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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Cabin Room

2678 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30304 404-315-7676

Description: BUCKHEAD. With its deep red walls and menagerie of mounted, stuffed animals, this restaurant aptly honors its name. The hearty menu continues the theme, offering game entrees, seafood dishes, and terrific, juicy steaks, all accompanied by fresh, creative sides. Wild boar chops are one of the more unusual options, along with elk, and they're joined by bacon-wrapped shrimp, local trout, and hefty pork chops enlivened with an apple-cider reduction. The well-attended bar offers stout drinks amid dark, rustic surroundings.
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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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Dish

870 N Highland, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-897-3463

Description: VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. This former Virginia Highlands gas station has been converted into a slick, urbane eatery offering a creative dining experience. Appetizers like rosemary pine nut popcorn or crab beignets make an excellent prelude to mussels with goat cheese or pan-roasted skate wing. The well-chosen wine list lets you find the perfect vintage to complement your meal. Reservations are not accepted but you may call ahead to have your name placed on a waiting list. Onsite parking is limited.
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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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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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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; Sunday brunch is popular too.
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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.
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Table 1280 Restaurant and Tapas Lounge

1280 Peachtree St NE, Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-897-1280.

Description: MIDTOWN. Located in the Woodruff Arts Center, this sleek, minimalist-inspired dining room is a glamorous spot to dine after catching an exhibit at the High Museum next door. Designer Renzo Piano's crisp, contemporary space certainly leaves a lasting impression, and the views of the main piazza are certain to be conversation topics. The lounge area is a fun, cosmopolitan place to gather with friends over wine and tapas, and the bar staff has created several evocative cocktail choices. In the main dining room, you'll find brasserie-inspired dishes like wild boar ragu and skate wing with butternut squash highlighting the dinner menu.
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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 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.
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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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VINE Restaurant

1190 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-2393

Description: VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. This impressive New American dazzles diners with its prodigious wine selection (more than 500 wines, 37 available by the glass) and dinner offerings that range from such sharable dishes as pine nut and ricotta meatballs to more substantial numbers like seared Scottish salmon, sweet potato gnocchi and grilled Springer Mountain Farms chicken. Be sure to check into their Sunday brunch, as well, for a dizzying array of Bloody Marys, Mint Julips and tasty eats. NB Their Wednesday wine tasting (at just ten bucks) is one of the best deals you'll find in Va-Hi.
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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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Watershed

406 W Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-4900

Description: DECATUR. This casual favorite, located in a refurbished service station, features great wines and an array of gourmet-caliber plates that pay homage to the traditional Southern kitchen: braised beef short ribs with whipped rutabagas and cabbage, salmon croquettes with stone-ground grits and wild mushroom stew, and grilled Niman Ranch pork chops with mac-n-cheese. Their spectacular chocolate cake takes the standard dessert to new heights. Be sure to browse the on-site craft and wine shops. Star-watchers note: Watershed is co-owned by Indigo Girl Emily Saliers.
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Wisteria

471 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-525-3363

Description: INMAN PARK. You'll find Southern charm pervading this neighborhood restaurant in everything from the accomplished cuisine to its name. Top-drawer service and an excellent wine list make the experience that much better, and you'll certainly want to linger while you're there and return frequently when you're not. The seasonal menu features molasses-rubbed pork, pan-seared skate wing with stone-ground grits and lemon brown butter, and iron skillet chicken over bacon braised collard greens. Lush flavors definitely reign at this must-visit restaurant.
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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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