Bone'sCity/Region: Atlanta
Bone's is
Atlanta's most famous steakhouse; a key lunch venue for important people, from presidents to businessmen and celebrities, with a masculine, club setting. Bone's serves the best prime-aged
Iowa beef, prepared exactly as ordered. The lamb chops are another delicious option, as is the
Maine lobster. Decadent desserts include Mountain-high Pie (layers of chocolate chip, rum raisin and vanilla ice cream). The wine gallery has hundreds of excellent wines, specializing in French and Californian bottles. Lighter entrees are on the menu for
lunch and Bone's is open daily for lunch (except Saturday) and dinner.
Address: 3130
Piedmont Road
Website: www.bonesrestaurant.com
Sotto SottoCity/Region: Atlanta
At Sotto Sotto ('hush hush' in Italian), the noise is incredible; this is the place of the moment and an energetic crowd all seem happy to shout at one another over their seafood risotto. The wood-roasted fish is Sotto Sotto's specialty, and the rich chocolate soup, with dark Belgian chocolate, hazelnut whipped cream and sugar croutons is delectable. The bartender makes an excellent martini and the all-Italian wine list is extensive. Sotto Sotto is open all week from 5.30pm till late.
Address: 313
North Highland Ave
Website: www.sottosottorestaurant.com
Tamarind Thai CuisineCity/Region: Atlanta
For great Thai food, Tamarind is the place to go. Tamarind is a serious, classy restaurant and the quality of the authentically prepared, ethnic cuisine is unparalleled. The exterior is grim but inside it's all about white tablecloths, fresh flowers, sophisticated decor and impeccable service. The menu includes neua yang nam tok (waterfall beef), consisting of tender strips of steak marinated in tamarind and chilli peppers, cooked with shallots, sesame seeds and mint leaves. Tamarind is open daily till late but only from 5pm on weekends.
Address: 80 14th Street
EnoCity/Region: Atlanta
Located in Midtown, near several theaters and within walking distance of the Fox, Eno has a posh dining room and a wine bar, serving small platters and appetizers. In the bar the wines are available by the taste, glass or bottle. The cuisine ranges includes delectable braised rabbit and goat-cheese tortellini with fennel pollen and citrus, as well as whole roasted fish of the day with roasted fennel, potato and singed black olives. Be sure to try the lovely fig and apple tart. Eno's is open daily till late, but only from 5pm on Saturday.
Address: 800 Peachtree Street
Website: www.enorestaurant.com
Murphy'sCity/Region: Atlanta
Murphy's was a wine-and-cheese shop and evolved into a restaurant and bakery with a cozy atmosphere; one of the most popular venues in Atlanta for brunch. The bakery/wine shop has display cases overflowing with pastries, crusty fresh-baked breads and luscious desserts. For dinner, Murphy's offers a variety of entrees, including sautéed rainbow trout with sweet-potato hash; there's also a good selection of pastas, salads, waffles and pancakes. Murphy's is open all week till late.
Address: 997
Virginia Ave
Website: www.murphysvh.com
CanoeCity/Region: Atlanta
Set in a picturesque spot on the
Chattahoochee River, Canoe's cuisine is exceptional; the menu is American with Asian accents. Roasted rabbit spring rolls, with fig barbecue glaze, is a great starter and nicely followed by an innovative pasta or risotto. For a local dish with a twist, Canoe serves seared Carolina trout with citrus/brown-butter sauce. There is an excellent wine list, which includes a few organic options. In good weather, ask for a table out on the large, canopied patio. Canoe is open all week, but not for lunch on Friday or Saturday.
Address: 4199 Paces Ferry Road
Website: www.canoeatl.com
The Dining RoomCity/Region: Atlanta
From service to cuisine, it doesn't get much better than the Dining Room; they exceed all expectations with the French, Spanish and North African influences evident in their menu. A perfect cheese service is available, as well as a splendid variety of desserts and luxurious chocolate treats; among the specialties is a Cuban chocolate tart. Jackets are required for men and the Dining Room is open all but Sunday evenings.
Address: 3434 Peachtree Road
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
NavaCity/Region: Atlanta
Nava's earth-toned interior is gorgeous and home to truly inventive Southwestern cuisine. Enchiladas and tostadas are stuffed with such delicacies as rock shrimp and jalapeño honey mustard, or mussels dry-roasted in a hot iron skillet and served in spicy chipotle broth. For dessert, try the roasted-banana enchilada, with warm caramel sauce. Enjoy Nava's extensive wine list and a large selection of tequilas, beers and margaritas; the prickly-pear margarita is a must. Nava is open all week but only in the evenings on Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 3060 Peachtree Road
Website: www.buckheadrestaurants.com
Veni Vidi ViciCity/Region: Atlanta
This elegant theater-district restaurant has an intimate atmosphere and a bustling exhibition kitchen. Specialties include piatti piccoli (small plates) such as skewers of shrimp or prosciutto and pear, traditionally served with cocktails and fresh handmade pastas. The house specialty is linguine with
Little Neck clams in a white or spicy red sauce. The carefully selected wine list is almost entirely Italian. Veni Vidi Vici is open daily till late.
Address: 41 14th Street
Website: www.buckheadrestaurants.com
Floataway CaféCity/Region: Atlanta
Hidden on a secluded industrial street, in a renovated warehouse, the Floataway Café opened in 1998. The menu changes daily, with fresh and local organic produce and unusual ingredients being the order of the day. Enjoy succulent wood-grilled or roasted meats and seafood or homemade pastas; grilled steak with pommes frites and red-wine shallot butter is a house specialty. The wine list is quite international and complements the food beautifully. Floataway Café is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 6pm to 10pm.
Address: Suite 15, 1123 Zonolite Road
Website: www.starprovisions.com
