10 Must-Try Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat Now

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is one of the most exciting in the South, blending classic Southern flavors with global influences, inventive chefs, and neighborhood gems. Whether you live in the city or you’re in town for a quick visit, these 10 restaurants offer a strong snapshot of what dining in Atlanta is all about.

Quick Overview: Top 10 Restaurants in Atlanta

1. Staplehouse – Thoughtful, Seasonal Atlanta Dining

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
Style: New American, tasting-menu leaning

Staplehouse is often mentioned when people talk about Atlanta’s most thoughtful dining experiences. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, local ingredients presented in a creative but approachable way.

Why locals and visitors go:

• Frequently changing menus that reflect what’s in season in Georgia
• A tasting-menu style experience that still feels warm rather than stiff
• Strong attention to detail in both food and service

Best for:

• Celebrations, anniversaries, and “big night out” dinners
• Food-focused visitors wanting to see what Atlanta’s chefs can do with regional ingredients

📌 Tip: Reservations are usually essential. If you’re visiting, consider booking as soon as you lock in your travel dates.

2. Gunshow – A High-Energy, Dim-Sum-Style Southern Experience

Neighborhood: Glenwood Park
Style: Modern Southern, chef-driven, cart service

Gunshow stands out because it doesn’t feel like a typical restaurant. Chefs push carts and trays around the dining room, offering dishes directly table-side, similar to dim sum service but with a very Atlanta twist.

What to expect:

• An open kitchen where you can see chefs cooking
• A constantly changing menu, often blending Southern flavors with global ideas
• Dishes and cocktails brought to you on rolling carts so you can pick what looks good in the moment

Best for:

• Groups of friends who want a fun, interactive meal
• Diners who enjoy trying lots of small plates instead of a single entrée

📌 Tip: The atmosphere is loud and energetic. If you’re looking for quiet conversation, Gunshow may not be your first choice—but for an only-in-Atlanta-style experience, it’s hard to beat.

3. Miller Union – Seasonal Southern Cooking in West Midtown

Neighborhood: West Midtown
Style: Contemporary Southern, farm-focused

Miller Union is widely regarded as one of Atlanta’s best representations of seasonal Southern cooking. The restaurant emphasizes Georgia-grown produce, sustainable sourcing, and clean, confident flavors.

Highlights:

• A well-known baked farm egg appetizer that many locals recommend
• Menus that shift with the seasons, featuring vegetables at the center of the plate
• A calm dining room ideal for conversation

Best for:

• Business dinners in West Midtown
• Visitors looking to understand modern Southern cuisine beyond fried chicken and biscuits

📌 Tip: West Midtown can be busy on weekends. Plan a bit of extra time for parking, especially if you have a reservation.

4. Bacchanalia – Classic Atlanta Fine Dining

Neighborhood: West Midtown
Style: Fine dining, tasting menu

Bacchanalia is often described as one of Atlanta’s landmark fine-dining restaurants. It offers a prix fixe tasting menu with carefully composed courses that highlight top-quality ingredients.

What sets it apart:

• A consistently elegant experience suitable for major life events
• Thoughtful progression of courses, from seafood to meats to dessert
• Attentive but not overbearing service

Best for:

• Milestone celebrations, proposals, or formal business dinners
• Visitors who want to experience Atlanta’s longstanding fine-dining scene

📌 Tip: Dress codes may be more formal than at casual Atlanta spots. Check current expectations before you go so you feel comfortable.

5. Busy Bee Cafe – Iconic Soul Food Near Downtown

Neighborhood: Vine City (near Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Style: Traditional Southern and soul food

Busy Bee Cafe has been serving classic Atlanta soul food since the 1940s. It’s a small space with a big reputation, especially for fried chicken and sides.

Menu favorites often include:

• Fried chicken, pork chops, and other hearty mains
• Mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, and other soul food staples
• Banana pudding and traditional desserts

Best for:

• Visitors who want a historic taste of Atlanta
• Pre- or post-game meals if you’re headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

📌 Tip: Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends and game days. Many locals recommend going early.

6. South City Kitchen (Midtown) – Refined Southern Staples

Neighborhood: Midtown
Style: Upscale Southern

South City Kitchen Midtown is one of those restaurants that Atlanta residents recommend again and again to visitors. It’s polished but relaxed, and the menu reads like a greatest-hits list of Southern comfort food.

What you’ll find:

• Fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken done with care
• Biscuits, cornbread, and classic sides
• A comfortable dining room and patio, popular for brunch and dinner

Best for:

• Out-of-town guests staying in Midtown who want Southern food without driving far
• Work lunches, date nights, and family dinners

📌 Tip: Brunch is especially popular. If you’re planning a weekend visit, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

7. The Optimist – Seafood in a Landlocked City

Neighborhood: West Midtown
Style: Seafood-centric, coastal-inspired

The Optimist proves that Atlanta can do seafood very well, even without being on the coast. The restaurant focuses on oysters, grilled fish, and seasonal sides with a bright, coastal feel.

Reasons to go:

• A wide variety of oysters and raw bar items
• Wood-grilled fish and shellfish with simple, flavorful preparation
• A lively atmosphere and a bar area that’s often busy after work

Best for:

• Seafood lovers wanting a nice night out
• Groups who like to share small plates and raw bar selections

📌 Tip: If you’re new to oysters, staff can usually help you pick a mix that works for your taste and comfort level.

8. Lazy Betty – Modern Tasting Menus with Atlanta Personality

Neighborhood: Candler Park
Style: Modern, multi-course tasting menus

Lazy Betty offers a refined but not stuffy tasting-menu experience in a residential neighborhood setting. The food is meticulous, often combining global influences with familiar flavors.

Expect:

• Multiple-course menus that change with the season
• Precise plating with a relaxed dining environment
• The option to add carefully chosen beverage pairings

Best for:

• Date nights for serious food fans
• Visitors who enjoy comparing tasting-menu spots when they travel

📌 Tip: Seating is usually by reservation only for specific time slots. Be sure you know whether you’re booking a shorter or longer menu.

9. Antico Pizza Napoletana – Atlanta’s Go-To Neapolitan Pizza

Neighborhood: Westside (near Georgia Tech)
Style: Casual, Neapolitan-style pizza

Antico Pizza is one of Atlanta’s most talked-about pizza spots, especially for its blistered, chewy Neapolitan-style pies baked in very hot ovens.

What makes it stand out:

• Simple menu focusing on a few well-executed pizzas
• Communal seating and a loud, bustling atmosphere
• Quick meals that still feel like an Atlanta food experience

Best for:

• Pre-game or post-game bites near Georgia Tech
• Families and groups who want something casual but memorable

📌 Tip: It’s usually counter-service and seat-yourself. Be ready to share a table during busy times.

10. Ponce City Market Food Hall – Many Atlanta Flavors Under One Roof

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
Style: Food hall with many vendors

If you’re short on time or traveling with a group that can’t agree on one cuisine, Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall is very practical. It also gives you a quick sense of Atlanta’s range of food options in one place.

What you’ll find:

• Multiple restaurants and counters offering tacos, burgers, global street food, desserts, and more
• Coffee, cocktails, and snacks spread throughout the hall
• Easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, with plenty of people-watching

Best for:

• Mixed groups and families with different tastes
• Visitors staying in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park who want one-stop dining

📌 Tip: Parking and crowds can be heavy on weekend evenings. If you can, visit earlier in the day or on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Restaurant for You

With so many strong options, it helps to narrow your choice based on neighborhood, budget, and occasion.

Think About Neighborhood First

Traffic around Atlanta can be heavy, so choosing a restaurant near where you’re staying or spending your day makes a big difference.

• Downtown / Vine City: Busy Bee Cafe (near stadiums and arenas)
• Midtown: South City Kitchen, easy access from many hotels and offices
• West Midtown / Westside: Miller Union, Bacchanalia, The Optimist, Antico
• Old Fourth Ward: Staplehouse, Ponce City Market Food Hall
• Eastside Neighborhoods: Gunshow (Glenwood Park), Lazy Betty (Candler Park)

Match the Restaurant to Your Occasion

• Special occasions / fine dining: Bacchanalia, Staplehouse, Lazy Betty
• Fun group dinners: Gunshow, The Optimist, Ponce City Market
• Classic Atlanta flavors: Busy Bee Cafe, South City Kitchen
• Casual and family-friendly: Antico Pizza, Ponce City Market

Reservations, Dress, and Practical Details

• Many of Atlanta’s top restaurants use online reservation systems and may book up days or weeks ahead.
• Dress codes vary. Citywide, you’ll see everything from jeans to jackets, but fine-dining spots lean more polished.
• Parking can range from street parking and small lots in neighborhoods to structured decks in areas like West Midtown and Ponce City Market. Allow time to park and walk.

Exploring even a few of these 10 restaurants will give you a strong feel for how Atlanta eats today—from soul food and Southern classics to modern tasting menus and busy food halls. Whether you’re a longtime local or here for a weekend, planning around these spots is a reliable way to eat well in Atlanta.