1. Tommy's Cuisine
Tommy's is an Italian restaurant with some traditional veal dishes that are done well. Tommy's also uses fresh Louisiana seafood to prepare several special Italian style meals that are exceptional. Tommy's blends New Orleans food with classic Italian preparation using all of the freshest of ingredients to make for a fine dining experience. Tommy's also has a great wine list with fair prices. The ambiance is Italian, and the walls are lined with photos of New Orleans residents you'll recognize. Next door to Tommy's is Tommy's Wine Bar, a very trendy spot for an after dinner drink.
Tommy's is located at 746 Tchoupitoulas Street in the heart of the Warehouse/Arts District.
2. 7 On Fulton
on Fulton is a contemporary restaurant, both in decor and in cuisine. The decor is bright and arty. You can get some traditional New Orleans dishes like Seafood Gumbo, Redfish, Sauce Piquant, BBQ Shrimp and Grits. But, 7 on Fulton also has some contemporary dishes like, Lobster bisque with tortellini and lemon confit, Seared scallops with smoked tomatoes and almonds with sauce hollandaise and Duck breast, bacon lardons, and apple puree and a fresh hearts-of-palm salad.
If 7 on Fulton sounds like you're kind of place you can find in in the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel at 701 Convention Center Blvd.
3. Cochon and Cochon Butcher
If you're looking for authentic Cajun Cuisine, Cochon is the place for you. Here you'll get offerings like, handmade crawfish pies, rabbit & dumplings, and spoon bread with okra & tomatoes. Cochon offers specialties from the wood-burning oven such as roasted oysters, suckling pig, and beef brisket. Next door is the Cochon Butcher if you only want a great Cajun smoked meat sandwich or some house made pate. Cochon is located at 930 Tchopitoulas Street.
4. La Boca
La Boca is a tradtional Argentine Steak House with a 14 oz. New York strip (Bife De Chorizo), the Milanesa, a thin cut fried beef cutlet, and anything in between. The restaurant serves certified Angus beef and organic beef from various organic ranches. Steaks are offered with various piquant sauces. Although this is a steak-lover's dream, there are other options like house made pasta and fantastic desserts. La Boca is located at 857 Fulton Street and is open for lunch on weekdays. For more information or reservations, here's the website.
5. Rio Mar
RioMar is the place for seafood lovers. RioMar uses the freshest local seafood prepared in the traditional Spanish and Latin-American style. With a great selection of Ceviches and rice dishes, Rio Mar is a great choice for something a little different in New Orleans.
RioMar is located at 800 South Peters Street.
6. a Mano Italian Restaurant
If you're looking for some fresh house made pasta, house-cured salumi and slow cooked Italian comfort food, try a Mano Italian Restaurant. This Warehouse trattoria is casual in decor, yet elegant in feel. This is the place to enjoy a plate of house cured meats and anti-pasta on a warm summer night. A Mano is located at 870 Tchopitoulas Street on the corner of St. Joseph.
7. Leonardo's Trattoria
Leonardo's Trattoria is located at 709 St. Charles Avenue, is a traditional classic Italian restaurant with pizza and pasta. You can eat inside and watch the TV screens all around showing movies, like the Godfather movies, or TV series like the Sopranos. This is a great place to stop in good weather because there are outside tables where you can sit and watch the streetcars go past.