ATLANTA

Meals include appetizer, entrée and dessert per person. Under $20 ($), $20-$30 ($$), $30-$45 ($$$), more than $45 ($$$$)

Bistro VG
$$$ • Continental/French Farmstead
70 W Crossville Rd
Roswell • 770-993-1156
Restaurateurs Chris and Michele Sedgwick literally whitewashed successful Van Gogh’s, transforming the space into a serene French farmhouse in the bustling suburbs. The resulting bistro presents southern French country fare dotted with northern Italian—from pate to wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie to Kobe beef brisket, chicken liver “faux gras” to duck confit “cassoulet,” citrus-brown butter skatewing to buttery plum tatin.
www.knowwheretogogh.com

Krog Bar
$–$$ • Tapas
112 Krog St
Inman Park • 404-524-1618
This snug Mediterranean-style tapas bar (the breezy little brother of accolades-laden Rathbun’s) features quirky Spanish and Italian wines and a daily-changing menu. A bottle- and window-lined greenhouse basked in an amber glow, this stylish shed places patrons at cozy communal long tables to swap stories over small plates. The artisan cured meats and finger sandwiches are delightful.
www.krogbar.com

Sala: Sabor de Mexico
$$ • Contemporary Mexican Cantina
1186 North Highland Ave NE
Virginia-Highland • 404-872-7203
This neighborhood cantina has long been renowned for the allure of its salt-dusted, fresh fruit purée margaritas, but now there’s more. Keep a grip on a cool beverage, however, when delving into this zesty, complex cuisine. The entire menu, under the guidance of executive chef Jeff Smedstad, elevates Mexican street staples into revelatory territories. Within Sala’s cayenne walls, Smedstad explores slow-roasted flavors that are immaculately executed and retain their earthy splendor. Adobado-rubbed, anchoglazed, arbol-spiked and wood-roasted meats find their way into tacos and onto small plates. Heartier shanks, strips and breasts enjoy a perk from chipotle, tomatillo, poblano and cilantro. Everything about this reinvigorated outpost is muy caliente!
www.sala-atlanta.com

Rare Soul Tapas
$$ • Nouveau Soul Food
554 Piedmont Ave
SoNo • 404-541-0665
Though called Rare, this urban sophisticate venture by Harlem Bar owner Lorenzo Wyche has folks declaring it well done—a triumph of witty soul food. Small plates include chicken and waffles, fried Cajun Cornish hen, and lobster macaroni and cheese. You won’t have to bring the haute sauce, just your hunger; this poised lounge—situated south of North Avenue between Midtown and Downtown—already drips with flavor.
www.rareatl.com

KANSAS CITY

Bluestem
$$$ • Progressive/New American
900 Westport Rd • Westport • 816-561-1101
The “City of Fountains” has had culinary praise raining down upon it since 2004, when James Beard Award-nominated Colby Garrelts and his wife, Megan, opened their well of innovation in Missouri’s crown jewel. Having apprenticed in Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Garrelts presents progressive American cuisine in an airy, boutique setting. Gelées and granitas, emulsions and sustainable, seasonal ingredients make for nuanced indulgences. www.kansascitymenus.com/bluestem

ST.LOUIS

Red Moon
$$$ • French Asian Fusion
1500 St. Charles St • Downtown/Midtown • 314-436-9700
Don’t let its looming alley location deter you; once inside, Red Moon immediately reveals its true colors: a chic eatery that matches Asian ingredients with a contemporary French flair. Creations include such dishes as wok-seared sea scallops with egg noodles, chevre cheese and green curry creme. The restaurant embraces the “Asian market” style of dining; every item is cooked to order and served the moment it is complete, lending itself to sharing and plate swapping.
www.redmoon-stl.com

LOS ANGELES

Pizzeria Mozza
$$ • Innovative Italian
641 N Highland Ave • Hancock Park • 323-297-0101
Pizza places are a dime-a-dozen, so it takes something special like this one to carve out a slice of the pie. Opened by La Brea Bakery’s Nancy Silverton and Babbo’s Iron Chef Mario Batali, upscale Pizzeria Mozza reimagines the doughy Frisbee as canvas for uncompromised artistry. Artisanal, elemental alchemy draws foodies, though bruschettas, salads and additional antipasti are not to be dismissed.
www.mozza-la.com

WASHINGTON, DC

Oyamel
$$–$$$ • Upscale Mexican
401 7th St NW • Penn Quarter • 202-628-1005
Those looking for nouveau Mexican comfort food will find it at this seventh blockbuster venture by star chef Jose Andres. Comfort is everywhere—from the radiant décor to the authentic antojitos (small plates), redolent and savory. The trouble is in narrowing down the array of all-delicious ceviches, soups and tacos. The other problem: discovering how surprisingly tasty a crunchy grasshopper taco is.
www.oyamel.com