Atlanta’s Best Food: Where (and What) to Eat in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the South. Whether you live in the city or are just visiting, “Atlanta, Georgia best food” usually means three things: classic Southern comfort, global flavors, and creative modern cooking—often all on the same block.

Below is a practical guide to help you find the best food in Atlanta, neighborhood by neighborhood and dish by dish, with a focus on what locals actually seek out.

What “Best Food” Means in Atlanta

When people talk about the best food in Atlanta, Georgia, they usually mean:

• Iconic Southern dishes – fried chicken, biscuits, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, collard greens.
• Atlanta-style soul food – meat-and-three plates, smothered pork chops, oxtails, peach cobbler.
• Barbecue and wings – slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and Atlanta’s famous lemon pepper wings.
• Global cuisines – especially Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Ethiopian, Indian, and Caribbean.
• Modern Southern and chef-driven spots – tasting menus, small plates, and creative local ingredients.

If you’re new to the city, it helps to think of Atlanta food in three layers:

1. Old-school Atlanta – diners, BBQ joints, soul food restaurants.
2. Neighborhood favorites – places in Midtown, Decatur, Westside, and more with loyal local crowds.
3. Suburban food corridors – Buford Highway, Duluth, Chamblee, and others with deep global options.

Can’t-Miss Atlanta Foods: What to Try First

These are the essential foods most people look for when they want “the best food in Atlanta”:

1. Fried Chicken and Biscuits

Atlanta takes fried chicken seriously. You’ll find:

• Bone-in fried chicken with a thin, crispy crust.
• Chicken biscuits for breakfast or brunch.
• Hot chicken variations with spicy coatings.

Paired with a buttermilk biscuit, this is one of the purest “Atlanta, Georgia” food experiences.

2. Soul Food and Meat-and-Three

A meat-and-three is a classic Southern plate: one main protein plus three sides. Common options:

• Mains: fried chicken, baked chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, turkey wings.
• Sides: mac and cheese, yams, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing.
• Desserts: banana pudding, peach cobbler, pound cake.

Look for cafeterias, diners, and family-style restaurants around South Atlanta, West End, and Cascade for some of the most authentic plates.

3. Barbecue: Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Brisket

While other states may be more famous for barbecue, Atlanta has a strong BBQ culture. Expect:

• Pork ribs – usually smoked low and slow.
• Pulled pork sandwiches with tangy or sweet sauce.
• Beef brisket – increasingly common at modern BBQ spots.
• Smoked chicken and sausage.

Best bets are usually standalone smokehouses or small local chains with busy weekend crowds.

4. Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon pepper wings are an Atlanta signature. You’ll often see:

• Dry lemon pepper – crisp wings tossed in lemon pepper seasoning.
• Lemon pepper wet – wings coated in a buttery, lemon-pepper sauce.
• Served with fries, blue cheese or ranch.

You can find them at wing stands, sports bars, and neighborhood takeout spots all over the city.

5. Shrimp and Grits

Southern coastal flavors show up often in Atlanta:

• Creamy stone-ground grits.
• Sautéed or grilled shrimp.
• Toppings like bacon, sausage, peppers, or a rich gravy.

Look at brunch menus in Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Decatur to find standout versions.

6. Atlanta-Style Breakfast and Brunch

Brunch is big in Atlanta. Typical favorites:

• Chicken and waffles
• Shrimp and grits
• Loaded biscuits with eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon
• French toast and pancakes with local twists (peach toppings, pecan praline sauces)

Weekend reservations are often recommended at the most popular spots, especially in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and West Midtown.

Best Food by Atlanta Neighborhood

The best food in Atlanta, Georgia varies a lot by neighborhood. Here’s a quick guide to where and what to look for.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

Best for: Classic Southern, quick lunches, pre-game and pre-concert eats

Expect:

• Sit-down Southern restaurants serving fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, and cornbread.
• Casual spots near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium catering to game-day crowds.
• Hotel restaurants with elevated spins on Southern ingredients.

This is a convenient place to get a first taste of Southern food if you’re staying in a Downtown hotel or visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.

Midtown

Best for: Brunch, modern Southern, date nights, plant-based options

Midtown’s food scene leans:

• Upscale casual and chef-driven.
• Lively brunches with long lines on weekends.
• A mix of Southern, Mediterranean, Asian-fusion, and vegetarian/vegan spots.

You’ll find strong options along:

• Peachtree Street NE
• Near Piedmont Park
• Around 10th Street, 12th Street, and 14th Street

Virginia-Highland, Inman Park & Poncey-Highland

Best for: Neighborhood favorites, patios, Ponce City Market

This cluster of neighborhoods is popular for:

• Cozy bistros and cafes
• Craft cocktail bars with good food programs
• Pizza, burgers, tacos, and globally inspired small plates

Nearby, Ponce City Market off Ponce de Leon Avenue NE houses a large food hall where you can sample:

• Southern comfort dishes
• Ramen and noodles
• Tacos and Latin flavors
• Ice cream, pastries, and coffee

It’s a good choice if you’re with a group and want many options in one place.

West Midtown / Westside

Best for: Trendy restaurants, modern Southern, BBQ

The Westside has transformed into one of Atlanta’s most restaurant-dense areas. Expect:

• Converted warehouses with industrial-chic dining rooms.
• Contemporary Southern cooking, often with local farms highlighted.
• BBQ joints and burger spots.
• Popular Sunday brunch destinations.

Look near Howell Mill Road NW, Marietta Street NW, and mixed-use developments like Westside Provisions District.

Old Fourth Ward & Edgewood

Best for: Hip casual eats, creative comfort food

Close to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, you’ll find:

• Casual eateries serving burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and creative bar food.
• Street-food inspired menus with tacos, wings, and noodle bowls.
• Several late-night options on Edgewood Avenue SE.

This is a good area if you want to walk, snack, and explore.

Buckhead

Best for: Fine dining, high-end steakhouses, polished Southern

Buckhead, especially around Peachtree Road NE and Phipps Plaza/Lenox Square, is known for:

• Steakhouses and seafood restaurants
• Upscale Southern-inspired menus
• Lounge-style dining with small plates and cocktails

It’s a common choice for business dinners and special occasions.

Decatur

Best for: Laid-back, walkable, family-friendly dining

Downtown Decatur, centered around Ponce de Leon Avenue and the Decatur Square, has:

• A strong mix of Southern, New American, Mediterranean, and Asian spots.
• Pizza, burger joints, bakeries, and dessert shops.
• Many vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus.

Decatur is outside the city of Atlanta but easy to reach by MARTA rail (Decatur Station) and feels like a small town with big-city food.

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Global Food Corridor

When locals talk about the best food in Atlanta, Georgia, Buford Highway almost always comes up.

What Is Buford Highway?

Buford Highway (GA-13) runs northeast from Atlanta through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville. The stretch roughly from:

• Around NE Expressway / Sidney Marcus Blvd NE
  up through
• Chamblee-Tucker Road

is packed with immigrant-owned restaurants, markets, and bakeries.

What You’ll Find on Buford Highway

You can explore:

• Korean – BBQ, tofu stews, fried chicken, bakeries.
• Vietnamese – pho, banh mi, rice plates, Vietnamese coffee.
• Chinese – regional cuisines, dumplings, hot pot.
• Mexican and Central American – tacos, tortas, pupusas.
• Ethiopian – injera platters with stews.
• Indian and Pakistani – curries, biryani, chaat.
• Latin bakeries and panaderías – pastries, cakes, breads.

Most places are:

• Casual, often in strip centers.
• Affordable compared to in-town trendy spots.
• Very family-friendly.

If you want to experience Atlanta’s international side, Buford Highway is essential.

Classic Southern & Soul Food: What to Look For

When evaluating Southern and soul food spots in Atlanta, consider:

Menu Signs of a Strong Soul Food Kitchen

Look for:

• Daily or rotating meat-and-three boards.
• Sides like mac and cheese, collards, cabbage, okra, field peas, dressing.
• House-made cornbread or biscuits.
• Desserts like banana pudding, peach cobbler, red velvet cake.

Many of the best places are:

• In smaller neighborhoods south and west of Downtown.
• Often family-run and focused on takeout with some dine-in seating.

Barbecue in Atlanta: Styles and Tips

Atlanta’s BBQ scene mixes influences from several regions.

Common Atlanta BBQ Styles

You’ll typically see:

• Pork ribs – baby back or spare ribs, with dry rub and/or sauce.
• Pulled pork – often served on a bun with slaw.
• Beef brisket – sliced or chopped, increasingly popular.
• Chicken – smoked or grilled, quartered or as wings.

Sauces vary from:

• Vinegar-based and tangy.
• Tomato-based and sweet.
• Mustard-based (a nod to nearby South Carolina).

Ordering Tips

• Ask for sauce on the side if you want to taste the smoke first.
• Combine one meat + 2 sides for the classic Southern BBQ plate.
• Popular sides: baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, fried okra, Brunswick stew.

Food Halls and Markets in Atlanta

If you’re short on time and want to sample a lot, Atlanta’s food halls are a smart option.

Major Food Halls to Know

Here is a quick-reference overview:

These spots are ideal if:

• You’re with a group and everyone wants something different.
• You want a sampler of Atlanta’s food without lots of driving.
• You’re looking for kid-friendly or indoor options.

How to Find the Best Food in Atlanta for Your Needs

Everyone’s idea of “best” is different. Here’s how to narrow it down if you’re in Atlanta.

For Visitors on a Short Trip

Focus on:

• One classic Southern meal (fried chicken, biscuits, collards, mac and cheese).
• One BBQ or wings stop.
• One global meal on Buford Highway or in Midtown/Decatur.
• One brunch near where you’re staying.

Stay near:

• Downtown/Midtown if you don’t have a car.
• Use MARTA (rail and buses) to reach major areas like Decatur or to get near Buford Highway (Chamblee or Doraville stations, then short rideshare).

For Locals Exploring More of the City

Try:

• Visiting one new neighborhood (Westside, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta) each month.
• Planning Buford Highway “food crawls”, sharing multiple small dishes with friends across several spots.
• Checking weekday lunch menus; many higher-end places have more affordable mid-day options.

For Families

Atlanta is generally family-friendly at many restaurants, especially:

• Food halls
• BBQ joints
• Casual Southern spots
• Many places in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and suburban corridors

Look for:

• Patios during good weather.
• Early dinner hours before crowds build.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Atlanta

To get the most from Atlanta’s food scene:

• Reservations:
  • Recommended for popular brunch and dinner spots in Midtown, Buckhead, and Westside, especially on weekends.
• Traffic and Timing:
  • Plan extra time when crossing the city; Atlanta traffic can be heavy around rush hours.
• Parking:
  • Many intown spots rely on paid lots or street parking. Check signs carefully near major corridors like Edgewood, Ponce, and the BeltLine.
• Dietary Needs:
  • Vegetarian and vegan options are common in Midtown, Decatur, and along the BeltLine.
  • Gluten-free diners often do well with barbecue plates (without bread), salads, and Latin or Vietnamese dishes that can be customized.
• Cost Range:
  • Casual wings and soul food: usually budget to moderate.
  • Chef-driven Southern and Buckhead steakhouses: moderate to expensive.

Using Local Resources and City Services

While there isn’t a single “official” Atlanta food directory, you can use:

• City of Atlanta information lines – for general visitor guidance:
  • Atlanta City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, main information line: (404) 330-6000
• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (tourist information offices, brochures, and neighborhood maps often include dining districts and major food areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead).
• MARTA Customer Service – to plan routes to major food neighborhoods:
  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer information: (404) 848-5000

These resources can help you pair attractions with nearby food areas so you’re not crisscrossing the city unnecessarily.

Atlanta’s best food stretches from classic fried chicken and soul food to innovative global dishes along Buford Highway and beyond. Whether you’re in Downtown, Midtown, Westside, Buckhead, Decatur, or exploring the suburbs, you can usually find excellent options within a short drive or MARTA ride—if you know what to look for and which neighborhoods match your tastes.