Pendolino’s Meatball Recipe

These tender meatballs come from Pendolino, where chef Kevin Maxey has refined the recipe over decades. Served with a simple pomodoro sauce and finished with basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano, they’re comforting, versatile and easy to make ahead.

Get the recipe for Pendolino’s Meatballs.

Credit: Courtesy of Atkins Park Restaurant

Credit: Courtesy of Atkins Park Restaurant

Atkin’s Park Bacon-Wrapped Dates

A longtime favorite from Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, these bacon-wrapped dates balance sweet fruit, earthy blue cheese and smoky bacon in a single bite. They’re quick to assemble, easy to make ahead and reheat beautifully. They’re an effortless way to start the meal on a strong note.

Get the recipe for Atkin’s Park Bacon-Wrapped Dates.

Credit: Courtesy of Glenn’s Kitchen

Credit: Courtesy of Glenn’s Kitchen

Warm Crab Dip from Glenn’s Kitchen

This warm crab dip from Glenn’s Kitchen is built for sharing, with creamy cheese and sweet lump crab meant to be scooped while still bubbling. At home, bake and serve it straight from a presentation-worthy dish, then let everyone dig in.

Get the recipe for Warm Crab Dip from Glenn’s Kitchen.

Soups

Credit: Aaliyah Man for the AJC

Credit: Aaliyah Man for the AJC

Hook Line & Schooner’s Chowder

From Hook Line & Schooner Coastal Tavern, this tomato-based Manhattan seafood chowder delivers bold ocean flavor with a lighter touch. The base can be made ahead, then finished with fresh seafood just before serving for bright texture and depth.

Get the recipe for Hook Line & Schooner’s Chowder.

Credit: Courtesy of Green Coyote Cantina/Chase Walsh

Credit: Courtesy of Green Coyote Cantina/Chase Walsh

Green Coyote Cantina’s Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup from Green Coyote Cantina layers smoky broth, tender chicken and gentle heat with classic garnishes like avocado, crema and lime. It’s hearty, comforting and easy to scale up for a crowd.

Get the recipe for Green Coyote Cantina’s Tortilla Soup.

Credit: Courtesy of the Little Hippo

Credit: Courtesy of the Little Hippo

The Little Hippo’s Carrot Soup

This creamy curried carrot soup from The Little Hippo blends sweet carrots with warm spices and rich dairy for a bowl that’s comforting yet a little unexpected. Garnished with crunchy pepitas and easy to make ahead, it’s a cozy start that feels both familiar and elevated.

Get the recipe for The Little Hippo’s Carrot Soup.

Salads and sides

Credit: Courtesy of Brandon Amato

Credit: Courtesy of Brandon Amato

Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad from Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar brings steakhouse energy home with crisp romaine, a boldly seasoned dressing and plenty of Parmesan. It’s structured, savory and unapologetically classic. It’s the kind of salad that holds its own next to a main rather than fading into the background.

Get the recipe for Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar’s Caesar Salad.

Credit: Courtesy of McKendrick’s Steak House

Credit: Courtesy of McKendrick’s Steak House

McKendrick’s Creamed Spinach

A staple at McKendrick’s Steak House, this creamed spinach is rich without being heavy, striking a careful balance between creaminess and vegetal freshness. It’s a familiar steakhouse side that feels indulgent but grounded, and it reheats beautifully if made ahead.

Get the recipe for McKendrick’s Creamed Spinach.

Credit: Courtesy of Pink Lotus/Andrew Thomas Lee

Credit: Courtesy of Pink Lotus/Andrew Thomas Lee

Pink Lotus’ Crispy Kale and Minced Chicken

This dish from Pink Lotus pairs crispy kale with savory minced chicken for a combination that’s both comforting and dynamic. The textural contrast between the crisp greens and tender meat makes it work equally well as a side or a lighter main, with bold flavors that don’t require much effort.

Get the recipe for Pink Lotus’ Crispy Kale and Minced Chicken.

Mains

Credit: Courtesy of Baraonda/Creators + Finders

Credit: Courtesy of Baraonda/Creators + Finders

Baraonda’s Lamb Ragu

Slow-cooked and deeply flavorful, this lamb ragù from Baraonda is built for lingering meals. The sauce develops richness over time, making it ideal for cooking ahead, while the tender lamb and aromatic base turn a simple bowl of pasta into something special.

Get the recipe for Baraonda’s Lamb Ragu.

Credit: Courtesy of the Hill at Serenbe

Credit: Courtesy of the Hill at Serenbe

The Hill’s Pan-Seared Pork Chop

This pan-seared pork chop from The Hill is all about comfort done right. Properly browned, juicy and finished with a straightforward pan sauce, it’s a reminder that careful technique can elevate a familiar cut into a centerpiece-worthy dish.

Get the recipe for The Hill’s Pan-Seared Pork Chop.

Credit: Courtesy of Old Vinings Inn/SpotHopper/OVI

Credit: Courtesy of Old Vinings Inn/SpotHopper/OVI

Old Vinings Inn’s Vegetable Pasta

Vegetables take the lead in this pasta from Old Vinings Inn. Light, flexible and adaptable to what’s fresh, it’s a dish that feels generous without being heavy. It’s perfect for balancing out a richer menu.

Get the recipe for Old Vinings Inn’s Vegetable Pasta.

Desserts

Credit: Courtesy of Dominique White

Credit: Courtesy of Dominique White

Nan Thai Fine Dining’s Thai Tea Crème Brûlée

This Thai tea crème brûlée from Nan Thai Fine Dining puts a subtle twist on a classic dessert. The custard carries gentle spice and tea aromatics beneath a crisp caramelized top, delivering something familiar with just enough intrigue to feel special.

Get the recipe for Nan Thai Fine Dining’s Thai Tea Creme Brulee.

Credit: Ben Johnson

Credit: Ben Johnson

The General Muir’s Chocolate Cake

A standout dessert from The General Muir, this rich chocolate cake is built to impress. With deeply chocolatey layers and a luscious ganache, it’s the kind of dessert that feels celebratory without being fussy. It makes a strong case for saving room at the end of the meal.

Get the recipe for The General Muir’s Chocolate Cake.

Credit: Courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee

Credit: Courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee

La Grotta Ristorante Italiano’s Panna Cotta

Silky and restrained, this panna cotta from La Grotta Ristorante Italiano showcases how simplicity can be luxurious. Light enough to follow a big meal, it’s an elegant finish that relies on texture and balance rather than excessive sweetness.

Get the recipe for La Grotta Ristorante Italiano’s Panna Cotta.