La Crepe Nanou   

Most of New Orleans' revered neighborhood restaurants serve red beans and rice, fried seafood and meats smothered in down-home gravies. How a place serving delicate crepes found its niche here is anyone's guess. The beloved creperie's sexy vibe is pure New Orleans, and the clientele is at least 90 percent local on any given night. By far the most talked-about dish is moules frites: mussels steamed in a garlicky white-wine broth and served with thin, crisp french fries. La Crepe Nanou originally opened as a creperie, however, and still offers a slew of crepes, both savory and sweet. The ratatouille and hazelnut fillings are among the most popular. La Crepe Nanou takes no reservations, so make sure you're dressed for a wait. The outdoor dining area is gorgeous in nice weather and might be your best option on weekends when the wait inside can exceed an hour. The French-heavy wine list will keep oenophiles occupied. Baked Alaska as big as a pumpkin is a viable alternative to dessert crepes. -- Sara Roahen