Where would take your family for a "big splurge" meal in New Orleans?
 

Yes, there are other NOLA food threads, but I'm trying to narrow it down to one "nice" restaurant for a "big splurge" meal. There are five of us. The kids are ages 14, 17 and 19, so there has to be at least some "recognizable" food on the menu.

I've narrowed it down to:

Emeril's NOLA
Galatoires
K-Pauls
Brennan's
Commander's Palace

Or, is the food so good at some of the more causal restaurants that we don't need to go anywhere "fancy"?

This really gets to be a personal choice, but out of those mentioned I'd pick Commander's. Unique atmosphere and we've always had very good food and service. Wouldn't argue with Galatiores for the classic NO experience. Our last couple of visits to Brennan's was definitely subpar with food and service but that was several years ago and I've seen some recent reports of those who very much liked it. Ditto with K-Pauls.

Commander's Palace!

Here's a third vote for Commander's Palace. We took our children there for the first time when they were much younger than yours, and they still remember it (along with later visits).

My favorite meal there is the Sunday jazz brunch, and if you're there in nice weather, you can opt to sit outside.

Of your list, I'd lean towards Gallatoire's. I don't like Brennan's or K-Pauls. I like NOLA but it can be spotty.

TO answer your question, yes there are a lot of places that aren't fancy that have excellent food. Plus a lot of places have gotten a bit lax on the dress code. I have seen shorts and t-shirts in places that I did not expect to see them.

You should take a look at www.chowhound.com There is a very active New Orleans forum with some very helpful locals and a lot of folks with strong opinions.

I'd opt for Commander's Palace, K-Paul's, or Galatoire's. If service quality matters to you, would give further weight to choosing Galatoire's. Took a trip to New Orleans recently and liked the food at all three very much.

Also would consider Arnaud's or Mr. B's for such a meal.

Was less taken with NOLA. Had a very good, if stunningly expensive breakfast at Brennan's, but did not have dinner there.

Since I answered your original question, let me suggest some other spots that you did not ask about. My daughter went to Loyola - New Orleans and my dad and I spent many wonderful times eating our way through the city, pre-Katrina.

My wife and I were back in NOLa last September. We had our anniversary dinner at Bayona. It is in the Quarter and is classic New orleans cooking with a bit if a flair. The atmosphere is casual elegance and the food was outstanding. In addition, I got to meet Susan Spicer, who was quite gracious.

Herbsaint on St Charles is another excellent spot. Donald Link chef.

Cochon is another Link restaurant and a bit more casual.

Mr. B's Bistro in the Quarter is also an excellent spot. They have the best BBQ shrimp in New Orleans.

Pasqual's Manale on Napolean is a great neighborhood spot not too far off St Charles.

Sunday Jazz Brunch is great at Commander's. If you go ask for the Garden room.

Just a couple of follow up comments.

Definitely agree with Pasqual's Manale. Great neighborhood restaurant. Excellent BBQ shrimp and crab remoulade. Fun to take the St Charles St trolley, get off at Napolean stop and walk a couple of blocks.

I was in NO 2 weeks ago and was very disappointed in Mr. B's. Maybe it was off day, but the seafood gumbo was decidedly subpar (roux was light and not very rich, about 3 popcorn-size shrimp, almost no crabmeat, too much okra IMO; the pasta with crawfish had a very runny sauce although the taste was very decent) [haven't had their BBQ shrimp so can't comment on that]. Should probably add I grew up on gumbo so am pretty particular about it.

Bayona's is also an exellent choice.

Brennans for Breakfast is an experience :) But my favorite NO restaurant is by no means fancy .. The Acme Oyster House. oh yah!

Did the Bon Ton Cafe survive the hurricane?

Has anyone ever eaten at Rio Mar? The chef was recently named a James Beard award (Best Chef-South) semi-finalist. We were thinking of eating there in late April (also have reservations so far at Emerils and at Bayona. Five nights total, so we need two more).

New restaurant, Le Foret, was excellent the other day. Herbsaint is always great. Mosca's, if you have a way to get there, is like nothing you will ever eat (cash only and worth every penny). Commander's is an event--more formal than other restaurants and you certainly cannot go wrong there.

As much as I like Galatoire's for the scene, the food can be either stellar or fair. Having said that, they have the best lamb chops in the city and the soft shell crabs can't be beat. Go early to sit downstairs-no reservations. Upstairs is boring-reservations taken. Jackets required for dinner.

Emeril's is ok. Kids might like it because it's Emeril's. Brennan's - no. K-Paul--don't know, though I have heard it's much better than it used to be though still very touristy.

Now you are probably even more confused...

I don't like Brennan's.

I would say Commander's.

not bon has the answer to your question, I'd vote for Cochon based on your comments.

My favorite family thing to do is the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues! the food is great - huge assortment of items to choose from - especially if there are children in your group. And the Music is wonderful too.
It is hard to go to a 5 Star restaurant with kids and all they want to order is chicken fingers or a burger!! Very entertaining. Oceana is excellent also and not as pricy as some of the other "named" places.

Personally, I'd have to be willing to do a huge trade-off against my gastronomic wishes in favor of the kids to eat at House of Blues anywhere. And given all the great food spots in NOLA, I wouldn't personally be a happy camper ending up in a place like this or Bubba Gump or Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville here.

The few mentions I've seen over at Chowhound for Oceana have been middling to negative, for what it's worth. Never been, myself.

I'd vote for Galatoire's or Commander's- both classic New Orleans. Brennan's is a good choice for a nice breakfast.

Commander's Palace!!!

OP back from NOLA. I decided not to do a "big splurge" meal since Husband about had a heart attack over the price of the more normal meals at Mr. Bs. and Pascal's Manale!

Missypie, did you write a trip report? What did you do in NOLA besides eat? :) I've never taken my kids there, and wonder what yours enjoyed.