American CAFE PONTCHARTRAIN Ñ 2031 St. Charles Ave. (Pontchartrain Hotel) 525-0581;
www.pontchartrainhotel.com Ñ Order eggs St. Croix for pached eggs on crawfish cakes topped with hollandaise. Return in the evening for a slice of Mile High Pie: ice cream with a graham cracker crust, topped with meringue and chocolate sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CANNON'S BISTRO AND STEAMERY Ñ 4141 St. Charles Ave. 891-3200; www.cannonsrestaurants.com Ñ Menu updates include Crab Cake Katrina (with fettuccine and crawfish sauce) and the Blue Roof Burger (with bleu cheese). There's also pre-K faves like blackened redfish, turtle soup and a Òsteam menuÓ starring fresh lobster and jumbo Gulf shrimp. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
THE RESTAURANT Ñ 5050 Williams Blvd. (Treasure Chest Casino), Kenner 443-8000; www.treasurechest.com Ñ the menu is small, so making a decision is easy. Choose from 16-oz. prime rib, roasted chicken or redfish sauteed with crawfish cream sauce, each with a baked potato or French fries. There's also a salad bar and desserts. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ American Contemporary 7 ON FULTONÑ 701 Convention Center Blvd.525-7555;Ñ Chef David English artfully prepares dishes like grilled angus New York strip with braised beef short ribs, grilled Gulf shrimp with New Orleans barbecue sauce and grit fries and pan-seared flounder with shellfish and chorizo Southern-style paella at Vicky Bailey's chic new restaurant. Validated parking is available at the Riverside Hotel. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BAYONAÑ 430 Dauphine St. 525-4455; www.bayona.comÑ House favorites on Chef Susan Spicer's menu include sauteed Pacific salmon with choucroute and Gewurztraminer sauce, peppered lamb loin with herbed goat cheese and Zinfandel sauce and the ever-popular appetizer of grilled shrimp with black-bean cake and coriander sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BOMBAY CLUBÑ 830 Conti St. (Prince Conti Hotel) 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.comÑ Asian-fried calamari is tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce, fennel-crusted swordfish comes with wild rice, tomato broth and avocado sour cream, and linguine with lamb meatballs is served in a pesto cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Brunch Sun., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$
CAFE RANIÑ 2917 Magazine St. 895-2500Ñ This Uptown eatery has a menu to please all palates. Healthy vegetarian fare stands alongside burgers and the popular bluesy chicken salad, served on spinach with walnuts, carrots, mushrooms, and crumbled blue cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$
FIRE! A RESTAURANTÑ 1377 Annunciation St. 566-1950; www.firearestaurant.comÑ Fresh flavors inspired by the cuisine of California wine country inform the menu. Check out the black-bean and tasso soup, warm pear and pancetta salad, braised short ribs or smoked salmon flatbread topped with sun-dried tomato cream cheese and sprouts. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
IRISÑ 8115 Jeannette St. 862-5848Ñ Situated in the former Mango House, 11 tables make Iris a cozy and comfortable neighborhood bistro. Recent menu items Ñ the menu changes every few days Ñ include bluepoint oysters on the half-shell and an appetizer of handmade ravioli filled with braised veal cheeks. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
JACKSONÑ 1910 Magazine St. 529-9599; www.jacksonnola.comÑ Jackson offers American contemporary fare with a Louisiana influence. Start with paneed green tomatoes with crawfish hollandaise, then dig into a double-cut pork chop with roasted red-pepper aioli and port sherry-glaze steamed chicken breast. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$
ONE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Ñ 8132 Hampson St. 301-9061; www.one-sl.com Ñ Chef Scott Snodgrass' Riverbend restaurant offers contemporary comfort food. Try char-grilled oysters packed with Roquefort cheese and a red wine vinaigrette, or the filet with debris. Look for changes to the menu this spring. Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
RALPH'S ON THE PARK Ñ 900 City Park Ave. 488-1000; www.ralphsonthepark.comÑ Make sure your party is seated by 6:45 p.m. and you can take advantage of a three-course menu with a glass of wine for $30 Tue.-Sun. Favorite dishes at this Ralph Brennan-owned restaurant include garlic-crusted baby drum, crawfish Peristyle and veal Allard with Gulf shrimp. Free valet parking. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
ZEA ROTISSERIE AND GRILLÑ 1401 W. Esplanade Ave. (The Esplanade Mall), Kenner 468-7733; 1525 St. Charles Ave., 520-8100; 1655 Hickory Ave., Harahan 738-0799; 4450 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Clearview Shopping Center), Metairie 780-9090 (restaurant and brewery); www.zearestaurants.comÑ The eclectic menu is abundant with succulent roasted meats from the rotisserie, including a roasted garlic-and-herb-glazed chicken, ribs Ñ wet, dry, or Thai Ñ and a rotating roster of roasted meats. All New Orleans area locations serve the restaurant's handcrafted beer. Reservations accepted at the St. Charles Avenue location. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Bar & Grill LEGENDS PATIO BAR & GRILLE Ñ 2708 Hullen St., Metairie 887-3877 Ñ This Metairie bar is under new management, serving great grub from the grill from 3 p.m. until closing, including thick burgers and chicken, all fresh and cooked to order. To-go orders are welcome. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $
PORT OF CALLÑ 838 Esplanade Ave. 523-0120; www.portofcallneworleans.comÑ Big drinks, big burgers and big baked potatoes at this bamboo-lined bar and restaurant satisfy big appetites. With a drink menu that's longer than the food menu, customers use this as a launching point for a night in the Quarter or Marigny. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ST. CHARLES TAVERN Ñ 1 433 St. Charles Ave. 523-9823 Ñ Breakfast all day and late at night makes this a popular spot no matter what the hour. The regular menu also features steaks and burgers and can fix your crawfish jones: select from crawfish pies, Monica and etouffee. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and late-night dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $ Barbecue ABITA BAR-B-QÑ 69399 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs (985) 892-0205Ñ Fresh Louisiana boudin made with pork, rice and seasonings is a specialty at this Northshore smokehouse. Also try pulled pork as a sandwich or a platter, meaty pork ribs or beef brisket with sides like baked beans and potato salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ Brewpub ABITA BREW PUBÑ 72011 Holly St., Abita Springs (985) 892-5837Ñ Once the main brewery for Abita, this pub serves up all that company's regular and seasonal beers and even works some of them into the food menu. Try crab fingers made with Amber, crawfish cakes made with Andygator, and pasta dishes such as crawfish pasta and pasta Anthony, all deglazed using Abita brands. Reservations accepted for parties of four or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSEÑ 527 Decatur St., 522-0571; www.crescentcitybrewhouse.comÑ Large, healthy salads and crabcakes stand alongside grilled strip steaks and tender brewhouse ribs. Beers change seasonally; order the beer sampler and you can try five specialty brews for one moderate price. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Cafe CAFÉ AMELIE Ñ 912 Royal St. 412-8965Ñ Chef-owner Jerry Mixon's French Quarter cafŽ features live music on Fridays and both indoor and outdoor seating. Try the pan-fried crabcakes served over organic greens with a citrus drizzle or the chicken and andouille gumbo. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
CAFÉ ENVIE Ñ 1241 Decatur St. 524-3689Ñ This idyllic people-watching spot features coffee, tea, pastries, salads and wrap sandwiches such as the Asian tiger salad with chicken, red cabbage, carrots and snow peas topped with a sesame dressing. Bring your laptop and tap into free Wi-Fi. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ CHATEAU COFFEE CAFé- 3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner 465-9444- All pastries are made in-house and if you time it right, they will still be warm. For lunch, choose among the daily specials, soups and salads with housemade dressings. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Sat.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $ ELIZABETH'S RESTAURANTÑ 601 Gallier St. 944-9272; www.elizabeths-restaurant.comÑ Po-boys and salads compete with weekly specials at this Bywater cafŽ. Stuffed chicken, bronzed catfish and beef stew are among the daily offerings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
GO-GO GOURMETÑ 838 Derbigny St., Gretna 374-9620Ñ This new addition to Gretna's dining scene features gourmet cuisine, wine, spirits and handmade chocolates. Dine on grilled yellowfin tuna served on a bed of organic baby greens tossed in wasabi vinaigrette or the Big Blue Burger topped with maytag crumbles, organic spring greens and bleu cheese dressing on freshly baked ciabatta. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Sat., lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
MOJO'S FROZEN CUSTARDÑ 1507 Metairie Road, Metairie 837-8990Ñ Start the day with an egg sandwich or a breakfast platter with two eggs, three pieces of bacon and toast or a muffin. At lunch, try Zorba the Greek panini: sliced grilled chicken breast, tomato, calamata olives, feta cheese, fresh greens and house Greek dressing on your choice of bread. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $
RICCOBONO'S PANOLA STREET CAFEÑ 7801 Panola St. 314-1810Ñ Breakfast, breakfast and more breakfast is what customers demand (although it does serve tasty lunch, too). Specialties include crabcakes Benedict Ñ two crabcakes and poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce and potatoes Ñ and the Sausalito omelet with spinach, mushrooms, shallots and mozzarella. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
REFUEL CAFEÑ 8124 Hampson St. 872-0187Ñ There are traditional breakfasts, omelets, Belgian waffles, cereals, coffees from around the world as well as white, green and red Octavia teas. Lunch and dinner include crispy crabcake salad with lime-spiked avocado, butter lettuce and citrus aioli or the signature Refuel Club sandwich: roast beef, turkey, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $
SOPHIE'S ICE CREAM PARLORÑ 1912 Magazine St. 561-0291Ñ New management at this old-fashioned parlor has expanded the menu to include lunch items like tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, turkey or ham and cheese sandwiches, as well as chili and soups. There also are sorbets, gelatos and new flavors of ice cream to try on top of pies, cakes and other desserts. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $
TED'S FROSTOPÑ 3100 Calhoun St. 861-3615Ñ In addition to its burgers and fries, Ted's offers red beans and rice with hot or smoked sausage and a breakfast sandwich that stacks sausage or bacon with egg on a biscuit or French bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $ Cajun MULATE'S THE ORIGINAL CAJUN RESTAURANTÑ 201 Julia St. 522-1492Ñ Authentic Cajun fare is served against a backdrop of rustic near-Acadiana, complete with live music on Friday nights. Try the catfish Mulate, grilled with crawfish etouffee, or Cecilia, also grilled, with crabmeat stuffing, or a seafood platter. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$ Chinese FIVE HAPPINESSÑ 3511 S. Carrollton Ave. 482-3935 Ñ Reopened recently in the Imperial Room next to the old restaurant, Five Happiness offers its regular menu, including sizzling jumbo shrimp Ñ jumbo shrimp sautŽed with mushrooms and snow peas served on a sizzling plate with steamed rice. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
JUNG'S GOLDEN DRAGONÑ 4417 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie 887-6081 Ñ Musha Pork starts with shredded pork, adds vegetables and wraps it all in pancakes. On the seafood side, fresh shrimp is served with vegetables in a sauce and garnished with crispy honey pecans. Reservations recommended for large groups. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
TREY YUEN CUISINE OF CHINAÑ 600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville (985) 626-4476 ; 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond (985) 345-6789; www.tryyuen.com Ñ House specialties include fried soft-shell crab with Tong Cho sauce (soy and vinegar reduction with ginger, garlic and crushed peppers), stir-fried alligator and crawfish tails in a spicy lobster sauce with black beans, minced pork and onions. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri.; Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Coffee/Dessert HAAGEN-DAZSÑ 621 S. Peters St.; 1 Poydras St., The Riverwalk Marketplace 861-2500Ñ Try the new Baristo, a frosty blend of Haagen-Dazs light ice cream and espresso in mocha, coffee or dulce de leche flavors or go for a straight shot of ice cream in a range of flavors, including light versions with half the fat of the original. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MARIGNY PERKSÑ 2401 Burgundy St. 948-7401Ñ Amid the cute shotgun and center-hall houses of Faubourg Marigny, a new coffeehouse sprang up. Breakfast items such as muffins and lunch choices like sandwiches are appealing alongside gourmet coffees and teas. The coffeehouse also offers free wireless access. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
NOLA JAVAÑ 5055 Canal St. 810-4170Ñ Pastries and fresh quiche make up the breakfast menu most days, but diners can start the day with waffles on Sundays only. Lunch features, muffulettas, red beans and rice and andouille sausage gumbo. Teas and hemp freezies round out the offerings. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $
PJ'S COFFEE AND TEAÑ 644 Camp St. 529-3658; 800 Metairie Road, Metairie 828-1460; 945 Magazine St. 525-0522; 1600 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 871-9326; 1808-B. W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace (985) 359-7575; 2963 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 674-1565; 3700 Orleans Ave. (American Can Co.) 934-1192; 4100 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, Algiers 392-4280; 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Clearview Shopping Center), Metairie 885-4543; 4480 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 624-9015; 5300 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-2007; 5359 Mounes St., Harahan 731-2905;10158 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge 738-7797; 61103 Airport Road, Slidell (985) 847-9474; 70456 Hwy. 21, Covington (985) 875-7894; www.pjscoffee.comÑ PJ's opened its first coffee shop in 1978 on Maple Street and has swelled with locations all over Louisiana and the South, plus it has its own roasting facilities. In addition to coffees and teas, PJ's offers pastries and desserts. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
STARBUCK'S COFFEE Ñ 7700 Maple St. 864-0411 Ñ You can get your caffeine in many ways Ñ frappuccinos, iced or hot Ñ or go for tea or other refreshments. The pastries and other eats are delectable. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Creole ARNAUD'SÑ 813 Bienville St. 523-5433; www.arnauds.comÑ The Old World ambience is matched by the classic menu of French Creole favorites such as shrimp Arnaud (the house version of shrimp remoulade), smoked pompano and veal tournedos. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
BROUSSARD'S RESTAURANTÑ 819 Conti St. 581-3866; www.broussards.comÑ This grande dame of the French Quarter emerged from Katrina with a new renovation in its dining room but the same commitment to fine Creole dining. Try the pompano Broussard's with scallops and shrimp in a puff pastry shell with mustard caper sauce. Three-course special menus are available for $28.50. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
COURT OF TWO SISTERS Ñ 613 Royal St. 522-7261; www.courtoftwosisters.com Ñ The beauty of the courtyard will transport you to another time, but the savory fare brings you back to the present. Traditional gumbos and turtle soup au sherry are good starts to a meal. The daily jazz brunch buffet is popular for both tourists and locals. Reservations recommended. Jazz brunch Thu.-Tue. (starts at 9 a.m. Sat.-Sun.), dinner Mon. and Thus.-Sat., jazz brunch Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$$
FEELINGS CAFE Ñ 2600 Chartres St . 945-2222; www.feelingscafe.com Ñ Feelings of romance and intrigue come with the territory at this restaurant built in a historic Faubourg Marigny plantation house. Sit in the main dining room or outside in the courtyard for a menu of Creole dishes like Gulf fish Nicholas, brushed with Dijon mustard, grilled, topped with shrimp and set on a bed of creamed spinach. No reservations. Dinner Thu.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
GUMBO SHOPÑ 640 St. Peter St. 525-1486 ; www.gumboshop.com Ñ G umbo and New Orleans classics such as crawfish etouffee dominate the menu, and with good reason. Their spicy flavors meld into a dish that represents the city's best and redefines comfort food. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
JUNIPERÑ 301 Lafitte St., Mandeville (985) 624-5330Ñ You'll find progressive Creole cuisine here, including eggplant Pirogue: fried shrimp, lump crabmeat and crawfish simmered in garlic cream and served in a flash-fried eggplant boat and topped with charone sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Fri., dinner Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$
LI'L DIZZY'S CAFEÑ 1500 Esplanade Ave. 569-8997Ñ Enjoy casual dining in a Creole cottage and find a menu with dishes like Trout Baquet, grilled trout topped with lump crabmeat in lemon-butter-garlic sauce. It's served with two sides; choose from a list that includes Creole jambalaya, greens and red beans and rice. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
ORIGINAL COFFEE POT Ñ 714 St. Peter St. 524-3500Ñ This French Quarter meeting place offers New Orleans dishes like jambalaya, catfish, shrimp and redfish Creole in addition to breakfast favorites like eggs Creole and eggs Sardou. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
PELICAN CLUBÑ 615 Bienville St./312 Exchange Place 523-1504; www.pelicanclub.comÑ This elegant French Quarter restaurant serves succulent entrees such as the rack of lamb, seared tuna and the Trio of Duckling: a combo of Peking duck leg confit, Chinese barbecue duck and Maigret duck breast served with honey and Louisiana navel orange sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$ Crepes CREPES A LA CARTÑ 1039 Broadway St. 866-2362Ñ Choose from more than 50 varieties of crepes for any meal of the day, plus dessert. The Crepe a la Montagne combines chicken, mushrooms, white asparagus, garlic, olive oil and crepe in the special pancake or you can choose your own fillings and toppings. Breakfast is served all day and you can get frozen drinks, coffee and ice cream. No reservations . Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Deli GATTUSO'SÑ 435 Huey P. Long Drive, Gretna 368-1114Ñ This Gretna deli is known for bargain prices and generous portions. The muffuletta with homemade olive salad is a house specialty, and wraps, sandwiches, and appetizers are also on the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Credit cards. $
GO-GO GOURMET MARKET & CAFEÑ 838 Derbigny St., Gretna 374-9620Ñ Entrees change from day to day, but you can always get salads and sandwiches, including a grilled yellowfin tuna fillet on your choice of sourdough, multi-grain or chiabatta bread with mixed greens and your choice of dressings. All the greens are organic here, and everything is made fresh daily. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
KOSHER CAJUN NEW YORK DELI & GROCERYÑ 3519 Severn Ave., Metairie 888-2010; www.koshercajun.comÑ This New York-style deli specializes in sandwiches, including corned beef and pastrami that come straight from the Bronx. The Reuben features corned beef with Russian dressing and sauerkraut on toasted rye bread, served with barrel pickles. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Thu., dinner Mon.-Thu. Credit cards. $
MARTIN WINE CELLARÑ 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie 896-7300; 2895 Hwy. 190, Pelican Village, Mandeville (985) 951-8081; www.martinwine.comÑ Large sandwiches piled high with cold cuts, salads, hot sandwiches, soups and a variety of lunch specials from red beans and rice to steak are available at the deli counter. There's a very large wine selection. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $
WELTY'S DELIÑ 336 Camp St., 592-0224 Ñ A newcomer to the CBD and established since the storm, Welty's Deli serves robust sandwiches on Kaiser rolls piled high with fillings and toppings, salads like chicken curry and shrimp remoulade and daily lunch specials. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. $ Diner DOT'S DINERÑ 2239 Willliams Blvd., Kenner 441-5600; 4150 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson 833-9349; 6633 Airline Drive, Metairie 734-0301; 10701 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge 738-9678; 12179 Hwy. 90, Luling (985) 785-6836Ñ Burgers, eggs with bacon, grits and biscuits and fruit pies are the pillars of Dot's menu, with specialties like the Dotwich with scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage on a grilled buttermilk biscuit. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
SLIM GOODIESÑ 3322 Magazine St. 891-3447; www.slimgoodies.comÑ ÒStill cookin' with loveÓ is the motto at this Uptown diner. Favorites include breakfast dishes like the Jewish Coonass or the post-Katrina-inspired Contractor, which comes with just about everything one could eat for breakfast. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $ Fondue THE MELTING POT - 1820 St. Charles Ave. 525-3225; www.meltingpot.com - This Lower Garden District restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, plus private booths, fine wines and four-course fondue dinners. Enjoy a creamy cheese fondue as a warm-up, followed by an entree of lobster, center-cut filet mignon, duck, shrimp, scallops, salmon, fresh vegetables and more in one of four fondue cooking styles. Top it off with fresh Louisiana strawberries dipped in one of nine chocolate fondue choices. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$ French ALBERTA - 5015 Magazine St. 891-3015 - Some of Chef Melody Pate's specialties at this romantic restaurant include roasted mushroom soup with duck confit ravioli and a meltingly tender osso buco with risotto Milanese. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
THE BISTRO AT MAISON DE VILLE - 727 Toulouse St. (Hotel Maison de Ville) 528-9206; www.hotelmaisondeville.com - Chef Greg Picolo serves Louisiana Creole fare starting with elegant salads and appetizers such as mussels steamed in white wine, blended with sausage and saffron and served with mashed potatoes. Creative entrees include bacon-wrapped filet mignon of venison with grilled shrimp and asparagus. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
CHATEAU DU LAC WINE BISTRO - 3901 Williams Blvd., Kenner 467-0054; www.chateaudulacbistro.com - The dinner menu features traditional French cuisine like appetizers of escargot and foie gras and entrees such steak au poivre and coq au vin. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$ FLAMING TORCHÑ 737 Octavia St. 895-0900; www.flamingtorchnola.comÑ Take a few steps off Magazine Street to find the charming atmosphere and classic cuisine of this French bistro. The chef's specialties include calves sweetbread poulette, sauteed liver Lyonnaise and rack of lamb au jus. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LONGBRANCHÑ 21516 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs (985) 871-8171Ñ This newcomer to the Northshore dining scene promises to be a hit with dishes like fresh fish, beef and Deconstructed Oysters: poached Virginia oysters with beurre fondue and spinach. The menu changes nightly, and jazz brunch is offered on Sundays. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
MEAUXBAR BISTROÑ 942 N. Rampart St. 569-9979Ñ Classic and contemporary bistro-inspired dishes attract mostly locals to this establishment on the corner of N. Rampart and St. Philip streets. Menu favorites include trout Grenobloise with lemon-butter-caper sauce, steak frites with sauce au poivre, and the ginger crawfish dumplings appetizer with sesame dipping sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
THE NEW ORLEANS GRILLÑ 300 Gravier St. (Windsor Court Hotel) 523-6000; www.windsorcourthotel.comÑ This elegant restaurant specializes in French cuisine prepared by Chef Phillipe Andreani. A popular entree is Beef Rossini, a filet mignon with foie gras. Reservations accepted for breakfast and lunch, required for dinner. Breakfast daily, lunch in the Polo Lounge Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BREAUX MART Ñ 605 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 433-0333; 2904 Severn Ave., Metairie 885-5565; 9647 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-8146; www.breauxmart.com Ñ Breaux Mart, a classic neighborhood market, prides itself on its ÒDeli to GeauxÓ as well as weekday specials. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
CHEZ NOUS CHARCUTERIE Ñ 5701 Magazine St. 899-7303 Ñ Stop by during the day or early evening to pick up dinner and dessert for the whole family as well as gourmet sundries and wine. Lunch features wraps and soups, and there's a small counter for those who wish to eat on the premises. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
ROBERT FRESH MARKETÑ 5016 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie 885-7005; www.robertfreshmarket.comÑ Many spend their time here making groceries, as the saying goes, but head to the deli for a variety of traditional lunch-counter items as well as crispy fried chicken and Jamaican jerk pork chops with zydeco rice. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Greek MR. GYRO'SÑ 3620 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie 833-9228Ñ What you see is what you get at Mr. Gyro's, where Greek and Mediterranean foods are served without fuss and complication. The house specialty is Ñ well, the name says it all. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Indian HOOKAH CAFE Ñ 500 Frenchmen St. 943-1101; www.hookah-cafe.com Ñ The Hookah CafŽ is heavy on entertainment, as patrons smoke hookah pipes, drink from mulitple bars, and sometimes watch belly-dancing. The Indian-leaning menu includes chicken tikka masala and lamb biryani, as well as small plates. Reservations accepted for large parties before 8:30 p.m. Dinner and late-night daily. Delivery available. Credit cards. $$
NIRVANA INDIAN CUISINEÑ 4308 Magazine St. 894-9797Ñ Serving an array of mostly northern Indian cuisine, this restaurant's extensive menu ranges from beef to chicken to vegetable dishes. Buttered Chicken is marinated, roasted and sauteed in tomato-butter sauce. Vegetarians will like saag paneer, creamed spinach with farmer's cheese. Reservations accepted for five or more. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
TAJ MAHAL INDIAN CUISINEÑ 923-C Metairie Road, Metairie 836-6859Ñ This Metairie institution has been pleasing diners for almost 25 years. The traditional menu features lamb, beef and seafood served in a variety of ways, including curries and tandoori. Vegetarian options also are available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$ Intercontinental THE BUFFET AT HARRAH'SÑ 365 Canal St. (Harrah's New Orleans Casino) 533-6000; www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/nor/Ñ This 400-seat eatery isn't your ordinary buffet because it spans the culinary spectrum. Indeed, there seems to be something for everyone, from smoked salmon to Tur-Duck-Hen. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
SEMOLINAÑ 100 Tyler Square, Covington (985) 898-0040; 1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey 361-8293; 2999 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 626-8923; 3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner 468-1047; 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Clearview Shopping Center), Metairie 454-7930; www.semolina.comÑ Semolina's invitation to try an adventure in pasta has allowed locations to sprout up all over the state. Try selections like chicken enchilada pasta, double-cheeseburger pasta, pad Thai, shrimp roban, or create your own dish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Italian ANDREA'S NORTHERN ITALIAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANTÑ 3100 N. 19th St., Metairie 834-8583; www.andreasrestaurant.comÑ Known for its wide selection of seafood, Chef-owner Andrea Apuzzo's specialties of the house include Trota Bayou la Fourche Ñ speckled trout served with lump crabmeat in a lemon-cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
ANGELI ON DECATURÑ 1141 Decatur St. 566-0077Ñ This late-night restaurant and hangout has a menu that runs the gamut from breakfast food to salads to a pan-Mediterranean smattering of pita and olive-based fare. Pizzas have special toppings like spicy chicken with cloves of roasted garlic. There's live jazz every evening. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
BACCOÑ 310 Chartres St. 522-2426; www.bacco.comÑ Recharge yourself with Bacco's spring special of three appetizers and a glass of featured wine for $25 or three glasses of wine and an appetizer for the same price, available every day during regular dinner hours. Chef Chris Montero arfully prepares homemade pastas and fresh seafood, including a lobster and shrimp ravioli dish. Free validated parking. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BRICK OVEN CafŽ Ñ 2805 Williams Blvd., Kenner 466-2097 Ñ The wood-fired oven turns out crisp pizzas that are perfect as entrees or for sharing as appetizers, like the classic pizza Margherita made with fresh tomato, cheese and herbs. Pasta, veal and chicken dishes are served in generous portions. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$.
CAFÉ GIOVANNIÑ 117 Decatur St. 529-2154; www.cafegiovanni.comÑ Chef Duke LoCicero's menu features Tuscan fare with a Creole flair, and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights feature professional opera singers. Start your meal with antipasti for two and an order of oysters Giovanni, then an entree of Hunter's cannelloni stuffed with pork, veal, beef, eggplant, pine nuts and four cheeses. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
D. LAMARQUE'SÑ 4250 Hwy. 22, Suite B, Mandeville(985) 624-2300Ñ The menu changes often, and the chef will add lasagna soon. A current favorite item is panko-crusted veal topped with jumbo lump crabmeat butter sauce and served with grilled vegetables and Yukon gold smashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$
FAUSTO'S BISTROÑ 530 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 833-7121Ñ Chef Fausto prepares classic renditions of northern Italian and Sicilian favorites. The house special frutti di mare platter combines oysters, crab claws, fresh Gulf fish, softshell crab and shrimp with mussels and calamari. Lunch weekdays, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
FRESCO CAFÉ & PIZZERIA Ñ 7625 Maple St. 862-6363; www.frescocafe.usÑ Whether dining indoors or out, the pan-Mediterranean menu offers plenty of choices, including gourmet pizzas and sandwiches, hummus with pita bread, pastas, lamb and eggplant entrees. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MAMA ROSA'S LITTLE SLICE OF ITALYÑ 616 N. Rampart St. 523-5546Ñ The Outrageous Muffaletta is a standout at this casual neighborhood restaurant, but diners also will find pasta dishes, deep-pan pizzas made with all fresh ingredients and a variety of sandwiches. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner Sun.-Thu. Credit cards. $$
NARDO'S TRATTORIAÑ 6078 Laurel St. 895-9441Ñ Have a cocktail at the popular bar here or take in the casual, Old World atmosphere while you decide which of a large variety of entrees you want, inlcuding Veal Stiezzitto, paneed veal with jumbo lump crabmeat and wild mushrooms. Reservations accepted. dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
RISTORANTE CIVELLOÑ 5831 Magazine St. 899-6987Ñ Chef Paul Gilberti turns out fine Italian meals perfect for the romantic setting of a Victorian cottage, and Maitre 'D Kevin Rouchell sings opera while you dine on signature dishes like Pompano Gilberti, osso buco, and Bellini's Braciole at this new restaurant. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
SALVATORE RISTORANTEÑ 3226 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie 455-2433Ñ Try delightful dishes like the Trout Salvatore, pan-sauteed trout topped with lump crabmeat, shrimp andmushrooms in a cream sauce and served with vegetables and potatoes. Mama mia! No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$ Japanese Horinoya Ñ 920 Poydras St. 561-8914; www.horinoyarestaurant.com Ñ Downtown workers and tourists alike know about this 5-year-old restaurant that serves traditional Japanese food including teriyaki and sushi. Reservations accepted for dinner. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
JIPANG Ñ 814 Gravier St. 565-5322 Ñ Those in the CBD can stop by early for a large breakfast buffet. For lunch, you can choose from sushi and other Japanese favorites, or order something from the deli. No reservations. Delivery available. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
KYOTOÑ 4920 Prytania St. 891-3644Ñ Kyoto's sushi chefs prepare rolls, sashimi and salads. ÒBoxÓ sushi is a favorite, with more than 25 rolls, including the Dynamite roll with diced tuna. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
MIKIMOTOÑ 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. 488-1881 ; www.mikimotosushi.com Ñ Sushi choices include new and old favorites, both raw and cooked. Fuji shrimp is fried shrimp in a ginger sauce. The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado and snow crab. Reservations accepted for groups of five or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Delivery available. Credit cards. $
MIYAKOÑ 1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997; 3837 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 779-6475Ñ Try Japanese cuisine Ñ or go for a steak Ñ with specialties from the sushi or hibachi menus, chicken, beef or seafood teriyaki, and tempura. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
TOKYO BISTROÑ 1612 St. Charles Ave. 581-4449Ñ Affordable prices and generous portions have earned this restaurant loyal regulars. There are a variety of salads, soups, tempura, udon and teriyaki dishes. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Latin American AZUL'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGEÑ 535 Tchoupitoulas St. (Ambassador Hotel) 599-2111Ñ This Cuban restaurant has an Asian influence. Consider the Chilean sea bass served with saffron rice, sautŽed shrimp and a soy reduction sauce. Another favorite is sweet water prawns with sweet chili sauce and truffle oil. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
LA MACARENA PUPUSERIA AND RESTAURANTÑ 4221 Williams Blvd., Metairie 464-4525Ñ Offerings include the favorite pupusas: corn-stuffed tortilla cakes filled with cheeses and pork. Or try yuca fritas, deep-fried yuca root adorned with Latin slaw, pico de gallo and a sprinkling of pork crackling. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Cash only. $ Louisiana Contemporary BANK CAFEÑ 2001 Burgundy St. 371-5260; www.thebankcafe.comÑ Chef Aaron Burgau cooks continental food with a Mediterranean flair, including seared American red snapper served skin-on with organic baby carrots, roasted beets, Asian turnips and haricot vert served over braised beet greens with a roasted shallot vinaigrette. Reservations recommended on weekends. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
BRIGTSEN'SÑ 723 Dante St. 861-7610; www.brigtsens.comÑ Chef Frank Brigtsen blends Creole and Acadian flavors in dishes like roast pork tenderloin with sweet potato dirty rice and pork debris sauce or blackened yellow fin with smoked corn sauce, red bean salsa and avocado sour cream. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. $$$
CAFÉ VOLAGE Ñ 720 Dublin St. 861-4227; www.cafevolage.comÑ CafŽ Volage serves up earthy, innovative bistro fare on its romantic veranda. Try osso buco or lamb shank, finished with a rosemary mushroom demi-glace and served over fettuccine. Lighter fare includes broiled salmon with spinach. Reservations recommended on weekends. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$ CHOPS BISTRO- 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 218-8965- Chef Shaun Holtgreve's restaurant combines contemporary Louisiana cuisine with steakhouse fare. Stand-outs include filet mignon served with veal demi-glace, and blue crab gratin topped with béchamel and lump crabmeat. Will start lunch in mid-April. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$ ETOILEÑ 407 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 892-4578Ñ A French bistro with a Louisiana twist, this restaurant is co-owned by New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos, who lends his artistic touches to the decor. Creative dishes include mussels with spicy dill in a white wine cream broth paired with sweet potato fries. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
MARIGNY BRASSERIEÑ 640 Frenchmen St. 945-4472; www.marignybrasserie.comÑ Chef Seth Smith's popular dishes include eggplant-and-squash-based Napoleon Vegetal, and shrimp, mirliton and green-apple cobbler with pomme frites. Sunday brunch feaatures $2 mimosas, $3 bloody Marys and the Pfister Sisters as entertainment. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
PONTCHARTRAIN VINEYARDS TASTING ROOMÑ 81250 Old Military Road, Bush (985) 892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.comÑ Sample the Cheese Plate (French brie, vintage cheddar, bead and walnuts) or the Meat & Cheese Plate (French brie, vintage cheddar, prosciutto, bread and walnuts) and the monthly Steak Dinner Series. Reservations and prepayment required. Lunch daily. Credit cards. $
THE RESTAURANTÑ 5050 Williams Blvd. (Treasure Chest Casino), Kenner 443-8000; www.treasurechest.com Ñ Choose from 16-oz. prime rib, roasted chicken or redfish sautŽed with crawfish cream sauce. Each comes with a choice of a fully loaded baked potato or French fries. There's also a salad bar and desserts. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
TABLE ONEÑ 2800 Magazine St. 872-9035 Ñ Executive Chef Gerard Maras, formerly of Ralph's on the Park and Gerard's Downtown, presents country French cuisine in a casual environment, with spacious seating on two floors and outside. The braised duckling sweetened with currants has caused a buzz. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
WOLFE'S IN THE WAREHOUSE Ñ 859 Convention Center Blvd. (Marriott Convention Center Hotel) 613-2882 ; www.wolfesofneworleans.com Ñ Try the Duck-Duck-Goose: pan crispy leg of duck confit with foie gras-stuffed sausage, a duck crackling truffle tart, sweet-potato-wrapped asparagus and a port wine-infused duck demi-glace. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Mediterranean ALADDIN'S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE and pastries Ñ 1102 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 809- 0223; www.aladdinscuisine.com Ñ Authentic Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine here includes couscous, hummus, healthy salads, lamb and seafood. For your sweet tooth, bite into baklava and the restaurant's renowned key-lime white-chocolate cheese brulee. Enjoy belly dancers and magicians on Wednesday and Friday nights. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
Fellini's CafŽ Ñ 900 N. Carrollton Ave. 488-2155 Ñ The pan-Mediterranean menu has dips, pastas, sandwiches and pizzas. Try the Mediterranean burger with its flavorful seasonings and feta cheese or the spicy chicken pizza with cloves of roasted garlic, chunks of chicken and optional hot peppers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Mexican & Southwest JUAN'S FLYING BURRITOÑ 2018 Magazine St. 569-0000 ; www.juansflyingburrito.com Ñ This wallet-friendly restaurant offers new takes on Mexican-inspired cooking. Quesadillas and tacos are on the menu, but it's the meal-and-a-half-size signature burritos that Juan's is famous for. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
NACHO MAMA'S MEXICAN GRILLÑ 3242 Magazine St. 899-0031; www.nachomamasneworleans.com Ñ The large menu offers Mexican favorites and some innovative specials, soups and salads, fajitas (chicken, shrimp or steak), burritos and specialty quesadillas. Check out the house special Carla's Cheesy Chimichanga, which starts with your choice of ground beef or chicken with cheese stuffed inside a 12-inch flour tortilla that's deep-fried and smothered in white queso. It's served with spanish rice and beans. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SERRANO'S SALSA COMPANYÑ 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 780-2354 ; www.serranossalsacompany.com Ñ You'll find a full range of Mexican favorites, from fajitas to plate dinners to seafood. Try the grilled shrimp topped with a spicy blend of serrano peppers, tomatoes, onions and cilantro or the mixed grill, a sampler for two or three with marinated beef and chicken, pork carnitas, baby back ribs, grilled quail, pepper sausage, grilled corn on the cob, rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ TAQUERO COYOACAN- 1432 St. Charles Ave. 525-9996 Ñ This authentic, upscale Mexican restaurant serves innovative dishes such as chile relleno with lamb:baked lamb with roasted peppers served over blackberry coulis topped with melted cheese and crowned with cream pecan sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
VERA CRUZ- 7537 Maple St. 866-1736- This restaurant specializes in Mexican, Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. Lunch offerings include Cuban sandwiches, or get one with roast pork alone. Happy hour offers chips and salsa with a batch of margaritas. Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ Middle Eastern BYBLOSÑ 3218 Magazine St. 894-1233; 1501 Metairie Road, Metairie 834-9773Ñ Familiar Middle Eastern favorites like kebabs, falafel and hummus are all well represented, but Byblos also draws from wider eastern Mediterranean traditions with dishes like lamb tatatour drizzled with tahini sauce and a char-grilled lamb chop. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BYBLOS MARKETÑ 2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 837-9777Ñ For an authentic taste of the Middle East on the go, head to the deli counter where you get sandwiches prepared to order from meats roasting on spits while fresh salads, stuffed grape leaves and daily specials beckon. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
CASABLANCA RESTAURANTÑ 3030 Severn Ave., Metairie 888-2209; www.kosherneworleans.comÑ This Moroccan-Middle Eastern restaurant is tasty and kosher. Choose from pita pocket sandwiches for something light, or a heartier entrŽe like tanzia fassi featuring lamb baked in a clay pot with onions, prunes and almonds. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner Sun.-Thu. Credit cards. $$
MOONLIGHT CAFE Ñ 1921 Sophie Wright Place 522-7313 Ñ Tabbouleh and hummus show Middle Eastern leanings, but the entrees are all-American: seafood platters, burgers, barbecue chicken and even a taco salad, with pecan pie for dessert. No reservations. Delivery available. Call for hours. Credit cards and checks. $
PYRAMIDS CAFE Ñ 3151 Calhoun St. 861-9602 Ñ Diners will find authentic, healthy and fresh Mediterranean cuisine featuring such favorites as sharwarma, which is prepared the old-fashioned way Ñ on a rotisserie. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Music & Food HOUSE OF BLUES Ñ 225 Decatur St. 310-4999; www.hob.com/neworleans Ñ Because of Katrina, the popular brunch is on hiatus. But the restaurant is open for lunch most of the week and dinner later in the week and when there is live music. Try the pan-seared Voodoo Shrimp with rosemary cornbread or the Creole seafood jambalaya. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTROÑ 626 Frenchmen St . 949-0696 ; www.snugjazz.com Ñ This top-tier jazz club also has praise-worth cuisine. Traditional Creole and Cajun fare pepper the menu along with newer creations such as the fish Marigny, topped with Gulf shrimp in a Creole cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Neighborhood 13- 517 Frenchmen St. 942-1345- The kitchen turns out both familiar and offbeat favorites such as tater-tots, large tamales and spicy boudin sausage. The place also has its own lively bar scene that goes late into the night. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
KOZ'S- 6215 Wilson St., Harahan 737-3933- Koz Gruenig, the driving force behind the Katrina-shuttered Po-Boy Bakery in Gentilly, moved to Harahan and set up his own shop, serving New Orleans favorites like roast-beef po-boys, fried chicken, red beans and rice, country-fried steak and gumbo. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $ RICCOBONO'S PEPPERMILL RESTAURANT Ñ 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie 455-2266 Ñ This Italian-style eatery serves tried-and-true favorites like stuffed crabs with crabmeat dressing served with spaghetti bordelaise, or trout amandine with brabant potatoes. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$ Pan-asian ASIAN PACIFIC CAFÉ Ñ 3125 Esplanade Ave. 945-1919Ñ The Hawaiian-, Philippines-, New Orleans- and Japanese-inspired cuisine here is based on fresh fish. Ask Chef Benny to Òsurprise meÓ and you'll get the signature mang-blue crab roll and tuna tartare or whatever just came off the boat. You can BYOB. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
BAMBUÑ 365 Canal St. (Harrah's Casino New Orleans) 533-6000; www.lharrahs.com/our_casinos/nor/ Ñ New Orleans native Richard ÒRickyÓ Toy creates more traditional Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes but also has his own take on the Asian fusion side. No reservations. Dinner and late-night Mon.-Thur., lunch, dinner and late-night Fri.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
LEMON GRASSÑ 217 Camp St. (International House Hotel) 523-1200; www.lemongrassrest.com Ñ Lemon Grass' dŽcor is romantic and increases the pleasure of Chef Minh Bui's French-tinged Vietnamese cuisine Duck and chicken dishes are light and bursting with Asian flavors. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$ Pizza ISABELLA'S PIZZERIAÑ 4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 674-5700; 70452 Hwy. 21, Covington (985) 875-7620 Ñ Gourmet pizza is what's on the menu. Spinach or artichoke with pesto or garlic-herb sauce fool youngsters into eating their vegetables; heartier appetites might choose the 16-inch Isabella pizza laden with everything. Reservations accepted for large groups. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
PAPA JOHN'S PIZZAÑ 4 St. Tammany Plaza, Covington (985) 893-9191; 632 Terry Pkwy., Gretna 362-7272; 1531 Metairie Road, Metairie 833-2353; 1819 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 652-0123; 1181 Robert Blvd., Slidell (985) 645-3680; 1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 764-9494; 2153 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey 361-3636; 2625 David Drive, Metairie 455-7272; 2993-A Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 674-4000; 3117 Calhoun St. 862-6020; 3624 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie 885-7400; 3628 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, Algiers 365-8100; 4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner 443-4555; 5009 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero 349-0155; 6861 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan 738-8000; www.papajohns.comÑ Try The Works for a little of everything, or specialty pies like the Spinach Alfredo pizza. No reservations. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
REGINELLI'SÑ 741 State St. 899-1414; 817 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner 712-6868; 3244 Magazine St. 895-7272; 5608 Citrus Blvd., Harahan 818-0111 ; www.reginellis.com Ñ This New Orleans original offers a range of pizzas, sandwiches and salads. It also has healthy options that make it a good choice for everyone. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ROMAN PIZZAÑ 7329 Cohn St. 866-1166; www.eatromanpizza.comÑ This neighborhood pizza joint offers everything from plain cheese to specialty vegetarian pies Ñ including options like eggplant and artichokes Ñ as well as hot sandwiches baked on fresh bread and classic pasta dishes. No reservations. Delivery available. Dinner and late-night dining Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $
ROTOLO'S PIZZERIAÑ 201 Decatur St. 948-3287Ñ A favorite dish is muffuletta pizza, which has pepperoni, salami, Canadian bacon, olive mix and mozzarella cheese over marinara sauce on homemade dough. There also are wraps, calzones, pastas, salads, soups and desserts. No reservations. Delivery available. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
SLICE RESTAURANTÑ 1513 St. Charles Ave. 525-7437Ñ Neapolitan-style pizza rules, but you can buy pizza by the slice and can add or subtract toppings as you choose. There are also a full coffee bar, Italian sodas and organic teas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
THEO'S NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZAÑ 4218 Magazine St. 894-8554; www.theospizza.comÑ There is a wide variety of specialty pies or build your own from the selection of more than two-dozen toppings. Also serving salads and sandwiches. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ Sandwiches and Po-Boys PARASOL'S RESTAURANT & BARÑ 2533 Constance St. 899-2054; www.parasols.comÑ Once a year locals gather here for the biggest St. Patrick's Day party. For the rest of the year the restaurant serves po-boys of all kinds. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Sun. Credit cards. $
PARKWAY BAKERY AND TAVERNÑ 538 N. Hagen Ave. 482-3047Ñ With bands that play every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., cheap adult beverages or a cold Barq's, this haven soothes the hungry masses with a full menu that includes roast beef and hot sausage po-boys, fried seafood and more. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sun. Cash only. $
ROLY POLY SANDWICHESÑ One Shell Square, 701 Poydras St. 561-9800; 5409 Tchoupitoulas St. 891-8373; www.rolypolyusa.comÑ The Key West Cuban Max is sliced pork, baked ham, turkey, melted Swiss and American cheeses, dill pickle slices, onions, lettuce and tomato on bread that's grilled. It's served with honey-mustard dressing. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. at Poydras location, lunch and dinner daily at Tchoupitoulas. Credit cards. $ Seafood CAMELLIA CAFEÑ 64955 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs (985) 809-6313; 525 Hwy. 190 W. Gause Blvd., Slidell (985) 649-6211Ñ Seafood cooked the way you like it is the specialty, and you can get it all together in a fried seafood platter that mounds crispy fried shrimp, catfish or oysters alongside toast, hushpuppies and two side dishes or choose two seafood items and make it a half-and-half platter. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
FELIX'S UPTOWNÑ 4938 Prytania St. 895-1330; www.felixs.comÑ The long-time French Quarter landmark opened a branch Uptown, dishing up its famous oysters on the half-shell and other specialties. Check out staples like jambalaya, shrimp Creole, gumbo, po-boys and steamed and grilled seafood. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
FRANK'S MARINA GRILL Ñ 100 Marina Del Ray Drive, Hwy 22., Madisonville (985) 792-4000 Ñ The Mighty River Burger is a 9-oz. patty smothered in sautŽed mushrooms and onions, topped with bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese.The Tchefuncte Special shrimp po-boy is loaded with fried shrimp, bacon and Swiss. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
THE GALLEY SEAFOOD RESTAURANTÑ 2535 Metairie Road, Metairie 832-0955Ñ Galley serves fried, grilled, boiled and blackened seafood and New Orleans favorites. The patio is a good place to be during Friday dinner. Reservations accepted for five or more. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Fri. Credit cards. $$
RALPH & KACOO'SÑ 519 Toulouse St. 522-5226; www.ralphandkacoos.comÑ The menu follows the seafood season with basics like oysters on the half-shell. The Ruby, a signature dish, features two redfish fillets topped with seafood stuffing with hollandaise sauce and lump crabmeat. Reservations accepted for large groups. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
RED FISH GRILLÑ 115 Bourbon St. 598-1200; www.redfishgrill.comÑ Seafood creations by Executive Chef Gregg Collier dominate a menu peppered with Big Easy favorites like hickory-grilled redfish, pecan-crusted catfish, alligator sausage and seafood gumbo and bananas Foster. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
RESTAURANT DE FAMILLESÑ 7163 Barataria Blvd., Crown Point 689-7834Ñ You'll find dishes like shrimp Diane, which comes sauteed in garlic-butter sauce with green onions and mushrooms on a bed of angel-hair pasta. Also try the Cajun-Creole seafood dish crabmeat Remick. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$
SEITHER'S SEAFOOD Ñ 279 Hickory Ave., Harahan 738-1116 Ñ Enjoy treasures of the sea with dishes like barbecue shrimp pasta, which starts with shrimp sauteed with onions, peppers, garlic, butter and Worcestershire sauce on a bed of angel-hair pasta and topped with mozzarella. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $
SMILIE'S RESTAURANTÑ 5725 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan 733-3000; www.smiliesrestaurant.comÑ The seafood platter will surely put a smile on your face, but there also are Italian favorites, seafood, steaks and Cajun dishes on he menu. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
WATER STREET BISTRO Ñ 804 Water St., Madisonville (985) 845-3855 Ñ Enjoy eating beside the Tchefuncte River with seafood or dishes like a roasted half-duck with port wine sauce served with creamed sweet potatoes and mixed vegetables. Reservations recommended on weekends. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$ Steakhouse THE BESH STEAKHOUSE AT HARRAH'SÑ 512 S. Peters St. (Harrah's New Orleans Casino) 533-6111; www.harrahs.comÑ Chef John Besh turns out high-rolling cuisine like American Kobe beef served with lobster- and shrimp-stuffed piquillo peppers and the cowboy steak, an aged 32-oz. prime rib. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
KEITH YOUNG'S STEAKHOUSEÑ 165 Hwy. 21, Madisonville (985) 845-9940Ñ House-cut filet mignon and rib-eye steaks are served with crabcakes and other appetizers and side items in a relaxed restaurant on an almost-rural highway. Reservations recommended. Lunch Thu.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$$
MORTON'S, THE STEAKHOUSEÑ 365 Canal St. (The Shops at Canal Place) 566-0221; www.mortons.comÑ Morton's has procured the best aged USDA prime steaks from Chicago's premier meatpackers. The choicest cuts are displayed on a cart so you can see exactly what you are getting. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$ Tapas MIMI'S IN THE MARIGNYÑ 2601 Royal St. 872-9868Ñ The decadant Mushroom Manchego Toast is a favorite here, and the post-Katrina menu has been augmented with goat cheese croquets and grilled marinated artichokes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $ VEGA TAPAS CAFÉ - 2051 Metairie Road, Metairie 836-2007; www.vegatapascafe - There is a plethora of Mediterranean small plates: Moroccan lamb tagine, Serrano ham-wrapped quail, roasted vegetable empanadas, ceviche del dia and citrus cured and house smoked duck breast and more. No reservations. Dinner Tues.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$
Thai THAI POT AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINEÑ 315 N. Vermont St., Covington (985) 809-7886; 112 W. Thomas St., Hammond (985) 542-4566 Ñ Spicy cuisine and a romantic setting make this a popular place. Pad Thai features classic Thai noodles with chicken, eggs and bean sprouts served with a side of ground peanuts and ground chilies. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$ Vietnamese PHO TAU BAY RESTAURANTÑ 113 Westbank Expwy., Suite C, Gretna 368-9846Ñ This restaurant with a loyal following just reopened in early April with its full menu. Classic Vietnamese beef noodle soup is served with a basket of fresh herbs, crispy bean sprouts, sliced lime and hot peppers. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
