From fifty restaurants deemed the best in the U.S. by Bon Appetit, two of ATL's finest got the ultra-prestigious nod: Decatur farm-to-table mainstay Cakes & Ale, and Asha Gomez's haven of bold Kerala cuisine, Cardamom Hill. Cakes & Ale has been a landmark on the dining scene since its inception six years ago, and not just for Decaturites—Chef Billy Allin has won the whole city (and beyond) over with his simple, seasonal fare made of top-notch ingredients in a laid-back neighborhood place. Meanwhile, on the Westside, Cardamom Hill is less than a year old, born after Asha's Kerala underground supper club, Spice Routes, became not-so-underground anymore. Seeing ATL's voracious appetite for her biryani, vindaloo, and epic fried chicken (which quickly gathered cult status), Asha decided to take a leap of faith to brick-and-mortar. That was in January. Not too shabby for a restaurant clocking in at less than a year old. And not surprising, considering the sheer amount of passion that Asha pours into her cooking.

We're mighty proud — and pleasantly unsurprised — to see two of our city's eateries join the leagues of the finest in the nation. Way to rep ATL, y'all. We'll be joining you each for phatty cakes and fried chicken, respectively, to celebrate.

In our humblest opinion, when it comes to restaurants that can hold their own against the very best in the nation, A-town is ripe for the pickin'. Who else do you think deserves a nod on such a list? Holler at us on Facebook or Twitter and opine away.