Best Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat Now

Atlanta’s food scene is one of the most dynamic in the South. Whether you’re a local planning a special night out, a visitor staying near Midtown, or someone trying to understand how dining in Atlanta really works, this guide will walk you through some of the best restaurants in Atlanta by neighborhood and style.

You’ll find fine dining, classic Southern spots, casual neighborhood favorites, and global cuisines that reflect the city’s diversity.

How to Think About “Best Restaurants in Atlanta”

Before getting into specific names, it helps to know how Atlanta’s dining scene is laid out:

• Neighborhoods matter: Many of the best restaurants cluster in Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Decatur, and Downtown.
• Driving is common: MARTA rail helps for some areas, but you’ll often rely on rideshares or driving, especially at night.
• Reservations are often essential: For popular spots, especially on weekends, you’ll want to reserve several days (or weeks) ahead.
• Dress codes are usually relaxed-smart: Even in higher-end places, “Southern polished casual” is typical—think jeans with nice shoes and a button-down or a simple dress.

Use the lists below as a starting point, then choose based on location, style, and budget.

Quick Snapshot: Standout Atlanta Restaurants by Category

Top Fine Dining and Special-Occasion Restaurants

These are restaurants people in Atlanta often choose for anniversaries, business dinners, and destination-worthy meals.

Buckhead & Midtown Fine Dining

1. Atlas – Buckhead

• Located inside the St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead.
• Known for: Seasonal tasting menus, art-filled dining room, and polished service.
• Good for: Celebrations, out-of-town guests you want to impress, multi-course dining.

2. Bacchanalia – West Midtown

• A longstanding fixture in Atlanta fine dining.
• Known for: Set menus, carefully sourced ingredients, and a calm, minimalist space.
• Good for: Food-focused diners who enjoy tasting menus and don’t mind splurging.

3. Aria – Buckhead

• Cozy yet upscale, with a white-tablecloth feel.
• Known for: Refined New American dishes, strong wine list, sophisticated atmosphere.
• Good for: Romantic dinners, quieter special nights out.

4. The Chastain – North Buckhead / Chastain Park

• Upscale but relaxed, in a residential area near Chastain Park.
• Known for: Seasonal, modern American cooking; brunch and dinner are both popular.
• Good for: Locals in north Atlanta, date night without going downtown, patio weather.

Best Southern and Soul Food in Atlanta

Atlanta prides itself on Southern and soul food classics. You can find everything from home-style cafeterias to modern reinterpretations.

Classic Southern Favorites

1. Busy Bee Cafe – Near Downtown / Westside

• A landmark for fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread.
• Expect: A casual, compact space and often a wait during peak hours.
• Good for: Visitors wanting a “this is Atlanta soul food” experience.

2. Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Midtown

• Longstanding Southern restaurant not far from Ponce de Leon Ave.
• Known for: Meat-and-three style plates, pot likker, and classic sides.
• Good for: Groups, families, and those wanting traditional Southern comfort food.

3. Paschal’s – Castleberry Hill / Downtown

• Historically rooted in Atlanta’s civil rights era.
• Known for: Fried chicken, yams, collards, and hearty Southern staples.
• Good for: Visitors exploring Downtown and nearby attractions like Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Elevated Southern & Modern Takes

4. South City Kitchen – Midtown & Vinings

• Popular for both brunch and dinner.
• Known for: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and updated Southern dishes.
• Good for: Visitors staying near Midtown hotels; business lunches and casual celebrations.

5. The Optimist – West Midtown

• More seafood-focused but with a Southern coastal feel.
• Known for: Wood-grilled fish, oysters, and a lively, busy atmosphere.
• Good for: Groups and seafood lovers; good to reserve ahead.

Best Trendy, Chef-Driven Spots

If you’re interested in what’s current and talked-about, these chef-driven restaurants capture how Atlanta’s culinary scene is evolving.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

1. Staplehouse (Market) – Old Fourth Ward

• Evolved from a tasting-menu destination into a more casual but still thoughtful spot.
• Known for: Creative small plates, charcuterie, and seasonal dishes.
• Good for: Food enthusiasts who like to share plates and explore new flavors.

2. BeetleCat – Inman Park

• A seafood-leaning spot with a retro vibe.
• Known for: Oysters, small plates, and a fun downstairs space.
• Good for: Date nights and groups before or after walking the BeltLine.

3. BoccaLupo – Inman Park

• Intimate Italian-American restaurant on Edgewood Avenue.
• Known for: Handmade pastas and inventive spins on Italian dishes.
• Good for: Pasta-focused diners; usually easier with reservations.

West Midtown & Surrounding Areas

4. Miller Union – West Midtown

• Known for: Farm-driven menus, seasonal vegetable-forward plates, and a quiet, refined atmosphere.
• Good for: Diners who appreciate simple, carefully executed food.

5. Marcel – West Midtown

• Traditional steakhouse with a plush, old-school feel.
• Known for: Steaks, rich sides, and classic cocktails.
• Good for: Special occasions, business dinners, and anyone wanting a high-end steak in Atlanta.

Best International Cuisine in and Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s diversity really shines in its international dining, especially along Buford Highway and nearby suburbs.

Buford Highway & Doraville

The Buford Highway corridor (from Northeast Atlanta into Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville) is a go-to for authentic global food.

You’ll find:

• Korean BBQ and Korean bakeries
• Vietnamese pho and banh mi shops
• Mexican and Central American taquerias
• Chinese regional restaurants
• Bubble tea shops and dessert cafes

Typical experience:

• Often in strip centers
• More casual decor
• Outstanding value and flavor compared to many city-center spots
• Easy to combine multiple stops in one evening

Intown Global Standouts

1. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen – Briarcliff / North Druid Hills

• Known for: Injera platters with stews, vegetarian and meat options, sharing-style dining.
• Good for: Groups and those trying Ethiopian food for the first time.

2. Tabla – Midtown

• Indian restaurant located near many Midtown offices and hotels.
• Known for: Classic Indian curries with some modern touches and a full bar.
• Good for: Midtown workers, pre-theater dinners, and hotel guests.

3. Gato – Candler Park

• Small, eclectic neighborhood spot with global influences.
• Known for: Comfort-driven, ever-changing menus.
• Good for: Locals and adventurous eaters in a relaxed setting.

Best Casual Neighborhood Restaurants

These are the reliable, easygoing spots that Atlantans frequent for regular nights out.

Decatur

Downtown Decatur, just east of Atlanta, is compact and very walkable, with a lot of casual dining options in one square-mile area.

Highlights include:

• Pizzeria and pub-style spots ideal for families and groups
• Multiple beer bars and patio-friendly restaurants
• Numerous vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options

Decatur works well if:

• You want to park once and have several choices.
• You’re staying near Emory University or in east Atlanta.

Virginia-Highland & Morningside

This stretch is known for bungalow-lined streets and cozy dining:

• Laid-back brunch spots and taverns
• Comfortable family-friendly restaurants
• Plenty of patio seating, especially appealing in spring and fall

Good for: Locals and visitors wanting walkable, low-key dining without heading downtown.

Grant Park & East Atlanta

Around Grant Park and into East Atlanta Village, you’ll find:

• Casual spots with burger, taco, and pizza options
• Restaurants that work well after a visit to Zoo Atlanta or the park
• A mix of new-school and long-time neighborhood favorites

Brunch Hotspots in Atlanta

Brunch is taken seriously here, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect lines and waitlists at popular places.

Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

Some of the most reliable brunch areas include:

• Restaurants around Peachtree Street in Midtown
• Spots along the Eastside BeltLine between Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward
• Cafes near Ponce City Market

Common patterns:

• Reservations strongly recommended, where available
• Mix of classic breakfasts and more creative dishes
• Brunch cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys are very common

Where to Eat Near Popular Atlanta Attractions

If you’re visiting, you may want the best restaurants in Atlanta near major attractions so you’re not driving across town.

Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

In and around Downtown and Castleberry Hill, you can expect:

• Casual Southern spots
• Sports-bar‑style restaurants
• A few higher-end places good for pre- or post-game meals

Plan to:

• Arrive early on game or concert days—restaurants and parking fill quickly.
• Consider walking to nearby neighborhoods if you want more variety after events.

Near the BeltLine (Eastside Trail)

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs through or near:

• Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• Ponce City Market

Eating along the BeltLine is ideal if you want:

• Walkable choices: You can stroll and pick places based on feel.
• Patio seating, breweries, and snack options.
• To combine a walk, bike ride, or scooter session with lunch or dinner.

Near Museums and Midtown Hotels

Close to:

• High Museum of Art
• Woodruff Arts Center
• Midtown’s main hotel corridor along Peachtree Street

You’ll find:

• Upscale and mid-range restaurants within a short walk
• Several places that accommodate pre-theater dinner timing
• A range from quick-casual to white-tablecloth

Practical Tips for Dining in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific details can make eating out smoother:

• Reservations:

  • Use them for fine dining, popular brunches, and Friday/Saturday nights.
  • Walk-ins are possible at many casual and neighborhood spots, but waits can be long.

• Parking:

  • Many restaurants in Atlanta share surface lots or parking decks.
  • In denser areas like Midtown, Inman Park, and West Midtown, expect either paid decks or street parking.
  • Some places in Buckhead and high-end areas use valet parking.

• Transit and Walkability:

  • MARTA rail is helpful for Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead corridors.
  • For Buford Highway, West Midtown, and many suburban spots, driving or rideshare is usually necessary.

• Dietary Needs:

  • Many Atlanta restaurants list vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly.
  • Buford Highway and Decatur are especially good for varied diets and flexible menus.

How to Choose the Right Restaurant in Atlanta

To narrow down the best restaurant in Atlanta for you, consider:

1. Location

   • Staying Downtown? Look at Downtown, Castleberry Hill, and Midtown.
   • Visiting friends in east Atlanta? Consider Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Decatur.

2. Occasion

   • Celebration: Fine dining like Buckhead or West Midtown.
   • Everyday meal: Neighborhood spots in Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, Decatur.
   • Quick bite: Food halls (like those inside major developments), casual counters, or Buford Highway.

3. Cuisine and Budget

   • Atlanta has high-end tasting menus, mid-range date-night spots, and budget-friendly global food corridors.
   • For value, Buford Highway and more casual intown places offer strong choices without fine-dining prices.

4. Timing

   • For weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinner, plan ahead with reservations or accept that there may be a wait.
   • Weeknights are generally easier at many of the city’s best restaurants.

Atlanta’s restaurant scene changes quickly, with new places constantly opening. Using the neighborhood and style breakdown above, you can focus on the areas and types of restaurants that best match your plans—and find a “best” Atlanta restaurant that’s right for your taste, budget, and part of town.