Would like recommendation for a business dinner for 10 colleagues during a convention at the end of February. Moderate to expensive; but not over the top expensive. A place reminiscent of the area, but not touristy. Fun, upscale. Louisiana style cooking or American. A bonus if it's within walking distance of the Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel at 817 Common Street.

Thanks much.

MiLa is right there at the hotel, and is excellent (more modern Louisiana than traditional.) You are a quick walk from old-school places like Gallatoire's, Antoine's, and Broussard's, if you want that formal, old Creole style.

You could easily walk to Mr B's from there- an excellent restaurant that is modern and upscale but has traditional New Orleans dishes too. (Love the BBQ shrimp!) You could walk about 4 blocks to Bayona, a pretty, creative restaurant with a nice courtyard.

If these are too expensive, you could go down-home and try Acme Oyster Bar (its fun but you do have to wait in line for tables) or Maspero's Sandwiches.

Couple suggestions:

Luke, 5 min walk - http://www.lukeneworleans.com/

Cochon, not really walking distance, but quick cab ride - http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/

Rio Mar, a 15 min walk from your hotel (but only steps from the Convention Center) http://www.riomarseafood.com/

Moderately priced, reminiscent of the area, fun, upscale and no tourists the three times I've been.

O M G is it good!

Emeril's or Tommy's. Get your guests to meet you at Lucy's Bar on Tchoupitoulas for drinks before or after dinner. Enjoy your visit.

Emeril's @ 800 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA. 504 - 528 - 9393.

http://www.emerils.com/restaurant/1/...s-New-Orleans/
Tommy's Cuisine @ 746 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA. 504 - 581 - 1103.

I agree that the food at Mila is excellent, but I wouldn't call it a 'fun' place -- it's quiet, the ambiance is pretty typical hotel restaurant (although the food is notches above typical hotel food).

Littlemans suggestions are what DH and his associates did a couple weeks ago. They had private room at Emerils for the dinner, then lots of people from their convention (and a few of us wives) met up at Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar. Lots of fun

Mila in your hotel is one of the best. Cool bar area and really innovative food. If you want to get out of the hotel head to galatoires. It's where locals go to celebrate special events (like every Friday afternoon!). Not inexpensive. Food is always good if not memorable. It's a party. Must wear jackets to dinner. Another idea is Tujague's on Decatur Street. I think it's the oldest restaurant in the city and they have private rooms upstairs. Order the Chicken Bonne Femme, one of the best chicken dishes in the city. They serve it family style. It's amazing. I believe it's a 4 course meal. Not too expensive at all. Funky. It's about 8 or 9 blocks from your hotel but a nice walk through the quarter. Lots of watering holes on the way. Hope that helps!

Jomagpie--are you in Nola? You commented on my recent Krakow post. Odd coincidence to be commenting on Nola too. (apologies to go off topic)

kpauls.com melt in your mouth blackened red fish duck steaks

Best in the world for me...

@BKD - no, just did a lot of travelling last year!

A second for Cochon....and try the moon pie dessert!

Thanks everything -- I will do my due diligence now.

Another vote for Mr. B's Bistro. Has the local credibility credential as the B stands for Brennan's.
Modern, pleasant setting at reasonable business dinner prices.

Lots of great choices in NOLA. Enjoy.