Tom & Christina

* Times-Picayune / NOLA.com Restaurant section http://www.nola.com/dining/ – provides thorough and up-to-date reviews
* Yelp – New Orleans: http://www.yelp.com/c/new-orleans-la/restaurants – great for individual reviews on restaurants

Since 1910 Acme Oyster House has been pleasing the palates of diners. Oysters are their specialty but the fried food, Gumbo and poboys are top-notch as well.

On the “edge of the French Quarter”, this “offbeat”, “divey” Mediterranean is the place to go when that “late-night” “craving” hits for pizzas, pastas and other “inexpensive”, “quality” eats with plenty of “veggie variety”; a “somewhat snarky”, “tattooed” staff takes care of the “cool” clientele of “young hipsters”

An “iconic, well-weathered establishment”, this “gorgeous grande dame” featuring a “crisp” “collection of intimate dining areas and open rooms” provides a “glorious” atmosphere for supping on “true Creole cuisine”, such as “amazing” shrimp Arnaud, and savoring a “fantastic” Sunday jazz brunch; P.S. “don’t miss the Mardi Gras display upstairs.”

This Vieux Carré “shrine” to “golden-age” Creole-French cooking “still delivers” the “essence of old New Orleans” in its “rich” signature dishes and desserts like the baked Alaska (“order in advance”); the “beautiful”, “antiques-filled rooms” are overseen by a “black-tie-attired” “lifelong staff” that “would bring you the Eiffel Tower if you asked”, but to get the full experience “make sure you have the name of a waiter” and “follow his advice”;

“Exceptionally creative” celebrity chef/co-owner John Besh “impresses” guests with “attention to detail that’s something to behold” at his CBD flagship, crafting an “exciting and satisfying” menu of Continental–New French cuisine that’s “filled with fresh, local surprises”; both the “lovely” interior of “exposed brick and shimmering chandeliers” “if you can stomach the prices”, you’ll make your stomach very “happy.”

“Casual but chic”, this “Brennan-family winner” in the Quarter offers “inventive turns on Italian” cuisine with “regional influences”, served by a “well-trained” staff in a “festive” setting with vaulted ceilings and “big open windows” onto Chartres Street; while the wine list is “impressive”, some daytime diners go for the drink specials instead, saying “at 10 cents a pop you can’t afford not to enjoy a three-martini lunch

Since 1946 Brennan’s has created some of the world’s most famous and imaginative dishes which continue to give great pleasure to millions of locals and visitors to New Orleans. Brennan’s is well known for its wonderful brunch, turtle soup and world famous creation, bananas foster.

Open 24 hours, they only serve beignets and café’ au lait, this is a must while in the city.

THE ORGINAL MUFFULETTA (Italian sandwich layered with meats and cheeses).  The “masterpiece” muffaletta at this “landmark” Italian grocery in the French Quarter “will easily fill two New Orleans residents or four tourists”, though the “must-eat” meaty sandwiches (dressed with “incomparable” cracked olive salad)

A true “Hole in the wall” known for their amazing poboys, Domilise’s is a local favorite and also a favorite of Kevin’s mom, Linda.

Very good and fun Italian tapas, least expensive John Besh restaurant

Drago’s is known for their delectable lobster dishes their famous charbroiled oysters and Mama Ruth’s Gumbo.

BYOB “In a quiet corner of the Quarter”, this “secret” Southern BYO draws a “hip” crowd of “regulars” with its “contemporary twists on Louisiana favorites” and other “unexpected pairings” (including a “craveable” blue cheese and fig torte) at a “price practically anyone can afford”;

Established in 1990 by World Famous Chef Emeril Legasse, Emeril’s offers signature dishes such as New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp, Andouille Crusted Redfish and Banana Cream Pie, Emeril’s is truly an experience.

“It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience” effuse fans of this “cherished New Orleans tradition”, a French Quarter “temple” of “superlative” Creole-French fare (especially seafood) served by “impeccable” waiters who look like they “stepped out of a painting”; so “dress your best” and “head over early for Friday lunch” – when local blue bloods feast and “get smashed” in the “classy” mirrored dining room downstairs, often carousing “till dinner” – or Sunday brunch among “beautiful ladies” and “gentlemen who looked like they enjoyed putting on a tie”; N.B. jackets required after 5 PM and on Sundays.

Dubbed the “Baskin Robbins of gumbo”, this French Quarter Creole offers “numerous” “gratifying” varieties of its namesake soup along with “authentic” renditions of NOLA staples (including the “best red beans and rice”) for a “good value”; central location “near St. Louis Cathedral”

“Unsurpassed” Southern Italian food awaits at this “intimate”, “convivial” French Quarter “standout” where “overwhelmingly fabulous”, “garlicky” smells cause a line to start forming “at 4 PM” (reservations are limited); “tremendous”, “hospitable” service and fairly “moderate” tabs clinch the deal, so add your name to the list and be prepared to “have a drink or 12” while you steep in the “funky” ambiance at the “rockin’ piano bar.”

If you want a great poboy or breakfast food this is one of the places to go, Mother’s has been open since 1938 and is worth the wait.

It would be a mistake to pass by” this “little” “no-pretense” Italian in the “quieter part” of the Quarter that’s refreshingly “non-touristy”, serving “inexpensive”, “wonderful” food and offering a BYO option with a $10 corkage fee

Pair a Pimm’s Cup with a po’ boy” (or an “absolutely delicious” hot muffaletta) and “you have a winning lunch” at this “sacred” “French Quarter anachronism” that’s “part of New Orleans history”; with a “serious” staff shuttling Creole-Med dishes, a “picturesque” courtyard and a “casual” yet “incomparable” atmosphere infused with the “ghosts of 200 years”

Port of Call is world famous for their burgers and steaks; this is all they have on their menu. This too is another true “hole in the wall.” It is extremely casual and does not take reservations. This is a favorite place in the world to get a burger, a must while in New Orleans!

Late night eating with great options. Open 24/7. Famous “All that Jazz” po’ boy

Cochon’s sister butcher shop / sandwich shop, great way to get Cochon experience with less culinary / financial risk

A bit out of the way but oh-so-worth-it”, this long-running Creole-Southern in the Irish Channel serves “traditional but inventive” fare “without all the fuss” of some other New Orleans eateries; it’s a “touch on the pricey side” and can have a tough time “handling peak crowds”, but its “upgraded” shotgun digs and “unique flair” (especially during the “lively” Sunday brunch) keep customers “coming back for more.”

“Bump knuckles” with the “hip”, “bantering” “cast of characters” that “makes sure orders come out quickly” at this “landmark” Riverbend diner where “locals rule the roost” (and “stand in line” for a seat); under a new owner who spiffed it up and “brought back the cloth napkins” post-Katrina, it remains a “time warp to 1955”, turning out “classic” American breakfasts (“long live pecan waffles”) and a “cheeseburger and mocha freeze” that some surveyors would “choose for a death row meal”

“You can get lost finding” this “clubby” Uptown “institution” that’s “among the last of the haute Creole houses”, where “traditional waiters” serve “outstanding” dishes like oysters with Brie and smoked soft-shell crab at upscale but “fair” prices; boasting a “high-octane atmosphere”, it plays host to plenty of “back-slapping” among the “old-guard” crowd and is still the “place where you’re most likely to see someone in seersucker.”

“To be the king”, go to this Garden District “palace” for “culinary masterpieces” that “honor Creole tradition while being creative” at the same time; once again voted the city’s Most Popular restaurant (a title it held for 17 consecutive years prior to an extended post-Katrina closure), it’s also rated No. 1 for Decor following a “gorgeous” renovation by owners Lally Brennan and Ti Martin; the “old-style” service is “top-notch” too, and “Sunday jazz brunch in the garden room is a must”; P.S. try the “quarter-martini ($.25) lunch if you’re on a budget.”

“The pig has now been perfected!” applaud patrons of this “hot, hot, hot” Warehouse District Cajun where chef/co-owners Donald Link (Herbsaint) and Stephen Stryjewski present “brilliantly prepared”, “outrageously flavorful” large and small plates (many out of the wood-burning oven) that are “easy on the wallet”;

“Innovative”, “delectable small plates” make for “civilized pub grub” at this Uptown “it bar” where the “late-night” Eclectic fare complements a “fantastic” wine list; though some reviewers report “too much attitude” from the staff and complain about “smoky” surroundings and a “paucity of comfortable dinner seating”, many are fond of the “dark, moody” setting for a “romantic” nightcap;

As irresistible as a “Southern woman’s open arms”, this “charming”, no-reservations Uptowner offers a “modern take on Crescent City flavors” with its “out-of-this-world” “haute” Creole-Eclectic fare served by an “engaging”, “efficient” staff in a “funky” clapboard cottage; factor in prices that don’t “break the bank”, and diners “don’t mind having a bottle of wine on the porch” while waiting for a table – a speed bump many view as part of the “wonderfully New Orleans” experience.

“Any shrimp or oyster should be honored to give its life for the best seafood po’ boy in town” – though the “dripping” dressed roast beef is equally “renowned” – at this “Uptown shanty” where the “nice ladies” behind the counter have been making these sandwiches “since forever”; it’s “pure New Orleans” and utterly “beloved”, but some warn you should “bring a good book to read” while you wait in line, or “call ahead for takeout”

uptown cheap for crawfish, poboys.  One of Christina’s favorites.

At this brand-new Garden District corner cafe, former caterer David Gotter brings his high-end ingredients to the public with a Contemporary Louisiana menu of sandwiches, salads and sides; the upbeat, contemporary interior has green leanings – all take-out containers are made from renewable sources – and while alcohol is not served, you can BYO with no corkage fee.

A very favorite po-boy place in town

Uptown for pricey but casual food.  long wait but very fun.

old-school Italian New Orleans food, orginator of BBQ shrimp