Splurge-Worthy: A Local Guide to the Most Expensive Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta’s dining scene has grown into one of the most exciting in the South, and with that comes a serious lineup of high-end, special-occasion restaurants. Whether you’re planning a celebration, entertaining clients, or just curious where people go when they want to really splurge, Atlanta offers plenty of luxurious options across steakhouses, tasting menus, rooftop spots, and more.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to expensive restaurants in Atlanta—what they’re like, why they’re pricey, and how to get the most value out of a big night out.

What “Expensive” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, high-end restaurants typically share a few traits:

• Dinner for two can easily cross $250–$400+ with appetizers, mains, dessert, and drinks.
• Steaks, tasting menus, and seafood towers are common price drivers.
• Many spots feature craft cocktails, deep wine lists, and sometimes a sommelier.
• You’ll often find valet parking, dress codes (even if relaxed), and a polished atmosphere.

You’ll see these restaurants clustered in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, Inman Park, and along the BeltLine, with a few notable destinations elsewhere in the metro.

High-End Steakhouses in Atlanta

Steakhouses are some of the most consistently expensive restaurants in Atlanta, thanks to prime cuts, big portions, and extensive wine programs.

Buckhead’s Classic and Modern Steakhouses

Buckhead is the traditional home of Atlanta fine dining, and its steakhouses reflect that.

1. Bones (Buckhead)

• Style: Old-school, clubby steakhouse
• Why it’s expensive: Focus on prime steaks, classic sides, and a deep wine cellar.
• Typical experience: White tablecloth service, strong focus on business dinners and special occasions.
• Good to know: Reservations are strongly recommended, and attire leans business casual or nicer.

2. Chops Lobster Bar (Buckhead)

• Style: Upscale surf-and-turf
• Why it’s expensive: High-end steaks, premium seafood, and an underground lobster bar.
• Typical experience: Dimly lit, polished interior, ideal for anniversaries or client dinners.
• Good to know: The seafood selections—like lobster and raw bar items—can push the bill up quickly.

3. Arnette’s Chop Shop (Brookhaven / near Buckhead)

• Style: Modern steakhouse with a sleek design
• Why it’s expensive: Dry-aged steaks, specialty cuts, and an elevated bar program.
• Typical experience: Trendy but refined, with a menu that caters to both steak purists and adventurous diners.

Tasting Menus and Chef-Driven Fine Dining

Several Atlanta restaurants focus on multi-course tasting menus, chef-curated experiences, or elevated seasonal cuisine. These can be some of the priciest meals in the city, especially with wine pairings.

Intimate and Chef-Focused Spots

1. Bacchanalia (West Midtown)

• Style: Contemporary American fine dining
• Why it’s expensive: Seasonal tasting menus featuring high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients.
• Typical experience: A structured multi-course dinner, meticulous plating, and attentive service.
• Good to know: You’ll likely choose from a fixed-price menu, which makes cost more predictable but firmly in the “special-occasion” tier.

2. Miller Union (West Midtown)

• Style: Refined Southern-inspired, farm-centered cooking
• Why it’s expensive: Seasonal menus, elevated takes on regional ingredients, and a strong wine program.
• Typical experience: Not as formal as some tasting-only spots, but can become expensive with multiple courses and drinks.

3. Lazy Betty (Candler Park / Intown)

• Style: Modern, creative tasting menus
• Why it’s expensive: Multi-course menus, chef-driven dishes, and optional wine or beverage pairings.
• Typical experience: Intimate setting, precise courses, and a focus on presentation and flavor progression.

Luxury Sushi and High-End Japanese in Atlanta

High-quality sushi and omakase-style dining are among the higher cost-per-person meals in Atlanta.

Omakase and Premium Sushi Experiences

1. Umi (Buckhead)

• Style: High-end sushi and Japanese restaurant
• Why it’s expensive: Premium fish, specialty rolls, and elegant small plates.
• Typical experience: Sleek, modern interior with a lively bar; counts as both a see-and-be-seen spot and a serious sushi destination.
• Good to know: Omakase or ordering top-tier sashimi and specialty items can push totals well into “splurge” territory.

2. Omakase Rooms and Chef’s Counters (various intown locations)
Some sushi spots around Midtown, Buckhead, and Eastside neighborhoods offer omakase experiences with limited seating at a chef’s counter:

• Why they’re expensive: Set menus, often 10+ courses, focused on rare or ultra-fresh fish.
• Typical experience: Reservations are often required, sometimes with prepaid ticketing.

Upscale Italian, French, and Global Cuisine

Atlanta also has a number of high-end, globally inspired restaurants where the bill can climb quickly—especially with multiple courses and wine.

Elegant European-Influenced Spots

1. Atlas (Buckhead)

• Style: Upscale American/European-inspired fine dining inside a luxury hotel setting
• Why it’s expensive: Chef-driven menus, curated wine, and a sophisticated dining room with an art-focused ambiance.
• Typical experience: Often a go-to for formal celebrations, stylish date nights, and corporate entertaining.

2. La Grotta (Buckhead)

• Style: Upscale Italian
• Why it’s expensive: Handmade pastas, rich meat and seafood dishes, and a well-developed wine list.
• Typical experience: Classic, white-tablecloth Italian fine dining; a quieter, romantic feel.

3. The Consulate (Midtown / Westside area)

• Style: Global, rotating menus with high-end twists
• Why it’s expensive: Unique, internationally inspired dishes that often feature premium ingredients.
• Typical experience: Artistic decor and a creative menu; costs can rise quickly if you explore multiple courses and cocktails.

Rooftop Restaurants and City-View Splurges

Part of what you’re paying for in some Atlanta restaurants is the view—either skyline vistas or dramatic interiors in hotels and high-rises.

Where the View Is Part of the Price

1. Polaris (Downtown, inside the Hyatt Regency)

• Style: Revolving rooftop lounge and restaurant
• Why it’s expensive: Skyline views, hotel pricing, and craft cocktails.
• Typical experience: A slower-paced meal or drink experience built around the rotation and scenery.

2. Rooftop hotel restaurants (Midtown and Buckhead)
Several major hotels in Midtown and Buckhead include rooftop or high-floor restaurants:

• Expect elevated pricing for cocktails, appetizers, and mains.
• Ambiance, decor, and views are a big draw, particularly for out-of-town guests and celebrations.

Special-Occasion Southern and New American Spots

Atlanta has a strong tradition of modern Southern cuisine, and some of the city’s more expensive restaurants lean into that identity.

Elevated Takes on Southern Classics

1. Canoe (Vinings / Chattahoochee River area)

• Style: Upscale New American with Southern influence, on the river
• Why it’s expensive: Prime meats, seafood, and refined Southern-inspired dishes in a scenic setting.
• Typical experience: Romantic riverside dining; a favorite for engagements and anniversaries.

2. Staplehouse (Old Fourth Ward – concept has evolved over time)

• Style: Historically known for creative, refined dishes and tasting-style dining
• Why it’s expensive: Carefully composed plates, unique flavor combinations, and a chef-driven approach.
• Good to know: The format and pricing have changed at different points, so check the current concept before planning a splurge.

Quick Comparison: Types of Expensive Restaurants in Atlanta

Below is a simplified snapshot to help match your occasion to the right pricey Atlanta restaurant style:

How to Budget for an Expensive Atlanta Dinner

Even at the higher end, you can plan your night to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Typical Cost Components

When estimating a big night out at a luxury Atlanta restaurant, factor in:

• Starters and small plates: These often run higher than casual spots.
• Premium entrées: Steaks, lobster, and specialty dishes can significantly raise the total.
• Cocktails and wine: A couple of drinks per person can add a large chunk to the bill.
• Dessert and coffee: Often more expensive than at mid-range restaurants.
• Tax and tip: On a large bill, these quickly become substantial line items.
• Parking or valet: Many Buckhead and Midtown spots use valet, especially on busy nights.

A helpful strategy is to check the restaurant’s menu prices online (many list ranges) and estimate your order ahead of time.

Tips to Get the Most Value from Expensive Restaurants in Atlanta

Even if you’re spending a lot, you can make sure the experience feels worth it.

Before You Go

• Reserve early: Popular spots in Buckhead, Midtown, and West Midtown may book up on weekends.
• Ask about dress codes: Many high-end Atlanta restaurants expect at least smart casual attire.
• Mention your occasion: If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or promotion, some places may offer small touches like a dessert inscription.

While You’re There

• Share sides or starters: At steakhouses and upscale Southern spots, portions can be generous. Sharing cuts down cost without sacrificing variety.
• Ask about specials and off-menu items: High-end restaurants sometimes have limited-availability dishes that can be standouts, even if they’re a bit pricey.
• Use the sommelier or bartender: If you’re ordering wine or cocktails, asking for guidance can help you find better-value options rather than just the most expensive bottle.

For Locals vs. Visitors

• Locals might time visits around slower nights (often early in the week) when it’s easier to get last-minute reservations and more relaxed service.
• Visitors may want to pair a splurge meal with nearby attractions—for example, combining West Midtown fine dining with a visit to the Atlanta BeltLine or arts venues, or Buckhead steakhouses with luxury shopping areas.

Neighborhood Pockets for High-End Dining

If you’re not locked into a specific restaurant yet, it can be helpful to focus on neighborhoods known for concentrations of expensive restaurants:

• Buckhead: Classic fine dining, steakhouses, sushi, luxury hotel restaurants.
• Midtown: Trendy spots, rooftops, modern cuisine, and some upscale hotel-based dining rooms.
• West Midtown: Home to several chef-driven institutions and contemporary fine dining restaurants.
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward / Candler Park: Smaller, creative restaurants and tasting-menu concepts that can be just as expensive as classic steakhouses, but with a different vibe.
• Vinings / Chattahoochee River area: Scenic destination dining like Canoe, worth the drive for a special occasion.

Practical Next Steps for Planning an Expensive Dinner in Atlanta

To turn this information into a smooth night out:

1. Decide your priority: View, steak, sushi, tasting menu, or atmosphere.
2. Pick the neighborhood: Buckhead for classic upscale, Midtown or West Midtown for modern, intown neighborhoods for chef-driven creativity.
3. Set a rough budget: Per-person range including drinks, tax, and tip.
4. Check current menus and pricing: Many Atlanta restaurants update seasonally; menus often list approximate prices.
5. Book a reservation: Especially for Friday, Saturday, and holiday weekends.
6. Plan transportation: Consider valet, rideshare, or MARTA access in dense areas like Midtown and Downtown.

By focusing on your priorities and planning ahead, you can enjoy some of the most expensive restaurants in Atlanta in a way that feels intentional, memorable, and aligned with what you’re hoping to get from the experience—whether you’re a longtime Atlantan or visiting the city for the first time.