the food is AMAZING and very affordable, even for Charity Hospital residents....
So here are my suggestions and where I take my friends:
Commanders Palace for weekday lunchs, great 2 course lunches which change daily and in the teens, of course you must get the Bread Pudding soufflee....also $.25 martinis, and just one of the best deals in town...oh try the their Turtle Soup and/or one of the Gumbos too....
Jacque Imos (just opened on in NYC) which is Uptown off Carrelton and on Oak St. It's what I call a Neuveau New Orleans restaurant, very decadent cooking with lots of great seafood, fresh fishes, the Carpetbagger Steak (blue cheese, onions on a great tenderloin smothered in holindase sauce), duck and must try the Shrimp & alligator sausage cheesecake appitizer (sounds kind of gross but its a creamy, spicy quiche-sort-of-like creation). My best suggestion is to go on Tuesday night, after dinner go next door to the Maple Leaf to hear the Rebirth Brass Band. On weekends, the restaurant is very packed, can wait up to 2-3 hours, but actually worth the wait. Reservations only for groups of 5 or more. Beware they often close for August.
Elizabeths in the Bywater area (Charters and Gallier). This is a very local place that is the best brunch spots in town. Small place with great "Neuveau Southern Cooking" such as Soft shell crab meuinere over cheese grits, fresh strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast, or praline bacon for starters. Open only for breakfast and lunch on the weekdays with 1-2 speicals, but sat is the day to go with usually 5-6 specials. Beware they are CLOSED on SUNDAYS. If you are around for Jazzfest weekend....this is the only time of year that they are open for dinners....also save room for dessert or homemade ice cream
http://www.elizabeths-restaurant.com/
The Emerils restaurants are very good, but not my fav (there's NOLA, Emerils and Delmonico). It's not pricey by fine dining scales but it is for the local scene....you won't be disappointed but I haven't been back
Marisols on Esplanade does a great happy hour Tapas with 30-40 things on the menu from 5-7. Their meals are excellent as well and the outdoor patio dining is quite romantic
Restaurant August would be my fine dining choice for the city. Great food and service.
Finally you must have beignets "French donuts" at Cafe du Monde in Jackson Square and have a cafe au lait or hot chocolate. Don't get them from any where else.
There are so many amazing restaurants.....Enjoy...