Eating out is one of those experiences that never fails to make me feel better. A nice simple meal at home can be relaxing, sure, but getting ready beforehand, going out, sitting in a different atmosphere, be it bustling or intimate, formal or casual, and enjoying a good meal after a brief wait has an appeal of its own. That being said, here are five of my favorite restaurants that I think are worth a try for anyone looking for a great dining experience.

1. Erawan Thai

Erawan Thai has long been one of my favorite restaurants, and I mourned it when it closed for a lengthy period for renovations, and not long after it reopened, it closed its dine-in area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, though, it’s thankfully fully open for both dine-in and takeout, and I can appreciate the delectable Thai food fully. Erawan Thai offers a wide range of Thai classics, all with organic ingredients, and I love how fresh many of the dishes taste, and how the dishes are somewhat understated and not too fussy, while keeping a refined, yet comforting taste, which also applies to the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. A personal favorite of mine is the drunken noodles, which, while among the heavier dishes, has a sauce complex enough to intrigue but simple enough to be pleasurable and features plenty of fresh vegetables alongside a protein of your choosing.

Address: 7537 Roswell Rd

1. Novo Cucina

Novo Cucina offers Italian cuisine on the more expensive side, but it delivers on atmosphere and taste in a big way. It’s a great spot for special occasions and celebrations of any kind, due to the tasteful decor and seating arrangements, but the cheerful bustling atmosphere also makes it suitable for a casual dinner or lunch. I haven’t been to Novo Cucina quite as many times as some of the other restaurants on this list, but every dish I’ve tried there so far has been delicious. They offer a wide variety of pastas, paninis, pizzas, salads, risottos, and various other entrees depending on the time of day, but despite their differences, many of their dishes are similar in that they’re refreshingly light and delicate. One such dish, the brown butter ravioli, is a special favorite of mine for the tender pasta and the delicious nutty flavor of the sauce and light filling with ricotta, spinach, and prosciutto. Though their generous portions will likely leave you stuffed, it’s worth mentioning that their gelato is also top-notch.

Address: 5592 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

1. J Bistro

Most of the restaurants on this list are in Dunwoody, or close to it, and somewhat far from Chamblee, so enter J Bistro, a classic Chinese restaurant in Doraville on Peachtree Road with options versatile enough to please anyone from those seeking new experiences to somewhat pickier eaters. J Bistro offers many well-done staples in Chinese restaurants from many kinds of potstickers to fried rice to stir-fried noodles or noodle soup, but many of their outstanding dishes come in their wide variety of meat dishes, some more tame, some more experimental, among which the chicken gangou has stood out for me. Served in a hot pot, the chicken gangou is intensely spicy and peppered with a refreshing variety of vegetables which provide a nice contrast to the tender chicken both with flavor and texture. If you’re craving Chinese food, J Bistro will hit the spot.

Address: 6035 Peachtree Rd A112

1. Crema Espresso Gourmet

On a list full of sit-down restaurants for a full lunch or dinner, Crema is a bit out of place. Still, though, if you’re looking for a small bite to eat in a pleasant coffee shop atmosphere, Crema has you covered. Alongside great, if overpriced, coffee and other beverages, Crema offers a wide selection of pastries (which can sell out quickly on busy days) and light, but satisfying dishes, like various sandwiches, quiches, pastas, salads, and various other forms of brunch fare that are perfect for a light lunch or breakfast. Crema can get pretty crowded at certain times of day, and it closes at 4, which can be pretty limiting, but if I’m craving a good, simple sandwich alongside some great coffee, Crema always comes to mind.

Address: 2458 Mt Vernon Rd

1. Taqueria los Hermanos

Taqueria los Hermanos is undoubtedly one of my favorite Mexican restaurants for many reasons, and it happens to have locations all over in Tucker, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, and Dunwoody. They serve many staples of Mexican cuisine in a pleasantly busy atmosphere, and one of their biggest strengths for me is that they do all of the classics well, and put their own spin on them. They offer seemingly endless variations of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, salads, fajitas, nachos, tlayuda, and various other specialties and combination dishes. Unfortunately, I don’t get around to visiting much, but when I do, it’s extremely difficult to choose from all the great options, and whatever I end up choosing, it’s always been delicious. Any time I’m craving chicken fajitas or Mexican rice (which is often), Taqueria los Hermanos is always among my top picks.

Addresses: 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd STE 3 (Dunwoody), 4418 Hugh Howell Rd #B3 (Tucker), 4955 Sugarloaf Pkwy (Lawrenceville), 4774 Lawrenceville Hwy (Lilburn), and 3245 Peachtree Pkwy #1 (Suwanee)