CBD
BAMBU AT HARRAH'S CASINO
4 Canal St., 533-6000; www.harrahs.com
Bambu features the fusion cooking of chef Richard Toy, who combines elements of Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine. Toy offers many of the classics like barbecue duck, but also creates his own original dishes such as the honey wasabi shrimp. For dessert, try the créme brulee. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BESH STEAKHOUSE AT HARRAH'S
4 Canal St., 533-6111; www.harrahs.com
Walking into chef John Besh's steakhouse, the din of slot machines fades and the focus turns to serious steak and other high-end culinary trappings. If your wallet and your appetite are equally big after a trip through the gambling hall, maybe it's time to take on Besh's 38-oz. rib-eye cowboy steak. No matter how the card tables treat you, the molten dark chocolate cake is always a winner for dessert. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BON TON CAFÉ
401 Magazine St., 524-3386; www.thebontoncafe.com
Authentic Cajun cooking finds a downtown home at this refined café. The crawfish etouffée is a study of Louisiana crawfish tails smothered down in traditional Cajun seasonings over parsley rice. The namesake redfish Bon Ton is seasoned, seared on the grill and finished in the broiler with a lemon butter sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$$
THE BUFFET AT HARRAH'S
8 Canal Street, at the River, 533-6000; www.harrahsneworleans.com
The odds are good that there's something for everyone here, with buffet items running from New Orleans to Asian favorites. Hungry gamblers can fuel up for a round at the tables with Southern favorites, Chinese dishes and pizza. There's even tur-duck-hen. Unlucky players can drown their sorrows in the flow of the chocolate fountain. Many breakfast items are cooked to order. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFÉ MADEA'S
731 Common St., 558-3998
Café Madea's is a casual spot for down-home cooking tucked away in the CBD. Stop in for dishes like red beans, jambalaya, gumbo, pork chops in gravy, chicken pot pie, fried catfish and others. For sides there are choices like corn bread and creamy potato salad. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., early dinner Fri. Cash only. $
CAJUN MIKE'S PUB 'N' GRUB
116 Baronne St., 566-0055; www.cajunmikes.com
CBD bargain seekers will love Welfare Wednesdays, which feature $1 well drinks, domestic beers and orders of appetizers for just a buck. Cajun Mike's is also a spot to grab some bar food or sandwiches. Patrons can graze on wings, Texas toothpicks (onions and jalapenos fried in onion ring batter), poppers, seafood gumbo and quesadilla rolls. The sandwich options include a Cuban sandwich, cochon de lait, shrimp and oyster po-boys. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night Mon.-Sat. Open Sundays for Saints games. Credit cards. $
CRYSTAL ROOM AT LE PAVILLON
833 Poydras St., 581-3111; www.lepavillonhotel.com
The dining room at the stately Le Pavillon is an elegant setting for any meal. The extensive breakfast menu offers everything from a healthy selection of fruits and grains to omelets made to order, eggs Benedict and French toast. The dinner menu has a wide selection as well including rib-eye steaks, chicken Le Pavillon and paneed veal. Desserts include such standards as pecan pie, créme brulee and cheesecake. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$$
DIXIE GYRO
110 Carondelet St., 523-6614
There are Middle Eastern accents aplenty at this CBD mainstay. Sandwich options include gyros, souvlaki, falafel, koufta kebabs and hot sausage (stuffed into a pita and topped with diced salad and tahini sauce). The gyro sandwich is a traditional blend of pressed lamb and beef wrapped in grilled pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce. Or try the Mediterranean marinated and grilled chicken plate with a choice of rice or fries. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
ESPRESSO EXPRESS
One Shell Square, 701 Poydras St., Suite 116, 524-5115
Don't be misled, there's a lot offered here besides espresso. Breakfast includes breakfast tacos, freshly baked muffins and cinnamon rolls. At lunch, the café becomes a sandwich shop with a variety of panini sandwiches like the Buffalo chicken, Philly panini and the club sandwich. Daily hot specials include dishes like veal pot roast. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
LIBORIO'S CUBAN RESTAURANT
321 Magazine St., 581-9680
Pass through Liborio's Central Business District doorway and into Creole version of a Havana café. It's easy to conjure the scene with the Cuban décor and the aromas emanating from the kitchen. A popular dish is the traditional ropa viejo, or beef brisket stewed with onions, olive oil, tomatoes and garlic served with black beans and rice. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
LÜKE RESTAURANT
333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840; www.lukeneworleans.com
The French- and German-inspired food of Alsace may not bring raw oysters to mind, but John Besh's LÜke brings them all together. Chef Jared Tees presides over a kitchen employing everything from Gulf fish and shrimp to German-style sausages, sauerkraut, veal and spaetzle. To complement the cuisine, there is a German-style beer crafted for LÜke by HeinerBrau and wine is offered by the glass, carafe and bottle. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
MCALISTER'S DELI
4 Canal Street (Harrah's Casino), 598-1930; www.mcalistersdeli.com
This popular chain is well-known not just for sandwiches but also for whopping, fully loaded baked potatoes. Signature sandwiches include the Patriot (turkey and Swiss on wheatberry bread with orange/cranberry sauce), the classic Reuben and the Big Nasty (open-face roast beef with gravy and melted cheddar and Swiss cheeses). The Spud Max is stuffed with ham, bacon, turkey, cheddar and Swiss cheeses, green peppers and black olives. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MIKE SERIO'S PO-BOYS & DELI
133 St. Charles Ave., 523-2668
Plenty of places claim to offer "world-famous muffulettas." but Serio's can back it up. The downtown eatery was a recent champion in a cook-off on Food Network's Throwdown with Bobbie Flay. Not in the mood for a muffuletta? Check out the seafood or one of the daily plate lunch specials like jambalaya, spaghetti and meatballs or crawfish etouffée. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
MOTHER'S RESTAURANT
401 Poydras St., 523-9656; www.mothersrestaurant.net
The star of Mother's menu is the debris po-boy. All of the po-boys are served with shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, Creole or yellow mustard and pickles. Special po-boys include the Ferdi with baked ham and roast beef, and the Ralph, which is a Ferdi with cheese. Mother's also serves breakfast all day as well as Creole dishes including crawfish etouffée, shrimp Creole, Jerry's Jambalaya and seafood gumbo. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
THE NEW ORLEANS GRILL AT THE WINDSOR COURT
300 Gravier St., 523-6000; www.windsorcourthotel.com
Like everything else at the Windsor Court Hotel, The New Orleans Grill is known for its exacting standards and world-class presentations. With the addition of local favorite chef Greg Sonnier, a taste of New Orleans has truly come home to the restaurant. The Louisiana crab cake "chops," complemented with a Haas avocado and mango salsa, are a perfect beginning. The chef's signature slow-roasted duck with sautéed wild mushrooms, roasted red peppers, duck drippings and an orange sherry sauce, is not to be missed. Reservations recommended. Breakfast daily, lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
OBEE'S SOUP, SALAD AND SUBS
920 Gravier St., 589-0077; www.nolaobees.com
Quick meals on the go are the specialty at Obee's, though you might have to take your time with the Gut Buster sub made with ham, smoked turkey, roast beef and provolone, dressed and stuffed into a submarine roll. At breakfast time, grab a wheat croissant sandwich with eggs, cheese and a choice of meat. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
P & G RESTAURANT
345 Baronne St., 525-9678
This busy downtown eatery has been in business for more than 25 years. Regulars come by for breakfasts of pancakes, omelets and other morning favorites. For lunch, feast on a po-boy or one of the daily specials like red beans and rice, fried shrimp or catfish. There's also seafood gumbo, shrimp Creole and spicy chili dip. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
RESTAURANT AUGUST
301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777; www.rest-august.com
Chef John Besh is certainly one of the Crescent City's most renowned culinary stars and a visit to his CBD flagship shows why. The refined restaurant serves Besh's signature dishes like crabmeat truffle gnocchi, speckled trout Grenobloise and rabbit cooked two ways with muscadine reduction. For an extra-special indulgence, try Restaurant August's five-course tasting menu. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
RESTAURANT CUVEE
322 Magazine St., 587-9001; www.restaurantcuvee.com
Soft brick walls and dark tones lend an Old World feel to a restaurant that features the contemporary creations of chef Robert Iacovone. Start with preludes like Kobe meatloaf sliders or try the spicy shrimp Napoleon. For entrées, the smoked duck breast and confit leg or the upscale version of chicken and waffles are memorable choices. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Thu., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
ROLY POLY SANDWICHES
One Shell Square, 701 Poydras St., 561-9800; www.rolypolyusa.com
See Uptown listing for restaurant description. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
ROSEY'S DINER
444 Common St., 598-4839
Rosey's offers breakfast all day and daily lunch and dinner specials. Thick Belgian waffles are always popular. Try the burgers and red beans for lunch or dinner. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $
ROUX BISTRO
500 Canal St., 595-5506; www.sheratonneworleans.com
Enjoy the view of bustling Canal Street from this raised gallery restaurant while you savor house favorites like the crawfish beignets in remoulade sauce or Roux's fancy variation on classic red beans and rice: red bean cassoulet with duck confit and duck sausage. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
SHULA'S STEAK HOUSE
614 Canal St., 586-7211; www.shulas.com
NFL hall-of-famer Don Shula is no longer prowling the sidelines. He's heading up a steakhouse franchise that has the kind of ingredients that make for a Super Bowl of a meal. Each of Shula's steaks is certified Angus beef. Those looking for something other than red meat can sink their teeth into lobster, barbecue shrimp and succulent desserts like the chocolate soufflé for two or the Mountain Lava chocolate cake. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
SINGHA THAI
413 Carondelet St., 581-2205
Singha Thai offers a little oasis of Thai cuisine in the middle of the CBD bustle. The menu includes popular dishes like spicy coconut milk soups with chicken or tom yum koong with shrimp and lemongrass. Entrées include pad Thai and many rice and noodle dishes with beef, chicken or shrimp. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$
STEVE'S DINER
828 Gravier St., 522-8198; www.steves-diner.com
This old-school diner offers new-school free Wi-Fi, a full-service coffee bar and serves plate lunches and classic American breakfasts of eggs, grits, hash browns and biscuits. Try Steve's specialty salads or forget your diet and try the fried catfish pecan, served with pecan-brown-butter sauce and two home-style side dishes. The bacon and cheddar burger is a hefty half-pound of Angus beef grilled to order and topped with a mountainous pile of grated cheddar. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $
STREETCAR BISTRO
201 Baronne St., 565-5455
Weekday lunches at the Streetcar Bistro are highlighted by an overflowing buffet, and it's quite a challenge for even a local to finish one of the many large house po-boys. Choose from meatball, shrimp, oysters or bronzed chicken. Specialty plates include the crab cake and shrimp salad with wasabi soy and Asian shrimp curry. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
THAT INDIAN PLACE
201 St Charles Ave, Second Floor, 975-5664; www.thatindianplace.com
Whether the name is memorable or not, this downtown eatery offers south Indian cuisine with influences from as far as Malaysia. The chicken curry, chutney shrimp, vegetable korma, garlic naan and mango lassi are popular items. There are many options for vegetarians and health-conscious diners. Fresh fruit smoothies are made to order. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Cash only. $
VERANDA AT THE HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL
444 St. Charles Ave., 585-4383
Local flavors light up the menu at the flagship restaurant of downtown's Hotel Intercontinental. Sunday morning brings a champagne jazz brunch with music, bubbly, carving stations and made-to-order omelets and desserts. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
WELTY'S DELI
336 Camp St., 592-0224
Welty's is a popular lunch spot for deli sandwiches, gourmet salads, daily panini and soup specials. Bite into a big Reuben with layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on rye bread or try the veggie sandwich with roasted portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, red peppers and eggplant on a bun. Salad choices include everything from spinach to chef, shrimp remoulade to chicken curry. For drinks, there are coffee drinks, Italian sodas and teas. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
ZÖE BISTRO
333 Poydras St., 207-5018
Located on the second floor of the sleek, stylish downtown W Hotel, Zöe Restaurant features innovative New Orleans cuisine set in an elegant European-style bistro. Though the menu changes frequently, chef Roberto Bustillo blends Old-World French techniques with Louisiana ingredients in dishes like Gulf Coast Crustacean Shooters, which pair crabmeat, shrimp and oysters with flavored vodkas. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
Bywater | CBD | Carrollton/University | Citywide | Faubourg Marigny | French QuarterHarahan/Jefferson/River Ridge | Kenner | Lakefreont/Eastern New Orleans | Lakeview |
Metairie | Mid-City/Treme/Gentilly | Northshore | Outskirts |
St. Bernard | Slidell | Uptown | Warehouse District | West Bank
