Must eat in New Orleans?

[bluemoon4515]

I am taking a 3 day trip to New Orleans in the middle of October and I'm looking for suggestions on things I must eat, or restaurants I should try while I am there. (I have no restrictions on what I'm willing to eat, however for restaurants I'd prefer main courses $20 or less.)

[nomadchowwoman]

I had lunch last week, with five others, at Bayona, and it was better than ever. Lunch here provides a opportunity to eat fabulous food on a budget. Everyone raved--and it is very reasonable. Our entrees ranged between $14 and $17. I had a wonderful salad and a delicious rabbit/chanterelle pasta ($19 total). I think they're even open on Saturday for lunch.

[nomadchowwoman]

Try Domenica, Luke, Cochon, Boucherie. And then go to the more upscale places for lunch.

[joedontexan]

The bombay club in the Prince conti hotel in the quarter is pretty nice check it out too good food and the ultimate martini bar

[bluemoon4515]

oooh martinis! we will definitely give it a try

[JazzyB]

Go to our fine dining restos. for lunch. Emeril's 3 courses $19.50 m-f, August, 3 courses $20.09, m-f, Cuvee 3 courses $25. Riomar or Rambla for tapas.

[bluemoon4515]

Thanks for the ideas!

[kukubura]

Some of my stock answers:

Lunch at Commander's Palace for sure. soup + entree + 2 martinis can be had for under $20 (it's cheap but you still need to dress up; you'll be glad you did)

BBQ Shrimp at Mr. B's Bistro. Have it for lunch or split a dinner portion at the bar. Also, at lunch there's a nice $1.50 cocktail menu

Central Grocery for a muffaletta (and since you're driving, take a big jar of their olive salad or Boscoli olive salad from Rouse's home with you)

Cheap, local, rockin' brunch: The Lil Dizzy's in Treme. I believe the brunch was $15 and was fantastic. It's BYOB so get a couple of cheap bottles of champagne and have them mix you up some mimosas.

[bobinnola]

I would really suggest going to some quality bargain/dives for lunch one or two days to save up for a nice (read: just over $20) dinner or two.

Where are you staying and will you have a rental car or a local guide? I am good at working with budgets as I am frequently poor, so let's talk about your mobility and then work on some suggestions for restaurants.

Also, where are you coming from? This will help determine what you must have...

[bluemoon4515]

We haven't picked out a hotel yet, but we will be driving from Birmingham so we will have a car. One of the group has been to New Orleans several times for partying (not eating), so I wouldn't count her as a guide. Otherwise we're on our own!

[Bill Hunt]

I agree with this idea too.

For the "save up" dining, I'd choose these:

1.) Galatoire's
2.) Brigtsen's
3.) Restaurant August
4.) Stella! (many will say, "hey, it's not NOLA cuisine," but it's really good.)

Enjoy and travel safely,

Hunt