Where To Find the Best Fried Fish in Atlanta

Atlanta isn’t a coastal city, but you wouldn’t know it from the fried fish scene. From old-school fish shacks and soul food institutions to modern seafood bars, you can find just about every style of fried fish here — crispy catfish, flaky whiting, Gulf-style platters, and upscale takes on classic baskets.

This guide focuses on where to get the best fried fish in Atlanta, how to choose the right spot for your taste and budget, and what to expect at different types of places around the city.

What “Best Fried Fish” Usually Means in Atlanta

When Atlantans talk about the best fried fish, they’re usually looking for a few key things:

• Light, crispy batter (not greasy or soggy)
• Well-seasoned fish (salt, pepper, and often Southern spices)
• Fresh-tasting fillets that are moist and flaky inside
• Hot-from-the-fryer service (no lukewarm baskets sitting under a heat lamp)
• Good sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, grits, fries, or collard greens
• Reasonable prices and consistent quality

You’ll find these qualities in different forms across Atlanta — from counter-service fish markets to sit-down restaurants.

Classic Southern & Soul Food Spots for Fried Fish

These are the places many locals think of first when they’re craving fried catfish, whiting, or a classic fried fish plate.

Busy Bee Cafe – Vine City / Westside

Location: Near downtown Atlanta, Vine City area
Style: Soul food institution

Busy Bee is known citywide for soul food, and its fried catfish and whiting are among the standout plates. Expect:

• Thin, cornmeal-battered fillets with a well-seasoned crust
• Traditional sides like mac and cheese, collards, yams, and cornbread
• A very local, historic Atlanta feel

Lines can be long at peak times, so many people plan for an early or late lunch.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Midtown

Location: Midtown, near Ponce de Leon Ave
Style: Southern “meat-and-three” classic

Mary Mac’s offers a sit-down, family-style Southern experience where fried seafood shares the spotlight with fried chicken and vegetables. For fried fish lovers, look for:

• Fried catfish with a mild, clean flavor
• Choice of traditional Southern sides
• A setting that feels like old Atlanta, popular with both locals and visitors

This is a good option if you want fried fish plus a full Southern meal in one place.

Colonnade Restaurant – Cheshire Bridge / North Druid Hills

Location: Cheshire Bridge Road corridor
Style: Old-school Southern restaurant

Colonnade has a reputation as a long-running Atlanta staple. On the fried fish side, you’ll often find:

• Catfish fillets or trout fried golden-brown
• Hearty portions with classic sides like fries, slaw, or vegetables
• A casual, comfortable dining room suitable for groups and families

If you’re near Emory, Morningside, or Virginia-Highland, this can be an easy go-to for traditional fried fish in a sit-down setting.

Neighborhood Fish Markets & Counter-Service Favorites

Some of Atlanta’s best fried fish is served in no-frills markets and takeout counters. These are ideal when you want generous portions and bold seasoning.

Atlanta Fish Markets & Fry Counters: What to Expect

Most neighborhood fish markets and counters share a few traits:

• Order at the counter, often from a large board listing fish by piece or by dinner
• Choices like whiting, croaker, catfish, tilapia, and shrimp
• Side staples: hushpuppies, fries, coleslaw, potato salad, and sometimes rice or grits
• Often located in strip centers or standalone buildings along major corridors

These spots can be very popular with regulars who swear by their preferred location’s batter and seasoning style.

Typical Areas to Look For Great Fried Fish Counters

While individual businesses can change over time, Atlantans often gravitate to certain corridors for this style of fried fish:

• Old National Highway (South Fulton / College Park area)
  • Known for multiple seafood and fish takeout spots with big portions and late hours.
• Memorial Drive (Decatur / Stone Mountain direction)
  • Numerous fish and wings places offering combo plates with fried fish, shrimp, and chicken.
• Campbellton Road (Southwest Atlanta)
  • A long-time hub for soul food and fried fish counters.
• Candler Road (Decatur)
  • Several local favorites that serve whiting and catfish plates with hot sauce and white bread.

If you’re staying in or near these areas, asking locals or checking current signage along these main roads can quickly lead you to low-key, high-flavor fried fish.

Higher-End Seafood Restaurants With Excellent Fried Fish

If you want fried fish but in a more upscale or date-night setting, a few seafood-focused restaurants offer standout fried dishes alongside oysters, grilled fish, and cocktails.

The Optimist – West Midtown

Location: West Midtown
Style: Contemporary seafood restaurant

The Optimist is known for its oysters and wood-fired fish, but fried items like fish and chips-style plates and fried branzino or similar white fish sometimes appear on the menu. Expect:

• Crisp, delicate breading and high-quality fish
• Creative sides (e.g., seasoned fries, remoulades, or house-made sauces)
• A lively, modern atmosphere

This style of fried fish is more about refinement and presentation than huge portions, but it’s a good choice if you want something special.

Midtown & Buckhead Seafood Houses

In areas like Midtown and Buckhead, several established seafood restaurants regularly feature:

• Fried catfish or fried flounder plates
• Fried shrimp and seafood baskets
• Combos that allow you to pair fried fish with grilled or blackened options

These restaurants usually offer full bars, reservations, and more formal service, making them good for business dinners or special occasions while still giving you that fried fish fix.

Fish & Chips, Po’ Boys, and Other Fried Fish Styles

Not all fried fish in Atlanta is Southern-style catfish. You’ll also find:

Fish & Chips (Pub and Gastropub Style)

In neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Decatur, several pubs and gastropubs offer:

• Beer-battered cod or haddock
• Thick-cut fries, tartar sauce, and malt vinegar
• A crisp, bubbly coating different from cornmeal-based Southern fish

This is a good option if you prefer British-style fried fish and want to pair it with a beer or watch a game.

Fried Fish Po’ Boys and Sandwiches

Given Atlanta’s connection to Gulf Coast flavors, you’ll see:

• Fried catfish or fried shrimp po’ boys with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade
• Fried fish sandwiches served on soft buns with slaw
• Options at both New Orleans-inspired restaurants and casual sandwich spots

Look in areas like Edgewood, East Atlanta, and West Midtown for this style, especially where Cajun, Creole, or “Southern coastal” menus are common.

Best Fried Fish by Neighborhood Vibe

To make planning easier, here’s a simple overview of where different types of fried fish experiences tend to cluster:

How to Choose the Right Fried Fish Spot for You

When you’re deciding where to go for fried fish in Atlanta, it helps to consider a few practical questions:

1. What style of fried fish do you want?

• Southern catfish or whiting with cornmeal breading
• Beer-battered white fish (fish & chips style)
• Po’ boys or fried fish sandwiches
• Upscale plated fried fish with more elaborate sides

Knowing your style makes it easier to pick between soul food, pub, seafood restaurant, or fish market.

2. How much time do you have?

• Quick lunch or takeout:
  • Neighborhood fish & wings shops and fish markets are ideal.
• Leisurely meal or special occasion:
  • Sit-down soul food restaurants or seafood houses in Midtown, Buckhead, or West Midtown are better fits.

3. What’s your budget?

• Budget-friendly: Counter-service fish markets and strip-center seafood spots, especially in Southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, and Decatur.
• Mid-range: Most soul food restaurants and casual pubs with fried fish plates.
• Higher-end:Upscale seafood restaurants and trendy West Midtown or Buckhead venues.

4. Are you driving, riding MARTA, or walking?

• Driving: You’ll have the widest range of options, including neighborhoods like Campbellton Road, Old National Highway, and Candler Road.
• MARTA riders and walkers: Focus on areas near major stations, such as:
  • Midtown Station: Access to Midtown Southern and pub-style fish.
  • Peachtree Center / GWCC/CNN Center: Access to downtown and Vine City via bus or short rides.
  • Five Points: Bus connections to several neighborhoods with well-known fried fish counters.

Tips for Getting the Best Fried Fish Experience in Atlanta

A few local-minded pointers can help you get the most out of your meal:

• Go when it’s busy (but not slammed).
  During a steady rush, fryers are turning over constantly, meaning your fish is more likely to be freshly fried and crispy.

• Ask what’s most popular.
  At many fish markets and counters, staff can tell you whether whiting, catfish, or another fish is the customer favorite that day.

• Check how the fish is seasoned.
  Some spots lean heavily on Cajun or spicy seasoning, others keep it simpler. If you’re sensitive to spice, it’s worth asking before you order.

• Plan for parking in busier districts.
  In Midtown, West Midtown, and Buckhead, garages and paid lots are common. In more residential corridors (like Campbellton or Old National), parking is usually easier but lots can get crowded at peak hours.

• Consider calling ahead for larger orders.
  If you’re feeding a group and want multiple fried fish plates or family trays, calling the restaurant or fish market in advance can shorten wait times.

Finding Fried Fish When You’re New to the City or Just Visiting

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience the city’s fried fish culture:

• Start with a central soul food institution (like a well-known Vine City or Midtown eatery) to get a feel for classic Atlanta-style fried fish.
• Add a neighborhood fish counter if you have time and transportation, to see how locals grab fried fish for everyday meals.
• Try at least one different style – such as fish & chips at a pub or a fried fish po’ boy – for variety.

If you live here and are exploring:

• Make your own “fried fish map” of the city over time, trying spots in different neighborhoods.
• Pay attention to which batter style and seasoning you enjoy most; Atlanta’s options range from lightly seasoned and crisp to heavily spiced and crunchy.

With a bit of exploring, you’ll quickly find your personal picks for the best fried fish in Atlanta, whether you’re after a historic soul food plate, a paper-lined basket from a humble fish market, or a polished, chef-driven version in a modern dining room.