Now on Resy: Bocado, Hoo Izakaya, Table 20, and More Local Favorites

This isn’t your typical small town cafe. It’s a neighborhood treasure with a charming interior and a resolutely seasonal menu. You’ll want to return time and time again to try daily and weekly specials, that might offer anything from smoked salmon hush puppies to pork and beef meatloaf with curry tomato gravy.

Choose the warm dining room, the breezy covered patio, the open-air rooftop deck, or just settle in outdoors under the big umbrellas on the lawn. Wherever you are, you’ll love the vibrant Mexican flavors at this Canton favorite. Don’t miss the surf-and-turf La Piña combo served on a half pineapple, and definitely try one of the innovative agave-based cocktails.

Because this is chef Sean Park’s second branch of his popular NoriFish, featuring super fresh seafood straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. Pair a lychee martini with yuzu ponzu oysters or toro with truffle salt and caviar — or better yet, go for Park’s flawless 18-course omakase experience.

Garlanded with “best of” awards, this lively Italian spot has made itself essential over the years for its just-like-in-Italy ambiance, its housemade pastas (including spaghetti alla carbonara, of course), impeccable antipasti, and its savvy wine list — including 30 skillfully curated choices by the glass.

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.

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.