Family dinningAtlanta is a great destination for foodies! Sample the signature dishes at these Atlanta restaurants and savor the best Atlanta has to offer! Cooked in the heart of the South, these favorites will be sure to impress with their culinary sophistication, elegance, and the Southern hospitality pervading every meal and dining experience.

1. The Varsity
This American-style diner is one of the most famous Atlanta restaurants. Claiming to be the “world’s largest drive-in” this restaurant serves up more Coca-Cola annually than any other venue in the world! Known for their own quirky lingo, The Varsity is an Atlanta favorite. Pop on by and order a Naked Dog with a side of Strings and wash it down with a steaming cup of joe-ree! To view The Varsity’s menu and locations go to: www.TheVarsity.com.

2. Bone’s
Ranked Best Steakhouse in U.S. by the 2008 Zagat Survey, Bone’s Restaurant offers a premier dining experience. Combining the freshest seafood with prime beef and served up with regional ingredients, Bone’s brings a culinary flair to the table. Additionally, Bone’s has received Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for 16 years. To peruse this classic restaurant’s menu go to: www.BonesRestaurant.com.

3. Wisteria
This fine-dining restaurant serves up a side of soul with their contemporary Southern cuisine. Located in a historic neighborhood, Wisteria adds charm and sophistication through their décor and plate presentations. Try the house specialties: iron skillet fried chicken and molasses-rubbed pork tenderloin. To learn more about this best of Atlanta top restaurants go to: www.Wisteria-Atlanta.com.

4. Ecco
This European-influenced, romantic restaurant serves up sophisticated, seasonally-inspired cuisine in a cutting-edge atmosphere. The wood-burning oven combined with modern touches like a glass entrance and chrome finishes represent this restaurant’s philosophy of taking the old with the new. Order a wood-fired pizza or fried quail with basil and lemon, sit back and bask at the crossroads of the old world and the new. To view Ecco Restaurant – one of the best places to eat in Atlanta – online, go to: www.Ecco-Atlanta.com.

5. McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant
This Creole Cajun restaurant will shock your taste buds with spicy hot flavors and delectable New Orleans style cuisine. McKinnon’s signature dishes include the BBQ Shrimp, Crawfish Etoufee, Chicken Livers with Andouille Sausage, and the Cajun classic gumbo. Reserve a table at McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant – one of the best places to eat in Atlanta – and delight in their Southern hospitality as well as their authentic Cajun culinary repertoire. To see more about McKinnon’s go to: www.McKinnons.com.


6. Chops Lobster Bar
Chops Lobster Bar is one of a handful of Atlanta top restaurants. Combining seafood cuisine and steakhouse ingredients, Chops brings you an original surf and turf born out of the fusion of the old Chops Steakhouse with the new Lobster Bar. This elegant restaurant serves up signature dishes – like the Famous Jumbo Batter Fried Lobster Tail – with enticing sides like the Maine Lobster Bisque or more regional favorites like the Lump Crab Cake. Reserve a booth at Chops Lobster Bar and see what all the fuss is about: ChopsLobsterBar.com.

7. Anis Café and Bistro
Originally started as a casual bistro and relaxed café, it quickly expanded into one of Atlanta’s favorite French restaurants. It has a warm and cozy atmosphere that includes a tree-shaded brick patio. Anis Café and Bistro offers a wide variety of French cuisine and has received many excellent reviews, including reviews by the New York Times and the Zagat Survey. To find out more about this wonderful café and bistro go to: www.AnisBistro.com.

8. Kevin Rathbun Steak
This steakhouse was named “Top 8 in the U.S.” by Everyday with Rachel Ray Magazine in 2008and – in the same year – Best Steakhouse by Atlanta Magazine. Signature dishes include the Lobster Taco, the 20 oz. Ribeye with Blue Cheese, the Scallops, and the Veal Chop with Sweet Corn Gouda. The minimalist design of the restaurant accentuates the food which is simple, yet modern. To learn more about this Atlanta favorite go to: www.RathbunsRestaurant.com.

9. Watershed
You might not guess that this fine-dining restaurant is located in a converted gas station. The interior is modern, chic, and cheery with light woods, golds, and bright whites. This innovative restaurant is devoted to bringing a modern edge to classic Southern cuisine. Try their Creamy Stone Ground Shrimp Grits or their Southern Table Salmon Croquettes. Watershed has won numerous accolades including Creative Loafing’s 2009 Best of Atlanta award. To learn more about this favorite in Atlanta restaurants go to: WatershedRestaurant.com.

10. Canoe
This fine-dining restaurant originally began as a concept piece. Overlooking the beautiful Chattahoochee River, this restaurant almost communicates with the water. Inducted into Nation’s Restaurant News 2005 Fine Dining Hall of Fame, Canoe enjoys an excellent culinary reputation. Believing that a good meal need be paired with good wine, Canoe offers over 300 select bottles and 40 wines by the glass. Featured in Gourmet, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, The Wine Spectator, and The New York Times, Canoe’s modern American cuisine is sure to impress. To learn more about this best restaurant in Atlanta go to: www.Canoe-Atl.com.