Four generations of French-Creole fine dining

Talk of the town: Galatoire's 'no reservations' policy (in place 'til 1999) was legendary. Even retired Senator J. Bennett Johnston, after taking a call at the restaurant from President Reagan, returned to the queue to wait his turn.

Galatoire's is a New Orleans dining institution that has survived war, hurricanes, and economic turmoil for four generations and remains a family business. It's the Quarter restaurant in which New Orleans high society butterflies come to flutter in each others' reflected glory - and for many, the people-watching here is as good as the food.

Dress up (jackets are required after 5pm and all day Sunday), book a table upstairs or queue for one downstairs. Then refuse the menu and tell the waiter your tastes and what you fancy - he will see you are well fed.