Atlanta’s Most Famous Restaurants: Where to Eat in the A

Atlanta’s food scene is one of the city’s biggest draws, blending Southern comfort, global flavors, and high-end dining in a way that feels uniquely local. Whether you live here, just moved to town, or are visiting for a weekend, knowing the famous restaurants in Atlanta can help you plan the meals that really matter.

Below is a guide to some of Atlanta’s most well-known spots, organized by what they’re best known for—iconic Southern food, fine dining, neighborhoods, and “only in Atlanta” experiences.

Atlanta Icons: Classic & Can’t-Miss Restaurants

These are the places people mention when they say, “You have to eat here while you’re in Atlanta.”

Busy Bee Cafe – Soul Food Landmark

Busy Bee Cafe has been serving classic Southern and soul food since the 1940s and is regularly mentioned as one of Atlanta’s most iconic restaurants.

• Known for: Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams, peach cobbler
• Vibe: Small, busy, and casual; often a wait, especially at lunch
• Tip: Expect a line. Many locals plan a late lunch to avoid the noon rush.

Location:
Busy Bee Cafe
810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (404) 525-9212

The Varsity – Fast-Food, Atlanta Style

The Varsity is one of the largest drive-in restaurants in the country and an Atlanta institution, especially on Georgia Tech game days.

• Known for: Chili dogs, onion rings, frosted orange shakes (“F.O.”), fried pies
• Vibe: Loud, bustling, nostalgic; counter service with the famous “What’ll ya have?” greeting
• Good for: Kids, groups, quick bites before or after a downtown event

Location (main Atlanta drive-in):
The Varsity
61 North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 881-1706

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – “Atlanta’s Dining Room”

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is another staple for traditional Southern cooking and is often recommended to visitors wanting a sit-down Southern meal.

• Known for: Fried chicken, potlikker and cornbread, fried green tomatoes, chicken and dumplings, banana pudding
• Vibe: Homey, old-school, white-tablecloth but comfortable
• Tip: Good option for multi-generational groups; something familiar for everyone.

Location:
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 876-1800

Bones – Classic Atlanta Steakhouse

For decades, Bones has been considered one of the top steakhouses in Atlanta and a go-to for business dinners and special occasions.

• Known for: Prime steaks, traditional steakhouse sides, attentive service
• Vibe: Old-school, dressy, business and special-occasion heavy
• Tip: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for prime dates and holidays.

Location:
Bones
3130 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 237-2663

Famous Atlanta Restaurants by Neighborhood

Atlanta is a city of neighborhoods, and many of its most famous restaurants are closely tied to where they’re located.

Buckhead: Upscale & Special-Occasion Dining

Buckhead is known for fine dining, steakhouses, and stylish restaurants. Some of the best-known spots here regularly appear on “top restaurant” lists.

Canoe – Riverside Favorite

Located on the Chattahoochee River, Canoe is known for its scenic setting as much as its food.

• Known for: Seasonal American dishes, excellent brunch, riverside patio
• Vibe: Refined but relaxed; popular for dates, anniversaries, and business dinners

Location:
Canoe
4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 432-2663

(Technically Vinings, but commonly included in the Atlanta conversation.)

Chops Lobster Bar – High-End Steak & Seafood

Another famous Buckhead spot, Chops Lobster Bar is known for its power-dining feel.

• Known for: Steaks, fresh seafood, lobster, classic steakhouse atmosphere
• Vibe: Dark wood, white tablecloth, often expense-account territory

Location:
Chops Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 262-2675

Midtown: Trendy, Artsy, and Centrally Located

Midtown sits near major attractions (like the Fox Theatre and Piedmont Park), making its restaurants especially convenient for visitors.

South City Kitchen Midtown – Modern Southern Staple

A go-to for elevated Southern food that still feels familiar.

• Known for: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, brunch
• Vibe: Lively but not too formal; great for out-of-town guests

Location:
South City Kitchen Midtown
1144 Crescent Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 873-7358

The Vortex – Burgers With Attitude

Famous for creative burgers and a very distinctive style, The Vortex is a Midtown landmark.

• Known for: Over-the-top burgers, tater tots, bar food, strong drinks
• Vibe: 21+ only; loud, irreverent, bar-meets-diner feel
• Tip: Not for kids; ID is required just to enter.

Location (Midtown):
The Vortex Bar & Grill
878 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 875-1667

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward: Hip & Walkable

These intown neighborhoods offer walkable restaurant clusters along the Atlanta BeltLine and near historic streets.

King + Duke (Buckhead/Inman-adjacent) and Sotto Sotto or Fritti in Inman Park are often cited, but a few standouts draw a lot of attention:

Sotto Sotto – Longtime Italian Favorite

In Inman Park, Sotto Sotto is known for consistently well-regarded Italian food.

• Known for: Risotto, pastas, classic Italian dishes, strong wine list
• Vibe: Cozy, date-friendly, neighborhood-favorite feel

Location:
Sotto Sotto
313 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 523-6678

Krog Street Market – Food Hall Destination

Not a single restaurant, but Krog Street Market is one of Atlanta’s best-known food halls, packed with popular stalls and small eateries.

• Known for: Variety—ramen, tacos, burgers, baked goods, and more
• Vibe: Casual, communal seating, BeltLine-adjacent
• Tip: Good choice when a group can’t agree on one cuisine.

Location:
Krog Street Market
99 Krog St NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

West Midtown: Industrial-Chic & Culinary Hot Spot

West Midtown (also called Westside) has become a center for destination dining.

Bacchanalia – High-End Tasting Menu

Often mentioned among Atlanta’s top fine-dining restaurants, Bacchanalia is known for carefully sourced ingredients and a set-price menu.

• Known for: Seasonal tasting menus, refined presentations, intimate atmosphere
• Vibe: Special-occasion, dressy, reservation-driven

Location:
Bacchanalia
1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 365-0410

JCT Kitchen & Bar (concept historical) and other West Midtown concepts have helped define the area; current restaurant lineups may change but the neighborhood remains a hotspot for chef-driven dining.

Famous Spots for Authentic Southern & Soul Food

Beyond the marquee names, there are several Atlanta-famous restaurants focused on Southern and soul food that locals recommend again and again.

Paschal’s – Civil Rights-Era Staple

Paschal’s is known not only for its fried chicken but also for its historical connection to the Civil Rights Movement, when it served as a meeting spot for leaders.

• Known for: Fried chicken, Southern sides, cobblers, buffet-style options at times
• Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, historically significant

Location (Castleberry Hill area):
Paschal’s
180 Northside Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 525-2023

Atlanta Breakfast Club – Famous Brunch

Atlanta Breakfast Club has become a popular brunch destination near major tourist spots.

• Known for: Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, peach cobbler French toast
• Vibe: Busy, upbeat; expect possible wait on weekends
• Good for: Before or after a visit to the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola

Location:
Atlanta Breakfast Club
249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (470) 428-3825

Famous BBQ, Wings, and Game-Day Favorites

Atlanta takes barbecue and wings seriously, and several spots are widely recognized among locals and visitors.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Atlanta BBQ Heavyweight

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is often mentioned as one of the city’s top barbecue joints.

• Known for: Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked wings, hearty sides
• Vibe: Casual, busy, smokehouse feel
• Tip: Takeout and early dinners can help you avoid long waits.

Location (Little Five Points / Candler Park area):
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 DeKalb Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 577-4030

J.R. Crickets – Wings and Late-Night Eats

Made particularly famous by pop culture references, J.R. Crickets is closely associated with Atlanta’s wing culture.

• Known for: Lemon pepper wings, combo flavors, bar snacks
• Vibe: Sports-bar energy, casual, often open late

Location (one well-known intown spot):
J.R. Crickets
794 Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 876-0040

Famous Atlanta Restaurants for International Flavors

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is also known for global cuisines, especially around Buford Highway and in diverse intown neighborhoods.

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s International Food Corridor

Buford Highway is a stretch just northeast of Atlanta known for some of the best and most diverse food in the metro area—including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and many other cuisines.

A few well-known stops include:

• Lee’s Bakery – Popular for banh mi and pho
  • 4005 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
• Canton House – Known for dim sum in a large dining room setting
  • 4825 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341

These are just examples; Buford Highway is less about one “famous restaurant” and more about exploring multiple spots.

Antico Pizza Napoletana – Famous Neapolitan Pizza

Antico Pizza near Georgia Tech quickly became a local favorite and is widely recognized for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies.

• Known for: Soft, blistered-crust pizzas, communal seating, fast service
• Vibe: Casual, crowded, pizza-focused

Location (Westside/Georgia Tech area):
Antico Pizza Napoletana
1093 Hemphill Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 724-2333

Quick Comparison: Types of Famous Atlanta Restaurants

Tips for Enjoying Atlanta’s Famous Restaurants

To make the most of dining at Atlanta’s most popular spots:

• Reserve when possible: Fine-dining and many Midtown/Buckhead restaurants book up quickly, especially Friday–Sunday.
• Plan around traffic: Travel times can change a lot depending on rush hour, events, or game days. Build in extra time.
• Check parking: Some areas (Midtown, West Midtown, Buckhead) rely on paid decks or valet. In older intown neighborhoods, street parking can be tight.
• Be ready to wait at classics: Iconic spots like Busy Bee, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and Krog Street Market can have lines—especially weekend brunch.
• Ask locals: Servers, rideshare drivers, and hotel staff often have up-to-date suggestions, including newer places that are quickly becoming famous.

Atlanta’s famous restaurants cover everything from casual chili dogs to white-tablecloth tasting menus, often within a short drive of each other. With a bit of planning, you can fit several of these well-known spots into a single trip—or spread them out over months if you’re lucky enough to call Atlanta home.