Rio Mar, New Orleans

Rio Mar may be located in New Orleans, but its name derives from a town in Panama where the river meets the sea. Warm and welcoming like the waterside taverns in Spain, the restaurant has drawn people to the Warehouse District since 2000 with rotating seasonal menus that unveil the many flavors of the Gulf. Owner and Executive Chef Miles Prescott, utilizes new-world flavors and techniques to rethink classic seafood creations, at once challenging traditional conventions and the 1930 law that all Louisiana restaurants must use Huey Long's family recipes. The resulting menus feature four distinct styles of ceviche and various small plates, such as grilled Portuguese octopus. Large meals, meanwhile include, Grilled Gulf Fish of the Day "Encocado" in a coconut-aji amarillo broth and other specialties, many of which pair well with Rio Mar's selection of rare Spanish wines.