Ralph and Kacoo's

This French Quarter mainstay is laid-back and informal; the cavernous space is great for groups of hearty diners or quaint enough for dinner for two. Brick walls, open beams and funky art give the place character.

It's billed as a seafood restaurant, but diners can order anything from shrimp cocktail, gumbo and turtle soup to fried alligator, grilled steak and baked ostrich. The seafood comes fried unless otherwise indicated, but it's as fresh as can be. Don't miss the homemade hush puppies and creamy coleslaw. They've embraced a welcome new trend among some New Orleans restaurants--the heart-healthy menu, which features grilled versions of seafood dishes.