Whether you think of this time of year as spring or crawfish season, it's a good time to dine out. Gambit Weekly's Spring Restaurant Guide surveys the city's dining scene from Cajun and Creole institutions to po-boy and pizza places. With restaurants arranged from A to Z, the guide has the latest news on menu items, hours of operation, reservation policies and more. Enjoy.

Prices

$ = $1-$10
$$ = $11-$20
$$$ = $21-up

#s | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

I

IGNATIUS EATERY & GROCERY
4200 Magazine St., 896-2225
Ignatius is a fun eatery with old corner-grocery charm. Cans and boxes of familiar local staple products line the walls of the dining room. The menu of Creole favorites includes seafood gumbo, roast beef po-boys, red beans and rice, jambalaya and bread pudding. Original items include the meatloaf made with boudin sausage. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

IGOR'S LOUNGE
2133 St. Charles Ave., 568-9786

An ideal place for multi-taskers and late-night revelers alike, this all-hours lounge and game room has a mini laundromat and serves big, fat burgers around the clock. The Cajun burger is a half-pound patty seasoned with Crystal hot sauce and Cajun spices, grilled, dressed and served with fries. Other sides and snacks include Cajun cheese fries and jalapeño poppers. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $

IGOR'S BUDDHA BELLY BURGER BAR
4437 Magazine St., 891-6105
This Magazine Street tavern has a rocking jukebox and busy bar and grill. The house Buddha burger is a specially seasoned half-pound patty. The Cajun burger adds a kick of Tabasco, Creole seasonings and an optional dose of pepper-blended spice mix. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

IMPASTATO'S RESTAURANT
3400 16th St., Metairie, 455-1545; www.impastatos.com
Joe Impastato serves up traditional Sicilian dishes and new creations. Old favorites include veal marinara, veal Parmesan and osso buco. Shrimp scampi, trout amandine, Maine lobster and soft-shell crabs are popular seafood entrées. Signature salads are named for famous local figures. The salad of asparagus, black olives, tomatoes, artichokes, hearts of palm and crabmeat is named for Saints owners Tom and Grace Benson. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

IRENE'S CUISINE
539 St. Philip St., 529-8811
You might miss Irene's unassuming corner spot were it not for the scent of roasting garlic emanating from its kitchen. Step inside and try the restaurant's Creole-tinged Italian cooking. The cioppino is an Italian fish stew given a New Orleans spin with redfish, Gulf shrimp, clams and mussels in spicy tomato and fennel broth. Cannelloni al forno is baked pasta stuffed with veal, pork, cheese or eggplant. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

IRIS
8115 Jeannette St., 862-5848; www.irisneworleans.com

Tucked away in the Riverbend, this cozy spot gives classic French fine dining an Asian accent. Start out with mussels steamed in curry, coconut and white wine served with root vegetable chips. The braised Niman Ranch lamb shank is complemented by wild mushrooms, housemade pappardelle, lacinato kale, roasted shallots and basil. The bar mixes an array of creative cocktails with fresh fruit. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

ISABELLA'S PIZZERIA
2660 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-5700; 70452 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 875-7620
Isabella's believes you can't put too much on top of a pizza. The Four Seasons mixes it up with a quarter-pizza each of four different gourmet options. Pasta Cucina is linguine topped with shrimp, crawfish, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, green onions and parsley. For starters, consider spinach, artichoke and shrimp dip with garlic breadsticks. Reservations accepted for large groups. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

ITALIAN PIE
Citywide; www.italianpierestaurants.com
Italian Pie offers all sorts of combos on pizzas and in calzones, and there are many salad, pasta and sandwich options. Specialty pies include the Combination, which has pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onions, peppers and black olives. The roasted garlic pie comes with chicken or shrimp. The Florentine calzone is stuffed with spinach and artichoke, a mix of cheeses and chicken or shrimp. Italian Pie also offers a small selection of wrap sandwiches. Delivery available. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

#s | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z