Maps / Meridith Ford's Favorites

Dining critics often are asked the obvious: "What's the best restaurant in town?" I often answer with a list of my favorites, which might not necessarily be considered "the best" by all critics. Some might be spots where the food is something I crave at 2 a.m. (like the tlayudas at La Oaxaquena Taqueria); others might be a quick slurp on my way to and from work (like the fruit batidas at lovely little LottaFrutta). Either way, I've taken my critic hat off for just a moment, and offer you my secret cravings with a list of my favorite places in and around Atlanta. -- MERIDITH FORD

• Introduction to the Spring Dining Guide 2008, plus key to our ratings