CAFÉ

BAYOU COFFEE HOUSE & Café
326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., 484-7390; www.bayoucoffeehouse.com
This quaint coffee shop overlooking Bayou St. John is nestled in a comfy cottage, from which springs coffee, pastries, desserts and more. Two of the more popular desserts are the brownies and the bananas Foster cheesecake. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m. weekdays and Sunday and all day Saturday. The $4 weekday breakfast special covers the bases with two eggs, bacon, grits and toast. Lunch features salads and sandwiches, chicken and shrimp pasta, pizzas and wraps as well as daily specials. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


BEAN GALLERY
637 N. Carrollton Ave., 324-8176
Near City Park, Bean Gallery offers espresso, iced coffee drinks and strong, thick Turkish coffee. There are bagels, muffins, croissants and egg sandwiches for breakfast, including the Italian sausage and egg sandwich with cheddar cheese. For lunch, try the panini sandwiches, including the popular turkey and roasted red pepper, and the prosciutto and asparagus. Desserts feature carrot and chocolate cake, along with a small selection of gelato including old favorites like chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, strawberry and coffee. Mango sorbet and tiramisu gelato were recently added. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $


BECK-N-CALL CAFÉ
534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 875-9390
Traditional items get a twist at Beck-N-Call Café, where a turkey club comes layered with hickory-smoked turkey, crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, Romaine leaves, tomato and honey mustard on soft honey-wheat bread. Daily specials include crawfish etouffée and housemade lasagna. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


BLUE PLATE CAFÉ
1330 Prytania St., 309-9500
Blue ceramic-tiled tables and decorative plates make for a festive atmosphere at this cute café, but the real eye-opener is the food. A full breakfast menu offers something for everyone, from fluffy, veggie-stuffed omelets to three varieties of pancakes to quiche and breakfast burritos. If lunch is what you're after, try one of the homemade soups or daily specials. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat. Credit cards. $


BLUE TOMATO
4401 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 734-3000;
Popular for its eclectic mix of dishes and kitschy decor, this Jefferson Highway cantina-with-a-twist features Mexican food such as fajitas and carnitas, alongside classic American burgers, pizza and pasta. Blue Tomato has also recently added a few new dishes, including smoked ribs served with a side of pineapple baked beans and coleslaw, and a yellowfin tuna entrée. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


BLUEBIRD CAFÉ
3625 Prytania St., 895-7166
Come early for such staples as buckwheat pancakes, waffles and eggs. At lunchtime, burgers, fish sandwiches and salads take center stage. Don't miss the popular huevos rancheros, which pile up corn tortillas, black beans and fried eggs with ranchero sauce, cheese and salsa. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $


BRICK OVEN CAFÉ
2805 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-2097
For more than 10 years, Brick Oven Café has offered an extensive menu of gourmet pizza, fish, beef, chicken and veal in classic New Orleans-Italian style. The Brick Oven filet is a 10-oz. grilled steak grilled to order and topped with garlic butter. The redfish piccata is a broiled fillet topped with grilled shrimp and crawfish lemon-butter sauce, all served over angel hair pasta in marinara sauce. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


THE BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
200 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-3388; www.anotherbrokenegg.com
Huge specialty omelets stuffed with everything under the sun are the toast of breakfast at the Broken Egg. The Southern Crab Stack piles a crab cake on a grits cake and adds andouille and shrimp cream sauce. Also consider the stuffed French toast: brioche bread laden with pastry cream, fresh berries and whipped cream. For dessert, try the classic bananas Foster bread pudding. Reservations accepted weekdays. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $$


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 generously seasoned hamburger steak. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFÉ 59
1931 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, 727-1120; www.internationalrollsplus.com
Don't expect your typical café when you stop by Café 59 in Mandeville. There is an eclectic menu complete with breakfast offerings like Alexis' Wake-Up Yogurt Banana Split and Eggs and Benedict Caribbean Style. For lunch, there's a Baja fish taco with grilled catfish, topped with Baja sauce, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, lime and served with beans, salsa verde and chips. Dinner features dishes like Asian-Cajun shrimp fried rice and crawfish pasta. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Tues.-Wed, Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ BEIGNET
311 Bourbon St., 525-2611; 334B Royal St., 524-5530; 819 Decatur St., 522-9929; www.cafebeignet.com
With three locations in the French Quarter, it's hard to miss out on the variety of New Orleans favorites including fresh beignets crawfish cakes. Cajun hashbrowns combine andouille sausage, potatoes, bell peppers and red onion and come with French bread and scrambled eggs. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ D'CAPPUCCINO
4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-2299
This busy little café offers many hearty options to start the day. Eddie's breakfast plate delivers eggs, bacon or sausage, grits and your pick of toast or biscuit. Dolph's wrap is filled with egg and cheese plus bacon or sausage. The menu for lunch and dinner offers an array of wraps, burgers and sandwiches, as well as a popular homemade chicken salad. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFÉ ENVIE
1241 Decatur St., 524-3689; www.myspace.com/envienola
French doors lining the Barracks Street side of this corner café are open in good weather, making it a breezy, inviting spot to relax with a newspaper or work on a laptop. Coffee drinks and a full bar complement sandwiches, bagels and a changing variety of pastries. The kitchen offers breakfast dishes like Eggs Envie and gourmet quiches filled with salmon, Guyere and crumbled bacon or apple and sausage. There's wireless Internet as well. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ FLEUR DE LIS
307 Chartres St., 529-9641
At this sunny French Quarter spot, the classic muffaletta gets a makeover as a hot, crispy pressed panini sandwich. Omelets stuffed with crawfish tails and other inventive takes on New Orleans classics make the early-morning menu stand out. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ FRERET
7329 Freret St., 861-7890
Casual and comfortable with plenty of outdoor seating, Café Freret puts its own spin on familiar favorites. The voodoo burger is a half-pound patty with sautéed onions and mushrooms smothered in the house "Bomb" sauce and topped with bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Creole mayo. Another popular choice is the thick muffuletta with olive salad. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Fri.-Wed., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ LATTE II
2324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-6343
It's easy to make this café part of your regular workday routine with breakfast in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. Check out the chicken quesadillas with red onions, chicken, black beans and tomatoes served in a wheat tortilla. The chicken salad wrap is filled with homemade chicken salad and fresh ingredients. No reservations. Breakfast Tue.-Fri., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ MINH
4139 Canal St., 482-6266
Chef Minh Bui moved his signature French-Vietnamese fusion dishes to Café Minh in November 2006. For starters, try the shrimp dumplings, coconut shrimp or crabmeat and sweet corn soup. Summer rolls of shrimp, avocado, cucumber, cilantro and rice noodles are wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut-citrus dipping sauce. The medallions of pork tenderloin are prepared with a tamarind glaze and served with a ginger sweet potato mash. For dessert, the poached pear is marinated in Shiraz and finished with Saigon cinnamon. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ PONTCHARTRAIN AT TREASURE CHEST CASINO
5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, (800) 298-0711; www.treasurechest.com
Need a little something to tide you over between black jack hands? Stop by the buffet for hot daily specials like chicken-fried steak, hot tamales, red beans and rice or spaghetti and meatballs. Or try one of the daily specials such as barbecue beef brisket special. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ RANI
2917 Magazine St., 895-2500
Café Rani spans the culinary globe, from Thai flavors to Jamaican jerk chicken, sashimi-style tuna to Southwestern-style burgers. New Orleans barbecue shrimp is a popular appetizer. Starters made to share include spinach and artichoke dip and a medley of hummus, black olive tapanade and feta cheese served with warm wheat pita. There's also a version of the popular New Orleans pasta dish Crawfish Monica. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ ROSE NICAUD
634 Frenchmen St., 949-3300
Cushy leather armchairs beside picture windows overlooking busy Frenchmen Street are an ideal place to perch with a steaming latte and a newspaper. A wide variety of espresso drinks and teas complement salads, sandwiches, soups, quiches and bagels served with an array of gourmet spreads. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ ROYALE
3343 Metairie Road, Metairie, 304-8438
Fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner choices make Café Royale a great stop whether you dine in or grab a bite to go. The Thai chicken salad is flavored with almonds and spicy peanut and ginger dressings over romaine lettuce. Tuesday's special is veal pot roast, cooked until tender and served with mashed potatoes, salad and garlic bread. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ SATORA
3749 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 832-1444
New owners have transformed Café Satora from a coffee-and-sandwich shop to a full-service restaurant with a bar and happy hour. The menu features sandwiches, salads and hot-pressed paninis as well as daily specials like cabbage rolls and red beans and rice. If you're jonesing for caffeine, order one of the popular iced cappuccinos or other specialty coffee drinks. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFFE ANGELINA
5024 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 889-7770
This casual, family-run Italian restaurant serves fresh, homemade foods, including a large selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and dinner entrées. Roast beef Angelina features tender roast beef dressed with lettuce, tomato, onions, sprouts, sweet peppers, avocado and creamy horseradish sauce on ciabatta bread. The muffuletta is a traditional sandwich of imported salami, mortadella, ham, Swiss cheese and olive salad on Italian bread. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFFE! CAFFE!
3900 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 727-4222; 4301 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 885-4845; www.caffecaffe.com
Coffee worth shouting over is just one of the things you'll find at Caffe! Caffe! Savory salad options abound. The avocado salad on romaine lettuce is mixed with gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, orange segments, red onions and mango vinaigrette. Lunch offerings include two daily soup specials, sandwiches, salads and quiche. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CELLARS OF RIVER RIDGE
1801 Dickory Ave., Harahan, 734-8455; www.cellarsrr.com
A long list of sandwiches, salads, burgers, quesadillas and fajitas comprise an extensive menu of homemade items. A traditional Reuben is corned beef piled high with grilled sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on the side. The Philly cheese steak and shrimp remoulade on French bread are popular choices. New menu items include an Asian salad with seared sashimi-grade tuna and sesame vinaigrette. The heart-attack burger starts with a half-pound of beef and hot sausage and adds apple-smoked bacon, cheddar pepper Jack and Swiss, grilled onions and fried egg. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CHATEAU COFFEE HOUSE AND CAFÉ
139 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-1777; 3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner, 465-9444; East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 888-0601
The coffeehouse serves freshly baked pastries, hot and iced coffee as well a wide range of lunch and dinner items including specialty wraps, burgers, quesadillas, salads and signature sandwiches. Daily specials include choices like etouffée, barbecued pork sandwiches or mahi mahi. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Hours vary by location. Credit cards and checks. $


CHRISTY'S PO-BOYS
1102 Stumpf Blvd., Gretna, 368-6498
Po-boys meet eclectic Spanish fare at this West Bank eatery, including the ever-popular pressed Cuban sandwiches of pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Traditional Spanish dishes include the Friday and Saturday special of stewed oxtails served over rice with plantains. Or try the 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. $


COFFEE COTTAGE
5860 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 818-0052
This quaint café's menu offers breakfast items like bagels, muffins and a host of special omelets. Midday meal choices include crawfish pasta smothered in spicy pepper cream sauce and the portobello wrap with Swiss, onions, spring mix and carrots. Dinner entrées include pan-fried catfish with a Creole pecan-butter sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


COFFEE COVE
3431 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 780-9445
Whether it's a caffeine jolt or a bite to eat you're after, you'll find it at the Coffee Cove. Enjoy a pastry or cookie with a frothy cappuccino. There is a full lunch menu of sandwiches, wraps and salads. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


COFFEE RANI
234 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 893-6158
There's more than coffee being served at this heart-healthy Northshore café. Grilled shrimp are served on a bed of mixed greens with raisins, apples and curry dressing. Looking to slim down for spring? There's a low-carb menu and Rani Watchers selections, which are assigned a Weight Watchers-like point system. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


COMMON GROUNDS
335 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 227-2200
Downtown Gretna's Common Grounds is a popular spot for a leisurely breakfast. There's everything from eggs and bacon to waffles and bagels. Later in the day, there's fried seafood and sandwiches, tuna steaks and beef steaks hand-cut in-house. The spacious patio has plenty of room for a relaxing meal during pleasant weather. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $


COVENANT CAFÉ
1515 Poydras St., 522-3335; www.covenanthouseno.org
Covenant Café covers all the bases with its brief breakfast menu and offers a wide range of sandwiches, wraps and salads for lunch. The morning starts with bagels, pastries, pancakes and breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, sausage or ham. Sandwich options range from pesto chicken or turkey on wheat to cheeseburgers to the panini-style Blue Mambo with grilled chicken breast, blue cheese and purple onion. The Orient Express salad serves grilled chicken over greens, shredded carrots and Chinese noodles tossed in sesame ginger dressing. The Café supports Covenant House. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Cash only. $


CREPES á LA CART
1039 Broadway St., 866-2362; www.crepesalacarts.com
For a quick lunch or a midnight pig-out, this hole-in-the-wall creperie has you covered. The signature á la Cart crepe is stuffed with grilled chicken, ham, spinach, broccoli, red onions, mushrooms and cheese with a drizzle of honey mustard. The sweet trifle crepe has strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, chocolate chips and angel food cake sprinkled with brown sugar and cream. Breakfast, coffee and frozen drinks are available all day long. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


CROISSANT D'OR
617 Ursulines St., 524-4663
A tiny Parisian oasis on a quiet side street, Croissant d'Or's sweet and savory pastries are worth their weight in gold. Try a crusty housemade baguette, savory pastries smothered in béchamel, or light-as-air éclairs stuffed with rich chocolate cream. The interior courtyard is a charming al fresco oasis with a fountain. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $


THE DELACHAISE
3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858; www.thedelachaise.com
Inside its tiny, Art Nouveau-styled wedge of a building, the Delachaise pours distinctive wines, liquor and beer from around the world while the kitchen does some of its own globe-trotting. Chef Chris DeBarr serves everything from French fries cooked in duck fat to daily pasta and risotto specials. There are creative small plates and cheese and charcuterie boards. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


THE DELI AT TREASURE CHEST CASINO
5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, (800) 298-0711; www.treasurechest.com
Treasure Chest offers several dining options and The Deli is where you go when you want a good sandwich. There are fried shrimp and hot sausage po-boys as well as hotdogs and hamburgers. Daily specials like red beans and rice, hot tamales and chicken-fried steak change regularly. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


DRY DOCK CAFÉ
133 Delaronde St., 361-8240; www.thedrydockcafe.com
Ride the quaint Algiers Point ferry and drop anchor at this Westbank 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 creamy sauce topped with Parmesan cheese, as well as changing specials like blackened redfish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$


ELIZABETH'S
601 Gallier St., 944-9272; www.elizabeths-restaurant.com
There always seems to be something new cooking at this café, which combines down-home ambiance with creative takes on casual Southern cooking. Blue cheese oysters and boudin balls make tempting starters. Braised rabbit with roasted garlic and seared salmon with pepper and dill relish are popular dinner choices. The kitchen's signature praline bacon is good at breakfast and finds its way into dishes later in the day as well. No reservations. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $


FELLINI'S CAFÉ
900 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-2155
This spacious Mid-City haunt features pastas, sandwiches and pizzas with a heavy Mediterranean influence. For starters, try the spicy tomato dip. The Mediterranean kebabs present a choice of beef, chicken or shrimp and come with a side of hummus and small Greek salad. The chicken portobello roll has fresh red pepper sauce. The newly renovated outdoor patio is ready for spring. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


FLORA GALLERY & COFFEE SHOP
2600 Royal St., 947-8358
There's a bohemian vibe to this cozy café as regulars sip espresso drinks and fresh juice while playing chess, checking out fliers for arty downtown happenings and catching up on neighborhood gossip. The small kitchen offers an eclectic menu of baked goods and lunch fare that ranges from Tex-Mex to Middle Eastern items. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $


FROSTY'S CAFFE
3400 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 888-9600; 2800 Manhattan Blvd., Suite B, Harvey, 361-9099
Frosty's offers a wide variety of signature bubble teas, ranging from sweet and familiar flavors (strawberry or mango) to the more exotic (jasmine green tea with jellied lychee or the avocado shake). For a fusion of French colonial cuisines, try the Vietnamese po-boy. The Metairie location has a larger menu of Vietnamese dishes. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $


GAMBINO'S BAKERY
300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 391-0600; 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-3620; 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. Beyond the sweet thrills of its bakery, The Café at Gambino's (Metairie location) offers plenty of items for a lunchtime nosh, including muffulettas, hot panini sandwiches, salads and gourmet soups. The Gretna location is a bakery only. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


GELATO PAZZO CAFÉ
8115 Oak St., 304-6908; www.gelatopazzo.com
From paninis to homemade gelato, Italian treats abound at Gelato Pazzo. Panini sandwiches are served on grilled ciabatta bread and include the grilled shrimp panini, large Gulf shrimp with mixed greens, grilled Roma tomatoes and house-made fresh basil pesto. Basic gelato favorites like chocolate chip, vanilla and blood orange are always available. Changing specials include flavors like Cherry Mania, made with Smith's creamery milk and Italian Amarena cherries, and layered with Italian chocolate straciatella throughout. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $


GOOD EARTH MARKET AND Café
821 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 674-4329
Good Earth's many wraps on whole-wheat tortillas are a healthy and popular lunch item, but don't overlook the daily specials. There is international appeal in the mix of tacos and dishes like chicken cacciatore, beef stroganoff and Indonesian stew. Tender cochon de lait is made daily. Extra-large salads and a changing selection of soups complete the menu. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


HICKORY CHICKORY CAFÉ
1827 Hickory Ave. Ste. E, Harahan, 738-2220; www.hickorychickorycafe.com
Sometimes the little things set a place apart — like the mini-doughnuts at the kid-friendly Hickory Chicory. Dunk them in coffee or one of the many dipping sauce choices like chocolate, strawberry, caramel, banana, lemon or orange. Vegetarian red beans and rice is available, or add on andouille sausage, which is sautéed with onions, bell peppers and tomato. Hickory also serves homemade soups, panini sandwiches and salads. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


LA BOUCHERIE COFFEE HOUSE & CAFÉ
339 Chartres St., 581-6868
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. 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. $


LA BOULANGERIE
4600 Magazine St., 269-3777
La Boulangerie has moved but is still one of the city's most popular bakeries for fresh baked breads and French pastries like flaky croissants. The menu has expanded and includes more panini sandwiches, small pizzas and salads. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, early dinner Mon.-Sat. Checks. $


LA DIVINA GELATERIA
3005 Magazine St., 258-5313; www.ladivinagelateria.com
At La Divina, gelato and sorbets are made in-house every day from fresh ingredients like strawberries and citrus and imported items like Sicilian pistachios and French chocolate. Try the créme brulée gelato or the plum Beaujolais sorbet. For a meal, panini choices include prosciutto and chevre cheese with a spicy pepper sauce and tuna with artichoke and purple olive tapanade, both on ciabatta bread. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


LA MADELEINE
601 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8662; 3300 Severn Ave., Suite 201, Metairie, 456-1624; 3434 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-7004; 5171 Citrus Blvd., Suite 2000, Harahan, 818-2450; www.lamadeleine.com
A convenient cafeteria-style of service and a menu of French café classics have made the La Madeleine chain a local favorite. There are always American and darker French roast coffees to choose from. The bakery prepares breakfast pastries, potato galettes, salads and sandwiches like the croque monsieur. The tomato-basil soup is a popular hot item. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


LA VITA
3201 Esplanade Ave., 948-0077; www.lavitapizza.com
This casual Italian restaurant from the same group that runs Angeli on Decatur Street and Del Forno offers pizza, salads, calzones, panini sandwiches and pasta dishes. The menu has new items like the arugula salad tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette with shaved Reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil. A popular entrée is the veal Marsala, a 6-oz. pan-seared veal cutlet topped with Marsala wine sauce with sautéed portobello mushrooms. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$


LAFITTE'S CAFÉ
6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 284-7878; www.lafittescafe.com
Lafitte's serves wraps with a wide selection of fillings, burgers and patty melts, salads, sandwiches and baked potatoes. Dig into appetizers such as fried pickles, chili cheese fries and baskets of fried seafood. There's also free wireless Internet. No reservations. Breakfast Sat., lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $


LAKEVIEW BREW COFFEE CAFÉ
5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001
Lakview Brew offers a wide selection of specialty drinks including espresso, cappuccino, several lattes, hot and iced chai tea, hot chocolate and others. Pastries and baked goods are available for breakfast. The lunch menu includes soups, gourmet salads and sandwiches on croissant, in an herb wrap or as a pressed panini. The Brew Roasted Veggie is filled with grilled red and yellow peppers, zucchini, squash, spinach, red onions, mushrooms and Romano cheese. No resesrvations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $


LAUREL STREET BAKERY
5433 Laurel St., 897-0576
Home to the "hottest muffins in town," this patisserie serves a variety of classic bakery fare: bagels (boiled and baked daily), cinnamon rolls, quiche, scones and quick breads including zucchini and banana. Cakes are prepared for all occasions. Lunch choices include sandwiches such as ham and Swiss on a homemade croissant. Outdoor seating is available for sunny days. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $


LORETTA'S TOO/HE-BREW
2101 N. Rampart St., 944-7068; www.lorettaspralines.com
This Marigny corner café bakes a variety of pastries in-house, including blueberry, chocolate-chip, lemon poppy seed and signature carrot "sunrise" muffins. Stop by on Friday afternoons for New Orleans-style lunch specials like fried and baked chicken, stuffed bell peppers and seafood plates. No reservations. Breakfast daily, lunch Fri. Cash only. $


MADDIE'S PLACE
3200 Severn Ave., Suite 108, Metairie, 456-7075
Relax with a cappuccino, cool off with an iced chai or grab a bite at this cozy café on Severn. The European-style coffeehouse serves homemade sandwiches and salads. Maddie's famous chicken salad is made with grilled breast meat, eggs and mayo and is available in a sandwich or on top of a salad. The Swiss turkey salad rests smoked turkey on Romaine and spring mix with Swiss cheese, alfalfa sprouts, cranberries and walnuts dressed with raspberry vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Fri. Credit cards. $


MELIUS CAFÉ
1701 Lake Ave., Metairie, 828-9446
At Melius Café, weekday specials range from red beans and rice with smoked sausage on Monday to roast beef po-boys on Tuesday to taco plates with rice and beans on Thursday. Friday is shrimp po-boy day. Regular sandwich options include the Melius burger, BLTs, patty melts with grilled onions and Swiss cheese, and cheese sandwiches on thick Texas toast. Melius also serves breakfast items like omelets, and eggs and toast. No reservations. Breakfast and dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


MOONLIGHT CAFÉ
1921 Sophie Wright Place, 561-1255
Moonlight reopened to the same kind of night owl hours for which it has long been known, but the new menu focuses on Louisiana and Southern fare. In addition to burgers and salads, look for meats slow-cooked to aromatic goodness in the smoker. Breakfast on the weekends now features dishes like grillades and grits, and biscuits smothered in gravy. No reservations. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$


MUGGS Café
3445 Esplanade Ave., 324-9482
This quaint lunchtime café offers daily lunch specials that rotate out every week. Monday means beans. Tuesday features Italian dishes. Thursday is for beef, and Friday brings seafood. Everyday, the chicken salad is made with grapes and olives. Muggs' slow-cooked garlic roast beef is available as a po-boy or as a plate) also can't be beat. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


NATZ Café
2101 Paris Road, Chalmette, 276-9095; www.flourpowernola.com
Formerly known as Flour Power, the café has preserved its menu of dishes like the Flour Power Salad, which is a salad of mixed greens, goat cheese, fresh sliced strawberries, candied pecans and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It also offers the wonderful Flour Power desserts. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


N'AWLINS FLAVA CAFÉ
830 N. Rampart St., 324-6420; www.nawlinsflavacafe.com
There's plenty of flavor on this café's menu, mixing Cajun, Creole and soul food dishes and also offering burgers and other bites. Garlic shrimp pasta features jumbo shrimp in creamy garlic sauce over pasta with garlic bread and salad on the side. The Country Soulfood Platter rounds up fried chicken, a ham hock, pig feet, chitlins, collard greens, candied yams, dirty rice and cornbread. Delivery available in the French Quarter. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$


OAK STREET CAFÉ
8140 Oak St., 866-8710; www.oakstreetcafe.com
A piano player is usually at work here in the morning, playing bluesy tunes as regulars file in for donuts, coffee and breakfast dishes like the Creole spinach egg nest with poached eggs on a bed of spinach and cream cheese over English muffin halves. Po-boys and daily plate lunch specials are served in the afternoon. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $


PALM COURT JAZZ CAFÉ
1204 Decatur St., 525-0200; www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com
The Palm Court offers a 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. The chicken sardou is served on a bed of creamed spinach over artichokes with oyster sauce. Or try the shrimp ambrosia cooked in fennel and served over spinach pasta. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


PARADISE CAFÉ
3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-4141
Warm up with a cup of cream of cauliflower or zucchini and squash soup. Or dig into barbecued brisket, an avocado stuffed with chicken salad, chicken quesadillas, smoked sausage or pork chops served with white beans and rice. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Fri., lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


PAUL'S CAFÉ
100 E. Pine St., Ponchatoula, (985) 386-9581
Many locals drop into this quaint café for home-cooked breakfasts and lunches of po-boys and blue plate specials like the red beans and rice. Since its in Ponchatoula, home of the annual Strawberry Festival, strawberry daiquiris are always an appropriate beverage choice. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


PUCCINO'S
Lakeside Shopping Center Annex, 17th Street at Severn Ave., Metairie, 835-3151; 5200 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9970; www.lovepuccinos.com
Beyond coffee drinks like the signature Frozen Puccino—a malted coffee and ice cream concoction—and other coffee and tea creations, Puccino's serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. The breakfast menu features omelets, fritattas and the Puccino's buttermilk waffle sandwich with two eggs, cheddar cheese and ham or bacon. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


REFUEL COFFEE AND NOSH
8124 Hampson St., 872-0187
Customers order at the counter and then settle in to the stylish dining room at this casual café. Refuel's breakfast and brunch specialties include corned beef hash, huevos rancheros and some seriously creamy grits. At lunch, the Cuban sandwiches are grilled crisp, and there are entrée plates built around marinated flank steak, tuna and salmon. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat-Sun. Credit cards. $


RENDEZ-VOUS CAFÉ
3001 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 367-6013
Aromatic hookah pipes, coffee drinks and beer and wine are some of the indulgences 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. One new area of the menu features Mediterranean favorites such as hummus and baba ghanoush. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $


RICCOBONO'S PANOLA STREET CAFÉ
7801 Panola St., 314-1810
Regulars rarely need menus at this cozy, family-run café tucked away in the University neighborhood. Some neighbors build their schedules around daily lunch specials like hamburger steaks and fried catfish. At breakfast time, the standard egg and pancake options are augmented by dishes like the crawfish omelet and crab cakes Benedict. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


RIVERSHACK TAVERN
3449 River Road, Jefferson, 834-4938; www.therivershacktavern.com
Long known as a honky tonk with plenty of draft beer and road food, the Rivershack has an ambitious kitchen now, and even the sandwiches are big productions. The Usual Suspects is a grilled deli-style lineup of corned beef, pastrami, debris and Swiss cheese. Weekday lunch specials range from traditional red beans to braised rabbit with spaetzle dumplings to peanut-crusted soft-shell crab with basmati rice and tandoori cream. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


ROYAL BLEND
204 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-7779; 621 Royal St., 523-2716
Royal Blend is more than a coffeeshop. It offers a full range of sandwiches, salads, wraps, weekly specials, plus muffins, pastries and desserts. The baked potato salad and the chicken salad sandwich with bacon and avocado are particular favorites. Baristas make specialty lattes and other caffeinated creations. An impressive indoor magazine stand gives you plenty to read while you nosh and sip at the Metairie location. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


STAR CAFÉ
2186 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-9920; www.starcafe.com
The creative menu at Star Café gives diners options such as the cleverly named Pearis Stilton salad, which sets blue cheese, poached pears and walnuts over spring mix greens with a vinaigrette dressing. Homemade breads make Star's sandwiches stand out. The Kevin Bacon chicken sandwich on fresh focaccia has tomato-garlic aioli, feta cheese and fresh vegetables on top of two chicken breasts. Build your own burger or order the daily burger special, such as the mushroom-Swiss or jalapeño-Cheddar. Kids eat free on Wednesdays. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


SURREY'S CAFÉ & JUICE BAR
1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; www.surreyscaféandjuicebar.com
Fresh-squeezed juice and vegetarian dishes are hallmarks of Surrey's, but not everyone necessarily seeks out the menu's lightest choices. Bananas Foster stuffed French toast is stuffed with bananas, cream cheese and brown sugar and served bathing in rum sauce. The Surrey's club is stacked with turkey, goat cheese, bacon, mixed greens and tomato on either seven grain or sourdough bread. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and brunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $


THEN, NOW & NEXT CAFE
6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-5700; www.fourpointsnola.com
Inside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, this bright and inviting café has a constantly changing menu that sticks to familiar flavors. Bayou Fettuccini is a dish of pasta tossed with large Gulf shrimp and tasso in spicy cream sauce. Twin grilled crab cakes are served with lemon-butter sauce. There are always roast beef dishes and low-calorie options. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


TOUT DE SUITE
347 Verret St., 362-2264; www.toutdesuitecafe.com
Tout de Suite breakfasts 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. $$


VAZQUEZ RESTAURANT
515 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-9336
At Vazquez, specials change on a daily basis and include dishes like red beans, pork chops, stuffed crabs and the Cuban sandwich. Vazquez also offers its own take on the club sandwich. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


VIANNE'S TEA SALON & CAFÉ
544 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5683; www.viannes.com
High tea is a three-course affair at this charming Old Mandeville spot. The event consists of housemade scones served with lemon curd, cream and jam, tea sandwiches and canapés, and an assortment of mini-desserts. The café serves more than 100 loose-leaf teas either hot or iced. The lunch menu includes items like peanut chicken salad, which pairs Mandarin oranges and crushed nuts with a panéed chicken breast. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


VITALITY JUICE, JAVA & SMOOTHIE BAR
322 Dalwill Drive, Mandeville, (985) 727-3482; 1915 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 737-1901; 2309 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-3488; www.vitalityjuice.com
Vitality specializes in organic coffees, smoothies, juices, teas, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Popular fruit smoothies include the Spunky Monkey, made with strawberry, orange and banana. The Caesar Gone Skinny salad is made with homemade low-fat Caesar dressing, free-range grilled chicken with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese. No reservations. Breakfast and early dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $


YE OLDE COLLEGE INN
3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683; www.collegeinn1933.com
This Uptown stalwart moved to a new building after more than 70 years of service, but the regulars still come in for their old favorites. The veal cutlet still covers the plate, and the hamburger is still made on a uniquely airy Leidenheimer bun. The kitchen also prepares more ambitious daily specials. Reservations accepted for six or more. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

African
American
American Contemporary
Bar & Grill
Barbecue
Belgian
Brewpub
Burgers
Café
Cajun
Caribbean
Chinese
Coffee & Dessert
Creole
Deli
Diner
Fondue
French
Gourmet to Go
Greek
Indian
Italian
Japanese/Sushi
Korean
Latin American
Louisiana Contemporary
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
Mexican/Southwestern
Music and Food
Neighborhood
Pan-Asian
Pizza
Sandwiches and Po-boys
Seafood
Soul Food
Steakhouse
Tapas/Spanish
Thai
Vietnamese