Tumultuous times mean change, and so it was in the New Orleans restaurant world in 2023. There have been many closures and a high number of restaurants changing hands.
But another dynamic has been a flow of fresh additions through the year. These new restaurants elevate local flavor, bring traditions from across the globe, continue family narratives and express new visions and ideas, all to the tune of delicious food and fine drinks.
Here are 20 new restaurants from my coverage in 2023 that stood out and should be on your list of places to try next.
And they keep coming, not following the calendar for year-end coverage. Even as I write this I’m also following a flurry of new restaurants that have just opened.
It’s not all about new restaurants in New Orleans, of course. So stay tuned for my annual roundup for individual dishes from a year of eating broadly around our community, coming soon.
Osteria Lupo, 4609 Magazine St.: This new restaurant takes an Old World approach to Italian cooking that I bet many an Italian would recognize (at least more so than our homegrown Creole-Italian style).
It’s the next from the team at Costera, and like that Spanish restaurant the tasting menu is the best approach for a table willing to share courses.
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Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails in Old Metairie has small pavilions for covered outdoor dining across its grounds. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails, 2928 Metairie Road, Metairie: The most compelling new edition Metairie has seen in many years is a three-part restaurant with a stylish dining room, a long chef’s counter and resort-like grounds with gazebos.
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Pork belly with grilled Napa cabbage, fennel and chili crisp is a hearty plate at Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails in Old Metairie. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
Chef John Sinclair is answering the demand for contemporary and savvy dining in Old Metairie.
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Chef Seiji Nakano toasts his guests with sake at Seiji's Omakase, a restaurant within a restaurant at Little Tokyo in Metairie. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Seiji’s Omakase, 2300 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie: Put yourself in the hands of Seiji Nakano (formerly of Shogun), who orchestrates omakase lunch and dinner at this restaurant within a restaurant (inside Little Tokyo).
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Scallops with foie gras is a course in a sushi meal at Seiji's Omakase, a restaurant within a restaurant at Little Tokyo in Metairie. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
It’s a den for high-end Japanese flavor guided by a master.
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A long marble bar is a focal point of the modern seafood restaurant Pigeon and Whale on Freret Street. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Pigeon & Whale, 4525 Freret St.: Here’s a stylish, modern seafood restaurant drawn up differently than the New Orleans norm, thrilling so.
![pigeon mussels1.jpeg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/20/420f50fd-e08f-5b99-9186-4176fdb151cc/64ac6a4ce4d68.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
Mussels are chargrilled with cheese and brown butter at the modern seafood restaurant Pigeon and Whale on Freret Street. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
The menu descriptions only hint at what plays out on the plate, with dishes bringing big flavor and a dash of style and whimsy all the way to dessert. The look says Jules Verne, with just a winking bit of Steve Zissou. Get a Negroni, don’t miss the mussels.
![NO.thai.adv_579.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=225%2C338 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=300%2C450 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=400%2C600 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=540%2C810 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=640%2C960 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1125 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1485 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1553 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/76/276b349b-d8f5-55cb-9ec9-31711f7ee499/64f24417ce65c.image.jpg?resize=1175%2C1763 1200w)
A table of food at NOLA Thai in New Orleans on Monday, August 28, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
Thai NOLA, 5931 Bullard Ave.: This remarkable restaurant in New Orleans East is the result of love through a blended family, with the upshot of traditional Thai dishes on the menu and Creole soul standards on the blackboard.
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Gumbo is on the blackboard each Friday at Thai NOLA in New Orleans East. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
The Thai NOLA boiled shrimp is a feast with rice noodles and fresh herbs; Friday’s gumbo has people lining up out the door.
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Fives is a bar for cocktails, raw seafood and other dishes on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Fives, 529 St. Ann St.: This tiny cocktail bar and raw bar is giving the Lower Pontalba Building on Jackson Square the love it deserves.
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Beef tartare with pecan butter and duck egg at Fives, a bar on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Developed by the people behind the renewed Columns Hotel, it has great cocktails, the kind of food I want to eat with drinks (raw oysters, steak tartare, crudo), and a setting that feels like it’s always been there and has progressed through the eras. Beautiful.
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Francolini's Italian Deli in New Orleans prepares a long list of specialty sandwiches drawn from the classic styles best known from the northeast. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Francolini's Italian Deli, 3987 Tchoupitoulas St.: This is a temple to the Italian sandwich cravings of the northeast. The long wait times that greeted its debut have largely been tamed, thanks to an efficient online ordering system.
![updawg1](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C225 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C640 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C750 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C990 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1035 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1333 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/77/177647a0-95eb-11ee-82ad-fba9769f2861/65734b712e48a.image.jpg?resize=1440%2C1440 1476w)
The Updawg sandwich on focaccia is filled with mortadella and salsa verde at Francolini's Italian Deli in New Orleans. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayaune)
Don’t fuhgeddaboud the Updawg (formerly called the Underdog) a dream of mortadella and salsa verde; get it on focaccia.
![rosella ext](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/7f/c7fe4026-906b-11ee-bd02-233ae0d470e4/656a125d13624.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
Rosella is a Mid-City neighborhood restaurant for casual meals and drinks. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Rosella, 139 S. Cortez St.: A part of Mid-City thick with old school neighborhood restaurants now has a fresh new vision of what that can be. The charcuterie boards, salads and snacks make for easy, tasty noshing and the wine program is refreshingly affordable.
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Edgar 'Dook' Chase IV and Eve Haydel at Chase's new restaurant Chapter IV, where Haydel directs the drinks program.
Chapter IV, 1315 Gravier St.: Family stories abound at this new restaurant from Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, from the menu to the bar to the art-filled walls.
![chapter IV 10.jpeg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205d067e-e441-5018-bb77-0ea17018b83a/63b8a46cc3445.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
Leah's Garden is a cocktail with fresh aromatic ingredients and a tribute story to the late chef Leah Chase, part of the drinks list at Chapter IV, the downtown restaurant from Edgar "Dook" Chase IV. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
It makes a great destination for weekday lunch/Sunday brunch downtown.
![tavi bar](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C740 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C858 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C953 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1055 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/49/549ba052-8d50-11ed-8a67-bb1485217575/63b75cc2000ee.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1217 2008w)
The bar and wood-burning oven are dueling focal points at TAVI in downtown Covington. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Tavi, 330 N New Hampshire St., Covington: Beruit-born chef Fariz Choumali has a deliciously verdant menu at this a northshore spinoff from the Uptown restaurant Shaya, both part of BRG Hospitality.
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Sujuk flatbread comes out of the wood-fired oven at TAVI in downtown Covington. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Fill a table with dips, larger plates to share and don’t miss the sujuk flatbread.
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At Dahla, a Thai restaurant in downtown New Orleans, traditional flavors are set in modern style. Pictured clockwise from top left: volcano shrimp, curry duck, seafood fried rice, pad Thai, changmai sausage, Thai basil chicken, and khao soi noodles. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Dahla, 611 O’Keefe Ave.: This family restaurant relocated from Metairie (where it was called Thai Ocha) as a stylish new downtown addition. I’d sit at Dahla’s bar anytime for snacks and drinks, and it can furnish a quick downtown meal of Thai standards. But really, this is a restaurant to bring your craving for spice and dig in deep.
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A mural dubbed Desi Girl adorns the dining room at LUFU Indian Kitchen and Bar in New Orleans. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
LUFU NOLA Indian Kitchen & Bar, 301 St. Charles Ave.: This downtown restaurant brings traditional flavors of India that go well beyond the traditions we normally find here.
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The new CBD Indian restaurant LUFU NOLA serves tandoori lamb burra, whole pompano, dahai ke kebabs and Kunthal fry with garlic naan.
It adds a compellingly creative spark that you can feel all across the operation, from the menu to the bar. Get the pani poori, just trust me on that one.
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Betty Archote (center) with staff at Dough Nguyener's Bakery, the bakery cafe she developed in Gretna combining Vietnamese and American standards. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Dough Nguyener’s, 433 Lafayette St., Gretna: The pun-packed name at this modern Vietnamese bakery debuted king cakes two Carnival seasons ago. Now it is a full-fledged bakery café that gets an early start with a mix of Vietnamese and American flavors.
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The omelet banh mi at Dough Nguyener's Bakery in Gretna with a pandam foam Vietnamese iced coffee for breakfast. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Get the breakfast bánh mì and don’t miss the doughnuts with a glaze inspired by the creamy-sweet Vietnamese iced coffee.
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Restaurateur Larry Morrow and his grandmother, Sun Chong, inside the restaurant named for her.
Sun Chong, 240 Decatur St.: The soundtrack is old-school hip-hop, the design is a stylish Korean motif and the whole restaurant is a tribute from restaurateur Larry Morrow to his grandmother, the chef and namesake of this new French Quarter hot spot.
![NO.sunchong.adv_121.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=225%2C338 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=300%2C450 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=400%2C600 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=540%2C810 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=640%2C960 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1125 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1485 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1553 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b6/5b6ea750-2935-5471-b95d-a635c63e7b8c/64669208f3672.image.jpg?resize=1175%2C1763 1200w)
Fish in a boat has whole fried snapper wrapped around chunks of fried fish at Sun Chong restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
The menu is not traditional Korean but a fusion blend and some of the presentations are visually stunning.
![Devil Moon Party Platter](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/96/29617cde-f427-11ed-ba5c-5fe625a72ea1/63fe6e7c146bb.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
The 'party platter' includes all the meats from Devil Moon BBQ. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Brewery Saint X, 734 Loyola Ave.; and Devil Moon BBQ, 1188 Girod St.: These connected concepts share a kitchen, a pitmaster (Shannon Bingham) and a key location for anyone heading to the big downtown venues, with the Dome just a one go-cup walk away.
![brewery x](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/58/d587a5a2-2671-11ee-80cc-f3da9fa4ac03/64b8460a783c1.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
Brewery Saint X is attached to Devil Moon BBQ in downtown New Orleans, near Caesars Superdome. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Brewery Saint X makes its own beer and serves a full bar, with a menu of meaty plates and snacks; Devil Moon is your slow-and-low (but swiftly served) downtown barbecue spot.
![hungry phone](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/31/6314d248-d648-11ed-9738-3387b5541124/6431c8dbcd848.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
Mason Hereford messes around with a vintage phone at Hungry Eyes, the restaurant with an '80s theme he opened with Lauren Agudo and Phil Cenac, who are laughing at him here because that phone is not connected. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Hungry Eyes, 4206 Magazine St.: One look and it can’t disguise: Hungry Eyes is a synthesizer-led, leotard-strapped, neon-trimmed love song to the ‘80s.
![hungry 8.jpeg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C739 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C857 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C952 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1054 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/a2/2a2eb2ac-15fa-55b4-a140-98fc739baab7/6431ca397df90.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1216 2008w)
The menu at Hungry Eyes covers many different flavors, including artichoke hearts on the half shell, boiled shrimp and green curry with squid and smoked catfish. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
The next from the crew who started with Turkey and the Wolf feels like a drinking restaurant — not quite a tavern, but a place where "just drinks" seem just as right as dinner with drinks. Get a martini (of course) and those artichoke hearts “on the half shell.”
![plates 8.jpeg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=540%2C386 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=640%2C457 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=750%2C536 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=990%2C707 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C740 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C858 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C953 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1055 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6b/26b81931-ea7a-5d5c-af0d-84cb273f3056/64f2464a3c723.image.jpg?resize=1703%2C1217 2008w)
A refurbished industrial space that has a long history with restaurants is now home to plates, a restaurant for tapas-style dishes. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
plates, 1051 Annunciation St.: This large restaurant in downtown’s Cotton Mill building goes big on small plates, adding New Orleans sensibility to the idea of Spanish tapas.
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The New Orleans restaurant plates serves many tapas style dishes in the Warehouse District. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
The bar at plates (yes, confoundingly, spelled lower case) is a great perch for drinks and bites. I’m starting with the crudo and lamb skewers with herbs.
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A table full of food at Crazy Hot Pot restaurant in Metairie on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Crazy Hot Pot, 3322 N. Turnbull Drive, Metairie: Chinese hot pot is a choose-your-own adventure meal you dunk different meats and vegetables and noodles in the bubbling broth at your table.
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Ladling food from a broth pot at Crazy Hot Pot restaurant in Metairie on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
This whirling, wonderful Metairie restaurant adds the controlled chaos of an all-you-can-eat buffet and the entertaining oddity of robots ferrying appetizers around the human waiters.
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Indonesian fried chicken, or ayam goreng serundeng, is coated with coconut at Island Bistro in Kenner. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Island Bistro, 2401 Veterans Blvd., Kenner: The food of Indonesia is just as diverse as this massive Pacific archipelago, and this strip mall find serves a broad introduction.
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Island Bistro in Kenner serves the cuisine of Indonesia. Manager Mus Barnes (right) and her staff explain the nuances of the menu. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
One easy access point is the fried chicken, called ayam goreng serundeng, almost candied in its crunchiness and heaped with fried coconut. If you’re a fan of spice, let them know when ordering, because they can turn the dial up.
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Habana Outpost is a patio restaurant for Mexican and Cuban flavors on the edge of the French Quarter, built in what had been a long-derelict gas station. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Habana Outpost, 1040 Esplanade Ave.: This long-overdue renewal of a derelict gas station plants a verdant outdoor patio restaurant at a key entrance to the French Quarter.
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Umu Bawa, a member of the staff at Habana Outpost, shows a selection of tacos, Mexican street corn and a Cuban sandwich at the patio restaurant for Mexican and Cuban flavors on the edge of the French Quarter. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
The Cuban sandwiches and tacos are good (especially the vegetarian ones); the green energy and composting program throughout is revolutionary.