, offered from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., comes with two eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns or grits and toast for $4.99. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
COFFEE POT
714 St. Peter St. 524-3500
The name evokes the breakfast fare, which includes overly generous omelets and grits. But this almost-always-open and reasonably priced local eatery also offers hearty Cajun and Creole favorites such as gumbo and red beans with rice, served in a casual atmosphere. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
COOP’S PLACE
1109 Decatur St. 525-9053
If you’re looking for late-night eats with a twist, Coop’s is a good place to start. Choose fried alligator nuggets or smoked duck quesadillas. Or go traditional with spicy seafood gumbo and the crispy fried chicken with a side of red beans and rice. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
THE CORNER OYSTER BAR
500 St. Peter St. 522-2999
The Corner Oyster Bar offers up its aptly named Taste of New Orleans platter for $8.95: it’s a sampling of gumbo, shrimp etouffee, jambalaya and red beans and rice. There also are raw oysters, boiled shrimp, po-boys and lots of adult beverages. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COUNTRY FLAME
620 Iberville St. 522-1138
Standing virtually alone in the French Quarter by offering a unique blend of Spanish, Cuban and Latin American-inspired cuisine, the Country Flame offers tacos, sandwiches and shrimp fajitas served with onions, bell peppers, refried beans, yellow rice, guacamole and homemade salsa. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COURT OF TWO SISTERS
613 Royal St. 522-7261
www.courtoftwosisters.com
With one of the Quarter’s most beloved courtyards, the Court of Two Sisters is the ideal spot to wine and dine that someone special or celebrate in grand style. The dinner menu is traditional Creole, including the popular crawfish Louise. They’ve extended their popular Sunday brunch to seven days a week, with live jazz and choices ranging from made-to-order omelettes to duck a l’orange. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE
527 Decatur St. 522-0571
A balcony facing the river, a courtyard for outdoor dining and a German brewmaster. What are you waiting for? For a variation on the club sandwich, check out the stack of oysters coated in oats and deep-fried, then layered with spinach, avocado, radish, tomato, sauerkraut, Canadian bacon and Herbsaint aioli. There are also crabmeat and corn enchiladas served with Brie sauce and pineapple salsa. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CROISSANT D’OR PATISSERIE
617 Ursulines Ave. 524-4663
A charming, Francophile haven in the lower Quarter, Croissant D’Or exudes a classic coffeehouse feel. Enjoy an espresso and a specialty croissant in the sunny courtyard. For lunch, try one of two soup du jour selections, often including seafood gumbo or chicken noodle. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
DANTE’S PIZZA
401 Bourbon St. 561-8670
732 St. Peter St. 523-2683
With vintage Italian flair, Dante’s keeps the menu simple. Their pizza pies come just about any way you want, from standard pepperoni to vegetarian to steak and cheese. Philly cheese steaks and calzones also deserve a nod. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily at the Bourbon Street location; dinner and late-night daily on St. Peter Street. Cash only. $
DEANIE’S SEAFOOD
841 Iberville St. 581-1316
www.deanies.com
Deanie’s is bringing Bucktown to the French Quarter soon with a new Iberville Street location. At either spot, dig into barbecue shrimp prepared in the traditional bib-worthy manner. Deanie’s giant seafood platter is a bounty of shrimp, oysters, softshell crab, catfish and crawfish balls. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
DEJA VU RESTAURANT AND BAR
400 Dauphine St. 523-1931
www.dejavurestaurant-bar.com
The always-open kitchen provides a breakfast base with overstuffed omelettes, then moves on to loads of po-boys, sandwiches and burgers. For dinner, consider Tuesday’s rib night: half a rack, a baked potato and French bread for $6.99. Thursday’s steak night includes an 8-oz. New York strip, a baked potato and French bread for $5.99. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
DESIRE OYSTER BAR
300 Bourbon St. (Royal Sonesta Hotel) 553-2278
www.royalsonestano.com
This is reportedly one of the French Quarter’s most photographic spots; the sign outside this landmark points to an oyster lover’s paradise. While enjoying a dozen or two on the half-shell is irresistible, other popular picks include overstuffed po-boys, barbecue shrimp, steaks and salads. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
DICKIE BRENNAN’S STEAKHOUSE
716 Iberville St. 522-CHOP
www.dbrennanssteakhouse.com
Locals love to bring visiting guests for the masculine elegance of this Brennan family jewel, which offers only USDA prime beef. They’ll serve it as tournedos, as blackened prime rib (dressed up with smoked mushroom sauce and horseradish sour cream), or as strips seared in a cast-iron skillet. Or there’s the house filet with creamed spinach, fried oysters and bearnaise sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
DOMINIQUE’S
1001 Toulouse St. (Maison Dupuy Hotel) 522-8800
www.dominiquesrestaurant.com
One of Chef Dominique Macquet’s signature dishes is a double-cut rib of lamb served with a potato and chevre terrine, merguez sausage, baby vegetables and Merlot-rosemary jus. Potatoes mashed with truffle oil and wild mushroom jus complete the dish. Complimentary valet parking. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
EMBERS STEAK HOUSE
700 Bourbon St. 595-3172
www.emberssteakhouse.com
What better way to view Bourbon Street than from behind a 2-lb. prime rib on Embers’ balcony? While steaks are cooked on an open grill, the chefs show their expertise in Louisiana cuisine as well, offering selections like softshell crabs, blackened catfish, crawfish etouffee and a fried seafood platter. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
FELIX’S RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR
739 Iberville St. (another entrance at 210 Bourbon St.) 522-4440
There’s a reason the French Quarter’s oldest raw bar is still running strong. The friendly, bow-tied wait staff serves up oysters just about any way you can imagine, from baked oysters Rockefeller to oysters on the half-shell. Felix’s also offers a large selection of fresh seafood, boiled or fried. The rear dining area typically teems with tourists, while locals tend to sit and enjoy a dozen raw ones with a beer at the bar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, late-night Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
FIORELLA’S CAFE
45 French Market Pl. 528-9566
What better way to take a break from a French Quarter stroll than a quick bite at Fiorella’s Cafe? The New Orleans-style menu will appease the strongest appetite, especially the popular Southern fried chicken served with mashed potatoes or baked macaroni. Other top choices include seafood po-boys and gumbo. Delivery available. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
FRENCH MARKET RESTAURANT AND BAR
1001 Decatur St., 525-7879
Located in visitor central, the French Market Restaurant and Bar has added breakfast to its daily repertoire. Thursday through Sunday mornings, you’ll find omelettes, grits, eggs and pancakes. Lobster etouffee is served over fluffy rice with shrimp and crawfish later in the day. Or try a little of everything New Orleans (red beans, jambalaya and seafood) on the Bayou Platter. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
FRENCH QUARTER BAR
921 Canal St. (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel) 524-1331
On the hotel’s third level, the French Quarter Bar offers an alternative to the uber-posh surroundings of Victor’s. If the designer line of Bloody Marys doesn’t reel you in, perhaps the nightly jazz performances will. For eats, there are crawfish quesadillas with corn macque-choux and a praline ice cream sandwich. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner and late-night daily, brunch Sunday. $$
GALATOIRE’S RESTAURANT
209 Bourbon St. 525-2021
www.galatoires.com
Recently voted one of America’s top 50 restaurants in Gourmet magazine, Galatoire’s serves as an elegant representative of the city’s reputation for top-notch cuisine. Kept in the family for generations, the classic Creole menu has undergone virtually no change in its nearly 100-year existence. And for good reason; time-tested favorites such as oysters en brochette, shrimp remoulade, trout amandine and grilled pompano will never go out of fashion. Reservations available upstairs. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
GAMAY BISTRO AND BAR
320 Decatur St. (Bienville House Hotel) 299-8800
Gamay Bistro has seen a lot of print over the past few years; diners and writers like the European vibe, the central location, the attention to detail and the big flavors of Chef Greg Sonnier’s cuisine. Try his signature appetizer of grilled Mahon cheese with crawfish bordelaise and caviar. The management also recommends a pan-roasted veal chop with fried Brie and wild mushroom bordelaise. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
GIROD’S BISTRO
500 Chartres St. 524-9752
www.napoleonhouse.com
Girod’s is a European-style bistro tucked inside the historic Napoleon House. Rich cravings will be satisfied with Gulf oysters and portobello mushrooms in a Pernod-Parmesan cream tossed with spinach linguini. No reservations. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
GUMBO SHOP
630 St. Peter St. 525-1486
www.gumboshop.com
This is the home of some of the most popular gumbo in the city. The wait is worth sampling the smoked duck and oyster, seafood and okra, or sausage and chicken file gumbos. The Gumbo Shop also offers fresh fish specials daily, along with vegetarian and vegan dishes. Don’t leave without trying the newest menu addition, the alligator sauce piquant. Orders shipped anywhere. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
GW FINS
808 Bienville St. 581-3467
A new addition to the French Quarter’s fine dining milieu, GW Fins looks to set the standard for fresh seafood. A truly global menu is shaped as sea creatures are flown in each morning. From Maine lobster dumplings to Chilean sea bass, the seafood lover is privy to a worldly treat. Don’t forget to sample local favorites like smoked oysters and pecan-roasted sea scallops. More than 70 wines are offered by the glass. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
HARD ROCK CAFE
418 N. Peters St. 529-5617
www.hardrock.com
Hard Rock never hits a sour note when it comes to barbecue, with Western-style Tennessee ribs so tender they fall off the bone and pulled pork slathered with melt-in-your-mouth hickory sauce. Homestyle meatloaf is gaining popularity; burgers, fries and desserts will never leave the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
HELL’S KITCHEN
1201 Burgundy St. (inside Cosimo’s), 525-4355
Don’t let the name scare you away. In a location that attracts only those in-the-know and lost tourists, Hell’s Kitchen offers up food in the slick digs of Cosimo’s. Their menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes and pizzas; their wings, combined with Bloody Mary specials on Sundays, make this place ideal for catching the Saints this season. Stick around for Cosimo’s martini night on Wednesdays. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
HOOTERS
301 N. Peters St. 522-9222
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
HOUSE OF BLUES
225 Decatur St. 529-BLUE
www.hob.com
"Unity in diversity" is one of the mottoes of this localized national chain, and Chef Dean Berthelot has introduced diverse new fall offerings to unify customers’ enjoyment. His grilled flatiron steak salad puts the beef atop black beans, red onions, grilled corn and avocado; he then drizzles it with cilantro ranch dressing. There’s also mango-glazed chicken breast, a seafood platter and Southern favorites from the already existing menu. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
HOUSE OF BREWS
933 Royal St. 525-0333
This French Quarter coffeehouse features a full espresso bar and a selection of six brewed coffees changing daily. Baked goodies include a full range of pastries, bagels and muffins in the morning, while cakes and desserts take over in the afternoon. Sink into one of the lush, red velvet chairs or lounge by the grand piano, and sample a wide range of cheeses or one of 20 different teas. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
IGOR’S CHECK POINT CHARLIE
501 Esplanade Ave. 949-7012
Live music nightly without a cover is reason enough to explore this neighborhood staple also featuring a laundromat, a game room and pool tables. The Charlie Burger is a half-pound of charbroiled sirloin served with your choice of sauce or cheese. On laundry Mondays beginning at 7 p.m., you’ll find free red beans slow-simmered with ham and Cajun sausage. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
IRENE’S CUISINE
539 St. Philip St. 529-8811
Patience is key when dining at Irene’s. First-come, first-served seating can make for a longer evening then expected. But after dishes like the chicken Rosemary with pasta and red sauce, or the escargots with vermouth, leeks and lots of garlic, you will understand why locals flock here. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ITALIAN PIE
417 S. Rampart St. 522-7552
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE CAFE
1104 Decatur St. 592-2565
www.margaritavillecafe.com
Your friends at Margaritaville call their digs an "island in the city" with plenty of "booze in the blender." How about that cheeseburger in paradise? There’s also a platter of fried frog legs, gator bites, crawfish tails and catfish strips called Off to See the Lizard, and fried pickled oysters served with jalapeno-mustard sauce for dipping. Live music until 3 a.m. nightly. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
JOHNNY’S PO-BOYS
511 St. Louis St. 524-8129
Started more than 50 years ago, this business serves mostly that which inspired its name. The most-ordered versions include roast beef (drippingly dressed, of course) and seafood. Other good choices include country-fried steak with gravy, seafood muffalettas and the Judge Bossetta, which combines ground beef with hot and Italian sausages on French bread. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only at French Quarter location; credit cards in Gretna. $
K-PAUL’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN
416 Chartres St. 524-7394
www.kpauls.com
A New Orleans institution, K-Paul’s continues to be popular with both tourists and locals alike. Known for his classic Cajun cuisine, Chef Paul Prudhomme delights in putting fresh spins on old favorites. Sample the spicy eggplant pirogue and the blackened Louisiana drum fish. But make sure to leave room for the homemade sweet potato pecan pie. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Saturday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
KRYSTAL’S
116 Bourbon St., 523-4030
With fast-food ease and old-fashioned recipes, Krystal’s never closes its door – no matter what you’ve done on Bourbon Street. The menu includes a long list of burgers, chicken plates and hot dog choices, although breakfast items are the favorites when hungry and disheveled revelers crowd in for eggs, grits, biscuits, sausage and bacon. Delivery available. Open 24 hours. Cash only. $
LA CHATELAINE
800 Iberville St. (Chateau Sonesta Hotel) 586-0800
www.chateausonesta.com
A relaxed but elegant spot for breakfast, this hotel restaurant features eggs Chatelaine: two poached eggs on an English muffin with artichoke sauce. Other breakfast favorites include huevos rancheros, Belgian waffles and pastries. Reservations accepted. Breakfast daily. Credit cards. $
LA MADELEINE
547 St. Ann St. 568-0073
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE
400 N. Peters St. 558-0038
Land a whale of a dining experience with the music of a live jazz trio at dinner and an array of seafood delicacies. Start with a bowl of gumbo as a warm-up to a large fried or broiled platter that includes oysters, shrimp, fish, crab fingers and French fries or rice. (The broiled platter also includes scallops.) Another favorite is blackened redfish Pontchartrain topped with mushrooms and crabmeat in a white wine sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN
95 French Market Place 522-9500
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
LOUIS XVI RESTAURANT FRANCAIS
730 Bienville St. 581-7000
www.louisxvi.com
October marks the 30th anniversary of this French Quarter gem that specializes in tableside preparations and classic French cuisine prepared by Chef Agnes Bellet. Begin with a salad of mixed greens, fresh herbs and truffle vinaigrette, or an elegant foie gras preparation. Poisson du jour Louisiane is a fillet of fish, lightly floured and sauteed, then topped with sauteed banana, red bell peppers and tomato. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$$
LUCKY CHENG’S
720 St. Louis St. 529-2045
Lucky Cheng’s is a truly original experience: Asian Creole cuisine served by drag queens. Popular items include the jambalaya lo mein, which is served with noodles instead of the traditional rice, and comes with sausage, crawfish, shrimp, and chicken. Other faves include the Crabmeat Surprise, the Mongolian pork tenderloin and the 10-inch Chocolate Pump for dessert. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
LUIGI’S
915 Decatur St. 529-4975
The former Progress Grocery still makes a worthy muffaletta sandwich with housemade olive salad and United Bakery bread. Try the amazingly inexpensive lunch deal: one-quarter muffaletta and a bag of Zapp’s potato chips for $2.75. Luigi’s maintains a small grocery of locally made and imported food products. You’ll also find a rotating selection of hot foods like lasagna and soups. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $
MAGNOLIA CAFE
200 Chartres St. 524-4478
You can sate your cravings almost anytime at this French Quarter eatery. Start the morning with a seafood omelette, garlic potatoes and toast. Other seafood and Creole traditions include Louisiana blue crabcakes, blackened catfish topped with crawfish etouffee and oysters fried or on the half-shell. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Cash only. $$
MAMA ROSA’S SLICE OF ITALY
616 N. Rampart St. 523-5546
For French Quarter residents, Mama Rosa’s is a serious landmark. In addition to classics like the muffaletta, the pizzas, pastas and calzones, new desserts like Italian rum cake, strawberry cheesecake and raspberry swirl cheesecake have been added to much acclaim. Reservations recommended. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MAXIMO’S
1117 Decatur St. 586-8883
Maximo’s, known for its veal specialties, is proud of the veal Cattoche: pan-roasted veal T-bone served with garlic and fresh herbs. They’re not shy about the wine list either, or the ravioli made fresh every day, which could include butternut squash, four cheeses, or spinach and tomato. Grab a seat at the bar facing the hot grills of the open kitchen, taking in flames with your flavors. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
1212 Royal St. 587-7975
Midnight Express provides traditional Turkish food in a room so homey you might mistake the chef for your own grandmother. All dinners, from marinated lamb shish kebabs to lamb stew, are served with either bulgur pilaf or white rice. The shrimp Sultan is a rich tomato stew topped with crumbles of feta. Appetizers, ordered individually or on a platter, include grape leaves, spinach pie, eggplant salad and stewed okra. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
MIKE ANDERSON’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
215 Bourbon St. 524-3884
See "Citywide" listings for restaurant description.
MONA LISA RESTAURANT
1212 Royal St. 522-6746
Mona Lisa would be proud if she could see the altar to her image in this French Quarter restaurant. It’s usually crowded with locals who come for freshly baked pizzas topped with garlic butter or red gravy, plus a variety of toppings. Chicken, veal and eggplant all are offered Parmesan-style, meaning lightly breaded and baked with red sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. All three are served with linguine and a salad. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
MORTON’S OF CHICAGO
365 Canal St. (One Canal Place) 566-0221
www.mortons.com
Bringing the same award-winning formula that started it all in Chicago, Morton’s has quickly emerged as a top steakhouse in the city. A bite of their signature 24-oz. porterhouse, charbroiled to your liking, might show why. And designed especially for the New Orleans location, there’s the Cajun ribeye. Treat your full belly to a chocolate cake with a warm, Godiva liqueur-filled center, vanilla ice cream and raspberry garnish. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
MR. B’S BISTRO
201 Royal St. 523-2078
www.mrbsbistro.com
A popular destination for tourists, Mr. B’s and Chef Michelle McRaney nonetheless maintain a reputation among locals for serving absolutely proper bowls of barbecue shrimp with lots of dipping bread. There’s also a barbecue pork chop – this one actually cooked over hickory logs – glazed with a honey-ginger sauce and served with jasmine rice and vegetables. Live piano music nightly. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, jazz brunch and dinner Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
MR. GYRO’S GREEK FOOD INC.
819 Decatur St. 523-0214
Authentic Greek recipes, music and atmosphere have been the hallmark of this French Quarter restaurant for 25 years. With more than a dozen appetizers – ranging from shish kebabs to roasted lamb – and an equal number of main dishes, the only problem will be what to choose first. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
MURIEL’S JACKSON SQUARE
801 Chartres St. 568-1885
www.muriels.com
One of the city’s newer fine dining establishments, Muriel’s is a complex of many eating and drinking venues. There’s the Bistro, with offerings like barbecue shrimp, wood-grilled redfish and braised rabbit; the Courtyard Bar and upstairs balcony, serving both food and drink; and the Seance Lounge, a plush, crimson, bohemian getaway. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday through Sunday, dinner daily, late-night in the Courtyard Bar Friday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
NAPOLEON HOUSE BAR & CAFE
500 Chartres St. 524-9752
Family-owned and operated since 1914, this cafe occupies the Girod House, which originally was built with hopes that the man himself would show. Everyone should know about the Napoleon House’s muffaletta reputation; theirs is served hot for a unique blending of flavors. Order it in the courtyard with a Pimm’s Cup, or try the more refined slow-roasted duck breast with Creole polenta and Louisiana fig glaze. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
NOLA
534 St. Louis St. 522-6652
www.emerils.com
At NOLA, Emeril Lagasse departs from the elegance of his other establishments in favor of the fun and funky. However, his trademark upscale interpretations of Creole cuisine remain, sprinkled with some interesting departures. Try the cedar plank roasted redfish, coated with a citrus-horseradish crust; follow this with the banana pudding layer cake with graham cracker crust. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
O’FLAHERTY’S
508 Toulouse St. 529-1891
O’Flaherty’s live Celtic music and ever-flowing Guinness are enough to make Irish eyes smile, but don’t forget about the food. This pub, restaurant and music hall supplies hearty meals such as shepherd’s pie with beef, vegetables and mashed potatoes, and Irish beef stew. Or nibble on a cheese plate while owner/musician Danny O’Flaherty and other performers regale you with ballads from the old country. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
OLDE NAWLINS COOKERY
729 Conti St. 529-3663
www.oldenawlinscookery.com
If you let summer slip by without dinner in Olde Nawlins Cookery’s French Quarter courtyard, there will be many evenings this fall when jambalaya, crawfish etouffee or catfish meuniere will taste better under the stars. Try the barbecue shrimp, served head and tail on with a finger bowl and a bib. Blackened redfish are topped with saucy crawfish tails. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
OLIVIER’S CREOLE RESTAURANT
204 Decatur St. 525-7734
www.oliviers.com
Cash in on a family competition among the chef-owners and their son to concoct the best gumbo. A sampler will give you demitasse cups filled with okra, Creole and file gumbos. Other temptations include braised and smothered rabbit and eggplant Olivier: battered eggplant medallions flash fried with garlic and basil sauce and served with andouille sausage, shrimp and crawfish. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ORLEANS CAFE
135 Decatur St., 581-1136
Come to Orleans Cafe for the breakfast buffet, the nightly live jazz and blues music, or for the array of New Orleans flavors on the menu: steaks, seafood, lamb and pastas. Try the lamb chops with lobster sauce, or the seafood pasta covered with a crawfish and shrimp sauce. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
ORLEANS GRAPEVINE
720 Rue Orleans 523-1927
This new kid on the block (the restaurant is tentatively scheduled to open in mid-November) is so named because of an extensive wine list – 250 bottles in-house, with about 60 of those served by the glass. Menu items are intentionally kept small to encourage patrons to sample several different dishes with their wine selections. Choose from soups and tureens, salads, hot appetizers, international cheeses and pates, or small entrees such as a petit filet or fresh fish. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
PALACE CAFE
605 Canal St. 523-1661
www.palacecafe.com
Palace Cafe is another success from Dickie Brennan Co. This fall, get a two-course lunch special for under $10, which includes a choice of soup, salad, and entree. And if you’re seated before 7 p.m., you’ll score a three-course dinner for $25. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner nightly, jazz brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE
1204 Decatur St. 525-0200
www.palmcourtcafe.com
At Palm Court, live jazz serenades Creole dinners of crawfish Nantua and chicken Ambrosia. For the former, crawfish are flamed with brandy, simmered in a light mushroom cream sauce and served with rice; for the Ambrosia, chicken breasts are prepared in a Pernod and fennel sauce, then served over spinach pasta. Chocolate mousse, bread pudding and pecan pie round out the dessert listing. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
PASTA E VINO
240 Bourbon St. 523-3181
www.oldabsinthehouse.com
Bourbon Street’s famous Italian restaurant continues to impress with current specials like the 10-oz. seared and broiled veal chop; the eggplant Jeanette is stuffed with a crabmeat and shrimp casserole. Reservations recommended. Dinner and late-night Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
PATOUT’S CAJUN CABIN & CAJUN BISTRO
501 Bourbon St. 529-4256
www.patoutscajuncabin.com
Come to Patout’s for a respite from Bourbon Street’s traditional Cajun fare. Try barbecue shrimp or cochon de lait, which is roasted pork with mashed potatoes and your choice of vegetable. Alligator sausage and meatballs are served over paneed pasta with sauce piquant. Reservations recommended. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
THE PELICAN CLUB RESTAURANT & BAR
615 Bienville St. 523-1504
www.pelicanclub.com
With one New Orleans native and one Asian chef in the kitchen, the Pelican Club’s eclectic menu runs circles around the globe, emphasizing local flavors throughout. A roasted filet mignon is served with wild mushroom and roasted garlic fricassee, Madeira demi-glace and three-potato hash. A seafood fricassee involves Gulf fish, diver scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and Maine lobster in a black bean sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
PERE ANTOINE
741 Royal St. 581-4478
This French Quarter mainstay serves omelette breakfasts and lunches and dinners with decidedly New Orleans flavor. Shrimp Creole, seafood gumbo, steaks, and both broiled and fried seafood round off the menu. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Cash only. $$
PERISTYLE
1041 Dumaine St. 593-9535
We’ve just passed the year anniversary of Peristyle’s re-opening after a devastating fire, and you would never guess the restaurant had so recently seen hard times. Chef Anne Kearney’s winning creations include a pan-roasted baby chicken served over homemade noodles in a truffled pan gravy, and a hazelnut-crusted squab with wild rice and a brandy-foie gras reduction. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
PETUNIA’S RESTAURANT
817 St. Louis St. 522-6440
www.petuniasrestaurant.com
At Petunia’s, you’ll find a balanced menu that leans heavily towards Creole and seafood specialties. They boast "The World’s Largest Crepes" and serve the signature item as entree or dessert. Try the St. James crepe, filled with shrimp, crabmeat, onions, peppers and cheddar cheese; for dessert, have your crepe bananas Foster-style. Another top choice is the Cajun pasta with shrimp, andouille sausage and mixed veggies tumbled into angel hair pasta. Reservations recommended for dinner only. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
PIERRE MASPERO’S
440 Chartres St. 524-8990
Located in a quaint and historic French Quarter building, Pierre Maspero’s covers the basics of Louisiana cuisine. While Pierre’s has earned a solid reputation for gumbo and turtle soup, visitors also swoon over the traditional muffaletta. A solid lineup of crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, po-boys and red beans with rice round out the Cajun/Creole offerings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
PIRATE’S ALLEY CAFE
622 Pirate’s Alley, 596-2040
Strangely enough, few places in the French Quarter can match Pirate’s Alley’s strict adherence to the European cafe experience, with its leisurely pace in an open-air setting. The food is also in line with this mood. Sandwiches, like the popular shrimp and crawfish, are built on croissants and baguettes; cheese and fruit plates make lighter meals. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
POPPY’S GRILL
717 St. Peter St. 524-3287
www.poppysgrill.com
Breakfast is always served at this campy diner. If you need more incentive, there are blue-plate specials, like center-cut pork chops, hamburger steaks and chicken fried steak. All are served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and bread and priced at $5.49 for early birds (which, at this 24-hour joint, is until 11 p.m.). Weeknights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., get a burger cooked under a hubcap with fries and 29-oz. beer or soft drink for the same price. Delivery available. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
PORT OF CALL
838 Esplanade Ave. 523-0120
The Port is famous for burgers of the freshly ground sort, the three-finger thick kind, the version topped with as much grated cheddar as you can handle. And they come with an even bigger baked potato, stuffed with enough butter, sour cream, bacon bits, scallions and mushrooms to tide you over for a few meals. Wait your turn with a Monsoon, or any of the other house drinks you’d like to put you under the table. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
PORT ORLEANS
228 Bourbon St. 528-9315
Classic New Orleans dishes keep patrons happy here while they listen to live entertainment. Jambalaya, fried seafood and spicy gator wings are a complement to the Port Storm, the house specialty drink with three kinds of rum. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
QUARTER SCENE RESTAURANT
900 Dumaine St. 522-6533
www.quarterscene.com
Another true French Quarter landmark, Quarter Scene has been around for more than 20 years. Current specials include shrimp Parmesan, lemon pepper catfish and petit filet medallions wrapped in bacon. BYOB. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
RALPH & KACOO’S
519 Toulouse St. 522-5226
Ralph and Kacoo’s has managed to preserve the original philosophy that started their phenomenal success in 1969: provide some of the freshest, spiciest Cajun-style seafood around. Test your stamina with a platter of catfish, oysters, softshell crab, stuffed crab, frog legs, shrimp and gumbo (phew). Most popular is the Ruby, two fish fillets stuffed and topped with crabmeat and hollandaise. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
RED FISH GRILL
115 Bourbon St. 598-1200
www.redfishgrill.com
Serving seven different Gulf fish every night, this spunky youngster of the Brennan restaurant family offers affordable tastes of our local cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere. For a little of everything, start with the Bourbon Street sampler for two: crawfish au gratin, alligator sausage, barbecued oysters and coconut crusted shrimp. A sweet potato crust and andouille cream sauce turn simple catfish into a delicacy. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
REMOULADE
309 Bourbon St. 523-0377
www.remoulade.com
Remoulade departs from Arnaud’s to bring the more casual side of Creole cooking and fresh seafood to the French Quarter. New Orleans specialties abound, with po-boys, red beans and rice, and oysters on the half-shell taking top notice. For different tastes, hamburgers, hot dogs and gourmet pizzas are also available. Try one of their specialty rum-based drinks, Bayou Portions, "guaranteed to ward off alligators." Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
THE RIB ROOM
621 St. Louis St. (Omni Royal Orleans Hotel) 529-7046
Both elegant and gastronomically satisfying, the Rib Room specializes in slow-roasted prime rib accompanied by a trimmed baked potato and a salad with housemade croutons and bleu cheese dressing. For a more unusual treat, try the pit-roasted rotisserie shrimp served on a bed of pasta with beurre blanc. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
RIVER 127’
100 Rue Iberville (Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place) 553-5082
www.wyndham.com
The former Riverbend Grill now takes its name from its distance (in feet) from the Mississippi River. A bistro-style main room has a non-smoking bar in the middle and private dining upstairs. In sampling the mix of Cajun and continental dishes, consider the shrimp Grand Isle: batter-fried Mexican shrimp served with rice pilaf and mixed vegetables. Or two can tag-team on the 18-oz. filet mignon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. Reservations recommended. Credit cards and checks. $$$
RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT
555 Canal St. (Marriott Hotel) 581-1000, ext. 5638
Dinner and drinks with a view are served nightly on the 41st floor of the Marriott Hotel. Pan-seared snapper comes nestled in a mixture of orzo pasta, spinach and feta, then topped with jicama salad and citrus butter sauce. The Dixie pork chop is another of Chef Chris Pheiffer’s favorites, served with collard greens, sweet potatoes and honey-pecan glaze. Sunday brunch includes champagne and jazz. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
ROYAL BLEND COFFEE & TEA
621 Royal St. 523-2716
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
ROYAL CAFE
700 Royal St. 528-9086
www.royalcafe.com
Traditional New Orleans barbecue shrimp served with a mound of rice is a new offering at this charming French Quarter eatery. Trout LaBranche is pan-seared and topped with crawfish tails, garlic, red peppers and parsley, then drizzled with cream sauce and sprinkled with roasted pecans. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
RUE BOURBON RESTAURANT
241 Bourbon St. 524-0114
www.rueburbon.com
From the a la carte menu, choose from such popular dishes as the steak au poivre crusted in black pepper, grilled and flamed in Courvoisier cream sauce. Or go Cajun with dishes like crawfish etouffee and blackened catfish. Reservations recommended. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$$.
RUE DE LA COURSE
219 N. Peters St. 523-0206
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
SAMURAI SUSHI
239 Decatur St. 525-9595
A destination by virtue of being the only French Quarter sushi house, Samurai adds to the allure with well-received renditions of all the sushi standards, along with some unique items. The sashimi appetizer is an assortment of exotic ocean fish garnished with daikon radish and shiso leaf. Also popular is the salmon roll: the pinkish fish comes wrapped around snow crab and topped with Samurai’s special sauce. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
SAFIRE
1140 Decatur St. 410-0240
Tapas are tops at Safire, in flavors to suit any palate. The Gambas Pil Pil tapas feature spicy shrimp sauteed in chiles, lime, garlic and parsley, and seafood lovers will rejoice over the mejillones tapas, which contain mussels steamed in red wine, garlic, herbs, artichokes and capers. Mix and match your selection with Safire’s large selection of specialty martinis, beer and wines by the glass. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S
311 Decatur St. 525-1011
It’s good advice to get your food orders straight before plunging into the specialty libation. Silky’s The Diver is a secret mixture touted as "a gallon of Southern fun." Food favorites include Memphis-style barbecue ribs and chicken quarters smoked with apple and hickory woods, served with traditional sides. There’s live music on the weekend, and two big-screen televisions for sports fans. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
STAR STEAK AND LOBSTER
237 Decatur St. 525-6151
The name gives away the two most popular menu items. Don’t think that means you’ll know what’s coming. A favorite is the Cajun stuffed filet filled with Alaskan king crab, shrimp and blue crab; it comes covered with a wine and mushroom sauce. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
STARBUCKS COFFEE CO.
500 Canal St. (Canal Place) 595-6258
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
STATIONHOUSE GRILLE
329 Decatur St. 587-0079
It would be easy to say that the Stationhouse loves to put out that fire in the belly, but that’s probably not going to happen with the Cili Mat: their popular Firehouse Chili served over a bed of spaghetti. The Stationhouse, which opened earlier in the year, also offers a patio bar and live music along with its New Orleans fare that includes a loaded Seafood Stuffed Potato. Delivery. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
STELLA!
1032 Chartres St. 587-0091
To the chagrin of many, you won’t find Stanley Kowalski or Blanche DuBois hanging about the doorstep of this French Quarter restaurant. But the passion linked with these legendary characters is infused in the creative menu of Stella!. The shellfish bouillabaisse includes Maine lobster, blue prawns, Gulf shrimp, and littleneck clams and is served with saffron potatoes and Italian flatbread. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wednesday through Monday. Credit cards. $$$
STORYVILLE DISTRICT
125 Bourbon St. 410-1000
www.thestoryvilledistrict.com
Louisiana-style cuisine and passing a music-filled good time are what diners find at this French Quarter stop. The parlor room, where you can eat on a first-come, first-served basis, features live jazz nightly. Both the parlor room and the cafe serve the signature Parish Pork, slow-roasted pulled pork topped with Creole onion gravy and served with mashed bourbon-praline sweet potatoes, collard greens and fried onions. Reservations recommended for the cafe only. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
TONY MORAN’S
240 Bourbon St. 523-3181
www.oldabsinthehouse.com
A treasure of Moran family recipes forms the backbone of this Bourbon Street oasis, where traditional Northern Italian cuisine is prepared with a dash of New Orleans. The pasta is prepared in-house and tossed tableside to your liking. The menu also comprises dishes using beef, their coveted meatballs, veal and seafood, all of which come as an appropriate prelude to the bananas Foster. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
TORTORICI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
441 Royal St. 522-4295
www.tortoricis.com
Amidst the French and Spanish stylings of the French Quarter, Tortorici’s has offered traditional Italian cuisine for almost a century. Fight off fall’s chilly nights with one of their popular veal dishes; indulge in the pasta Vongalo of clam sauce and linguine in a heavy butter sauce, or opt for the half-duck with raspberry plum sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
TRICOU HOUSE
711 Bourbon St. 525-8379
www.711bourbon.com
Perfect for those in the Bourbon Street mind-frame, Tricou House offers New Orleans specialty dishes in the midst of nightly zydeco, jazz, Cajun music and some serious partying. All the Creole regulars – shrimp, crawfish and andouille – appear in their usual settings, with house favorites like the sirloin strip giving variety to the menu. To fully submerge yourself into your environs, consider their specialty drink, the Crusher. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
TUJAGUE’S
823 Decatur St. 525-8676
www.tujaguesrestaurant.com
Since 1856, Tujague’s has been feeding visitors and locals alike. Try the prix fixe menu: choose between four entrees, each of which is served with shrimp remoulade, beef brisket, soup, dessert and coffee. The chicken Bonne Femme is served with cottage fries. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
VERTI MART
1201 Royal St. 525-4767
This 24 hour, seven-days-a-week landmark in the French Quarter is a true local favorite. The extensive menu continues to grow beyond po-boys with barbecue ribs, blackened catfish, shrimp Creole, stuffed catfish Bienville, and the stuffed pork chop. Classic sides like turnip greens and macaroni and cheese complement any selection. Delivery always available. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
VICTOR’S
921 Canal St. (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel) 524-1331
When the swank hotel opened last year, Chef de Cuisine Frank Brunacci’s elegant yet comforting interpretations of an inter-continental cuisine started a buzz that has not since quieted. His duck percik, served with cumin polenta, arose from a recent trip to Malaysia. Diners choose from the three-course a la carte menu, the six-course degustation, or a 10-course tasting. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily, Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
VOO CARRÉ CAFE
1016 Decatur St. 522-0862
For a slice of French Quarter dining, be sure to hit the Voo Carré. Nightly jazz, an outside patio and Creole cooking are just some of the New Orleans qualities that make this restaurant a hit. New menu items include all-you-can-eat shrimp, blackened catfish and chicken. But you can’t lose with the ol’ red beans and jambalaya either. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
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