Where To Find the Best Crab Cakes in Atlanta

Atlanta might be hundreds of miles from the coast, but the city takes crab cakes seriously. From white-tablecloth seafood houses to casual neighborhood spots and market counters, you can find versions that range from classic Maryland-style to Southern-inspired twists.

This guide focuses on where to get the best crab cakes in Atlanta, what styles you’ll encounter, and how to choose the right place based on your taste, budget, and neighborhood.

What Makes a Great Crab Cake (Atlanta-Style)

Before diving into specific spots, it helps to know what locals often look for in a standout crab cake:

• High crab-to-filler ratio – More lump crab, less breading.
• Fresh taste – Clean, ocean-like flavor, not fishy.
• Light binding – Enough structure to hold together, but still tender.
• Balanced seasoning – Some Atlanta restaurants lean smoky, spicy, or citrusy; others keep it simple with Old Bay-style seasoning.
• Thoughtful sides – Many places serve crab cakes with remoulade, aioli, slaw, or seasonal vegetables.

You’ll find two broad styles around Atlanta:

• Maryland-style cakes – Jumbo lump meat, minimal filler, pan-seared or broiled.
• Southern-influenced cakes – May have peppers, onions, spice blends, or come with Southern sides like collards or cheese grits.

Quick-Glance Guide: Popular Atlanta Crab Cake Destinations

Use this as a starting point, then read on for details.

Best Places for Classic, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes in Atlanta

These restaurants are often mentioned by Atlantans who like traditional, minimal-filler crab cakes with a more upscale experience.

Buckhead Seafood Standouts

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s go-to neighborhoods for classic seafood.

Features you’ll typically find here:

• White-tablecloth or upscale casual atmosphere
• Jumbo lump crab as the focus
• Crab cakes served as an entrée or as part of a surf-and-turf plate
• Wine lists and well-developed cocktail programs

If you’re planning a special occasion, business dinner, or date night, Buckhead seafood restaurants are often a reliable bet for crab cakes done in a more refined style.

Midtown & Peachtree Corridor Favorites

Midtown restaurants along and near Peachtree Street NE often serve crab cakes as:

• An upscale appetizer
• A main course paired with seasonal vegetables
• A lighter entrée option for business travelers and theater-goers

Expect:

• Pan-seared or broiled crab cakes
• Sauces like lemon-butter, remoulade, or herb aioli
• Modern presentations that still feel familiar and approachable

These spots are convenient if you’re staying in Midtown hotels, visiting the Fox Theatre, or working in nearby office towers.

Best Crab Cakes With a Southern or Creative Twist

If you like classic crab cakes but enjoy a bit more personality, Atlanta has plenty of options that lean into Southern flavors or chef-driven creativity.

Modern Southern Restaurants (Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside)

In and around downtown and the BeltLine, you’ll find restaurants that:

• Add Cajun or Creole spices
• Incorporate bell peppers, scallions, or corn into the cakes
• Serve crab cakes with grits, collard greens, or pimento cheese
• Offer brunch crab cake dishes, like crab cake Benedict

People often choose these spots when they want:

• A more casual or trendy atmosphere than Buckhead
• A chance to pair crab cakes with craft cocktails or local beer
• Dishes that feel distinctly Atlanta and Southern, not just “seafood anywhere”

Chef-Driven, Seasonal Menus

On the Westside, Inman Park, and other in-town neighborhoods, some chef-owned restaurants rotate crab cakes on and off the menu depending on:

• Seasonal seafood availability
• Menu themes (for example, focusing on Gulf vs. Mid-Atlantic flavors)

In these places, expect:

• Thoughtfully sourced crab
• House-made sauces and pickled or charred vegetables
• Slightly different versions of crab cakes from one visit to the next

If you care as much about the experience and creativity as the crab itself, these are worth exploring.

Casual & Neighborhood Spots for Crab Cakes

Not every great crab cake in Atlanta requires a reservation or a special occasion outfit. Many neighborhood restaurants, grills, and cafés around the city offer reliable crab cakes in a more relaxed setting.

Typical features:

• Crab cakes served on a sandwich, with fries or a salad
• Crab cake sliders as bar snacks
• Lunch-friendly prices compared to fine dining
• Patio or bar seating with games on TV

You’ll often find these in:

• Grant Park, East Atlanta, Inman Park
• Virginia-Highland and Morningside
• West Midtown and Upper Westside

These can be ideal if:

• You’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner
• You want takeout without sacrificing quality
• You prefer a lower-key vibe but still care about good seafood

Markets, Counters, and Take-Home Crab Cakes

If you’d rather cook crab cakes at home or heat them yourself, Atlanta has fish markets and grocery counters that regularly stock prepared or ready-to-cook crab cakes.

Fresh Fish Markets

Seafood markets around metro Atlanta commonly offer:

• House-made crab cakes formed daily
• Choices between lump and jumbo lump blends
• Cooking instructions (pan-sear, bake, or air fry at home)

Some markets also sell:

• Remoulade or tartar sauces
• Fresh lemons, herbs, and seasonal sides like slaw or green beans

These are useful when you’re:

• Hosting at home and want restaurant-like quality
• Trying to eat earlier or later than typical restaurant hours
• Sticking to a specific diet or seasoning level, since you control preparation

Supermarket Seafood Counters

Larger grocery chains in and around Atlanta often have:

• Pre-formed crab cakes in the seafood case
• Frozen premium crab cakes for at-home cooking

Quality and style can vary, so many locals:

• Ask which cakes use more lump crab vs. filler
• Start with 1–2 cakes to test before buying in bulk
• Pan-sear with a bit of butter or oil for better texture

How to Choose the Right Crab Cake Spot in Atlanta

With so many options, a few simple questions can narrow things down quickly.

1. What’s Your Ideal Atmosphere?

• Upscale and polished – Look in Buckhead or Midtown at well-known seafood or steak restaurants.
• Trendy and social – Try Westside, Old Fourth Ward, or BeltLine-area modern Southern spots.
• Casual neighborhood – Explore in-town bistros, pubs, and grills around your home or hotel.

2. Classic or Creative?

• If you want classic Maryland-style, seek out:

  • Menus that say “jumbo lump crab cake”
  • Short ingredient lists focused on crab, herbs, and basic seasoning

• If you want Southern or chef-driven, look for:

  • Crab cakes served with grits, collards, hot sauces, or pickled vegetables
  • Descriptions mentioning Creole, Cajun, smoked paprika, or house spice blends

3. Dining In or Taking It Home?

• For sit-down meals, think about:

  • Parking or MARTA access
  • Whether you need reservations (common at popular Buckhead and Midtown restaurants, especially on weekends)

• For home cooking:

  • Check local seafood markets for prepared, ready-to-cook crab cakes
  • Consider buying a small amount first to test texture and flavor

Practical Tips for Ordering Crab Cakes in Atlanta

A few details can make a noticeable difference in your experience:

• Ask about the crab blend
  Many servers can tell you if the cakes use primarily lump or jumbo lump crab and how much filler is used. This helps if you prefer a specific texture.

• Check how they’re cooked
  Crab cakes may be:

  • Pan-seared – crisp exterior, tender center
  • Broiled – slightly lighter, good for those avoiding fried foods
  • Fried – crunchier exterior, often in more casual settings

• Mind the accompaniments
  If you don’t like spicy sauces, you can ask for:

  • Sauce on the side
  • A milder option such as plain lemon or simple aioli

• Consider when you order
  Dinner service in more seafood-focused restaurants may be when the kitchen:

  • Puts extra care into plating
  • Offers entrée-sized crab cakes rather than just appetizer portions

• To-go orders
  When ordering crab cakes for pickup or delivery, you can request:

  • Sauces packed separately so cakes stay crisp
  • Minimal stacking to avoid sogginess

Finding Crab Cakes Near Major Atlanta Areas

If you’re visiting specific parts of the city, here’s how crab cake options generally line up:

• Downtown Atlanta
  Good for: Pre-event dinners near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center. Look for modern Southern or hotel restaurants featuring crab cakes as appetizers or mains.

• Midtown
  Good for: Theater nights, business dinners, and hotel stays near Peachtree Street. Crab cakes often appear on contemporary American or seafood menus.

• Buckhead
  Good for: Upscale seafood and steakhouse experiences emphasizing jumbo lump crab cakes and polished service.

• West Midtown / Westside
  Good for: Trendy, chef-driven kitchens that may offer creative variations on crab cakes and seasonal menus.

• Eastside Neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland)
  Good for: Casual bistros and neighborhood spots with crab cakes as a staple on small plates or entrée lists.

• Northside & OTP suburbs
  Good for: Family-friendly restaurants and seafood markets where crab cakes are available either as entrées or prepared for home cooking.

How Locals Often Evaluate “Best” Crab Cakes

Atlanta diners tend to judge crab cakes by a few recurring criteria:

• Flavor first – Fresh-tasting crab with seasoning that enhances rather than overwhelms.
• Texture – Enough structure so the cake doesn’t fall apart, but still moist and tender.
• Filler level – Many locals specifically watch for cakes that feel mostly like breading; those tend to be ranked lower.
• Consistency – Places that serve the same quality crab cakes visit after visit usually earn repeat business.
• Value – Especially in Atlanta’s dining scene, people weigh portion size and quality against price.

If you keep these points in mind, you’ll have a clear sense of what “best” means for you, whether you’re in town for a weekend or looking to adopt a new go-to crab cake spot as a local.

In Atlanta, you can find excellent crab cakes in nearly every part of the city—upscale, casual, classic, or creative. Decide on the style and atmosphere you want, look for menus that emphasize lump or jumbo lump crab with minimal filler, and don’t hesitate to ask your server how the crab cakes are prepared. That combination will quickly lead you to your personal “best crab cakes in Atlanta.”