Suggested restaurants in New Orleans I'm confused, the last two posts say Bayona isn't any good but others rave. <BR>Has the place gone downhill. We're planning an anniversary dinner there and don't want to be disappointed Thanks

On any "opinion" board you'll get a wide range of comments. Bayona is listed as one of the city's best restaurants in almost every survey and 95% of the comments I've ever read about the place are very positive. Personally, I think it's wonderful.

I just took my wife to Bayona for a Mother's Day brunch (normally closed on Sunday) and have to say it was the best meal I've had in NO and ranks in the top five. Hopefully the weather is nice enough for you to sit in the courtyard, keep an eye out for chameleons. <BR> <BR>I also thought Irene's was wonderful, great atmosphere! Of the three Emeril restaurants I'd rank Delmonico (food-wise) and NOLA (more relaxed) a bit above Emeril's...but I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Next visit, I probably won't make a fourth visit to Emeril's...it's back to Bayona and some place new...love these reviews!

Anthoner vote for NOLA! Great atmosphere and excellent food. I went for lunch and was very pleased. Also, Mike Anderson's is always a favorite if you enjoy seafood. <BR> <BR>Additionally, the last time I was in New Orleans, I ate at the Blues Brothers Cafe of all places. The food was surprisingly good and very SOUTHERN. <BR>I had smothered pork chops. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

I must have been asleep... I said Blues Brothers Cafe, I meant to say House of Blues. Great place. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Count another vote for Commander's. Absolutely fabulous Sunday brunch with live band. We made reservations for our group four months ahead and STILL didn't get the garden room!

Post is late, but 2 Sisters definetley over rated. I will not go back. I thought Emerils was fine, service very good, price a little high. But we loved NOLA. Lunched on just their various appetizers to give us (4 of us) a taste of the place. Best place we tried, but also heard we shd go to Commanders Palace, which we did not make. New Orleans best city for tourists in U.S.!!

We had a fabulous meal at K-Paul's. Irene's was highly recommended and the wait was very long. The service was excellent, but the food was not good. Very disappointing.

K-Paul's! K-Paul's! K-PAULS!!!<BR>Brennen's was all atmosphere (I've seen better) and their food was overrated.<BR>We stood in line @ K-Pauls for 45 minutes (We didn't have reservations), and we met couples from FL,GA,and TX (We from PA)and had great conversations.<BR>Once inside - Wow!<BR>Our service was wonderful. And our meals...<BR>(Quote) "Oh, My God" The meals were outstanding!<BR>SWEET POTATO PECAN PIE - 'NUFF SAID!<BR>We enjoyed the food so much we spent our last evening "standing in line" @ K-Paul's two nights later.

I hate to break it to you--they now take reservations. As your experience showed you--no locals eat there and would not. You can get food much better than they have at most restaurants in town. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Check out www.gumbopages.com for suggestions from a native of New Orleans on his faves and general info on the city.

Mona Lisa's inthe Quarter, Pizza, pasta,it very inexpensive!!!!

My husband and I ate at Arnauds -- the food was outstanding, as was the service. We both thought it was one of the best meals we've every had. If you go, try the bananas foster for dessert -- absolutely decadent!

I'm confused. Can someone please tell me why this topic is listed under Arizona?

Judy, I think the original poster didn't narrow it down to a specific state when he posted and selected "general" instead. No big deal. It happens every now and then. I've seen "best Manhattan hotel" on the Texas board, etc.

posting late but I feel so alone. Am I the only person out there that thinks Commanders Palace is a tourist trap? Been there several times for dinner and thought that the menu was unimaginative and service rushed. I'll have to try brunch there.<BR>I second the recommendation of The Grill Room at The Windsor Court Hotel...fabulous. Don't miss The Windsor Rose dessert...WOW!

I lived in New Orleans for many years and still return frequently. The local choice for really special occasions is Commander's Palace. While is is deservedly popular with tourists, it has consistently managed to maintain the best balance of exciting atmosphere, superb food, and exacting service of any restaurant in the city. I could recommend dozens of other restaurants just for the food, but for a special occasion, you can't beat Commander's.

Why is everybody answering a question that was posted in 2000? I tend to think the people have been there by now......

I lived in NO for 5 years, went to grad school there and worked in a 5 star restaurant to pay the bills. My recommendations are as follows. First, all of the posts I read advised French Quarter eateries, try to get out on the town more, there are great places that are a cheap cab ride away (less than $5).<BR><BR>- For your romantic dinner, go to Bella Luna. The food is good, but the ambiance is world class. Hands down the most romantic place to eat in the USA. Jacket req'd.<BR><BR>- If you are in town for a whole week, go to Commander's Palace for brunch (I'd pass on dinner there). Commander's is located in the Garden District and the brunch is the best. Jacket req'd.<BR><BR>- Make sure you get out of the French Quarter. I recommend the following uptown joints: <BR><BR>1. Jaques-Imo's - uptown on Oak street next to the Maple Leaf. Walk in through the kitchen to the bar and wait for a table. The chef is one of Emeril's old chefs. Try the stuffed pork chop or venision. Casual - No reservations.<BR><BR>2. Casemento's - tiny oyster bar on magazine st. Family run; fun, friendly place. Casual. Take a cab from the hotel.<BR><BR>3. Pascal's Manale - uptown on Napolean between Magazine and Carrolton. Get the BBQ shrimp, wear the bib.<BR><BR>- Lunch:<BR><BR>1. Mother's - on Poydras St. near your hotel. Go for a late lunch to avoid the locals. Get the Ferdie or Debris po-boy.<BR><BR>2. The Pearl - right off Canal. walk from the hotel. Try the gumbo or oysters while sitting at the bar with a beer.<BR><BR>3. Camilla Grill - Carrolton Street at the river bend. Pick a nice day, hop on the street car and ride it uptown past Tulane Univ. and Audobon park to Camilla Grill for lunch. Sit at the counter and have an omlet or BLT, chase with grill-warmed pecan pie and coffee or milk. Then ride the street car back, or call a "United" Cab. They are everywhere in the city, but tough to hail. Get their number programmed in your cell to call, they will be there in 5-10 min.<BR><BR>Drinks:<BR><BR>- The Grill bar at Arnaud's - Bienville St., right off Bourbon. This bar is the most well kept of secrets. Arnaud's is a 4 or 5 star rest. The bar is in a beautiful oak room with small tables and great service. It has its own entrance from the street under a sign that says: Arnaud's Bar. There are two bars in this place so make sure you are in "the Grill" as its called. This is not a French Quarter bar. Clean bathrooms and champagne by the glass. Try a Sazerac. If you are there thurs.-sat. Tell the bartender Bobby that I said hello. I would go there for a drink before a nice dinner. Jacket req'd.<BR><BR>- Napolean house - St. Peter's street. Very mellow place to cool off after a walk though the French Market and Jaqckson Square.<BR><BR>** If you have time - Bonus Dinner - K'Paul's - eat community style a Paul Prudhomme's joint. Great food.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>

If you want a fun time and a GREAT lunch, go to the New Orleans School of Cooking in the old JAX brewery. You will need reservations. The Chef(hopefully, you will get Kevin Belton) gives you a history of Cajun cooking and shows you how it all comes together. What he prepares is your lunch. We recommended this to friends of ours. They went and had the same opinion. If the chef makes bannas foster for desert, you have hit the big one.

Another vote for Jaques-Imo's. Very casual crowd, reasonable prices and excellent food. Bayona and Peristyle are two others I highly recommend.

Cuvee'...dimly lit, small seating area, attentive staff, good wine list, excellant duck, loved the fried mirliton layered with shrimp in a special sauce, wonderful salads. The chef was voted one of 10 up and coming chefs in the Southwest Airlines magazine last year. I think he was a chef at Delmonica and and before that The Grill Room before joining Cuvee's. Enjoyed this restaurant more than some 4 star restaurants in New York.

DELMONICO! Been down to NO 15 times--best fine dining. Antoine's no good--all ala carte, the ambiance is just off, can't pin point, and food not near that of DELMONICO

Commander's Palace and Bela Luna....definitely for a romantic anniversary dinner. Went to Arnaud's last time during Mardi Gras and was not impressed at all. Friends loved NOLA, as well. Had good and bad at Court of Two Sisters....was more convenient at the time than anything else and outside patio area was nice (if not too hot).

My husband and I got back from New Orleans in April. We had a wonderful time. One of our favorite restaurants was Dick and Jenny's. It's not in the "heart" of New orleans though--about a $10 cab ride. If you go, have the cabdriver take you there by way of the garden district. Otherwise it's somewhat of a shabby drive. The food was just amazing---very casual atmosphere. I'd also recommend JaqImos--very casual also. We ate at Emeril's and did not find the quality to be anywhere near Dick and Jenny's or JaqImos. Hope this helps!

I'm with the nay-sayers on Antoine's. I ate there Valentine's day and although we had a good table in the back room (my date had been there several times previously and apparently knew who to speak to when reserving)... food was just okay. Perhaps it was actually reasonably good but we paid $115 for two and had two entrees, one soft drink each, one shared side dish and two desserts. I could eat better in NYC for half the price. ON th eupside, the waiter was very nice. We had lunch the next day at Olivier's and it was great (and reasonably priced). I'd love to go back there for dinner.

Ralph and Kakoos(Seafood), Yagers on the Lake(Seafood & Lively atmosphere), Houstons(St. Charles St.),The original Ruth Chris Steakhouse (Broadway), The Trolley Stop on St. Charles (Breakfast)

OK, I also am going to vote for Irene's. It has very tasty food, and has not become a tourist trap! Also, my favorite restaurant is Napoleon House. It looks a little dingy, but the dim dining room and candlelight are all you need for a romantic atmosphere! Also, cheap eats!<BR>P.S. Bella Luna couldn't cook a decent piece of fish if Julia Child herself was running the show (know someone who got a BAD case of food poisioning there!)

I might not get this reply posted, and I may take some heat but here goes. I read Fodors New Orleans 2002 thoroughly as I am getting ready to go back to N'awlins this summer. It was pretty good. The restaurants reviews were pretty good, to fair.They seem to favor and list more of the pricier restaurants I noticed. Then I got really smart and bought Frommers 2002 New Orleans, and I have to be honest here, its puts Fodors to SHAME! The restaurant reviews are much much more thorough and comprehensive.And they have many more listings of restaurants that wont waste your wallet! Bravo! They even mention places that are "over rated" which I consider to be a God send. Bravo Frommers, and try harder Fodors!

The most fantastic melt in your mouth place to eat is the Upperline!!!!! French Creole! It is located between the garden district and the French Quarter in an old house. The people are lovely, the food is to die for. It's about 25-40 per person - depending on your wine selection.

I hope you all realize that you are responding to a message that was posted on October of 2000.

Although the original post was long ago, I found the information on people's favorite restaurants useful in planning my trip....

We are going to NO in July, yes I know it will be HOT, I also found the recommendations to be somewhat helpful. Now a new question. How far in advance should we make a reservation at Commander's Palace? Should we make it before we leave or after we check in at the hotel?<BR>Thanks

If you wait until you check in, it'll be too late. Book Commander's ASAP!

My wife and I spent five days on business in NOLA in early-April and had wonderful meals. I did a lot of research prior to the trip and made my reservations nearly a month in advance, because the town was packed with a big conference/trade show. Here are our recommendations: Brigsten's -- our Saturday night dinner choice. A $15 cab ride from the Central Business District. (We stayed at the Inter-Continental--excellent). Excellent fresh local food, beautifully prepared and presented, super service. Sunday brunch at Commander's Palace in the Garden District. Take the St. Charles St. streetcar from downtown and walk your meal off by touring the beautiful neighborhood on foot. Crowded, noisy, food was not as good as we expected, but nicely prepared and served. For our "special night out" we chose Bella Luna in the French Market. Beautiful place, great food and excellent service. Irene's was our first choice, but I didn't want to take a chance on a place that wouldn't take reservations. For lunch, the Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter has great shrimp po-boy sandwiches. Crowded, noisy and fun. Sit at the bar. I also drove out to Sid-Mars on Lake Ponchatrain for fried seafood for lunch. Great local place. You can't go wrong with fresh gulf fish and shrimp. I haven't been in NOLA in 20 years and it hasn't changed all that much, other than new riverfront development and the huge convention center. Still dirty, funky and humid. Bourbon Street is like the south side of hell, with obscene T-shirt shops, gentlemen's clubs, etc., but the rest of the Quarter offers many charming shops, hotels and restaurants. Note for photographers -- the right steeple of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square is being renovated and is surrounded with scaffolding. So much for the quintescential NOLA photo! Lots of "colorful" street musicians, performers and artists fill the square area. Get to the Quarter and the riverside area as early in the AM as you can -- the light is beautiful just after sunrise and the streets are filled with fog. Shoot a few rolls and stop for cafe au lait and begnets at Cafe du Monde. Life is good!

Hi, I live in Baton Rouge, which is only an hour away. But I go to N.O. all the time to shop, eat and drink. So far our favorite restaurant probably for a good lunch crowd and fun would be Galatoires. It really isn't a romantic place but I would definitley make it for lunch and get there early so you can get you name on the list. The rest. opens at 11:00am go drink a drink at the bar on the second floor then go down about 10 mins before and see if the guy has started calling names and he is very soft spoken so get up there and see. You can't wear jeans but somehow on this past good friday I made my husband stand behind me and he got no questions about it, sometime they require a jacket and they have them hanging maybe that is more for nught time. Anyway enjoy your stay another good place to catch a poboy for lunch is at ACME on Iberville right around the corner from Galatoires which by the way is on Boubon street. Also go have a drink at the Montelone hotel which is on Royal street. They are suppose to make the best bloody mary's there pretty hotel too!! The bar is a moving bar you won't even notice but it takes about 15 min until you realized you are not at the place you started. This hotel is right on the otherside of ACME rest. which they have the best raw oysters in town. Also if you want to go for a drive get on St. Charles street and go all the way down until the street curves and turns into Napoleon St. on the left side a little ways down there is a nice sunday after church reat. all the locals go to mostly old people, but it is fun to watch and the Italian is great and they serve you this great cheese bread and they keep bring it to you and it is free. the rest. is called Cavalino's. I think you maybe able to even take the troolly from canal steet all the way to the rest. If I think of anything else I will let you know. Have fun!!!

I forgot one other thing. Go get a muffalato at Central grocery store and a little container of black olives and go sit on the river banks and watch the ship roll.<BR><BR>Liz

Also remember that there is a dress code at Commander's Palace. No shorts! Not even for brunch.

Paul, I don't know if you have ever stayed at the Windsor Court, but I did a couple of years ago. My wife and I had the time of our lives. It is an elegant hotel with exceptional service. The restaurant there is a 4 star though I'm not sure I would do it for the anniversary dinner.<BR><BR>Some of my favorites while there were Brennan's (try the lump crab omlette), K Paul's, Emmeril's, and Commander Palace. Enjoy!

I've heard that Upperline is the best restaurant in N.O. and that it's a local favorite. I've been to Bayona, and it was just OK.