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

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M

MADDIE'S PLACE
3200 Severn Ave., Suite 108, Metairie, 456-7075
Diners head to Maddie's for its chicken salad made with grilled breast meat, eggs and mayo, also available in a sandwich. This European-style coffeehouse serves a host of homemade sandwiches and salads, including the Swiss turkey salad with Romaine and spring mix, smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, alfalfa sprouts, cranberries and walnuts dressed with raspberry vinaigrette. Beverages include everything from cappuccino to iced chai. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MAGAZINE PO-BOY SHOP
2368 Magazine St., 522-3107
On the edge of the Garden District, this po-boy shop offers a long list of classic po-boys that includes shrimp, roast beef, Italian sausage, hot sausage, catfish, oyster and veal cutlet. In the morning, there are many breakfast options like omelets, breakfast burritos and combination plates. Lunch service extends through late afternoon. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Cash only. $

MANDARIN HOUSE
3501 Severn Ave., Metairie, 779-0888
There are roughly 300 items offered at the buffet at Mandarin house. The restaurant is known for its seafood bar, which boasts boiled shrimp, crawfish, king crab and more. Besides Chinese dishes the choices include everything from sushi to dessert. Meat dishes range from barbecued pork to teriyaki chicken. Cakes, cookies and fresh fruit satisfy the sweet tooth for dessert. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MANDINA'S RESTAURANT
3800 Canal St., 482-9179; 4240 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 674-9883; www.mandinasrestaurant.com
Mandina's offers its Creole classics on both sides of the lake. Stacks of fat onion rings are popular appetizers. House specialties also include starters like turtle soup with sherry, and the standby entrée is the trout meuniere with a thick brown sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $$

MANGO MANGO
201 Bourbon St.; 236 Bourbon St.; 333 Bourbon St.; 400 Bourbon St.; 524-0114; www.mangodaiquiris.com
Churning daiquiris in all colors draw crowds into Mango Mango locations on Bourbon Street but there also are solid food options. Pizza slices and hot pretzels provide fuel for a night on the town. The drink menu ranges from the namesake mango daiquiri to blue raspberry to the potent 190 Antifreeze. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

MANO'S PO-BOYS
6943 Saints Drive, Metairie, 734-0922
Mano's offers a full line-up of po-boy options from traditional selections to veal Parmesan, chicken Deluxe, BLT and meatballs. Hot lunch plates change daily from red beans with pork chops or smoked sausage on Monday and stuffed bell peppers on Wednesday to all sorts of fried seafood options on Friday. Start your day with big biscuits with egg and ham, bacon or sausage. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MAPLE STREET CAFÉ
7623 Maple St., 314-9003; www.maplecafe.net
For a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine, stop by this intimate café in the heart of the Maple Street shopping and nightlife scene. The oysters amandine with white wine lemon butter makes an intriguing starter. The lemon chicken entrée is a popular dish of breaded chicken topped with lemon zest and served over fettuccini Alfredo. There also are daily fish specials. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY
4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-2167; www.marbleslabcreamery.com
Marble Slab is named for the cool marble slab used to blend ingredients. The ice cream parlor offers a very large selection of flavors and mix-ins like bits of cookies, candy, nuts, fruit, marshmallows and more. One popular flavor is the cheesecake ice cream with fresh strawberries. Or try the sweet cream ice cream with crushed Oreos. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MARIGNY PERKS
2401 Burgundy St., 948-7401; www.marignyperks.com
This neighborhood coffeehouse offers many perks to its Marigny regulars. With free Wi-Fi and a dog-friendly atmosphere, patrons feel right at home as they sip coffee, surf the Web and enjoy one of the shop's signature desserts like red velvet or Cookies & Cream cupcakes, or the banana nut bread. The menu includes spinach quiche, sandwiches, salads and soup. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

MARK TWAIN'S PIZZA LANDING
2035 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-8032; www.marktwainspizza.com
In tribute to the restaurant's namesake, this Metairie pizza parlor offers a pie inspired by one of Twain's classics, Innocents Abroad. The restaurant's signature crust is brushed with garlic butter and piled high with Genoa salami, fresh tomatoes, quartered artichokes and Italian sausage with basil. The place also offers sandwiches and po-boys including roast beef that's seasoned with garlic and freshly ground black pepper, then slow-cooked for six hours in the oven. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

Market Wego
100 Westbank Expwy., Westwego, 436-9966
Located in the Westwego Shrimp Lot, Market Wego specializes in boiled and fried seafood in addition to po-boys. Try one with freshly made green onion sausage patties hot off the grill and dressed on French bread. The fried catfish platter features deep-fried catfish fillets on top of French bread and is served with fried fresh okra and French fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MARTIN WINE CELLAR BISTRO, DELI & CATERING
714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350; www.martinwine.com
One of the area's largest wine retailers also lures customers in for deli sandwiches, burgers and more ambitious bistro-style cooking in a casual setting. Don't miss salad selections like the coriander-crusted seared tuna served with a fresh cilantro, lime and avocado relish or the lump crab salad ravigote, which is Louisiana lump crabmeat minced with shallots, herbs and lemon ravigote, served on steamed fresh artichoke leaves. No reservations. Lunch daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MARTINIQUE BISTRO
5908 Magazine St., 891-8495; www.martiniquebistro.com
Spring weather is prime time for the lush, walled patio at this unique Uptown bistro blending French cuisine with Creole and Caribbean influences. Appetizers include Louisiana blue crab cake with mango, lime and chipotle vinaigrette. Some tempting entrees are the seared sea scallops with leeks, garlic and bacon in a whiskey cream sauce and the sautéed drum with satsuma and jumbo lump crab hollandaise. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MAT & NADDIE'S
937 Leonidas St., 861-9600; www.matandnaddies.com
This beautifully converted Riverbend shotgun home features several intimate and connected dining rooms inside and a spacious deck outside overlooking the levee. The kitchen creates intricate dishes like grilled venison medallions baked with Gruyere spaetzle and served with blanched carrots, green beans and a cream-laced caraway veloute sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon. and Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MATTINA BELLA
421 E. Gibson St., Covington, (985) 892-0708
Mornings are made just a little more bearable with eye-openers like Mattina Bella's Florentine omelet, prepared with three eggs, stuffed with creamed spinach and artichokes and topped with melted mozzarella. At lunch, the catfish Creole meuniere has a pecan crust and is served with creamy meuniere sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

MAURICE FRENCH PASTRIES
3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 885-1526; 4951 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 455-0830; www.mauricefrenchpastries.com
Maurice's conjures up confectionery delights for any occasion. Owner/chef Jean-Luc Albin crafts a classic profiterole — a glazed pastry puff with chocolate ice cream and whipped cream on top. Fresh tarts and traditional English trifles of mixed fruit, fresh cream, custard and cake are popular choices as well. Traditional desserts include red velvet cake, tiramisu and carrot cake. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

MAXIMO'S ITALIAN GRILL
1117 Decatur St., 586-8883
Chef Paul Cattoche is cooking again in the open kitchen at Maximo's. Diners can grab a table or sit at the marble-top bar and watch as dishes are prepared before their eyes. The menu includes favorites like crawfish Diablo, a penne pasta dish with crawfish tails in garlic and green onion cream sauce. The menu ranges from crab claws bordelaise and angel hair Marsala to roasted whole fish, osso buco, rack of lamb and veal Fontina. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$$

MAYA'S RESTAURANT & BAR
2027 Magazine St., 309-3401; www.mojitoland.com
A Latin American restaurant with a Caribbean influence, Maya's prepares almost all of its food to order, even the guacamole. An exception to this is the lechon-roasted pork. It's marinated overnight in bitter orange juice and garlic mojo sauce, slow roasted and served with ranchero black beans over white rice. Another house favorite is Maya's-style paella, which comes with a bounty of seafood — green and white mussels, shrimp, prawns, clams and calamari — garlic, peas and tomatoes all cooked together and generously ladled over saffron rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

MCALISTER'S DELI
4 Canal Street (Harrah's Casino), 598-1930; 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite A13, Kenner 466-1500; 2701 Airline Hwy., Suite T, Metairie, 830-4030; www.mcalistersdeli.com
Sandwiches and sides like fully loaded baked potatoes draw diners to this national chain. The Patriot sandwich loads up turkey and Swiss on wheat berry bread with orange and cranberry sauce while the Big Nasty is an open-face mess of roast beef with gravy and melted cheeses. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MEAUXBAR BISTRO
942 N. Rampart St., 569-9979; www.meauxbar.com
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 mussels in red curry broth to boudin blanc served with sugarcane Creole mustard sauce. The nightly menu may include options like classic steak frites with sauce au poivre, saffron fish stew, or whole trout in lemon caper beurre blanc. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.- Sat. Credit cards. $$

MEGUMI YAKIMONO AND SUSHI BAR
4700 Hwy. 22, Suite 11, Mandeville, (985) 845-1644; www.megumirestaurant.net
Besides sushi, Megumi offers Japanese-style grilled items. The yakimono grill is not common in local restaurants but is the Japanese answer to Korean-style barbecue. Skewers of marinated meat, seafood or vegetables are carefully cooked on Megumi's special grill. There's also a noodle menu, numerous teriyaki dinners, and, for a quick Creole fix, New Orleans-style crab cakes. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MÉLANGE
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal St., 524-1331; www.ritzcarlton.com
Melange created a menu by combining classic creations from the city's most popular restaurants with its own original dishes. The trio of crab combines crabmeat imperial, a crab cake with remoulade sauce, a Napoleon of crabmeat with microgreens and truffle French fries. In the morning, try jumbo lump crab cakes Benedict with Creole hollandaise sauce and hash-brown potatoes, grilled tomato and asparagus. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Thu.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

MELIUS BAR & CAFÉ
1701 Lake Ave., Metairie, 828-9446
Breakfast and weekday specials are the hallmark of this eatery. Popular items include a ham and Swiss po-boy, the Melius burger and the taco plate, a special on Thursdays. Patrons enjoy the breakfast sandwich with bacon, cheese and egg on thick Texas toast. Drink specials are available on weekends. No reservations. Breakfast and dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

THE MELTING POT
1820 St. Charles Ave., 525-3225; www.meltingpot.com
The Melting Pot offers fondue and more. There are Mediterranean-inspired dishes like garlic and herb chicken and balsamic sirloin. Traditional cheese fondue is a rich blend of Gruyere and Emmenthaler cheeses enhanced with white wine, minced garlic, lemon juice, herbs and brandy, served with three kinds of bread, apples and vegetables. For dessert, the chocolate fondue is perfect for dipping chunks of fruit. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MICHABELLE INN & RESTAURANT
1106 Holly St., Hammond, (985) 419-0550; www.michabelle.com
Michabelle is a country inn and restaurant that offers a prix fixe menu. Entrées include uncommon seafood options like frogs' legs and grey snapper. On the meat side, there may be beef tenderloin or rack of lamb. Dessert is not included in the set meal, but dishes like Grand Marnier cheesecake and fresh strawberries Romanoff are available for $5 extra. Reservations required. Dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$$

MICHAUL'S LIVE MUSIC RESTAURANT
840 St. Charles Ave., 522-517; www.michauls.com
Michaul's reopened with a wider mix of food and music than it had before Katrina. Besides Cajun music, the bandstand now hosts all sorts of local bands after dinner. The menu includes old favorites like seafood gumbo and crawfish etouffée. From New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp to alligator sauce piquant, there's a range of Creole and Cajun dishes. Reservations accepted. Dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

MID CITY LANES ROCK 'N' BOWL
4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3133; www.rocknbowl.com
Late-night grill classics at Mid-City Lanes complement the retro vibe of the bowling alley's décor. The burgers and cheese fries are available whether you're bowling or dancing to swing bands, Cajun or zydeco music. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

MIDDENDORF'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
75 Manchac Way, Manchac, (985) 386-6666; www.middendorfsrestaurant.com
Chef Horst Pfeifer has kept Middendorf's focused on what it's known for: fried thin-sliced catfish. The Middendorf's special is still fried catfish with hush puppies and tartar sauce. The menu also includes crawfish cakes, fried shrimp and oysters, barbecue oysters, broiled whole flounder, fried or broiled chicken, steaks and sandwiches. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MIKE SERIO'S PO-BOYS & DELI
133 St. Charles Ave., 523-2668
Mike Serio's has local flavor and color. Po-boys fill the menu at Mike Serio's, but LSU sports dominate the décor. The sandwich shop has served roast beef po-boys, fried seafood and plate lunches amid the purple and gold trappings for years. The muffuletta is a particular specialty, and daily lunch offerings include jambalaya or spaghetti and meatballs. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MIKIMOTO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 488-1881; www.mikimotosushi.com
Mikimoto is Mid-City's can do sushi spot, offering value-priced pieces and pick-up window service. The sushi bar offers a large variety of raw and cooked fish creations, like the Bayou roll with seaweed salad and cucumber rolled in rice and wrapped with tuna tataki and whitefish. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MILA
817 Common St., 412-2580; www.milaneworleans.com
After making names for themselves at their Abita Springs restaurant Longbranch, husband-and-wife duo Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing have brought their creative, cosmopolitan interpretation of Southern cuisine to the CBD. Signature dishes include oysters Rockefeller "deconstructed," pig cheeks with langoustine and New Orleans-style barbecue lobster. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and dinner daily, lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

MILANO'S PIZZA
3002 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 780-7500
Milano's magic lies in its gourmet dough, a canvas for a tasty series of options like the chicken Alfredo pizza and the artichoke pie, which has garlic sauce, feta, mushrooms, onion and artichokes. Milano's Mardi Gras pizza is topped with bisque sauce, Gulf shrimp, mozzarella, green onions and fresh tomatoes. Milano's also makes specialty subs, calzones, chicken wings, tenders and salads as well as macaroni and cheese combining penne pasta and four cheeses. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MIMI'S IN THE MARIGNY
2601 Royal St., 872-9868
Mimi's tapas menu is good for a nibble or a multi-course meal of Castilian snacks. Try a variety of hot and cold offerings, from the rich and savory mushroom Manchego toast to dessert-worthy honeyed goat cheese croquetas. Other small plates include ceviche, Spanish cheeses and cured meats, empanadas and shrimp and calamari dishes. No reservations. Dinner and late-night Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MIMI'S ITALIAN AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
10160 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-6464
A meal at Mimi's can be traditional, with Italian dishes like veal Parmesan over angel hair pasta, or diners also can sample the kitchen's unique creations. For instance, the balsamic and honey-glazed duck is served with blueberry gastrique, sweet potatoes and tasso. For dessert, try the lemon coconut ice cream sandwich. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. 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 in peppery sauce. The country-style Gumbo Ya Ya with chicken and andouille in a smoky roux is another popular dish. Dinner entrées range from Gulf fish cooked on a wood grill to filet mignon to duck risotto. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

MR. ED'S SEAFOOD AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1001 Live Oak St., Metairie, 838-0022; www.mredsno.com
Mr. Ed's serves seafood, po-boys, muffulettas, fried chicken and Italian dishes. Entrees include panéed trout topped with crabmeat and jumbo lump crabmeat au gratin. Stuffed artichokes, bell peppers and eggplant casserole with crabmeat and shrimp are longtime favorites. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

MR. GYROS
3620 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 833-9228; www.mrgyrosnola.com
As one might expect from its name, Mr. Gyros specializes in the classic Greek lamb and beef mixture, serving it up as a plate, as a stew or as a sandwich with steak fries on the side. The menu includes much more, however, including homemade spanakopita, Grecian pizza, calamari and mousaka, a dish of baked eggplant and ground lamb. There are pasta specials, fish specials and two soups to choose from every day. For dessert, try tiramisu, strawberry cake or baklava. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MR. JOHN'S RISTORANTE
2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7697; www.mrjohnssteakhouse.com
Half of the menu at Mr. John's reads like that of a classic New Orleans steakhouse, and the other half offers a tour of northern Italian specialties. From shrimp scampi to crabmeat-stuffed ravioli to grilled seafood dishes, the kitchen satisfies a wide range of cravings. When it comes to steaks, Mr. John's broils strips, filets, rib-eyes and other cuts to order and serves them sizzling with butter. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MR. POOR BOY
10202 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-1170
Mr. Poor Boy serves sandwiches and daily hot-plate specials. Po-boy choices feature the popular home-cooked roast beef as well as salami, different types of sausage, meatball and fried seafood. Or dig into dishes like red beans and rice, catfish platters, chicken-fried steak, stewed chicken with rice and gravy, and gumbo on Friday. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

MR. ROO'S DELI & CATERING
3501 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-4010
Filling and offbeat seafood plates of grilled catfish, shrimp and oysters with garlic butter sauce are the hallmarks of Mr. Roo's menu. The homemade remoulade sauce is put to good use in a salad with boiled shrimp, greens, cheddar cheese, egg and tomato. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MIYAKO SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE
1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997; www.japanesebistro.com
Head to Miyako for Japanese surf-and-turf combos. Patrons can reserve a seat at the hibachi grill for a dramatic cooking presentation of specials like Hibachi Miyako which comes with Japanese clear soup, house salad with ginger-carrot dressing, mixed vegetables, hibachi noodles, filet mignon, shrimp and lobster. The sushi bar offers a similarly comprehensive selection of fish and handrolls. The Ichiban Roll Combo includes miso soup, house salad, a dragon roll, double spicy roll and California roll. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MOCHACCINO'S
1005 Lee Road, Covington, (985) 809-1111; www.mochaccinos.com
Regular and flavored coffees, pastries and a menu of sandwiches and light entrées offer a wide range of options at Mochaccino's. Italian pasta salad is piled high with rotini and strips of salami and provolone for those who don't consider dessert a food group. There are also wraps and panini sandwiches like the Philly cheese. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $

MOJO COFFEE HOUSE
1500 Magazine St., 525-2244
This corner spot is keeping the neighborhood coffee shop scene alive and well in the Lower Garden District by brewing good mojo daily. Sidewalk tables make for fine social sipping and Mojo offers bubble teas and a variety of limeades and lemonades in addition to coffee and an assortment of fresh baked goods. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $

MONA LISA RESTAURANT
1212 Royal St., 522-6746
A French Quarter favorite for more than 20 years, Mona Lisa serves pizza and pasta 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. Also popular are eggplant Parmesan, penne veal and pasta bolognese. Reservations accepted for six or more. Lunch daily and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MONA'S CAFÉ
504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8175; 3901 Banks St., 482-7743; 4126 Magazine St., 894-9800
Since opening a single grocery/restaurant in Mid-City, Mona's has grown in popularity and now has several cafés across the city. The menu of affordable Middle Eastern food includes gyro sandwiches and platters, falafel, and kebabs of chicken, lamb and beef. Soups and salads include a hearty lentil soup, tabbouleh, and a yogurt and cucumber salad. The small plates include safeiha, essentially a small pizza of pita bread topped with ground beef and lamb, tomatoes, onions, parsley and spices. Dips include hummus and baba ghanoush. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

MONSTER PO-BOYS
1814 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-9183
You can imagine what the draw is at this Mandeville eatery, but giant, overstuffed po-boys are hardly the only things offered. Lunch specials like lasagna, roast beef, fried veal and shrimp rotini cater to hearty appetites. If you stick with the namesake, housemade roast beef, meatballs and fresh seafood are among the most popular options. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Fri. Credit cards. $

MOONLIGHT CAFÉ
1921 Sophie Wright Place, 561-1255
The nighttime is still the right time for late meals at Moonlight. Check out the Mud Spud, potato skins loaded with pulled pork and melted cheese, or the Deep South Salad with field greens, dried blueberries, avocado, spiced pecans and homemade sweet tea dressing. There also are sandwiches, burgers and meat entrées straight from the slow cooker or smoker. For breakfast, try grillades and grits or biscuits smothered in gravy. No reservations. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch, dinner and late-night Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

MORNING CALL
3325 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-4068; www.morningcallcoffeestand.com
While Morning Call has served coffee and beignets in Metairie since 1974, its history goes back more than a century to its origins at the French Market. But it still serves the same rich chicory coffee and sugar-coated airy beignets it always has. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Cash only. $

MORTON'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
702 Water St., Madisonville, (985) 845-4970; www.mortonsseafood.com
Located on the Tchefuncte river, Morton's is a Madisonville landmark. Its "seafood boats" — hollowed bread loaves stuffed with shrimp, oysters or catfish — are a house specialty. The charbroiled fresh catch changes daily. Fried seafood and creamy pasta dishes are balanced out on the menu by a few heart-healthy items such as Morton's signature salads. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards and checks. $$

MORTON'S STEAKHOUSE
Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 566-0221; www.mortons.com
Morton's has a reputation for big cuts 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 and Caesar salads to big porterhouses or New York strips. For dessert, there's a chocolate, lemon, raspberry or Grand Marnier soufflé. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

MO'S PIZZA
1112 Avenue H, Westwego, 341-9650; www.mospizza.net
The pizzas at Mo's measure almost 21 inches across, and the options are as sizeable as the pizza is wide. Meat lovers enjoy the meat pizza loaded with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs and ham. The supreme adds olives and vegetables to the mix. Mo's lasagna towers with five layers of meat, ricotta cheese and red sauce and is served with toasted garlic bread. Other options include weekday specials and sandwiches like the muffuletta and the hot sausage po-boy. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.- Sat. Credit cards. $

MOSCA'S
4137 Hwy. 90 W, Avondale, 436-9942
Mosca's Italian and Creole cooking draws diners to its bright dining rooms for family-style meals of signature dishes like oysters Mosca, spicy chicken cacciatore, roasted game hen and spaghetti and meatballs. Reservations accepted except on Saturday. Dinner Tue.- Sat. Cash only. $

MOTHER'S RESTAURANT
401 Poydras St., 523-9656; www.mothersrestaurant.net
Mother's built its reputation on roast beef debris and other meats cooked for its po-boys. Mother's versions come dressed with shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, Creole or yellow mustard and pickles. The house special sandwich is the Ferdi, with baked ham and debris. Mothers also serves breakfast and Creole dishes like jambalaya, crawfish etouffée and hearty red beans and rice. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MUFFULETTA'S DELI
3244 Severn Ave., Metairie, 889-1112
The namesake sandwich and classic Italian-New Orleans creation is prepared with layers of mortadella, ham, salami, provolone and olive salad. Muffaletta's roast beef po-boy features homemade shredded roast beef and gravy. Another house favorite is the club po-boy, filled with ham, turkey, bacon, roast beef and American cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $.

MULATE'S CAJUN RESTAURANT
201 Julia St., 522-1492; www.mulates.com
Cajun dining and dancing are a spicy combination at this rustic-style Warehouse District destination. As Cajun bands perform for the evening crowd, the kitchen dishes out classic and innovative dishes like grilled catfish Mulate's topped with crawfish etouffée, chicken and sausage jambalaya, blackened fish, crabmeat au gratin and platters of grilled and fried seafood. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

MURIEL'S JACKSON SQUARE
801 Chartres St., 568-1885; www.muriels.com
This picturesque restaurant on the corner of Jackson Square is a pretty spot to enjoy contemporary Louisiana cuisine. The restaurant recently announced that chef Gus Martin has taken over the kitchen. He has more than 25 years of experience modernizing Creole cuisine at local fine-dining restaurants. Muriel's has a good wine selection to complement its food. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

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