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The 38 Essential Atlanta Restaurants, January '13

by Sonia Chopra@soniachopra Jan 8, 2013, 8:23am EST

58 comments / new

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by Sonia Chopra@soniachopra Jan 8, 2013, 8:23am EST

58 comments / new

It's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?" This highly elite group covers the entire city (inside the perimeter), spans myriad cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every couple of months, we'll be adding pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months), or have stepped up their game.

This time around, after much reflecting and poring over reader emails and comments, the 38 bids adieu to Woodfire Grill, since the restaurant recently parted ways with its sous and executive chefs, and welcomes Bacchanalia and Ecco, among others, to the alphabetical list.

Beg to differ? Leave suggestions and explanations in the comments below or send them through the tipline.

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4th & Swift

4th and 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.

621 North Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

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Abattoir

With Chef of the Year Tyler Williams helming the kitchen and Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison behind the concept, it's hard to go wrong at Abattoir. Go for small plates, like the octopus dog and beef tartare.

1170 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

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Alon's Bakery & Market

The sandwiches and prepared foods at Alon’s are perfect for a casual lunch in the restaurant or taken to go. It only gets better with the old favorites like the fancy desserts and well-curated cheeses and the addition of wood-fired pizzas.

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4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346

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Antico Pizza Napoletana

This pizzeria splashed onto the scene with its signature pies and unique atmosphere. National recognition and a cult following have only fed its progress; plans for expansion are blazing away like the imported Acunto ovens that feed the masses.

1093 Hemphill Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Aria Restaurant

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

490 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

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Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia's five-course prix-fixe menu is consistently 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.

1198 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Bocado

Skill is evident in each of Bocado's carefully crafted dishes. The restaurant's most destination-worthy creation is the Bocado burger stack, which has deservedly achieved legendary status among burger aficionados, but the small plates and lunchtime sandwiches are just as good.

887 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Cafe Agora

Colorful salads, perfectly seasoned meats, and soft warm bread are only half of what’s appealing about this postage stamp of a restaurant. Owner Al Ozelci brings the other irreplaceable half: the fatherly charm and hospitality.

262 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

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Cakes & Ale Restaurant

Cakes & Ale continues to capture the local food-loving hearts of Atlantans, who seem to prefer substance and ease over style and status. The lunchtime grain bowls from the Bakery at Cakes & Ale are one of this city's gems.

155 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030

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Community Q BBQ

David Roberts, one of the co-founder of Marietta's Sam & Dave's, branched out to Decatur and opened this locally-driven barbecue.

1361 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30033

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Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

This casual Ethiopian restaurant is the best of its kind in the city, and it's open until at least midnight every day to boot. Get the vegetarian platter and/or lamb tibs.

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3086 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

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Ecco

Ecco's seasonally inspired fare is carefully prepared and executed. Don't miss the fried goat cheese appetizer and olive oil stracciatella ice cream, and if the weather is nice, ask for a tour of the rooftop garden.

40 7th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

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Empire State South

Hugh Acheson’s first Atlanta project feels like it’s been open much longer than a year. Seasonal produce is spun into whimsical dishes with reverence and the wine list is a treasure trove for true wine lovers.

999 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA

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Floataway Cafe

Though it has been through many a change, this semi-hidden and subdued Anne Quatrano joint remains the jewel in her crown. Looks for fresh oysters, Moscow Mule cocktails served in chilled metal cups, and the city’s only noteworthy steak frites.

1123 Zonolite Drive, Atlanta, GA 30306

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Fox Bros Bar-B-Q

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— afternoon— after.

1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

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Heirloom Market BBQ

This barbecue spot may be small, but the dynamic duo behind it bring more than enough pizzazz to compensate for the cramped quarters. Look for Korean-inspired Southern ‘cue and pitch-perfect sides.

2243 Akers Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339

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Holeman & Finch Public House

This bar is so much more than the crafted specialty cocktails and cult burger. It’s the place to take out of towners to show them what’s great about Atlanta and/or test a companion’s food fear factor. Case in point: Fried chicken heads, anyone?

2277 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

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JCT Kitchen & Bar

Ford Fry calls JCT. Kitchen’s style Southern farmstead. The restaurant dishes out items that conjure up the South with a gourmet twist, like deviled eggs and pork belly with local clams as well as all kinds of poultry: fried chicken, hot chicken oysters, chicken liver mousse, and more.

1198 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Kyma

The standard-bearer for upscale contemporary Greek food in the city, Kyma’s been bringing the bright flavors of Mediterranean seafood to life in Buckhead 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.

3085 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

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La Tavola Trattoria

La Tavola, Fifth Group's Italian restaurant in Virginia-Highland, does everything well. From mozzarella burrata to squid ink linguine or spaghetti and meatballs, the menu is sure to have something for everyone. Don't leave without trying the tiramisu.

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

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Leon's Full Service

Laid back and welcoming, this Decatur watering hole is a favorite hangout for those looking for well-crafted cocktail and fun nosh.

131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030

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Little Bangkok

This place is an exception to the “Thai food in Atlanta sucks” rule. Don’t expect weird dishes you’ve never had; instead, order slutty stand-bys like pad thai.

2225 Cheshire Brg Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

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Miller Union

Steven Satterfield knows how to make Southern food somehow less guilt-inducing, but still comforting. The farm egg baked in celery cream with grilled bread is a top ten Atlanta dish and the desserts will have you excited about ordering dessert again.

999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta, GA

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Miso Izakaya

Named as one of Bon Appetit's six favorite izakayas in North America, Miso Izakaya also happens to be helmed by 2011 Eater Atlanta Award-Winning Chef of the Year Guy Wong. A favorite of locals and critics alike, the Japanese pub is a must-try.

619 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

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Murphy's

The upscale, contemporary comfort food at Murphy’s captures the spirit of Atlanta: the menu items are modern but full of history and feature fresh, local ingredients. Go for weekend brunch and walk around Virginia Highlands afterward.

997 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

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Muss & Turner's

This Smyrna spot is as close as we get to New York deli in Atlanta. Enormous sandwiches stuffed with all manner of homemade meats and fillings abound. The burger is definitely top three in Atlanta and the beer list is a whopper.

1675 Cumberland Pkwy Ste 309, Smyrna, GA 30080

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No. 246

It's been called an "instant classic." Simple, straight-forward cooking in a clean semi-industrial space. Go for the pastas, whole roasted fish, and hulking sandwiches at lunch.

129 E Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030

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Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Nuevo Laredo might not have the elaborate margarita menu that other restaurants boast, but the three classics they offer— house, Texas, and Cadillac— are strong and delicious. The food here is fantastic as well, so make sure you sit down for dinner instead of just drinking at the bar.

1495 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318

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Octopus Bar

Octopus Bar's late night only and caters to the industry crowd. Housed in what is So Ba by day, the restaurant opens at 10:30 p.m. and serves cocktails and dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, lobster rolls, and daeji bulgogi.

560 Gresham Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316

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One Eared Stag

One Eared Stag quickly became an Atlanta hotspot. Known for chef/owner Robert Phalen's inventiveness in the kitchen, for which he'd gained “one to watch” status at Holy Taco, the restaurant's brought the buzz back to Inman Park.

1029 Edgewood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307

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The Optimist

Ford Fry's much-hyped fish camp and oyster bar in West Midtown opened in May and has since been the recipient of praise galore. It gets crowded, so for lunch or sit at the bar, and don't forget to leave some time for miniature golf.

914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Quoc Huong Bahn Mi Fast Food

Airy bread slathered with mayo and filled with roasted pork, pickled vegetables, and a fluffy omelet? Yes, please. Oh, yeah? That sandwich will cost you $2.50. You’re welcome.

5150 Buford Hwy C-170, Doraville, GA 30340

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Rathbun's

There aren’t many bad things to say about Kevin Rathbun’s restaurant, so we’ll focus on the good: the food is great and so is the service. Rathbun’s is also conveniently located next to Krog Bar, so stop in before or after your meal for a glass of wine and an appetizer or a nightcap.

112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

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