This is a small, mostly student hangout offering healthy soul food. The stated specialty is delicious, cholesterol-free cooking, and they do a pretty good job of it, and a pretty good business. It's no wonder this place is so popular with local students, as all meals are priced fairly low. The interesting menu at this low-key joint isn't for everyone, however, unless you have a taste for soy ice cream with your collard greens.

Offering a vegan take on Caribbean soul food, Healthful Essence is a unique concept for epicureans in town. On the menu are delicious and inventive vegetarian dishes like their signature Jerk Un-chicken, Brown Stew Un-fish, Veggie Lasagna and Curried Un-goat. Reggae tunes play in the background to infuse a tropical vibe while their services include take-out and WiFi access.

This airy 24/7 restaurant offers a casual respite for those with midnight hunger pangs. The patio garden provides a somewhat exotic setting where patrons sample the healthy dishes in the company of live parrots and cockatoos. The menu is heavily vegetarian, and includes many vegan-friendly selections. Smoothies and other health drinks are also popular with the regulars. Enjoy a healthy affair at R. Thomas' Deluxe Grill.

This is a vegan paradise yet those who are not will still love this place. Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe is 100 percent vegan and does not use any processed sugar or hydrogenated oil in their dishes and desserts. This store-front restaurant serves yummy desserts, coffee, tea, and hearty sandwiches and soups. They also bake wedding cakes and for other special occasions.

Cafe Sunflower is consistently voted the top vegetarian restaurant in Atlanta. The quiet, brightly-lit dining room is set back from the road a bit, adding to the serene atmosphere. The cooks here use only the freshest ingredients in interesting combinations to churn out California food with strong Asian, Mediterranean and Southwestern influences. Try the tofu stir-fry or the Sunflower sampler, and for dessert enjoy a piece of chocolate peanut butter tofu pie. Sunflower serves hand-picked organic wines and imported beer along with your favorite domestic selections.