New Orleans, LA + Add a trip

Top Restaurant in New Orleans

Commander's Palace...best I have ever had...One of the top ten in the world....need I say more....

The Gumbo Shop

the Gumbo Shop doesn't receive as much fanfare as some of the other great restaurants in the city - and there are more than a few - but the food is outstanding. There is often a wait (it's a smallish place) and sometimes noisy once you're inside, but the food is worth it. The service I've received has always been first-rate as well.

The Creole platter is a great choice for those looking to sample the local cuisine, but ironically, the filet mignon is the best steak I've ever had.

The Delachaise

Excellent bar/restaurant. Chef won best chef 2007. Packed with locals. Great food. Fun place to hang out.

Great West African Food with Veggie Options

NOLA is great but the veggie (and especially vegan) options are a bit thin on the ground. The food at this place in the French quarter was good if spicy. I'd also recommend the ginger drink but only if you know you like ginger.

friday lunch @ Galatoire's

local scene. only place i've ever gotten mistaken for a stockbroker. close to holidays, be forewarned - had to wait in line like it was a job, at 8:30 am to finally get seated at 1:30 pm, and leave lunch at 5:30 pm. it was well worth it; the food and the ambiance are quintessential new orleans.

or if just want a drink & check it out w/o the commitment - go upstairs & have a drink or three at the bar.

The Hostel Restaurant & Lounge

Amazingly good. Their cheese plate (selected by the chef each night) is to die for and the dinner special is five courses of awesome.

Definitely agree with the Galatoire's lunch recommendation.

Another great lunch spot, without the wait, is Mr. B's. I recommend the BBQ Shrimp and Gumbo Ya-Ya. It's a Brennan's restaurant (They own about 10 restaurants in NOLA including Commander's Palace and Brennan's) on Royal and Iberville in the Quarter.

Stanley's on Jackson Square for breakfast. Great poor man's po-boys. Used to be called Muriel's

Saltwater Grill in the Riverbend area (you can ride the streetcar) is excellent. The food is fantastic and well worth the trip. The poboys and salads are huge. The staff is very friendly and accomodating.

Great tapas, great live music and cool crowd. Its relaxed, a bit rough round the edges but really great food and vibe.

Open 24 hours. We went in the wee hours. Beignets were awesome! My friend even bought the mix, sold at the store. The floor was full of powdered sugar, haha. Restrooms = :(

Awesome traditional n'awlins eats... equally cool atmosphere

super falafel, hummos, and kabobs... good value

some of the best chicken I ever had... on the pricey side, but worth it if you're looking for something special.

no visit to new orleans is complete w/out stopping in here (and no, I'm not just sayin' that just because I work here ;)