Tucked away in the corner of the Post Riverside Town Square, just off of U.S. Highway 41 (within easy access to Interstate 75) in Atlanta, the River Room epitomizes what an ideal culinary experience should be: great food served in an elegant, yet comfortable setting. Serving both lunch and dinner, the menu features a wide array of salads, steaks, chicken and seafood dishes, all prepared by Executive Chef Joseph Rahme with a European and seasonal influence.

For my visit, I enjoyed a delicious dinner that started with the roasted pumpkin soup with fig puree. Warm and creamy, it set my taste buds singing–and wanting more. Next, I savored the seared diver scallops surrounded by parmesan polenta and a brown butter caper sauce. At once delicate and fulfilling, it satisfied my never-ending craving for seafood.

When it came time for the sweet stuff, I sampled the almond-chocolate mousse tart, served with raspberry coulis. It was a scrumptious blend of sweet and tart, and just rich enough to be decadent. Although I skipped it, the restaurant also offers a selection of specialty coffee drinks to complement your dessert.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The only drawback was the noise. While the space comfortably holds approximately 125 guests, the acoustics are not great, making conversation with a companion across the table a bit difficult. As long as you dine before full capacity or sit right next to your dinner partner, talking should be an easy task. However, arrive during a peak moment, and it could prove distracting.

For those so inclined, the restaurant also is home to the River Room Tavern. Showcasing a full bar, the space also features a special tavern menu, along with large, high-definition plasma TVs. It’s a great spot for pre-dinner cocktails or catching the big game with friends.

Never one to miss a special occasion, the River Room also hosts a variety of weekly and special events. To find out what’s happening this week, check out the “Calendar of Events” link on the Web site.

When searching for a restaurant that breaks the mold of national chains and cheesy trends, head to the River Room Restaurant and Tavern. You won’t be disappointed.

To learn more about the River Room or to plan a visit of your own, log on to www.riverroom.com.