Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Mid-City / City Park

The hostess, bartender, managers, and entire staff were so kind and went above and beyond for us tonight. I will never forgot our experience here. Thank you to Jason Lonigro and to the entire staff.

We love Ralph’s because the food is consistently great, and doesn’t break our budget. Our latest meal there was Sunday brunch. We ordered a bottle of Cava ($30). My husband had the City Park Breakfast ($21) and I opted for the 3-course brunch special ($45). I chose the City Park Salad for the first course—I love the combination of flavors of apples, blue cheese and bacon—and the Vegetable Goat Cheese Quiche topped with boiled shrimp for the second course, which exceeded all expectations. The goat cheese filling was heavy with spinach and mushrooms and seasoned to perfection. We shared the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert—fabulous! For a little over $100 dollars, including tax and tip, it was a most enjoyable experience. And the view of the oaks in City Park from the dining room, is a most welcome bit of lagniappe!

My first visit to Vessel was phenomenal! I selected scallops with risotto and the roasted asparagus after discussing the menu with my waiter. I chose this dish based on his recommendation and was very pleased. Presentation was stunning and the food was delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed the vibes that the restaurant projected and was pleased with my interactions with the staff. I definitely will be back and will bring my coworkers with me.

Food and service were exceptional. We had the ceviche’ and lobster ravioli appetizers then ordered Hallibut with scallops and shrimp risotto — the signature dish — and the Parmesan-crusted sheepshead with lemon butter and browned capers served either asparagus as our main courses. Everything was perfectly prepared! We ordered 3 desserts to top it all off: the salty malty ice cream pie, the white chocolate bread pudding and the chocolate mouse in a dark chocolate dome with raspberry gelee’. Perfect evening. Except for learning at the end of the night that our parking would not be validated. We were not told to bring the parking ticket to the front desk at the beginning of the night. If you go to GW Finn’s and expect to get parking validated, do not pay the garage when you park (despite the fact that all of the signs in the garage and the boots on cars are somewhat threatening in there). Instead, take your unpaid parking garage ticket directly to the front desk at the restaurant for validation with a picture of your license plate. This was the only sour note of our evening. Otherwise, it was perfect!

Really great food very affordable. Attentive and friendly service