Latin America

Amazon This Peruvian underdog in Sandy Springs stirs a convivial, capricious spirit - and it's hearteningly affordable. Start your meal with a Pisco sour, the frothy national drink of Peru. Make sure someone at the table orders a soulful plate of aji de gallina, an Italian-influenced chicken dish with the lovely warmth of aji amarillos chiles and a healthy dose of parmesan.

6100 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-851-1966.

La Churreria A bounty of baked goods tempts you in this cozy Colombian eatery. The real finds here, though, are the caliente items displayed in the case at the counter. Pan de bono is the South American cousin to France's gougere: a hot puff of satiny, cheesy bread. Sublime empanadas are stuffed with a cumin-tinged mixture of beef and potato. And don't miss the bakery's namesake, churros rellenos - warm, braided doughnuts slicked with melty glaze.

5730 Buford Highway, Norcross. 678-646-0641.

Las Palmeras The best restaurant for home-style Cuban cooking in the metro area. The masitas (pork with spiky mojo sauce and onions) are perfect here, and the kitchen makes a killer boliche (Cuban pot roast). This cafe, which has a pleasant patio, is one of intown's under-appreciated jewels.

368 Fifth St. 404-872-0846.

TierraJust up the street from Ansley Mall, Tierra's provocative pan-Latin fusion cuisine is a welcome reprieve in an area of town full of uneven restaurants. Cheese pupusa, trout relleno and beef tenderloin in tomatillo sauce are winning menu staples. Scrumptious tres leches cake, competent service and a succinct wine list see meals here to harmonious completion.

1425 Piedmont Ave. 404-874-5951. www.tierrarestaurant.com.