Dining out in Atlanta

Atlanta is a truly international city, an attribute that is reflected in its diverse cuisine. Even the pickiest of palates can find something to enjoy at one of the seemingly endless array of restaurants in our fair city.

"One of the benefits of having one of the busiest airports in the world is that we are the beneficiaries of some of the freshest and most exotic foods," says Andrew Kirsch, MD, associate clinical professor of urology at Emory University School of Medicine.

Dr. Kirsch and other Atlanta-area urologists were quick to share their favorite (and not so favorite) restaurant picks. Here are some of their recommendations, organized alphabetically by neighborhood. Urology Times thanks Dr. Kirsch, Jenelle Foote, MD, James Bennett, MD, Heather Gatcombe, MD, Oren Levy, MD, and Katherine Mannes, MD for their suggestions.

Downtown/Midtown (less than 5 miles from the Georgia World Congress Center)

Bacchanalia1198 Howell Mill Rd.365-0410
Dr. Mannes claims Bacchanalia is "often considered one of Atlanta's top three restaurants." Dr. Foote and Dr. Bennett call its multi-course prix fixe menu, which is updated daily, "excellent."

Baroanda Caffe Italiano710 Peachtree St.879-9962 http://www.baraondaatlanta.com/
If you're in the mood for Italian, check out this stylish, reasonable café. Dr. Mannes calls it a "fun Italian restaurant near the Fox Theatre in midtown with wood fire oven pizzas as well as pasta dishes." Dr. Gatcombe attests to the "delicious Italian dishes and Italian wines."

BED Atlanta110 Marietta St.222-7992
This hip new restaurant in the Glenn Hotel is a downtown favorite of Dr. Foote and Dr. Bennett. The most coveted seats are pillow-adorned platforms, perfect for lounging while dining.

Django495 Peachtree St.347-8648 http://www.djangoatlanta.com/
Django espouses a gypsy philosophy with its menu that, according to its web site, takes "the best thoughts and ideas from various diverse cultures and combines them in the finest ways to create our scrumptious treats and libations." Dr. Gatcombe praises the "great appetizers."

Eno800 Peachtree St.685-3191 http://www.enorestaurant.com/
Within walking distance of the Fox Theatre, "Eno has an excellent wine list and wine-paired menu," Dr. Gatcombe says.

Lobby at Twelve361 17th St.961-7370 http://www.lobbyattwelve.com/
This restaurant in the newly built Atlantic Station planned community boasts a diverse menu in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. Dr. Bennett recommends it.

MF Sushibar65 Ponce De Leon Ave.815-8844 http://www.mfsushibar.com/
For sushi, Atlanta urologists recommend this authentic Japanese sushi bar. Dr. Kirsch named it his favorite sushi spot, and Dr. Foote calls it "the best sushi in Atlanta, bar none."

Nam931 Monroe Dr.
Dr. Mannes calls it "upscale Vietnamese-refined Vietnamese in a hip atmosphere."

Nan Thai Fine Dining1350 Spring St.870-9933
Both Dr. Kirsch and Dr. Mannes named this their favorite Thai restaurant in Atlanta. Dr. Mannes de-scribes it as "refined Thai in a fancy atmosphere."

The Spotted Dog30 North Ave.347-7337
This new British-style pub is described by Dr. Gatcombe as "a converted old fire station with a great outdoor patio and relaxed atmosphere."

Tamarind80 14th St.873-4888
This upscale Thai restaurant comes highly recommended from Dr. Mannes. It's within walking distance of the Fox Theatre.

Tierra1425 Piedmont Ave.874-5951 http://www.tierrarestaurant.com/
Dr. Mannes recommends the "flavorful South American cuisine near Piedmont Park."

Vinocity Wine Bar36 13th St.870-8886
"If I had to recommend one downtown restaurant, it would be Vinocity, which has an elegant, yet cozy dining room and great wine selection," says Dr. Gatcombe.

Virginia Highlands/Inman Park (approximately 5 miles from the Georgia World Congress Center)

Babette's Café573 N Highland Ave.523-9121 http://www.babettescafe.com/
For country French, try "French-tinged cuisine in a warmly decorated house," says Dr. Mannes.

Einstein's1077 Juniper St.876-7925 http://www.einsteinsatlanta.com/
This relaxed midtown haunt was praised by Dr. Gatcombe as having a "great outdoor patio, diverse selection" and for being close to Piedmont Park.

Floataway Café1123 Zonolite Rd.892-1414
Dr. Mannes loves this bistro, which she describes as a "more casual restaurant of the owners of Bacchanalia. The menu changes daily to reflect the freshest ingredients."

Fritti309 North Highland Ave.880-9559 http://www.sottosottorestaurant.com/fritti/splash.html
"The outdoor seating is perfect on a spring day," Dr. Levy says. "Solid gourmet pizza."

Harry and Sons820 N. Highland Ave873-2009 http://www.harryandsonsrestaurant.com/
If there are some holdouts in your party who still can't stomach raw fish, consider this place for what Dr. Gatcombe describes as "delicious sushi and Thai options."

Murphy's997 Virginia Ave.872-0904 http://www.murphysvh.com/
Dr. Gatcombe describes this popular brunch destination as "awesome eclectic American" with an extensive wine selection.

Osteria832 North Highland Ave.897-1414 http://www.osteria832.com/
Try Osteria for affordable pizza and great pasta dishes, Dr. Gatcombe suggests.

Pura Vida656 North Highland Ave.870-9797 http://www.puravidatapas.com/
"Tasty Peruvian-style tapas," says Dr. Mannes.

Rathbuns112 Krog St.524-8280 http://www.rathbunsrestaurant.com/
On Esquire's list of top new restaurants. Dr. Kirsch says that it is "currently one of the hottest spots in town." "They have some very creative and delicious options (gouda creamed corn)," Dr. Gatcombe adds. Dr. Mannes adds that this restaurant has a "wide-ranging menu" and a "chic atmosphere in a former stove factory." Reservations are highly recommended.