I've been trying to narrow down my restaurant list for our upcoming trip and have been considering adding Emeril's to the list. We went to NOLA on our last trip and loved it. Any thoughts on Emeril's? I hear it is a bit more upscale/less casual than NOLA.

It is more upscale and less casual, but it's still not 'formal'. Food was excellent. Emeril was there the night we were in.

It's been a few years but the food was excellent-we really enjoyed it.

Occasionally, and maybe more often than that, Emeril comes up with some wild food ideas that make it into his Emeril's restaurant. I'd consider some of his dishes to be more experimental than at the average eatery. If you do go there, be sure to ask about any menu item you don't understand -- including what are the ingredients and how is it prepared. Good luck.

Wayne, that seals the deal - we're going! I love innovative menus!!!

Dined at Emeril's last week and was sorely disappointed. They lost my reservation and claimed I never made one (I'm an ex-concierge so I'm very good about writing down such info!), grudgingly gave us a 4-top for 6, got our drink orders wrong, brought appetizers and entrees within 3 minutes of each other, etc. Just a really bad experience, esp. for a $600 check!

I won't say "never again" but there are way too many new restaurants here where the food is just as good and the staff is better!

none of us locals eat at Emeril's...too many far better restaurants to choose from. It is pricey, inconsistent, and rarely frequented by Emeril himself. For some really good food, try Bayona, Brigtsen's, the Bon Ton Cafe...and even Galatoire's.

I'm a local and eat everywhere in the city! Emeril's has been very good in the past.

I'm quite confident that you can find locals at Emeril's any given night. We have been to Galatoire's but were unimpressed with the food and service. Bayona and Brigsten's both made my short list but since we enjoyed NOLA so much last time we're planning on trying Emeril's this time around. But I do seem to keep changing my mind!