After everything New Orleans has been through, eating here is a nice way to recall some positive associations about the city.

When the need for a steaming bowl of jambayala hits—oh, and it will—this is a prime place to sate the craving. Farmers Market wanderers often follow their noses past the fruit stands, near the classic pies at DuPar's the packed breakfast tables at Kokomo Cafe, and toward the rich smell eminating from and behind the bubbling pots on the counter. Spice. Chicory. And fried dough—beignets. The Gumbo Pot's classic Cajun and Creole dishes don't cost a lot, which is why it's fun to mix and match classics like an oyster po' boy, full of fried oysters, lemon, lettuce on a French baguette or a bowl of gumbo chock-full of chicken, sausage and shrimp. We also recommend the blackened catfish, muffaletta sandwiches and, for the adventurous, fried alligator. The beignets we mentioned? Yeah, don't leave without them: The hot fried doughnuts covered in sweet powdered sugar are sure to please. Ask for a chocolate-filled and regular combo, grab a cup of chicory coffee, and sit back dreaming of the French Quarter. —Lesley Balla