4th & Swift was called the “au courant vision of Atlanta restaurant design” by Atlanta Magazine and has food to match the décor. On the menu are things like crispy Southern fried quail, local corn soup, pan-fried squash blossoms, Tybee Island shrimp ravioli.

Local favorite Hector Santiago, previously of the well-loved Pura Vida, is now in the kitchen at Anne Quatrano's Abattoir. The chophouse-style restaurant serves small plates and meat-centric entrees; adventurous diners should ask for Santiago's secret butcher's menu, which offers dishes like blood sausage, chicken hearts, and even blood cake.

There's more than one place for top-tier Neapolitan-style pizza in this town. Favorite pies include the Inferno with sopressata and peppers and the Ammazzare with Italian sausage and Vidalia onions; the caprese salad makes for perfect pre-pizza fare.

The elegant cuisine at Gerry Klaskala's lovely Buckhead restaurant make it perfect for special occasions (go for the prix fixe). Desserts from talented pastry chef Kathryn King only add to the experience.

Bacchanalia's five-course set menu is consistently called one of the best meals in Atlanta. The dinner is worth its price, but dishes can be ordered a la carte at the bar for those who just want a taste.

There have been some recent changes, but Cakes & Ale continues to capture the local food-loving hearts of Atlantans who prefer substance and simplicity over style and status. The restaurant now offers Sunday brunch, and the pastries at the next door cafe are as good as ever.

Indian restaurants abound in Atlanta, but Chai Pani is the one to try: from the Decatur spot's signature street food dishes (some with local twists, like the kale pakoras) to the North Indian thalis and the chef specials, which range from well-researched historic dishes to contemporary comfort food favorites, the menu has something for everyone.

This upscale Southern restaurant is Hugh Acheson’s first Atlanta project. The wine list, cocktails, and outdoor bocce court are worth a visit alone, but if you stay for dinner, do get the farm egg or the "in jars" appetizer to start, then move on to the seasonal entrees.

It’s all about the gut-bombs at the icon that proved great barbecue is possible in Atlanta. Tater tots covered in chili and cheese, massive short ribs, and Frito pie are staples that make this the only spot you should go for the morning— okay, afternoon— after.

This upscale Jewish deli concept from Ben and Jen Johnson of popular breakfast spot, West Egg, and executive chef Todd Ginsberg has been winning hearts since it opened in early 2013. The burger is one of the best in town, but other star dishes include the poutine fries, cheesecake, and sandwiches with reuben and turkey.

The Chinese Szechuan food at Gu's Bistro has developed a heavy following amongst Atlanta's food enthusiasts— so much so that an intown location is on the way. Favorites at this Buford Highway spot include the tea-smoked duck and the dry eggplant.

This barbecue spot has very limited seating, but the duo behind it, who also own new Korean-Southern diner Sobban bring more than enough flavor to compensate for the cramped quarters or a ride home in a to-go box. Look for Korean-inspired Southern ‘cue and pitch-perfect sides.

This public house is so much more than the crafted specialty cocktails and cult burger. With the restaurant's local, seasonal offerings, keen attention to details, and fun atmosphere, it’s the place to take out of towners to show them what’s great about Atlanta. Try the carbonara, sweetbreads, and sticky toffee pudding if you miss the double stack.

Ford Fry calls JCT Kitchen’s style 'Southern farmstead.' The restaurant dishes out items that conjure up the South with a gourmet twist and serves them in an beautiful but industrial converted-warehouse space. Hit the upstairs bar for a pre-dinner drink, especially when the weather is nice.

The standard-bearer for upscale contemporary Greek food in the city, Kyma’s been bringing the bright flavors of Mediterranean seafood to life for a decade now. Look for show-stopping décor, fresh ingredients, good energy, and a nice wine list from this Buckhead Life Restaurant Group favorite.

This Smyrna spot serves enormous lunch sandwiches stuffed with all manner of homemade meats and fillings— with a side of pickles. The burger is definitely a top contender, the goat cheese cheesecake is phenomenal, and the beer list is a whopper. Don't miss the speakeasy behind the refrigerator door.

Get a gyro at this takeout-only spot and you won't be sorry— unless, of course, you manage to annoy Nick, who can ask for your order and threaten to kick you out of the space in the same breath.

Serving late-night only and catering to the industry crowd, Octopus Bar opens at 10:30 p.m. and serves cocktails and dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, lobster rolls, and daeji bulgogi. Find it inside and to the left of the space that's Vietnamese restaurant So Ba by day.

Ford Fry's much-hyped fish camp and oyster bar in West Midtown opened in 2012 and has since been the recipient of praise galore. Don't be afraid to sit at the bar, and don't forget to leave some time for miniature golf.

Though the drinks at Paper Plane get plenty of attention, the food at this secluded Decatur Square spot is just as worthy. The hanger steak makes for the perfect complement to a Paul Calvert cocktail.

After a recent remodel and some menu changes, Kevin Rathbun's restaurant, Rathbun's, is back in full form. The food and the service are consistently great, and the Inman Park restaurant is conveniently located next to Krog Bar, where diners can stop in before or after a meal for a glass of wine and an appetizer or a nightcap.

Last year, Rumi's Kitchen moved a few doors down from its first location into a new space. With it came an airier dining room and better parking along with the top-notch Persian food Atlantans have come to love from owner Ali Meshgali.

If one Atlanta Italian restaurant must be crowned supreme, this Inman Park favorite deserves the title. A long list of pastas made with care is the menu’s centerpiece and will ensure a successful night on any special occasion.

Order the sandwiches— especially the unorthodox Reuben and shrimp po’ boy— at Star Provisions. And after you eat, walk around the chef's market at peruse the fine home goods, chocolates, cheese, and meat.

The Shed at Glenwood sets the tone for the neighborhood with its farm-fresh, Southern-inspired bistro fare. Slider Night may be no more, but a variety of the mini-sandwiches still feature on the menu, alongside options like collard green pho and an extensive wine list.

Victory Sandwich Bar is a lot of things. A purveyor of $4 sandwiches, Jack and Coke slushies, and fine cocktails, sure, but it's also fast become a neighborhood spot: somewhere people feel comfortable dining solo at the bar or in a large group, for a quick lunch, dinner and drinks, or a post-midnight snack. Don't miss the ping pong table or Paper Plane, the stellar bar around back, either.

Since Eater Atlanta 2012 and 2013 chef of the year Tyler Williams made the move to Woodfire Grill, the food has been pretty damn close to impeccable. Under his direction, the high-end offerings also see more playful twists.