Loading...
 
 

Best Of Atlanta 2010 Oral Pleasures Large


Oral Pleasures

We've lost our minds. We've started from scratch. We've unshackled ourselves from our traditional Best of Atlanta. We do what we want!

This year, rather than trot out the same old favorites, we took a different approach. Our food and drink team asked, "What about this year made us excited, proud, hungry?"

We also changed our direction when it came to the huge decision of who would win Best Overall Restaurant. In years past, the honor has been bestowed on the restaurant with the highest ratings, the most formal service, and the most refined food. This year, all that was thrown out the window. Instead, we opted for the place we most want to eat. Crazy, huh?

Now, if you still need a recommendation for a Thai restaurant or a breakfast spot, our Readers Picks have you covered. Every year, your taste gets better and better, dear readers, and this year you've outdone yourselves.

But the critics have gone rogue. Forget filet mignon and crème brûlée, we're touting confit duck heads and sea salt popsicles.

— Besha Rodell

Best dining deal BOA Award Winner

BLT Steak (Permanently Closed)

Best evolution of farm-to-table dining BOA Award Winner

Home Grown
For years, organics, slow food and locavorism have been struggling with their identity as a movement confined to high-end restaurants and high-priced marketplaces. But this summer, HOME GROWN opened, proving that fresh, local produce can be translated to affordable, neighborhood dining. Classic Southernmore...
For years, organics, slow food and locavorism have been struggling with their identity as a movement confined to high-end restaurants and high-priced marketplaces. But this summer, HOME GROWN opened, proving that fresh, local produce can be translated to affordable, neighborhood dining. Classic Southern dishes, fluffy biscuits, and the creamiest local creamed corn around make dining here special, as does the diverse clientele, which reflects the families, workers, hippies and hipsters of this changing neighborhood. 968 Memorial Drive. 404-222-0455. www.homegrownga.com. less...

Best food event BOA Award Winner

Atlanta's Urban Picnic
The cry to "legalize Atlanta street food!" spread across the interwebs this year with surprising enthusiasm. The folks behind the Atlanta Street Food Coalition took this directive to heart and created ATLANTA'S URBAN PICNIC, one of the coolest events our city has seen in years. Restaurants and new vendorsmore...
The cry to "legalize Atlanta street food!" spread across the interwebs this year with surprising enthusiasm. The folks behind the Atlanta Street Food Coalition took this directive to heart and created ATLANTA'S URBAN PICNIC, one of the coolest events our city has seen in years. Restaurants and new vendors jumped up to support the cause and feed our hunger for something new. Mobile wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burritos and more littered the sidewalks of the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market on select Fridays to provide "safe, affordable, and legal access to street food in Atlanta." Even better, the effort seems to have paid off, with Atlanta's first food truck getting its license in August. 404-585-1496. www.atlantastreetfood.com. less...

Best Mexican fusion BOA Award Winner

Holy Taco

Best po'boy BOA Award Winner

Star Provisions (Permanently Closed)

Best popsicles BOA Award Winner

When former insurance company analyst Steven Carse, better known on the streets as the KING OF POPS, first showed up on the corner of North and North Highland avenues, foodies instantly regressed. The popsicle peddler inspired childish sweet summertime lust with a variety of homemade exotic flavors,more...
When former insurance company analyst Steven Carse, better known on the streets as the KING OF POPS, first showed up on the corner of North and North Highland avenues, foodies instantly regressed. The popsicle peddler inspired childish sweet summertime lust with a variety of homemade exotic flavors, including grapefruit mint, chocolate sea salt, tangerine basil and more. The King has officially made Atlanta's summer that much cooler. www.kingofpops.net less...

Best restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner BOA Award Winner

Empire State South (Featured)

Best bar snacks BOA Award Winner

the Sound Table (Permanently Closed)

Best ice cream sandwich BOA Award Winner

Miller Union (Featured)
When the restaurant opened for lunch earlier this year, MILLER UNION gave us more to celebrate than just a classy Westside midday option. For dessert at lunch, a changing array of ice cream sandwiches showed up, each with a delicate chocolate cookie exterior and creamy ice cream interior. Favorites?more...
When the restaurant opened for lunch earlier this year, MILLER UNION gave us more to celebrate than just a classy Westside midday option. For dessert at lunch, a changing array of ice cream sandwiches showed up, each with a delicate chocolate cookie exterior and creamy ice cream interior. Favorites? Almond joy. Mexican chocolate. Earl grey. Unwrapping each one from its wax paper wrapper is like unwrapping a piece of childhood. 999 Brady Ave. 678-733-8550. www.millerunion.com. less...

Best overall restaurant BOA Award Winner

Holeman and Finch (Featured)
It may not be the fanciest restaurant in Atlanta, or the one with the most formal service, or even the one with the highest star rating. But none of that matters. What matters is this is the place where we all want to eat. If a friend comes in from out of town, if a special occasion calls for a specialmore...
It may not be the fanciest restaurant in Atlanta, or the one with the most formal service, or even the one with the highest star rating. But none of that matters. What matters is this is the place where we all want to eat. If a friend comes in from out of town, if a special occasion calls for a special place, if we had the opportunity to shout ATL pride from the rooftops for one restaurant only, it would be HOLEMAN & FINCH. It's the restaurant our New York friends are jealous of. It's a place you can get a mind-blowing cocktail alongside a perfect small round of the most classic, wonderful steak tartare topped with a flurry of the thinnest potato crisps imaginable. All manner of "parts" are available, from creamy, dreamy lamb brains to rabbit livers topped with pickled blueberries, to whole confit duck heads. But if extreme eating isn't your sport, the comfort and simplicity of house-made pasta carbonara with a fat farm egg yolk to stir in, or a perfectly cooked piece of trout can excite, too. Either way, we're smitten. 2277 Peachtree Road. 404-948-1175. www.holeman-finch.com. less...

Best shaved ice BOA Award Winner

SunO Dessert (Permanently Closed)
This ain't your daddy's snow cone. Towering mounds of finely shaved ice milk melt on your tongue at SUNO DESSERT. Suno makes the health claim that it's relatively good for you, especially if you choose the chunks of fresh fruit as a topping. But where's the fun in that? Slut it up with some chocolatemore...
This ain't your daddy's snow cone. Towering mounds of finely shaved ice milk melt on your tongue at SUNO DESSERT. Suno makes the health claim that it's relatively good for you, especially if you choose the chunks of fresh fruit as a topping. But where's the fun in that? Slut it up with some chocolate sauce, crushed candy bars, condensed milk, and whole Oreo cookies. 2570 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. 770-710-0084; and other metro Atlanta locations. www.suno-dessert.com. less...

Best torta BOA Award Winner

Taqueria La Oaxaquena
The Milanese torta at TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA is the kind of sandwich that, once you've had it, trumps all other meat and bread combinations. A massive piece of breaded fried steak is packed into a supple, sweetish bun with velvety avocado, melted white Mexican cheese and heady chipotle. Meat lovers willmore...
The Milanese torta at TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA is the kind of sandwich that, once you've had it, trumps all other meat and bread combinations. A massive piece of breaded fried steak is packed into a supple, sweetish bun with velvety avocado, melted white Mexican cheese and heady chipotle. Meat lovers will rejoice. Vegetarians will be tempted. 605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro. 770-960-3010. www.taquerialaoaxaquena.com. less...

Best Chinese noodles BOA Award Winner

Ming's Bar B Q

Best overall restaurant BOA Award Winner

Holeman & Finch

Best tuna sandwich BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery and Market - Dunwoody (Featured)

Best dumplings BOA Award Winner

Chef Liu (Permanently Closed)

Best ice cream flavor BOA Award Winner

Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Featured)

Best Mixologist BOA Award Winner

Star Provisions (Permanently Closed)

Best new restaurant and best pizza BOA Award Winner

Antico Pizza Napoletana (Featured)
Which restaurant has changed the face of Atlanta dining the most since opening in the past year? The restaurant that finally brought us world-class pizza. ANTICO PIZZA NAPOLETANA had more of an impact on the deliciousness of our city than all the New Southern, farm-to-table places combined. There's nomore...
Which restaurant has changed the face of Atlanta dining the most since opening in the past year? The restaurant that finally brought us world-class pizza. ANTICO PIZZA NAPOLETANA had more of an impact on the deliciousness of our city than all the New Southern, farm-to-table places combined. There's no one thing that explains why Antico is so great, but there are plenty of things worth mentioning: the ovens and flour and tomatoes and workers imported from Italy; the blaring opera music; the convivial seating arrangements, where you might have to eat beside strangers at a metal table in the kitchen. But oh, when those pizzas arrive with their hot, crusty, thin, perfectly balanced crusts, and their tangy, sweet tomato sauce, that's when Antico becomes akin to a religious experience. It's the church of pizza. Consider us converted. 1093 Hemphill Ave. 404-724-2333. www.anticopizza.it. less...

Best tuna sandwich BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery & Market (Featured)

Best falafel BOA Award Winner

Jerusalem Bakery & Grill (Where to Eat Recommendation)
There are a lot of balls out there, but most don't deserve a place in your mouth. The crunchy golden balls of fried chickpea and parsley at JERUSALEM BAKERY ALPHARETTA, however, are definitely worthy. Pita bread filled with pickled veggies, shaved onions and spicy sauce tangle with the falafel in a tightmore...
There are a lot of balls out there, but most don't deserve a place in your mouth. The crunchy golden balls of fried chickpea and parsley at JERUSALEM BAKERY ALPHARETTA, however, are definitely worthy. Pita bread filled with pickled veggies, shaved onions and spicy sauce tangle with the falafel in a tight burrito-style roll that explodes with classic Middle Eastern flavors. 4150 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-777-0193. www.jerusalem-bakery.com. less...

Best neighborhood for ethnic eating BOA Award Winner

Duluth

Best ramen BOA Award Winner

Yakitori Jinbei
Ramen lust has exploded all over Atlanta in the past couple of years. However, no ramen-ya exhibits such a level of quality as YAKITORI JINBEI. Sadly, owner Takashi Osawa passed away more than a year ago, but his legacy lives on in the deeply complex tonkotsu (pork bone) broth that is slow-cooked formore...
Ramen lust has exploded all over Atlanta in the past couple of years. However, no ramen-ya exhibits such a level of quality as YAKITORI JINBEI. Sadly, owner Takashi Osawa passed away more than a year ago, but his legacy lives on in the deeply complex tonkotsu (pork bone) broth that is slow-cooked for hours until the collagen renders the broth creamy and silky smooth. The superior broth acts as a vehicle for succulent slices of rolled-up pork, chewy bamboo shoots, seaweed, chopped green onion, springy noodles and crunchy white and black sesame seeds. 2421 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna. 770-818-9215. www.yakitorirestaurant.com. less...

Best restaurant decor BOA Award Winner

Sauced (Permanently Closed)

Best tofu BOA Award Winner

Bishoku
BISHOKU is the brainchild of Jackie Fukuya-Merkel, the daughter of the former owners of the venerable Sushi Huku in Sandy Springs. Merkel's endeavor is a feminine Japanese restaurant with a long list of handwritten specials that push the teriyaki envelope. Bishoku has started making its own tofu infusedmore...
BISHOKU is the brainchild of Jackie Fukuya-Merkel, the daughter of the former owners of the venerable Sushi Huku in Sandy Springs. Merkel's endeavor is a feminine Japanese restaurant with a long list of handwritten specials that push the teriyaki envelope. Bishoku has started making its own tofu infused with classic ingredients, such as edamame. No tofu dish is more beautiful than her homemade egg tofu topped with an unctuous sliver of uni and served with a tiny spoon. 5920 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-252-7998. www.bishokusushi.com. less...

Best burger BOA Award Winner

Bocado (Permanently Closed)

Best new restaurant and best pizza BOA Award Winner

Antico Pizza Napoletana (Featured)
Which restaurant has changed the face of Atlanta dining the most since opening in the past year? The restaurant that finally brought us world-class pizza. ANTICO PIZZA NAPOLETANA had more of an impact on the deliciousness of our city than all the New Southern, farm-to-table places combined. There's nomore...
Which restaurant has changed the face of Atlanta dining the most since opening in the past year? The restaurant that finally brought us world-class pizza. ANTICO PIZZA NAPOLETANA had more of an impact on the deliciousness of our city than all the New Southern, farm-to-table places combined. There's no one thing that explains why Antico is so great, but there are plenty of things worth mentioning: the ovens and flour and tomatoes and workers imported from Italy; the blaring opera music; the convivial seating arrangements, where you might have to eat beside strangers at a metal table in the kitchen. But oh, when those pizzas arrive with their hot, crusty, thin, perfectly balanced crusts, and their tangy, sweet tomato sauce, that's when Antico becomes akin to a religious experience. It's the church of pizza. Consider us converted. 1093 Hemphill Ave. 404-724-2333. www.anticopizza.it. less...

Best banh mi BOA Award Winner

Quoc Huong Banh Mi Fast Food
QUOC HUONG BANH MI FAST FOOD's banh mi will make you swear off all other "fast food" for good. A crusty Vietnamese-style baguette rains crumbs onto your shirt and oozes mayo and soft butter. Sweet slices of barbecue pork meet its perfect foil: fresh cilantro, pickled shreds of carrot and daikon. It'smore...
QUOC HUONG BANH MI FAST FOOD's banh mi will make you swear off all other "fast food" for good. A crusty Vietnamese-style baguette rains crumbs onto your shirt and oozes mayo and soft butter. Sweet slices of barbecue pork meet its perfect foil: fresh cilantro, pickled shreds of carrot and daikon. It's the ultimate version of an East-meets-West mashup. 5150 Buford Highway, Doraville. 770-936-0605. less...

Best doughnut BOA Award Winner

Sublime Doughnuts (Featured)
Kamal Grant's doughnut shop, SUBLIME DOUGHNUTS, is big on flavor and personality. Grant, the sweet-talking Pharrell Williams look-alike, charmed his way into our doughnut-loving hearts with his sugary creations. Toppings exceed the standards set by other bakers. Look for flavors such as dulce de leche,more...
Kamal Grant's doughnut shop, SUBLIME DOUGHNUTS, is big on flavor and personality. Grant, the sweet-talking Pharrell Williams look-alike, charmed his way into our doughnut-loving hearts with his sugary creations. Toppings exceed the standards set by other bakers. Look for flavors such as dulce de leche, the A-town cream (an A-shaped glazed doughnut filled with vanilla cream and coated with chocolate), and the orange dream star (a glazed doughnut topped with an orange-infused frosting). 535 10th St. 404-897-1801. www.sublimedoughnuts.com. less...

Best service BOA Award Winner

Miller Union (Featured)

Best vegetarian splurge BOA Award Winner

Woodfire Grill (Permanently Closed)

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Craft Atlanta (Permanently Closed)

Best cheap eats BOA Award Winner

Lunacy Black Market (Permanently Closed)

Best dessert trend BOA Award Winner

Fried pies

Best chef BOA Award Winner

Woodfire Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Kevin Rathbun


www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Bhojanic Restaurant (Featured)

Runners-up:


Cafe Bombay


1622 Woodcliff Drive, 404-320-0229, www.cafebombayatlanta.com


AND


Zyka


1677 Scott Blvd., Decatur, 404-728-4444, www.zyka.com

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Mediterranean Grill

Runners-up:


Ali Baba's


60 Broad St., 404-681-3997; 1099 Euclid Ave., 404-223-1445. www.alibabaatlanta.com.


AND


Mezza


2751 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-633-8833. www.mezzabistro.com.

Best pizza BOA Award Winner

Antico Pizza Napoletana (Featured)

Runner-up: Fellini's Pizza


909 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-873-3088, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.fellinisatlanta.com

Best restaurant to bring the kids BOA Award Winner

Osteria 832 Pasta & Pizza (Featured)

Runner-up: Figo Pasta


1210 Howell Mill Road, 404-586-9250, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.figopasta.com.

Best restaurant trend BOA Award Winner

Locavorism
Runner-up: Burgers

Best sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up: Star Provisions


1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

Best soul food BOA Award Winner

Willingham's Kitchen (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Mary Mac's Tea Room


224 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com

Best tacos BOA Award Winner

Taqueria Del Sol (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Holy Taco


1314 Glenwood Ave., 404-230-6177, www.holy-taco.com

Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Spoon EastSide Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Little Bangkok


2225 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-315-1530, www.littlebangkokatlanta.com

Best veggie meal at a non-vegetarian restaurant BOA Award Winner

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill (Featured)

Runners-up:


Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com


AND


Houston's


2166 Peachtree Road, 404-351-2442, www.hillstone.com

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Com Dunwoody Vietnamese Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: So Ba


560 Gresham Ave., 404-627-9911, www.soba-eav.com

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Murphy's Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Krog Bar


112 Krog St., 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Murphy's Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Krog Bar


112 Krog St., 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com

Best bar food BOA Award Winner

The Earl (Featured)

Runner-up: The Porter


1156 Euclid Ave., 404-223-0309, www.theporterbeerbar.com

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Buckhead

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Ria's Bluebird


421 Memorial Drive, 404-521-3737, www.riasbluebird.com

Best brew pub BOA Award Winner

5 Seasons Brewing Company - North (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Twain's Billiards & Tap


211 E. Trinity Place, 404-373-0063, www.twains.net

Best Cajun BOA Award Winner

The Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe at PARISH (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Henry's Louisiana Grill


4835 N. Main St., Acworth, 770-966-1515, www.chefhenrys.com

Best Cuban BOA Award Winner

Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill (Featured)

Runner-up: Havana Restaurant


3979 Buford Highway, Suite 108, 404-633-7549, www.havanarestaurantatlanta.com

Best farm to table restaurant BOA Award Winner

Farm Burger (5 ATL Locations)

Runner-up: Miller Union


999 Brady Ave., 678-733-8550, www.millerunion.com

Best food festival or event BOA Award Winner

Taste of Atlanta

www.tasteofatlanta.com


Runner-up: Chomp and Stomp


www.chompandstomp.com

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Hae Woon Dae BBQ

Runner-up: Honey Pig


3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-476-9292, www.honeypigatl.com

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Nuevo Laredo Cantina (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runners-up:


Mi Barrio


571 Memorial Drive, 404-223-9279


AND


Taqueria del Sol


2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-321-1118, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best restaurant when someone else is paying BOA Award Winner

Bacchanalia (Featured)

Runner-up: Kevin Rathbun Steak


154 Krog St., 404-524-5600, www.kevinrathbunsteak.com

Best seafood BOA Award Winner

Six Feet Under - Grant Park

Runner-up: Atlanta Fish Market


265 Pharr Road, 404-262-3165, www.buckheadrestaurants.com/atlantafishmarket

Best tapas BOA Award Winner

Pura Vida (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Eclipse di Luna


764 Miami Circle, 404-846-0449; 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, 678-205-5862. www.eclipsediluna.com.

Best vegetarian BOA Award Winner

Cafe Sunflower Buckhead (Featured)

Runner-up: Dynamic Dish


427 Edgewood Ave., 404-688-4344, www.dynamicdish.net

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Com Dunwoody Vietnamese Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: So Ba


560 Gresham Ave., 404-627-9911, www.soba-eav.com

Best desserts BOA Award Winner

Cafe Intermezzo (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Piece of Cake


307-A E. College Ave., Decatur, 404-378-8585, www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Howell Mill Village

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Roswell

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Sandy Springs

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Candler Park

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best bakery BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up: Highland Bakery


655 Highland Ave., 404-586-0772, www.highlandbakery.com

Best burger BOA Award Winner

The Vortex - Little Five Points

Runner-up: Farm Burger


410-B W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-378-5077, www.farmburger.net

Best cheap eats BOA Award Winner

Eats (Featured)

Runner-up: Taqueria del Sol


2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-321-1118, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com.

Best dim sum BOA Award Winner

Canton House Chinese Restaurant

Runner-up: Hong Kong Harbour


2184 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-325-7630, www.hongkongharbouratl.com

Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runner-up: Queen of Sheba


1594 Woodcliff Drive, 404-321-1493, www.qsheba.com

Best frozen yogurt BOA Award Winner

Yoforia (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: The Yogurt Tap


419 Church St., Decatur, 404-373-6090, www.theyogurttap.com

Best hamburger BOA Award Winner

The Vortex - Little Five Points

Runner-up: Farm Burger


4108 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-5077, www.farmburger.net

Best ice cream BOA Award Winner

Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Featured)

Runner-up: Bruster's Real Ice Cream


2550 Lawrenceville Highway, 770-496-0700, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.brusters.com

Best-looking waitstaff BOA Award Winner

The Tavern At Phipps (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Flip Burger Boutique


1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-352-3547, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Southwestern BOA Award Winner

Nava (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Taqueria del Sol


2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-321-1118, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best under the radar restaurant BOA Award Winner

Graveyard Tavern (Permanently Closed)

Runners-up:


Cafe Lily


308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-371-9119, www.cafelily.com


AND


Capozzi's


1355 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 404-471-1655, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.capozzisdecatur.com

Best veggie burgers BOA Award Winner

Grindhouse Killer Burgers - Piedmont

Runner-up: The Vortex Bar and Grill


438 Moreland Ave., 404-688-1828; 878 Peachtree St., 404-875-1667. www.thevortexbarandgrill.com

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Murphy's Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Krog Bar


112 Krog St., 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com

Best bakery BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery and Market - Dunwoody (Featured)

Runner-up: Highland Bakery


655 Highland Ave., 404-586-0772, www.highlandbakery.com

  • «
  • 1 (current)
  • 2

Best chef BOA Award Winner

Woodfire Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Kevin Rathbun


www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Best dining deal BOA Award Winner

BLT Steak (Permanently Closed)

Best evolution of farm-to-table dining BOA Award Winner

Home Grown
For years, organics, slow food and locavorism have been struggling with their identity as a movement confined to high-end restaurants and high-priced marketplaces. But this summer, HOME GROWN opened, proving that fresh, local produce can be translated to affordable, neighborhood dining. Classic Southernmore...
For years, organics, slow food and locavorism have been struggling with their identity as a movement confined to high-end restaurants and high-priced marketplaces. But this summer, HOME GROWN opened, proving that fresh, local produce can be translated to affordable, neighborhood dining. Classic Southern dishes, fluffy biscuits, and the creamiest local creamed corn around make dining here special, as does the diverse clientele, which reflects the families, workers, hippies and hipsters of this changing neighborhood. 968 Memorial Drive. 404-222-0455. www.homegrownga.com. less...

Best food event BOA Award Winner

Atlanta's Urban Picnic
The cry to "legalize Atlanta street food!" spread across the interwebs this year with surprising enthusiasm. The folks behind the Atlanta Street Food Coalition took this directive to heart and created ATLANTA'S URBAN PICNIC, one of the coolest events our city has seen in years. Restaurants and new vendorsmore...
The cry to "legalize Atlanta street food!" spread across the interwebs this year with surprising enthusiasm. The folks behind the Atlanta Street Food Coalition took this directive to heart and created ATLANTA'S URBAN PICNIC, one of the coolest events our city has seen in years. Restaurants and new vendors jumped up to support the cause and feed our hunger for something new. Mobile wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burritos and more littered the sidewalks of the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market on select Fridays to provide "safe, affordable, and legal access to street food in Atlanta." Even better, the effort seems to have paid off, with Atlanta's first food truck getting its license in August. 404-585-1496. www.atlantastreetfood.com. less...

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Bhojanic Restaurant (Featured)

Runners-up:


Cafe Bombay


1622 Woodcliff Drive, 404-320-0229, www.cafebombayatlanta.com


AND


Zyka


1677 Scott Blvd., Decatur, 404-728-4444, www.zyka.com

Best Mexican fusion BOA Award Winner

Holy Taco

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Mediterranean Grill

Runners-up:


Ali Baba's


60 Broad St., 404-681-3997; 1099 Euclid Ave., 404-223-1445. www.alibabaatlanta.com.


AND


Mezza


2751 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-633-8833. www.mezzabistro.com.

Best pizza BOA Award Winner

Antico Pizza Napoletana (Featured)

Runner-up: Fellini's Pizza


909 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-873-3088, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.fellinisatlanta.com

Best po'boy BOA Award Winner

Star Provisions (Permanently Closed)

Best popsicles BOA Award Winner

When former insurance company analyst Steven Carse, better known on the streets as the KING OF POPS, first showed up on the corner of North and North Highland avenues, foodies instantly regressed. The popsicle peddler inspired childish sweet summertime lust with a variety of homemade exotic flavors,more...
When former insurance company analyst Steven Carse, better known on the streets as the KING OF POPS, first showed up on the corner of North and North Highland avenues, foodies instantly regressed. The popsicle peddler inspired childish sweet summertime lust with a variety of homemade exotic flavors, including grapefruit mint, chocolate sea salt, tangerine basil and more. The King has officially made Atlanta's summer that much cooler. www.kingofpops.net less...

Best restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner BOA Award Winner

Empire State South (Featured)

Best restaurant to bring the kids BOA Award Winner

Osteria 832 Pasta & Pizza (Featured)

Runner-up: Figo Pasta


1210 Howell Mill Road, 404-586-9250, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.figopasta.com.

Best restaurant trend BOA Award Winner

Locavorism
Runner-up: Burgers

Best sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery & Market (Featured)

Runner-up: Star Provisions


1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

Best soul food BOA Award Winner

Willingham's Kitchen (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Mary Mac's Tea Room


224 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com

Best tacos BOA Award Winner

Taqueria Del Sol (Featured)

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Holy Taco


1314 Glenwood Ave., 404-230-6177, www.holy-taco.com

Best Thai BOA Award Winner

Spoon EastSide Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Little Bangkok


2225 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-315-1530, www.littlebangkokatlanta.com

Best veggie meal at a non-vegetarian restaurant BOA Award Winner

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill (Featured)

Runners-up:


Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com


AND


Houston's


2166 Peachtree Road, 404-351-2442, www.hillstone.com

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Com Dunwoody Vietnamese Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: So Ba


560 Gresham Ave., 404-627-9911, www.soba-eav.com

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Murphy's Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Krog Bar


112 Krog St., 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best wine list BOA Award Winner

Murphy's Restaurant (Featured)

Runner-up: Krog Bar


112 Krog St., 404-524-1618, www.krogbar.com

Best bar food BOA Award Winner

The Earl (Featured)

Runner-up: The Porter


1156 Euclid Ave., 404-223-0309, www.theporterbeerbar.com

Best bar snacks BOA Award Winner

the Sound Table (Permanently Closed)

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Buckhead

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Ria's Bluebird


421 Memorial Drive, 404-521-3737, www.riasbluebird.com

Best brew pub BOA Award Winner

5 Seasons Brewing Company - North (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Twain's Billiards & Tap


211 E. Trinity Place, 404-373-0063, www.twains.net

Best Cajun BOA Award Winner

The Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe at PARISH (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Henry's Louisiana Grill


4835 N. Main St., Acworth, 770-966-1515, www.chefhenrys.com

Best Cuban BOA Award Winner

Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill (Featured)

Runner-up: Havana Restaurant


3979 Buford Highway, Suite 108, 404-633-7549, www.havanarestaurantatlanta.com

Best farm to table restaurant BOA Award Winner

Farm Burger (5 ATL Locations)

Runner-up: Miller Union


999 Brady Ave., 678-733-8550, www.millerunion.com

Best food festival or event BOA Award Winner

Taste of Atlanta

www.tasteofatlanta.com


Runner-up: Chomp and Stomp


www.chompandstomp.com

Best ice cream sandwich BOA Award Winner

Miller Union (Featured)
When the restaurant opened for lunch earlier this year, MILLER UNION gave us more to celebrate than just a classy Westside midday option. For dessert at lunch, a changing array of ice cream sandwiches showed up, each with a delicate chocolate cookie exterior and creamy ice cream interior. Favorites?more...
When the restaurant opened for lunch earlier this year, MILLER UNION gave us more to celebrate than just a classy Westside midday option. For dessert at lunch, a changing array of ice cream sandwiches showed up, each with a delicate chocolate cookie exterior and creamy ice cream interior. Favorites? Almond joy. Mexican chocolate. Earl grey. Unwrapping each one from its wax paper wrapper is like unwrapping a piece of childhood. 999 Brady Ave. 678-733-8550. www.millerunion.com. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Hae Woon Dae BBQ

Runner-up: Honey Pig


3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-476-9292, www.honeypigatl.com

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Nuevo Laredo Cantina (Where to Eat Recommendation)

Runners-up:


Mi Barrio


571 Memorial Drive, 404-223-9279


AND


Taqueria del Sol


2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-321-1118, and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best overall restaurant BOA Award Winner

Holeman and Finch (Featured)
It may not be the fanciest restaurant in Atlanta, or the one with the most formal service, or even the one with the highest star rating. But none of that matters. What matters is this is the place where we all want to eat. If a friend comes in from out of town, if a special occasion calls for a specialmore...
It may not be the fanciest restaurant in Atlanta, or the one with the most formal service, or even the one with the highest star rating. But none of that matters. What matters is this is the place where we all want to eat. If a friend comes in from out of town, if a special occasion calls for a special place, if we had the opportunity to shout ATL pride from the rooftops for one restaurant only, it would be HOLEMAN & FINCH. It's the restaurant our New York friends are jealous of. It's a place you can get a mind-blowing cocktail alongside a perfect small round of the most classic, wonderful steak tartare topped with a flurry of the thinnest potato crisps imaginable. All manner of "parts" are available, from creamy, dreamy lamb brains to rabbit livers topped with pickled blueberries, to whole confit duck heads. But if extreme eating isn't your sport, the comfort and simplicity of house-made pasta carbonara with a fat farm egg yolk to stir in, or a perfectly cooked piece of trout can excite, too. Either way, we're smitten. 2277 Peachtree Road. 404-948-1175. www.holeman-finch.com. less...

Best restaurant when someone else is paying BOA Award Winner

Bacchanalia (Featured)

Runner-up: Kevin Rathbun Steak


154 Krog St., 404-524-5600, www.kevinrathbunsteak.com

Best seafood BOA Award Winner

Six Feet Under - Grant Park

Runner-up: Atlanta Fish Market


265 Pharr Road, 404-262-3165, www.buckheadrestaurants.com/atlantafishmarket

Best shaved ice BOA Award Winner

SunO Dessert (Permanently Closed)
This ain't your daddy's snow cone. Towering mounds of finely shaved ice milk melt on your tongue at SUNO DESSERT. Suno makes the health claim that it's relatively good for you, especially if you choose the chunks of fresh fruit as a topping. But where's the fun in that? Slut it up with some chocolatemore...
This ain't your daddy's snow cone. Towering mounds of finely shaved ice milk melt on your tongue at SUNO DESSERT. Suno makes the health claim that it's relatively good for you, especially if you choose the chunks of fresh fruit as a topping. But where's the fun in that? Slut it up with some chocolate sauce, crushed candy bars, condensed milk, and whole Oreo cookies. 2570 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. 770-710-0084; and other metro Atlanta locations. www.suno-dessert.com. less...

Best tapas BOA Award Winner

Pura Vida (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Eclipse di Luna


764 Miami Circle, 404-846-0449; 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, 678-205-5862. www.eclipsediluna.com.

Best torta BOA Award Winner

Taqueria La Oaxaquena
The Milanese torta at TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA is the kind of sandwich that, once you've had it, trumps all other meat and bread combinations. A massive piece of breaded fried steak is packed into a supple, sweetish bun with velvety avocado, melted white Mexican cheese and heady chipotle. Meat lovers willmore...
The Milanese torta at TAQUERIA LA OAXAQUENA is the kind of sandwich that, once you've had it, trumps all other meat and bread combinations. A massive piece of breaded fried steak is packed into a supple, sweetish bun with velvety avocado, melted white Mexican cheese and heady chipotle. Meat lovers will rejoice. Vegetarians will be tempted. 605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro. 770-960-3010. www.taquerialaoaxaquena.com. less...

Best vegetarian BOA Award Winner

Cafe Sunflower Buckhead (Featured)

Runner-up: Dynamic Dish


427 Edgewood Ave., 404-688-4344, www.dynamicdish.net

Best waitstaff BOA Award Winner

Capozzi's New York Pizza

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up: Leon's Full Service


131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Chinese noodles BOA Award Winner

Ming's Bar B Q

Best Vietnamese BOA Award Winner

Com Dunwoody Vietnamese Grill (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: So Ba


560 Gresham Ave., 404-627-9911, www.soba-eav.com

Best overall restaurant BOA Award Winner

Holeman & Finch

Best tuna sandwich BOA Award Winner

Alon's Bakery and Market - Dunwoody (Featured)

Best desserts BOA Award Winner

Cafe Intermezzo (Permanently Closed)

Runner-up: Piece of Cake


307-A E. College Ave., Decatur, 404-378-8585, www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Howell Mill Village

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Roswell

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best breakfast BOA Award Winner

Flying Biscuit Cafe - Sandy Springs

And other metro Atlanta locations.

Runner-up
Thumbs Up Diner
573 Edgewood Ave., 404-223-0690, www.thumbsupdiner.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Browse by Category

After Dark
After Dark
CityScape
CityScape
Consumer Culture
Consumer Culture
Index
Index
Oral Pleasures
Oral Pleasures
Poets, Artists & Madmen
Poets, Artists & Madmen