"A former donut shop, LUVI is a small, lovely restaurant with bespoke woodwork and pops of bold colors and patterns. The pan-Asian menu, not common in NOLA, includes Japanese dishes, plus some favorites from the chef’s hometown of Shanghai. Try the Lion’s Head, a savory crab-and-pork meatball in bone broth; the Mala Holla, spicy slices of beef; and Chef Hao’s Mama’s Dumplings (his actual mama’s recipe). The raw bar turns out innovative sashimi and a great ceviche. The staff copes with the bustle and spatial restrictions of a small, busy restaurant. But if you need some pointers with the menu, your server won’t be too harried to help." - Paul Oswell
James Owens