WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Exquisite creations, inspired by the regional cuisine, take front and center at this versatile dining room, located in the Riverfront Hotel. Among the kitchen's specialties is lobster bisque with tortellini and lemon confit; there's also seared scallops with smoked tomatoes and almonds with sauce hollandaise. After the meal, diners may indulge in a dessert cocktail, such as the espresso crème brulee tini, flavored with Absolut vanilla and butterscotch schnapps.

FRENCH QUARTER. Craving a light and healthy supper after a long day of sightseeing? Try Angeli on Decatur, located directly in the middle of the French Quarter. Their long hours, huge portions and reasonable prices have made them a local favorite. They make a fabulous thin crust pizza ­ try the Mystical, which is topped with roasted garlic, goat cheese, onions and sun-dried tomatoes. If you are too tired to leave your hotel room, take advantage of Angeli's local delivery service.

FRENCH QUARTER. A legendary New Orleans favorite of both locals and visitors, Arnaud's has been serving great dishes like shrimp Arnaud and oysters Bienville since 1918. A jazz brunch on Sunday, live jazz every night, and a variety of dining rooms add to the allure, making the restaurant a popular and tasty destination for everything from fresh seafood to quality meats. A Mardi Gras museum on the second floor provides terrific browsing while you wait for your table. Recipient of the DiRoNA award. Appropriate attire depends on which dining room you choose ­ inquire in advance. A cigar and cocktails bar is adjacent.

FRENCH QUARTER. Located in the French Quarter, this restaurant occupies a 200-year old cottage with three lovely dining rooms and a romantic courtyard. Chef Susan Spicer features her New American/International cuisine with specialties such as eggplant caviar, black bean cakes with sweetbreads, and grilled duck. Recipient of the DiRoNA award.

FRENCH QUARTER. Hungry for some real breakfast? Follow the locals to Betsy's, a tried and true pancake joint that opens at 5:30am on weekdays to accomodate early risers with steaming cups of coffee and homestyle dishes. The blueberry and buckwheat cakes come highly recommended, and there's a good lunch menu as well. Closed on Saturdays.