3 Best Restaurants in Virginia-Highland and Emory, Atlanta

This French-American brasserie at the base of Hotel Clermont doesn’t play it small. Decadence is at every turn, from the richly patterned floral wallpaper lining the staircase down to the perfect brioche bread service, cardamom-infused cream desserts, and deftly prepared main courses in between. Service is top-notch, at once warm and knowledgeable without being stuffy. Have a cocktail at the jazz-room dark Lobby Bar before or after dinner, or set off to the Study or back room if you can grab a seat before they’re gone.

This place serves classic Italian dishes in a beautiful setting that still recalls old-school neighborhood dining. Count on regulars like bruschetta and spaghetti with meatballs to be elevated beyond basic but without being too fancy. The catch of the day is always something deliciously special.

Vegan comfort food and plant-based barbecue dishes are served up in a no-frills diner setting, with mac and cheese (made with soy cheese), cauliflower and tofu steaks, and kalebone (a wheat-gluten protein) topping the menu. The original location (on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.) serves similar fare but buffet-style, with more limited daily choices.