Mandeville

French Quarter

The first block of Bourbon Street off Canal Street was almost a no-man's land after the major department stores closed. The first sign of life in lively scene there now was the opening of the Red Fish Grill, whose colorful digs and impressive casual cooking set off a trend. As if it had something further to prove, it was the first major restaurant in the French Quarter to reopen after Katrina, even though they had to use paper and plastic serviceware and bottled water even for dishwashing. It all made the statement that this somewhat wacky-looking restaurant was in earnest about its food. And it still is.

CBD

Gretna

Uptown 4: Riverbend, Carrollton & Broadmoor

Harahan

Bywater & Downtown

Near the train tracks separating the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods is a place I've recommended to friends for quite a while. Red's is just what those of us who would love to see more adventuresome Chinese menus have been waiting for. It is not for people who eat the same dishes in the same two or three local Chinese restaurants. Forward-looking cookery pulls Chinese and local ingredients into create a bold contrast to the typical New Orleans Chinese food. And did I say it's delicious?

Uptown 4: Riverbend, Carrollton & Broadmoor

Elmwood

Uptown 3: Napoleon To Audubon

CBD

Uptown 2: Washington To Napoleon

Lakeview

Kenner

French Quarter

Algiers

Uptown 4: Riverbend, Carrollton & Broadmoor

CBD

Marrero To Lafitte

New Orleans is in close proximity to many Ends Of The World. Restaurant des Familles is not quite that remote, but well down the road to a place that is: Barataria, the hangout of Jean Lafitte and his pirates. The surroundings of the restaurant are primordial enough that there are swamp tours nearby. Yet it's close enough to town that if you have a visiting client or friend who wants to eyeball the unique Louisiana environment, it's not too long a trip to come here. And eat some gumbo, oysters, crabmeat, and all the other comestibles for which our town is celebrated.

French Quarter

Warehouse District & Center City

Mandeville

French Quarter

French Quarter

Uptown 4: Riverbend, Carrollton & Broadmoor

Gretna

St. Bernard Parish

Covington

Kenner

Mandeville