Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Buford at Mall of Georgia, GA

DUNWOODY. At first glance, this seafooder certainly makes a strong splash, from the stunning, cobalt-blue aquarium to...

DUNWOODY. At first glance, this seafooder certainly makes a strong splash, from the stunning, cobalt-blue aquarium to Leigh Smith Catherall's fantasical artwork. Dive deeper, and you'll find Goldfish can't be accused of being "all style, no sustenance." Start with an appetizer ­ hot ones like crab cakes or catfish served with ponzu sauce, or a colder one like peel & eat shrimp or oysters. From there, the menu takes several routes, each of them posing tempting endeavors: Charleston-style shrimp & grits, pan-roasted haddock with sweet corn and scallion chowder, and parmesan-seared skate wing.

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

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

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

SANDY SPRINGS. Craving full-flavored Mexican quick food at more-than-fair prices? El Taco Veloz knows just what you...

SANDY SPRINGS. Craving full-flavored Mexican quick food at more-than-fair prices? El Taco Veloz knows just what you need. The place is nothing to look at, but don't let that deter you ­ taste and satisfaction are ample rewards for your determination. Soft corn tacos are as homey and delicious as you'd imagine, and huge burritos make folks sigh with delight. Along with standard offerings, you can try selections like beef tongue or the even more exotic barbacoa (slow-cooked beef headmeat). Don't forget to spice things up with their potent, zesty salsas.

Hours: Daily 7am-Midnight

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

DECATUR. Residents of Decatur know that Zyka doesn't stand on formalities, and counter service, simple furnishings, and...

DECATUR. Residents of Decatur know that Zyka doesn't stand on formalities, and counter service, simple furnishings, and unelaborate service are the norm. For Northern Indian food this delicious and well priced, though, it's easy to make concessions. Start with the popular Chicken 65 appetizer, tinged with ginger, garlic, cilantro and chilies. Then consider butter chicken, dal Hyderabadi (slow-simmered, seasoned lentils), or Hyderabadi biryani (Basmati rice and goat meat with saffron). Hot, fresh naan makes an apt side dish, and spice-scented kulfi (ice cream) is a heavenly concluding treat.

Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun Noon-10:15pm; Fri-Sat Noon-10:45pm

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

DECATUR. Who says Italians have the market on the best pizza? Athens Pizza in Atlanta, GA specializes in homemade pies...

DECATUR. Who says Italians have the market on the best pizza? Athens Pizza in Atlanta, GA specializes in homemade pies with a definite Greek twist. Try toppings such as kalamata olives, feta cheese and fresh tomatoes, or go for the Santorini special to have it all. The menu features other traditional dishes, as well, including gyros, lamb and Greek salads. There's also an extensive list of authentic wines to complement each delectable dish.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

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

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

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

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

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

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