Atlanta’s Best Restaurants: Where to Eat Now in the ATL

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse and exciting in the South. From classic Southern meat-and-threes to modern tasting menus, global street food, old-school steakhouses, and neighborhood gems, you can eat incredibly well in nearly every part of the city.

This guide focuses on Atlanta’s best restaurants across styles, budgets, and neighborhoods, so whether you live in Atlanta or are in town for a short visit, you’ll know where to go and what to expect.

How to Think About “Best Restaurants” in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is large and spread out, the “best” restaurant often depends on:

• What part of town you’re in (Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Inman Park, Decatur, etc.)
• What kind of experience you want (fine dining, casual, family-friendly, late-night)
• Your budget (splurge tasting menu vs. weekday lunch special)
• How you’re getting around (MARTA, rideshare, walking, driving + parking)

Instead of one ranked list, this guide breaks down standout options by category, with a special focus on spots that define how Atlanta really eats.

Essential Atlanta Restaurants Everyone Should Know

These are the kinds of places locals mention when asked where to eat in Atlanta—restaurants that feel like city landmarks, not just where to grab a meal.

Southern & Modern Southern Favorites

Atlanta’s best restaurants often build on Southern flavors, either in a traditional or updated way.

Busy Bee Cafe – Classic Soul Food

• Where: 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 (near the Atlanta University Center)
• Why go: A long-standing spot for soul food with fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread in a cozy, no-frills space.
• Good to know: Expect a line during lunch and on weekends; this is a destination for both locals and visitors.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Old-School Atlanta Institution

• Where: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Midtown, near Ponce)
• Why go: A historic “meat-and-three” style tea room serving Southern staples: chicken and dumplings, pot likker, fried okra, and peach cobbler.
• Good for: Groups, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting a traditional Atlanta experience.

South City Kitchen – Refined Southern

• Where (midtown original): 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Why go: Known for modern Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and buttermilk fried chicken served in a bistro-like atmosphere.
• Best for: Business dinners, date nights, or when you want “elevated” but not overly formal.

Fine Dining & Special-Occasion Dining

If you’re celebrating, hosting clients, or planning a memorable night out, Atlanta has several standout fine-dining restaurants.

Bacchanalia – One of Atlanta’s Flagship Fine-Dining Restaurants

• Where: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (West Midtown)
• Why go: Known for carefully sourced ingredients and a set-course menu in a refined space. The menu changes with the seasons and focuses on contemporary American cuisine.
• Best for: Anniversaries, milestone celebrations, and serious food lovers.

Aria – Elegant Buckhead Mainstay

• Where: 490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Why go: A quiet, white-tablecloth restaurant with a focus on classy, composed plates and attentive service.
• Best for: Romantic dinners and special occasions in Buckhead.

The Chastain – Upscale Neighborhood Restaurant

• Where: 4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 (near Chastain Park)
• Why go: A modern American restaurant with an emphasis on seasonal produce and slick but comfortable design.
• Good to know: Popular for both brunch and dinner; reservations recommended.

Neighborhood Hotspots: Where Locals Love to Eat

Atlanta’s best restaurants are spread across neighborhoods. If you’re staying or living in a specific area, these are strong go-to choices.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These connected neighborhoods are dense with restaurants, bars, and BeltLine access.

Staplehouse (Market Concept / Wine & Snacks)

• Where: 541 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Why go: Known historically for inventive tasting menus; more recently, a market-style and casual food + drink concept that still reflects high-level cooking and hospitality.
• Best for: Food enthusiasts who like creative, changing menus and a relaxed environment.

BoccaLupo – Modern Italian in Inman Park

• Where: 753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Why go: Handmade pastas and Italian-inspired flavor combinations in a small, cozy space.
• Best for: Date night or small groups who appreciate thoughtful pasta and wine.

Krog Street Market – Multiple Vendors in One Stop

• Where: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Why go: An indoor market with multiple food stalls and small restaurants—from fried chicken to tacos, dumplings, and ice cream.
• Best for: Mixed groups, picky eaters, or casual BeltLine hangouts.

West Midtown / Howell Mill / The Works

This area has become one of Atlanta’s strongest dining hubs.

The Optimist – Seafood-Focused Favorite

• Where: 914 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Why go: Well-known for oysters, whole fish, and coastal-inspired dishes in a lively setting with a popular bar area.
• Best for: Seafood lovers, after-work dinners, and group outings.

Miller Union – Seasonal Southern with a Modern Touch

• Where: 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Why go: Focus on local, seasonal ingredients and vegetables, with an understated, sophisticated feel.
• Best for: Diners who appreciate subtle, carefully constructed dishes and a calm atmosphere.

The Works at Chattahoochee Food Works – Casual Variety

• Where: 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Why go: A large food hall with many local vendors serving everything from street tacos to empanadas, burgers, and desserts.
• Best for: Big groups, casual lunches, and trying multiple local concepts at once.

Buckhead

Buckhead combines upscale dining, steakhouses, and trendy spots.

Bones – Classic Atlanta Steakhouse

• Where: 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Why go: Longtime power steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and old-school service.
• Best for: Business dinners, traditional steakhouse experiences, and serious meat eaters.

Umi – Upscale Sushi & Japanese

• Where: 3050 Peachtree Rd NW Suite 6, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Why go: A sleek spot with high-quality sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes; one of the top choices in the city for sushi.
• Good to know: Reservations are highly recommended; dress tends to be a bit more polished.

Midtown & Downtown

These areas are popular with visitors thanks to hotels, offices, and attractions.

Ecco Midtown – European-Inspired

• Where: 40 7th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why go: A Mediterranean and European-style bistro known for pastas, flatbreads, and charcuterie with a solid wine list.
• Best for: Pre-theater dinners, business meals, or casual date nights.

Poor Calvin’s – Asian-Southern Fusion

• Where: 510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why go: An energetic restaurant blending Thai, Asian, and Southern influences (think lobster fried rice with Southern twists).
• Best for: Unique flavors, generous portions, and fun nights out with friends.

Atlanta Breakfast Club – Hearty Breakfast & Brunch

• Where: 249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola)
• Why go: A popular spot for comfort breakfast and brunch—fried chicken and waffles, pancakes, and hearty Southern-inspired plates.
• Good to know: Often busy on weekends; plan for a wait if you go late morning.

Decatur & Eastside

Decatur and the eastside neighborhoods are known for walkable downtowns and independent restaurants.

Kimball House – Oysters & Creative Cocktails

• Where: 303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Why go: Famous for its oyster selection, craft cocktails, and inventive Southern-leaning menu in a converted train depot.
• Best for: Date nights, oyster lovers, and anyone who appreciates a thoughtful bar program.

Brick Store Pub – Beer & Elevated Pub Food

• Where: 125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
• Why go: Widely regarded for its beer selection (especially Belgian and craft options) and upgraded pub food in a warm, wood-paneled space.
• Best for: Casual dinners, groups, and beer enthusiasts.

Quick-Glance Guide to Atlanta’s Best Restaurants

Below is a simple reference table to help you choose based on neighborhood and style:

Use this as a starting point, then decide based on how far you want to travel and what kind of experience you’re in the mood for.

Where to Find Great Global Food in Atlanta

Atlanta’s population is diverse, and that’s reflected in some of the best global and immigrant-owned restaurants around the metro area.

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s International Food Corridor

Technically stretching through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville (just northeast of Atlanta), Buford Highway is a must-visit if you care about global food.

You’ll find excellent:

• Chinese (including Sichuan, Cantonese, dumplings, hot pot)
• Vietnamese (pho, banh mi, bún)
• Korean (BBQ, tofu soups, fried chicken)
• Mexican & Central American restaurants and taquerias
• Latin American bakeries and cafes
• Bubble tea, dessert shops, and snack spots

Two well-known food courts and centers along or near Buford Highway include:

• Plaza Fiesta – 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
• City Farmers Market & surrounding plazas – multiple locations near Buford Hwy in Chamblee and Doraville

You don’t go here for fine-dining ambiance, but for authentic, often very affordable meals that many locals consider among the best in the metro area.

Notable Global Spots Within City Limits

Chai Pani (Decatur)

• Where: 406 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Why go: Known for Indian street food like chaat, pakoras, and creative curries in a colorful, casual room.
• Best for: Sharing plates and lighter, flavorful meals.

Taqueria del Sol (Multiple Intown Locations)

• Example location: 1200-B Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Why go: A streamlined menu of tacos and Southern-Mexican fusion dishes, plus queso and margaritas.
• Good to know: Counter-service with often short lines that move quickly.

Best Restaurants for Brunch in Atlanta

Brunch is serious business in Atlanta, especially on weekends.

Local brunch favorites to consider:

• Atlanta Breakfast Club (Downtown) – Comfort food brunch close to major attractions.
• The Flying Biscuit Cafe (multiple locations, original near Candler Park: 1655 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Known for biscuits, grits, and Southern-influenced breakfasts.
• West Egg Cafe – 1100 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (West Midtown) – Busy, modern diner-style brunch with pimento cheese, biscuits, and strong coffee.
• The General Muir – 1540 Avenue Pl B-230, Atlanta, GA 30329 (near Emory) – A New York-style Jewish deli-inspired restaurant with bagels, pastrami, and elevated breakfast/lunch plates.

Tip: For popular brunch spots, go early or be ready to wait, especially on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Casual, Family-Friendly & Budget-Conscious Options

If you’re not looking to splurge, many of Atlanta’s best restaurants are casual, counter-service, or family-friendly.

Reliable, Well-Loved Casual Spots

• Home Grown GA Restaurant – 968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
  • Comfort breakfast and lunch, famous for the “Comfy Chicken Biscuit.”
• Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Known for Texas-style barbecue with a Southern twist; ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and hearty sides.
• Felini’s Pizza – Multiple intown locations (e.g., 2809 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305)
  • Neighborhood slice and pie spot with big portions and casual patios.
• Victory Sandwich Bar – 913 Bernina Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Inman Park area)
  • Small, creative sandwiches and drinks in a laid-back space; good for a quick bite or casual meet-up.

These kinds of places are good fits for families, groups of friends, or weeknight dinners when you want something tasty and low-stress.

Practical Tips for Eating at the Best Restaurants in Atlanta

A few local pointers will make your restaurant plans smoother:

• Reservations:

  • For fine dining, popular date-night spots, and trendy Buckhead/Midtown restaurants, book ahead, especially Thursday–Saturday.
  • Casual and counter-service places typically don’t require reservations.

• Traffic & Timing:

  • Rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m. on weekdays) can significantly affect how long it takes to get across Atlanta.
  • When choosing restaurants, consider staying within the same general area for the evening (e.g., West Midtown all night vs. crisscrossing the city).

• Parking:

  • Many intown neighborhoods use paid street parking or small lots with pay stations.
  • Some restaurants in Buckhead and Midtown offer valet; verify cost if that matters to you.

• Dress Code:

  • Most Atlanta restaurants are business casual to casual, with a few fine-dining spots leaning dressier.
  • Upscale Buckhead and high-end tasting-menu spots often expect more polished attire.

• Dietary Needs:

  • Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners will find many options across the city, especially at seasonal, chef-driven restaurants and global eateries.
  • When in doubt, call ahead; many kitchens can adjust dishes if they know your needs.

By focusing on the neighborhoods you’ll be in, your budget, and the kind of meal you want, you can use this guide to zero in on Atlanta’s best restaurants for your trip or your next night out in the city.