Joël

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

JOËL

THE LOWDOWN: The recently revamped French restaurant Joël is an established anchor in Atlanta’s upscale dining scene. The incomparable wine offerings and authentic French fare are coupled with organic veggies, specialty farmed meat and wild fish. Its founding owner and chef Joël Antunes now minds the bistro from NYC as chef de cuisine Cyrille Holota takes the wheel this summer.
THE BASICS: 3290 Northside Parkway. 404-233-3500. www.joelrestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Agave

TRG
Parish

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

PARISH

THE LOWDOWN: Experience the Big Easy via Concentrics’ newest venture, a bi-level New Orleans–inspired restaurant and market concept located in Inman Park. Chef Timothy Magee’s creative offerings pull from Creole and Cajun cuisines. Visit the market for grub and goods to go—and a dog-friendly patio.
THE BASICS: 240 N. Highland Ave. 404-681-4434. www.parishatl.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: AquaKnox

Courtesy of No Mas! Productions
No Mas! Cantina

BEST RESTAURANT TO SEE AND BE SEEN IN

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH

NO MAS! CANTINA
THE LOWDOWN: Stepping inside this Castleberry Hill restaurant is a quick and fairly inexpensive way to transport you and your amigos straight to a Mexican fiesta. The authentic fare boasts innovative combinations to satisfy the whole crew, making this place a hot spot for large birthday celebrations. The shop within the restaurant sells the exquisite handblown margarita glasses and pitchers, as well as a host of other imported goods.
THE BASICS: 180 Walker St. 404-574-5678. www.nomascantina.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: AquaKnox (See and Be Seen); Oceannaire (Business Lunch)

Spark St. Jude
Kevin Rathbun

BEST LOCAL CHEF

KEVIN RATHBUN

THE LOWDOWN: This guy’s on a winning streak. Not only did he nab last year’s Best Local Chef award from our readers, he also garnered national accolades as the first Georgia chef to win “Iron Chef America” against Bobby Flay with his expert preparation of elk. A philanthropist and community activist, the restaurateur owns three popular local restaurants.
THE BASICS: Rathbun’s and Krog Bar. 112 Krog St. 404-524-8280; Kevin Rathbun Steak. 154 Krog St. 404-524-5600. www.rathbunsrestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Anne Quatrano

BEST WAITSTAFF

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

THE LOWDOWN: Serving is among one of the most common occupations in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor—but what you get at the Ritz is the absolute best of the best. The staff here takes extra care to make sure nearly every need of each guest is met—short of chewing and ingesting your food for you.
THE BASICS: 3434 Peachtree Road. 404-237-2700. www.ritzcarlton.com/Atlanta.
RUNNER-UP: South City Kitchen

BEST BARBECUE

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

THE LOWDOWN: Since 1990, this casual eatery has been serving up an appealing mix of barbecue and blues, with live music nightly. The menu spotlights ribs, of course, but also features chopped pork and chicken, available by the quarter-bird and the half-bird. Side items include Brunswick stew, potato salad, rum baked beans, cole slaw and roasted peanuts.
THE BASICS: 1811 Piedmont Ave.. 404-607-1622. www.fatmattsribshack.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Daddy D’z

Courtesy of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group
Buckhead Diner

BEST DINER

Buckhead Diner

THE LOWDOWN: Unlike most diners, Buckhead Diner is upscale and classy. The restaurant, owned by the acclaimed Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, has a fun, retro style and the food to match. It’s always packed, and a loud ambiance is part its charm.
THE BASICS: 3073 Piedmont Road. 404-262-3336. www.buckheadrestaurants.com/diner.
THE RUNNER-UP: Landmark Diner

BEST CHINESE

Chin Chin

THE LOWDOWN: We’ve heard that there are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than there are McDonald’s. If only every one of those restaurants was a Chin Chin! This popular and expanding chain offers prompt, efficient service, great lunch specials and a menu that emphasizes flavor over flash.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.chinchinonline.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Grand China Restaurant

BEST FRENCH

ANIS CAFÉ AND BISTRO

THE LOWDOWN: Executive chef Jeff Gomez serves tried-and-true favorites like the filet of beef au poivre, served with duck confit whipped potatoes, shaved asparagus and brandy-scented jus. The understated camaraderie is abundant at this comfortable Buckhead staple set in a converted cottage, where romance and conversation come easy for devoted followers and newcomers alike.
THE BASICS: 2974 Grandview Ave. NE. 404-233-9889. www.anisbistro.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: French American Brasserie

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT 

Udipi Café

THE LOWDOWN: If you’re able to navigate the slightly cumbersome menu (filled with names like Uthappam, Batura, Pachadi and Halwa), you’re sure to fall in love with the colorful dishes of veggies, breads, curries and condiments that appear shortly thereafter. Even when ordering by sheer accident, the margin for failure is slim to none. Flavorful, spicy, exotic and inexpensive—it’s hard to find anyplace else like it in Atlanta.
THE BASICS: 1850 Lawrenceville Hwy. 404-325-1933.
THE RUNNER-UP: Panahar

Spark St. Jude
Veni Vidi Vici

BEST ITALIAN

VENI VIDI VICI

THE LOWDOWN: With executive chef Jamie Adams at the helm, this popular Midtown power-lunch and dating destination turns out hearty portions of Italian classics such as handmade pasta, rotisserie meats and mouthwatering desserts. The gnocchi malfatti spinach and ricotta dumplings will have you exclaiming, “I came, I saw, I conquered,” too.
THE BASICS: 41 14th St. 404-875-8424. www.buckheadrestaurants.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Osteria 832 Pasta and Pizza

BEST KOREAN

Hae Woon Dae BBQ

THE LOWDOWN: If the term “Korean barbecue” instantly brings to mind the grab-and-go hot pink ribs from the sketchy takeout spot down the street, you need to visit Hae Woon Dae. This OTP chowhouse is a delight, boasting tableside barbecue and surprisingly reasonable prices.
THE BASICS: 5805 Buford Highway NE, Ste 5. 770-451-7957.
www.haewoondaebbq.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Cho Dang Tofu House

BEST MEXICAN

NUEVO LAREDO CANTINA

THE LOWDOWN: Atlantans are right on the money with their unabashed love for this 16-year-old, always-packed West Midtown restaurant known for its tasty Mexican fare. Nuevo Laredo is a relaxed environment where pre-mixed margaritas flow like water to the sounds of happy customers from all walks of the Perimeter. Sample favored dishes like brisket barbacoa, holy tacos and the flan, and you’ll know just what magic we speak of.
THE BASICS: 1495 Chattahoochee Ave. 404-352-9009. www.nuevolaredocantina.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Taqueria del Sol

BEST TEX-MEX

FRONTERA MEX-MEX GRILL

THE LOWDOWN: Mex-Mex, Tex-Mex … apples, oranges. Tex-Mex is typically Americanized Mexican food, tons of cheese-laden dishes and combination platters. Frontera is an Atlanta-based chain with 12 locations and boasts more than 30 combinaciones. Our fave: No. 17, a classic featuring one enchilada, one burrito, Mexican rice and refried beans. Arriba!
THE BASICS: 1808 Powers Ferry Road. 770-953-0121. www.fronteramexmexgrill.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Nuevo Laredo

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Zaya

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN

Zaya

THE LOWDOWN: Holy baba ganouj, Batman! One of Atlanta’s latest culinary trends—sampling semi-international fare—has brought about an onslaught of new locations like Zaya, with a safe, yet vibrant cuisine. Prepare yourself for pitas, tabbouleh, moussaka, falafel, dolmas, spanikopita and a mid-range check.
THE BASICS: 240 N. Highland Ave. 404-477-0050. www.zayarestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mezza

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Pub 71 Shepherd’s Pie

BEST PUB FOOD

PUB 71

THE LOWDOWN: Owner and executive chef Robert Adamo opened the well-received Pub 71 in Brookhaven just a little over a year ago. A happening spot to indulge in traditional Irish cuisine and a few—or many—beers, this pub’s a winner for lunch or dinner. Menu highlights include the shepherd’s pie and the fish and chips (fried to perfection in a Guinness batter). Pair your meal with a Black Irish, a concoction of Absolut vodka, coffee liqueur, Coca-Cola and a splash of Guinness.
THE BASICS: 4058 Peachtree Road. 404-467-8271. www.pub71.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Six Feet Under

Courtesy of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group
Atlanta Fish Market

BEST SEAFOOD

ATLANTA FISH MARKET

THE LOWDOWN: Marked by a 65-foot copper fish, this Buckhead restaurant is serious about its seafood. The menu changes twice a day to accommodate the arrival of fresh catches. It’s executive chef Robert Holley’s simplistic country French approach to dishes that makes Atlanta Fish Market a winner—hook, line and sinker.
THE BASICS: 265 Pharr Road NE. 404-262-3165. www.buckheadrestaurants.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Oceannaire

BEST STEAKHOUSE

BONES

THE LOWDOWN: With its old-fashioned, well-mannered servers, choice cuts of beef and lamb, a never-ending wine list and grit fritters to die for, Bones is an Atlanta institution. Approaching its 30th anniversary, the restaurant racks up accolades year after year. The boys’ club feeling isn’t too daunting for most, but a fat wallet is most readily accepted here.
THE BASICS: 3130 Piedmont Road NE. 404-237-2663. www.bonesrestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Highland Tap

Courtesy of Aiko
Aiko

BEST SUSHI

AIKO

THE LOWDOWN: Aiko is a sexy hybrid of restaurant, lounge and nightclub, attracting a vibrant crowd on extended weekends. The ornate spread of sushi is sure to get your chakras flowing. With a roll call of tantalizing names that reads like your private DVD collection (the seven sins roll, the aphrodisiac roll and the ka-mon-awana-lei-u roll), there’s plenty here to sink your hungry teeth into.
THE BASICS: 128 E. Andrews Drive NW. 404-869-4800. www.aikoatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: MF Sushi

Spark St. Jude
Nan

BEST THAI

NAN

THE LOWDOWN: Understated elegance, a graciously quiet dining room and cream-colored banquettes accented by gold silk pillows all lend themselves to Nan’s good graces. This sophisticated restaurant serves a melody of Thai favorites, including curries, gang kai see dar, kung mung kron (delicious lobster tail goodness) and lemongrass pot de crème.
THE BASICS: 1350 Spring St. 404-870-9933. www.nanfinedining.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tamarind Seed

Spark St. Jude
Dessert at Café Sunflower

BEST VEGETARIAN

CAFÉ SUNFLOWER

THE LOWDOWN: A superb offering of smartly created delights, the menu at owner Lin Sun’s Café Sunflower makes non-vegetarians forget about the absence of meat and provides vegetarians with a much-needed good-conscience dining destination. Highlights include the Sunflower Box, burrito, moo shu vegetables, veggie burger, garden lasagna and the dairy-free chocolate raspberry mousse cake.
THE BASICS: 5975 Roswell Road. Sandy Springs. 404-256-1675; 2140 Peachtree Road. 404-352-8859. www.cafesunflower.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Vegetarian Soul

BEST VIETNAMESE

Nam

THE LOWDOWN: Brought to you by the fantastic culinary team behind MF Sushi (Alex and Chris Kinjo), Nam is probably a bit more elegant than any other Vietnamese restaurant in existence. The gorgeous warm-toned interior is a fitting stage for chic plates of “nouvelle Vietnamese” dishes like savory beef carpaccio, basil duck and lotus root salad.
THE BASICS: 931 Monroe Drive. 404-541-9997. www.namrestaurant.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Phoenix Noodle Cafe

Melissa Libby & Associates
South City Kitchen

BEST SOUTHERN

SOUTH CITY KITCHEN

THE LOWDOWN: Down-home fill-yer-belly fixins like fried green tomatoes, sweet potato pie, buttermilk fried chicken, chicken ’n’ dumplings, country pork chop, grilled Georgia mountain trout with truffled creamed corn, and crisp fried whole catfish all served by a polished waitstaff—what’s not to love?
THE BASICS: 1144 Crescent Ave. 404-873-7358; 1675 Cumberland Pkwy. 770-435-0700. www.southcitykitchen.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Rich Aviles
Biscuit at the Flying Biscuit

BEST BISCUIT

THE FLYING BISCUIT

THE LOWDOWN: Ah, heaven. That’s the feeling that hits you when you bite into this decadent, flaky, soft and buttery piece of goodness at its namesake, the Flying Biscuit. The Southern essence takes hold even stronger when you top the biscuit with tangy cranberry-apple butter. This quintessential accompaniment to breakfast, lunch and dinner actually comes complimentary with most every dish, if you can believe it.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.flyingbiscuit.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: South City Kitchen

BEST GRITS

THE FLYING BISCUIT

THE LOWDOWN: Not only is this joint known for its biscuits and Southern fare, it’s also got a cult following for its grits, too. If you’re not feeling the breakfast love, order ’em Charleston-style; the creamy, dreamy white cheddar grits come topped with sautéed jumbo shrimp in a roasted red pepper and tomato sauce that’ll fill your belly for days.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.flyingbiscuit.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: South City Kitchen

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Alon’s Bakery and Market

BEST BAKERY

ALON’S BAKERY AND MARKET

THE LOWDOWN: Who doesn’t love Alon’s? The 16-year-old neighborhood bakery and sandwich shop first opened in Morningside, but recently started a second location in an old Eatzis, providing much more room for its artisanal loaves, exquisite pastries, buttery cookies, decadent tortes and tarts. Oh, and don’t miss the more than 120 artisanal cheeses and delightful deli meats, too.
THE BASICS: 1394 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-6000; 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road. Dunwoody. 678-397-1781. www.alons.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Metrotainment Bakery

BEST DESSERT

ALON’S BAKERY AND MARKET

THE LOWDOWN: The beloved baker is a premium destination for indulgent confections, from whole cakes, mini desserts and single portions (like that slice of cake you know you shouldn’t have), to cookies by the pound, the dozen or one by one. Try the apple Normandy bar: sugar dough crust filled with apricot marmalade, house-made custard, fresh apples and streusel topping.
THE BASICS: 1394 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-6000; 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 678-397-1781. www.alons.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies

Courtesy of Bruster’s
Bruster’s

BEST ICE CREAM

BRUSTER’S

THE LOWDOWN: With stands around town (and around the country, for that matter), these folks are passionate about ice cream. Scoops of birthday cake, caramel cashew, scotchy pecan, peanut butter cookie dough and coconut pineapple are among our favorites. Bruster’s makes its ice creams, cakes, pies and even its waffle cones right inside the stores.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.brusters.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ben & Jerry’s