This topic keeps coming up but since it is New Orleans it never gets old. First stop would be, as Paul Smith suggests, look at what’s on the website. Jacques Imo (anything fried by fried chicken is best and then you can go to the Maple Bar next door), Uggie’s, Mother’s for breakfast is great but bring your cholesterol medicine, Casamento’s but closed in the summer. Galatoire’s is an old favorite – go on Sunday when tout New Orleans shows up but you can’t be shabby (ask for Reynard, he’s the best waiter) and don’t sit upstairs. Herbsaint is a good in-between place between casual and big splash and lets you eat the Spice Girl’s food without mortgaging the bank. Maison deVille restaurant has a nice garden, good food and a famously hospitable maitre’d. Mayhaw Man, I was rather disappointed in Artesia, I guess all the magic went to Restaurant August at much higher prices too, but if you do go to the North Shore then be sure to stop at the Abita Springs brewery home of the famous Turbo Dog. Laisse le bon temps rouler carotopp!

[:D]Just spent 4 wonderful days in New Orleans and found a great roadfood place. Annette’s is very small place (probably 20 seats) located at 219 Dauphine Street just off Canal Street. This is the alley between the Royal Sonesta and Chateau Sonesta Hotels. The owner, Annette, is Greek American. The food find is the Cajun omlette (Cajun hot sausage, onions, peppers and tomatoes) w/ toast – $5.95. Coffee is in foam cups. There are bowls of "Jelly for your Belly". Annette and the cook talk to everyone and trade insults about whose ass is bigger. Breakfast all day.

Nice work Hillbilly,I always seem to forget about La Provence. Not only is it good, but it is interesting and fun to boot. The guy that owns the place Kris Karaakakkfjaslfha;gha;slhg;a (can’t spell his name to save my life) is 1)really from Provence 2) really fond of true Provencal cooking 3) knows what to do with a dead rabbit 4) sends out a turine of pate (of unknown liver origin, but I have always assumed chicken) and bread crusts that is worth the price of admission by itself 5) the guy is really gregarious (watch your signifigant other, he is quite the old coot/masher).

There are two other places on the Northshore that are worth noting in the fine food category
1) Artesia- located in the quaint little town (one stop light) of Abita Springs. Search on google and you can read reviews from various foodie mags
2) Dakota-This is Kenny La Cour’s 1st restaurant. THe second being Cuvee, a much written about bistro in NOLA with a stunning wine list (or at least you will be stunned after you pay the tab, which is probably a good thing)Once again, look it up on the net, but if he has game on the menu, and he always does, this is a good way to go. It also has fabulous and tasteful artwork on the walls provided by a sophisticated local gallery.[;)] Buy some art on your way out, my wife will love you for it[:D]

Both of these places have early birds that are really reasonable. Call ahead to check, though. They are often booked.

2 great places in the surrounding area (both from a Charles Kuralt book).
For the best scampi you will ever taste and exceptional intuitive but not intrusive service by tuxedo clad waiters, try La Riveria in Metairie.
And across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, east of Mandeville on highway 190, is a small French restaurant called La Provence. It is a real roadfood location, if not a typical roadfood menu.
I haven’t been to either in more than a year, but they both have long standing excellence.

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Originally posted by signman

I love Camellia Grill for breakfast. Ride the streetcar to the Riverbend District. It’s right in front of you as the car turns on Carrollton Ave. Great omelets, burgers and you must have a chocolate freeze to drink.

I also love the Camellia Grill for breakfast but we must mention their famous Pecan Waffles.

As far as I know, Bon Ton is for lunch…Lots of business people/lawyers from the C.B.D. eat there. They have superior etoufee, and you may want to eat loaves of their French bread. It’s another oldie but goodie.

When did Galatoire’s add an upstairs?

There have been several suggestions for lunch at Mother’s, and a "Ralph" or "Ferdie" will fuel you up for a full day. BUT–don’t overlook Mother’s for breakfast.
Uglesich’s is my favorite anywhere, and Anthony is a great guy to talk with when he has some spare time. I have eaten at most of the places suggested in this thread, and New Orleans has never disappointed me.
There is another great small restaurant between Jackson Square and the French Market called "Irene’s" (I forget which street), and no one has mentioned "Bon Ton" or "Central Grocery".
For "adult beverages", try Cooter Brown’s (just about 100 yards from the Camelia Grill where the trolley turns off St. Charles). They have the largest selection of beer that I have ever seen. The array of draft choices is unbelievable.
Favorites in New Orleans? Just walk into any place on any street and you will get a treat. Be sure to get to the places the Roadfood books have reviewed. Most of them are institutions.

Ever since I had the Barbeque Shrimp at Pascal’s Manale, I often make it that way myself. I’ve been doing them in a cast iron skillet, lots of butter and a liberal dose of Creole seasoning and garlic. You just have to not think of it as Texas barbeque style! [:)]

Pascal’s Manale – Barbequed Shrimp. It is not barbequed, but that is what it is called nonetheless. It is baked in about 10 gallons of butter! You can toss the shrimp and just dip your French bread in the sauce. To die for.

Acme Oyster House – Best raw in the city. I don’t eat raw anywhere but Acme. If you order any fried food, remind them not to over cook it, as thy are prone to do. Damn cold beer, too, and I’m not a beer drinker, except at Acme.

Emmeral’s (and I don’t know if I’ve spelled it right) Best service this side of heaven. Don’t go without your Amex, though. It ain’t cheap.

Many many more.

Actually, with the opening of the upstairs, Galitoires is now accepting reservations (for upstairs only). As an aside, if you want some hilarious, it could only happen in New Orleans, style reading. Go to NOLA.com and search on Galitoires/chipped ice. THere is a series of combo stories there involving the firing of a waiter/no more chipped ice/opening of upstairs that gives great insight to the uppercrust lifestyle in New Orleans. Our schools are crap, our roads are bad, our politicians are too. (much like our roads and schools[:(]) but we are highly opinionated about our cocktail ice and personal waiters. It’s a bizarre little slice of the third world. THe northern most city in the Carribean, as they say.

One last Sid-Mar comment. They are really good w/ boiled crawfish and crabs, too. If crabs are on the menu, grab some. They’re very meaty, and spiced just right. Don’t forget to devour the lovely, yellow crawfish fat if you’re lucky enough to have a good amount in your crawfish.

Am I being asked about Felix’s, or was that question in regards to something else? We went on an eating weekend last Thanksgiving, and crammed in as many meals as possible, which was 3 a day plus repeated beignet trips to Cafe du Monde. I found the seafood at Felix’s very flat tasting. Maybe it was an off hour, as it was late.

If you go to Galatoire’s go at an off hour—say 11:30 or 2:00 for lunch, as it’s always mobbed and they take no reservations. Their redfish is wonderful, as is anything with lump crabmeat. Sigh…

There are enough fabulous eating places in N.O. to keep you going for a LONG time.

The splurge at Commander’s (lunch) would cost three times as much in Manhattan; it’s a terrific deal!

I should also say that you should pick up a copy of Gambit (they are everywhere and free). It will have all of the info about who has specials on what and what else is going on around town. New Orleans has the best, reasonably priced eating in the country (IMHO). There are tons of great places that I have not mentioned. Look at the archived threads involving New Orleans and you will see many, many places mentioned that are worth trying out. About the only major category we are weak in is BBQ. There is virtually none worth mentioning (although the BBQ oysters at Drago’s are worth a sidetrip…in fact…they are worth the whole trip. Bivalves on the half, cooked on a charbroiler, with a tangy homemade sauce). Man are they good. And the bbq redfish at Mike Anderson’s (redfish filet cooked skin on-skin side down with a great thin bbq sauce…this might be the most underrated piece of fish in NOLA). Have fun. Spend money. Tell your friends. We need the money.

Breakfast
Camellia Grill
Clover Grill
Brennans (although it is rediculously expensive. Probably as much as you can pay for breakfast anywhere)
Bluebird Cafe (personal favorite)

Lunch
Uglesich’s
Mothers
Johnnys PoBoys
Crabby Jacks
Dunbars
Domilises
Galitoires

Commanders Palace (they have a three course lunch for 15.95. Dollar martinis to boot. You get to try Commanders on the cheap and get your mind right for the rest of the day. This is the best dining deal in NO. You will need to call for a reservation, although you can usually get one no trouble)

Dinner
Praline Connection
Jaucquimos
NOLA
Franky and Johnnies
Redfish Grill
Palace Cafe (great for lunch too…go see lawyers at lunch[;)]

Late Night
Verti Mart (unbelievable, also across the street from my apt.)
Camellia Grill
Clover Grill
St Charles Tavern
Charity Hospital[xx(]

Commander’s Palace is a must for Sunday brunch. I enjoyed The Red Fish Grill http://www.redfishgrill.com. Wish I had a beignet and a cup of Cafe du Monde coffee now!
On my last visit my friend recommended we go to Mardi Gras World -interesting to see where they make the floats, costumes, etc.
I always eat a late lunch buffet at Court of Two Sisters-I enjoy the atmosphere and its a great way to taste the many varities of Orleans food.
My favorite drink in NO is a Ramos Gin Fizz[:D]

I think Felix’s has gone downhill.

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I was thinking of renting their new upstairs room for a party…could you elaborate? When were you last there? Was it the service or quality or something else?