Must-Eat Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat Now

Atlanta’s dining scene is one of the most dynamic in the Southeast, mixing Southern comfort food, global flavors, and cutting-edge chef-driven spots. Whether you live in the city or you’re here for a weekend, there are a handful of must-eat restaurants in Atlanta that define how the city eats right now.

Below is a focused guide to essential places, organized by what you might be craving and which part of town you’re exploring.

Quick Overview of Must-Eat Spots

Always confirm current hours and reservation policies; many Atlanta restaurants adjust both frequently.

Essential Modern Southern & New American

These are the places locals mention when they talk about “this is what Atlanta tastes like right now.”

Staplehouse – Old Fourth Ward

Why it’s a must-eat:
Known for creative, seasonal dishes that change frequently, Staplehouse helped put Atlanta’s modern dining on the national map. Expect beautifully plated food, a casual but thoughtful atmosphere, and a focus on local ingredients.

• Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward, near Edgewood Avenue and the BeltLine
• Best for: Date nights, food-focused visitors, special occasions

Pro tip: Book ahead when possible and allow time to explore nearby Edgewood bars or a stroll on the BeltLine.

Miller Union – West Midtown

Why it’s a must-eat:
Miller Union is frequently cited by chefs and serious eaters as a benchmark for farm-to-table Southern cooking. The menu is straightforward, ingredient-driven, and consistent.

• Neighborhood: West Midtown (near Howell Mill Road)
• Known for: Baked farm egg in celery cream, seasonal vegetable dishes, excellent wine list
• Best for: Business dinners, refined but relaxed nights out

Classic Southern & Soul Food Institutions

If you want to understand Atlanta through its comfort food, these spots are essential.

Busy Bee Café – Vine City

Why it’s a must-eat:
Busy Bee has been serving soul food since the 1940s. It’s a small space with a big reputation among locals, visitors, and public figures alike.

• Area: Near downtown and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Expect: Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, peach cobbler
• Style: Casual, line-out-the-door at peak times

Tip: Go at off-peak hours if you can. Portions are generous—sharing sides is common.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Midtown

Why it’s a must-eat:
Mary Mac’s is a long-running Southern dining room known for classics like fried chicken, pot likker, chicken and dumplings, and a long list of sides.

• Neighborhood: Midtown, not far from Ponce de Leon Avenue
• Vibe: Homey, family-friendly, traditional
• Best for: Visitors wanting “old Atlanta” atmosphere, multigenerational groups

High-End & Special Occasion Dining

Atlanta has a strong lineup of "big night out" restaurants, many in West Midtown and Buckhead.

Bacchanalia – West Midtown

Why it’s a must-eat:
Often ranked among the city’s top fine-dining experiences, Bacchanalia offers a fixed-price, multi-course menu focusing on seasonal and organic ingredients.

• Location: Westside Provisions District, West Midtown
• Style: Elegant, quiet, polished service
• Ideal for: Celebrations, anniversaries, serious food travelers

Note: Reservations are strongly recommended and dress is generally smart.

Lazy Betty – Candler Park / Edge of Kirkwood

Why it’s a must-eat:
Lazy Betty is known for tasting menus that blend modern techniques with approachable flavors. It’s creative but not fussy.

• Neighborhood: Candler Park/Kirkwood corridor, east side of Atlanta
• Vibe: Sleek, intimate, chef-driven
• Best for: Food enthusiasts, date night, special occasions

Aria – Buckhead

Why it’s a must-eat:
A Buckhead staple, Aria focuses on refined New American fare with an emphasis on presentation and service.

• Neighborhood: Buckhead, near Peachtree Road
• Atmosphere: White-tablecloth, art-lined space, quiet and romantic
• Use case: Business dinners, upscale nights, classic fine dining

BBQ & Casual Southern Eats

Atlanta takes barbecue seriously, with influences from across the South.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Little Five Points / Edgewood

Why it’s a must-eat:
Fox Bros. is one of Atlanta’s most recognized names in BBQ. Expect Texas-style brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and creative sides.

• Main location: Near Little Five Points and Edgewood
• Highlights: Brisket, smoked wings, “Burger” specials, hearty sides
• Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, often busy

Tip: Be prepared for a wait at prime times; many locals order takeout and eat at nearby parks.

Heirloom Market BBQ – Near the Chattahoochee (I-75)

Why it’s a must-eat:
Heirloom Market blends Southern BBQ with Korean flavors—think gochujang-spiced pork and kimchi alongside classics.

• Location: Near the I-75/285 area, close to the Chattahoochee River
• Setting: Small, mostly counter-service, limited seating
• Best for: BBQ fans wanting something different

Global Flavors & Atlanta’s International Side

Atlanta’s metro area, especially along Buford Highway, is packed with must-eat global spots. If you’re willing to go a bit outside the core city, the food payoff is huge.

Buford Highway & Chamblee/Doraville Corridor

This stretch is known for authentic Asian, Latin American, and international cuisines. Rather than one single “must-eat,” think of it as an entire food destination.

Food Terminal – Chamblee

Why it’s a must-eat:
Food Terminal is a Malaysian-forward spot with a huge menu of noodles, street food, and snacks.

• Neighborhood: Chamblee, along Buford Highway corridor
• Highlights: Noodle soups, dry noodles, snacks, shareable plates
• Best for: Groups who like to sample many dishes

Masterpiece / Tasty China (Sichuan Standouts)

Why they’re must-eat:
These restaurants are well-regarded for Sichuan cuisine, including spicy fish, dry-fried eggplant, and numbing peppercorn dishes.

• Locations: Typically in metro-area strip centers (e.g., near Duluth, Marietta area for Tasty China)
• Vibe: Casual, focused on the food more than décor
• Best for: People who enjoy bold, spicy flavors

Iconic Atlanta Classics: Burgers, Dogs & Pizza

These aren’t always “fine dining,” but they’re part of the Atlanta food experience.

The Varsity – Downtown

Why it’s a must-eat (at least once):
The Varsity is an enormous drive-in/fast-food landmark near Georgia Tech and downtown. It’s known as much for its atmosphere and history as its food.

• Location: Near North Avenue, just off the Downtown Connector
• What to order: Chili dogs, onion rings, frosted orange
• Vibe: Loud, busy, nostalgic

H&F Burger – Various Locations (often Ponce City Market)

Why it’s a must-eat:
What started as a cult late-night burger at a fine-dining restaurant became one of Atlanta’s most talked-about burgers.

• Common setting: Ponce City Market food hall and stadium locations
• Known for: Double-stacked burgers, soft buns, precision seasoning
• Best for: Burger lovers wanting a local favorite

Antico Pizza – West Midtown & Other Spots

Why it’s a must-eat:
Antico helped kick off Atlanta’s Neapolitan-style pizza wave. Pies are blistered, chewy, and usually come out quickly.

• Original hub: Near Georgia Tech and West Midtown
• Popular pies: Margherita, San Gennaro, Diavola
• Tip: It’s casual and communal, so expect shared tables and a loud, lively room.

Trendy Food Halls & “Eat Your Way Through” Spots

If you’re short on time and want to sample a lot in one place, Atlanta’s food halls are essential.

Ponce City Market – Old Fourth Ward

Why it’s a must-eat destination:
Ponce City Market’s central food hall hosts multiple notable vendors—from fried chicken and burgers to global street food and pastries.

• Location: Off Ponce de Leon Avenue, adjacent to the Eastside BeltLine
• Good for: Groups with mixed tastes, casual lunch or dinner, people-watching
• Bonus: The BeltLine access makes it easy to walk or bike to other neighborhoods afterward.

Krog Street Market – Inman Park

Why it’s a must-eat:
Krog Street Market is a smaller, cozier food hall with local vendors and easy access to Inman Park and the BeltLine.

• Location: Off Krog Street, near the Inman Park section of the BeltLine trail
• Expect: Tacos, dumplings, charcuterie, desserts, and craft drinks
• Best for: Casual grazing, meeting friends, quick bites before exploring nearby bars

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Tips

If You’re Staying Downtown or Midtown

• Look toward Busy Bee Café, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, and The Varsity for classic Atlanta flavors.
• Midtown and nearby West Midtown give you easier reach to Miller Union, Bacchanalia, and many modern spots.
• Food halls at Ponce City Market and Atlantic Station (a bit west of Midtown) are convenient if you’re car-free.

If You’re in Buckhead

• You’re close to Aria and other fine-dining options, plus a range of upscale steak and seafood houses.
• Ride services or MARTA can get you to Midtown and West Midtown for a wider range of must-eat restaurants.

If You’re Exploring the Eastside (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Candler Park)

• Walk the BeltLine and plan to stop at Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market.
• Consider booking a night at Lazy Betty if you want a full tasting-menu experience.

If You Can Venture to the Suburbs

• For global eats, make at least one trip to the Buford Highway/Chamblee/Doraville area.
• For BBQ with a twist, plan around Heirloom Market BBQ or one of the metro Sichuan standouts like Tasty China.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Atlanta

• Reservations: Many top spots (Bacchanalia, Lazy Betty, Staplehouse, Miller Union) either require or strongly recommend reservations, especially on weekends.
• Traffic & Timing: Atlanta traffic can be heavy. Build in extra time if you’re crossing town for a reservation.
• Parking:
  • Intown neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown often mix street parking with paid decks.
  • Downtown and Midtown rely heavily on garages and paid lots.
• Dress Codes: Most places are smart casual, but higher-end restaurants may lean more formal. Check in advance if you’re unsure.
• Seasonality: Patio dining is popular much of the year. Some restaurants have seasonal menu changes that highlight Georgia produce, particularly in spring and summer.

Atlanta’s must-eat restaurants stretch from soul food institutions and fine dining to food halls and hidden-strip-mall gems. If you build an itinerary that includes a classic Southern spot, a high-end modern restaurant, a Buford Highway outing, and at least one intown food hall, you’ll get a well-rounded taste of how Atlanta eats today.