Located on the banks of Chattahoochee River, Canoe's beautiful historic setting makes it the perfect spot for any occasion. Dark wood and white tablecloths are featured in the dining room, which offers spectacular views of the river and the riverside gardens. Seafood selections highlight the contemporary American menu, and Southern specialties are offered on both the dinner and dessert menus. Selected as one of the country's best new restaurants by the James Beard Foundation, Canoe offers a romantic culinary treat for any occasion.
Jackets are required at this ultra-elegant spot in Buckhead. The lavish garden setting creates an unforgettable ambiance, one of many reasons La Grotta Ristorante Italiano has been named Atlanta's best Italian restaurant for many consecutive years. Pristine white tablecloths are set under fine china and crystal, an appropriate stage for the contemporary regional cuisine from all corners of Italy. Delicate pastas and an outstanding variety of veal preparations highlight a world-class menu, while an excellent wine list is also available.
This happening Midtown joint really packs them in, and is quickly garnering a reputation as a can't-miss destination on the local dining scene. The best way to describe the food is creatively modern Southern, but that doesn't really do it justice. The kitchen turns out such remarkable signature dishes as seafood bisque with sherry and scallops over stone ground grits with garlic gravy. Make reservations early on theater nights, as space fills up quickly. South City Kitchen surely promises a different spin on Southern cuisine.
Delicious barbecue and mesmerizing music have combined to make this Midtown spot a local legend. Patrons queue up for a dozen yards outside the door eager to sample their award-winning ribs, and it is well worth the wait. Opt for their ribs slab or pork sandwich with Brunswick stew and collard greens washed down with a chilled beer. Don't leave without a bottle of Fat Matt's secret sauce so you can try their pit-roasted wonders at home. Some of the best local blues bands perform here nightly for your dining enjoyment.
An evening at this trendy spot, Buckhead Diner, may reveal a celebrity or two, as well as some of Buckead's most dressed-up diners. Funky Art Deco decor spices up this glorified diner, with booths and sassy waitresses to match. The menu covers the basics, but pulls some creative twists. Try the famous homemade potato chips with Maytag bleu cheese dressing, or Atlanta's fanciest meatloaf, comprised of veal and wild mushrooms. A diner-style bar with swivel stools serves cocktails to Atlanta's chic and stylish as they endure the frequent wait for a table.
Wisteria is a lovely neighborhood restaurant in the Inman Park area. The atmosphere is modest-rustic, yet very comfortable. Interior decoration mainly consists of a combination of brick and wood finishes with tables for two aligned across the wall. Wisteria is a great place to take visitors for a lively evening meal. The Menu is American with Southern culinary accents, e.g. their signature dish which is Molasses-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, is absolutely delicious. Seafood lovers may try North Atlantic Skate Wing served over stone-ground corn grits. Service is very friendly and efficient.
A favorite hangout of the Georgia State University students, Rosa's Pizza has been dishing out yummy pizzas for more than two decades now. Lunch hours are packed, so its better to place your order on the go. The pies are pre-made to ease the rush but nevertheless they are delicious and very affordable. They also serve calzones, lasagnas and spaghetti's if pizza's not your thing. If you want to taste one of the best authentic New York style pizza's in downtown, then Rosa's is your best bet.
Located atop The Westin Peachtree Plaza, this rotating restaurant provides stunning views of the entire metro area, and a spectacular setting for a business lunch or special occasion. The creative American menu features artfully-prepared favorites, including many beef and poultry selections. A separate rotating bar is located directly below the restaurant for taking in the view without the steep dinner ticket. Live jazz plays in the lounge on weekend nights. Jacket and tie recommended for gentlemen.
Set atop the Hilton Atlanta, Nikolai's Roof offers the epitome of romance. The view from the roof is breathtaking, and the elegant service is second to none. The gourmet menu features fine Russian and French cuisine, and the dishes are planned to go with and enhance the many vodka options available. The prix fixe menu is expensive, but offers a truly exemplary Russian meal. Reservations and jackets are required.
German national Wolfgang Hartert aspires to share the rich culinary heritage of his country with Americans at his co-owned restaurant Der Biergarten. The quintessential Bavarian establishment with an ambiance to match transports you to an outdoor beer garden in Munich. Catch live European football on the flat-screen TVs or enjoy a game of Fussball on the side. The menu features traditional classics like schnitzel, schweinshaxe, bratwurst and an array of sausages. The brews on offer represent drafts from Belgium, Ireland and England, and of course Germany, for an authentic taste of German culture.
This expansive restaurant is perfect for big groups, and is placed right between Downtown and Midtown. A large bar anchors one side of the main floor in this restored warehouse setting, while tables and booths are sectioned off into more intimate dining areas. A billiards room and a smaller bar are upstairs, and a large deck provides outdoor dining opportunities. Ribs, steaks, fish and pasta dishes are featured, as well as wood-fired pizza and some nice vegetarian dishes. Be sure to try one of Max's specialty beers, too, brewed on-site.
Nick’s Food to Go on the corner of Hill Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard might not look like much, but the Greek take-out eatery is a favorite with locals and food aficionados throughout Atlanta. Nick, his wife and their grown children operate the restaurant, adding a dash of authentic flair. The gyro platter, which includes a Greek salad and Greek fries on the side, is one of the most popular dishes. Anyone with room for dessert can try the baklava.