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 specials.

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.

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.

Irene’s may be in newish digs on Bienville Street but this family-owned Creole Italian restaurant remains the gold standard for homey, cheesy Italian goodness. Open since 1992, Irene’s is much loved for its lasagne Bolognese and crispy duck St. Philip. Although it now accepts reservations, cutting down on the wait for a table, it’s still fun to have a martini in the piano bar before tucking into a feast.

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.

Manolito is the Havana-inspired bar and cafe opened by a trio of top New Orleans restaurant and bar proprietors, and the vibe and drinks reflect the expertise behind it. Though the main attraction at Manolito would have to be its cocktails, the Cuban menu is worth your attention, as are the weekly pop-ups from Que Pasta and Tacos Para La Vida — birria tacos! One of Manolito’s best signature cocktails is the Jazz Daiquiri — made with Jamaican rum, lime, agave nectar, Creme de Cacao, and coffee beans, but all the drinks are fantastic. This spot is not to be missed.

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.

Saint John is certainly on the newer side when it comes to French Quarter dining, but we see this two-story restaurant growing into essential status. It’s simply one of the best new representations of contemporary Creole cuisine in the city, with a menu informed by 18th century Creole cookbooks, dishes like slow braised smothered turkey necks, chicken and shrimp maque choux, courtbouillon, whole fish almandine, and pork belly cassoulet. It’s a lovely destination for special occasion dining somewhat off the beaten path.

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.