Best Caribbean

Stir It Up takes its name from the well-known Bob Marley song that evokes hot stuff, but not cooking. While you won't get that kind of hot stuff at this Jamaican restaurant in Little Five Points, you will get food sensual enough to make you lick your tablemates' fingers. Owners Christopher and Vivian Williams say they also chose the name because Jamaican cuisine is a stirred-up mix of cultural influences. The Williamses won't compromise their food's quality with the steam trays common in most Jamaican restaurants. Everything is cooked to order and nothing is toned down to placate timid palates. Standouts are the salted, diced cod tossed with warm cabbage slaw, and the richest, glossiest oxtail stew on the planet. 1083 Euclid Ave. 404-963-2384. stiritupatl.com. less...

Caribbean? This is a hard call, to say the least. On the one hand, there are countless little holes in the wall selling roti in our city. The most popular of the Caribbean's food is Cuban ... but that's a separate category. We're going for the quirky: SALSA CON SABOR is not strictly Caribbean. Indeed, the owners are Peruvian, but they love Puerto Rico and, so, their huge menu is divided between the two cuisines. Among the Puerto Rican favorites are mofongo (mashed plantains cooked with various seafoods and meats) and asopaos (casseroles of chicken or seafood). We love the gizzards. You can also dance to live bands now and then. "5567-A Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Chamblee, 770-455-6727". less...