Top 10 lists are fun, and they are all over the internet. This week has sort of become a “list” theme here on Eat It, Atlanta – Monday I reviewed the Creative Loafing Best of Atlanta, and yesterday I looked at Metromix’s list of the top Thai restaurants in the Atlanta area. So I am going to finally work with some original content and give you a top 10 list of restaurants in Atlanta.
Keep in mind, this list is just what I’m feeling right now, and this list represents a wide variety of cuisine, style, and price range.
What are your favorite places in Atlanta? If someone asked you where to eat while visiting the city, and you wanted to show them what this city could do, where would you recommend they eat? Some time in the near future I will post my full “wish-list” of places to eat, as I’m eager to add more worth establishments to my list. One that made my list today comes from Chow Down Atlanta – the Honey Pig looks amazing.
Also, in case you like to waste time on the net, Cracked.com has some great lists to brighten up your day.
I’m gonna keep this short and sweet because it would take forever to review each of these places, but believe me, they’re great, and if you haven’t been to any of these places, add them to your list.
- Agave – Outstanding margaritas, creative and upscale southwestern food, in a cool space with great servers. Very memorable and fun.
- Bone’s – I love steak, and Bone’s is a local place that will excede your carnivourous needs. The steak is incredible, the sides (fried grit cakes with a cheesy center….mmmm) are great, and the service is superb. Go for that special occasion when steak is what you want. I had my Georgia Tech graduation dinner here in a private room and it was one of my favorite dining experiences ever.
- Figo – This popular multi-location spot fills a much needed niche in Atlanta. Fresh pasta with authentic and tasty sauces, when you need a REAL Italian fix without breaking the bank. The daily specials are truly that and the outdoor seating for lunch is perfect on a beautiful Atlanta day.
- Bacchanalia – Perfection. Prix fixe only, do it with the wine pairings for a special occasion that will blow your tastebuds away. Amazingly creative dishes with fresh ingredients servered by waitstaff that effortlessly turn this into your best dining experience of the year. Savor it.
- JCT – Southern style dishes with the elegance of fine dining. A true dining identify for Atlanta. Fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried okra, and the best french fries in town. Be sure to check out the roof top bar.
- Nuevo Laredo – Atlanta’s premier mexican dining experience. Some may argue about the authenticity, but there is a reason this place has the most enjoyable margarita-ridden two hour wait on a Friday night.
- Sotto Sotto – Love Italian food? Risotto? Duck? Patio seating that will blow your date away? Then go here.
- Canoe – I’ve never had better service in Atlanta, at a beautiful locale on the Chattahoochee, with new American food with a touch of Atlanta class that is worthy of that special date. There’s a reason I know more than one person that has gotten engaged here.
- Tamarind – As I said yesterday, best Thai in Atlanta. The chef is personal friends with Vijay Singh and he has his own table at their sister restaurant, Nan Fine Dining. When Vijay won the Master’s a few years ago, the chef personally cooked his meals every day and sent them up from Atlanta to Augusta. Come see how versatile and elegant Thai dining can be. Very reasonable prices for what you are experiencing.
- The Varsity – “What’ll ya have!?!!” The largest drive-in in the country, going strong for 80 years. Sweet vidalia onion rings, chili and slaw dogs, and a FO from the “Greasy V” will scratch your itch. An experience.
