Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia's edgy and sophisticated space in a meatpacking plant on the outskirts of an industrial area takes first-time diners aback, but just for a second. The airy space hits just the right note -- plus the food is better than ever.

Owner/chefs Anne Quatrano and Cliff Harrison, who consistently win reams of accolades, place an emphasis on using locally produced natural and organic ingredients whenever possible, from farmstead cheeses to heirloom tomatoes to Georgia blackberries, much of which is grown on their own Summerland Farm. Everything is absolutely the freshest, and perfectly prepared. The blue-crab fritter appetizer with avocado, citrus, and Thai-pepper essence is a signature dish -- a plump, sweet, all-lump crab cake that is not to be missed. A longtime dessert favorite is the warm Valrhona chocolate cake, oozing a puddle of rich chocolate from its gooey middle and served with vanilla-bean ice cream. The American wine list is overflowing with excellent choices, and there's a full bar, too. Service is smooth and professional, but it's also warm, inviting, and remarkably free of attitude.

This is one of the best restaurants in town, and reservations are difficult to come by, especially on weekends. When planning a trip to Atlanta, a call to book a table here should be at the top of your list (reservations are taken up to a month in advance). On the same premises, you'll find Quinones, a lavish, prix-fixe, multicourse restaurant that stresses the use of southern ingredients to create a menu that changes regularly. Dinner is served only on Saturdays, beginning at 6pm. Be sure to save time to browse Star Provisions, the upscale market also on-site. Stocked with excellent meats, seafood, cheeses, wine, pastries, tableware, cookbooks, and other cooking accessories, it's worth a separate trip. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 10pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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