Clockwise from top left: The Empanada Sampler at Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill, Lasagna Matta at Campagnolo, the Twisted Soul Fried Chicken plate, and Pasta Carbonara at amano / Courtesy photos

The Georgia Voice’s Favorite Fares

As seasoned locals, the Georgia Voice staff know a thing or two about Atlanta eats. If you’re looking for a new spot to feast at, we’ve got you covered.

 

Katie Burkholder

Editor

Gaja Korean Bar (491 Flat Shoals Ave. SE)

Gaja is an uber cool Korean spot in East Atlanta Village (EAV). The atmosphere is awesome, and the food is even better! Try the Gochujang Fried Chicken; it’s covered in sweet and spicy gochujang sauce and tofu ranch.

El Tesoro (1374 Arkwright Pl. SE)

If you’re looking for a new Mexican place, you’re sure to love El Tesoro. The spacious outdoor seating is colorful and fun, making it a great place to enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch on a beautiful day. Their Asada de Res taco includes fresh cut skirt steak that’s been marinated for 48 hours and twice seared, plus raw onion and cilantro. It’s fresh and oh so tasty.

ParkGrounds (142 Flat Shoals Ave. SE)

ParkGrounds is one of my most-visited spots in Atlanta. Part coffee shop, part café, and part dog park, it’s a great place to do some work, watch some pups play, or just enjoy some good weather. Their Hot Ham Scram Sandwich is the perfect breakfast sandwich, made with ham, scrambled egg, cheddar, tomato, and sriracha mayo on your choice of bread.

Julianna’s Crepes (775 Lake Ave. NE)

Enjoy a variety of sweet and savory crepes at this small, cozy location. My favorite is The Viking, which is filled with wild lingonberry compote and cream cheese.

 

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Sales

Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill (216 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE)

Try the Empanada Sampler, Jerk Chicken Breast, or the Black Bean Soup.

Midtown Moon (1492 Piedmont Ave. NE)

If you’re looking for delicious bar food paired with fabulous drag performances, look no further than Midtown Moon. My favorites are the Fried Pickle Chips and the Applewood Burger.

Mama’s Cocina Latina (1958 Piedmont Rd.)

What’s better than authentic Latin cuisine? Authentic Latin cuisine served 24/7! Be sure to try the Sizzling Fajitas and Chicken and the Nachos Supremo.

Lips Atlanta (3011 Buford Hwy. NE)

There’s no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with a drag brunch, complete with Chicken and Waffles and a Frozen Peach Margarita.

 

Dixon Taylor

Sales

Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours (1133 Huff Rd. NW)

Twisted Soul is the best place in Atlanta for modern soul food — and it’s lesbian-owned to boot!

Nowak’s (1397 North Highland Ave. NE)

If you’re looking for a special night out in the Virginia Highland neighborhood, look no further.

Parker’s on Ponce (116 E Ponce de Leon Ave.)

Parker’s has the best steak in Decatur. It’s a must-try!

Terra Terroir (3974 Peachtree Rd.)

This Brookhaven restaurant has both a delectable menu and a beautiful patio to enjoy it on!

Babette’s Café (573 North Highland Ave. NE)

Enjoy a little slice of Europe in Inman Park! This converted cottage provides a cozy environment to enjoy fare from France, Italy, and Spain.

Cafe Alsace (121 E Ponce de Leon Ave.)

This Decatur spot is truly unique, serving wine and afre from the Alsace region of France, like Boeuf Bourguignon and Spaetzle.

ROXX Tavern (1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE)

ROXX is a go-to spot for meeting with friends, with traditional American comfort food and great outdoor seating. Because to the recent fire on Cheshire Bridge, make sure you plan your route accordingly.

Campagnolo (980 Piedmont Ave. NE)

This lesbian-owned Italian restaurant is absolutely fabulous. Come on a Friday or Saturday evening from 10pm to 1am to enjoy the live piano stylings of Robert Ray.

Agave (242 Boulevard Ave. SE)

Enjoy their Native American décor, Southwestern dishes, and a cozy fireplace.

 

Jim Brams

Sales

La Hacienda (900 Monroe Dr. NE)

Whether you’re interested in excellent Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican cuisine, La Hacienda is a great choice. We suggest the Pozole Verde, Pescado a la Mexicana, and the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Don’t forget to wash it down with a margarita!

 

Tim Boyd 

Managing Partner and Publisher 

Poor Calvin’s (510 Piedmont Ave. NE)

If you’re looking for fun and creative Asian fusion in an intimate setting, Poor Calvin’s is the way to go. Their best dishes are the Lobster Wontons, filled with cream cheese and caviar and topped with a mango glaze and truffle balsamic; the Crispy Beef, covered in a sweet soy glaze and served with greens and rice; and for dessert, the Peach Empanadas.

 

Rob Boeger 

Art Director 

amano (587 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE)

This cozy cottage with a snug bar and patio offers handmade pasta dishes like their Bucatini alla Bolognese, Pasta Carbonara (tagliatelle, house pancetta, grana, spring peas, and a farm egg). There are also a number of eclectic desserts like the Bananas Foster bread pudding (banana, caramel, salted caramel gelato) or the Affogato (a local vanilla gelato ala mode with espresso).