Now on Resy: a mano, Pendolino, Tum Pok Pok, and More Local Favorites

A casual yet stylish neighborhood Italian gem from restaurant veteran Kevin Maxey — who’s worked with the likes of Tom Colicchio and Ford Fry — Pendolino offers tempting small plates, pastas, and more, and makes good use of its wood-burning oven with little pizzettes that are perfection. For a deliciously bitter finish to the evening, try one of the unique amaro flights.

Bright and full of greenery, this East Point delight keeps the energy going all day long with a menu of irresistible omelets, pastries, salads, and sandwiches (including a bacon burger with a fried egg on a French toast bun). Can’t tear yourself away? Bring your laptop and settle into Whisk’s comfortable co-working space before or after you eat.

Marcus Samuelsson — born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden — has cooked everything from contemporary Nordic to down-home American. At this lively spot (one of five Marcus B&G locations), he turns to Southern food. Pro tip: For a perfect introduction to the place, bring a friend or two and share “The Cookout,” a feast of jerk chicken, ribs, brisket, and more.

We’re here for the panko-crusted chicken parm (its fans say it’s the best in town) but there’s plenty more to love at this warm and lively Old Fourth Ward Italian gem. The vibe is neighborly, the fare leans on familiar favorites with a contemporary twist, and there’s an unparalleled collection of amari to finish off the night (or afternoon!).

An Atlanta classic, Malone’s has been serving the city excellent steaks since 1975 (at almost half a century in, you can trust that you’re in good hands). Look to the wide-ranging menu for dishes like southwestern eggrolls to a surf’n’turf combo of fried shrimp and barbecue ribs, in addition to daily specials. If you’re coming in on a sunny day, definitely make a beeline for the patio.

Because chef David Silverman’s been working his magic on seafood since 2014 at this lovely restaurant in historic downtown Woodstock. Don’t miss house specialties like the tempura-fried Maine lobster with wasabi honey mustard, or the sweet chile-glazed swordfish with ginger risotto.

It can be argued that Noona is an essential in Historic Downtown Duluth. The casual but serious-minded destination offers a variety of wood-fired steaks, excellent seafood dishes (including a classic shrimp and grits with andouille), a small but mighty wine list, and cocktails ranging from a classic martini to a Japanese old fashioned. What are you waiting for?

A Chamblee favorite for Japanese specialties, Fūdo deals in impeccable sushi, maki rolls, tempura, and more. Keep this one in mind for date night (one of the signatures is the First Kiss roll, after all).  

From the same minds behind Sotto Sotto and Fritti, Novo Cucina impresses thanks to its enticing menu of ingredient-driven modern Italian fare. Pro tip: Don’t miss their signature — a Clear Springs rainbow trout baked in parchment with potatoes, artichokes, and tomatoes.

For a taste of Jamaica without leaving town, step into this intimate speakeasy (next door to the owners’ popular Irie Mon Cafe and Cocktails), where fresh juices and first-rate rum are crafted into spectacular cocktails (including a signature rum punch). Don’t miss the Caribbean-style fried chicken and waffles.

It runs in the family: Jesús Oñate Jr.’s father owned Mexican restaurants all over Georgia, and the restaurateur continues the family tradition with several of his own —this vibrant Chamblee favorite, included. Expect heirloom blue corn tortillas made in-house and don’t overlook the showpiece specialty that is the Molcajete el Monstruo — a feast of steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and grilled queso.

You don’t have to cross state lines for an abundance of New Orleans-style specialties. Louisiana Bistreaux has you covered with everything from gator bites and crawfish étouffée to seafood and andouille gumbo, all done up to the nines. Pro tip: There’s live jazz every Tuesday.

Check out their locations in Decatur, Perimeter, and East Point, too.

You can always count on Chris Sedgwick to add something delicious to the local scene. The restaurateur behind Vinny’s on Windward, Aspens Signature (and more) brings Spanish-inspired fare to Alpharetta with Made, and you’re not going to want to miss their range of tapas, paellas, and meats grilled straight off the wood-burning parrilla grill.

You don’t come to BQE not looking for a good time. With bottle service, plenty of hookah choices, and New York-themed cocktails (“BQE” stands for the Brooklyn Queens Expressway), this Downtown Atlanta hot spot is ready for your night out. Most importantly, the Southern-accented food is impeccable, with favorites like crispy chicken wings with red velvet waffles and blackened salmon alfredo.

Sari Masri has been bringing the city the fresh, vivid flavors of the Mediterranean since he opened his original Olive Bistro meze and wine bar in 1997, and you won’t want to miss this intimate Midtown iteration of the place. Expect the same sunny hospitality, an expansive menu of Greek and Italian specialties, and bottomless mimosa weekend brunch. Pro tip: Bottles of wine are half off every Wednesday.

Susan Vuong opened her jewel box of a place in Alpharetta in 2021 and since then has been bringing the community a downtown array of sashimi, nigiri, maki, hand rolls, and specialty creations spotlighting a dazzling variety of fresh seafood. Feeling adventurous? Try the whole eel from the binchotan charcoal grill. 

This well-loved East Atlanta breakfast/brunch specialist was closed for a couple of years after a kitchen fire but is now going strong again, and is just as good as you might remember, serving avocado toast, eggs Benedict, shrimp and grits, and just about anything else you might want to get your day started or keep your morning glowing into early afternoon.

This female-operated Beltline favorite has been serving traditional Thai food to Atlanta for more than 40 years, and it just keeps getting better. Chef Pattie Lawlertratana’s menu ranges from Bangkok street foods like crispy chicken rice to a full range of soups, salads, noodle dishes, curries, and much more, and you’ll want to try it all.

Make a note of this one for date night or other special occasions — a stylish, intimate Sweet Auburn spot opened by restaurateur Asa Fain and chef Robbie Pacheco, where the vibe is tranquil and the menu employs a world’s worth of ingredients to create flavor combinations that will surprise and seduce you.

Gus Tselios feeds Texas-style steaks to Marietta at his Cherokee Cattle Company, but here, it’s all about the ocean. There’s a Maine lighthouse replica towering over the building and oversized fish tank inside, but the real draw is the irresistible, internationally–sourced fish and shellfish menu, offering everything from seafood nachos to bouillabaisse.

This friendly spot in historic Senoia does it right, with a casual French café atmosphere (white tile walls, bright vintage posters, outdoor seating under blue umbrellas) and a menu offering both bistro classics (eggs Dijon, coquilles St. Jacques) and bistro-casual American dishes (frites with ranch dressing, grilled Cajun chicken) — just what you’re hungry for.