Palace Cafe is popular, but wasn't impressed the one time I was there. My friends were, but I prefer the original Palace.

Marisols (http://www.marisolrestaurant.com/) is wonderful. The tapas are a mere $4 each....great for an early dinner, wine and chatting with some friends. I've been there about a 1/2 dozen times and have been very pleased each time. Last meal I had there was with 3 other friends, we each had one of their amazing soups (Duck Soup with sherry for me), 9 tapas, a couple drinks and dessert (the best Key Lime I've had ever and the molten chocolate cake was of course great). I think the total bill was $120.

It's located on Esplanade which is on the far side of the French Quarter (other side of the hotels) in the Marigney Triangle neighborhood, right near Frenchman Street. It's not a big place and am always impressed on the size and depth of the menu. They claim to have the largest selection of Artesian cheeses as well....

Now do'nt forget about the Susan Spicer restaurants too (Herbsaint and I do'nt know why I can never remember the other one) are yummy and I think better than the Emerils restaurants.