Atlanta

Holding fast as the "pinnacle of refined dining" (voted No. 1 for Food and Popularity in Atlanta), this near-"flawless" Westside New American "keeps it fresh year after year." — Zagat

Since 1993, partner chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison have drawn raves for their seasonally changing, all-organic menus—often using produce grown on their own organic farm. — Travel + Leisure

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

West Midtown Gourmet Wonderland. — Not For Tourists

Traditional fine dining has largely gone by the wayside here, but Bacchanalia--the crown jewel in chef-owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's mini empire of restaurants driven by... — Tasting Table

Chef Billy Allin's Cakes & Ale is among the leaders in Atlanta's embrace of the local and seasonal. It's best described as contemporary Southern with an Italian accent (think arancini... — Tasting Table

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

Even if you've already dined down the way at the Iberian Pig or Leon's Full Service, it's worth stopping by Cakes & Ales for dessert and an aperitif. — Frommer's

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

Don’t even think about skipping dessert at this Decatur go-to. — Bon Appétit

The “witty”, “unconventional” New American menu includes everything from ‘lug nuts’ to ‘bacon in a glass.’. — Zagat

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

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

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

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

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

Atlanta chef Linton Hopkins is a believer in the secret menu. — Travel + Leisure

While the menu at Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene offers undeniably fine cuisine, the restaurant has the uncanny ability to make you feel immediately comfortable as soon as you walk in the door. — Forbes Travel Guide

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

This Westside seafooder from owner Ford Fry (his JCT. Kitchen & Bar is just a clam's throw away) baits crowds with a range of raw to roasted fin fare and beachy cocktails. — Zagat

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

Styled after a fish camp, The Optimist fields both a restaurant and a raw bar operation adjacent to the main dining room. — Gayot

Whether you swing by the first-come, first-served oyster bar or go for a full meal at the barrel-vaulted main restaurant, it's clear that chef Adam Evans knows seafood. — Travel + Leisure

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

French-Italian-Mediterranean menu features oysters, marinated roast beets as starters, and mains like cornmeal-friend softshell crab and pan-roasted North Georgia trout. — BlackBook

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

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

Romantic venue with California and Italian influences. — Not For Tourists

Locally grown organic produce, some of it from the Quatrano family farm, is featured in the dishes, which are usually seasonal. — Gayot

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

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

Iron Chef contestant Linton Hopkins teams up with master mixologist Greg Best to produce a winning combination of cuisine and liquid refreshments at this Buckhead gastro-pub. — Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Ria's makes a big deal about being the kind of business that accepts people of all races, religions and sexual orientations, and supports causes that speak to this commitment. It also... — Lonely Planet

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

Lines snake out of the door for Ria’s hearty and healthy daily breakfast and lunch specials – buttermilk pancakes, overfilled burritos, tempeh Reuben sandwiches. — Rough Guide

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

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

This Atlanta institution, a respectable old place incongruously set in a stretch of girlie bars and sex shops northeast of downtown, is full of old-timers and regulars. — Rough Guide

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

You want old-school Southern fare? Go here. Since 1927, The Colonnade has been serving yeast rolls, its famous fried chicken and Southern sides. For an extra good deal, hit the early bird... — Tasting Table

The menu features inventive American dishes such as salmon chips, pork shoulder with baked macaroni, and bronzed sea scallops over smoked Gouda grits. — Travel + Leisure

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

Especially good are the salmon chips, a signature item, or the Thai tuna tartare, made just hot enough with some Serrano chili. For mains, try the lightly grilled, huge sea scallops. — Gayot

This vibrant, urban hotspot specializes in wood-roasted meats and fish prepared in a wood-pit rotisserie tower. The wine program consists of 42 stainless steel barrels. A gorgeous patio... — Where

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

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

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

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

Dine along the Chattahoochee River in romantic style. — Not For Tourists

This romantic restaurant offers stunning views of the Chattahoochee River and enchanting trails for pre- or post-meal walks. Executive Chef Matthew Basford’s menu features New American... — Where

"Loud" and "flashy"—courtesy of dim mood lighting and dramatic light fixtures—are two words that come to mind when I think back on my experiences at JCT. Kitchen. "Delicious" and... — Frommer's

Executive chef Ford Fry puts a Southern-centric spin on the French bistro. Servers, feet tapping on hardwoods, scurry about with armloads of shrimp and grits. — BlackBook

"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

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

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

Casual upscale dining mecca endures after seven years of solid service. Rich, wooden interior with neutral fabrics have impressed many a well-coiffed visitor to return for dinner party fun. — BlackBook

The 'Small Plates'€ hold the most appeal, such as the cauliflower soup, a rabbit tasting and wood-roasted marrow with braised lamb. — Gayot

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

Rustic Italian in trendy, high-energy setting. — Not For Tourists

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 means "hush hush" in Italian. How ironic: The food is divine here, but the noise is incredible. — Frommer's

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

Open 24/7, R. Thomas' dining room is a heated patio nestled around technicolor flora, funky art and lawn decor, and exotic birds. — BlackBook

Healthy eats 24/7. — Not For Tourists

Friendly, funky 24hr Midtown place where you dine, sheltered from the street by rattan screening, among flowers, parrots and colourful Chinese lampshades. — Rough Guide

Conveniently located in Midtown, R. Thomas is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there's no excuse to go hungry. — Frommer's

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill satisfies a wide range of dietary concerns---from vegetarian to vegan to gluten-free---including plain old hunger. — Gayot

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

Memorable upscale cuisine, award-winning restaurant. — Not For Tourists

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

A simple black and white color palette and a sprawling, spider-like chandelier set the stage for inventive Nouveau American fare at this Buckhead restaurant. — Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Atlanta loves its steak. There are almost a dozen steakhouses within a one-mile radius of Bone's in Buckhead, but it's hard to argue against the dry aged masterpieces Bone's turns out. In... — Tasting Table

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

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

Iconic spot for Southern fare classics — Zagat

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

Local celebrities and ordinary folks line up for the country-fried steak, fried chicken, and fresh vegetables here. — Fodor's

If you only have one meal out in Atlanta, make sure it’s in the yellow-painted, country-kitchen-style dining room of this 60-year-old Atlanta institution. — Travel + Leisure

Head barman Miles Macquarrie has earned a reputation for his subtle tweaks on classic cocktails. The gorgeous wood bar is a proper setting for knockout drinks, as well as for the strong... — Tasting Table

The restaurant that happens to be the best bar in town. — Bon Appétit

The eclectic, Southern-inflected menu features items like catfish stew with graham dumplings and grilled Gulf shrimp with sauce antiboise. — Travel + Leisure

Located in a turn of the century train depot, Kimball House is the best spot in Atlanta for oysters and cocktails. — On the Grid

“truly amazing” farm-and-foraged-to-table offerings shine on a “small but varied” menu. — Zagat

Three round-bellied wood-burning stoves stay busy all night turning out the huge, full-flavored, rustic-styled pies. — Gayot

I challenge you to find a better pizza anywhere in this city. — Frommer's

Antico offers a big slice of cheesy, saucy, chewy, Naples-style heaven. The communal tables, as well as the Italian opera on the stereo, give the place a convivial vibe. — Fodor's

"Real-deal" ovens and "genuine Italian ingredients" make for "otherworldly" pizzas at this "family-run" Westside joint near Georgia Tech. — Zagat