Technically named "Osteria del Figo" but simply called “Figo”, the Howell Mill edition of this popular metro-area upscale Italian chain plays well with both the business and leisure crowd. Casual and cool, Figo is modern with lots of Italian flair beginning with the walls bathed in amber and the wooden bar and tables. It’s more spacious than it appears, accommodating large and small parties alike. Orders are made at the front of the house with guests then receiving colorfully festive pepper shakers to place at their table for food delivery. Simplicity is king here, with the build-your-own-pasta serving as the main draw. Make a ravioli, short or long pasta selection and then pair it with a sauce. For traditional fare with a pleasant kick, try the Tuscan Sausage and Apple Ravioli with the Arrabbiata sauce (spicy tomato sauce with garlic and chili peppers). The Spinach Penne with the Salmone con Piselli (oak-smoked salmon and English peas in pink vodka sauce) is also good but, with over a dozen ravioli and pasta choices and nearly that many sauces, the combinations are truly endless. The Caprese Salad, prepared with buffalo mozzarella and vine-ripe tomatoes, is a nice jump-starter. Tiramisu is a given but Kenny’s Key Lime pie, from the locally-based super pie company, is a welcomed American indulgence.

The Grotta Ristorante Italiano in Atlanta is an Italian eatery not to be missed. La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, an Atlanta tradition since 1978, offers fine dining in an intimate ambience overlooking a beautiful garden located in the heart of Buckhead. La Grotta has been voted the Best Italian Restaurant by Atlanta Magazine for 18 years in a row. The Grotta Ristorante Italiano is also open at the Ravinia complex in Dunwoody. The primary focus is Northern Italian and regional cuisine with some global influences. The dishes are inspired by the very old traditional family recipes yet are innovative enough to meet today's sophisticated expectations. Menus are continually updated, providing Atlanta with the most interesting Italian cuisine. Among the selections you will find high quality vegetarian, cholesterol-free and grilled specialties along with unique pasta dishes and a wide variety of meat and fish dishes. La Grotta Ristorante - Buckhead ٠ 2637 Peachtree Road NE ٠ Atlanta, GA La Grotta Ravinia - Dunwoody ٠ 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE ٠ Atlanta, GA Visit lagrottaatlanta.com for more information.

Grab a few friends and join us at the brewery. Tours run about thirty minutes beginning after the doors open so that leaves plenty of time for sampling and merch shopping – just be 21 and able to prove it. A designated driver is always the smartest bet. See you there!! The tours are free, but $10 gets you a souvenir SweetWater pint glass, with 6 sample tickets for 5.5oz samples of SweetWater’s brews.

Affectionately dubbed the ‘Antonio Banderas’ of food trucks, Tex’s Tacos is nothing short of suavé – a fully equipped kitchen & restaurant on wheels. Serving-up a delicious array of ‘Nueva Texicana’ eats with style and grace, we keep the good times rolling…literally. Spice up your day and embark on a friendly adventure to our taco trough. What’s there not to love about eating deliciously fresh tacos, quesadillas, & lime fries out of a truck!?!? See texstacos.com for more information and locations.

Come to Roswell's neighborhood friendly bar, perfect for any occassion. Offering a large beer selection and a great pub menu, Red Door has a weekly happy hour and nightly drink specials. We are open late every night. Perfect for after work, a singles meet and greet or your weekend spot to watch television sports, visit Red Door Tavern today.

Strip Steaks and Sushi is located at Atlantic Station. Strip is Atlanta’s place to be when you are craving both style and substance. This multilevel steak house with lively bars and patios on each level takes on a new meaning in the world of steak houses. Strip allows diners the option of enjoying a great steak in a super hip environment. The in-house DJ plays the hottest tunes nightly; guests are welcome to step out on to the dance area at any time. Also enjoy the open air rooftop deck on level 3. Meet your friends after work at STRIP to see and be seen at Atlanta’s hottest place to MEAT, DRINK and EAT!

Drawing inspiration from the famous Southwestern painter, Georgia O’Keeffe, the Georgia Grille intermingles the flavors of the Southwest with the hospitality of the South.

For over 17 years, Karen Hilliard and her staff have been serving her unique interpretation of Southwestern fare in a casual, kicked-back style.

From the aroma of her famous Lobster Enchiladas, to the old wormwood bar where top shelf margaritas and a thoughtful wine selection are poured, to the signature Coca Cola cooler, you know exactly where you are when you step into the Georgia Grille, and you can’t help but smile… and stay awhile.

Visit georgiagrille.com for more information.

Noche is a tapas staple on the Atlanta scene. Though I wouldn't say it has the best small plates in town, the price to portion size ratio makes Noche a winner in my book. Most of their plates are a good size, making it easy to get a good deal on dinner, as opposed to some other tapas restaurants where the small $6-$9 plates add up very quickly to a hefty tab. The Highlands location is cozy and often crowded. The new Vinings outpost is larger, with a big patio to match, and is quickly becoming a popular hot spot. Both locations have a colorful, festive atmosphere and reasonably good service. Other Noche locations are in Johns Creek and Brookhaven. Noche is the perfect atmosphere for a group gathering and is often a popular destination for casual birthdays or celebrations. The small plate service encourages sharing and conversation. The Highlands location is especially intimate indoors and I've always noticed how full of life and laughter the dining room seems to be. Bonus tip: Monday night all-you-can-eat tapas at Noche Virginia Highlands is one of the best deals in town. For $10 per person, you get about 10 different tapas from a limited menu and once you've tried them all, you can keep on ordering your favorites until you're full! This is a great way to try new items you'd normally not choose for yourself. Here are the locations: Brookhaven - 705 Town Blvd NE Atlanta, GA 30319, Phone 404.364.9448 Highlands - 1000 Virginia Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306, Phone 404.815.9155 Johns Creek - 3719 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022, Phone 770.777.9555 Vinings - 2850 Paces Ferry Rd SE Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone 770.432.3277

A good, down home Cantina where diners can choose from favorites like the freshly made guacamole, the queso dip and tacos made with everything from barbecue chicken and bacon, lettuce and tomato to fried fish and Philly cheesesteak. Margaritas go perfectly with everything on the menu. The eatery also hosts live music and trivia. Visit the website at tinlizzyscantina.com . Tin Lizzy's is located at: Buckhead: 3639 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-846-6000 Grant Park: 415 Memorial Dr Atlanta, GA 30312, 404-554-8220 Midtown: 1136 Crescent Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-537-5060 Perimeter: 121 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346, 470-514-1050 Emory Point: 1540 Avenue Place Atlanta, GA 30329, 404-537-5355

Playing a leading role in defining what was then a "new" cuisine to American diners, Rosa Mexicano delivers authentic Mexican cooking in an accessible, stylishly festive atmosphere. Rosa Mexicano's menu features a range of award-winning, signature dishes such as Guacamole en Molcajete, made in a traditional lava-rock mortar. it is prepared tableside and served with house made chips and warm corn tortillas.

Check out the website at rosamexicano.com/atlanta.

Eclipse di Luna, opened in January of 1997, is a funky and festive restaurant and tapas bar which features Spanish influenced cuisine served in an artsy warehouse setting. Live latin music fills the restaurant and patio every evening. The restaurant has two locations. One is at the end of the Miami Circle antique and design district off peidmont road in Buckhead at 764 Miami Circle, Atlanta GA 30324. Phone is 404-846-0449. The other is in Park Place at 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30346. Phone is 678-205-5862.

Only one steakhouse in Atlanta features the cuisine of an Internationally renowned chef and a traditional sushi bar. Prime pairs the finest steaks available with sophisticated sushi in an elegant and modern atmosphere. When hosting business meetings, private functions or intimate occasions, Prime’s private dining room, known as our New Castle Room, is available for lease. The Private Dining Room seats up to 22 guests. It is separate from the main dining room, offering the privacy and seclusion that certain gatherings may require. Prime’s Atrium Court, located adjacent to the restaurant, is the perfect venue for large party dining and cocktail receptions. It is available to lease in half or in its entirety. Seating capacities for lunch or dinner are up to 30 guests for half the Atrium area and up to 55 guests for the entire Atrium. The Atrium can also accommodate up to 100 guests for reception style events. Click here for more information.

Hidden next to RA Sushi, across the street from the Loews Hotel, Piola is truly one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Part of a worldwide chain originating in Italy in 1986, Piola has a laid-back, fun, international vibe. Cozy and colorful, Piola is great for unwinding alone, with friends or with a special someone. The warm and inviting atmosphere just takes the edge off the day. Grab a seat at the bar and make a request for the fabulous Coconut Mojito, which is not necessarily on the menu. A must try is also the Sgroppino Al Limone, or simply lemon ice cream (well gelato) and vodka; it’s a signature drink for a reason. Happy hour is from 5pm-8pm and there are always some free appetizers to sample.
Venture past the bar for more extensive dining. Pizza- thin, brick oven style - really is the thing and the Margherita is always a winner, but it’s far from the only pizza option. Piola has Featured Piola "Pizze," like the Rio de Janeiro with chicken, catupiry cheese, parsley, tomato sauce and mozzarella; Classic Pizze, like the Margherita; and Le Pizze Bianche, or White Pizza, which is are the classic pizzas without tomato sauce. Piola is also known for its gnocchi and hosts monthly, all-you-can-eat "Gnocchi Day." And, for dessert, you can't go wrong with a classic tiramisu. When it comes to having a laid-back good time, Piola truly knows what makes the world go round.

To call Wisteria simply a restaurant is not to do it justice. By essentially cleaning up the AOL Citysearch Best Of Awards in over a dozen categories, everything from Best People Watching to Best American Restaurant, Wisteria takes quality to another level. Wisteria is housed in a century-old  building, but the cuisine is contemporary American with a Southern Twist. It serves Southern classics like Fried Chicken and Pork Tenderloin alongside a sophisticated and award-winning wine list. Its homey atmosphere in the historic Inman Park makes this a romantic dining location. The menu changes seasonally so you can come back and enjoy the delicious food at Wisteria like it was the first time.

The Katsuya kraze has officially taken over Hollywood.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus are frequent visitors along with anyone else who appreciates good quality sushi. With sushi favorites such as spicy albacore over crispy onion as well as spicy tuna over crispy rice, the Hollywood location is the perfect place to order off the menu or indulge in a chef’s tasting. Along with perfectly concocted dishes, Katsuya has a large list of specialty cocktails with restaurant favorites such as the Watermelon Cucumber Mojito or the Lychee Lovely with vanilla infused vodka and fresh squeezed grapefruit.

Though the beautifully decorated red and white restaurant is the perfect place for dinner or a special occasion, Katsuya has recently come up with new ways for foodies to enjoy on a budget. The Lucky Seven features seven tastings, such as tuna tacos and Kobe beef sliders, for seven dollars. Other deals include Sake Specials on Monday or Garlic Shrimp paired with a pitcher of beer for twenty bucks on select days and locations.

Reservations are recommended and valet parking is sometimes your only parking option on busy nights.

Flip Burger Boutique is bringing fine dining…to burgers! Conceived by Top Chef alum Richard Blais, he’s offering up the beloved classics but also elevating the concept to a whole new level. Set inside a playful yet modern atmosphere, his unique spin on the traditional burger includes soon-to-be new faves like the pork belly and cheese. Sides range from good ‘ol fries to beer and cheddar soup! And be sure to wash it all down with the truly unique milkshakes – the burnt marshmallow is a keeper! Check out flipburgerboutique.com for more information.

When Jonathan Fox couldn’t find Texas Style bbq in Atlanta, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He started cooking bbq on his own and it became the stuff of legends. When he was laid off from his corporate job, he knew exactly what he was gonna do next.  He and his brother serve food with ‘Texas roots and a Southern influence.’ If you are a meat eater come hungry. The brisket, ribs, smoked chicken and an obvious fave, pulled pork sandwich, are all well worth a trip. They’ve also won a ‘Best Wings in Atlanta’ award.  But the great news is, you’ll love Fox Bros. if you are a vegetarian!  Fried okra is served whole, not sliced in pieces and is delicious.  Bravo to their mac and cheese too, and don’t miss the fried pickle chips.  It will be tough, but save room for dessert. You won’t regret it.

For years food has brought families together around the dinner table and no one values this tradition more than the owners of The Palm Restaurant.

Recognized as one of the top steakhouses in Atlanta, The Palm boasts an impressive celebrity guest list.

The dining room is uniquely decorated in classic cartoons and caricatures of local regulars, politicians and celebrities covering its walls. Old world charm and hospitality provides an inviting atmosphere while delectable primed aged steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters and Italian fare line the menu.

Thai dining- at its highest level- is easily found at Nan Thai Fine Dining. Outside, the tone is set with an eye-catching gold statue right at the corner of Spring and 17th Street, minutes from Atlantic Station and the Woodruff Arts Center. Inside, it doesn’t stop. Elegantly appointed sculptures and art compliment the sleek and sophisticated room full of bamboo touches; even the bathroom is a calming oasis. Equally impressive is the distinctive and flavorful food by Chef Nan Niyomkul, who co-owns Nan with her husband Charlie. The Pla Muk Thod, affectionately known as “fire calamari," is an appetizer must. Pla Sahm Lod, the Chilean sea bass done in a three-flavor chili sauce, is a satisfying entrée. It’s not cheap like most Thai places, but it’s very well worth the expense.
Business is fine, but Nan works even better for romance. Its many admirers include Tiger Woods and family friends Vijay Singh and his wife Ardena. Singh is such a devotee that his love prompted a 2005 Sports Illustrated article about the Niyomkuls and their food, so it’s certainly cuisine worthy of any Master.

Want an alternative to the neighborhood Chinese buffet? Not quite adventurous to try the downtown Sushi bar? Then take a short drive to Virginia highlands for Surin of Thailand. Tucked away on the outskirts of the Atlanta skyline is this cozy dining hotspot that's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Upon entering this intimate dining chalet, guests are greeted by a fragrant floral bouquet, giving the room not only a feeling of Asian paradise, but that of being at home. The long tables are meant for family style dining, perfect for dinner parties or family outings. There are also private tables for special occasions or simply a romantic dinner for two. Patrons enjoy a wide range of Thai cuisine including Roasted Duck with Red Curry, Crab Angels and a variety of Stir Fry options. All, of course, can be paired with a glass of delectable Plum wine.

Chef Gary Mennie’s unique twist on good ol’ Southern cooking makes Livingston Restaurant and Bar one of the most sought after restaurants. This glamorous Midtown getaway serves it up in a setting that recalls the charm and elegance of yesteryear. The fresh flavor of the food reflects a predilection for organic ingredients, and we could get poetic about the desserts until the sun goes down.

The same Spice Market that made a name for itself in the trendy meatpacking district in NYC has come to Atlanta. The exotic curry inspired dishes are now enticing a new set of eager taste buds. Frequent patrons have dreams of the samosa appetizer and red curry duck entree that keep this restaurant spicy every night of the week. The food, just as in the name, is composed of bold flavors taken from Southeast Asian inspirations. Enjoy the intriguing food and cultural experience at the Jean-Georges Vongerichten hotspot at the W Atlanta.

Eat at Atmosphere for an elegant ambiance and incredible French cuisine with a modern twist. Feast on amazing appetizers like Escargot or sink your teeth into something substantial like the Boeuf en daube (translation: Beef Short Ribs Stew). Choose a wine to accompany your exquisite meal; the list is endless!

Café Anis serves fabulous French food in an intimate setting. Whether you’re on a date or with pals, this cozy eatery strikes just the right note. When the weather is pleasant, venture out onto the patio for a leisurely glass of wine. The cuisine is divine and the atmosphere is always upbeat.

The striking view of the Chattahoochee River doesn't rival the actual restaurant that's been featured in Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, Gourmet, and The New York Times. Decorated like a luxe lodge with an inverted ceiling made to resemble the inside of a canoe, stepping foot inside is a memorable experience in itself. The seasonal menu amasses a loyal clientele.

Visit canoeatl.com for more information.

Wines from around the world and meat that's braised, roasted, and stewed are just two of the reason's why Aria has us utterly captivated. Pastry chef, Kathryn King, churns out delectables like the Warm Chocolate Cheesecake, and entrees like the Zinfandel Braised Beef Short Rib are nothing short of heavenly. Open in the evenings only, the kitchen devotes the whole day to concocting dinner-time masterpieces.

In the heart of the newly revitalized Castleberry Hill area of downtown Atlanta you’ll find YUP’s on the patio sipping margaritas and enjoying the sounds of flowing fountains amidst lush greenery, while munching on muchas Mexican. An offshoot of the popular No Mas Productions home décor shop, it’s South of the Border all the way.