Best Of Atlanta 2009 Header Large


2009 Index of Winners

Best Ethiopian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Runner-up
Cottage Ethiopian
1841 Piedmont Ave., 404-724-0201, www.cottageatl.com

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Au Rendez-Vous Bistro
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhoodmore...
For all the upscale, high-falutin’ French places in town, our favorite is the decidedly homey AU RENDEZ VOUS, tucked into a residential neighborhood in Brookhaven. The cash-only, Vietnamese-owned restaurant serves exactly the kind of food you’d find in a real working-class French neighborhood – traditional recipes cooked with love. You won’t go wrong with any of the crepe appetizers, or rich, hearty meat entrees (try the rabbit cooked with red wine). The diminutive prices and feeling of eating in someone’s jumbled living room only add to the appeal. 1328 Windsor Parkway. 404-343-4983. less...

Best French BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Atmosphere Restaurant

Runner-up
Cafe Alsace
121 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-373-5622, www.cafealsace.net

Best Fried Chicken BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Watershed on Peachtree

Runner-up
South City Kitchen
1144 Crescent Ave., 404-873-7358
1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, 770-435-0700
www.southcitykitchen.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Aria
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpfulmore...
The tone of a restaurant, the feel of a room, and the service you receive are usually the doing of that restaurant’s general manager. And at Aria, ANDRES LOAIZA sets a perfect example — warmth complemented by knowledge and professionalism. Need a wine recommendation? Loaiza is helpful without the slightest hint of snootiness. Visit the restaurant once, and two years later he’s likely to remember your face, name, what you ordered and how much you liked it. His unmatched attention to detail makes him a master practitioner at the art of true service. 490 E. Paces Ferry Road. 404-233-7673. www.aria-atl.com. less...

Best Grits BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Flying Biscuit (13 ATL Locations)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
West Egg Cafe
1168 Howell Mill Road, 404-872-3973, www.westeggcafe.com

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creativemore...
In the year since opening, MORELLI’S GOURMET ICE CREAM & DESSERTS has gained national attention, being listed in Bon Appetite as one of the top 10 ice cream stores in the country. And for good reason – the constantly rotating list of ice creams, sorbets and now gelatos are as creative as they are delicious. Standard flavors, such as strawberry and chocolate, are fantastic, but look out for the wackier concoctions that come and go. Recent winners have been the chocolate and Guinness ice cream and the peach champagne gelato. 749 Moreland Ave. 404-622-0210.www.morellisicecream.com. less...

Best Ice Cream BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Jake’s Ice Cream

Runner-up
Bruster’s
2095 Lavista Road, 404-320-7166, www.brusters.com

Best Indian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bhojanic Restaurant

Runner-up
Udipi Cafe
1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 700, Decatur, 404-325-1933

Best Italian BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Sotto Sotto Restaurant

Runner-up
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant
1989 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-876-1380, alfredositalianrestaurant.com

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nakato Japanese Restaurant

Runner-up
Ru San’s
1529 Piedmont Ave., 404-875-7042, rusans.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Japanese BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Sushi Hayakawa
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squidmore...
SUSHI HOUSE HAYAKAWA is one of those rare Japanese restaurants that does exceptionally well on two fronts: The sushi and sashimi is expertly cut, fresh and fabulous, and the hard-to-find home-style Japanese dishes and nightly specials elevate Hayakawa to destination-restaurant status. Golden-fried squid legs served with Japanese mayo, crispy croquettes with a creamy center, roasted gingko nuts, seductively slippery seaweed salads and an assortment of noodle dishes are perfect with an ice-cold carafe of sake from the restaurant’s small, but excellent selection. 5979 Buford Highway. 770-986-0010. www.atlantasushibar.com. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Honey Pig
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regularmore...
For many years, Atlantans equated Korean barbecue with beef and only beef. But HONEY PIG changed everything. This Duluth restaurant is all about the pork — especially the belly. The prices may seem high, but don’t fret. That price includes a gluttonous amount of food. Instead of a regular grill grate, the servers cook the meat on a sizzling-hot cast iron dome with butter. The meat — which comes with a load of side dishes and wrappers — is followed by bean sprouts tossed with chili paste, mushrooms and fermented cabbage. At the end of the meal, a long piece of octopus is curled around the tip of the dome, and snipped to pieces before being tossed with a large bowl of rice and the remaining bits of meat and vegetables. Best. Fried. Rice. Ever. 3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth. 770-476-9292. less...

Best Korean BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Hae Woon Dae BBQ

And other metro Atlanta locations.


Runner-up
Honey Pig
3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-476-9292

Best Atlanta Beer/Local Brew BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
SweetWater Brewing Company

Runner-up
Red Brick Blonde at Atlanta Brewing Company<br 2323 Defoor Hills Road, 404-355-5558, www.atlantabrewing.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
The Tavern At Phipps

Runner-up
Apres Diem
931 Monroe Drive, 404-872-3333, www.apresdiem.com

Best Wait Staff BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
New York Prime

Runner-up
Ryan Gallagher

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
La Oaxaquena Taqueria
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisitemore...
Dining at LA OAXAQUENA TAQUERIA used to sometimes be difficult because of the limited seating. But the restaurant has moved to an expansive new location where there’s plenty of seating and parking. The salsa and condiment bar is full of the same pristine choices. The sopes have the requisite qualities of greatness — a crispy crust, soft masa center and fresh toppings. And there are tacos galore. But the restaurant’s famous tlayudas — a specialty of Oaxaca resembling a large pizza made with a crunchy tortilla base and topped with chewy strings of Oaxacan cheese — are impossible to pass up. 605 Mt. Zion Road, Jonesboro. 770-960-3010. less...

Best Mexican BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Runner-up
Taqueria del Sol
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-7668; and other metro Atlanta locations. www.taqueriadelsol.com

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Falafel Cafe

Best Middle Eastern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mediterranean Grill

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Mezza
2751 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-633-8833, www.mezzabistro.com

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
LPC
Nothing in Atlanta restaurants has come along in the past year that’s made us as excited as chef Bruce Logue’s cooking at LA PIETRA CUCINA. From the dreamy pillows of house-made ricotta that accompany the Procuitto de Parma and pineapple mostarda to the outrageous black spaghetti with hot caladresemore...
Nothing in Atlanta restaurants has come along in the past year that’s made us as excited as chef Bruce Logue’s cooking at LA PIETRA CUCINA. From the dreamy pillows of house-made ricotta that accompany the Procuitto de Parma and pineapple mostarda to the outrageous black spaghetti with hot caladrese sausage and rock shrimp to perfect wood-roasted fish, Logue’s bold vision of Italian is as thrilling as any genre of food happening in any restaurant in the city. 1545 Peachtree St. 404-888-8709. www.lapietracucina.com. less...

Best New Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Kudzu Playhouse

Runner-up
Leon’s Full Service
131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-687-0500, www.leonsfullservice.com

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia

Runner-up
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Ave., Decatur, 404-373-3331, www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Best Overall Restaurant BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Rathbun’s

Best Patio Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Wahoo! Grill

Runner-up
Six Feet Under
415 Memorial Drive, 404-523-6664
685 11th St., 404-810-0040
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Siracusa’s New York Pizzeria
Pizza is one of the most convenient comfort foods. And like most comfort foods, people’s pie loyalties are extremely personal. Consistency, however, is a common expectation. Over the past few years, PIZZERIA FORTUNATO has proven itself as a reliable and excellent New York-style pizza joint. The classicmore...
Pizza is one of the most convenient comfort foods. And like most comfort foods, people’s pie loyalties are extremely personal. Consistency, however, is a common expectation. Over the past few years, PIZZERIA FORTUNATO has proven itself as a reliable and excellent New York-style pizza joint. The classic Neapolitan pizza never disappoints. They are massive, which means each person gets that trademark length and girth of a NYC street slice. The crust has the ideal balance of saltiness, sweetness, crunch and tug. The concentrated acid of tomato in the sauce and strings of chewy mozzarella cheese complete the harmony of pizza perfection. And Fortunato’s passes the day-after test with flying colors — chilled or room temperature. 5350 United Drive, Smyrna. 770-432-7454. www.pizzeriafortunato.com. less...

Best Pizza BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mellow Mushroom (14 ATL Locations)

And other metro Atlanta locations.
Runner-up
Fellini’s Pizza
909 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-873-3088, www.fellinisatlanta.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Livingston Restaurant & Bar
The massive redo of the Georgian Terrace hotel gave Atlanta a chic place to stay in the heart of Midtown, but it also gave us one of the most stunningly beautiful new restaurants to come along in years. Design company the Puccini Group gave LIVINGSTON all the old-world glamour of the original space andmore...
The massive redo of the Georgian Terrace hotel gave Atlanta a chic place to stay in the heart of Midtown, but it also gave us one of the most stunningly beautiful new restaurants to come along in years. Design company the Puccini Group gave LIVINGSTON all the old-world glamour of the original space and updated it just enough to make a vintage-modern masterpiece of a dining room. High ceilings, columns, and wrought iron flank the main dining room with its comfortable, modern leather chairs. The stunning bar area is all marble and swanky velvet banquettes. And the patio, facing the Fox Theatre and decked out with fat wicker club chairs and canvas umbrellas, is the height of sophistication. 659 Peachtree St. 404-897-5000. www.livingstonatlanta.com. less...

Best Restaurant Design BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks

Runner-up
Flip Burger Boutique
1587 Howell Mill Road, 404-352-3547, www.flipburgerboutique.com

Best Place for a First Date BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Apres Diem

Runner-up
Top Flr
674 Myrtle St., 404-685-3110, www.topflr.com

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
El Rey Del Taco
Finding something to eat in the wee hours of the morning can be a tough task if greasy spoons aren’t your thing. But Buford Highway has plenty of ethnic options serving food designed to soak up for a belly full of alcohol. TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO is one of the best taquerias in Atlanta thatmore...
Finding something to eat in the wee hours of the morning can be a tough task if greasy spoons aren’t your thing. But Buford Highway has plenty of ethnic options serving food designed to soak up for a belly full of alcohol. TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO is one of the best taquerias in Atlanta that just so happens to be open daily from 10 to 5 a.m. Handmade tortillas, an abundance of taco fillings, large seafood cocktails and some stellar salsa with serious kick are just as good at 4 in the morning as they are at lunchtime. And the occasional group of rowdy Latina drag queens only adds to the already colorful scenery. 5288 Buford Highway, Doraville. 770-986-0032. less...

Best Restaurant for Late-Night Dining BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Majestic Diner

Runner-up
Waffle House
1701 Northside Drive, 404-355-5562, www.wafflehouse.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Osteria 832 Pasta & Pizza

Runner-up
Dakota Blue
454 Cherokee Ave., 404-589-8002, www.dakotabluegrantpark.com

Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Fellini’s Pizza (7 ATL Locations)
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Restaurant to Take Visitors BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
TWO urban licks

Runner-up
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-1800, www.marymacs.com

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Offal
Mmm, livers. Yuumm, tripe. Sweetbreads? Oh, yeah. More and more restaurants are jumping on the OFFAL bandwagon, and that’s just fine with us. While many upscale restaurants (as well as ethnic spots) have been serving organ meats for years, the past year has seen an explosion in whole-animalmore...
Mmm, livers. Yuumm, tripe. Sweetbreads? Oh, yeah. More and more restaurants are jumping on the OFFAL bandwagon, and that’s just fine with us. While many upscale restaurants (as well as ethnic spots) have been serving organ meats for years, the past year has seen an explosion in whole-animal cooking, most notably at Holeman & Finch Public House and at Abattoir, the new restaurant from Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison. The good news is that the public seems to be gobbling it up with gusto, meaning this is a delicious trend that’s not going away anytime soon. Chicken hearts, anyone? Yes, please … . less...

Best Food Trend BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Organic/sustainable

Runner-up
Farm to table

Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Bacchanalia

Runner-up
Kevin Rathbun Steak
112 Krog St., 404-524-5600, www.kevinrathbunsteak.com

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Muss & Turner’s - Smyrna
Chefs Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner have managed to do the impossible – get people to drive from intown Atlanta to Smyrna for sandwiches. But the sandwiches at MUSS & TURNER’S are no joke. The chefs use only the best ingredients — always local when possible — and cookmore...
Chefs Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner have managed to do the impossible – get people to drive from intown Atlanta to Smyrna for sandwiches. But the sandwiches at MUSS & TURNER’S are no joke. The chefs use only the best ingredients — always local when possible — and cook them extremely conscientiously. The creations are playful works of art large enough for the heartiest of appetites. You’d think these guys don’t take themselves too seriously with sandwich names like “Insult to Philly,” but you know they mean business when you see the ingredient list. Shaved Wagyu Kamado roasted beef with an au jus that takes 60 hours to prepare? Sold. Oh, and the “Chocolate Elvis” — griddled chocolate challah bread stuffed with natural peanut butter, premium chocolate and bananas — is both vegetarian- and sweet-fiend friendly. 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna. 770-434-1114.www.mussandturners.com. less...

Best Sandwiches BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Alon’s Bakery & Market

Runner-up
Star Provisions
1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

Best Seafood BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Atlanta Fish Market

Runner-up
Six Feet Under
415 Memorial Drive, 404-523-6664
685 11th St., 404-810-0040
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Busy Bee Cafe
The term “soul food” refers to more than just fried chicken and greens. It’s the feeling behind the cooking and the pulse of the restaurant. Atlanta has loads of places that make great soul food, but there’s a reason BUSY BEE CAFE is always packed with a line out the door. The placemore...
The term “soul food” refers to more than just fried chicken and greens. It’s the feeling behind the cooking and the pulse of the restaurant. Atlanta has loads of places that make great soul food, but there’s a reason BUSY BEE CAFE is always packed with a line out the door. The place has history, heart and damn fine food. Any of the fried items — such as pork chops, chicken and fish — are crackly and full of flavor. A serving of baked chicken with hot gravy and a corn muffin exudes the coziness of your mom’s cooking when you can’t get the real thing. And the long, long, long list of side dishes provides more than enough choice for the pickiest of folks. Hot cobbler is made with seasonal fruit when it’s available, but the brightly colored slices of homemade cake at the register are a great takeaway for a sugary snack. 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 404-525-9212. www.thebusybeecafe.com. less...

Best Soul Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant

Runner-up
Busy Bee Cafe
810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, 404-525-9212, www.thebusybeecafe.com

Best Southern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Runner-up
Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-874-5642, www.colonnadeatl.com

Best Southwestern BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Agave Restaurant

Runner-up
Nava
3060 Peachtree Road, 404-240-1984, www.buckheadrestaurants.com

Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Critics Pick
Bistro Laurent Tourondel
When chef Laurent Tourondel’s Atlanta outpost of his successful New York restaurant opened, people were skeptical that any Frenchman could make a steak better than our local institutions. But BLT STEAK (short for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) does beef proud. The restaurant’s blazing-hot oven broilsmore...
When chef Laurent Tourondel’s Atlanta outpost of his successful New York restaurant opened, people were skeptical that any Frenchman could make a steak better than our local institutions. But BLT STEAK (short for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) does beef proud. The restaurant’s blazing-hot oven broils each steak — the New York strip is tops — until the surface is caramelized and crispy with char. Each steak is served in a sizzling cast iron pan, topped with a round of herbed butter and pierced with a whimsical plastic cow pick indicating its temperature. The long list of sides changes daily, but the gooey perfection of the potato gratin must be ordered when available. Chef Tourondel’s signature complimentary Gruyere popovers arrive piping hot from the oven alongside soft butter and an oversized metal salt shaker. 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. (inside the W Atlanta downtown). 404-577-7601. www.bltrestaurants.com. less...

Best Steaks BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Kevin Rathbun Steak

Runner-up
Bones
3130 Piedmont Road, 404-237-2663, www.bonesrestaurant.com

Best Brunch BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
Murphy’s Restaurant

Runner-up
Flying Biscuit Cafe
1001 Piedmont Ave., 404-874-8887, www.flyingbiscuit.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

Best Sushi BOA Award Winner

Year » 2009
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2009 » Oral Pleasures » Readers Pick
MF Sushi

Runner-up
Ru San’s
1529 Piedmont Ave., 404-875-7042, rusans.com
And other metro Atlanta locations.

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