Iconic Atlanta Restaurants: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Must‑Try Eats
Atlanta’s food scene is one of the most distinctive in the South, blending historic soul food traditions, global flavors, and bold new restaurants. Whether you live here, are in town for a weekend, or are just trying to understand what makes Atlanta restaurants special, there are a handful of spots that locals consistently describe as truly iconic.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the restaurants that define the city’s dining identity, plus tips on when to go, what to order, and how each place fits into the broader food scene.
How to Think About “Iconic” Restaurants in Atlanta
When Atlantans talk about an iconic restaurant, they usually mean one or more of these:
- It’s been around for decades and is tied to Atlanta’s history.
- It represents a cornerstone of Southern or soul food.
- It helped put Atlanta on the map for fine dining or modern cuisine.
- It’s a casual spot that locals treat like a ritual (game day, late night, after church, celebrating a big win).
You’ll see all of those types in this guide.
Quick Snapshot: Classic Iconic Atlanta Restaurants
| Restaurant | Neighborhood / Area | What It’s Iconic For | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Varsity | Downtown / Midtown | Chili dogs, onion rings, “What’ll ya have?” vibe | Best for fast, nostalgic eats |
| Busy Bee Cafe | Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Soul food, civil rights–era history | Small, often a wait |
| Mary Mac’s Tea Room | Midtown | Classic Southern “meat & three” | Great for first-time visitors |
| Paschal’s | Castleberry Hill | Fried chicken, civil rights–era landmark | Near downtown attractions |
| Nikolai’s Roof | Downtown | Old‑school fine dining with skyline views | Dressier, best to reserve |
| Bones | Buckhead | Traditional steakhouse, power dinners | Popular with business crowds |
| The Colonnade | Cheshire Bridge Rd | Old‑school Southern plates, stiff drinks | Cash often preferred by regulars |
| The Busy Atlanta Diner Trio | Various | Landmark diner-style classics (dueling “best” claims) | Great late‑night and casual |
(Details on each below.)
Atlanta’s Most Famous Spot: The Varsity
If there is one Atlanta restaurant everyone recognizes, it’s The Varsity.
Why it’s iconic
- Open since 1928, it’s often described as the world’s largest drive‑in.
- Known for its fast-paced energy, paper hats, and the famous greeting: “What’ll ya have?”
- A go‑to before or after Georgia Tech games, conventions, and downtown events.
What to order
- Chili dog (often ordered “all the way”).
- Onion rings and a F.O. (frosted orange) – a creamsicle-style frozen drink.
- Simple burgers, fries, and fried pies are part of the experience.
Tips for locals and visitors
- Midday and pre‑game times can be very busy; lines move quickly but expect a crowd before big events.
- Parking patterns can change on game days or during major events downtown; give yourself extra time.
Soul Food Landmarks: Where Atlanta’s Heart Really Beats
Atlanta’s reputation as a soul food capital comes from a small group of long-running restaurants that served the community through segregation, the civil rights movement, and generations of families.
Busy Bee Cafe
Located near what is now Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Busy Bee Cafe is one of the city’s most beloved soul food institutions.
Why it matters
- Opened in the 1940s, it has long been a gathering spot for locals, civil rights leaders, and visitors.
- Small, cozy dining room; food comes out in generous portions.
Signature dishes
- Fried chicken (often cited as some of the best in the city).
- Collard greens, mac and cheese, yams, candied sweets, and cornbread.
- Banana pudding and peach cobbler are common go-to desserts.
Practical tips
- Expect to wait during lunch and weekend peak times; the restaurant is relatively small.
- Many people plan a visit here along with a trip to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
In Midtown Atlanta, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is often recommended to visitors wanting a “classic Southern meal” in one sitting.
Why it’s iconic
- Open since the 1940s, it’s one of the last of the old “tea rooms” run by women restaurateurs in Atlanta.
- Walls covered with photos of famous guests and longtime regulars give it a strong sense of local history.
What to order
- Fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, pot roast, or country fried steak.
- “Meat and three” format: pick a main protein and three traditional sides such as turnip greens, fried okra, black‑eyed peas, squash casserole, or cheese grits.
- House‑baked breads and desserts like cobbler and bread pudding.
Tips
- It’s very visitor-friendly; menus are clear, and staff are used to helping first‑timers.
- Weekday lunches are a bit calmer than weekend dinners, especially when conventions are in town.
Paschal’s
In the Castleberry Hill / Westside of downtown, Paschal’s is as famous for its history as for its fried chicken.
Historical role
- A well-known meeting place for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Deeply woven into Atlanta’s African American history and political life.
On the plate
- Fried chicken, often paired with collards, mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread.
- Southern staples like smothered pork chops, catfish, and classic sides.
Why go
- If you’re visiting the AUC (Atlanta University Center) colleges, CNN Center, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, it’s an easy, meaningful stop for a meal that connects food with Atlanta’s civil rights story.
Old‑School Fine Dining and Special‑Occasion Icons
Atlanta has newer, nationally recognized chefs, but a few older fine‑dining spots have become traditions for anniversaries, business dinners, and big celebrations.
Nikolai’s Roof
Perched above downtown, Nikolai’s Roof is known for city views and an old‑world fine-dining style.
What makes it iconic
- Decades of history as a special-occasion restaurant for Atlantans.
- Recognized for its skyline lookouts, white tablecloths, and attentive, classic service style.
What to expect
- Multi‑course meals leaning toward European‑influenced fine dining, often paired with wines.
- Dress tends to be business casual to formal, especially during evenings and events.
Tips
- Best to reserve ahead of time, especially during major conferences, sporting events, or holidays.
- Factor in time for parking or rideshare at busy downtown hotel corridors.
Bones
In Buckhead, Bones is often referred to as one of Atlanta’s most respected traditional steakhouses.
Why it stands out
- Sleek but understated dining rooms filled with business dinners, celebrations, and long‑time regulars.
- Frequently part of the rhythm of Atlanta’s corporate and professional life.
Menu highlights
- Dry‑aged steaks, lamb chops, and seafood, with classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Traditional desserts such as cheesecake, pies, and rich chocolate options.
Visiting tips
- Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly Monday–Thursday evenings.
- Dress is generally more formal than casual; many diners come in business attire or elevated casual wear.
Classic Southern Meat‑and‑Three & Neighborhood Favorites
Atlanta’s older neighborhoods hold a handful of no-frills restaurants that locals see as unofficial community centers.
The Colonnade
On Cheshire Bridge Road, The Colonnade is a favorite among long-time Atlantans.
What makes it iconic
- An old-school feel: wood paneling, big booths, and a casual bar atmosphere.
- Known for a mix of regulars ranging from families to neighborhood residents to people visiting from across the metro area.
Food style
- Fried chicken, fried shrimp, turkey and dressing, and other hearty mains.
- Classic Southern vegetables and sides; rolls and cornbread come generously.
- Strong drinks are part of its reputation, especially at the bar.
Local tips
- It’s a popular spot for large family gatherings and weekend dinners.
- Many patrons use this as a pre‑or post‑event stop before heading to Midtown or Buckhead.
Diner Culture & Late‑Night Landmarks
Atlanta’s diner scene has shifted over the years, but some spots remain deeply ingrained in local culture, especially for late‑night eats and casual, anytime breakfast.
While different places come and go, Atlantans often keep up a tradition of:
- 24‑hour or late‑night breakfast, especially after concerts, club nights, or long shifts.
- Patty melts, burgers, waffles, and biscuits as comfort food.
- Counter seating and booths where you can show up solo or with a big group.
When you’re in Atlanta, ask locals in your specific neighborhood (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, East Atlanta, College Park, etc.) which diner or late‑night spot they still consider “their place”—these change over time, but the tradition is a core part of the city’s food culture.
Modern Icons: New‑School Atlanta Restaurants With Lasting Power
Beyond the historic names, newer restaurants are quickly becoming iconic in their own right. They often represent:
- Modern Southern cooking (traditional flavors with updated techniques).
- Global cuisines that reflect Atlanta’s growing diversity, including Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, and West African influences.
- Creative food hall concepts and chef‑driven neighborhood spots.
While specific “hottest tables” change frequently, you’re likely to find modern standouts in areas such as:
- Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – along the BeltLine Eastside Trail, with numerous chef‑driven restaurants and cafes.
- West Midtown – converted warehouses and industrial buildings with upscale and experimental kitchens.
- Poncey‑Highland / Ponce City Market – a mix of casual stalls and more polished sit‑down spots.
- Buckhead – newer high‑end restaurants in and around Peachtree Road and Buckhead Village.
If you’re visiting, pairing an old-school icon (like Busy Bee, Mary Mac’s, or The Varsity) with a new‑school spot in one of these neighborhoods gives you a balanced picture of Atlanta’s food scene.
How to Plan an “Iconic Atlanta Food Day”
To get a full flavor of Atlanta in one day, many people combine several of these experiences:
Breakfast or Brunch
- A neighborhood diner, or a modern brunch spot in Midtown, Inman Park, or West Midtown for biscuits, shrimp and grits, and coffee.
Midday Classic
- Mary Mac’s or Busy Bee Cafe for a soul food lunch and a crash course in Atlanta’s Southern staples.
Afternoon Snack or Treat
- A quick stop for a frosted orange at The Varsity or a dessert at a nearby bakery or coffee shop.
Dinner
- Choose between an old‑school special‑occasion place (like Bones or Nikolai’s Roof) or a modern, chef‑driven spot in BeltLine neighborhoods, West Midtown, or Buckhead.
Late‑Night Bite (Optional)
- Cap the night with a diner‑style meal or 24‑hour breakfast at a local favorite in whatever part of town you’re staying.
Practical Tips for Eating at Iconic Atlanta Restaurants
To make the most of these experiences:
- Check current hours and reservation policies. Hours can shift for holidays, game days, and events.
- Plan around traffic and events. Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead can be especially busy when there are games, concerts, or conventions.
- Expect lines at the true legends. Busy Bee, Mary Mac’s, The Varsity, and certain steak or fine‑dining spots can draw long waits during peak times.
- Ask locals for neighborhood favorites. In addition to the big names, Atlantans are proud of their local barbecue joints, taco spots, pho houses, and West African restaurants.
- Be open to both old and new. The city’s identity lives as much in historic soul food cafes as in BeltLine restaurants and global cuisine.
By combining these iconic Atlanta restaurants with a bit of neighborhood exploring, you’ll get a clear sense of what makes dining in Atlanta unique—and why so many locals are fiercely loyal to their favorite spots.
