This restaurant provides exquisite vegetarian dining at its best. Although the atmosphere is bright and casual, the food speaks volumes to the gourmet appetite. Start your meal off with the Sunflower nuggets -- when you hear people say "It tastes like chicken" you should believe them. The nuggets come with both barbecue and spicy mustard dipping sauces. For anyone not ready to jump into the fake meat arena, the pot stickers and hummus appetizers are also great ways to start a meal.

My favorite entree at Sunflower is the Classic Portabello Mushroom Eggplant Lasagna. Instead of lasagna noodles, this dish layers orzo (a small rice-shaped pasta) with fresh roasted vegetables and tofu ricotta. Yum!

Another great option for the main course is the Fajitas. Residents of Atlanta know that good Mexican food is hard to come by, but this invention will leave you full and satisfied. Grilled vegetables accompany a hearty soy steak, sizzling on a traditional fajita skillet. Wrap your creation in a flour tortilla, top with lettuce, salsa and sour cream, and enjoy!

As long as you´re enjoying such fantastic food, you might as well crown your meal with one of Sunflower´s signature desserts. I can never pass up the Apple Walnut Cake, which is a two-layer spice cake separated by a delicous applesauce and iced with a sweet frosting and nuts. I´ve also enjoyed the Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cake and the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake (sinful).

Cafe Sunflower serves all vegetarian fare, and some menu items are vegan or can be made so. Most of the desserts are vegan, but be sure to ask if you are wary.

Cafe Sunflower has two Atlanta area locations, and is open every day except Sunday. The restaurant keeps separate lunch and dinner hours, so be sure to call ahead if you are looking for a meal in mid-afternoon. For more information and a look at their menus, check out their web site.

Sandy Springs 5975 Roswell Road | Atlanta, Ga 30328 | (404) 256-1675

Buckhead 2140 Peachtree Road | Atlanta, Ga 30309 | (404) 352-8859