RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Haven

$$$$$ | American

In an ambience thick and tightly packed room the trendiest diners in Atlanta share American cuisine with local Georgian ingredients. An open kitchen adds to the lively setting which bills itself rather perfectly as an 'upscale urban eatery' although a local neighbourhood feel also persists. Reservations should be made for daily lunch and dinner.

Address: 1441 Dresden Drive, Suite 100; Telephone: 404 969 0700

Ann's Snack Bar

$$$$$ | American

Burger aficionados will literally have their hands full on Ann's famous Ghetto Burger, a monstrous pile of ingredients consistently chosen as the best burger in all of America. Ann herself still churns out delicious fast food treats to locals and the lucky few out-of-towners who catch wind of her fryer. Its all made to go as the small establishment can't fit more than a few patrons at a time. Monday through Saturday 11am to 9pm.

Address: 1615 Memorial Dr; Telephone: 404 687 9207

Mary Mac's

$$$$$ | American

It is a classic not to be missed institution of southern dining and a litany of celebrity patrons and their pictures on the wall would attest to it. Hearty southern meals like fried chicken and barbecue are big pieces of evidence that cooking doesn't need to be fancy to be downright delicious. Open seven days a week 11am to 9pm.

Address: 224 Ponce de Leon Ave; E-mail: events@marymacs.com; Telephone: 404 876 1800

Bone�s

$$$$$ | American

Bone's is Atlanta's most famous steakhouse; a key lunch venue for important people, from presidents to businessmen and celebrities, with a masculine, club setting. Bone's serves the best prime-aged Iowa beef, prepared exactly as ordered. The lamb chops are another delicious option, as is the Maine lobster. Decadent desserts include Mountain-high Pie (layers of chocolate chip, rum raisin and vanilla ice cream). The wine gallery has hundreds of excellent wines, specialising in French and Californian bottles. Lighter entrees are on the menu for lunch and Bone's is open daily for lunch (except Saturday) and dinner.

Address: 3130 Piedmont Road; Telephone: (404) 237 2663

Sotto Sotto

$$$$$ | Italian

At Sotto Sotto ('hush hush' in Italian), the noise is incredible; this is the place of the moment and an energetic crowd all seem happy to shout at one another over their seafood risotto. The wood-roasted fish is Sotto Sotto's specialty, and the rich chocolate soup, with dark Belgian chocolate, hazelnut whipped cream and sugar croutons is delectable. The bartender makes an excellent martini and the all-Italian wine list is extensive. Sotto Sotto is open all week from 5.30pm till late.

Address: 313 North Highland Ave; Telephone: (404) 523 6678

Murphy's

$$$$$ | American

Murphy's was a wine-and-cheese shop and evolved into a restaurant and bakery with a cozy atmosphere; one of the most popular venues in Atlanta for brunch. The bakery/wine shop has display cases overflowing with pastries, crusty fresh-baked breads and luscious desserts. For dinner, Murphy's offers a variety of entrees, including sautéed rainbow trout with sweet-potato hash; there's also a good selection of pastas, salads, waffles and pancakes. Murphy's is open all week till late.

Address: 997 Virginia Ave; Telephone: (404) 872 0904

The Dining Room

$$$$$ | French

From service to cuisine, it doesn't get much better than the Dining Room; they exceed all expectations with the French, Spanish and North African influences evident in their menu. A perfect cheese service is available, as well as a splendid variety of desserts and luxurious chocolate treats; among the specialties is a Cuban chocolate tart. Jackets are required for men and the Dining Room is open all but Sunday evenings.

Address: 3434 Peachtree Road; Telephone: (404) 237 2700

Nava	$$$$$ | Local

Nava's earth-toned interior is gorgeous and home to truly inventive Southwestern cuisine. Enchiladas and tostadas are stuffed with such delicacies as rock shrimp and jalapeño honey mustard, or mussels dry-roasted in a hot iron skillet and served in spicy chipotle broth. For dessert, try the roasted-banana enchilada, with warm caramel sauce. Enjoy Nava's extensive wine list and a large selection of tequilas, beers and margaritas; the prickly-pear margarita is a must. Nava is open all week but only in the evenings on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 3060 Peachtree Road; Telephone: (404) 240 1984

Veni Vidi Vici

$$$$$ | Italian

This elegant theatre-district restaurant has an intimate atmosphere and a bustling exhibition kitchen. Specialties include piatti piccoli (small plates) such as skewers of shrimp or prosciutto and pear, traditionally served with cocktails and fresh handmade pastas. The house specialty is linguine with Little Neck clams in a white or spicy red sauce. The carefully selected wine list is almost entirely Italian. Veni Vidi Vici is open daily till late.

Address: 41 14th Street; Telephone: (404) 875 8424

Floataway Caf�

$$$$$ | French

Hidden on a secluded industrial street, in a renovated warehouse, the Floataway Café opened in 1998. The menu changes daily, with fresh and local organic produce and unusual ingredients being the order of the day. Enjoy succulent wood-grilled or roasted meats and seafood or homemade pastas; grilled steak with pommes frites and red-wine shallot butter is a house speciality. The wine list is quite international and complements the food beautifully. Floataway Café is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 6pm to 10pm.

Address: Suite 15, 1123 Zonolite Road; Telephone: (404) 892 1414