Atlanta is known as the capital of the New South, but is less and less a capital of Southern Cuisine. It can be down right difficult to find grits. But Atlanta offers the diner a variety and quality to rival any big city. That also implies that you should do your homework, so that dinner time at the Hinman (or any visit to Atlanta) will be spent well.
I will begin at the top. Two places come to mind, The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, and Seegers.
While every Ritz Carlton strives for service, few match the dinning experience of this location. Year after year they excel in presentation, attention to detail, knowledgeable service people and a menu that sets a standard. You cannot go wrong. It is quiet, elegant and please allow time to savor the experience. You will be made to feel like a Ritz Regular. Reservations are a must. (404-237-2700)
Seegers is Charlie Trotter's with an accent. A comfortable, attractive room, attentive staff with a modified prix-fixe, as well as a chefs tasting menu have no flaws or weakness. A wine paring is an adventure in taste, subtle taste that compliment and expand the experience. This is a French restaurant that would stand out in any city. (404-846-9779)
If it's upscale Italian cuisine you desire, Pano's and Paul's provides a virtual trip to Italy with elegance, taste, and service that make this a special event. Don't expect those ubiquitous autographed photos of Sinatra or any other Rat Packers. This place stands on its own, and its years of existence and the affection of knowledgeable locals make it a satisfying experience. (404-261-3662)
Less formal but a nice dinning experience includes the following choices:
Canoe offers rustic yet elegant décor, set in the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Chattahoochee River. It is Traditional American Cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. (770-432-2663)
The Food Studio is hip. It is comfortable yet edgy. Art on the wall, art on the plate. There is nothing boring here, yet it is quiet enough for conversation, busy enough to be part of the scene. You'll enjoy the location; you'll enjoy the food. (404-815-6677)
Who doesn't need a little Spice. This place is still hot. People-watching is part of the fun. The food might be second to the drink specials, but it will not be a disappointment. Try the batter-fried lobster tails (it is still the South) and save room for dessert. (404-875-4242)
Blue Point is casual elegance. The expansive space and design are big city � upscale with an emphasis on Asian flavor, you'll find the food to be unique, and the people-watching is visual dessert. The only question is are you trendy enough for this fine choice? (404-237-9070).
In the mood for something different? The Imperial Fez is great for a crowd of a few friends who can be up for fun, food and adventure. The Moroccan influence is noticed not only in the shish kabob but the balance of the prix-fixe courses take out the embarrassing guess work if you don't speak the language. And yes, belly dancing is a feature. It's up to you if you want to join the fun. (404-351-0870)
Every big city has a Brazilian Steak House and in Atlanta it is the Fogao Gaucho. Don't ask for the vegetarian plate, you might be carved up. A massive salad bar gets you started, then the staff gancho's offer meat, fish, and poultry from the charcoal fire. Try one, try all; they won't stop until you do. (770-319-7337)
Enough of the excess you say. Okay, lets enjoy Atlanta like a southerner.
The Varsity is the college soda fountain hamburger heaven that is familiar, but this one belongs to Atlanta. Chili-cheese steak, onion rings and the popular slaw dog. Can you just taste it now? Can you feel your waist line grow? (Multiple locations)
Fat Matt's Rib Shack has smoked ribs, baked beans, chopped pork sandwiches, live blues acts and a combo plate that has enough of the south to make you say "thanks ya'll". Find time. Then rest up. (404-607-1622).
Lastly, walk past the omnipresent coffee shop, pass by the creamy donuts. Find your way to the The Flying Biscuit. Chicken Fried, fresh biscuits, down-home, friendly staff with a pencil behind the ear. A wine list could be replaced by a "grits list". This is the original. Wait is that Captain Rhett over in that booth? (404-874-8887)
