No Mas Cantina 180 Walker St., Atlanta (404) 215-9769
Located in Castleberry Hill, this loft community boasts one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants inside I-285. The tilapia tacos are crispy and soft all at once. The Café Azteca is both dessert and coffee: hot chocolate made with dark chocolate, cinnamon and chili de arbol.
McCormick and Schmick’s
190 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta (404) 521-1236
Nestled inside CNN Center means McCormick and Schmick’s is adjacent to Philips Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center. The Atlantic salmon stuffed with crab, bay shrimp and brie is fresh and buttery. But, if you have a hankering for beef in this seafood spot, try the kobe burger with gruyere for a new perspective on “hamburger.”
French American Brassiere
30 Allen Plaza, Atlanta (404) 266-1440
Located in the Southern Company building, FAB is steps away from Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the Georgia World Congress Center. The Skate Wing is tender and flaky; the dry-aged rib eye is one of the best in town. Don’t leave without trying the crème brûlée.
Legal Sea Foods
275 Baker St. NW, Atlanta (678) 500-3700
Just as good as the Boston flagship restaurant, the lobster rolls and crab rolls are not to be missed. The tempura soft-shell crab is to die for. Located in the downtown Atlanta Hilton Garden Inn, this two-story Legal Sea Foods is across from the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
Thrive
101 Marietta St., Atlanta (404)) 389-1000
Thrive, a sleek, contemporary-style restaurant, was designed by renowned architect Bill Johnson of The Johnson Studio. Just a few blocks away from the Georgia World Conference Center, Philips Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, Thrive’s menu matches its atmosphere. Try the organic chicken breast or the soy-glazed ribs for comfort food with a twist. The garlic-roasted shrimp salad and sushi selection are amazing as well.
