New Orleans restaurant suggestions

[YachtClubWoman]

My college roommate is having her second wedding and is having a short honeymoon in New Orleans.

For a wedding present, I would like to get her and her fiance a gift certificate to a New Orleans restaurant - where do you reccomend? I am looking for a nice place that is not a tourist trap

Thanks

 

[DaParkers]

Emeril's, Drago's, Morton's, Shula's, John Besh Steakhouse, Acme Oyster House, Redfish Grill, Deanie's in the Quarter, Brennan's for breakfast

 

[Topper]

Commanders Palace

 

[NotUrsula]

August or Bayona.

Both of these are owned by famous chefs: John Besh and Susan Spicer, respectively, and both have very special food. That does draw the tourist foodie, but they are both outstanding restaurants that are well-beloved by just about everyone who eats there.

However, if your friends' tastes are not particularly adventurous and you want old-line traditional New Orleans food and atmosphere, then I'd go with Galatoires or Commander's Palace.

 

[RabbitFood]

We loved Emeril's NOLA. You could get them an Emeril's gift card and they could then choose between his three restaurants. (I would recommend reservations, though.)

 

[loveadobie]

The Court of Two Sisters, in the French Quarter. Try to get into the Jazz Brunch, and eat out on the Courtyard under the lights. Magical.

 

[DaParkers]

Commander's Palace and Emeril's Delmonico are also good choices. Also check out Andrea's, Brigtsen's, and Bayona.

 

[arminnie]

I'm not a big fan of Court of Two Sisters but agree with the others. It's very touristy to me.

Commander's is my favorite. Lunch M-F is quite reasonable (25 cent martinis and cosmos), and they could walk around the area looking at some beautiful homes - but it would require a short cab ride there (assuming they are in Quarter area).

The steak places are very good for steaks but are not very representative of New Orleans. Morton's and Shula's are just very, very good chains restaurants. But they can have a fine steak dinner there (or Besh's) if that's what would make them happiest.

 

[Gigi22]

I will second Galatoire's, the food and service are excellent, and we had the impression that there were a lot of regular patrons at the restaurant (we also had a "Driving Miss Daisy" moment while we were there). I am a bit dubious about recommending Brennan's, as it struck me as very expensive, at least for breakfast. We very much liked Arnaud's, where we were able to have authentic cafe brulot. Ruth's Chris was quite good, but I hesitate to recommend a chain restaurant in New Orleans.