FRENCH QUARTER. A legendary New Orleans favorite of both locals and visitors, Arnaud's has been serving great dishes like shrimp Arnaud and oysters Bienville since 1918. A jazz brunch on Sunday, live jazz every night, and a variety of dining rooms add to the allure, making the restaurant a popular and tasty destination for everything from fresh seafood to quality meats. A Mardi Gras museum on the second floor provides terrific browsing while you wait for your table. Recipient of the DiRoNA award. Appropriate attire depends on which dining room you choose ­ inquire in advance. A cigar and cocktails bar is adjacent.

MID-CITY. A metal-roofed porch enclosed in plastic houses this quirky dining room. Ceiling fans and metal garden tables and chairs with tapestry cushions flank the tight but charming space. Bloody Marys and mimosas complement the delicious brunch specials that might include seafood crepes, grillades and grits, and calf's liver and sweetbreads. At dinner, you'll enjoy delicacies such as seared duck breast with mushroom spatzle and pear choucroute.

GARDEN DISTRICT. This delightful French Creole restaurant is one of the city's best, no matter what time of day you visit. Prix fixe and à la carte options promise choice items, including seared Muscovy duck breast and onion-crusted Gulf snapper with shrimp and chanterelles. The prix fixe "jazz brunch" is a great weekend treat and features one of the best Bloody Mary's in the city, along with eggs Sardou, quail, and the restaurant's famous bread pudding soufflé. Outdoor seating available.

FRENCH QUARTER. If weekend brunches prove elusive, then Two Sisters offers ample reason to rejoice because they offer a jazz brunch everyday! As talented musicians regale them, diners browse the enormous buffet for a range of goodies. The menu changes seasonally, but it typically includes made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict, fresh seafood, grits and sausage, and plenty of pasta salads, fruits, and desserts. Your experience is certain to be festive whether you dine in the courtyard or amid plush surroundings.

FRENCH QUARTER. This trendy café occupies a historic building in the French Quarter. Sunlight illuminates the two-level dining room, which is flanked with green molded plastic IKEA chairs, modern white pendants, beautiful pine floor and a fireplace. Tasty brunch dishes such as eggs dauphine (poached eggs on fried green tomatoes with country ham and hollandaise) come with fluffy dropped biscuits and fresh fruit. Regional favs such as crawfish étouffée, shrimp and grits, and chicken and andouille gumbo appear on the menu as well. For dessert, treat yourself to bread pudding with whiskey sauce.