BUCKHEAD. Dressed up with Asian artifacts and artwork, this festive restaurant maintains a faithful local following. While things move fast inside, servers are attentive, and folks are never made to feel rushed. Authentic, full-flavored cuisine includes rich curries, noodle dishes, and plenty of seafood-based entrees. Aficionados also appreciate that Annie's will incorporate a little (or a lot!) of heat into some of the offerings. Affordable prices are an added perk, as is owner Annie herself.

WESTSIDE. This elegant restaurant is considered one of Atlanta's ­ perhaps even the South's ­ finest and is a superb setting for romantic, intimate dinners, special occasions and celebrations. The innovative menu changes daily. Begin with gourmet specialties such as steak tartare with shallots and capers, or foie gras terrine with brioche toast and onion jam. Selecting a main dish poses an even tougher question: will it be wood-grilled breast of squab with potato gratin, or braised red snapper with caramelized turnips? Going wrong is just short of impossible at Bacchanalia.

SANDY SPRINGS. Although the decor and location aren't as chi chi as you'll find at some restaurants, the food more than compensates. Cantonese cuisine is the specialty, and seafood is a particular strength. Along with shrimp and lobster, you'll find salt and pepper squid, Peking duck (without advance notice), soft-shell crabs, and whole grouper in an aromatic sauce. Spicing is judicious and doesn't obscure the flavor of the foods. Plus, vegetarian options are available, and even the soups are incredible, much more interesting than the usual concoctions you find at other Asian restaurants.

BUCKHEAD. At this elegant, candlelit Chinese restaurant and piano bar, the talented maitre d' often tickles the ivories while you dine. The lengthy menu is much superior to typical American Chinese restaurants, and the excellent cuisine and soothing ambiance attract a large clientele of local regulars. Any dish served with the crispy dry spinach is certain to be a hit. Other delicious options include whole butterfly snapper, duck ravioli, and lamb in pepper sauce.

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. This incredibly popular noodle joint has taken the area by storm, and it's pretty certain that you'll have to wait for a seat if you don't go early. Serving a wide variety of Asian-themed dishes, Doc Chey's offers large portions at incredibly reasonable prices. Thai coconut chicken soup makes for a wonderful appetizer, as do the shrimp rolls. Main courses include everything from Szechuan vegetables to Vietnamese vermicelli and udon noodles. Broths, tinged with fresh herbs, are flavorful and ideal for slurping. With such great options, the place begs you to bring friends and sample all they have to offer. An outdoor patio provides a great place to hang out during warmer months.