Best of Atlanta 2009

It’s a dirty, dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. We ate ourselves silly, diligently searching out the finest culinary treats and trends, sacrificing our poor waistlines to bring you the best eats.

What we discovered is that quite often, the best can be found in the most unexpected places. Looking for the best Middle Eastern food? You won’t find it in an upscale setting, but rather tucked behind a Waffle House in Marietta. And despite the so-called “pizza wars,” we still think the best pizza can be found at a family-run, New York-style pizzeria in Smyrna. We also included a couple of new categories this year, giving honor to our city’s hard-working restaurant managers, and recognizing restaurant design as an aspect of dining Atlanta has become known for.

Whenever possible, we tried to find bests that won’t break your bank, so even if you’re dirt poor you can eat like a king. Because eating well without spending a fortune? Now that’s rich.

— Besha Rodell