re: Best lunch for first meal in NOLA

If you want to do the tourist routine, it's breakfast at Brennans, lunch at Court of Two Sisters, and dinner at Antoine's. All great meals and fun to go to. Have plenty of cash.
But, for great food ask a local where the best places are. And be sure to have a beignet and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde in the Quarter or the Warehouse District. Morning Call Coffee Stand is the best, if they are still in City Park and survived the lawsuit from Cafe du Monde to take over the location.