The two most upscale restaurants that come to mind after about ten trips to New Orleans would be Commander's Palace and Stella. At both, the food, service, and ambiance are in a league of their own. If I had to choose, would make a reservation at Commander's - you will remember your dinner there forever!

Had a similar decision to make when our son graduated several years ago. Our family went to Bayona. They had a terrific small plates lunch, which I think is still $25 for three choices. It was truly a gourmet lunch and we are still talking about it years later. In fact, returning to New Orleans the end of March for Final Four weekend and have reservations to return to Bayona for same luncheon. Check out Bayona's website.

I have the exact same situation. Question other options such as Daisy Duke, Coops, Camillia Grill. Looking for a clean place that would be somewhat memorable with good food. A more formal restaurant that also serves late eg. 11 PM would also be acceptable in the French Quarter

I am returning to New Orleans after being away for several years. Would like to eat at one of Emeril's restaurants but do not know which to choose. The menus of Emeril's and NOLA seem similar. What is the difference between the two restaurants and which would you recommend?

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Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130

Our family had to make the same decisions three years ago when our son graduated from Tulane. The graduation ceremony was over by early afternoon and we all went for a terrific lunch at Bayona. They have a terrific tasting menu that was alot of fun. For dinner would go to Stella. It has an elegant atmosphere and food was delicious. That was the first time we dined there and was sorry we didn't know of Stella sooner.

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Bayona
430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Where would you go to enjoy a festive meal and be able to take in the game at the same time.
A lively party atmosphere would be great.
Thank you.

Will be in Boca for several days the end of January.
1) Where is your favorite fish restaurant (not Sushi)?
2) Where do you take visiting friends- consistently good food, atmosphere, and where you know all will enjoy their meal?
Thank you.

I would definitely go with Cuvee(loved their fois gras creme brulee) and Stella. I enjoyed Iris(great cocktails) and Martinique Bistro. We were very disappointed with the food and service at August on our return visit. (As were other people I talked to.) We were also disappointed with the food and menu selections at Herbsaint.
Enjoy!

Does anyone know of restaurants that have a Sunday happy hour throughout the day or 1/2 priced drinks. Don't want our bar tab to be larger than our food tab. Prefer a restaurant rather than a bar. Thank you.

would appreciate your thoughts on a restaurant to host a party for this group of guys:
1) moderate price- $25 or less range
2) alcohol prices not to break the bank (pitchers of beer or perhaps 1/2 price happy hour drinks)
3) large portions
4) good food in a manhattan restaurant with a fun atmosphere
thank you for your suggestions.

Thank you for your suggestions. From some readings on Chowhound we were thinking of Anice Stellato and Tre Spiedi. Any thoughts on Trattoria Antiche Carampane?

Our family will be ending our vacation in Venice (parents and two twenty year old children). We would like fun, memorable, moderately priced restaurants (preferably fish) to end this vacation on a high note. Your favorites and suggestions would be greatly appreciated for two dinners.
AC

Help! I'm on 81 going North through Virginia and Pennsylvania. I need suggestions for the best Bar b-que available along the way! Can I head out now (9am in the morning) or do I hang around until noon to stop at Ridgewood Barbeque and arrive at my NJ destination 3 hours late?
Actually, I read on another post 2002 that Ridgewood opens at 10am. Is that still true?

I will be arriving in New Orleans sometime between 9:30 and 10 PM on a thursday evening.
Can you recommend a restaurant to start my short vacation off right? Don't want to go to a high end place to first night so late but would like to sample some good food and don't want to feel rushed that they are waiting to close up. We like to eat everything and transportation no problem.
AHC