WEST BANK

ADAM'S CATFISH HOUSE
8523 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 392-0541
Take a wild guess what the specialty is here. The catfish comes grilled, fried, or even served atop salad greens tuna salad-style. The Whole Fish Platter is a whole bone-in fish served with French fries, hush puppies and slaw. Adam's also offers a children's menu and appetizers such as the fried onion, fried vegetables and fried pickles. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

THE BAR-B-Q PLACE
4100 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 392-0001; ww.thebarbqplace.com
A new barbecue specialist with an extensive menu and many specials, the Bar B Q Place also turns out the old stand-bys like barbecue pork or beef brisket rubbed with seasoning and smoked over hardwoods. Side dishes like baked cheddar macaroni, Creole mashed potatoes, country-style coleslaw, smoked and baked potatoes and marinated onion loaf add plenty of options. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BEEF CONNECTION
501 Gretna Blvd., Gretna, 366-3275
West Bank carnivores know where to find the beef. The Beef Connection serves large cuts of New York strip, rib-eyes and T-bones. Lunch is a better bargain because steaks come with side dishes. The steakhouse also cooks seafood from grilled salmon or tuna to Maine lobster and even has catfish specials on Fridays. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

BREAUX MART
605 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 433-0333; www.breauxmart.com
See Metairie listing for description.

BROTHERS' NEW ORLEANS Café
1502 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 366-1073
Huge portions and reasonable prices keep customers coming back to Brothers', where for more than 32 years the kitchen has turned out signature fried food made with a special batter. Everything fried is good here, but hungry diners shouldn't overlook the hamburger steak, which is made in house and seasoned generously. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

CAFÉ DI BLASI
1801 Stumpf Blvd., Terrytown, 361-3106
Traditional Italian dishes served in a pleasant ambience is what Café DiBlasi is all about. Popular dishes include osso buco of baby veal shanks roasted in veal broth and served with red sauce. The bracioloni wraps Italian meat and cheeses into a round and simmers it in a tomato sauce. The dish is served with pasta and a garden salad. Italian favorites such as lasagna and spaghetti are also available. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CAFÉ DITALI
2104 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-0058
Check out the pastas, pizzas and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Regulars love the chicken Pomodori served with onions, bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes cooked in butter and covered in both Alfredo and marinara sauces. Calzones include meat-heavy options like a mix of pepperoni, ground beef, sausage and Canadian bacon with mozzarella and marinara. Reservations recommended for parties of 10 or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CHEVY'S FRESH MEX
1201 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 368-2100; www.chevys.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.

CHINA DOLL
830 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey 366-8822
Cantonese cuisine is the specialty of Harvey's China Doll. House specialties include the crab Rangoon, a fried wonton filled with crab, spices and cream cheese. Lunch combinations abound, complemented by shrimp fried rice and choice of egg roll or cho cho, another crispy wonton, this time made from pork and shrimp. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CHRISTINA'S EMPRESS OF CHINA
429 Wall Blvd., Gretna, 392-3939; www.empressofchina.net
Elegance and comfort converge at Christina Tsang's restaurant. Chef's creations include the Empress Poached Salmon served atop fresh ginger and scallions. The Tangeri beef is flash-fried beef and orange peel served with a sweet, peppery sauce. Christina's also offers lunch specials of sweet-and-sour chicken (with sides of either fried or steamed rice, an egg roll and tea) and family-style suppers with dishes like moo shu pork with plum sauce. Reservations recommended for four or more. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

CHRISTY'S PO-BOYS
1102 Stumpf Blvd., Gretna, 368-6498
Po-boys meet eclectic Spanish fare at this Westbank eatery. While there are pressed Cuban sandwiches of pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles, specials include many Spanish dishes, like the Friday and Saturday special of stewed oxtails served over rice with plantains. Or try the traditional ropa viejo, an entrée of shredded beef in red gravy served with rice, black beans and plantains. Fresh shakes are made with mango and papaya. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Cash only. $

CLEMENTINE'S BELGIAN BISTROT
2505 Whitney Ave., Gretna, 366-3995
Now open for lunch, Clementine's brings a touch of Belgium to the West Bank. Try the classic steamed mussels served with a white wine cream sauce and accompanied by crisp Belgian fries. Salads are light and tossed with restrained mixes of olive oil and vinegar. The Salad Legoise is both hot and cold, with warm potatoes and bacon topping cool greens. Among the crepes, a delicate version includes baby spinach with goat cheese and Parmesan. Try the apple crepe for dessert. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CLEOPATRA'S
2701 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-1113
Cleopatra's serves hummus with garlic and the falafel is fried crispy. Entrées like the kebab barg offer an entire feast with charbroiled beef tenderloin, grilled tomato, hummus, rice and a salad. A vegetarian plate includes portions of couscous, hummus, falafel, vegetarian dolmeh and tabbouleh. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

COMMON GROUNDS
335 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 227-2200
Hungry folks will have a tough time choosing a quick bite from Common Grounds' bulky menu. There's everything from fried seafood and sandwiches to tuna fillets and steaks hand-cut in house. The spacious patio has plenty of room for a lazy lunch. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $.

COPELAND'S RESTAURANT
1700 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 364-1575; www.alcopeland.com
See Kenner listing for restaurant description.

COTTAGE CAFÉ
423 10th St., Gretna, 366-2233
West Bank residents have long known about this aptly named café tucked into downtown Gretna in a historic Acadian cottage. The menu of Creole and Italian favorites includes specialties like corn, crab and shrimp bisque and trout Tchoupitoulas, pan-fried and served with paneed portobello mushrooms, lump crabmeat, gruyere cheese and a white wine reduction. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Checks and cash only. $$

DIMARTINO'S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS MUFFULETTAS
1788 Carol Sue Ave., Gretna, 392-1150; 3900 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 392-1150
Of course, the hallmark of DiMartino's is its muffuletta, piled thick with sopressetta salami, ham, Swiss and provolone cheeses, mortadella and housemade olive salad on a seeded loaf. A sleeper hit on the menu, however, might be the roast beef po-boy made with slow-cooked beef and served on a crusty French bread loaf. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

DITALI'S PIZZA
8160 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 393-1160; www.detalis.com
Ditali's specializes in New York-style thin-crust pizza, hearty pasta entrées and succulent sandwiches. Sink your teeth into a Philly-style cheesesteak dripping with peppers, cheese and onions. Or make your own pizza from the variety of toppings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

DOUBLE DRAGON
8236 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 433-4333
Seafood is the specialty here, especially the salt and pepper soft-shell crabs or the whole deep-fried red snapper, served with Hunan sauce. For fowl, General Tso's chicken is another popular choice. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

DRY DOCK CAFÉ
133 Delaronde St., 361-8240; www.thedrydockcafe.com
Hop off the Algiers Point ferry and into this neighborhood tavern, where the kitchen turns out sandwiches, seafood platters, big salads and tempting bar munchies like mini-tacos and potato skins. The half-pound Bestbank burger is loaded with cheese, bacon, mushrooms and sautéed onions. Entrées include crawfish pasta in a creamy sauce topped with Parmesan cheese as well as changing specials like blackened redfish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$

EASY DOGS
307 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 367-1001; www.neworleanseasydogs.com
Hot dogs get a New Orleans twist at this wiener café in downtown Gretna. The Katrina dog is made with the house special "easy sauce," homemade chili, shredded cheese, coleslaw, onions and a side of cheddar fish crackers, while the Lundi dog features red beans and rice in the bun plus a side of pickled corn relish. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $

FROSTY'S CAFFE
2800 Manhattan Blvd., Suite B, Harvey, 361-9099
Frosty's signature bubble tea is a unique Asian drink. There are sweet and familiar flavors like strawberry and mango, or try the jasmine green tea with jellied lychee or the avocado shake. For a fusion of West Bank standards, try the Vietnamese po-boy. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

GAMBINO'S BAKERY
300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 391-0600; http://gambinos.info
Known for its February infusions of heavenly cinnamon-laced king cakes, this Crescent City institution also bakes pies, petit fours and doberge cakes year-round. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

GATTUSO'S DELI
435 Huey P. Long Drive, Gretna, 368-1114; www.gattusosdeli.com
Gattuso's offers burgers with additions like blue cheese and portobello mushrooms. There's an extensive sandwich and wrap menu. Appetizers include calamari, fried pickles, and crab and corn bisque. Entrées feature choices like baby back ribs served with a watermelon barbecue sauce, spaghetti and meatballs and fried seafood. Side dishes include loaded baked potatoes and sweet potato fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

GO-GO GOURMET MARKET & CAFÉ
838 Derbigny St., Gretna, 374-9620
Go-Go offers burgers and creative dishes. Try the Bayou Burger, a combination of andouille sausage and ground beef topped with Creole mustard sauce. For something a little richer, the Big Blue Burger is made with Maytag blue cheese crumbles. On the seafood side, go with grilled yellowfin tuna on organic greens tossed with wasabi vinaigrette. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

HOA HONG NINE ROSES
1100 Stephens St., Gretna, 366-7665
With its voluminous menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes, Nine Roses invites diners to be adventurous. There are spring rolls and soups beyond basic pho like hot and sour soups with okra and pineapple, but there are also many adventurous options. Some items are cooked at the table like strips of beef which are then wrapped in rice paper with herbs vegetables and sauces. There are many rice and vermicelli dishes, and seafood is plentiful. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$

HOOTERS
2781 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 889-0160; www.hooters.louisiana.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.

KIM SON
349 Whitney Ave., Gretna, 366-2489
Kim Son offers a long list of Vietnamese dishes and Cantonese- and Szechuan-style Chinese dishes. For meat lovers, the Bo 7 Mon is a seven-course feast of Vietnamese-style beef dishes. The meat comes cooked and served a variety of ways with flavors of basil, cilantro, lemon, onion and fish sauce adding extra flavors. Other popular Vietnamese fare includes rice and noodle soups and vermicelli dishes. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MO'S PIZZA
1112 Avenue H, Westwego, 341-9650; www.mospizza.net
Mo's name is about the only small thing you'll find at this neighborhood pizzeria. The pizzas measure almost 21 inches across and are available in many different combinations from the meat pizza with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs and ham to the supreme, which adds olives and vegetables. The lasagna is a five-layer tower of meat, ricotta and sauce and is accompanied by garlic bread. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MOSCA'S
4137 Hwy. 90 W, Avondale, 436-9942
Home of Oysters Mosca, now a classic dish widely copied around town, this is the place people make pilgrimages to just to get them at the source. Many of Mosca's signature dishes, like the chicken cacciatore, are served family style — so bring some friends. Just be sure to bring cash — the only tender accepted at this thoroughly old school and beloved Italian restaurant on the edge of the swamps in Avondale. Reservations accepted except on Saturday. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Cash only. $$

MOTHER'S
131 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 368-8678
The regular menu's Greek dishes like chicken shish kebabs or gyro plates are a good reason to head to Mother's for lunch, but changing daily specials also draw attention. Some popular weekly dishes include breaded pork chops, catfish amandine, Italian specials like veal or chicken Parmesan on Thursday and Friday seafood specials. There are always plenty of vegetable side dishes to choose from. Red beans, beet salad, eggplant casserole and cabbage are rotating options. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

OLIVE BRANCH CAFÉ
1995 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 348-2008; 5163 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 393-1107; www.olivebranchcafe.com
This duo of casual eateries serves up gourmet pizzas and more on the West Bank. For a new twist on a classic, try the muffuletta sub. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
1601 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 341-5544; www.outback.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.

PHO TAU BAY
113 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 368-9846
Pho Tau Bay may be the area's reigning king of pho, offering more than 20 different beef broth soups with different accompaniments ranging from sliced beef or pork to more exotic cuts. Seafood can also be added to soups. The huge menu lists everything from fresh spring rolls made with rice paper and served with peanut sauce to vermicelli salads topped with your choice of shrimp, pork, tofu or egg rolls. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

THE RED MAPLE RESTAURANT
1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, 367-0935; www.theredmaple.com
Red Maple has been a West Bank dining destination since 1963, serving steaks and Louisiana seafood in the heart of Gretna. Be sure to clear the schedule for prime rib night on Thursdays. Check out the crab cakes for a warm-up and save room for Red Maple's bread pudding. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily, late-night Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

RENDEZ-VOUS CAFÉ
3001 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 367-6013
Aromatic hookah pipes, coffee drinks and beer and wine are some of the preludes at this wide-ranging eatery. At breakfast time, try the Western omelet with bacon, sausage, ham and cheese with pancakes or toast on the side. Dinner specialties include classic chicken Parmesan covered with sauce and served over pasta. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SEMOLINA'S
1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-8293; www.semolina.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.

SPECIALTY ITALIAN BISTRO2330 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-1090This Italian Bistro offers all sorts of classic Italian dishes and gives Roman accents to some local favorites. For example, the Italian roast beef po-boy is topped with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. Try specials like the shrimp scampi or entrées of spinach lasagna, chicken or eggplant Parmesan, shrimp Florentine calzones, Caprese or artichoke salads and pizza. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SUN RAY GRILL
2600 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, 391-0053; www.sunraygrill.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.

TAN DINH
1705 Lafayette St., Gretna, 361-8008
The chicken and beef rice noodle soup, or pho, at Tan Dinh is a refreshing mix of meat, noodles, lemongrass and broth with a side of sprouts, jalapenos, basil and lime for diners to add to their liking. Marinated roast duck with sticky rice is also popular. The restaurant now serves a selection of wine. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$.

TENNOU SUSHI BAR
1818 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 366-3898
Fans of this West Bank sushi bar often opt for combinations of sushi, cooked meats and soups with bargain-priced bento box dinners. In addition to large sushi rolls and sashimi, dishes like baked green mussels and fried dumplings are popular choices. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THANH THANH
4024 Behrman Hwy., 368-5694
Among the Vietnamese specialties at Thanh Thanh, you'll find five different varieties of spring rolls offering everything from shrimp to beef to pork to vegetables. Pho Ga is a rice noodle soup with chicken in a rich aromatic broth that arrives at the table with a basket of fresh basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices and limes. The Vietnamese-style crepes are made from rice flour with a hint of coconut. They are stuffed with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and onions and are served with lettuce, fresh herbs, pickled carrots, cucumbers and fish sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

TODARO'S RESTAURANT
2701 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 362-8522; www.todarosrestaurant.com
Offering fine dining in a comfortable setting, Todaro's serves some unique takes on Italian cooking. The osso buco combines three petit veal shanks with rich pecan and jalapeno gravy over buttered fettuccine. Ahi tuna is peppered and served with sherry mushroom risotto and balsamic vinegar reduction. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

TOUT DE SUITE
347 Verret St., 362-2264; www.toutdesuitecafe.com
With a wireless Internet connection, this coffee shop serves as a home office away from home for some of its patrons. Breakfast offerings include egg dishes and rotating weekend specials like huevos rancheros and buttermilk biscuits with gravy. For lunch, try a chicken panini with apple smoked bacon and Swiss cheese. Fresh salads combine greens with items like fruit, nuts, chicken or seared salmon. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

WEGO INN CAFÉ
450 Laroussini St., Westwego, 347-9187; www.westwegoswampadventures.com
Operated by a swamp-tour company, this family-friendly West Bank café offers cooked versions of the fauna visitors might witness on a wildlife outing. Alligator sausage and fried frog legs start off the appetizer menu. Mainstays like blackened fish and shrimp come in generous portions. Mardi Gras pasta mixes shrimp and crawfish tails in a spicy sauce. The Swamp Spider is a soft-shell crab fried golden brown. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

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