FRENCH QUARTER
5FIFTY5
Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal St., 553-5638
Even with the urbane name, 5Fifty5 hits both sophisticated and homey notes. The meatloaf is a completely carnivorous blend of ground pork, veal and beef mixed with fresh herbs and served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy. Seared wild salmon takes on Asian accents as it is finished in the oven with a miso glaze and served atop steamed baby bok choy with lemongrass broth. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Credit cards. $$
ACME OYSTER & SEAFOOD HOUSE
724 Iberville St., 522-5973; www.acmeoyster.com
Acme has been in the oyster business for generations and slurping fresh-shucked bivalves at its French Quarter counter remains a ritual for many. But as the restaurant's locations have expanded so too have its menu options. In addition to raw, fried and grilled oysters, diners can sample oysters remoulade and oysters Rockefeller soup or land-based fare like red beans served in a bread bowl. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ALIBI BAR AND GRILLE
811 Iberville St., 522-9187; www.alibineworleans.com
Slide into this side street tavern for big portions of popular pub grub and cold beers. Nachos and burgers are mainstays while one of the house specialties is a barbecue shrimp po-boy dripping with butter and spicy seasoning. The scene kicks up late at night as service industry workers drop in for post-shift meals and drinks. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
THE ALPINE
620 Chartres St., 523-3005; www.thealpinebistro.com
Though its name might conjure mountain scenes, the Alpine has been serving a mix of Creole and Cajun cuisine for many years. Some of its distinctly local dishes include New Orleans barbecue shrimp, smoked duck served with garlic mashed potatoes, gumbo, fresh Gulf fish and crawfish omelets for brunch. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch and late-night Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
ANGELI ON DECATUR
1141 Decatur St., 566-0077
Late-night hours and a hip but comfortable vibe make this Decatur Street eatery a perennial favorite. There is often an old movie projected on the wall above the bar while locals and tourists tuck into pizzas, sandwiches and pasta dishes. The Mediterranean burger is dressed with feta cheese while the Mystical Pizza piles on roasted garlic, goat cheese, onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
ANTOINE'S RESTAURANT
713 St. Louis St., 581-4422; www.antoines.com
New Orleans's oldest restaurant helps keep the city's French-Creole traditions alive. The shrimp remoulade is laced with horseradish, Creole mustard, green onion and Tabasco while the pompano Pontchartrain is prepared simply with a seasoning of salt and pepper and topped with crabmeat, butter, green onion and lemon. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., Dinner Thu.-Sat. and Mon., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
ARNAUD'S
813 Bienville St., 523-5433; www.arnauds.com
Continuing a fine-dining tradition that dates back more than 80 years, Arnaud's serves classics from the French-Creole canon including spicy shrimp remoulade, frog legs and trout meuniere prepared with a veal stock-based sauce. Gulf fish and steaks like filet mignon Charlemond are popular entrées. The signature dessert has strawberries marinated in a port wine sauce served with ice cream. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
ATTIKI BAR & GRILL
230 Decatur St., 587-3756; www.attikibarandgrill.com
In some Middle Eastern areas, tobacco is served as a course with dessert after a dinner with friends. Attiki follows that tradition by offering a selection of flavored tobaccos to smoke in imported hookah pipes. For more familiar fare, Attiki kebabs feature marinated tenderloin tips or seafood. Check out the belly dancers performing Saturday nights after 11 p.m. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
BACCO
310 Chartres St., 522-2426; www.bacco.com
Bacco combines Creole and Italian flavors in spacious restaurant in the chic W Hotel French Quarter. Popular dishes include the lobster ravioli, which fills housemade ravioli with lobster and Gulf shrimp and bathes them in a champagne butter sauce. Bacco shrimp is a version of the New Orleans barbecue classic with a peppery garlic, rosemary and Abita Amber beer sauce. Infamous 10-cent martinis are available with purchase of an entrée at lunch during the week. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BAYONA
430 Dauphine St., 525-4455; www.bayona.com
Chef Susan Spicer presents a global approach to contemporary Creole cuisine at her acclaimed restaurant. Guests dine on specials or perennial favorites like grilled shrimp with black bean cake, crispy smoked quail salad or the sautéed Pacific salmon with choucroute and a Gerwurztraminer sauce. The goat cheese crouton with mushrooms in Madeira cream is a savory blend of shiitake, chanterelle and oyster mushrooms over a crust of toasted multi-grain bread. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BEGUE'S RESTAURANT AT THE ROYAL SONESTA
300 Bourbon St., 553-2278: www.beguesrestaurant.com
Named for Madame Begue, a New Orleans culinary icon from the 19th century, this opulently-appointed hotel restaurant features modern interpretations of Creole cooking. Try dishes like lightly fried, garlic-crusted oysters served over creamy leek confit or tilapia served with a truffle corn pancake. Sunday brunch and Friday's seafood lunch buffet are popular weekly meals. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
BENNACHIN
1212 Royal St., 522-1230
For an edible lesson in how West African cooking influenced the development of Creole culinary traditions, just visit Bennachin and sample dishes like the "African jambalaya" and its okra-based stews. Other representative dishes here include a stew of beef and ground nuts served with rice and black-eyed pea fritters. Vegetarian options abound and the BYOB policy keeps tabs low. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $$
BISTRO AT THE MAISON DE VILLE
727 Toulouse St., 528-9206; www.maisondeville.com
Chef Greg Picolo is a familiar face at the Bistro, and he's now both running the kitchen and a part owner. His innovative menu features dishes like rack of lamb with roasted pineapple sauce and haute mac and cheese. Grilled scallops are complimented by locally made Italian sausage. The duck sampler rounds up duck breast, confit and seared foie gras. One of the more creative options is the duck, peanut butter, pepperjelly and fontina cheese sandwich. The Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BOMBAY CLUB
830 Conti St., 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.com
Expect contemporary renditions of classic dishes at this upscale restaurant and lounge known for its imperial British décor and extensive menu of martini-style cocktails. For instance, the calamari is tossed with a sweet chili sauce and served with sambal-lime sour cream. Grilled pork chops are rubbed with orange and sage and sauced with a brandy apple reduction. Reservations. Dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BOURBON HOUSE
144 Bourbon St., 522-0111; www.bourbonhouse.com
With large picture windows separating Bourbon Street from the tables at Bourbon House, there's a touch of excitement along with the taste of Creole cooking inside. Redfish on the half shell is grilled skin-on and served with a side of lemon-butter sauce. Diners can sweeten the deal by adding optional crabmeat with a Chardonnay broth. From the raw bar, a platter of fruits of the sea include fresh-shucked oysters on the half shell, boiled Gulf shrimp, marinated crab fingers, roasted calamari and marinated seasonal seafood salads. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BRENNAN'S RESTAURANT
417 Royal St., 525-9711; www.brennansneworleans.com
The famous breakfast at Brennan's remains a signature New Orleans dining experience, beginning with a decadent eye-opener cocktail like bourbon milk punch and moving on to traditional dishes like poached eggs topped with crabmeat and hollandaise sauce. In the evening, entrées like trout Nancy with jumbo lump crabmeat take center stage while the bananas Foster dessert makes a dramatic tableside presentation. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BROUSSARD'S
819 Conti St., 581-3866; www.broussards.com
This French Quarter institution is known for both it's pretty courtyard and elegant dining rooms. Pompano Broussard's combines grilled pompano, scallops and shrimp in a phyllo pastry shell complemented by a mustard-caper sauce. The Louisiana bouillabaisse simmers shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish and oysters in a savory saffron-tomato broth and is garnished with crabmeat-rouille croutons. The veal chop and the wild game grill are popular meat selections. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP COMPANY
429 Decatur St., 522-5800; www.bubbagump.com
Drawing on the fame of 1994 hit film Forest Gump, this whimsical seafood restaurant is decked with film memorabilia. The references even continue on the menu, where customers find the Run Forrest Run smoothie and the Mama Blue's Southern Charmed Fried Shrimp. A gift shop and music from the film's soundtrack playing in the dining room complete the Gump groupie experience. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFÉ AMELIE
912 Royal St., 412-8965; www.princessofmonaco.com
A gorgeous courtyard and a historic Creole carriage house are the singularly beautiful accommodations at this hidden gem in the heart of the Vieux Carre. Start a meal here with the crab cake dense with local jumbo lump crabmeat and topped with a citrus drizzle before digging into an entrée of roasted salmon with sharp horseradish cream. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Sat., lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
CAFÉ BEIGNET
311 Bourbon St., 525-2611; 334B Royal St., 524-5530; 819 Decatur St., 522-9929; www.cafébeignet.com
Andouille hash browns studded with spicy sausage and light fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar are the way to start the day at this trio of picturesque cafés. At the Royal Street location, take a seat outside in the adjoining shaded patio for a cup of café au lait or a light lunch. At the Bourbon Street location, patrons share a large courtyard with statues of New Orleans music legends. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
CAFÉ ENVIE
1241 Decatur St., 524-3689; www.myspace.com/envienolaCafé
Envie is both a locals' hangout and a refreshing stop for folks hitting the nearby shops and French Market vendors. Whether they come to crack open laptops for a coffee-and-work session or unfold a French Quarter map to get their bearings, patrons find gourmet coffee and tea, pastries, ready-made sandwiches and desserts. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and brunch daily. Credit cards. $
CAFÉ FLEUR DE LIS
307 Chartres St., 529-9641
Breakfast and lunch menus at this Quarter café offer an array of omelets and sandwiches with Louisiana flavor. The Fleur de Lis omelet is made with crawfish tails, pepperjack cheese, peppers, onions and crawfish sauce while a panini-style muffuletta is an updated take on the classic New Orleans sandwich. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
CAFÉ GIOVANNI
117 Decatur St., 527-2154; www.cafégiovanni.com
As opera singers fill the dining room of this upscale café with arias, chef Duke LoCicero fills patrons' plates with the flavors of his Creole-infused Italian cuisine. The menu includes dishes like Tuscany asparagus wrapped with prosciutto and mozzarella and served over mixed greens with sun-dried tomato, pumpkin seed and basil pesto. The roasted duck classico is served with a sweet Marsala-roasted garlic glaze and mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit Cards. $$$
CAFÉ MASPERO
601 Decatur St., 523-6250
Fans of this casual, inexpensive café line up for seats in the huge, airy dining room for New Orleans classics like fried catfish and muffulettas. Other sandwich options include deli specialties like pastrami and all are served on large, crusty rolls. Side dishes like Cajun jambalaya and calamari appetizers round out the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
CAFÉ PONTALBA
546 St. Peter St., 522-1180
Café Pontalba offers a menu tour of New Orleans favorites from its perch right on the corner of Jackson Square. Dishes like etouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and po-boys are mainstays. Fried seafood options like shrimp, oysters and catfish are also popular choices. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CARMELO RISTORANTE
541 Decatur St., 586-1414; www.ristorantecarmelo.com
Balcony seats with views overlooking the Mississippi River and its maritime traffic are among the special features of this upscale Italian restaurant. For dinner, try one of the kitchen's array of veal preparations or lobster with spicy marinara. Classic Italian dishes like antipasto plates, minestrone soup, fried calamari and pasta dishes provide plenty of familiar favorites. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$
CENTRAL GROCERY
925 Decatur St., 523-1620
For generations, Central Grocery has been the go-to destination for the classic rendition of a New Orleans muffuletta, made, as always, with a thick stack of imported Italian meats, cheese and a luscious olive salad mixed in house and served on a seeded round loaf. The grocery shelves are stocked with all kinds of other goods to take home as well. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $
CHARTRES HOUSE CAFÉ
601 Chartres St., 586-8383; www.chartreshousecafe.com
When the weather is nice, pull up a chair framed in the large, open doors of this corner café to peruse a menu of duck quesadillas, Tabasco wings and seafood combination plates. Try the Creole crawfish platter for a sampling of fried crawfish tails, crawfish etouffée and crawfish cakes served with French fries and hush puppies. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
CLOVER GRILL
900 Bourbon St., 598-1010; www.clovergrill.com
Cooks slap a hubcap over burgers sizzling on the griddle to ensure moistness while the banter between the staff and the customers at this all-night diner is guaranteed to entertain. The Clover Grill's huge, fluffy omelets fill bellies as well as plates and the large Southern-style biscuits are smothered in country gravy. No reservations. Open 24 hours Thu.-Sun., breakfast, lunch and late-night Mon.-Wed. Credit cards. $
CLUB 300 JAZZ RESTAURANT & LISTENING ROOM
300 Decatur St., 581-2534; www.neworleansjazzbistro.com
Live jazz, swing, Latin music and other performances fill the entertainment calendar at this two-story townhouse. The kitchen specializes in dishes like filet mignon, lobster, pork loin and grilled trout stuffed with shrimp. Try the bronzed redfish with lobster cream sauce or the 14-oz. pork chop served over sweet potato gnocchi. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$$
CLUB DECATUR
240 Decatur St., 581-6969
The pizza oven keeps the big slices coming to satisfy late-night hunger pangs, though Club Decatur also offers a menu of substantial sandwiches. One house favorite is called the Fiesta Delight, a foot-long sub with layers of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, salami, ham, black olives and onions all baked in the oven and dressed to order. Delivery available. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
COOP'S PLACE
1109 Decatur St., 525-9053; www.coopsplace.com
A raffish tavern atmosphere belies the serious eats coming from Coop's always busy kitchen. House-smoked tasso goes into the jambalaya and pasta dishes, which are also loaded with local seafood, crisp green onions and cream sauce. The chicken salad po-boy is made with chopped fried chicken, the redfish is blackened and served with green beans in bacon sauce and hardly anyone can resist the duck quesadillas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COPPER MONKEY BAR & GRILL
725 Conti St., 527-0869
Swing on in any time, the Copper Monkey is open 24 hours serving up cold drinks and hot food to a mix of Quarter locals and adventurous tourists. Quesadillas, salads, burgers and steaks are menu mainstays and some specials include the penne á la Tina tossed with sautéed mushrooms and sliced chicken breast in a creamy red sauce. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
THE CORNER OYSTER BAR
500 St. Peter St., 522-2999
The restaurant overlooks historic Jackson Square but many patrons here start off a visit by looking straight into a dozen or so freshly shucked oysters. Regional dishes like pasta with sautéed crawfish, peppers and onions in a spicy cream sauce or blackened catfish over a bed of linguine mix it up with gumbo, sandwiches and fried seafood. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COUNTRY FLAME
620 Iberville St., 522-1138
The Country Flame's large menu of Spanish, Mexican and Cuban dishes offers a pan-Latin range of choices for fast, inexpensive meals. House specialties include shredded beef over rice with black beans, pressed Cuban sandwiches, tamales, several types of fajitas, tacos and carne guisada, which is a Spanish version of beef bourguignonne. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
COURT OF TWO SISTERS
613 Royal St., 522-7261; www.courtoftwosisters.com
Jazz brunch is a daily affair at the Court of Two Sisters. The seafood omelet is a mix of crawfish, crabmeat, shrimp, onions, red and green peppers and garlic with cream sauce on top. Buffet dishes range from boiled shrimp, pasta salads, and hot entrées like grits and grillades to pies, cakes and ice cream. The á la carte dinner menu favors classic dishes like veal Oscar, cutlets of baby white veal crowned with crabmeat, asparagus and hollandaise. Traditional dishes include turtle soup, baked oysters and many others. Reservations recommended. Lunch and brunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE
527 Decatur St., 522-0571; www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com
German-style beers are brewed on the premises while the kitchen cooks up contemporary Louisiana cuisine like redfish St. Louis, which is pan-seared and topped with fried oysters and smothered in a barbecue sauce made with butter, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. The popular crab cakes Decatur are made with lump crabmeat and topped with remoulade sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CROISSANT D'OR
617 Ursulines St., 524-4663
A picturesque café on a quiet French Quarter side street, Croissant d'Or has long been treasured by locals as a neighborhood bakery, coffee shop and meeting place. Get a café au lait while you nibble on a croissant, quiche or dessert pastry. Patrons can make a lunch out of the daily soup and a croissant sandwich topped with béchamel sauce. Check out the small interior patio for an al fresco oasis. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $
DAISY DUKE'S
121 Chartres St., 556-9662
Stop by Daisy Duke's any time of the day or night when you need a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and regional cooking. One popular special is the rib-eye steak with roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables and special sauce for $14.99 or a dozen freshly shucked oysters for $5.99. Traditional breakfast plates and egg dishes are available anytime. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $$
DEANIE'S SEAFOOD
841 Iberville, 581-1360; www.deanies.com
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
DEJA VU RESTAURANT & BAR
400 Dauphine St., 523-1931; www.dejavunola.com
This 24-hour restaurant is an ace in the hole when you want to satisfy a comfort food craving any time of the day. The Déjá Vu omelet is made with three eggs and stuffed with bacon, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, onions and cheddar cheese both inside and melted on top, while the namesake Déjá Vu burger is a charbroiled half-pound patty topped with cheese, mushrooms, bacon or chili. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
DESIRE OYSTER BAR
300 Bourbon St., 553-2281
A lust for seafood can be sated at this eatery whose brightly-lit "Desire" sign over the door is practically a Bourbon Street landmark. In addition to oysters, this casual café serves shrimp, crab and Gulf fish and a wide variety of other local preparations from gumbos to New Orleans-style jambalaya. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
DICKIE BRENNAN"S STEAKHOUSE
716 Iberville St., 522-2467; www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com
Diners have a variety of cuts to choose from at this French Quarter steakhouse. The house filet is an 8-oz. cut served with creamed spinach and Pontalba potatoes. The steak is also topped with flash-fried oysters and finished with a béarnaise sauce. The barbecue rib-eye is a prime 14-oz. steak grilled over an open flame and topped with Abita beer barbecue shrimp and served with garlic mashed potatoes. Stand-out sides include onion rings with a Creole dipping sauce and a roasted sweet potato topped with warm pecan butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
DOMINIQUE'S RESTAURANT
1001 Toulouse St., 586-8000 ext. 8800; www.dominiquesrestaurant.com
Dominique Macquet, a classically trained chef and native of Mauritius, combines fresh local ingredients with exotic influences from around the globe for a distinctive cuisine at his namesake restaurant in the Maison Dupuy hotel. Seared Moulard duck breast and duck leg confit are served with parsnips en crepinette, a masala pear fondant and duck-fig jus. For an even more exotic twist, try the sautéed Turks and Caicos cracked baby conch served on yucca, corn and andouille risotto with roasted garlic and scotch bonnet pepper mojo. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
DONNA'S BAR AND GRILL
800 N. Rampart St., 596-6914; www.donnasbarandgrill.com
The jazz and brass bands bop along on the stage at this quintessential New Orleans music club. The kitchen grill turns out home-cooked New Orleans-style dishes like red beans and rice, chicken and barbecue ribs. Daily lunch specials range from meatloaf to fried pork chops to stuffed Cornish hens. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $
EAT NEW ORLEANS
900 Dumaine St., 522-7222; www.eatnola.com
The space long known as the Quarter Scene was treated to a stylish makeover to become eat New Orleans. The menu is a combination of down-home standards and reasonably priced gourmet dishes. Start with a blue cheese and fig torte and a stuffed bell pepper with a side Caesar salad for dinner and don't miss the shrimp and grits at weekend brunches. The BYOB policy keeps tabs low. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
EL GATO NEGRO
81 French Market Pl., 525-9752; www.elgatonegronola.com
For an authentic take on casual Mexican cuisine, try El Gato Negro's tacos filled with a choice of chicken, filet mignon, fish, pork loin, chorizo or vegetables wrapped in a handmade corn or flour tortilla with a variety of toppings. The pulled pork tamale is marinated in red mole, steamed in a corn husk and served with an orange, oregano and tomato salsa. No reservations. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
THE EMBERS "ORIGINAL" BOURBON HOUSE
700 Bourbon St., 595-3172; www.emberssteakhouse.com
The scene outside its doors on Bourbon Street may be smoking, but the Embers kitchen is focused on grilling and frying. The menu of steaks, seafood and Italian dishes features T-bones, strips and filets, fried shrimp and oysters, crawfish fettuccine and veal Parmesan. The crowd-pleasing Cajun platter combines fried catfish, red beans and rice and jambalaya with andouille sausage. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sat.-Sun, dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
FIORELLA'S CAFÉ
45 French Market Place; 1136 Decatur St., 528-9566
An appetizer of fried pickles puts diners on notice right away that the fryer gets heavy use at this French Quarter-take on the classic diner. The kitchen is known for its seasoned version of Southern fried chicken, with a choice of white or dark meat and sides like French fries, mashed potatoes, red beans or baked macaroni. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $
FIRE OF BRAZIL
725 Iberville St., 552-4446; www.fireofbrazil.com
At this distinctively South American breed of steakhouse, diners' choices are reduced to a simple yes or no. Waiters rove the dining room with huge skewers offering a dizzying array of various cuts of beef, chicken, turkey, pork and sausage, all of them sliced directly onto the plate. Meals include rice and beans and a large buffet of salads and side dishes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
FRANK'S RESTAURANT
933 Decatur St., 525-1602; www.franksrestaurantneworleans.com
What started as a small, storefront deli has evolved over the years into a full service Italian restaurant with many traditional dishes and local favorites. The muffuletta is always popular, and more elaborate dishes include the crawfish Gagliano with garlic, green onions, fresh sweet basil and other seasonings over angel hair pasta. Snapper Jack is a deep-fried fillet smothered in shrimp, crawfish and crab over pasta. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
FRENCH MARKET RESTAURANT
1001 Decatur St., 525-7879
A bounty of boiled and fried seafood from the Gulf awaits visitors to the French Market Restaurant. The bayou platter is a popular option to get a taste of a range of local dishes, including red beans and jambalaya. Snag a table on the balcony for a view overlooking the French Market itself. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
FRENCH QUARTER BISTRO AT THE MAISON DUPUY
1001 Toulouse St., 586-8000; www.maisondupuy.com/fqbistro.html
With picture windows looking out on the Quarter, the Bistro is a bright place to enjoy Creole favorites. Gulf Fish Acadian is blackened Gulf fish topped with Louisiana blue crab and Acadian seafood sauce and served with garlic mashed potatoes and garden vegetables. The Louisiana Crab and Crawfish Cake is a lightly breaded blend of crab and crawfish served with mirliton relish and shrimp sauce. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
GW FINS
808 Bienville St., 581-3467; www.gwfins.com
The menu at this upscale seafood specialist changes frequently as chef Tenney Flynn keeps his kitchen stocked with a wide range of fresh fin fish and shellfish from around the world. The Chilean sea bass is braised in a hot and sour shrimp stock with Asian vegetables while the sea scallops travel from New Bedford to be grilled over hickory and oak and served with risotto and mushroom butter. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
GALATOIRE'S RESTAURANT
209 Bourbon St., 525-2021; www.galatoires.com
Though this landmark Creole restaurant seems impervious to change, the wine list has recently been completely overhauled to add many new choices to accompany the kitchen's shrimp remoulade, crabmeat maison, trout meuniere, oysters Rockefeller and lamb chops béarnaise. Chef Brian Landry has also added a few new menu items recently, including sweetbreads and roasted duck. Reservations accepted for the upstairs dining room. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$
GUMBO SHOP
640 St. Peter St., 525-1486; www.gumboshop.com
Soaring ceilings and a lush courtyard set the scene at this modern French Quarter classic. Most meals begin with one of the kitchen's namesake gumbos and while the jambalaya, etouffée and po-boys are popular options some lesser-known gems include the alligator sauce piquant and the chicken espagnole simmered in a brown sauce with mushrooms, shallots, wine and garlic. Reservations for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
HARD ROCK CAFÉ
415 N. Peters St., 529-5617; www.hardrock.com
Just like the rock 'n' roll that inspires the décor and theme of this international chain, some of the mainstays of the menu are also American classics. The Legendary Burger is made with 10 oz. of beef, plus bacon and cheddar. The Jumbo Combo delivers an array of popular starters including Santa Fe spring rolls, hickory-smoked chicken wings, onion rings, potato skins and Tupelo chicken tenders, all served with four different sauces. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards $$
HOUSE OF BLUES
225 Decatur St., 310-4999; www.hob.com
Performers from around the world visit the House of Blues, but in the large entertainment complex's kitchen, the star attractions usually have a local Southern and New Orleans pedigree. The voodoo shrimp come with rosemary cornbread and Dixie beer reduction, the Creole jambalaya is plumped out with shrimp, chicken, tasso ham and andouille and the Tennessee-style slow-smoked baby back ribs are served with a Jim Beam barbecue sauce. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
IRENE'S CUISINE
539 St. Philip St., 529-8811
The aromas of garlic and rosemary drift from the kitchen to the street to whet the appetite even before guests enter this romantic Italian restaurant. Once inside, settle in for a cioppino enhanced with local redfish and shrimp plus clams and mussels in spicy tomato and fennel broth on a bed of fresh pasta or cannelloni al forno stuffed with veal, pork, cheese and eggplant. Reservations for parties of five or more. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
JAZZ TACOS
307 Exchange Alley, 872-0015
Familiar fare like tacos and tostadas are done Honduran-style at this tiny, family-run operation nestled along a quiet, stone-lined pedestrian alley in the heart of the French Quarter. Enchiladas are made with corn tortillas bulging with beef and topped with tomato sauce and cheese. Fajitas, pupusas, quesadillas and burritos are also popular choices. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Cash only. $
JEAN LAFITTE'S RENDEZVOUS
240 Bourbon St., 523-6820; www.jeanlafittesrendezvous.com
Named for a swashbuckler from New Orleans history, this bustling eatery serves up treasure troves of the seafood and other dishes that have made the city famous. Entrées range from zesty New Orleans barbecue shrimp served over garlic mashed potatoes to the Cajun rib-eye, which is seasoned with Cajun spices and blackened in a skillet. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$$
JIMMY BUFFETT'S MARGARITAVILLE CAFÉ
1104 Decatur St., 592-2565; www.margaritaville.com
The lifestyle and legacy of Jimmy Buffett is the theme of this large, playful eatery, and the kitchen is devoted to Gulf Coast and Southern cooking. The Jamaican jerk chicken is a spicy island version of barbecue and the shrimp fried in coconut butter is sweet and savory all at once. The shrimp and lobster scampi is tossed with a zesty sauce, penne pasta and Parmesan cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
JOHNNY'S PO-BOYS
511 St. Louis St., 524-8129
A neighborhood joint in the heart of the bustling Vieux Carré, Johnny's serves bargain breakfasts and hearty po-boys daily. Johnny's muffuletta is enhanced with a homemade olive salad and seeded bread from Leidenheimer Baking Co. Johnny's po-boy special combines ham with roast beef and gravy on a 12-inch French bread loaf. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $
K-PAUL'S LOUISIANA KITCHEN
416 Chartres St., 524-7394; www.kpauls.com
The restaurant that launched the culinary legend of chef Paul Prudhomme continues to be one of the most popular dining destinations in New Orleans. While Prudhomme remains in charge, daily kitchen supervision falls to his protégé, chef Paul Miller, whose blackened pork chops are stuffed with cheese and basil, then finished with mushrooms and Zinfandel. The turtle soup and gumbo plump with house-made andouille are classics. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
KRYSTAL
116 Bourbon St., 523-4030; www.krystal.com
Tiny Krystal burgers slide down easy and this quick-serve eatery serves them in boundless quantities every day. The menu also offers hot dogs, corn dogs and breakfast items around the clock for whenever the urge strikes. For a feast on the go, try a Scrambler with eggs, grits, sausage and cheese all layered together in a cup. No reservations. Open 24-hours. Credit cards. $
LA BOUCHERIE COFFEE HOUSE & CAFÉ
339 Chartres St., 581-6868; www.laboucheriecoffeehouse.com
A series of interconnecting rooms lures visitors through this casually elegant coffeehouse and lunch spot. The baristas serve a complete line of coffee drinks and an array of teas, plus pastries and sweets for breakfast or a midday nibble. The lunch crowd comes for daily specials, salads and sandwiches like the Conti club, which layers house-roasted turkey breast, smoked bacon, Swiss and cheddar cheese on wheat bread. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $
LANDRY'S
400 N. Peters St., 558-0038; www.landrysseafoodhouse.com
The menu at this popular national seafood chain bulges with seemingly endless choices, from local dishes like seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffée, shrimp remoulade and baked oysters Rockefeller to Maine lobsters and Alaskan king crabs. A range of fish dishes feature everything from salmon and halibut to mahi mahi, redfish, flounder and catfish. Steaks, pork chops and pasta dishes offer land-based options. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LAZY RIVER
600 Decatur St., Suite 101, Jax Brewery Millhouse, first floor, 588-2853; www.patobriens.com/lazyriverneworleans.html
Southern food and hospitality invite even the most motivated Quarter visitor to sit for a lazy spell at this riverfront restaurant. Hang out on the terrace and watch the ships go by or grab a table inside to try the mango margarita, the muffuletta made on focaccia bread, spicy meat pies, crawfish bread or roast beef po-boys. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $
LOUISIANA BISTRO
337 Dauphine St., 525-3335; www.myspace.com/louisianabistroLouisiana
Bistro showcases contemporary Louisiana cuisine with a twist. Though the menu changes frequently, some popular dishes include the Creole surf and turf combining pan-seared filet mignon with crawfish tail scampi and the alligator tenderloin scallopini with a wine and caper veloute. Simply order the "feed me" dinner for a tour of the chef's current inspirations. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN
95 French Market Place, 522-9500
Overlooking the French Market, the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen is a causal spot for gourmet pizza and pasta. The Four Seasons Pizza is a pie with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, snow peas, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The chicken roulade is a chicken breast stuffed with andouille and crawfish dressing served over fettuccine and topped with a tomato and basil cream sauce. There is also a large menu of salads, pita wraps, calzones and pasta dishes. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine list. Reservations for large parties only. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MANGO MANGO
201 Bourbon St.; 236 Bourbon St.; 333 Bourbon St.; 400 Bourbon St.; 524-0114; www.mangodaiquiris.com
Belly up to the bar at Mango Mango for the double delight of a daiquiri and a slice of pizza to go. Some other options for anytime munchies at these Bourbon Street pit stops include hot soft pretzels. The drink menu runs from the namesake mango daiquiri to blue raspberry to the potent 190 Antifreeze. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
MEAUXBAR BISTRO
942 N. Rampart St., 569-9979
This intimate corner café combines French bistro classics, Louisiana ingredients and some Asian touches for a creative and appealing cuisine all its own. First courses range from salad lyonnaise to yellowfin tuna carpaccio to ginger crawfish dumplings. The list of entrées could include a classic steak frites with sauce au poivre or poached mahi mahi in lemongrass nage. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
MÉLANGE
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal St., 524-1331; www.ritzcarlton.com
Begin a meal at this opulent hotel restaurant by tackling the trio of crab, which combines a serving of crabmeat imperial, a crab cake with remoulade sauce and a Napoleon of crabmeat, avocado with cilantro and hot sauce and diced tomato with red onion and basil. The redfish is blackened and served with a decadent saffron crab risotto and shrimp bisque sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Thu.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
MR. B'S BISTRO
201 Royal St., 523-2078; www.mrbsbistro.com
Mr. B's combines traditional and creative Creole cooking and is known for its shell-on version of New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp and its Gumbo Ya Ya with chicken and andouille in a smoky roux. Dinner entrées range from Gulf fish grilled on a wood-fire grill to filet mignon to duck risotto. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
MONA LISA RESTAURANT
1212 Royal St., 522-6746
A French Quarter favorite for more than 20 years, Mona Lisa serves pizza and pasta dishes in a cozy café setting. Specialty pizzas include barbecue chicken, the Mediterranean with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, black olives and garlic and the Hawaiian with pineapple and ham. The white pizza option is topped with garlic and Mona Lisa's also serves dishes like eggplant Parmesan. Reservations for six or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE
One Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 566-0221; www.mortons.com
Morton's is known for generous portions of USDA prime beef. The Cajun rib-eye steak is a 16-oz. cut marinated for 60 hours in Cajun seasonings. Maine lobsters are flown in daily and are split down the middle of the tail, baked and served with drawn butter. Other steakhouse favorites range from iceberg salads with blue cheese dressing or Caesar salads to big porterhouses or New York strips. For dessert, plan early for a chocolate, lemon, raspberry or Grand Marnier souffle. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
MURIEL'S JACKSON SQUARE
801 Chartres St., 568-1885; www.muriels.com
Freshly baked breads begin meals at this elegant and stately restaurant on the border of Jackson Square. Sautéed shrimp with a fennel Herbsaint cream or the salad Midi with champagne marinated tomatoes, basil, avocado and feta cheese are popular first courses. The cassoulet with duck confit and andouille sausage, the wood-grilled rib-eye steak or the seared tuna with wasabi vinaigrette are some of the entrée options. October features a special menu of oyster dishes. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
NAPOLEON HOUSE
500 Chartres St., 524-9752; www.napoleonhouse.com
A famous landmark in a neighborhood full of historic buildings, Napoleon House stands out for its quintessential French Quarter atmosphere, specialty drinks like the singularly refreshing Pimm's Cup and menu of tavern fare for a meal or a snack. Sit in the lush courtyard or by one of the open French doors and sample the muffuletta, Greek salad or bruschetta topped with garlic, mozzarella, tomato and pesto. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Wed. Credit cards. $
N'AWLINS FLAVA CAFÉ
830 N. Rampart St., 324-6420; www.nawlinsflavacafe.com
Drop by this cozy joint in the mornings for spicy breakfast burritos, shrimp and grits or peanut butter and jelly pancakes. Lunch and dinner choices include the country soul food sampler with fried chicken, ham hock, chitlins, oxtail, rice, red beans, greens, yams and cornbread. Delivery available in the French Quarter. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Cash only. $$
NOLA RESTAURANT
534 St. Louis St., 522-6652; www.emerils.com
Emeril Lagasse set the standard for modern day celebrity chefs and his French Quarter outpost demonstrates some of the kitchen chops that helped propel him to fame and fortune. Start a meal here with the roasted clams and apple-smoked bacon in beer broth with focaccia, caper aioli and crispy veal sweetbreads before tackling the grilled pork porterhouse with brown sugar-glazed sweet potatoes. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
OCEANA GRILL
739 Conti St., 525-6002; www.oceanagrill.com
Seafood is the specialty at this colorful café just off Bourbon Street. The redfish Amer is topped with a crawfish cream sauce and the chef's La Boheme special tops grilled ahi tuna with New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp. Fried seafood like catfish and oysters come in po-boys or on platters with jambalaya and a vegetable on the side. Try the smoked duck or garlic filet mignon for meatier meals. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
OLD COFFEE POT RESTAURANT
714 St. Peter St., 524-3500
The Old Coffee Pot is one of the few restaurants where diners can still find the traditional Creole rice cakes called calas, a breakfast treat sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with syrup. Breakfast also features eggs Jonathan, a variation on eggs Benedict that adds tomato and shrimp. Lunch and dinner deliver an array of local fried seafood and other crowd-pleasers like gumbo, crawfish etouffée, shrimp Creole, bread pudding and bourbon pecan pie. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Mon., dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
OLIVIER'S CREOLE RESTAURANT
204 Decatur St., 525-7734; www.olivierscreole.com
The Creole rabbit with oyster dressing is a perennial favorite at Olivier's. Starters include a gumbo sampler (three kinds) and new potatoes with caviar. Entrées include classic shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffée and Creole rabbit. For dessert, try homemade bread pudding or fruit cobbler. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Credit cards. $$
ORLEANS GRAPEVINE WINE BAR AND BISTRO
720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930; www.orleansgrapevine.com
Duck into this urbane hideaway just behind St. Louis Cathedral for creative bistro cuisine and one of the city's largest selections of wine by the glass. Pick your favorite vintage and then dig into plates of calamari served with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives and green onions in a Dijon-vermouth beurre blanc, an entrée of pan-seared ahi tuna crusted with sesame or the double-cut pork chop with a sweet potato and wild boar sausage hash on the side. Reservations accepted. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$$
PAILLARD'S RESTAURANT
717 Orleans Ave., 523-2222 ext. 6001; www.bourbonorleans.com
The signature restaurant of the Bourbon Orleans hotel, Paillard's serves a combination of down-home Southern cooking and contemporary cuisine. Dishes range from the gumbo of the day to the Asian-accented seared ahi tuna with sesame glaze over cucumber salad. The popular steamed mussels are augmented with andouille in a fresh herb and wine broth and the braised lamb shank has rosemary jus, tabbouleh and grilled squash. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
PALACE CAFE
605 Canal St., 523-1661; www.palacecafe.com
Located in the beautiful Weirlein building, Palace Café is an elegant standout among the bustle on Canal Street. Sidewalk café seating offers a pleasant al fresco dining option in cool fall weather. Chef Darin Nesbit's menu features contemporary Creole cuisine including stuffed rabbit, crabmeat cheesecake and Gulf fish dishes. One of the café's signature dishes is the pepper-crusted duck breast fanned out over a citrus confit salad and topped with seared Hudson Valley foie gras. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
PALM COURT JAZZ CAFÉ
1204 Decatur St., 525-0200; www.palmcourtjazzcafé.com
The Palm Court offers the winning combination of traditional New Orleans jazz and Creole cooking. Starters include gumbo with chicken, andouille and okra. Equally traditional fare like shrimp Creole is popular at the supper club. Entrées include crawfish Nantua, in which crawfish tails are flamed in a brandy cream sauce and served over rice with a green vegetable. The grilled rib-eye steak is served with green peppercorn sauce and English-style roasted potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$
PAT O'BRIEN'S COURTYARD RESTAURANT
624 Bourbon St., 525-4823; www.patobriens.com
World famous for its hurricane cocktail, its courtyard setting and its rollicking piano bar, Pat O'Brien's kitchen also does its part to maintain the legacy of this French Quarter landmark. Choices include traditional dishes like shrimp Creole and crawfish etouffée, snacks like fried alligator and fare such as grilled fish and penne pasta topped with Gulf shrimp. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
PELICAN CLUB
312 Exchange Place, 523-1504; www.pelicanclub.com
Elegant dining rooms and a stately bar greet guests at this contemporary Creole restaurant. A popular starter is the seafood martini, a fresh mix of Maine lobster, jumbo lump crabmeat and Gulf shrimp with a jicama salad and eight-herb ravigote all served in a martini glass. The trio of duck entrée offers portions of duck confit, barbequed duck and duck breast with dirty rice and warm cranberry orange port sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
PERISTYLE RESTAURANT
1041 Dumaine St., 593-9535; www.peristylerestaurant.com
This modern Vieux Carre classic is a destination for contemporary Creole cuisine in a beautiful and sophisticated ambience. Chef Tom Wolfe's crispy veal sweetbreads are lightly pan-fried and set on a confit leek fricassee with fennel and garlic reduction. The Gulf fish amandine comes piled with toasted almond, wilted leek-potato hash and garlic-sautéed Louisiana greens. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
PETUNIA'S
817 St. Louis St., 522-6440; www.petuniasrestaurant.com
This cozy Quarter café specializes in enormous crepes named after saints (Marie, Michael, Peter and James), each offering a choice of meats, sauces, cheese and vegetables. The menu boasts many Cajun dishes from jambalaya to blackened steak, plus a few offbeat creations like the shrimp Barataria with a smothering curry and dill sauce over rice. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
PORT OF CALL
838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120; www.portofcallneworleans.com
The reason people line up and wait for a table at Port of Call is its famously huge burger. Pick a few toppings, decide what you want on your baked potato and then ready yourself for the daunting dining challenge of actually clearing your plate. The kitchen also prepares steaks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
RALPH & KACOO'S
519 Toulouse St., 522-5226; www.ralphandkacoos.com
Ralph & Kacoo's original restaurant in the French Quarter serves local specialties such as shrimp remoulade, seafood gumbo and grilled redfish Atchafalaya topped with crawfish etouffée. Entrées include delicately grilled mahi mahi and certified Black Angus steaks. Reservations accepted for large groups. Lunch Sat.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
RED FISH GRILL
115 Bourbon St., 598-1200; www.redfishgrill.com
Fresh Gulf fish and shellfish are the main attraction at this end of Bourbon Street. There's a raw oyster bar to enjoy a dozen on the half shell before settling in at a table. The hickory-grilled redfish is topped with blue crab meat and lemon butter sauce and complemented by tasso and mushroom lyonnaise potatoes. For dessert, the double chocolate bread pudding is a rich, dark semi-sweet chocolate bread pudding with a white and dark chocolate ganache and chocolate almond bark. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
RIB ROOM
621 St. Louis St., 529-7045; www.omniroyalorleans.com
The Rib Room stands as a delicious tribute to the golden age of grand hotel dining, delivering high-end meals with all the elegant trimmings. Slow-roasted meats, including prime rib and rotisserie chicken, are house specialties. Roasted prime rib au jus is served with a baked potato and the sautéed seafood platter includes Gulf fish, crab cakes with a meuniere sauce and wilted spinach. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
ROTOLO'S PIZZERIA
201 Decatur St., 948-3287; www.frenchquarterpizza.com
All your favorite pizza options are on offer at this airy, colorful pizza parlor, plus pastas, sandwiches, salads and bar snacks. A nod to local food traditions is the muffuletta pizza, which includes pepperoni, salami, Canadian bacon, olive salad and mozzarella cheese. New to the menu are the roasted vegetable sandwich with melted provolone and the roasted turkey sandwich with house-made chipotle mayo. Delivery available in the French Quarter and limited areas. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
ROYAL BLEND
621 Royal St., 523-2716
See Metairie listing for restaurant description.
SALT & PEPPER
400 Iberville St., 561-6070
Though it might look like many a quick-serve joint from the outside, this unassuming eatery cooks up aromatic dishes and halal meals from Pakistani and Indian cuisines with seasonings quite a bit more exotic than just salt and pepper. The biryani is made with long grain basmati rice cooked with saffron, Indian spices and your choice of chicken or goat while the samosas are thoroughly spiced and fried crispy. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SEAFOOD & COMPANY
1005 Canal St., 566-1656
Take a stroll down Canal Street to check out the recently completed civic beautification projects along the wide, historic boulevard and stop into Seafood & Company for a classic New Orleans meal along the way. This casual, family-friendly eatery serves po-boys, seafood plates, big bowls of gumbo, burgers and steaks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Cash only. $
SEKISUI SAMURAI
239 Decatur St., 525-9595; www.sekisuiusa.com
Some of the specials at this Vieux Carre sushi bar have more to do with Louisiana flavors than Japanese traditions. One delicious example is the Decatur roll with spicy crawfish, fresh garlic and cilantro rolled up with seared white tuna. The ocean pyramid special appetizer is an edible sculpture of tuna, salmon, yellowtail and green and orange tobiko, plus avocado and ponzu sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SIDEBAR CAFÉ
620 Conti St., 681-0911
Sidebar is a hip, colorfully decorated corner café with doors opening to Exchange Alley and a great selection of beers at the bar. The menu options range from fish tacos made with mahi mahi and topped with corn chutney to burgers and Creole white beans with andouille sausage. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
STAR STEAK & LOBSTER
237 Decatur St., 525-6151; www.starsteak.com
Maine lobster and steaks are the bread and butter at this unpretentious Decatur Street eatery. A house special is the 16-oz. prime rib with baked potato, soup or salad for $16.95. Another sure bet is the filet mignon with shrimp, crawfish, crabmeat and lobster stuffing, all topped with red wine mushroom sauce. A wide range of local seafood dishes round out the menu. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ
Toulouse Street Wharf, 586-8777; www.steamboatnatchez.com
The delights of a river cruise on this authentic steamboat include panoramic views, tales from New Orleans history, live jazz music and on-board dining. Prime rib au jus is one specialty, as is the praline chicken marinated in Italian seasonings, white wine and olive oil, baked and topped with Southern pecan sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $
STELLA!
1032 Chartres St., 587-0091; www.restaurantstella.com
The restaurant's name may be a New Orleans literary reference (think streetcars, desire, etc.), but local chef Scott Boswell's cuisine draws influences from around the globe, especially Asia. Some recent highlights from the ever-changing menu included crisp veal and shrimp gyoza dumplings with tempura shiso leaf and spicy peanut sauce and beer-battered Hawaiian sunfish with sweet potato purée, curried taro root chips and spicy red chili caramel. Reservations recommended. Dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $$$
TONY MORAN'S RESTAURANT
240 Bourbon St., 523-4640; www.ruebourbon.com
Located in the historic Old Absinthe House, Tony Moran's combines classic Italian favorites and New Orleans seafood with unmistakable French Quarter ambiance. Oysters with pancetta marries local bivalves with Italian bacon for an irresistible appetizer. Popular entrées include pappardelle with mushrooms, peas, prosciutto and cream and Gulf fish topped with lump crabmeat and lemon-butter sauce. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
TUJAGUE'S RESTAURANT
823 Decatur St., 525-8676; www.tujagues.com
After 150 years in business down by the French Market, Tujague's remains one of the city's culinary Creole touchstones. The restaurant's famous five-course table d'hote dinner service starts with shrimp remoulade then moves on to soup, brisket of beef with horseradish sauce and a choice of entrées including steak, fish and local shellfish. Dessert and coffee follow. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
VERTI MARTE
1201 Royal St., 525-4767; www.vertimarte.com
Always open and always reliable for a filling, inexpensive meal, this corner deli has been keeping the French Quarter fed at all hours for many years. One of its signature sandwiches is called All That Jazz and includes a medley of grilled ham, turkey and shrimp with Swiss and American cheeses plus grilled mushrooms and tomatoes on grilled French bread with "Wow" sauce. Deli-case favorites include chicken Creole, Cajun red beans, barbecue brisket or ribs and lasagna. Limited delivery. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $
ZYDECO BBQ AND ROADHOUSE
808 Iberville St., 565-5520; www.zydecobbq.com
Deep South barbecue traditions meet Louisiana Cajun cooking at this offbeat eatery. The St. Louis spare ribs offer pork ribs dry-rubbed with Cajun spices and slow-smoked with hickory and pecan wood. Cochon de lait is brined in marinade, treated to a dry rub of seasonings and smoked. The menu also includes jambalaya, gumbo and salads loaded with barbecued meat. Delivery available in CBD and French Quarter. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $
Bywater | CBD | Carrollton/University | Citywide | Faubourg Marigny | French Quarter
Harahan/Jefferson/River Ridge | Kenner | Lakefreont/Eastern New Orleans | Lakeview |
Metairie | Mid-City/Treme/Gentilly | Northshore | Outskirts |
St. Bernard | Slidell | Uptown | Warehouse District | West Bank
