Irene's. Great Italian and fish/shrimp/oysters always on menu.

Why would you eat Italian food as your only meal out in New Orleans? Bayona is really nice, or Acme Oyster is more utilitarian and good, but you have to like oysters to eat there. But you may be limited to where you can get a reservation (Acme doesn't take reservations, so it could be a standby if you can't get in anywhere else). Emeril Lagasse also has three restaurants in New Orleans, and while they are mostly for tourists now the food is still good.

Sorry ... but I have no opinion about Nottoway.

if you go to Irene's, you'd understand. Not typical Italian, but with New Orleans' flare..."Creole Italian"

http://www.nola.com/dining-guide/index.ssf/2009/10/irenes_cuisine_1.html

We had a really great meal at Muriel's a few months ago. Wonderful food, great service, nice atmosphere - and no jackets required. My husband wore a pair of slacks and a short-sleeved shirt with a collar (square hem, worn untucked). I wore a summer dress, strappy sandals, and had a scarf over my shoulders (to combat the air conditioning). Some people in the restaurant were dressed more nicely, some more casually, but most were dressed pretty much like we were.

I just checked because I was surprised (even Commander's Palace no longer requires jackets) and Antoine's website specifically says "jackets preferred but not required".

http://www.antoines.com/request.html

Thanks all. Acme Oyster sounds great since my husband loves oysters. We are going to be in NO through the weekend after a one nighter elsewhere. We might try a couple of places.

Order oysters with caution. We love cold water oysters. Gulf oysters are a whole different bi valve flavour. We ordered a half dozen raw and a half dozen grilled at Drago's and found them inedible. I'm sure some in New Orleans would find our northern atlantic oysters equally unimpressive.

I have some very fond memories of Irene's including their paneed oysters and tipping the maitre'd. I'm surprised that an editor would comment negatively about this legendary Nola dining destination. But, no it wouldn't be on my short list. But I am a bit of a foodie unlike the original poster.

We stayed overnight and loved The Nottoway. Did not like the meal their that much, however.

We actually had two meals there. Dinner/evening meal was just ok. Breakfast was not good at all and not advertised. I can't remember the details, but it was not as advertised at all.

A second for Irenes . . also, across the street from Acme Oyster House is Deanies . . Really good seafood and casual.

http://www.deanies.com/

Galatoire's and Muriel's are my favorite. Enjoy your visit.