Dining Out in Atlanta

Food

Make no mistake — Atlanta is a restaurant town. From down home joints, serving classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken, ribs, grits and greens to sleek dining environments presenting world-class cutting-edge cuisine, there is an abundance of choice for anyone searching to satisfy the most discriminating palate. During the past decade, as increasing numbers of national companies and their employees have relocated to the greater Atlanta area, the culinary landscape has matured to meet the expectations of a population whose tastes continue to evolve and who welcome more adventurous dining experiences. Upscale contemporary gourmet and fusion restaurants have firmly established themselves along with those offering traditional continental and American fare. There has also been an explosion of casual family-friendly restaurants all over the metro area. If you're in the mood for something with an international flavor, an abundance of Asian, Caribbean, Latin and South American and African restaurants offer exciting options. For the health conscious, choices include everything from Vegan enclaves to mainstream vegetarian eateries. From simple to sophisticated, the toughest ongoing challenge you may face in dining out in metro-Atlanta is which restaurant to choose.

Bacchanalia
Still the spot of choice for romantics in search of a special evening, Bacchanalia has spread its culinary wings in the city's hippest area of industrial chic. Come here for seasonal entrees selected for peak freshness with minimalist enhancements of their essential flavors. The world agrees — Bacchanalia has received the James Beard Foundation Award of Excellence as the best restaurant in the Southeastern United States. 1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta 30318. 404-365-0410
Bluepointe
The place to be chic in Buckhead. Dramatic decor, theatrical lighting and glam food - seafood with a strong Pan-Asian flair, luxe desserts — attract a young, hip crowd. The Chilean sea bass with shiitake mushrooms and ocean-fresh oysters are perennial favorites. Reservations are a must. 3456 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30326. 404-237-9070
Brooklyn Cafe
Since opening its doors in 1992, Brooklyn Cafe has maintained a high standard of quality and consistently created a dining experience with memorable dishes — not a simple feat in Atlanta's fickle food market! Care in preparation and presentation creates dishes that are visually stimulating as well as irresistible. Fresh ingredients make all the difference - seafood and produce are delivered daily and most sauces and dressings are made in-house. Flavorful pastas, fresh seafood and creative specials. Extensive selection of wines by the glass. It's easy to see why they were awarded the Zagat Guide Award of Distinction. 220 Sandy Springs Circle, Atlanta, GA 30328. 404-843-8377
Chequer's Seafood Grill
Diners can anticipate the freshest seafood dishes in a very comfortable atmosphere. With fresh fish flown in daily from both coasts, the menu offers a delightful and always changing today's catch. Dine on Maryland crab cakes, panroasted Halibut or choose the live Maine lobster. Open for lunch and dinner, they are also known for their fabulous Sunday brunch. Reservations encouraged. 236 Perimeter Center Parkway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30346. 770-391-9383
Dick and Harry's
One of the most consistently reliable and at the same time innovative of the city's best eateries. Daily specials combine seasonality with creative enhancement. Check out the current specials at www.dickandharrys.com. 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell 30076. 770-641-8757
The Dining Room/Ritz-Carlton Buckhead
The Dining Room continues to set the standard for fine dining. A wonderful combination of tradition and innovation await diners at any of the Holiday dining experiences offered. One of only 14 restaurants to receive the Mobil Travel Guide 2005 Five-Star Award. 3434 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30326. 404-237-2700
Emeril's Atlanta
Embodying all that the name stands for, this latest addition to the Atlanta scene brings high energy, bold exciting flavors and an unforgettable dining experience. In addition to lunch and dinner menus and specials, Emeril's Atlanta offers a four-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairing. 3500 Lenox Rd. Suite 100, Atlanta 30326. 404-564-5600
Fogo de Chao
This first Brazilian churrascaria to hit Atlanta is still the best one. Come hungry, as the menu is prix fixe. Amid blazing torches, waiters in bolero jackets bring succulent roasts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken to your table and slice them to your liking. 3101 Piedmont Road, Atlanta 30305. 404-266-9988
Horseradish Grill
This converted barn on the edge of Chastain Park is a powerhouse of Southern cuisine, albeit sassy and upscale. It's a new take on the traditional meat-and-three-veg with attitude, and appeals to the young and trendy as well as the culinary conservatives in the crowd. 4320 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta 30342. 404-255-7277
Imperial Fez
There are other Moroccan restaurants in the city, but none that puts on a show to compare with this one. Opulent atmosphere and authentic gourmet fare, and authentic service: guests recline on pillows and eat the food with their fingers, as belly dancers sway among the wait staff. Hot mint tea and scented hand towels complete the experience. 2285 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30309. 404-351-0870
Kyma
In an elegant, sun-drenched blue-and-white decor that evokes its Aegean theme, this Buckhead Life Restaurant Group concept serves forth a selective, mostly seafood, menu of high-style Greek appetizers and entrees. Everything is fresh and perfectly prepared. 3085 Piedmont Road, Atlanta 30305. 404-262-0702
Rainwater
From the moment guests arrive, a sense of the extraordinary is established by the striking mix of traditional and eclectic decor. Inspired by the Wine Country, Rainwater features New American cuisine as its culinary backdrop, culminating with the level of attention and service that the guest deserves. Rainwater is pleased to bring back the true entertainment aspect of dining. 11655 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta 30004. 770-777-0033
Rathbun's
Giving Atlantans more food bragging rights is the newly acclaimed Rathbun's located in the Inman Park neighborhood. Accolades galore - named as one of the "Best New American Restaurants of 2004" by Travel and Leisure Magazine and as "Best New Restaurant 2004" by Esquire Magazine. It was featured in USA TODAY as a "New Gourmet Selection of Restaurants" and in Bon Appetit Magazine as "Where to eat Now". Thoroughly modern American fare. At the Stove Works, Inman Park, 112 Krog Street, Suite R, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. 404-524-8280
The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
Atlanta's only tri-level complex featuring a revolving upscale restaurant, a rotating cocktail lounge, as well as an observatory view level. The Sun Dial is the ultimate Atlanta dining experience, ideal for special occasions, corporate events and celebrations. Visiting The Sun Dial is an Atlanta tradition and a must see and do for visitors. 210 Peachtree Street, (Atop The Westin), Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta 30303. 404-589-7506
Vinings Inn
In the quaint town of Vinings visit one of Atlanta's oldest historic sites. The charming building dates back to the early 1800s and has been lovingly preserved to provide a comfortable and gracious dining experience. The Vinings Inn offers upscale American Cuisine with southern influences. Award-winning wine list and a prix fixe wine tasting dinner is hosted monthly, featuring outstanding selections from a chosen vineyard. 3011 Paces Mill Road, Atlanta 30339. 770-438-2282