Atlanta runs right up there with the big dogs when it comes to fine dining. Offering cuisine from nearly every ethnic group in the universe, the city isn't just about sweet tea and fried chicken -- though you can certainly get your fill of authentic Southern cooking here as well. But when you've tired of turnip greens, fried okra, and cheese grits, prepare to dazzle your taste buds with fare ranging from Russian and Indian to Moroccan and Greek.
In addition, some of the country's top chefs operate successful restaurants here, including Richard Blais from One Midtown Kitchen (he was a recent competitor on Iron Chef America). The legendary Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison -- the wife/husband team and owners of Bacchanalia, Quinones, Floataway Café, and Star Provisions -- were recently jointly named the James Beard Foundation's "Best Chef in the Southeast."
Atlantans love to dine out and they love to see and be seen, so dining is often as much a social event as it is an appreciation of fine food. Most of the best restaurants require advance reservations, so plan ahead if you don't want to miss out on a fantastic culinary experience.
