At IMPERIAL FEZ, chef/owner Rafih Benjelloun asks you to take off your shoes, lounge on pillows on the floor and eat his multicourse, prix-fixe Moroccan cuisine with your hands. While you eat sweet-savory b’stella and a fragrant tagine — the most authentic in the city — belly dancers undulate about you, candles balanced on their heads. You’ll be tempted to good-naturedly pull out your water gun and use the candles for target practice. less...

First, a warning: If you plan to have human contact after a meal at OLIVE BISTRO, be sure it is with someone else who has recently been dipped in garlic. This tiny cafe in Little Five Points, unique for its Israeli influence, is truly fond of the vampire repellant. But we've found no better hummus or falafel in town. Slices of roasted eggplant, lasagna and oily white beans studded with sun-dried tomatoes also please us. It's all about touring the entire Mediterranean with an Israeli culinary guide. "1099 Euclid Ave., 404-582-0029, and 650 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-874-5336." less...

For slammin' falafel, head to MEZZA. The little spheres of garlicky mashed garbanzo beans are fried and served with lemon, tamari and parsley. But don't stop there. We love to start the meal with an order of hummus, then move on to the chicken shawarma - all cinnamony and soft - or the roasted eggplant smoldering in cumin spiced tomatoes. If you like cheese, order the fried haloumi, also known as squeaky cheese. This is a salty and subtle cheese made of sheep's milk. Finish the meal with some homemade almond ice cream and strong coffee. This cozy place is a pitch-perfect neighborhood restaurant. "2751 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-633-8833. www.mezzabistro.com" less...

We like the Little Five Points OLIVE BISTRO location best, but you'll find the same good food at the new restaurant on Ponce (though it's not open nights). It's a deli-style operation, so you pick many of the selections from a glass case. But be prepared to be amazed. The hummus is the city's best by far. The roasted eggplant is likewise flawless. A white bean salad dotted with sundried tomatoes is flavored by enough garlic to kill all the vampires in Transylvania. Entrees, like skewered lamb over seasoned rice, confront you with half a dozen flavors. Best of all, it's cheap. "1099 Euclid Ave. 404-582-0029; 650 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-874-5336." less...

The Princess of Jordan cited the Fez as the best and most authentic Moroccan food found in the States. And she would know. Complete with live music and belly-dancing, ethnic dining doesn't get much finer. Upholstered everything and rose-scented water for ceremonial hand washings assure that patrons feel like Moroccan royalty. A five-course meal (you chose the entree) and unlimited traveling breadbaskets add to the authentic and memorable experience. Just don't forget to leave your shoes at the door. less...