Best Contemporary Louisiana Cuisine in New Orleans

"Incredibly talented" chef Frank Brigtsen is a "wizard with seafood" , putting a "wonderful" "spin" on Cajun-Creole "favorites" at his "tucked-away" Carrollton cottage where the prices are "reasonable" for such "reliably" "delightful" dinners; the small, "quaint" rooms have a "warm, comfortable" vibe and the staff is "so friendly you may feel like you're at home" , so some may need reminding that it's "not proper etiquette to lick your plate clean."

This "hidden neighborhood gem" rewards "locals and tourists" who venture "off the beaten path" Uptown with an "excellent" menu full of "creative" Contemporary Louisiana offerings, all served by a "charming" staff in an "intimate" space trimmed with salvaged materials; the "awesome" weekend brunch entices patrons to "spend the day slurping up the Bloody Mary bar and swaying to live music" – just "make sure to make a reservation" ; P.S. brunch, minus the music, is also offered Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Another "bam good" Emeril Lagasse "gem" , this brassy French Quarter destination offers "wonderful" , "inspired" Contemporary Louisiana dishes in a "cool" warehouse setting that's "slightly more casual" than the chef's flagship spot; completing the "pleasurable" experience are "outstanding" servers who treat guests "as celebrities" , leading fans to advise "if you're ready to lay down some money, you can't go wrong here."

"Tucked in a quaint Uptown cottage" , this "bistro" dishes up "light and delicious" Contemporary Louisiana eats "with a Creole twist" by chef Matt Farmer, whose menu also easily "accommodates vegetarians" ; while the "small" , handsome hangout's dinner service is "top-notch" , some say it's "even better for brunch" , thanks to "bottomless mimosas" and "impressive" Bloody Marys.

With "breathtaking" balcony views of City Park oaks "dripping with moss" , Ralph Brennan's "elegant" Mid-City namesake provides a "romantic" backdrop for enjoying "high-quality" Contemporary Louisianan fare from a "dependable kitchen" ; though pricey, it's "the perfect place to celebrate" , making anything from "company functions" to "after-work" drinks from the "cool bar" a "memorable experience."