The Best Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat Now

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse and exciting in the South. From classic meat-and-three diners to cutting-edge tasting menus, you can eat your way around the world without leaving the city.

Because “best” means different things to different people, this guide is organized by what you’re in the mood for: fine dining, Southern classics, international standouts, budget-friendly spots, and more—all specifically in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

How to Think About “Best” Restaurants in Atlanta

Before jumping into specific spots, it helps to know how Atlanta’s food scene is laid out:

• Midtown & Inman Park – Trendy restaurants, date-night spots, chef-driven kitchens
• Buckhead – Upscale dining, steak and seafood, hotel restaurants
• West Midtown – Industrial-chic restaurants, breweries, creative menus
• Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine – Casual but high-quality, patios, people-watching
• Decatur – Walkable square, family-friendly, neighborhood gems
• Buford Highway – The go-to corridor for authentic international food (especially Asian and Latin American)

When locals talk about the best restaurants in Atlanta, they’re often thinking about:

• Quality and consistency of the food
• How “Atlanta” it feels (Southern roots, local culture, neighborhood feel)
• Service and overall experience
• Value for the money (not always cheap—but worth it)

Top Fine Dining and Special-Occasion Restaurants

These are the places Atlantans turn to for anniversaries, business dinners, or a “worth-the-splurge” night out.

1. Bacchanalia (West Midtown)

Style: Contemporary American, tasting menu
Why locals love it: Frequently mentioned in conversations about the city’s top fine-dining experiences. Expect seasonal, beautifully plated dishes, polished service, and a quiet, refined atmosphere.

Good for:

• Special celebrations
• Food-lovers who enjoy multi-course meals
• Long, lingering dinners

2. Aria (Buckhead)

Style: Upscale New American
What stands out: Elegant interior, consistent cooking, and a menu that balances creativity with approachability. It feels formal enough for big nights but not stuffy.

Good for:

• Date nights
• Business dinners
• Classic fine dining without being overly trendy

3. Lazy Betty (Candler Park / Edgewood area)

Style: Modern tasting menus with Southern and global influences
What to expect: Thoughtfully composed courses, creative techniques, and a relaxed but refined setting. It’s often on locals’ lists for “best modern restaurants in Atlanta.”

Good for:

• Food-forward diners who like tasting menus
• Celebrations where the food is the main event

Essential Southern and “Only-in-Atlanta” Spots

If you’re in Atlanta, you probably want great fried chicken, biscuits, BBQ, and soul food at least once.

4. Busy Bee Cafe (West End)

Style: Soul food
Why it’s iconic: A longstanding Atlanta staple known for fried chicken, candied yams, collard greens, and other classics. The atmosphere is casual and lively—expect a wait at peak times.

Tip: Many locals plan around off-peak hours for shorter lines.

5. Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Midtown)

Style: Traditional Southern “meat-and-three”
What people go for: Fried chicken, pot likker, chicken and dumplings, and a long list of sides. It often shows up on “must-try Atlanta” lists because of its history and old-school charm.

6. The Colonnade (near Morningside / Lenox area)

Style: Southern comfort food
What to expect: A classic, no-frills, old Atlanta experience. Known for roast chicken, fried chicken, and traditional sides. Many locals have been going for decades.

7. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Little Five Points / Candler Park)

Style: Texas-style BBQ with a Southern twist
Why it’s beloved: Smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and hearty sides. One of the most commonly recommended BBQ spots for visitors and locals alike.

Best Neighborhood Gems and Everyday Favorites

These restaurants are popular with people who live in Atlanta and want consistently good food without the formality of fine dining.

8. South City Kitchen (Midtown, Buckhead, Vinings)

Style: Upscale Southern
What makes it a go-to: Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and buttermilk fried chicken are standouts. It hits the balance between “special” and “casual enough” for a weeknight.

9. Murphy’s (Virginia-Highland)

Style: American bistro
What locals like: Brunch, comfort food, and a cozy neighborhood feel. It’s popular for both brunch and dinner, especially among intown residents.

10. The Vortex (Little Five Points & Midtown)

Style: Burgers and bar food (21+ only)
Why it’s famous: Over-the-top burgers and an irreverent atmosphere. Not fine dining, but a classic Atlanta experience for burger lovers.

11. Staplehouse (Old Fourth Ward – currently more market/casual focused)

Style: Evolved from tasting-menu to more casual market-style dining
Why it’s notable: Often associated with creative cooking and community focus. If you’re into food culture, it’s worth seeing what they’re doing now, as concepts may evolve over time.

International Food: Atlanta’s Global Side

Atlanta has one of the most interesting international dining corridors in the Southeast, especially along Buford Highway.

12. Buford Highway (Northeast of downtown)

Area, not a single restaurant
This stretch running through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville is packed with Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Central American, and other international restaurants.

Common favorites include:

• Korean BBQ houses – Grill-your-own meats, lots of side dishes
• Pho and Vietnamese cafes – Noodle soups, banh mi, rice plates
• Chinese spots – Sichuan, Cantonese, and dumpling-focused places
• Taquerias and pan-Latin eateries – Tacos, pupusas, and more

If you want some of the best international food in Atlanta, many locals will point you straight to Buford Highway and tell you to explore.

13. Chai Pani (Downtown Decatur)

Style: Indian street food–inspired
Why it stands out: Known for chaats (crispy, tangy snacks), curries, and colorful, approachable dishes that work well for sharing.

14. Ticonderoga Club / Krog Street Market (Inman Park)

Style: Creative American and global influences, inside a food hall
Why locals visit Krog: You can sample multiple high-quality vendors—ramen, tacos, burgers, and more—without committing to a single restaurant. Great if your group can’t agree on one cuisine.

Great Brunch and Breakfast in Atlanta

Brunch is a serious weekend ritual in the city, often with long waits at popular spots.

15. Atlanta Breakfast Club (Downtown, near Georgia Aquarium)

Style: Southern-influenced breakfast and brunch
What to expect: Chicken and waffles, grits, and big portions. Often packed with a mix of locals and visitors from nearby attractions.

16. Buttermilk Kitchen (Buckhead)

Style: Scratch-made Southern breakfast and lunch
Why people rave about it: Biscuits, pancakes, and fried chicken. The menu feels homey but elevated, and ingredients are often locally sourced.

17. Home grown GA (Reynoldstown / Edgewood area)

Style: Diner-style Southern breakfast and lunch
Signature items: The “Comfy Chicken Biscuit” is frequently cited as a must-try. The vibe is unpretentious and neighborhood-focused.

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Health-Conscious Favorites

Atlanta’s plant-based and health-minded options have grown substantially.

18. Herban Fix (Midtown)

Style: Vegan Asian-fusion and pan-Asian dishes
What stands out: Creative, beautifully presented vegan plates that appeal to both plant-based diners and omnivores.

19. Tassili’s Raw Reality (West End)

Style: Raw and vegan, especially known for large kale wraps
Why locals go: Flavorful, filling vegan wraps and a community-oriented atmosphere.

20. True Food Kitchen (Buckhead – national chain, but popular locally)

Style: Health-focused, veggie-forward
Why it’s busy: Easy option for mixed groups where some want lighter or specific dietary choices like gluten-free or vegetarian.

Casual, Budget-Friendly, and Family-Friendly Choices

You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well in Atlanta.

21. Ponce City Market Food Hall (Old Fourth Ward)

Style: Mixed food hall with many vendors
Why it’s useful: Good for families or groups with different tastes—pizza, ramen, fried chicken, tacos, gelato, and more under one roof.
Bonus: Easily walkable to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

22. Fellini’s Pizza (multiple intown locations)

Style: Casual slice shop / whole pies
Why Atlanta likes it: Reliable, affordable pizza with patios. A long-time local staple for an easy night out.

23. Taqueria del Sol (multiple locations, including West Midtown & Decatur)

Style: Fast-casual tacos with a Southern twist
What to expect: Short, focused menu, counter service, and often a line out the door. Known for mixing Tex-Mex and Southern flavors.

Quick Reference: Types of “Best” Restaurants in Atlanta

Below is a simplified overview to help you match your plans with a neighborhood and style.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Atlanta

To actually enjoy the best restaurants in Atlanta—without frustration—these local-style tips help:

• Reserve when you can: Popular fine-dining and brunch spots often book up, especially on weekends and during major events (sports, conventions, concerts).
• Plan around traffic: Evening rush hour can be intense. If you’re crossing town for a reservation, build in extra time.
• Use MARTA where it makes sense: Many Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown restaurants are near MARTA rail stations, which can simplify parking.
• Check parking details: Some busy areas (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown) rely on paid lots, valet, or tight street parking.
• Be open to exploring neighborhoods: Some of the “best” meals are in neighborhoods like Decatur, West End, and Buford Highway, slightly away from the main tourist zones.

How to Choose the Best Atlanta Restaurant for You

Narrow your options by asking:

1. What’s my priority—food, atmosphere, or convenience?

   • Food-first: Look at fine dining, Buford Highway, and chef-driven intown restaurants.
   • Atmosphere-first: Consider West Midtown patios, BeltLine-adjacent spots, or Buckhead dining rooms.

2. Do I want something distinctly “Atlanta”?

   • Focus on Southern, soul food, BBQ, or long-time neighborhood institutions.

3. What’s my budget?

   • Low to moderate: Food halls, taquerias, diners, Buford Highway, slice shops.
   • Higher: Midtown and Buckhead fine dining, tasting menus, special-occasion venues.

By matching what you’re in the mood for with the right neighborhood and style, you’ll quickly find that Atlanta’s “best” restaurants aren’t just one list—they’re a set of options that can fit almost any taste, schedule, or budget within the city.