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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Z
ZARA'S MARKET
4838 Prytania St., 895-0581
Zara's is a grocery store, but the deli in back offers sandwiches and hot meals to go. Monday's red beans and rice with sausage is a regular special. Other favorites include eggplant and veal Parmesan, muffulettas, and Italian meatballs served piping hot on a po-boy or over spaghetti. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
ZEA ROTISSERIE AND GRILL
1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-7733; 1525 St. Charles Ave., 520-8100; 1655 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 738-0799; 4450 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9090; www.zearestaurants.com
Zea offers a casually elegant spot to dig into slow-roasted meats from the rotisserie or to try creative takes on new American and Asian favorites. Start things off with the spinach salad with pepper jelly vinaigrette. Signature dishes include rotisserie chicken, Thai ribs and Asian almond shrimp. The bar serves up micro-brewed beers specially made for Zea by Heinerbrau, a Covington brewer. Reservation policy varies by location. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. at Kenner location. Credit cards. $$
ZEKE'S
1517 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-1133
Zeke's in Old Metairie has a reputation for serving New Orleans classics like boiled shrimp and crawfish as well as raw and chargrilled oysters. Entrées like bratwurst and onions with warm German potato salad or sauerkraut add a Teutonic flair to the menu. The grilled fish of the day could be anything from mahi mahi to amberjack. The extensive selection of salads should satisfy diners looking for lighter fare. Dessert options include homemade bread pudding. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
ZIMMER'S SEAFOOD
4915 St. Anthony Ave., 282-7150
This family-run seafood market offers a lunchtime affirmation of the recovery of its Gentilly neighborhood as regulars and others pour in for fried and boiled seafood. The po-boys use bread from John Gendusa's Bakery next door, and the crabs, shrimp, crawfish and fish come fresh from local waters. Try a generously piled seafood combination platter featuring shrimp, fish and oysters with crinkle-cut fries, a side salad and bread. For dessert there is white chocolate bread pudding. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $
ZÖE RESTAURANT
333 Poydras St., W Hotel, 207-5018
The tony ambience of the W Hotel effortlessly extends into its elegant, European-style bistro, Zöe. While the menu changes frequently, it is inspired by an approach blending Old World French techniques with regional ingredients. Sample the seared sea scallops or the Gulf Coast crustacean shooters, which pair crabmeat, shrimp and oysters with flavored vodkas. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
Z'OTZ COFFEEHOUSE
8210 Oak St., 861-2224
Students and bohemians flock to Z'otz at all hours for organic, fair-trade coffee, hubcap-sized cookies, vegan baked goods and exotic drinkables like bubble tea and yerba mate. A changing lunch menu includes items like miso soup, stuffed grape leaves and grilled cheese sandwiches. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Cash only. $
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