Where to Eat Now: A Local Guide to the Best Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse and dynamic in the South. Whether you live here, just moved in-town, or are visiting for a weekend, you can find everything from classic Southern comfort food to cutting‑edge tasting menus and late‑night eats.

Below is a guide to some of the best restaurants in Atlanta, organized by what most people actually search for: Southern food, fine dining, global flavors, casual favorites, date nights, and neighborhood gems. All picks are within the Atlanta metro area and focus on places locals routinely talk about and return to.

How to Navigate Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Before diving into specific spots, a few local basics:

• Neighborhood matters. Dining is clustered in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and Decatur. Traffic and parking can affect your plans, so plan by area.
• Reservations are often essential. For popular weekend dinners, book several days (or more) in advance using each restaurant’s website or main phone line.
• Parking varies widely. Some intown neighborhoods rely on street parking or paid decks, while others have free lots. Always factor this into your timing.
• Dress codes are usually relaxed. Even at nicer restaurants, business casual is often fine, but check specific guidance if you’re planning a special occasion.

Essential Southern & Soul Food Restaurants in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, you’ll probably want Southern cooking at least once. These are the types of places locals recommend when family comes into town.

Classic Southern & Meat-and-Three

The Busy Bee Café – Vine City

• Style: Soul food, historic institution
• Why locals go: Known for fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and true “meat-and-three” style plates. It’s often busy at peak hours, so expect a wait during lunch.
• Location: 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Tip: Lunchtime is prime time; arrive early if you’re on a schedule.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Midtown

• Style: Old-school Southern dining
• Why it stands out: Well-known for chicken and dumplings, fried green tomatoes, and a long menu of sides. It’s popular with both tourists and longtime Atlantans.
• Location: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Soul Food & Comfort Staples

Paschal’s – Castleberry Hill / Downtown

• Style: Southern and soul food with deep local history
• What to know: Known for fried chicken, candied yams, and peach cobbler. Often chosen for group meals and events near downtown.
• Location: 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

K&K Soul Food – Bankhead / Westside

• Style: Counter-service soul food
• Why people go: For straightforward, filling plates at breakfast and lunch—things like smothered pork chops, scrambled eggs with grits, and biscuits.
• Location: 881 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Best Fine Dining & Special Occasion Restaurants

Atlanta has several high-end restaurants that locals use for anniversaries, client dinners, and major celebrations.

Modern American & Tasting Menus

Bacchanalia – West Midtown

• Style: Contemporary American fine dining, prix fixe
• Why it’s notable: Frequently mentioned as one of the city’s top special-occasion spots. Known for carefully sourced ingredients and multi-course tasting experiences.
• Location: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Good for: Anniversaries, milestone birthdays, serious food lovers.

Atlas – Buckhead (St. Regis Atlanta)

• Style: Refined American and European-influenced dishes
• What to expect: White-tablecloth atmosphere, curated art on the walls, and polished service. Often chosen for formal evenings and high-end business dinners.
• Location: 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Upscale but Relaxed

Aria – Buckhead

• Style: Modern American
• Why locals book it: It feels special but not overly formal, with seasonal menus and attentive service. Consistently used for date nights and celebrations.
• Location: 490 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Lazy Betty – Candler Park / Edgewood area

• Style: Tasting menu with creative, modern dishes
• What to know: Offers multi-course menus with thoughtful plating and a neighborhood feel. Reservations are strongly recommended.
• Location: 1530 DeKalb Ave NE, Suite F, Atlanta, GA 30307

Top Spots for International & Global Cuisine

Atlanta’s population is diverse, and the restaurant scene reflects that, especially along Buford Highway and in pockets around the city.

Buford Highway Favorites

Buford Highway runs northeast from the city and is known for affordable, authentic international food. Distances are short between strip malls filled with options.

Canton House – Doraville

• Style: Cantonese, noted for dim sum
• Why people go: For carts loaded with dumplings, buns, and small plates, especially on weekends.
• Location: 4825 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341

El Rey del Taco – Buford Highway

• Style: Mexican taqueria
• Local tip: Many Atlantans know it for late-night tacos, salsas, and fresh tortillas.
• Location: 5288 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340

In-Town International Standouts

Mekan – Midtown

• Style: Turkish and Mediterranean
• Why it’s popular: Grilled meats, meze, and warm hospitality in the heart of Midtown.
• Location: 933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Talat Market – Summerhill

• Style: Thai-inspired menu using local Southern ingredients
• What to expect: A creative take on Thai dishes, often rotating based on seasonal products.
• Location: 112 Ormond St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Nam Phuong – Buford Highway / Doraville

• Style: Vietnamese
• Local go-tos: Pho, broken rice plates, and large family-style meals.
• Location: 5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Suite A1, Norcross, GA 30093 (often grouped with the broader Buford Highway area in dining guides)

Best Casual & Everyday Restaurants in Atlanta

For weeknights, quick lunches, and group meetups, these casual staples come up often among locals.

Barbecue & Burgers

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

• Style: Texas-style barbecue with Southern touches
• Why it’s a staple: Known for brisket, pulled pork, and hearty sides. Expect a wait at peak times.
• Location: 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Heirloom Market BBQ – Sandy Springs / Chattahoochee River area

• Style: Korean-Southern barbecue fusion
• What stands out: Small, often crowded, but widely praised for its meats and Korean-influenced flavors. Mostly takeout and limited seating.
• Location: 2243 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Grindhouse Killer Burgers – Multiple Locations

• Style: Burgers, shakes, casual counter-service
• Good for: Quick meals before a show, casual nights out, and groups. Check locations in areas like Poncey-Highland, Decatur, and ** Downtown** food halls.

Pizza, Sandwiches & Neighborhood Hangouts

Antico Pizza Napoletana – Westside

• Style: Neapolitan-style pizza
• Why people line up: Quick-fired pizzas, communal seating, and a lively, informal atmosphere.
• Location: 1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Victory Sandwich Bar – Inman Park & Decatur

• Style: Small sandwiches, snacks, and drinks
• What to expect: Laid-back atmosphere, good for groups and casual hangouts before or after exploring the BeltLine (Inman Park location).

Best Date Night & “Going Out” Restaurants

When you want somewhere with good food and atmosphere, these in-town spots are frequent picks.

BeltLine & Intown Hotspots

Two Urban Licks – Old Fourth Ward

• Style: Wood-fired American dishes, lively atmosphere
• Why it’s chosen for dates: Large open space, city views nearby, and direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Location: 820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Staplehouse – Old Fourth Ward (currently operating in varying formats)

• Style: Modern, chef-driven
• What to know: Known historically for a fine-dining tasting menu; currently may operate in different formats or hours, so always check ahead.
• Location: 541 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Barcelona Wine Bar – Inman Park

• Style: Tapas and wine bar
• Why locals go: Shared small plates, bustling patio, and walkable location along North Highland Avenue and the BeltLine.
• Location: 240 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Cozy & Romantic

La Tavola Trattoria – Virginia-Highland

• Style: Italian trattoria
• Why it works for dates: Warm neighborhood vibe, handmade pastas, and a quieter, intimate feel compared to bigger spots.
• Location: 992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Canoe – Vinings on the Chattahoochee River

• Style: Upscale American
• What’s special: Riverside setting, landscaped grounds, and a relaxed but polished dining room. Popular for romantic dinners and weekend brunch.
• Location: 4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Neighborhood Gems Worth Seeking Out

If you already know the big-name restaurants, these neighborhood favorites show a different side of Atlanta dining.

Decatur

Decatur is a walkable city just east of Atlanta with a dense cluster of restaurants around the courthouse square.

Kimball House – Decatur

• Style: Oyster bar and American restaurant in a historic train depot
• Why it’s admired: Cocktail program, raw bar, and thoughtful seasonal dishes. Often recommended by local bartenders and chefs.
• Location: 303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

The Brick Store Pub – Decatur Square

• Style: Pub with extensive beer list and comfort food
• Good for: Casual dinners, meetups, and out-of-town guests who like classic pub atmospheres.
• Location: 125 E Court Sq, Decatur, GA 30030

East Atlanta, Kirkwood & Grant Park

Argosy – East Atlanta Village

• Style: Craft beer-focused restaurant with wood-fired dishes
• Why locals like it: Large space, good for groups, and a mix of vegetarian and meat options.
• Location: 470 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Gunshow – Glenwood Park

• Style: Creative dishes brought around dim-sum style
• What to expect: Chefs present offerings tableside, and you choose what you want. Innovative format, often chosen by food enthusiasts.
• Location: 924 Garrett St SE, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30316

West Midtown & Upper Westside

The Optimist – West Midtown

• Style: Seafood-focused restaurant
• Why it’s popular: Oysters, fish dishes, and a coastal feel in a converted industrial space.
• Location: 914 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Forza Storico – Westside Provisions District

• Style: Italian, with a lively atmosphere
• Good for: Group dinners, outdoor seating, and energetic evenings in one of Atlanta’s trendier mixed-use developments.
• Location: 1198 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Brunch & Breakfast Favorites in Atlanta

Brunch is a serious habit in Atlanta, with lines at many places on weekends.

Atlanta Breakfast Club – Downtown / Midtown border

• Style: Classic American breakfast and Southern dishes
• Why it’s crowded: Chicken and waffles, pancakes, and hearty plates near major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium.
• Location: 249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Home Grown GA – Reynoldstown / Edgewood area

• Style: Southern breakfast and lunch
• Local favorite: The “Comfy Chicken Biscuit,” plus a quirky, down-home atmosphere.
• Location: 968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

West Egg Café – West Midtown

• Style: All-day breakfast and lunch
• Why it’s loved: Reliable brunch, comfort food, and proximity to Georgia Tech and Howell Mill shops.
• Location: 1100 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Quick-Scan Guide: Matching Restaurants to Your Plans

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Atlanta

• Reservations: Many of the “best restaurants in Atlanta” are small or very popular. For weekend dinner, book 3–7 days ahead if possible.
• Timing: On Fridays and Saturdays, expect prime slots between 7–8 p.m. to go first. Consider early dinners or later seatings to avoid crowds.
• MARTA & Rideshare: For busy areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and around State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, using MARTA or rideshare can be easier than parking.
• Dietary needs: Most higher-end and modern restaurants in Atlanta can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-conscious guests if you mention it when booking or when you’re seated.

If you narrow down your neighborhood and the kind of experience you want—Southern comfort, high-end tasting menu, global flavors, or casual hangout—you’ll find an Atlanta restaurant that fits it almost perfectly.