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...

Little more than $5 will buy you an astonishing meal at this Dominican restaurant in a former doughnut shop. Mysterious but savory stews are served in huge portions from a steam table, with rice — including the crunchy stuff from the bottom of the pot — combined with olives or big brown beans. less...