New Orleans restaurant recommendations
 

Hi! I did a search for New Orleans restaurant recommendations and the most recent reply was back in June. I know that restaurants come and go, so I'm not too sure that I should rely on those responses.<BR><BR>We are heading to New Orleans at the end of the week. Anyone have recent (last two months) recommendations? Fiance wants to try creole. I just want good food and a nice atmosphere.<BR><BR>If anyone has any sightseeing recommendations, we'd love to hear those too. We'll only be there for a long weekend.<BR><BR>Thanks!

One of the best meals of my life has been at Irene's Cuisine. Great romantic atmosphere, not a tourist trap (still attended by many locals), reasonable for the quality of food (~$100/couple). Not creole cooking, although there may be an item or two on the menu (the menu is in front of the restaurant, so walk by during the day and check it out before you plan your nite around it)<BR><BR>Only negative is no reservations, so get there near opening or be prepared to wait. If you must wait, they do have a piano bar area in the back (also called &quot;the garage&quot;) which you can sit and have a drink.

Check out travelandleisure.com. They have a current article on New Orleans restaurants that I thought was very good. I would line up one or two reservations for next weekend before leaving town. We enjoy Peristyle and Galatoire's (in the quarter) and Commander's, Gautreaux's, Upperline, and Brightsen's in the Garden District and Uptown. I hear that Indigo, Stella's, and August are wonderful. Bon appetit!

I second Peristyle, its wonderful and the service is amiable and efficient.<BR>Commanders, well, even the iced tea is memorable and what can you do to iced tea? Dickie Brennans is nice, but its more steakhouse than creole. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen has outstanding lasagne and certainly not fancy cafe Maspero is definitely not fancy, but good and lots of locals. Its hard to get a bad meal in New Orleans but heres a few that are less than stellar. Alpine, Rita's, Antoines(unless you live here)<BR>Pere Antoine is so so and Royal Cafe is a mixed bag, great views great gumbo, but overall nothing to brag about. Oh, I forgot Gumbo Shop is pretty good, very casual but also very authentic.

Thanks for the replies. And Ann, thanks for the tip on the travelandleisure site. I wanted to find one &quot;nice&quot; restaurant and then roam and find local spots. You guys gave me some great info! Thanks!

Kelly,<BR><BR>The one good thing about New Orleans is that it is almost impossible to have a bad meal. New Orleans is rated as on of the top 10 places in hte world.<BR><BR>Please keep in mind that for the fine restaurants you may want to make your reservations 2 weeks prior, otherwise you will not get in!<BR><BR>Here is my recommendations, but I could go on and on and on.<BR><BR><BR>Expensive (for 2 appr. $ 150)but amazing:<BR><BR>Nola's - Cajun fusion <BR>GW Fins - seafood<BR>Commanders Palace for Sunday brunch <BR><BR>Known to locals:<BR><BR>Camille's grill for breakfast (must go)<BR>Liuzza's by the Track - jeans/t-shirt<BR>ACME Oyster House - cheap but good<BR>Central Grocery - home of the Muffalato<BR><BR>Clubs/Bars:<BR><BR>360 in the World Trade Center<BR>Loa's <BR><BR>Have fun

Richard, did you like GW Fins? I keep hearing about it but I could swear theres one in Boston too? NOLA is interesting, but I dont know if its still as great. ACME is still very popular, but I think you might be referring to the Camelia Grill? Its very local but the service is borderline surly, yet people like it for that reason. :)

GW FIn is definately local, and was opened I think last year. It is not part of a change thought hey may have stolen the name. That happens here a lot (Cheesecake Factory for example)<BR><BR>Yes I liked it. I was reluctant at first, as it is a BIG restaurant, and somehow it has that &quot;chain&quot; feel about it. But my wife and I had heard nothing but good things, and went. We both had the daily specials (fish) and it was truly amazing!<BR><BR>It is pricy but it was one of the better meals we ave had here.<BR><BR>As for Nola's we eat there about twice a month. Still my favorite, and the menu changes enough to be always interesting. It is fusion, and it is a load South Beach style restaurant, but I think it is one of the best restaurants in the country!<BR><BR>Camile Grill is just a dinner where you sit on stools! The breakfast is delicious, and it is like participating in a time warp back to the 60's.<BR><BR>You could end up sitting beside a hung over movie actor, bum, business man, or college kids! Locals, tourist and everyone alike goes here, and often the line extends all the way out the door on weekends to get in. The staff is 5 african american guys, who never shut up, singing, lughing, joking with the cutomers, or harrasing the cook the whole time. I've been there enough, they always hi-5've me when I leave. It is a fun place, and the food is good ole dinner type food. I highly recommend this as a must try once!

Here's another vote for GW Fins. Beautiful restaurant, fantastic food and superb service. If you want fresh seafood in an upscale environment, it's the place. Think &quot;Ruths Chris, but with fish!&quot;

Yeah Dan and I agree on a restaurant...it really is good. How come your not complaining about the wine prices here?? I found them pretty high? Seems to be a beginning trend....boo!<BR><BR>A little note on Acme, I like to send people there, because it is a good place to sample everything real cheap and then when you know what you like, go elsewhere and get it better.<BR><BR>New Orleans Medley for $7.00 will let you taste most of the local fare.<BR><BR>The Oyester however I think are among the best in the country, and along with the local Abita Amber wow! you can't go wrong! Jeans and t-shirt type place!<BR><BR>I heard of a better place for Oysters recently, cannot remember the name, hard to believe it can be better! meaby Dan knows the place, it is in the Quarter.<BR><BR>So many places to eat here....gota go and get back on the treadmill now!

Hi Kelly, just to throw my two cents in. Some friends and I (there were 7 of us) ate at Nola's in late October. I had the baked chicken and pasta. It was one of the worst meals I have had in New Orleans. Everything on the plate had the same (unpleasant) taste, so if you go to Nola's, I would avoid that dish. Most of my other friends had the special, which was filet mingon (sp?), I believe. I tried their's and it was good. It was one of the few times I wished I had ordered beef. Also, I tried what the server described as their signature dessert (banana something) which also was less than great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really good either.<BR><BR> The one great thing I can say is that the service was fantastic, especially considering the number in our party.<BR><BR>Anyway, wherever you go, have a great trip!<BR><BR>Chazz

My husband and I ate at NOLA once and that was enough. I had caramelized onion soup as an appetizer that was absolutely awful. It had a thick layer of grease on the top and what was underneath didn't taste any better. We both had entrees of sirloin tips on potatoes and the meat was so bad it was disgusting. It was filled with gristle and fat. Our server was very efficient and we sat at a table next to Loni Anderson, but that wasn't enough to get us back!! Our food made us - quite literally - sick.

Wow I cannot believe some of these Nola reviews! I'm beginning to think it is the same person or an &quot;establishment conspiracy&quot;.<BR><BR>I eat their twice a month, and have never had a bad meal, or ever heard of a bad meal among my friends!<BR><BR>Greasy soup!!! Grizzle Fat beef! Come on get real, and just go back to Galatoires.<BR><BR>As for Pasta, why would you order that in a Cajun Fusion restaurant??<BR><BR>If you want pasta go to Mosca's....and if anyone tells me Semolina's then I really know your full of baloney!

Kelly, I didn't see anyone mention &quot;Jacques-Imo's&quot; during my quick scan of this thread. (Actually had work to do this Monday=eye strain).<BR>We were there in October and all of us had a wodnerful time and great meals!<BR>A killer stuffed pork chop!!!<BR><BR>Located in the Carrollton/RiverBend edge of the Garden Distr. area. About a $15/20 cab ride from the FQ (incl tip).<BR>If we go back, we'd take the St Charles street car out to the end and cab it from there.<BR>Don't let the outside fool ya!<BR><BR>Are Mrs Kal the only two people who ever had a good meal at NOLA's? Then again, some people would argue that I've never had a bad meal anywhere!<BR>Kal

I have always enjoyed Outback Steakhouse. The long lines are a testament to its quality but I think somewhatintimidating for some posters here. Don't let them sway you--this is one great restaurant!!!<BR><BR>They decorate this place to look like an old ranch house in the Australian outback. Really!! It is very cool and there are neat artifacts on the wall.<BR><BR>The food is outstanding! Steaks and shrimp &quot;on the barb&quot;. Everyone loves this place.<BR><BR>I think they have a new program where you can phone in your arrival so you don't have to wait long when you get there.<BR><BR>If you want a special time in New Orleans go to Outback Steakhouse!!1

I'm going to ask a stupid question, but here goes...Has anyone been to Arnaud's? Someone told my fiance about it but has never personally been there. And is NOLA the Emeril restaurant? <BR><BR>I'm really looking forward to trying beignets too. They look sinful!<BR><BR>Thanks so much for the great advice. I will have to keep walking around the city to make up for all the great dining I will be doing this weekend!

Yes. NOLA's is Emeril's.<BR><BR>When we were at Cafe Dumonde in Oct. they were filming a new Dustin Hoffman movie...and yes...the beignets are deadly, in fact, about the only pastry I like. My body's a temple-a big fat temple.<BR>Kal

I went to GW Fins in May 2001, and had a nicer meal there than at Commander's Palace or Emeril's. The man who invited me there said it was run by the same people that started Ruth's Chris, and they were hoping to turn it into a similar, high-end chain. Chain or not, my meal there was excellent.

I have been all over and you can't beat the consistent quality of an Outback Steakhouse. Price, VALUE and atmosphere. <BR><BR>The others will come and go. Outback Steakhouse beats them all.

NOLA is an Emeril restaurant.<BR><BR>I have been to Arnaud's I liked it, has a southern historical feel to it. They also do quite a presentation with Bananas Foster. <BR><BR>I think I read somwhere that it is one of the oldest restaurants in the U.S.<BR>

ttt

I just returned from New Orleans on Sunday night. It was my first trip and it was outstanding. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal Street, right around the corner from the St. Charles streetcar. Upon arriving on Thurs, Nov 14, we took a cruise on the Natchez since the weather was pretty. We planned on catching the early-bird at Brigtsen's (stop #44 on the streetcar). You must arrive by 6:30, so we made our reservation for 6:15pm to be on the safe side. TAKE the streetcar; cuz the taxi cost us $16.00! You must allow 40+ minutes to get there. The meal was outstanding and the place was packed at 6:30! Friday morning we had a reservation at Brennan's at 8:30am. Again, make a reservation. Our waiter was wonderful about suggesting we share an omelette. It was the best suggestion after the dinner before. For &quot;Friday Lunch&quot; we chose Susan Spicer's Bayona. We had seen the filming of a movie going on earlier in the morning; and suddenly, Gene Hackman came in to Bayona to do Lunch....yes, another gr8 meal. The smoked duck w/pepper jelly on multigrain was delicious as was the flourless chocolate cake. Though we worked out at our hotel gym and walked all over the French Qtr, we skipped out on our reservation at Gabrielles that night and opted for a modest place for a nondescript plate of shrimp creole. (We needed to get ready for Saturday's round of dining). We had a delicious breakfast at Quarter Scene, a local favorite. Dinner was gr8 at Galatoires. We had two delicious crab dishes. Our reservation was for 8:30pm, so make sure you plan your meals or you won't get in. Lastly, on Sunday, we got into some Bloody Marys at Harrah's Casino before going to Commander's Palace for a 1pm reservation. Mimosas followed by three course meal was just unbelievable. The waiter offered us a 'lagniappe'(a little something extra), by bringing a third dessert, their signature bread pudding. Yes, we ate three desserts..then WALKED all the way back to the French Quarter. The dining experience/city sightseeing tour, and cruise on the Mississippi made for a perfectly romantic long weekend. I highly recommend New Orleans.

One last question...I have the November issue of a travel magazine that mentions a restaurant called Gautreau's. Does anyone have an experience there? The author seemed to imply that it was a very local type of place (which is the kind I love to discover when I travel). Thanks!

Wow Liz..are you a real person, or the Eveready Bunny???<BR>

Mike, That was funny. No disrespect meant to Liz but to complain about a $16 cab ride and then to tell us that you went to all of these expensive restaurants? I guess we all just got another pointer on how to vacation inexpensively; walk and take public transportation!

I think another tipoff was the &quot;breakfast at Brennan's&quot; comment. I'd rather waste the money on the cab, because it is cheaper!

We went to Irene's Restaurant and it was very nice and the food was great - service was fast and friendly - they have a variety of food that is very well presented. You should be there beforee 5:30pm because they do not take reservations and when we came out there was a line. Price was right and so was the atmosphere.

Hope I caught you before your trip! Try Petunia's in the Quarter - they have fantastic food and it's uhhhhh, different. Enjoy the city!!

Petunia's...what do you mean, different?<BR><BR>(But since I need good stories to tell the folks back home...)<BR><BR>I'm fairly certain that one trip to New Orleans will not be enough for us!

My advice is not to come here, because once you do, you will never be able to eat back home again and enjoy the meal!

How right you are, Richard! <BR><BR>I'd kill for a DuMonde beignet, Mother's Ferdi's Special, K-Paul's jambalya, Jacques-Imo's crabstuffed pork chop, Abita Turbo Dog beer, Central Grocery muffaletta, Mona Lisa pizza, Felix's oysters, Manale's BBQ shrimp, Lucky Dogs and gumbo anywhere!<BR><BR>And ANYPLACE Cindy goes instantly turns &quot;different&quot;! ;-D <BR>Don't know if that town can take the 4 of us, lady!<BR>Is it Friday yet?<BR>Kal<BR>

Well we leave on Friday and I'm still trying to figure out how to fit 20 different dinners into the weekend! I guess I'll bring pants with elastic waistbands. Sounds like I'm going to need that!

Kelly, those are known in my family as &quot;buffet pants.&quot; Sad but true!<BR><BR>Enjoy your visit. N.O. has SO many good restaurants that you surely can't go wrong.

Funny I just got an e-mail from my friend who visited here last month. <BR><BR>She is still trying to take off the 6 pounds she put on in a 3 day whirlwind eatfest!<BR><BR>&quot;now we gota try this, ohh and oh my you really have to try some begneits (3000 cal) and while we are there we may as well stop at Aunt Sally's and pick up a box of Pralines (6000 cal). <BR><BR>Oh...ya know we are so close to Central grocery lets split a Mufalata (800 cal). In the morning we can have a mexican omellate at Camillias grill (3000 cal),...lunch BBQ shrimp (20,000 cal) ....etc etc etc. <BR><BR>This sound familiar to anyone?

Fortunately, I learned long ago that counting calories is not the best way to enjoy life! Put a delicious dinner in front of me and I can't even remember the word diet! (Besides, there's always next year to get back on the diet wagon)<BR><BR>Well, we leave tomorrow and I am very excited. Thanks for all the info!

I don't know if there are enough Hurricanes in the city for the Kal's and us, but one day we'll give it a try!<BR><BR>Kelly: Have a great time tomorrow - I sure do envy you since I have 10 loooong months to wait till our next visit!! Post a report when you get back and let us know what you did and if you enjoyed yourself.<BR>Back to Petunia's - you need to see it and eat there to appreciate the &quot;difference&quot;, I'll leave it up to your curiosity! If you go for breakfast you might want to split an omlet, they're HUGE!!

I'm looking for Petunia's address. Is it in the French Quarter? I will definitely post a report when I get back.

Hi Kelly, the address is 817 St. Louis Street - the website is www.petuniasrestaurant.com. We leave in just over two weeks - so I'll be watching for your reports! Have fun.

Lenore, As we say, Petunia's is on <BR>St Louis within &quot;crawling&quot; distance to Bourbon!<BR>Have fun in 2 weeks!<BR><BR>Cindy, Monsoons @ Port o' Call (and a cheeseburger-baked tater) and Purple Voodoos @ Lafitte's along with Abita Turbo Dog are The Kal's booze of choice.<BR><BR>Richard, As a Flight Attendant told us once, &quot;There ARE no calories on vacation!&quot; We vacation by those rules.<BR>Unfortunately, they immedaitely find you as soon as you land at your home airport!<BR>When we &quot;were younger&quot; we were able to get up early in NOLA and walk from Canal down Bourbon to Esplanade, down <BR>to the river then down the Moonwalk all the way to Poydras for an early morn' walk...of course we wound up at DuMonde but any exercise is mo' bettah than no exercise. <BR>This past Oct. trip, we rarely saw 11:00 a.m. before the feet hit the floor.<BR><BR>Tulane Dan, &quot;buffet pants&quot; appears to be a universal term. Pretty funny how terms get around.<BR>Aloha,<BR>Kal

Hi Everyone!<BR><BR>Well, we had a blast in New Orleans and I really think that I will be making a return visit sooner than I thought! How can one person eat so much is beyond me (or drink so much for that matter)...<BR><BR>We landed on Friday afternoon and wandered down Bourbon Street during daylight hours. Lots of interesting fleshy places and bars...We ate lunch in the French Quarter at Deannie's Seafood and had my first po-boy. I was stuffed but somehow managed to squeeze in a beignet from Cafe du Monde a few hours later. <BR><BR>After we freshened up a bit after our wanderings around the French Quarter (Royal Street for fun window-shopping, Jackson Square to soak in the sun and look at the scaffolding on the cathedral, Moon Walk along the river, and back down Decatur to Canal...), we headed to Harrah's Casino to play a little before heading back to Bourbon Street and our reservations at Galatoire's. What a wonderful meal. I thought it was very beautiful and great service. We enjoyed it very much. And then with satisfied, full bellies, we ventured into Bourbon's nightlife. I'm not sure how time goes by so quickly, but before we knew it, it was 6am! We managed to get to Cafe du Monde for another beignet before we headed back to the hotel for a little sleep.<BR><BR>Saturday...We ate lunch at The Acme Oyster House. Boyfriend was in heaven. He never seems to get oysters at home but was raving about his there. I had some catfish since my belly was a little unhappy with me for drinking so much the night before. Boyfriend took a nap in the afternoon and I rode the streetcar all the way to Audubon Park and Tulane and Loyola's campuses. Very pretty walk around and just the thing to work up an appetite. Unfortunately, friends' reservations at Nola turned out to be one person short and could not squeeze in another person, so we tried to get into Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse but were out of luck. We ended up going to Wollensky and Smith's which is a chain but has pretty darn good steak so I wasn't too unhappy and we saw a major league pitcher who used to pitch for our home team in the bar, so that was cool. We again walked around Bourbon (how does anyone who lives near there sleep?) and managed to make our way to Port of Call for a late night burger. Wow, that's all I can say! Those are the best burgers I have ever tasted! <BR><BR>Sunday, we went to the Browns/Saints game and watched an exciting (for us) game. After the game, everyone wanted to celebrate and we ended up at Mr. B's (since we were told that Irene's would be closed) for a quick dinner. Gumbo was good, but we heard that the Gumbo Shop was better from other diners. Not that we have a lot of gumbo experience, so...At the end of another long night on Bourbon, we ended up at Kystall's. I've had worse, but would have loved to end up at Port of Call again!<BR><BR>We left early on Monday so we didn't have time to go exploring (and eating), but it was a wonderful trip. Thanks to all of you who gave such great recommendations and we are already planning on returning to sample from the restaurants that we missed on this trip. I am definitely going to ask Santa for a pair of buffet pants for my next trip to Nawlins!