Commander's Palace, New Orleans

No list of New Orleans' restaurants would be complete without Commander's Palace. Voted "Best Restaurant in the United States" in 1996 by the James Beard Foundation, this fine southern establishment lives up to its reputation with exceptional cuisine and a dining experience you will not soon forget. One piece of the package here is the wait staff: the efficient servers are attentive rather than officious. Dining rooms vary in size from large to intimate in this modified 1880s Victorian house. Commander's Palace is particularly known for its turtle soup. Other standouts include the Mississippi Roasted Quail Stuffed with Creole Craw fish Sausage and for dessert, the Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. There is also an excellent wine list with suggestions for each entree. Enjoy 25-cent martinis during lunch. Jackets are recommended.