I second Commander's for the tried and true and Bayona for something more modern (though it's been around for a while, too).

Stella is great. Also, R'evolution is fairly new and really good. And my old standby favorite is Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse. Have fun!

Top 10 restaurants 2013 according to times picayune
http://www.nola.com/dining-guide/index.ssf/2013/10/new_orleans_top_10_restaurants_2.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Court of 2 sisters

+many many for brunch at Co2S.

Only for brunch though.

Anonymous wrote:Mandishes

Are you talking about Mandich on St. Claude? If so, it is closed. More importantly , though -- can't believe I came across another fan of Mandich on DCUM. I absolutely loved that place.!!!

Anonymous wrote:Court of 2 sisters

+many many for brunch at Co2S.

Le petite grocery

Check out Bayona, I would skip Galatoires unless you know someone who can assure you get a good table. They tend to treat tourists and locals differently.

Stella or Galatoires gets my vote.

Mandishes

I think Stella, Galatoires or Commanders Palace are excellent, was not that impressed with Emerils. Also not sure if Court of 2 sisters is still a big deal but it was when we were there. Such a great city for food!

Anonymous wrote:Do you want something with a traditional atmosphere or something more cosmopolitan?

If traditional, I would take them to Commander's Palace. Tried and true.

http://www.commanderspalace.com/

+1 just went last summer. Food and service second to none.

Lots of great choices and Commander's Palace would certainly be one. Another on the traditional front is Galatoire's, probably the most traditional New Orleans place with excellent food. It is also nice to get outside the French Quarter and Cochon or Emeril's are both destination places, and excellent. John Besh has places all over town, and I think Luke is currently the hottest. Stella is supposed to be excellent but it is prix fixe which does not always work for everyone, also heard but not tried MiLa is a current favorite. Enjoy.

Do you want something with a traditional atmosphere or something more cosmopolitan?

If traditional, I would take them to Commander's Palace. Tried and true.

http://www.commanderspalace.com/

Going to New Orleans for two nights, one night is a conference and the next night we need to take international clients out for a very special dinner. I have been recommended to Stella, we want a really top restaurant for our clients. They are very discerning foodies from France. Please give me your recommendations. Last time we were in NO was many years ago so I am way out of the loop.Thanks!