A bit on the outskirts of the Bayou St. John ‘hood but still close enough at the edge of City Park, Michael Gulotta’s Creole meets VIetnamese eatery is the bomb. Truly everything is good at MoPho, from the build your own pho (say yes to pork belly) to the huge lemongrass ginger chicken wings, available at half price during the weekday 3-6 happy hour. Try the fried oyster app with pickled blue cheese, yes indeed.

Celebrity chef Isaac Toups channels his inner caveman at Toup’s Meatery, the wonderful restaurant on Carrollton Avenue, opened before his cookbook fame and before Toup’s South. All of the housemade charcuterie is to die for - the Meatery Board may harden your arteries upon delivery. Then there’s the cheese plates, the confit chicken thighs with Dijon cream and lardons, real cracklin’s - this is serious stuff. Great brunch don’t you know.

Blue Oak is smokin’ hot in every sense of the word. Slow-cooked savory meat deliciousness is at every turn, from the perfectly crusted beef brisket to the jerked pulled pork with fresh jalapenos on a bun. The chicken wings with Buffalo inferno sauce will make your eyes water, so good. The cocktail program is also impressive - try the frozen aperol spritz on a hot day.

Parkway has defined po-boys in New Orleans for the better part of a century and no wonder. Every flavor is yum, but the juicy roast beef is at least a four-napkin meal, dressed of course with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickle. Thank goodness Jay Nix reopened the place in 2003 after a decade of darkness when the original owners closed up shop. Thanks Jay and pass the napkins.

Love love love this twisted Cheers scene, so friendly and welcoming to all. A dive bar and proud of it, Pal’s hosts food pop ups from the likes of Crackburger (the name says it all), Gattone Grasso (fresh pasta) and a personal fave, Budsi’s Authentic Thai; not your typical Thai, with a spotlight on Northern Thai dishes, usually served on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sunday nights.

Just a few steps away from Cafe Degas, Santa Fe offers Southwestern fare in a relaxed, patio setting. The margaritas are always made from fresh juice, the ceviche is superb and tacos, nachos, and quesadillas will satisfy the craving. Don’t expect a cheap Tex-Mex fix here - two fish tacos are $17 - but portions are large and very shareable. Anybody remember when SF was in the Marigny?

With every plate as pretty as a picture, 1000 Figs dishes sprightly veggie-forward Mediterranean fare that inspires droves of regulars. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, the falafel feast for two (or three) is revelatory, with lots of crunch and freshness in every bite. Everything is freshly prepared and expertly executed; the dining room has an inviting, living room vibe.

When a pecan tree is growing through the romantic dining room and quail, escargot, and ethereal Iles Flotantes (floating islands) are on the menu, Francophiles who lean towards the rustic will be over the moon. Cafe Degas serves irst-rate French fare includes specialties like steak frites au poivre, mussels with fennel and crispy frites and a bracing salad of crab, grapefruit and mint.

With Sneaky Pickle still not reopened, Sweet Soulfood is doing a public service with its menu of New Orleans comfort dishes done vegan. Ok, so the sausage in the jambalaya is made with wheat gluten, but it’s good baby. A changing menu usually features the likes of gumbo and red beans, stuffed bell peppers greens and mac and cheese, cornbread and bread pudding. Yes, all of it vegan.

This funky spot on Bayou Road is a gem pure and simple. Pagoda Cafe serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with a sweet little dog-friendly outdoor patio perfect for picnicking. Try the breakfast tacos and the savory pastry for sure and definitely get their version of a veggie banh mi. That’s fried lemongrass tofu on Dong Phuong french bread, dressed with mayo, cucumbers and a fresh slaw with peanut satay dressing. Spot on.