Food & Drink

2012 Tasted Good: The Best New Restaurants That Opened In The Atlanta Area

December 26, 2012 8:00 AM

(credit: littlealleysteak.com)

There is something for everyone in new 2012 Atlanta restaurants, where the scene gained fabulous food with mouth-watering tastes. Canton and King Streets, and Peachtree and Woodstock Roads are officially on the map with their share of delicious new eateries. Foodies will be satiated with everything from amazing steak dinners to funky and unexpected fare. Lovers of takeout dives, corner cafes, and upscale dining experiences are headed out to eat.

(credit: Diane Chapman)

Best Takeout Dive:

King ST Sandwich
48 King St., Suite E
Roswell, GA 30075
(678) 352-1888
www.facebook.com/KingStSandwich

Frank Gao and Phil Yang provide Atlanta with the tastiest two-table dive featuring mouth-watering flavors unparalleled among unsophisticated eateries. Opened in early September, foodies won’t find traditional food here. Belly-stuffing sensations include pulled-pork “King of King” sandwiches and double-deckers on six-inch brioches. “Big Booties” eight-inches-high boast ribs and Angus beef. Pick your own potato for fresh fries. ”We make our dishes to satisfy our neighborhood customers,” says Gao and Yang.

Cindy Brown (credit: Diane Chapman)

Best Bistro:

F&B Atlanta
3630 Peachtree Road N.E.
Altanta, GA 30326
(404) 254-1797
www.fandbatl.com

Cindy Brown and Fabrice Vergez opened this bistro as a “promise to the Buckhead community to offer a cozy, casual neighborhood restaurant with healthy Mediterranean food.” White bean soup with truffle oil, beer-braised chicken, lamb sandwiches and mussels steamed in garlic are on the menu just waiting to be enjoyed. Opened to the public in July, F&B stresses a stress-free atmosphere.

(credit: littlealleysteak.com)

Best Steakhouse:

Little Alley Steak
955 Canton St.
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 998-0440
www.littlealleysteak.com

Little Alley features a casual, bustling atmosphere with a selection of over 200 premium libations and wines. Diners give thumbs up to Springer Mountain chicken, the center-cut filet and a kobe beef burger. Vegetarians enjoy a tandori-spiced tofu steak. Restauranteurs Hicham Azhari and Fikret Kovac opened the sensation in February “to continue building the Canton Street neighborhood vibe.”

Best Sweet Shop:Sweet! Roswell
1144 Canton St., Suite 105
Roswell, GA 30075
(678) 461-1223
www.sweetroswell.comThis irresistible boutique dessert and coffee shop with an outdoor fire pit is just a stroll from Canton Street restaurants. Karen Braddy opened Sweet! in October “as a friendly gathering place to promote happiness.” Schakolad Chocolate Factory ganache and Savannah Candy Kitchen divinity accompany vintage candies from 20th-century dime stores. Ice cream is made by Greenwood’s of Atlanta. Dime candies give children a chance to break open their piggy banks. The whole family will enjoy a stop at this Roswell treat.

(credit: Vuu Asian Bistro/Facebook)

Best Asian and Sushi Bar:

VUU
880 Woodstock Road, Suite 100
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 650-0288
www.facebook.com/vuuasianbistro

Owner Aaron Vuu opened this Asian fusion restaurant in August to bring Roswell residents family recipes from Thailand and give them a unique take all his own. Favorite dishes include avocado fries, spicy sesame chicken and golden honey shrimp. All dishes are made from scratch. “We wanted to create a community place for customers, and they truly enjoy it,” says Vuu.

Di Chapman has been writing professionally for trade journals, audiobooks and a global business clientele since her early 20s. A coauthor of four books and a regular contributor to numerous blogs, she currently lives in the historic district of Roswell, Georgia, in the greater Atlanta area. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.