One of our favorites in Atlanta is the Raging Burrito, one in Decatur just off the square and one on Piedmont Rd. They have 4 different tortillas to choose from (spinach, wheat, regular, tomatoe) 3 or 4 salsas and almost unlimited filling combinations, different beans, all kinds of veggies, and wide variety of meats. The finished burrito is rolled up like a log and about as big around as my forearm. The one in Decatur looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but very clean, but funky looking inside. Very inexpensive $6-$8.

Another Atlanta favorite is the Big Red Tomato Bistro on Piedmont Rd in Midtown. Very small but cozy and elegant. Exceptional wait staff. Usually a mixed crowd from casual to evening dress. What is good, wow, never had anything bad, and the days specials are always fantastic. Pastas are my favorite, always great sauces with fresh ingredients and excellent soups. Always something new. In good weather there is a tiny patio open for extra seating. Pricing $15-$22 entree.
Cindi

One more Atlanta suggestion is my favorite for Sunday Brunch. The Atrium Restaurant at the Renaissance Waverly in Marrietta area. It is right behind Galleria Mall and across from Cumberland Mall. I believe the price is $24 a person, not bad at all for what you get. I am a nut for fresh fruit and the fruit station is my dream come true, every kind of fruit, melon and berry you can think of, and some stacked up to 2 foot high. This is on top of omelet stations, all kind of breakfast items, a seafood station with shrimp, mussells, smoked salmon etc. Carving stations with prime rib, plus turkey or another meat, a pasta station, a salads table with a dozen different type and oh goodness the desert table, you almost don't want to save that for last. Everything is kept hot and well stocked, a whole crew works on keeping it stocked. Recommend you get reservations unless you get there early (starts at 11AM).
Cindi

Any opinions on the Atlanta Grill? It is downtown, I believe in the Ritz Carlton. It was recommended to me.

I have been disappointed in the Grill at the downtown Ritz Carlton. Very poor service and just ok food. Not up to the Ritz standard like the fabulous Buckhead Ritz.

I had dinner last night at the Capital Grille on East Paces Ferry. It is an upscale chain, but the food, service and view were wonderful. It is expensive.

I had dinner last week at Kyma on Peidmont Road. It is the upscale Greek restaurant by the Buckhead Life Group. It is known for its fish but I was not so impressed witht he fish. The bread, appetizers, salad, eggplant side and the dessert were fabulous. The greek wine was very interesting and good. If I go again I will skip the fish, have an appetizer, salad and dessert.

KYMA (http://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma/menu.html)

I've always enjoyed these:

Bone's Restaurant
3130 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
404.237.2663
www.yp.bellsouth.com/sites/bonesrestaurant (http://www.yp.bellsouth.com/sites/bonesrestaurant)

Palm Restaurant
at the Swissôtel
3391 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.814.1955
www.thepalm.com (http://www.thepalm.com)

Prime
Lennox Square
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.812.0555
www.prime-restaurant.com (http://www.prime-restaurant.com)

------------------
Two wrongs don't make a right, but it sure equalizes the situation.

I thought I'd post some "Southern cooking" spots in case you'd like to try some of the local faves in the city:

The Colonnade - on Cheshire Bridge Rd. (10 minute drive from downtown). Serves all of the classic Southern foods. Expect a mixed crowd including lots of older folks and an eclectic intown crowd. Good parking, fills up during peak times.

Paschal's - on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. - this restaurant has historic value, as MLK himself used to frequent it during the Civil Rights movement. Again, expect all of the classic Southern foods - their fried chicken is great. Located slightly southwest of the downtown area, quick car/cab ride.

Mary Mac's - on Ponce de Leon/Midtown. Great in-town location, this is another place that's been around for a long time. A bit more traditional (in food and the usual crowd).

Agnes & Muriel's - on Monroe Dr. near Piedmont. Located in an old house, this place puts a bit of a modern twist on Southern favorites. It's a bit more upscale in clientele than the above.

OK Cafe - on West Paces Ferry Rd. at Northside Dr., right next to I-75 near Buckhead. Open 24 hours a day, this diner-type restaurant is the site of everything from "power breakfasts" to the late-night bar crowd. Big portions, fresh food, slightly modern take on the Southern classics. Expect a wait during peak times, but it moves quickly. Casual.

As a vegetarian Atlanta native, I enjoy the big southern breakfast/brunch. I have some suggestions to share...

Cafe Sunflower -upscale gourmet vegetarian cusine, their veggie loaf is THE best southern meal in the city.

The Flying Biscut Cafe -of Indigo Girl's fame, the biscuts are amazing and a great salad rounds off any entree.

Ria's Bluebird -a little off the beaten path (Grant Park) but amazing amazing food at a very reasonable price.

I just had brunch at Agnes and Muriel's (mentioned above) and found it very greasy and not very flavorful. I have never had a problem with their dinner or catering though.

For wonderful and creative New South cuisine, try South City Kitchen on Crescent Avenue just off 14th Street in Midtown.

I agree with my colleague above that the Ritz Carlton Downtown is to be avoided (at all costs!). But don't confuse the downtown Ritz with the great food at the Ritz in Buckhead.

For innovative and creative Latin American cusine (hard to find in Atlanta), try Tierra on Piedmont, also in Midtown.

Welcome to Flyertalk pointspanic http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

Thanks! I'm learning for sure! Just got my first free ticket to Europe on DL, am now looking forward to reaching NewZealnd on UA.

Now if I could only figure out this mileage run thing.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cndij:

Another Atlanta favorite is the Big Red Tomato Bistro on Piedmont Rd in Midtown.
Cindi</font>

A great place for Mexican near the Big Red Tomato is Zocalo. The softest corn tortillas I've ever had. Excellent mole' fantastic fajitas, and very smooth margaritas that will get your motor hummin. 10th and Piedmont.

And you can’t discuss great restaurants in the ATL without mentioning Tamarind, the best way to experience Thai food. Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh would agree. Very accessible on 14th at 75/85.

A place that serves good food to locals-in-the-know is Manuel's. Corner of North and Highland. You can watch the Braves on the big screen while enjoying a wide variety of food and beer. And you might bump into a political insider or two.

yorock

Gourmet Mag’s (Oct 04) “Big Deal / Good Deal” restaurants in Atlanta

Big Deal = Gourmet, Elegant food
Good Deal = “cheap” local’s spots

Big Deal Restaurants:

Joel
Forum Building
3290 Northside Parkway
404.233.3500

Soto Japanese Restaurant
3330 Piedmont Road
404.233.2005

Good Deal Restaurants:

Taqueria del Sol
1200-B Howell Mint Rd
Midtown West
404.352.5812

Teaspace
1133-B Euclid Ave
404.577.9793

Best barbecue in Atlanta is out 29 east in Lilburn - www.spicedright.com. Seriously. And the nicest staff you will ever encounter.

I'm a big fan of Murphy's in the Highlands for Sunday brunch, too.

Sotto Sotto/Fritti are great for Italian food, although a little pricey. The chocolate soup at Sotto Sotto is amazing.