Name your favorite "restaurants and dives" and why!

Whaaaa? You live in Nola and haven't had rock n sake? Put it high on your to do list, try the hawaiian 5.0 roll.

 

Do they have a parking lot? What garage is closest?

Thanks

 

I recently read Brett Anderson's (TP) Top Ten List. While those are all venerable, top flight places he's listed, I will be first to say that a full 7 out of his 10 are 'overrated' and 'tired.' And a full 50% are ridiculously overpriced for the experience.
When I want a dining experience that will be memorable (and not because of the dinner's stratospheric invoice or the chef's self-proclaimed celebrity status), here are a few that I have found to be worthy of putting on your list.

A few attributes come to mind when a restaurant resonates within me:
- consistency - creativity - congeniality

The Flaming Torch
Le Foret
Gautreau's
Mat & Naddie's
Café Dégas
Coquette
Da Piero
Ste. Marie
Green Goddess (vegan)
Château du Lac

For the record, I'm been a practicing vegetarian (occasional pescetarian) for over ten years, and all of these restaurants have been accommodating to my wife and I's dietary concerns (I wouldn't go as far as calling them 'restrictions').

 

Shocking, I know! And I love sushi too. I guess I usually go to a couple of the same places for sushi and don't end up eating it downtown.

When we went there we just found a spot on the street nearby.

 

Attended a fantastic 4 course + 4 wine dinner last night held at Da Piero Restaurant in Kenner. When you measure quality, artistry in the kitchen, authenticity...no Italian restaurant in NOLA comes close. Ask the celebrity NOLA chefs, they'll confirm this. Amazing.

 

We have it on the list for one of our few child free evenings. Looks great!

 

never heard of it, but will have to check it out.

 

I'll be down to visit the 6th/7th of Jan. Likely will go back to August for the "serious" dinner Fri night, it was pretty amazing the last time. Before I do, is there anything just incredible that I've missed in the 6 months or so? I've got the other meals down fairly well, thanks to some previous coaching from Zophie and John, so I'll leave full, hungover and broke I'm sure. Can't wait.

Sorry for the slight hijack, but ya'll were, after all, discussing one of my favorite subjects!

 

I've got to update and say that I've now been to Rock 'n Saki and loved it! A really fun place, great food, and I even did a handstand in the restaurant

 

Never knew you could do that.

 

Too much sake?!

 

well, I had someone hold me up so I didn't fall over. People started clapping though so I guess it was pretty impressive.

and no sake, just wine.