New Orleans is one of my favorite places to use Priceline or Hotwire for a blind booking. I search for a 4 or 5 star in the French Quarter (or sometimes the business district, but usually the quarter), and I had had great luck! I usually walk everywhere in New Orleans, except when I travel with a friend who doesn't like that much walking - then we Uber or Lyft everywhere. I usually don't move my car after we arrive.
A few of my dining spots:
Arnauds. Make reservations ahead of time and be sure to get either the Bananas Foster or the Cafe Brulot for a table side experience. There is also a little walk-through Mardi Gras museum upstairs.
Cafe du Monde. Yep, it is a tourist trap. But I still love it. Get there early for breakfast have a beignet and some coffee then take a walk to the French Market and/or around Jackson Square. The non-French Quarter locations don't have the same atmosphere, IMO.
Muriel's has good food AND a haunted table. Ask to see it.
Mother's is good for a lunch-type meal.
Commander's Palace, Antoine's, Galatoire's - you can't go wrong with any place with an 's in the name. lol These are all old, classic New Orleans restaurants.