Despite being housed in an adorable home on bustling Canton Street in historic Roswell, NOCA Eatery & Bar is one of those places I’ve passed countless times but never once went inside (at least not since it’s been the home of NOCA starting four years ago in what was the remodeled space of the former Indigo that burned down). But I finally made my way inside this quaint eatery serving contemporary American fare, and we think you should, too. Here are four reasons why we think it’s worth a visit.

  1. The location The restaurant's name, which stands for North on Canton, says it all. Located on the somewhat quieter end of Canton Street in a picturesque little home, NOCA is easy to swing by, boasting its own parking lot behind the building and valet to whisk your car away. The space is full of charm, offering a cozy atmosphere ideal for a dinner with friends and family.
  2. The appetizers If you work up an appetite while drinking some adult beverages, NOCA's varied menu serves up plenty of bites to satisfy your cravings. We suggest ordering up a smorgasbord of appetizers for sharing with the table (you can always top it off with a salad or side if you're still hungry). Truffle fries, crab dip and the tempura fried lobster tail are good ones to try, but our favorites are the fried green tomatoes stuffed with warm, melty goat cheese, and the tuna tartare—a simple, light and tasty preparation with avocado and sweet soy sauce served with wonton chips for a little crunch.

1170 Canton St., 770-992-8866, nocaeatery.com.