Outdoor Dining

Food always seems to taste better outdoors, and Atlanta's temperate climate makes alfresco dining possible 6 to 8 months out of the year. It's true that there are always some stifling midsummer days, but things usually cool off enough in the evening to make outdoor dining quite pleasant. Many of these places heat their patios during the winter, closing them only on the most frigid days. Here are a few prime spots:

Anis Café & Bistro: This tree-shaded spot outside a converted Buckhead bungalow is reminiscent of a terrace in the south of France. You can easily imagine you're in Provence here.

Canoe: Lovely gardens surround a covered terrace on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, creating a perfect setting. Wear your best Ralph Lauren outfit.

dish: In trendy Virginia-Highland, this is one of the most popular patios in town, even though it fronts busy North Highland Avenue.

Fellini's Pizza: Have a beer or a slice of pizza, and watch the world sail down Peachtree Road.

George's Restaurant and Bar: There are only a few tables outside this plain neighborhood tavern, but it's in the heart of trendy Virginia-Highland, prime people-watching territory.

Horseradish Grill: If you're looking for a place to propose, this is it. A candlelit patio is set under ancient oaks and overlooks lovely Chastain Park.

Nava: Located at the busy intersection of Peachtree and West Paces Ferry roads, but comfortably set back from the street, the lovely brick terrace here is a great perch from which to watch all the Buckhead activity while sipping margaritas and nibbling appetizers.

South City Kitchen: There's limited seating outside this converted Midtown house, but it's a perfect spot to watch the comings and goings of all the beautiful young people who dine here.

Picnic Fare & Picnic Spots

There are plenty of opportunities to picnic in Atlanta, and loads of outdoor spots to spread your picnic blanket. Good bets include Piedmont Park in Midtown, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park. Here are some places that can help you round up a great picnic lunch:

Alon's Bakery, 1394 N. Highland Ave. NE (tel. 404/872-6000), has loads of delectable baked goods (some of the best pastries in town) and a variety of made-to-order sandwiches at reasonable prices. Try the garlic-roasted lamb or the Tuscany (goat cheese, arugula, roasted eggplant). There's also a selection of interesting, easily portable side dishes and salads.

The BREADGARDEN, 549 Amsterdam Ave. (tel. 404/875-1166), is tucked away on a little dead-end street, but it's worth seeking out, especially if you want to picnic in nearby Piedmont Park. This shop started out as a retail bread store, but it now serves up sandwiches on its incomparable freshly baked breads. You can design your own sandwich, but it's hard to come up with anything better than the Mediterranean vegetarian -- goat cheese, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, eggplant, and olive spread on whole-grain bread.

In south Buckhead, the Bread Market, 1937 Peachtree Rd. NE (tel. 404/352-5252), has a variety of baked goods and breads, entree salads, and sandwiches. There are always special lunch sandwiches in addition to the usual combinations.

Adjacent to the Corner Café, the upscale Buckhead Bread Company, 3070 Piedmont Rd. (tel. 404/240-1978), offers unusual sandwiches to go, as well as authentic French pastries that taste as good as they look.

In the heart of Buckhead, EatZi's Market and Bakery, 3221 Peachtree Rd. NE, just south of Piedmont Road (tel. 404/237-2266), boasts that it has more than 1,800 daily choices to take home. This is a huge store dedicated to takeout, with everything from bread and wine to main dishes and desserts.

Located in an industrial area that is fast becoming a shopping and dining destination, Mondo Baking, 750 Huff Rd. NW (tel. 404/603-9995), may be off the beaten path, but it's worth the trip for its inventive sandwich combinations and delectable homemade pastries. It even makes a kid-pleasing peanut butter and jelly.