Bone's
Bone's is frequently rated as the best steakhouse in the country. You can't go wrong with the steaks, but don't forget that Bone's is also well known for its veal and lobster. Bone's also has a very highly regarded wine list.
Bone's
3130 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 237-2663
Bonesrestaurant.com
Sotto Sotto
The place to go in Atlanta for Italian food is Sotto Sotto. The chef specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, but be ready for a rowdy and raucous atmosphere while you dine on spaghetti, lasagna or breast of duck. The place is small so reservations are a must.
Sotto Sotto
313 North Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 523-6685
Nava
Nava features upscale casual dining in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. The cuisine here is heavy on the Southwestern influence and features everything from barbecue rabbit to a veggie platter. Zagat named Nava the best place in Atlanta for Southwestern food. Don't miss out on the chocolate cube dessert.
Nava
3060 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 240-1984
Buckheadrestaurants.com/nava.html
Bacchanalia
The cuisine of Bacchanalia varies from red snapper to quail. Specials change daily based on the freshness of available ingredients. This restaurant is one of the best in town for dessert and a coffee. Cheese lovers will appreciate all the effort that the chefs put into finding the most perfect cheeses.
Bacchanalia
1198 Howell Mill Rd NW # 100
Atlanta, GA 30318-5580
(404) 365-0410
Starprovisions.com
Nakato
Nakato is one of Atlanta's oldest Japanese restaurants. It has managed to maintain its popularity despite the introduction of many new competitors. One room is devoted to Hibachi chefs; another room contains a sushi bar. Nakato is a good place for an early lunch energy crunch.
Nakato
1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 873-6582
Nakatorestaurant.com
Colonnade
Since it first opened in 1927, Colonnade has won numerous awards. If you've come all the way to Atlanta, you might as well spend some time gobbling up traditional Southern food from biscuits to ham steak. After the meal, head over to the separate lounge area for some prime people-watching.
Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324-4923
(404) 874-5642
Colonnadeatl.com
Horseradish Grill
The Horseradish Grill bills itself as the oldest continually operated restaurant in Atlanta. The restaurant has always been popular so they must be doing something right with their menu that is heavy on seafood. This is also considered one of the more romantic restaurants in town.
Horseradish Grill
4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 255-7277
Horseradishgrill.com
Athens Pizza
Located in Decatur, Athens Pizza is an Atlanta institution dating back to 1966. In addition to the unique Greek style pizzas, this family-owned restaurant also serves up gyros and huge Greek salads. Be sure to give the Greek beers and wines a try while you're there.
Athens Pizza House
1341 Clairmont Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 636-1100
Athenspizzaatlanta.com
Bluepointe
Bluepointe earned an Opentable.com Diner's Choice award in 2009. In addition to being one of the most beautiful restaurants in town, the cuisine in interesting. Look for a mix of traditional American dishes done up with Asian style and seasoning.
Bluepointe
455 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 237-9070
Buckheadrestaurants.com
Vortex Bar and Grill
If you are just looking for simple sandwiches in a bar atmosphere, Vortex is the best spot in town. This outrageous bar and grill has earned numerous local awards for having the best burgers in town. The Vortex has to be experienced to be fully appreciated, but it may not be the best place for those with delicate sensibilities.
Vortex at Little Five Points
438 Moreland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 688-1828
Thevortexbarandgrill.com
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.