Stacey, how long did you have to wait at Irene's? We tried to go on a Thursday night around 7:00 during a slow week in December and were told it was an hour and twenty minute wait. Is there a better way to get into this place (other than eating at 5:30)?

Irene's is notorious for being very crowded since it's so popular...and good! However, they also overestimate the wait time quite often. Last week we were told an hour. Since we wanted wine anyway, we waited. We had a table in 20 minutes. This isn't uncommon.

another vote for Nola's.

Recently went to Emerils and found the food had gone downhill and the wait staff was rude. For a high ticket price restaurant it was unacceptable to us. Also, they did not abide by their dress code and we were seated next to a bunch of guys in shorts, fatigues, etc. The crowd is noisy and it is too loud to "dine". Alas, it has just become a tourist place.

Antoines a rip...another vote for Commanders Palace, call months, if possible, in advance for res...do take the trolly car..it stops at their door. If u go for lunch, leave time to take the self guided walking tour of the "fabulous" homes in the Garden District. <BR>Enjoy

NOLA (not NOLA's by the way) is better than Emeril's flagship location in my opinion. I find Emeril's staff to be a little too impressed with themselves. And I agree with the previous poster about Antoine's...she ain't what she used to be!

Arnauds - **** <BR>French Qtr <BR>Bourbon & Bienville <BR>French Continental <BR> <BR>Expensive, but definitely worth it. Ask your waiter to show you the Mardi Gras Museum upstairs <BR>

If you're in the mood for Italian go to Frank's Restaurant on Decatur between Dumaine and St. Philip. Easy to get in, friendly staff, AWESOME food. Ask about the Gaglioni special -- to die for!!

the monalisa on royal st. is GREAT! (not for your anniversary) local hangout. great italian food - great atmosphere! Cuvee' or Emerils good.

Oh dear! Someone is actually recommending Mona Lisa??? I wouldn't! My last TWO meals there have been marginal at best, with bad service to boot. I won't be back. The place is nearly empty most nights as locals have abandoned it.

I was down in December and my girlfriend and I absolutely loved K-Paul's and Mulate's. Johnny's Po' boys is a good place for lunch. stay away from Louis the 16th. Louis the 16th has food that really is that great.

I will be bringing my teenagers in a few months. I thought they might have fun with the cajun dance lessons at Mulates or Micaule on St Charles. Which one do you recommend? <BR>

Feelings in the Marigny--Gamay's in The Bienville House Hotel--Marisol's on The Esplanade--Irene's on St. Phillips..breakfast--Old Coffee Pot on St. Peters and Petunia's!! Burgers---((jumping up and down----PORT O CALL))))

Why did you post this message in Minnesota disscussion? I suggest if you ever travel to Minnesota, McDonald's!

I really enjoyed NOLA'S!!! We cruised right off of Bourbon and into this fabulous restaurant that had unspeakably wonderful desserts. Great food, good service, cool atmosphere, fine wine and only a beat from Bourbon Street. I hope you have a wonderful trip to New Orleans.

Tell them its your anniversary when you make reservations. My husband and I ate at K-Pauls last time we were in NO. The inside didn't look romantic (very bright and crowded) but the hostess asked if we wanted to eat in the courtyard. It was quiet (seemed to be only couples out there), darker, and the tables were farther apart than inside. All in all, a very romantic atmosphere. We would never have known to ask to eat out there, but we were talking to the hostess and mentioned it was a special night.

We just got back from NO yesterday. We absolutely LOVED Camellia Grill for breakfast, or anytime really(past the garden district on the streetcar line) It was the most fun we had on our trip. It is an open grill with a counter for the diners and the servers and cooks are so funny. A jewel of a place that we found just off of Bourbon Street (dont let that bother you) on St. Louis was Petunia's. They have decadent dinner crepes that were huge and the service was excellent. Very quaint and cozy with just a few tables. We loved it.

<BR>I live in NOLA, we LOVE Dick and Jenny's and Brigtsein's. Both very quaint and romantic. Also off the beaten path, less touristy.

There are tons of great restaurants in the quarter. You can check out the menus many post just outside the door. My wife and I ate at several restaurants that way, without reservations, and they were all good--some very good. <BR> <BR>The one meal for which we made reservations was at Susan Spicer's Bayonne. If you're interested in paying a lot of money for marginal, ill-prepared food and snippy service, this is the place for you. The night we went they had one seafood offering--Alaskan Salmon. Now, how the h*ll does that make sense?

I concur with Clay....Bayona not pleasant and highly touted garlic soup absolutely awful. Our food looked pretty but tasted average. Service was poor, prices high. It is too upscale to be tasty!