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

S

ST. CHARLES JAPANESE SUSHI BUFFET
2100 St. Charles Ave., 267-0799
Indulge yourself in all-you-can-eat sushi or take the moderate approach with the a la carte menu. Lunch specials include roll combos and bento boxes filled with sushi, shrimp tempura, or chicken, beef or salmon teriyaki. The kitchen also prepares rice and noodle dishes, breaded chicken katsu and chicken tempura. Nigiri sushi choices include a familiar lineup of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, eel and sea urchin, and handrolls feature American favorites like California and Philadelphia rolls. Party platters are available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$

ST. CHARLES TAVERN
1433 St. Charles Ave., 523-9823
This round-the-clock Lower Garden District institution has been a popular spot for breakfast, po-boys and burgers as well as some original cooking. The chicken and andouille hash is a mix of shredded deep-fried chicken, andouille, green peppers, onions and garlic tossed with red new potatoes boiled in crab boil, and topped with a couple of eggs. The Tavern also serves up hearty entrées like Mary Elaine's meatballs served in a red sauce on a bed of fettuccine Alfredo. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $

ST. JAMES CHEESE COMPANY
5004 Prytania St., 899-4737; www.stjamescheese.com
St. James offers more than 100 varieties of fine cheese from around the world. A small menu of sandwiches, salads, cheeseboards and charcuterie plates are available for take out or dining in. The Grafton cheddar sandwich pairs the cheese with smoked turkey, basil, tomato and avocado on ciabatta. The Ploughman's lunch includes portions of stilton, cheddar, goat's cheese, Yorkshire, chutney, paté, a green salad and hearty bread. Customers can bring their own wine, or there's a wine shop next door. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

ST. JOHN'S COFFEEHOUSE
535 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-5553; www.stjohnscoffeehouse.com
St. John's offers organic, fair-trade coffee selections to go with its healthy menu. There's a full selection of tea, smoothies and shakes. Gourmet sandwiches and wraps, including plenty of vegetarian options, are served daily at lunch. Try the signature Sedona sandwich, perked up by a Southwestern cream-cheese spread. Ice cream, pastries and desserts also are available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $

SAKE CAFÉ
126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 809-6689; 817 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-8829; 1130 S. Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 733-8879; 4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 779-7253
Traditional Japanese flavor gets a little local flair in the New Orleans roll. It combines spicy crawfish, crunchy tempura bits, avocado, tuna and snow crab with tobiko caviar topped with avocado-eel sauce. The sweet chili crispy fillet is grouper served with sweet chili sauce. Sake Café features happy hour specials every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SAKE CAFÉ UPTOWN
2830 Magazine St., 894-0033
The facade of a former pharmacy might not suggest the elegant design inside, but Sake Café is a refined spot for inspired Japanese cuisine. For an appetizer, try the pan-seared scallops with a sake martini. Stand back for the TNT sushi special, which pairs yellowtail and tuna mixed with a layer of tobiko and sushi rice, topped off with a quail egg. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SAL N JUDY'S RESTAURANT
27491 Hwy. 190, Lacombe, (985) 882-9443
This Northshore restaurant combines local seafood and Sicilian dishes. Its version of crabmeat au gratin combines lump crabmeat with broccoli and mushrooms in a casserole dish and tops it with melted provolone cheese. Sicilian dishes include brucioloni, which is a roll of steak round filled with cheese, ground beef and Italian sausage. Seafood options include marinated crab claws as an appetizer and trout meuniere or amandine. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun., dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

SALT & PEPPER
400 Iberville St., 561-6070
This unassuming eatery tucked away behind the old Customs House offers dishes from Pakistani and Indian cuisines including halal meals 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. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SALTWATER GRILL
1340 S. Carrollton Ave., 324-6640
With a portion of the restaurant now devoted to a retail seafood counter, the fish coming through the Saltwater Grill's kitchen is guaranteed to be fresh. In addition to freshly boiled crawfish, the menu at this family-friendly restaurant includes grilled or blackened fish selections, fried seafood po-boys, red beans and rice, hamburgers and grilled chicken. Reservations accepted for five or more. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SALVATORE RISTORANTE
3226 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 455-2433; www.salvatorerestaurant.com
Starters on chef Sal's Sicilian menu include panéed asparagus and sautéed crabmeat in a lemon butter caper sauce. Charbroiled oysters get generous amounts of garlic, romano and Parmesan cheeses and a dose of Pinot Grigio wine. Trout Salvatore is a fillet served with shrimp, crabmeat and mushroom sauce. Veal osso buco and fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms are favorites. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$.
SAMMY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
627 Bourbon St., 525-8442
Sammy's Seafood offers a short but familiar lineup of local favorites like shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffée, jambalaya and fried soft-shell crabs. For a surf-and-turf combo, the steak and lobster entrée pairs a 10-oz. rib-eye cooked over an open flame with a rock lobster tail broiled in butter. The stuffed shrimp dish includes five butterflied shrimp topped with lump crabmeat dressing accompanied by red new potatoes, broccoli and salad. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SAM'S POBOYS
260 Brooklyn Ave., Jefferson, 835-0689
Sam's offers a huge array of sandwiches on bun, toast or French bread. Stop in any day except Friday for the breaded veal cutlet sandwich. The Wednesday special is a chicken Parmesan po-boy featuring a fried chicken breast topped with provolone cheese, homemade red sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Friday's special is a plate of fried shrimp or catfish with toast, salad and a choice of French fries or potato salad. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Cash only. $

SANDRO'S TRATTORIA
6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-7784; www.sandrostrattoria.com
The intimate dining room of this family-run spot is filled with aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted garlic. House specialties include mussels in tomato and garlic sauce over pasta and Aunt Vera's lasagna with handmade pasta. Panini and Italian-style po-boys with fried seafood on ciabatta make up a large sandwich menu. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SAPPORO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
5000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 779-9288
Sapporo features sushi and hot entrées from the kitchen including a popular fried rice dish. The extensive menu includes all the classic sushi specialties, plus signature creations like the Sapporo special roll with snow crab, salmon, tuna, vegetables and special sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

SARA'S
724 Dublin St., 861-0565; www.sarasrestaurant.com
Sara's offers its own mix of Creole and Asian cuisines, highlighted in appetizers like crawfish egg rolls, samosas, hummus and Korean-style barbecue beef. Indian dishes include shrimp vindaloo and saag paneer made with spinach and cheese. The sesame-crusted salmon and Muscovy duck served with a port-plum wine reduction sauce are local favorites. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

SAVVY GOURMET
4519 Magazine St., 895-2665; www.savvygourmet.com
Savvy is like a culinary community center with everything from cooking classes to an emporium of culinary tools and supplies. Lunch service is now gourmet-to-go, though tables are open for customers to eat at Savvy. The menu features changing daily specials like crawfish etouffée, coq au vin over buttered noodles, chicken pot pie, seafood jambalaya and stuffed pork chops. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards and checks. $

SCHIRO'S CAFÉ & BAR
2483 Royal St., 944-6666; www.schiroscafe.com
A one-stop shop, Schiro's is much more than just a café. It also houses a bar, stocks groceries and has laundry machines and a guesthouse. The menu recently switched to focus on Indian cuisine. There are curries and vindaloo dishes of chicken, lamb and seafood. There also are vegetarian options. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

SEAFOOD GALLEY AND DELI
509 Tyler St., Covington, (985) 892-3287
At Seafood Galley, shrimp, oysters, catfish, crab and crawfish are served in po-boys or as platters. Lunch specials include popular dishes like red beans and rice, meatballs and spaghetti, chicken-fried steak and meatloaf. They are served with salad, vegetable and bread. Diners can order crawfish by the pound on Wednesday and Fridays. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

SEITHER'S SEAFOOD
279 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 738-1116; www.seitherseafood.com
With crawfish season in full swing, Seither's is busy boiling up the mudbugs. Specialties include the crawfish pistollette, a mini French loaf stuffed with crawfish, cheese and spices. Po-boys and fried seafood platters remain constant attractions at this casual eatery. Crab cakes are made with jumbo lump crabmeat and served over pasta with crawfish cream sauce. The eggplant Harahan features eggplant medallions topped with crawfish cream sauce. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

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 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. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SEMOLINA
1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-8293; 2999 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-8923; 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 37, Metairie, 454-7930; www.semolina.com
The international pasta selection at Semolina comes home for crawfish season, when all of the restaurant's specialty crawfish pasta dishes are featured. But you can still order dishes from around the world — like pad Thai, the sweet and spicy combination of shrimp, mushrooms and tofu with rice noodles and peanuts. Classic pasta Alfredo with chicken or shrimp and double cheeseburger pasta are perennial favorites. Pasta jambalaya with andouille, tasso and Creole sauce is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SEMOLINA ITALIAN BISTRO
3226 Magazine St., 895-4260; www.semolina.com
Semolina Italian Bistro is the more ambitious evolution of the locally based Semolina chain. While some favorites from the previous, globetrotting menu endures, the new Italian focus can be seen in dishes like angel hair marinara, linguine Alfredo and penne with mushrooms, garlic and basil. The scampi di carfucci torta is a pan-seared artichoke cake served with jumbo shrimp and garlic lemon-butter sauce. Off the rotisserie, try chicken Marsala with mushrooms in wine sauce over polenta. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SERRANO'S SALSA COMPANY
4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-2354; www.serranossalsacompany.com
Serrano's offers a wide selection of Latin American food, from just south of the border to the southern tip of Argentina. The menu features calamari salad, chile oyster tacos, apricot-glazed pork tenderloin, Argentine beef salad and a host of familiar Mexican favorites like quesadillas. Lighter options include ceviche and many salad choices. The bar is stocked with dozens of tequilas and rums that are poured into a colorful and potent array of cocktails. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SHIMMY SHACK
1855 Dock St., Harahan, 729-4442
Shimmy on over to the Shack for pub grub and more elaborate options like fried oysters served on a bed of sautéed spinach topped with creamy Brie and crispy bacon. The 20-Things chili boasts at least 20 ingredients, not counting the staple side of corn chips. Simpler fare includes an array of hearty half-pound hamburgers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND STEAKHOUSE
2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-7477
This bustling restaurant is one of the area's senior sushi establishments. It features a full range of Japanese cuisine from raw fish to hibachi-grilled meats. Table seating is available, but many regulars head straight for the hibachi tables where an array of steak, shrimp, chicken and vegetables are cooked with dramatic flair by chefs working a chopstick's length away. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SHORT STOP PO-BOYS
119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, 885-4572
Short Stop Po-boys serves sandwiches and much more. Short Stop's seafood gumbo has a thick roux, okra, shrimp and crabmeat. Roast beef for po-boys is prepared in house with rich gravy, and the sandwiches are served dripping in the specially seasoned sauce. Fried crawfish tails provide a different spin on seafood po-boys. The four-meat special puts all the most popular cold cuts together on one sandwich. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $

SHULA'S STEAK HOUSE
614 Canal St., 586-7211; www.shulas.com
Former Miami Dolphin coach Don Shula has two links to New Orleans: a Superbowl win and his steakhouse. The restaurant's game plan is all about martinis and big steaks. One of the featured entrées is the 48-oz. porterhouse. Those who can finish it are invited to join Shula's 48-Ounce Club. There's also a steakhouse line up of shrimp cocktail, Maine lobster, and some salmon and Gulf fish dishes. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

SI SENOR AT COSIMO'S
1201 Burgundy St., 522-9715
Cosimo's is a corner bar with a cantina's kitchen. The Tex-Mex grill serves gourmet burritos with spinach, tomato, olives and feta in the Mediterranean, and barbecue chicken, onions, mushrooms, peppers, cilantro, rice and beans in the BBQ Chicken version. Hot off the grill, there are burgers, Philly steak sandwiches and fajitas. Bar customers also can graze on nachos, quesadillas, Buffalo wings and chili cheese fries. Delivery available. No reservations. Dinner and late-night dining daily. Credit cards. $

SIDELINES BAR & GRILL
1229 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 831-4002
Burgers, appetizers and wraps take centerfield at Sidelines. Specialties include wraps like the chicken Caesar and chicken tender wraps on whole wheat pita served with fries. Other items include sandwiches like grilled tuna on a sesame bun. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

SINGHA THAI
413 Carondelet St., 581-2205
The concerns of the business day quickly fade away at lunchtime in this CBD spot. The kitchen cooks up classic renditions of popular Thai dishes like tom yum koong soup with shrimp and lemongrass, pad Thai and many rice and noodle dishes with beef, chicken or shrimp. At dinner, try the crispy ginger fish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$

SLICE
1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-7437; www.slicepizzeria.com
Seating stretches from the narrow front window all the way to the more spacious back bar at Slice. The pizzeria offers slices and whole pies as well as calzones, salads and Italian appetizers. There is a barbecue shrimp po-boy and a muffuletta panini. Beverage options include coffee drinks and Italian sodas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SLIM GOODIES DINER
3322 Magazine St., 891-3447; www.slimgoodies.com
Pull up a perch in the bright, neo-retro dining room or ask for a seat on the relaxed backyard patio for Slim Goodies' interpretation of diner dishes. Breakfast specialties include the meatless Creole Slammer with hash browns, veggie chili, cheddar cheese, eggs and smoked tempeh. The Jewish Coonass tops potato latkes with spinach, eggs and crawfish etouffée. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $

SMILIE'S RESTAURANT
5725 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, 733-3000; www.smiliesrestaurant.com
Smilie's is a family-friendly eatery with specialties like beef brisket, home-style Italian dishes and New Orleans seafood. Classic staples appear alongside fancier fare like trout Lafitte, a fillet fried golden brown and topped with creamy crawfish sauce. Veal Augie is panéed baby veal covered with lump crabmeat, fresh mushrooms, shallots and a touch of hollandaise sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

SMOOTHIE KING
Citywide; www.smoothieking.com
The city's largest smoothie chain has a blend for everybody, from calorie-conscious dieters to beach-ready body builders. Fine-tune your favorite smoothie by adding enhancers like Immune, Energy, Female Balance or Muscle Builder. Supplement your liquid intake with snacks like lean jerky, high-protein cookies or a wide assortment of protein bars. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO
626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696; www.snugjazz.com
Diners head to Snug's dining room for a mix of steaks and Creole dishes. There are hearty chargrilled steak dinners with all the trimmings and hefty burgers. Local specialties like spicy, buttery peel-and-eat barbecue shrimp are a savory treat for locals and tourists alike. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SOUND CAFÉ
2700 Chartres St., 947-4477
Well-crafted coffee drinks and a sense of community are the main draws at this neighborhood coffeehouse. Cookies and cakes may beckon your sweet tooth but there also are bagels and sandwiches made on fresh French bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $

SOUTHERN PO-BOYS
720 Claiborne Drive, Jefferson, 835-3035
Sandwiches at Southern Po-Boys are filled with everything from roast beef with gravy to fried shrimp or oysters to chicken-fried steak and veal. Hot plates include smothered pork chops with sautéed onions and brown gravy over stewed cabbage and rice, and stewed okra with shrimp over rice. Fried soft-shell crabs are served atop fettuccine with a white wine cream sauce. Lighter options include spinach or Caesar salad. No reservations. Lunch Mon.- Fri., dinner Fri. Cash only. $

SOUTHSIDE CAFÉ
3154 Pontchartrain Drive, (985) 643-6133; www.southsidecafe.net
In addition to the usual fare of burgers and sandwiches, Southside Café is known for its panéed tuna remoulade, a half-pound tuna steak flash fried with Italian breadcrumbs and served with white remoulade sauce. The Pontchartrain Pig is thinly sliced center-cut pork tenderloin with barbecue sauce and melted Swiss cheese served on Texas toast dressed with coleslaw. Stop by on Tuesdays and Thursdays for steak night. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SPEAKEASY SPORTS BAR & GRILL
4345 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-4069; www.speakeasysportsbar.com
Speakeasy's game plan is a straight-ahead lineup of big 10-oz. burgers, sandwiches and bar food. Bar munchies include jalapeño poppers, quesadillas, chicken wings and egg rolls, or you can get fancy with an 8-oz. filet or tuna steak. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
SPECIALTY ITALIAN BISTRO
2330 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-1090
Some New Orleans favorites get a Roman spin at Specialty Italian Bistro, which also offers all sorts of classic Italian dishes. For example, the Italian roast beef po-boy is topped with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. Try specials like the shrimp scampi or entrées of spinach lasagna, chicken or eggplant Parmesan, chicken Alfredo pizza, shrimp Florentine calzones, Caprese or artichoke salads. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SPUDLY'S SUPER SPUDS
2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 455-7783
Taters are tops at Spudly's, which elevates the potato to edible art. Spudly's cheese sauce graces many of the terrific tubers served here. Toppings include everything from diced roast beef to shrimp and crabmeat to chili. If carbs aren't what you're craving, burgers, salads and soups also are available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

STAR CAFÉ
2186 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-9920
The creative menu at Star Café is like a walk down the red carpet. The Pearis Stilton salad sets blue cheese, poached pears and walnuts over spring mix greens with house vinaigrette. 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. There also are fresh soups. Kids (12-under) eat free on Wednesdays. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

STAR STEAK & LOBSTER
237 Decatur St., 525-6151; www.starsteak.com
This Decatur Street steakhouse features fresh lobster and a filet mignon stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, crabmeat and lobster topped with a red wine mushroom sauce and served with garlic potatoes. An affordable favorite is the 16-oz. prime rib with baked potato, soup or salad for $16.95. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

STATION 8801
8801 Oak St., 861-9293; www.station8801.com
This casual tavern in a converted gas station keeps the good times flowing with draft beer. The menu features an 8-oz. Angus beef burger and a 10-oz. filet served with spicy potatoes. There also are chicken sandwiches and sides like onion rings and sweet potato fries. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $

THE STEAK KNIFE RESTAURANT & BAR
8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 488-8981; www.steakkniferestaurant.com
With its Harrison Avenue location undergoing renovation, Steak Knife's temporary location is the place to get one of its petit 6-oz. filet mignons or a big 20-oz. Porterhouse. Entrée choices include fresh Gulf fish, shrimp and veal medallions topped with crabmeat and mushrooms. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ
Toulouse Street Wharf, 586-8777; www.steamboatnatchez.com
When the calliope sounds, the Natchez is heading out on the river for a breezy cruise complete with dinner and live jazz. Dishes include local seafood, beef and chicken dishes. For sides there are items like spinach Southern style, a creamy casserole with a variety of fresh cheeses topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

STEIN'S MARKET & DELI
2207 Magazine St., 527-0771
The Garden District has its own outpost for New York delicatessen food. Try out the Rachel sandwich, the sister to the classic Reuben with hot pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on Jewish rye bread from New York. Thursday's special is an Italian roast pork sandwich with sautéed broccoli and aged provolone on housemade ciabatta bread. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-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 include crisp veal and shrimp gyoza dumplings with tempura shiso leaf and spicy peanut sauce. Beer-battered Hawaiian sunfish with sweet potato purée, curried taro root chips and spicy red chili caramel is another exotic combination of flavors. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

STEP BROTHERS LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
4971 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 889-9856
Burgers and po-boys top this menu, but Step Brothers also features Tuesday steak nights and a surf-and-turf special every Sunday. The filet is matched with a grilled or fried lobster tail plus potatoes, vegetable and bread for $20. Cheese sticks, jalapeño poppers, egg rolls, chicken tenders and wings appease smaller appetites. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

STEVE'S DINER
828 Gravier St., 522-8198; www. steves-diner.com
A solid foundation of the old and few dashes of the new combine at Steve's, a cafeteria-style downtown mainstay. Sure, there's free Wi-Fi service for folks with laptops, but also old-fashioned homemade buttermilk biscuits stuffed with scrambled eggs and crisp bacon or sausage patties. At lunch, the bacon and cheddar burger is an 8-oz. Angus beef patty chargrilled to order, served on a grilled bun, topped with a mountain of cheese, bacon and dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickle. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. Catering available. $

STILL PERKIN'
2727 Prytania St., 899-0335
As temperatures rise, head to Still Perkin' for refreshing iced coffees and decadent granitas. Menu items include a wide array of salads, sandwiches, pastries and bagels, complete with homemade blended cream cheeses like tomato basil and chive. Located across the street from historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, this java house offers free Wi-Fi and sunny corner windows perfect for studying. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $
STREETCAR BISTRO
201 Baronne St., 565-5455; www.streetcarbistro.com
"The Pacific Rim meets New Orleans" is the motto of this downtown restaurant, which has a unique Filipino influence. The weekday "executive power buffet" is popular, offering an array of options from etouffée to a Chinese hot pot station. Filipino dishes are available daily, and on Sunday afternoons the kitchen prepares an entire Filipino buffet. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SUBWAY
Citywide; www.subway.com
Whether you are looking for a light lunch or flavorful twist, Subway aims to please. Meal deals are available with cold and hot subs, salads and wraps, and toasted sandwiches like the chicken and bacon ranch sandwich. The Veggie Delite is a crunchy combination of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, olives and pickles. The meatball marinara runs in the other direction, with Italian-style meatballs packed into a loaf with cheese and tomato sauce. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

SUCRE
3025 Magazine St., 520-8311; www.shopsucre.com
Exotic and fine sweet delights abound at this Uptown emporium of desserts. French macaroons sandwiched with luscious creams and ganaches come in a variety of flavors like orange marmalade and pistachio. Xocolat Sucre is a dense chocolate cake layered with chocolate cream and finished with chocolate mousse. After lunching on a portobello mushroom sandwich on foccacia bread, there's no reason not to reward yourself with a little dessert. Only sweets and coffee offered in the evening. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

SUGAR HOUSE
315 Julia St., Embassy Suites, 378-4000
This restaurant is named for the original hotel built on the site for the 1984 World's Fair. The restaurant pays homage to New Orleans with dishes such as sautéed trout with candied lemon, sides of jambalaya and red beans. The New York strip is served with Creole butter. For dessert, there is bananas Foster cheesecake. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SUGAR PARK TAVERN
800 France St., 940-6226; www.sugarpark.com
Fans of New York-style thin-crust pizza come to Sugar Park Tavern for the real deal, but while the crust is a New York classic, some of the topping combinations are decidedly unusual. The "Who's Your Mama!" pizza is loaded with shrimp, corn and pineapple on top of hot adobe sauce. "A Pizza Named Desire" stars shrimp, andouille sausage and jalapeño peppers. Delivery available. No reservations. Dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $

SUKHO THAI
1913 Royal St., 948-9309; www.sukhothai-nola.com
This Marigny triangle Thai eatery tempts diners with its extensive selection of authentic dishes in a range of spice levels. The seafood glass noodle salad is a spicy mix of tomato, cilantro and glass noodles served with calamari, shrimp, scallops and mussels topped with chile-lime dressing. Chicken in yellow curry sauce is buttery, rich and spicy, studded with fresh red pepper strips. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

SUN RAY GRILL
619 Pink St., Metairie, 837-0055; 1051 Annunciation St., 566-0021; 2600 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-0053; 3700 Orleans Ave., 324-9663; www.sunraygrill.com
Sun Ray Grill shines a little light on cuisines from around the globe. The eclectic menu includes some local dishes as well as Singapore spring rolls, guacamole with chips, Siamese riblets, Thai curry barbecue ribs and Southwestern chicken quesadillas. Popular entrées include ahi tuna steaks crusted with black and white sesame seeds and smoky bourbon barbecue ribs served with fries and roasted corn. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SUPERIOR BAR & GRILL
3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200; www.superiorgrill.com
Superior Grill is known for its daily happy hour margarita and drink specials from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Stay for dinner and dig into the Superior parillada mixta for two: a platter of mesquite-grilled beef and chicken fajitas, shrimp and baby back ribs. With options like huevos rancheros and Bloody Marys, Superior's weekend breakfast is a sure-fire way to jumpstart the day. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast Sat. and Sun. Credit cards. $$

SURREY'S CAFÉ & JUICE BAR
1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; www.surreyscafeandjuicebar.com
Fresh-squeezed juice, vegetarian dishes and fresh local seafood draw diners to Surrey's in the Lower Garden District. The jumbo crab melt is a rich option with pearly crabmeat topped with muenster cheese and remoulade sauce. Popular items include the tofu scramble over rice and the Surrey's club stacked with turkey, goat cheese, bacon, mixed greens and tomato on seven-grain or sourdough bread. The bananas Foster-stuffed French toast is a dessert favorite. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and brunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $

SUSHI BROTHERS
1612 St. Charles Ave., 581-4449; www.sushibrothers.net
Sushi Brothers offers a wide range of nigiri sushi and special rolls. The restaurant's namesake roll wraps salmon tempura, cream cheese and avocado inside seaweed, puts more salmon and avocado on the outside and tops it all with the house special sauce. The Sunshine roll binds tuna, salmon, yellowtail, barbecued eel, snow crab, asparagus and avocado with soy wrap. Other Japanese specialties include soba and udon noodles, tempura, grilled meats and teriyaki dishes. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SWEET DADDY'S BBQ
420 Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-2166; 2534 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 626-0208
For seven years, Sweet Daddy's has been doing it slow and steady for the kind of flavor that's worth waiting for. The dry-rubbed baby-back ribs and herb-scented pulled pork are both roasted and smoked for at least 12 hours. For dessert, try the homemade chocolate chip pie or the pecan island square pie, which is yellow cake mixed with pecans and cheesecake topping. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$

SWEET FIRE & ICE
701 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 831-3437; www.alcopeland.com
Even the air gets seasoned at Sweet Fire & Ice. The area's only oxygen bar complements a dining experience that culls dishes from several of Copeland's restaurants. Starters include Southwestern chicken salad and crab rangoon. Entrées range from shrimp and tasso pasta to steaks. There are also many choices on the specialty drink list at the bar and the signature "Original Cheesecake by the Scoop" with toppings in a martini glass for dessert. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

SWEET LORRAINE'S JAZZ CLUB
1931 St. Claude Ave., 945-9654; www.sweetlorrainesjazzclub.com
One of the city's top venues for contemporary jazz also has something cooking in the kitchen. Try the blackened catfish fillet topped with sautéed mushrooms and served over spinach. Sweet Lorraine's chicken wings are battered with the kitchen's spicy blend of seasonings, fried golden brown and served with French fries. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner and late-night Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

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