Canoe

"A restaurant co-founded by Gerry Klaskala, known for its picturesque riverside location and modern American cuisine." - Henna Bakshi

"Longtime Atlanta favorite Canoe needs little introduction, especially for its location on the Chattahoochee River and staff that treats you like a regular, even if you’re not. The restaurant is ideal for a special occasion or just a nice dinner out, where you can take in sunset views from an Adirondack chair on the outdoor patio. If you order nothing else, be sure to get the cold smoked salmon with goat cheese and caper-dill cream on a crispy potato cake, a menu staple." - Caroline Eubanks

"If you’ve lived in Atlanta long enough, you’ve probably attended an engagement dinner or birthday here. Overlooking a scenic side of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe has been a one-of-a-kind romantic setting for 30 years. Their chic wilderness lodge space probably reminds the Delta and Coke execs of their lake cabins (we aspire). And Canoe’s Southern menu has been a fad-resistant time capsule—there’s no need for gimmicks since mainstays like their tasty popcorn sundae and tender braised rabbit still pack the house with a multigenerational crowd. After your meal, hit the outside bar to unwind with river views and dirty martinis." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"Overlooking a scenic side of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe has been a one-of-a-kind romantic setting for nearly three decades. Heavy wooden doors open to a warm space with a chic wilderness lodge decor that probably reminds the Delta and Coke execs of their lake cabins (we aspire). If there’s a wait for a table (it’s best to have a reservation for this Vinings spot), sit at the riverside bar and pass the time with dirty martinis and house-smoked salmon latkes. Canoe’s Southern menu has been a fad-resistant time capsule—there’s no need for gimmicks since signatures like their tasty popcorn sundae and tender braised rabbit still pack the house with a multigenerational crowd. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair video credit: Nina Reeder Food Rundown Bread Service Who doesn’t love complimentary bread, especially when the spread includes chili-rubbed lavish, sweet raisin bread, and soft sourdough? photo credit: Amy Sinclair Canoe’s Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon There'd be mass protests (led by us) if they ever tried to take this Canoe original off the menu. With a crispy exterior and soft, chewy middle, these thin latkes are already off to a great start. Things only get better after they’re topped with house-smoked salmon and a tangy goat and cream cheese mix. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Duck N’ Beef Burger This burger is as overachieving as the kid who gets all As and wins best dressed. A thick beef patty is cooked in duck fat and, as if that weren’t enough, topped with a sunny side egg. Panko Crusted Georges Bank Cod The crispy coating and the seaweed bechamel don’t do enough to save this dish from blandness. Skip it, and go with the daily special (usually something like trout or bass), which is almost always fantastic. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae It’s a simple sundae dripping with nostalgia. You get velvety sweetness from the butter popcorn-flavored ice cream, salty peanuts, and a crunch from the caramel popcorn. It reminds us of summer days and Cracker Jacks. video credit: Nina Reeder Canoe’s Daily Sorbet Don’t let the sundae hog the spotlight. They usually have really interesting flavors like a refreshing green apple and pine, or a thick-as-molasses sweet potato sorbet that’s good but almost too rich to finish (so split that one)." - Nina Reeder

"A restaurant where Jon’nae “Jaye” Smith worked under pastry chef Jennifer Paul, known for its refined American cuisine." - Henna Bakshi