Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Atlanta at Buckhead, GA

The unimpressive building belies the amazing dining experience that awaits you. Whether you prefer Thai or Chinese, the...

The unimpressive building belies the amazing dining experience that awaits you. Whether you prefer Thai or Chinese, the entrees are authentic and flavorful. Regulars routinely name this little eatery the best in all of Atlanta.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

MIDTOWN. Southern American cuisine is the specialty at this '50s-style restaurant, which is where your grandparents...

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.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-9pm; Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat Noon-10pm; Sun 11:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

BUCKHEAD. Those in the know regard this ladling lunchery as one of the best alternatives in town; judging from the...

BUCKHEAD. Those in the know regard this ladling lunchery as one of the best alternatives in town; judging from the proverbially long lines, the accolades are well deserved. Creative sandwiches and salads are featured, but the true headline-grabbers are the gourmet-caliber soups, which run the gamut from Southwestern-style chicken tortilla to the ever-popular My Dad's Turkey Chili, which "owner-souper" Jenny Levison makes sure is on the menu every day. Expect a casual though crowded scene ­ you can't enjoy food like this all by your lonesome!

Hours: Sep - Jul Mon, Fri-Sat 11am-5pm; Tue-Wed 11am-6pm; Thu 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

EMORY. While decor at Nicola's is minimal, food and festivity are foremost. Within the casual place, diners are...

EMORY. While decor at Nicola's is minimal, food and festivity are foremost. Within the casual place, diners are consistently mesmerized by the fabulous Middle Eastern fare, from hummus to lamb shank, baked eggplant to a vegetarian plate. There's also baklava, and the family-style dinners are the way to go, especially if you're with a group. However the heart and soul of the place is Nicola himself, a vibrant, merry host who dances, jokes, and even delivers drinks balanced on his head. If you come on a weekend, the action gets even livelier than usual, thanks to belly dancers who engage the crowd with their sensuous moves.

Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

BUFORD HIGHWAY. Pleasant, inviting and relaxing, this traditional Bangladeshi restaurant is located in a most unlikely...

BUFORD HIGHWAY. Pleasant, inviting and relaxing, this traditional Bangladeshi restaurant is located in a most unlikely setting ­ a shopping strip off busy Buford Highway. Don't let the setting dissuade your visit, though, because they serve some of the tastiest fare this side of Dhaka. Dishes seem to explode with exotic aromas and flavors, as seen in tandoori lamb with ginger, Biriyani specialties with baashmatee rice and mixed vegetables, and spicy chicken vindaloo with aloo. A word to the wise: if you plan on enjoying wine with your meal, stop by the store first ­ Panahar maintains a BYOB policy.

Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Alon's lunches are great for one main reason: the sublime, fresh-baked bread. Challah, Country...

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.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 9am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

MIDTOWN. Classical architecture and gracious furnishings highlight the dining room at this well-received restaurant....

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.

Hours: Mon 6:30am-2pm; Tue-Sat 6:30am-10pm; Sun 7am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

PONCEY-HIGHLAND. An all-American coffeehouse/diner that combines nostalgic appeal with contemporary hipness, Java Jive...

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!

Hours: Tue-Fri 8am-2pm; Sat-Sun 8:45am-2:30pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

MIDTOWN. As much destination as pizza place, Cameli's has earned a strong rerputation for its NY-style pies and fun...

MIDTOWN. As much destination as pizza place, Cameli's has earned a strong rerputation for its NY-style pies and fun scene. While you can get tasty salads, panini, and pastas, the real money is on the thin-crust concoctions, which include a classic margherita, a veggie pie, and the Pax Americana (chicken, spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomato sauce). Naturally, there's a big build-your-own business in 16" and 10" sizes, and gluten-free crust is available too. On Thursday nights, head over for karaoke, and come back on Saturday for DJ night and lots of great tunes.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30am-Midnight; Thu-Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat Noon-1am; Sun Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

BUCKHEAD. Figo Pasta adds hearty dashes of Tuscan-style warmth and panache to the Buckhead dining scene. Charming...

BUCKHEAD. Figo Pasta adds hearty dashes of Tuscan-style warmth and panache to the Buckhead dining scene. Charming service and a flair for creative sauces mingle with the space's cozy confines to create an experience that, until now, Atlantans could find only by visiting a neighborhood eatery in the Old Country. Deliciously homemade portions of ricotta and spinach-stuffed ravioli, whole wheat penne and egg pappardelle may be topped with sauces ranging from checca (fresh-chopped tomato, basil and mozzarella) to Siciliana (eggplant, mozzarella and basil tomato sauce topped with shredded ricotta). Portions are large and, perhaps best of all, the prices are stunningly reasonable.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm; Fri 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat 4:30pm-9:30pm; Sun 4:30pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club