4th & Swift

621 North Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 678-904-0160

Description: OLD FOURTH WARD. A former industrial space of red brick and wooden posts has been given a contemporary gloss with stylish furnishings and accents at 4th & Swift. The restaurant's menu boasts a similar penchant, taking premium, sustainably-sourced ingredients and upgrading them further to produce dishes like Tanglewood Farms pheasant breast with sweet potatoes macaire and stir-fried rapini or pan-fried trout with a pistachio-maple crust and spaghetti squash timbale. A seasonal menu and a changing daily menu make the most of what's best and freshest, and patrons can't get enough of both the farm-to-table fare and appealing bar scene.
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Alon's Bakery & Market

1394 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-6000

Description: VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Alon's lunches are great for one main reason: the sublime, fresh-baked bread. Challah, Country French, rye and croissants are done to perfection. Top these with creative mixtures of fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses and hearty meats, and you have a sandwich that's nothing short of unforgettable. If you love to browse tray after tray of bakery-fresh desserts ­ and who doesn't! ­ then don't skip theirs. From tender scones to some of the most addictive cookies in Atlanta, you'll find it all here. Try a tangy lemon square or a big piece of raspberry white-chocolate cheesecake, and don't forget a fragrant cup of coffee to go with your selection. Wine is not served, but you may buy a bottle in the store to take home.
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Apres Diem

931 Monroe Dr, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-3333

Description: MIDTOWN. This chic eatery offers soft lighting, modern art, the whir of espresso machines, and the tempting aromas of coffee and baked items. Sip a mocha au lait or indulge in a soothing White Gold (steamed milk with honey) as you listen to live music or the rhythms of a poetry reading. If the weather's mild, head for the patio and enjoy the paper or quiet conversation. A comfortable place to recharge after a day of work or play.
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Bread Garden

549 Amsterdam Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-1166

Description: MIDTOWN. Patrons will tell you quite readily that this small shop turns out some of the city's best breads, from focaccia and baguettes to ciabatta and country Italian loaves. They're crusty, flavorful, and ideal for a sandwich, which the shop will make for you during designated lunch hours. Otherwise, stop in for something sweet or savory to enjoy at home. Service can be slow at times and the staff can take some getting used to, but you can't beat the tasty goods that Bread Garden serves.
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Cakes & Ale

155 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030 404-377-7994

Description: DECATUR. Cakes & Ale is the perfect place to indulge in homemade, yet refined, dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The owners are Decatur natives who put great care into preparing impeccable food with the finest ingredients. They keep the menu exciting by updating selections to ensure that the freshest seasonal products are used. The exquisite dishes feature creative combinations of local flavors, with choices such as fried gnocchi and pork ribs served with apple and fried mustard greens.
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Colonnade

1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-5642

Description: MIDTOWN. Southern American cuisine is the specialty at this '50s-style restaurant, which is where your grandparents would have gone when looking for a trendy restaurant 30 years ago. It's still drawing crowds today. All your favorite Southern classics ­ fried chicken, grilled trout, cornbread and hot yeast rolls ­ are served here. The banquet facility accommodates up to 72 people.
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Einstein's

1077 Juniper St, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-876-7925

Description: MIDTOWN. Einstein's is a fun, hip restaurant in the heart of Midtown that's especially favored for its outstanding brunch. Choose from a tasty selection of dishes that includes the Chicken & Gouda Omelet, Crab Cake Benedict and Cheddar Shortcakes. A perfect complement to the brunch eats is the self-serve Bloody Mary bar, which features everything from drunken carrots and asparagus spears to wasabi and hot sauces. The large patio dining area is popular in the summer, and the spacious banquet room is perfect for a large crowd.
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Fat Matt's Rib Shack

1811 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-607-1622

Description: MIDTOWN. This comfortable BBQ joint serves the juiciest, most flavorful ribs in town. There's no doubt about it: Matt's is a messy, fun, eat-with-your hands kind of place where you can order a big slab of ribs, a side of slaw and a big glass of sweet tea. You'll also find a variety of different beers. It's a lively place to stop at for a quick bite of lunch (despite the crowds, tables usually become available quickly), but be warned: Fat Matt's maintains an unofficial dress code ­ ties are permitted only if their knots are loosened. Outdoor dining is available, and live blues or jazz is often featured in the evening.
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Fox Bros. Barbecue

1238 Dekalb Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-4030

Description: LITTLE FIVE POINTS. Painted an eye-popping orange and wrapped with a low-walled terrace, Fox Bros. is one of the more refined barbecue places you'll encounter. Inside, things are casual: concrete floors, lots of art and signage, and white lights strung overhead. While the barbecue has its roots in Texas, it's more broad-minded, so you can get beef brisket, pulled pork, or smoked chicken. Burgers, sandwiches, and ribs also make an appearance, and the appetizers are a foray into "they're so bad but oh-so-good" territory. Banana pudding? Yep, that's here too.
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Highland Tap

1026 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-3673

Description: VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. This centrally-located restaurant and pub, situated where Virginia and Highland meet, is always full of conversing diners, first-daters and bar-hoppers. The casual front half is where the bar crowd congregates and is usually much louder. In back, the restaurant has an elegant feel, and patrons can enjoy quiet conversation, a great steak and a perfect martini. Reservations recommended. Smart casual attire.
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Java Jive

790 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-876-6161

Description: PONCEY-HIGHLAND. An all-American coffeehouse/diner that combines nostalgic appeal with contemporary hipness, Java Jive draws big crowds each weekend thanks to its hearty, creative eats. Try the mouthwatering scrambled eggs with fresh basil and cream cheese, scrumptious gingerbread waffles with lemon curd, or what many locals regard as the best pancakes in town. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, their PB&J French toast is the way to go! Authentic period furnishings from the 1920s-1950s, along with big band and swing music, create a unique environment of yesteryear. Great for all ages!
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Noche

1000 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-815-9155

Description: VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Enjoy the flavors of the American Southwest at this Virginia Highlands neighborhood restaurant, which boasts a stylish exposed brick interior and punched-tin ceiling. The specialty margaritas are a highlight, as is the wonderfully innovative cuisine that shows a fusion of strong Latin and Native American influences. Sample the delicious mussels in lobster broth. Smart casual attire.
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Oceanaire Seafood Room

1100 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-475-2277

Description: MIDTOWN. This stylish dining room sports the look of a circa-1930 cruise liner, and the smart, professional waitstaff works hard to create the impression that you're on a first-class voyage. The interior boasts classy wood and red leather banquettes, curving architectural details and globe lamps. The menu is packed with all manner of fresh-from-the-sea treasures: salmon, haddock, lobster, sea bass, rockfish, oysters, tuna. Worth considering are the daily specials, which can be delivered grilled, broiled or Cajun-spiced.
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P'cheen International Bistro & Pub

701-5 Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-529-8800

Description: INMAN PARK. Earthy, industrial P'cheen has the feel of a world tavern, moody and well-traveled. Its name riffs on the Irish word for "moonshine," and its cuisine takes inspiration from around the globe, bumping up flavor, accents, and texture. Appetizers range from coconut curried mussels to root vegetable pasties, while entrees sweep from a grilled Angus and portobella hamburger to seared jumbo sea scallops with braised leek and sweet corn risotto. The idea is to make delicious food affordable, and the goal is met. From Thursday to Sunday, DJs spin hip world tunes.
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Redlight Cafe

553 Amsterdam Ave, Midtown Outlets, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-874-7828

Description: MIDTOWN. This cybercafe is a great place to unwind after a hard day's work ­ or you can continue working, thanks to the computer set-up with high-speed Internet. Check your e-mail or surf the Web while listening to poetry readings or live music. Coming soon ­ Web-enabled tablets that let you do your reading online while enjoying a relaxed meal or snack. The menu features treats like Brie and baguettes, pasta salad, fettuccini Alfredo, and plenty of desserts and drinks.
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Savage Pizza

484 Moreland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-0500

Description: Locals agree: Savage has some of the best pizza in Atlanta, GA and one of the most standout settings. A charmingly retro cartoon theme abounds in this restaurant, with action figures hanging from the ceiling and colorful posters covering the walls. Innovative twists on traditional pies pervade the menu, from the Chicken Florentine pizza to the Spicy Cajun. The Hawaiian with fresh pineapple is also a favorite. Service is on-target and prices are affordable.
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The Flying Biscuit Café

1655 McClendon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-687-8888

Description: LITTLE FIVE POINTS. This red-hot dining spot serves three meals a day, but for locals of Atlanta, the best draw is brunch. Southern favorites and plenty of vegetarian options ensure that every appetite is satisfied. The decor is eclectic and stylish, providing a fitting backdrop for classic dishes given an innovative spin. Try the Meggxican Wrap with cheddar, onion, and serrano peppers in a flour tortilla, or opt for the orange-scented French toast served with honey crème anglaise.
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Treehouse Restaurant & Pub

7 Kings Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 404-266-2732

Description: BUCKHEAD. A true Buckhead treasure, Treehouse gets nods in the pub category, thanks to its homey setting, terrific menu, and impressive ensemble of international brews. For families, young business-types, and a few couples, Treehouse fosters just the right atmosphere for a quiet dinner without the oft-rowdy Buckhead regulars. The cozy, fireside sitting-area near the front of the pub is a great place to wind down after an evening on the town, especially if it's cold out.
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Wahoo! A Decatur Grill

1042 W College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-3331

Description: DECATUR. Wahoo! draws an expectant brunch crowd each Saturday and Sunday morning, folks looking to linger over Maryland crab cakes, bourbon-marinated salmon, French toast and other similar treats. A covered outdoor patio makes for relaxing warm weather dining, and it's the perfect destination for treating someone special to a quiet meal. Exposed brick walls, warm hues of red and yellow and a generous bar set the casual, yet chic feel that defines Wahoo!
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Woodfire Grill

1782 Cheshire Bridge Rd, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-347-9055

Description: MIDTOWN. What makes Woodfire Grill an Atlanta favorite is a little more sophisticated than good cornbread. Instead, chef Michael Tuohy concocts tantalizing Northern California dishes using only the freshest local ingredients from organic farmers. Though the menu changes with the seasonal availability of ingredients, reliable favorites include wood-grilled Sonoma artisan duck breast, cured fresh ham, and pan-roasted Puget Sound king salmon.
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