A couple of "either/or" questions

[ClevelandRandy]

Starting to narrow down my choices for dinners for an early September visit.

Patois or Gautreau's?
Dante's or Mat & Naddies?
Tommy's or Eleven 79?

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Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[shanefink]

I know this doesn't help, but you chose restaurants that are so similar to each other it is almost impossible to choose. I say flip a coin.

[ClevelandRandy]

As it turns out, Patois is closed over Labor Day weekend, but based on Lenwood's comments (which I've heard from others as well), I booked Atchafalaya instead. I really want to focus my NOLA eating on restaurants and food that wouldn't be found elsewhere. Thanks all for weighing in.

[midcity]

I've only been to Atchafalaya for brunch but loved it. Enjoy!

[mrsfury]

Tough call between Tommy's and Eleven79, IMO. There's Mandina's too! I think you will do fine either way. Tommy's is in a better neighborhood for walking around after dark, if you're going that route. Dante's is very good. I'd normally never ever recommend a chicken dish in a restaurant but the chicken under a brick is fantastic and we loved the drink specials. Can't help with Patois or Gautreau's, never been.

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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[BayouTeche]

Patois (not a fan of Gautreau's)
Dante's (never been to M&N)
Tommy's (Eleven 79 is very cool, but I prefer the food at Tommy's)

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Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[JazzyB]

Also not a fan of Gautreau's. I like Patois.
I've not been to Dante's. M&N is good however, Coquette is much better.
I prefer Irene's over Tommy's

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Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[ClevelandRandy]

Coquette was the best meal of last year's trip (truly outstanding in every way -- drinks, food, service, dining environment). Have been to Irene's twice, and last time was a bit of a disappointment, including a horrendously long wait in rather cramped quarters, followed by food that was good, but wasn't up to the standards of my first visit.

[lenwood]

I haven't been to any of the above but Gautreau's. I would say that it is a very nice restaurant, but the New Orleans accent was so very slight. I would call it a good special occasion restaurant or date or something like that, but wouldn't recommend it for someone to sample New Orleans cuisine.

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Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[sanglier]

I agree with Hungry Celeste on skipping Tommy's or 1179. Not that they're bad, just as there is better. I'd agree with A Mano but add Herbsaint and Clancy's for your consideration.

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Herbsaint
701 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

[ClevelandRandy]

I kind of wanted to have something in the "Creole Italian" slot. A Mano looks great, but more Italian and less (or not at all) Creole.

[hazelhurst]

There's always Mosca's...if you have a car. Irene's might be a good choice, too. Mandina's maybe.

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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

[Hungry Celeste]

Gautreau's
Dante's Kitchen
(neither one, go to a Mano instead)

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Dante's Kitchen
736 Dante Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

Gautreau's Restaurant
1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

[kibbles]

I prefer Eleven 79 over Tommy's, but it's slightly different. more pastas, which i actually like better than A Mano's. if veal is your game than definitely Eleven 79. i also love the dark intimate space...

ive wanted to like A Mano but so far on two visits it hasnt worked for me. i really like the menu at Domenica but that is also not creole-italian.