Atlanta Grill

181 Peachtree St NE, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0400

Description: DOWNTOWN. Lauded for its superb cuisine and inviting ambience, this esteemed restaurant is elegant and gracious ­ just as you'd expect from the Ritz. Well-executed murals and classic city photographs distinguish the space, which plays host to well-to-do travelers and celebs. The Southern-inspired menu finds great expression in the prix fixe brunch, which includes fare like prime rib, artisan cheeses, and pastries. Not to be outdone, lunch at the Grill is itself an impressive affair ­ one that includes frisee and endive salad with pancetta, Maine lobster club with eggs brioche, tomato and cucumber gazpacho, and green asparagus soup.
More Details

Au Pied de Cochon

3315 Peachtree Rd NE, InterContinental Buckhead, Atlanta, GA 30326 404-946-9070

Description: BUCKHEAD. A distinctly Continental atmosphere pervades at this elegant hotel restaurant, American sibling of the highly regarded Parisian of the same name. The space's design takes its cues from the French brasserie tradition ­ black and white tiled floor, rich velvet curtains, ornate chandeliers and tables covered in crisp white linens. Seating on the outdoor terrace is a romantic alternative when the weather is pleasant, but if you really want to leave a lasting impression on that somebody special, the exclusive chef's table is the best way to enjoy your mussels, veal with foie gras ravioli, and chocolate parfait.
More Details

Barbecue Kitchen

1437 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337 404-766-9906

Description: AIRPORT AREA. It's not that the Barbecue Kitchen is hard to get to (it's located just off I-85), but the ill-informed may consider its airport area setting a bit "out there." In point of fact, this A-frame smokehouse is a reward worth traveling for, and the heavy traffic is proof positive that if you serve up good food and neighborly service, people will go out of the way to give you their business. The finger-licking house specialty is hickory-smoked pulled pork, and when a heaping portion arrives flanked by made-from-scratch biscuits (or corn muffins), collard greens, fresh rutabagas and candied yams ... Well, let's just say that nature'll kick in, and you'll know exactly what to do! MARTA: College Park
More Details

El Taco Veloz

5670 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 404-252-5100

Description: SANDY SPRINGS. Craving full-flavored Mexican quick food at more-than-fair prices? El Taco Veloz knows just what you need. The place is nothing to look at, but don't let that deter you ­ taste and satisfaction are ample rewards for your determination. Soft corn tacos are as homey and delicious as you'd imagine, and huge burritos make folks sigh with delight. Along with standard offerings, you can try selections like beef tongue or the even more exotic barbacoa (slow-cooked beef headmeat). Don't forget to spice things up with their potent, zesty salsas.
More Details

Huey's

1816 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-2037

Description: BUCKHEAD. This Cajun restaurant serves terrific beignets, those light, doughnut-like pastries made famous in New Orleans. Alhough they can be topped with raspberry, chocolate or praline sauce, the mouthwatering treats taste best with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a piping hot cup of coffee accented with chicory. Of course, you can always stick with a classic cheesecake or a dish of bread pudding if you want something a little more substantial. Huey's does a brisk business at lunch and brunch.
More Details

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!
More Details

La Madeleine French Bakery and Café

1165 Perimeter Center W, Atlanta, GA 30346 770-392-0516

Description: DUNWOODY. This place is known for fast food with a French flair. First off, you order cafeteria-style and settle into the simple dining room to enjoy your meal or dessert. Once seated, table service makes the visit more pleasant. Soups and sandwiches are fresh and delicious, but the fabulous French desserts invariably become the highlight of the meal. Pies, cakes and puddings are prepared with aplomb. Perfect for a midmorning or afternoon coffee break.
More Details

Le Café

255 Courtland St, Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-2000

Description: DOWNTOWN. Located downtown in the Hilton, Le Cafe is a casual brunch spot with a relaxed atmosphere. The American cuisine brings weekend diners to the table with a wealth of tasty options. You can order a la carte or help yourself to the buffet that's loaded with fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, hot items and tempting pastries.
More Details

Lobby at TWELVE

361 17th St NW, TWELVE Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA 30363 404-961-7370

Description: MIDTOWN. Slate floors, pendant lights, and dark wood square tables fill the interior of this sophisticated space, located in TWELVE Hotel. Grab a barstool in front of the open kitchen and watch the chef craft dishes such as sage-roasted quail, beef short rib, wood oven pizzas and wood-grilled Mediterranean daurade. In addition to being a superb dining experience, the Lobby has also emerged as Atlantic Station's hippest locale for post-IKEA cocktails.
More Details

LottaFrutta

590-A Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-588-0857

Description: INMAN PARK. A self-proclaimed "gourmet fruit house and market," LottaFrutta takes the lush, sweet allure of fruit seriously, incorporating it into a menu chock full of salads, juices, ice pops, and smoothies. If you're in the mood for lunchtime sustenance, give one of their grilled sandwiches a try, and if you want to see what they're really famous for, order a gourmet frutta cup. These amazing treats (they come in two sizes) are a chilled delight of chunky banana, watermelon, kiwi, pineapple, mango, papaya, grapes, and more!
More Details

OK Café

1284 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 404-233-2888

Description: BUCKHEAD. For a classic American diner-style breakfast, head over to the OK Café, where crisp French toast with maple syrup, bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, and many other morning favorites are available. Brunch, meanwhile, poses tough questions like, "Will it be the crab and crawfish cakes or the griddlecakes with Granny Smith apples and pecans." At lunch or dinner time, try tender pot roast with homestyle vegetables. The decor is homespun but unique, with folk art and a sparkling open kitchen adding extra pizzazz. All meals are fresh, satisfying, and reasonably priced.
More Details

Old Hickory House

5490 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30338 770-671-8185

Description: DUNWOODY. A time-tested Atlanta tradition, Old Hickory House has been around since the 1950s, and though the chain doesn't boast as many locations as it did during its heyday, the Dunwoody edition has never stopped serving up its delicious "Q and stew." In fact, rumor is the Brunswick stew is so good, a certain peanut farmer had it flown to DC whenever the Oval Office found itself in dire need of Southern cooking. Heaping helpings of slow-roasted pork, chicken and beef headline the platters, and the homemade sides range from fried okra and mac-n-cheese to sweet potato soufflé. If you're in the market for a good country breakfast, their biscuits and gravy is hard to beat.
More Details

Park 75 at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-253-3840

Description: MIDTOWN. Classical architecture and gracious furnishings highlight the dining room at this well-received restaurant. Global influences shine in such seasonal New American dishes as butter-braised Maine lobster with Anson Mill grits and chorizo, or roasted rack of Colorado lamb with eggplant and feta moussaka. Park 75's wine list features mostly American vintages, though you'll also find a handful of international selections and a Merlot bottled specifically for the restaurant. An especially memorable experience, the Chef's Table affords eight patrons the chance to enjoy a fabulous, nine-course menu with wine pairings at a table situated in the heart of the kitchen.
More Details

Ria's Bluebird

421 Memorial Dr, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-521-3737

Description: GRANT PARK. If you plan to have weekend brunch at Ria's, plan to come early, because crowds quickly gather, and the tiny place takes some time to turn over. It's in your best interest to hold out, though, because the homemade food is to die for. Breakfast served all day is the real attraction, whether you choose the omelet of the day, lush caramelized banana pancakes, huevos rancheros, or even the unusual but delicious brisket breakfast. An array of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and although the funky little place has a groovy vibe, it's as comfortable for your hipster nephew as for your church-going grandma. At lunch, find gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, and a few hot entrees.
More Details

Son's Place

100 Hurt St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-581-0530

Description: INMAN PARK. Most newcomers ask, "Son of who?" Though regulars usually chuckle at owner Lenn Storey's claims of familial ties to Deacon Burton (of eponymous Grill fame), two things certainly have been passed down: a knack for delivering delicious soulful eats like those served on Sunday afternoons at your grandmother's house and a strong desire to maintain a friendly, laid-back setting where customers and staff chat away like backdoor neighbors. Don't lunch here without trying their tender pork chops, meatloaf or fried catfish. And, of course, the homemade banana pudding is mandatory. The breakfast crowd gets the pleasure of Son's famous hoecakes, a pancake cousin made with corn meal.
More Details

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 brunch draws the biggest crowds. 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 orange-scented French toast served with honey crème anglaise.
More Details

The Palm

3391 Peachtree Rd NE, Westin Buckhead, Atlanta, GA 30326 404-814-1955

Description: BUCKHEAD. While dining at the Palm, you may spot a member of the Braves, an award-winning actor or even a noted pop star. Yes, the NYC-based chain has star quality. And though wall after wall of celeb caricatures certainly gives the place a shtick all its own, make no mistake: the USDA Prime steaks are justifiably famous, the jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters are delicious, and the veal Milanese is sublime. Delectable sides include cottage fries, creamed spinach and fried onions. The casual yet refined atmosphere and outstanding service accommodate a relaxed meal or a business meeting with equal aplomb.
More Details

The White House Restaurant

3172 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-7601

Description: BUCKHEAD. Imagine Greek eats combined with Southern dishes like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and collard greens. Sound a little unique and a lot tasty? Well, the lunch crowd in Atlanta tends to agree. For years, this unassuming diamond-in-the-rough has been passed up by tourists while Buckhead regulars bustle into the small restaurant as if it were handing out paychecks. From lawyers in seersucker to construction workers in steel-toed boots, the crowd is as diverse as the menu.
More Details

Thelma's Kitchen and Rib Shack

302 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-688-5855

Description: DOWNTOWN. Located near the Georgia State campus, Thelma's is as down-home, family-friendly a place as you'll find Downtown. Indeed, Southern-style comfort food steals the show at this unassuming dining room, where the kitchen serves up heaping, unforgettable portions of everything from fried chicken and farm-raised catfish to mac-n-cheese and sweet-potato pie. As for the clientele, expect an eclectic mix of neighborhood regulars, stray students in need of home-cooking and folks from nearby corporate HQs ­ yes, even tie-wearing business execs crowd around the tables from time to time.
More Details

Thumbs Up

573 Edgewood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-223-0690

Description: INMAN PARK. Hidden away in Atlanta's Inman Park, this quirky diner attracts weekend breakfast crowds from all over Atlanta with homemade pancakes and biscuits and jellies, which pose tough alternatives to equally tasty scrambles and three-egg omelets. If you're a late-riser, don't fret ­ they serve breakfast throughout the day, and lunchtime offerings are also superbly done. Infinitely casual, Thumbs Up has the look and attitude of a neighborhood diner and is the kind of place a person can get hooked on. Judging by the number of patrons who deem themselves "regulars," many folks have developed addictions.
More Details