Fritti
ATLANTA, GA
Trendy Intown Pizzeria Fritti is the sister restaurant of the far more ambitious Italian restaurant Sotto Sotto. But Fritti is a good restaurant in its own right, especially if you are looking for a more casual dining experience. I like going here before a show at Dad's Garage, within walking distance of the restaurant. Their cocktail list offers a nice selection of Italian libations- I like the Negroni. While the main focus of the menu are pizzas, both traditional and topped with unique ingredients, non-pizza eaters can enjoy antipasti plates, inlcuding excellent salads and a selection of roasted meat and fish entrees. True pizza lovers tend to either love or hate the crust, which is thin and can get soggy when loaded with too many toppings. Also, there tends to be quite a family crowd earlier in the evening, so dine later if you prefer a kid-free zone. Reviewed on 02/06/2008
Gilbert's Mediterranean Cafe
ATLANTA, GA
Friendly Neighborhood Cafe I've been a fan of Gilbert's owners ever since they opened a little sandwich shop and store back in the late nineties. Around 2001 or 2002, they changed their concept, opening a full-service restaurant in the spot. The place has been a popular neighborhood hangout ever since. Over time, the menu has gone from primarily Greek and other Mediterranean cuisine to a less-specific international influence, to suit the desires of patrons. So you will find plenty of American favorites on the menu, like a tasty steak, as well as fun Greek cuisine like kebabs. I like doing small plates here, though the small two-top tables can make this a challenge if you get several plates. The servers are friendly and efficient. If you plan on dining, earlier in the evening is better, as the later it gets, the more the restaurant becomes a lounge and less like a restaurant. Gilbert's also offers entertainment, like belly-dancing shows and karaoke. Reviewed on 02/04/2008
Everybody's Pizza
ATLANTA, GA
Don't Forget About the Salads While I've had Everybody's pizza in the past and found it to be decent, the only reason I go to this neighborhood pizza joint now is for their salads. You get to choose what kind of salad mix you want, along with what toppings you would like. There are dozens of toppings to choose from. Make sure to order Everybody's dressing- my favorite hands-down. I've even ordered a pint of it to go and use on my salads at home. I generally do takeout here but dining in makes for a casual and cheap night out. When the weather is nice, most people flock to the patio- it overlooks the parking lot, but people in Atlanta love to eat outside. Indoors is a mix of booths and tables. Go later if you don't want to be annoyed by children, as this is a popular family spot earlier on in the evening. Reviewed on 02/04/2008
Enoteca Carbonari
ATLANTA, GA
Excellent Italian Cafe This sister restaurant of Baraonda is a great spot to eat before or after a show at the Fox Theatre. The ambience is cozy, rustic and romantic. They have an excellent and vast wine list, but most of the servers can help you pick out a good glass or bottle. While they have entrees, I prefer to order several small plates, including a selection of cured meats and cheeses. I love the finocchiona, salami with fennel seeds. The tomini-wrapped pancetta is also a tasty small plate, and offer a nice contrast with the meats and cheese, order a salad- I like the barbabietolla, a beet-based salad that has a little spicy kick to it. Reviewed on 02/04/2008
5th St. Ribs N Blues
ATLANTA, GA
Decent Ribs, Good Location This barbecue joint located in Technology Square is a favorite with Georgia Tech students. During lunch, the line can snake out the door, but don't worry, the service is fast and keeps the line moving. Prices are reasonable and the barbecue is decent to good, as are the sides, especially the Brunswick stew and the rum baked beans. Sometimes they have live blues music in the evenings. Reviewed on 02/04/2008
Spoon
ATLANTA, GA
Classy Thai on the Westside Spoon offers up impressive, authentic Thai dishes at reasonable prices for the college crowd that frequents the area. The restaurant is sleek and sexy but not pretentious. The servers are gracious and efficient. I personally love the Massaman curry, but also make sure to check out the chef specials. Reviewed on 01/21/2008
Pura Vida
ATLANTA, GA
Terrific Tapas This Poncey-Highland mainstay is a true Atlanta gem. Chef Hector Santiago cooks up authentic tapas using quality ingredients at reasonable prices. Any of the ceviche offerings are surefire winners, as are the yucca croquettes with honey and crushed peanuts. Watch out, they are addictive. This makes for a good date night spot, but make reservations or you may get stuck at the communal table, which is fun when dining alone but not so great when you are trying to impress a date. Reviewed on 01/21/2008
The Sun Dial Restaurant
ATLANTA, GA
Romantic, with Skyline Views Yes, the Sun Dial is a tourist attraction, but a worthy one. You go up the glass elevator 73 stories atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Downtown Atlanta. You are taken to a table in the circular dining room that revolves slowly, providing diners a panoramic view of the city. The menu is pricey and plays it safe, but the ambiance and attentive service more than makes up for it. Order a nice, juicy steak and a bottle of a big, bold Cab and enjoy the experience for all it is worth. Reviewed on 01/19/2008
Apres Diem International Coffee House & Bistro
ATLANTA, GA
Bohemian Rhapsody This is an eclectic cafe located in a strip mall in Midtown that attracts a diverse, bohemian crowd. The appetizers and salads are better than the entrees, but most people come here to drink and discuss philosophy anyways in the dimly lit, romantic lighting. The mussels are always a popular dish, and I particularly like the dried fruit salad. The wine list is cheap and decent, just like a bistro should be. The coffee drinks and the dessert case are not to be missed. Because of its location next to the movie theatre, it's a great dining spot for a dinner and movie date. Reviewed on 01/19/2008
Ecco
ATLANTA, GA
Excellent Midtown Hotspot Fifth Group does it again with this swank renovation of the Atlanta Fencing Club building, tucked on a revitalized corner off of Peachtree Street in Midtown. The rustic and hearty menu is divided into creative small plates like the unique taste pairing of the grilled squid and olives, along with pizza and pasta selections. Full entrees are also offered. Service is gracious and educated. The wine list and cocktail offerings are superb. Unlike many trendy restaurants in Atlanta, this place actually deserves to pack the house every night. Reviewed on 01/19/2008