Atlanta

Bacchanalia's edgy and sophisticated space in a meatpacking plant on the outskirts of an industrial area takes first-time diners aback, but just for a second. — Frommer's

Bacchanalia consistently gains ratings as one of Atlanta's top restaurants. More ... — Time Out

Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison create vibrant, seasonal American menus that change daily based on whatever organic and small-farm produce is available. — Forbes Travel Guide

The contemporary American prix-fixe menu is first class, as are the extensive West Coast wine list and service. On-site Star Provisions has gourmet specialty items and prepared food. D... — Where

West Midtown Gourmet Wonderland. — Not For Tourists

There's a reason Chef Linton Hopknis won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2012. — Michelin Guide

Chef Linton Hopkins and wife Gina oversee this foodie haven where dishes like seared Hawaiian big eyed tuna and rack of lamb share space with regional staples. — BlackBook

Linton Hopkins, the 2012 James Beard Award winner for best chef in the Southeast, is behind this quiet and sophisticated homage to local ingredients... and the city's best vegetable plate. — Fodor's

Southern sensibilities and ingredients define every dish, although they may not all be done in a classic manner. — Gayot

Yet another venture in the city's current popularity of farm-to-table establishments, Restaurant Eugene opened to wide acclaim. — Frommer's

Upscale fish spot from chef Ford Fry raises the oyster to an art form. — BlackBook

Named Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurant of 2012, the Optimist lives up to the hype, serving top-notch seafood in a dazzingly refurbished warehouse space. — Fodor's

Guidebook space could never do this Westside sustainable seafood Mecca justice. In a word: astonishing!. — Lonely Planet

This chic restaurant embodies coastal living—from tangy cocktails to delicious starters (seafood gumbo, mussels in crabby-coconut broth, fried clam roll), roasted fish dishes and a wine... — Where

The Optimist might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta, and that's a bold statement. The first time I walked up to the door I already knew that I would like this place, as it has a few... — Frommer's

At this restaurant and bar, you'll find a smorgasbord of unique foods, including 16 different flavors of sauce to accompany the pub frites. The inventive cocktails pair perfectly with the... — Where

This community establishment has a big local following and a waiting line is the norm during prime hours, as no reservations are accepted. — Frommer's

If your indie rock friends got together and dreamed up a holier-than-thou menu and beer list, this is it. — Lonely Planet

A bombardment of discerning brews, natch. But the menu thinks outside the bottle with rabbit tenders and pork osso bucco. — BlackBook

In a former filling station turned antiques shop, Leon'€™s Full Service offers a distinguished beer list, with both draughts and bottles reaching to the depths and heights of brewdom. — Gayot

Rockin' rotisserie, smokin' blues, and scenesters galore. — Not For Tourists

The name conjures up an image of the Rolling Stones' iconic tongue, which is fitting since this restaurant, located in a renovated telephone warehouse, has the mood, energy, and style of a nightclub. — Concierge

One of Atlanta's hottest dining spots, TWO Urban Licks is among a handful of area restaurants turned gold by creators Bob Amick and Todd Rushing of Concentrics Restaurants. — Frommer's

This "club with food" in Poncey-Highland is "one of Atlanta's favorite hot spots" for a "loud", "lively night out" fueled by "creative" American eats prepared on a wood-fired rotisserie. — Zagat

Focusing heavily on small plates—lamb lollipops, salmon chips and fiery cuisine (muy caliente) this locale is flexible enough for a first date or night out with the girls. — BlackBook

You'll probably pass this restaurant a few times while driving down busy Peachtree Road without even noticing it's there; even when my GPS took me right to the front, I didn't see it, as... — Frommer's

House-cured meats hang about. Adventurous diners grab sweetbreads, and dip fried pork ears, fatback and tails in barbecue sauce. — BlackBook

Started in part by a Restaurant Eugene alum, Holeman and Finch helped revitalize Atlanta's drink scene with its custom "tinctures" and classic cocktails. — Fodor's

Restaurant Eugene owner-chef Linton Hopkins, along with mixologist Greg Best, govern an ambitious gastropub just across the breezeway from the mother establishment. — Gayot

Chef Linton Hopkins’ intimate 60-seat restaurant is known for its famous burgers, which inspired restaurants at Ponce City Market and Turner Field that are dedicated to serving the juicy... — Where

The menu changes daily, with an emphasis on fresh and local organic produce and unusual ingredients. — Frommer's

"Seasonally" minded types seeking "creative" food paired with "superb wine" cite this "innovative" New American in Morningside-Lenox Park. — Zagat

Few restaurants combine the comfort of a neighborhood hideaway and the quality food of a top-notch restaurant. — On the Grid

The à la carte cousin to Bacchanalia, Floataway is a more affordable take on Harrison and Quatrano's signature fare. Local, organic ingredients play a big role in this kitchen, and the... — Concierge

Patrons can either dine indoors, surrounded by simple pendant lights, aluminum trim, and fresh flowers, or outside in the courtyard where the bushes are strung with Christmas lights. — Travel + Leisure

JCT turns out heaps of fried chicken; properly prepared, the bird is first brined and then soaked in buttermilk before being coated and fried. — Gayot

"Down-home gourmet" cooking is "no contradiction" at chef Ford Fry's "trendy" Southerner on the "hip Westside", where the "updated" eats include "heavenly shrimp and grits". — Zagat

JCT has become such a staple in Atlanta’s culinary scene – we’re getting a little choked up just writing about it! Updated Southern cuisine is the fare of choice with standouts like Ford... — On the Grid

This comfortable, airy restaurant—with pale wood, white, and silver accents—is part of the now-bustling Westside Urban Market. — Fodor's

This restaurant in the Westside Urban Market reflects its proprietor's belief that simplicity is a hallmark of the best food. — Travel + Leisure

A Chez Panisse alum and pastry mastermind run this hip eatery. — Lonely Planet

New spot celebrating 'the good things in life'. — Not For Tourists

Occupying a "comfortable", airy space in a historic Decatur Square building, this "assured" American "celebration" spot via "virtuoso" chef Billy Allin. — Zagat

Fresh, seasonal veggies frequently take center stage at this crisp, upscale farm-to-table restaurant, and they often come from chef-owner Billy Allin's own garden. — Fodor's

Billy and Kristin Allin have crafted a distinctive establishment known for its inventive cooking. — Gayot

The restaurant's tagline, "tucked away, not far away," is no joke—call for directions. — Fodor's

Canoe's cuisine is exceptional, and the setting is divine -- a picturesque spot on the Chattahoochee River, surrounded by heavenly gardens. — Frommer's

The picturesque setting on the banks of the Chattahoochee River is reason enough to visit this refined new American restaurant. — Travel + Leisure

"Beautiful scenery" meets "exceptional" food at this Vinings "superstar", nestled in a "picturesque" setting overlooking the Chattahoochee River. — Zagat

A rustic dining room that looks like the interior of a spruced-up cabin (soaring cherry-wood ceilings, shiny limestone walls) is the setting for this beloved restaurant in the Vinings area. — Michelin Guide

You'll feel like you're in the heart of New York when you dine at this sophisticated restaurant, the creation of renowned restaurateur Bob Amick. — Frommer's

Set in a renovated Piedmont Park warehouse, this American eatery is owned by the Concentrics Restaurants group, also responsible for Trois and Two Urban Licks. — Travel + Leisure

Ultra-hip restaurant offering bottomless glasses of wine. — Not For Tourists

An unassuming warehouse entrance down a side street near Piedmont Park leads to a seductively lighted, industrial-chic restaurant. — Fodor's

"Staying power" is the thing at this "sustainably trendy" New American that still "holds up" thanks to "reliably executed" cooking and popular promotions like its "bottomless wine deal". — Zagat

Adheres to the principles of the Italian kitchen, evident in such starters as the platter of antipasti misti, with its prosciutto, salami, olives and cheeses. — Gayot

This hot spot close to Downtown has an adventurous take on Italian cuisine. — Fodor's

This warm, intimate restaurant features a fabulous Northern Italian menu including risotto, homemade pastas and wood-roasted whole fish. The wine list focuses on Italian wines. D (daily). — Where

Sotto Sotto Known for its authenticity, this lively, trendy restaurant has crisp service and risotto that is heaven on earth. Reservations suggested. — Lonely Planet

This "heavenly", "intimate" Northern Italian in Inman Park via chef-owner Riccardo Ullio "just gets better with age", dispatching "superb pasta" and "memorable risotto". — Zagat

The World’s Best Pancakes. — On the Grid

Lines snake out of the door for Ria’s hearty and healthy daily breakfast and lunch specials – buttermilk pancakes, overfilled burritos, tempeh Reuben sandwiches–in this cosy, friendly diner opposite Oakland Cemetery. — Rough Guide

Sure, the flat top-wearing Ria Pell’s bulky tattooed arms can intimidate. But those same arms create acclaimed grub with both old-school Southern charm and timely accents. — BlackBook

You won't be hurting for diner options in Atlanta, but know before you go: Ria's Bluebird is the best of them all. It's a little off the beaten path, but you'll be glad you made the... — Frommer's

It’s a “hippie-happy” scene at this “small” Grant Park diner opposite Oakland Cemetery known for “wallet-friendly”, all-day breakfasts served in “massive” portions. — Zagat

Chef Gerry Klaskala presents modernized versions of American comfort food (braised beef short rib, veal osso bucco, slow-roasted duck, etc.) in an ultra-chic, romantic setting. Pastry... — Where

Dubbed the place for "special occasions", this "longtime favorite" in Buckhead via chef-owner Gerry Klaskala "continues to impress" with "masterful" New American fare. — Zagat

Since opening a dozen years ago, Aria has remained a hit among the dozens of top-quality dining choices in the busy Buckhead area. — Frommer's

Chef Gerry Klaskala's talent is best captured by his love of rustic and hearty "slow foods" - cooked over a roll-top French grill. — Fodor's

This vibrant, stylish establishment welcomes its guests through a curtain of silver beads, designed to represent a complete break with the past. — Gayot

The best steakhouse in Atlanta and one of the best in the US, Bone's has provided outstanding service since it opened in 1979. — DK Eyewitness

Steakhouse perfect for power lunches. — Not For Tourists

"Hobnob" with the "who's who" of Buckhead at this "old-school" "cathedral of steak" renowned for "phenomenal" chops "cooked to perfection". — Zagat

Known for excellent meat, ranking tops in Atlanta and noteworthy nationwide. But even those who can't be pleased by the steak admit that service befits a prince. — BlackBook

Atlanta's best and most famous steakhouse, Bone's is a top power-lunch venue for the expense-account crowd. — Frommer's

“Cheap” tabs, “seriously high-octane potables” and an experience that’s “like nothing else in Atlanta.”. — Zagat

The Colonnade serves some of the region's best fried chicken... and yeast rolls, the latter a rapidly disappearing Southern treat. — Gayot

For traditional Southern food—fried chicken, ham steak, and turkey with dressing—insiders head to Colonnade, a local institution since 1927 and a magnet for gay men and the elderly. — Fodor's

Southern meat-and-three institution. — Not For Tourists

Despite its crusty servers, outdated décor and strip mall location, this large establishment has a fiercely loyal clientele. From fried chicken and oyster stew to salmon croquettes with... — Where

A “blast from the past” in Midtown, this circa-1945 “Atlanta institution” is lauded for “old-fashioned” Southern comfort “food for your soul” (including classic fried chicken) with “all... — Zagat

From bambinos to blue hairs, the clientele at Mary Mac’s share an affinity for traditional Southern grub. — BlackBook

This staple has been serving Southern food since 1945. Dig into classic dishes like grilled liver and onions, country fried steak, and chicken and dumplings. Goodwill Ambassador Jo Carter... — Where

Owner John Ferrell keeps Mary Mac's looking bright and lively, with good lighting and vivid colors. — Gayot

Mary Mac's is a colorful Atlanta institution, a bastion of classic Southern cuisine. — Frommer's

No first generation Southerner would believe that grits had the ability to go gourmet, but SCK is in fact offering them up with a fashionable flare and diners are coming in droves. — BlackBook

Determined to dispel the image that Southern cuisine is heavy, the chef at this high-energy Midtown bungalow fuses regional ingredients with a light touch. — Michelin Guide

An upscale Southern kitchen featuring tasty updated staples like buttermilk fried chicken served with sautéed collards and mash. — Lonely Planet

“Updated” Southern food with “uptown flair” sums up the scene at this “bustling” duo from the Fifth Group (Ecco, Original El Taco). — Zagat

The culinary traditions of South Carolina inspire the dishes served at this cheerful restaurant. — Fodor's

There's "a lot of hype" about the "highbrow" yet "down-to-earth" cooking of celeb chef Hugh Acheson at this "seriously good" Midtown Southerner. — Zagat

Just beyond the corner of 10th and Peachtree Streets lives a little gem called Empire State South, and it’s a staple for all of us at Son&Sons. We love to dine with them for breakfast,... — On the Grid

From the hand of Canada native Hugh Acheson, Empire State South is part coffee bar, breakfast restaurant, to-go spot, and full-fledged dining room with a serious wine perspective. — Gayot

Three meals plus take-out means you're never far from the Southern comfort you so crave. — BlackBook

Celebrity chef-owner Hugh Acheson and executive chef Josh Hopkins make delectable Southern food at this show stopping restaurant. An extensive cocktail program, coffee bar and bocce court... — Where

Local flavors abound, as in the North Georgia trout grilled and served with a medley of vegetables. — Gayot

For over 30 years, this neighborhood bistro has pulled in the crowds thanks to its solid menu, good wine list and friendly service. Outdoor patio; boutique wine shop. L&D (daily), Br... — Where

Best brunch in the city. Nice wine program. — Not For Tourists

“Relaxed fine dining” is alive and well at the “intersection of Virginia and Highland” at this “longtime” eatery-cum-bakery-cum–wine shop. — Zagat

Part restaurant, part wine cellar. — On the Grid