"Take a 15-mile drive from downtown New Orleans through the Jean Lafitte National Park and you’ll arrive at Restaurant des Familles, named for the bayou on which it sits. With views of the lazy waterway populated by alligators, turtles, egrets, and other critters, this family-owned restaurant combines the beauty of nature with fine Louisiana and southern fare. Classics like crawfish etouffée, seafood gumbo, and turtle soup keep company with the house special: alligator stuffed mushrooms with alligator sauce piquant. Great lunch specials Monday through Friday." - Beth D'Addono
