Palm & Pine has officially established itself in the French Quarter, with its refreshing, ever-changing food offerings, special menus, late night happy hour, and cocktails. Try the crudo, the Oaxacan mole, and any me.

Killer Poboys still rocks its original location at the rear of the Erin Rose bar, but the bigger brick and mortar spot on Dauphine (next to the Museum of Death) has an expanded menu and a little more breathing room. The po’ boys range from barbecue chicken confit with coffee barbecue sauce and ranch slaw to seared gulf shrimp with coriander lime sauce, to a black beer debris. Veggie options, like a sweet potato po’ boy black eyed pea and pecan spread and braised greens or a whiskey grilled cheese, are available and awesome — vegetarian or not.

On the quieter, more accessible outskirts of the Quarter, cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted to find an enchanting 19th century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar or on the charming courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town — and while the drinks may have top billing due to its cocktail-expert founders, the food is also not to be missed, with tasting menus and other special dinners available from time to time.

Fish is serious business at GW Fins, where chef Michael Nelson is a leading proponent for Gulf-to-plate dining and using the entire fish in innovative ways. The menu changes constantly, based on what fish is fresh and always sustainable, but recent menus can be viewed on the website. The lobster dumplings are little, delicious clouds and are almost always on the menu, as is the scalibut, its famed scallop-encrusted halibut dish.

Arnaud’s is known for a few things. 1. It’s a historic restaurant in the French Quarter. 2. Its James Beard Award winning bar, the French 75 bar, dazzles. 3. The souffle potatoes with béarnaise sauce are among the best that can be found, anywhere. What’s not as well-known is that the rest of the restaurant’s dishes also impress. Try the oysters Ohan, which are baked with eggplant and andouille. Whatever you do, end your meal with a fire show and order the cafe brulot.

One of the most refined options on the list, Bayona has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Set in a 200-year old Creole cottage in the heart of the Quarter, Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Spicer’s award winning global cuisine and great wine list is perfect for a special lunch or a leisurely dinner on the patio.

This small, creative restaurant does outdoor dining exceptionally well with a laid back vibe and tables along Exchange Alley. Vegetables are a major focus at Green Goddess, making it popular among vegetarians and vegans. The menu spans the gambit: beet hummus, chimichurri (with mushrooms or brisket), pecan orange mushroom pate, and Swedish meatloaf all have a spot on the menu.

Famous for breakfast, Brennan’s stuns all day long under the leadership of owner Ralph Brennan and head chef Ryan Hacker. Six years ago, the historic restaurant went through a massive, multi-million dollar renovation that extended the bar area and brought the whole place up to date after ownership changed hands. No longer the old dowager of the French Quarter, this restaurant is now relevant and dazzling. But, by all means, try the Bananas Foster. It’s well-known for a reason.

This 200 year-old French Quarter landmark was once the home of a New Orleans mayor who offered the spot to Napoleon as a refuge during his exile (but the little guy never made it). Today, Napoleon House is the essential spot in town for a Pimm's Cup, and it's now run by the Ralph Brennan restaurant group, so the food is also on point. The muffalettas here come controversially pressed, but give it a try.

This charming and romantic spot in the French Quarter is known for exceptional ambiance and satisfying, unexpected food, from a Southern fried chicken sandwich to a Champagne and fries special to refined versions of Southern classics. The beauty of this place lies in the unpredictable, and ever-changing, twists weaved throughout the menu — and it’s all good.

Cafe Amelie is home to one of the most romantic courtyards in the Vieux Carre. The menu revolves around Louisiana fare with some international influences. If there is no time to linger over a meal in the lush courtyard, its sister restaurant Petite Amelie serves delightful sandwiches and salads and makes an ideal lunch spot.

Located across from the French Market, Central Grocery is responsible for the existence of the muffuletta. Locals will argue about the best version — cold or hot. Central Grocery’s are cold. They are best when they’ve been sitting a while, so the olive salad oil soaks into the bread a little.

If you’re exploring the French Quarter, Bennachin is a welcoming option for comforting Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly, served in a cozy, funky space with eclectic furniture and colorful art covering the walls. It’s BYOB, but Sidney’s Wine Cellar is a few blocks away.

With arched windows, a classic long bar, bench seating, and back patio, Cane & Table draws its inspiration from the Caribbean. Happy hour specials offer a chance to sip originals at half the price of the regular menu, and include an old fashioned, daiquiri, and blue Hawaii; beer and shot combos; as well as wine specials; plus a snack menu.

Dian Xin has met the French Quarter’s need for excellent, traditional dim sum. From the original owners of Little Chinatown in Kenner, Diane Ceng and her family operare this simple but popular kitchen on Decatur Street with a two-page menu of bao, soups, chive cakes, jianbing, and shu mai, a solid neighborhood comfort food destination.