31 Famous Atlanta Foods To Try in 2025

The Atlanta food scene is a singular pleasure for diners seeking something special in the South. Trademark dishes like chicken and biscuits, bread pudding and crab cakes share table space with creative fare that highlights the area’s metropolitan vibe, like mac and cheese chimichangas, peach donut sliders and lasagna pizza. There’s a temptation for every taste!

And, as addressed by the likes of Google Arts & Culture, the food scene in Atlanta is constantly evolving, meaning there’s always a new culinary delight just waiting to be tried. 

Now you know that the Atlanta food scene has a lot to offer, which of the many well-known nibbles and noshes can’t you miss indulging in? And how do you pin down where to find these must-try delicacies? 

With our list of the 31 top dishes the Atlanta foodie world has to offer, it’s easy to discover all the best cuisine in this vibrant city. So, read on to find out what’s on the menu next time you’re in the city. 

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• How We Choose the Best Atlanta Food
• The 31 Best Atlanta Foods To Try
• Get a Taste of Famous Atlanta Foods

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How We Choose the Best Atlanta Food

The Atlanta food scene is as unique as the city itself. Dine out in this Georgia city, and you’ll find classic comfort food served up with a modern twist, internationally-inspired dishes and some of the best sweet treats in the nation. 

But, which eateries serve the top-rated versions of everyone’s favorite Atlanta foods? And what can’t you miss trying if you’re visiting the city? To help you answer these questions, we set out to curate a guide to he dishes that define the area and have to feature on your Atlanta food bucket list. 

To do this, we combined an in-depth editorial research process with the team at Cozymeal’s firsthand knowledge of the city and its culinary culture. This allowed us to create the ultimate guide to Atlanta food, which highlights dishes locals love and visitors will remember long after they have left the city. 

Additionally, to be included in our Atlanta food guide, each dish and restaurant featured must offer at least one of the following: 

• A strong tie to Atlanta’s local culture or history.
• Extremely positive customer feedback. 
• Something innovative and unique that eateries in other cities aren’t doing. 
• A memorable experience, whether casual, upscale or even grab-and-go.

The 31 Best Atlanta Foods To Try

1. Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s

With the Nashville icon Hattie B’s expanding into Georgia with two locations in The ATL, hot chicken is now an official Atlanta food. Hattie B’s offers platters of traditional pieces as well as hot chicken sandwiches and tenders, all of which can be served with delicious sides. 

If you enjoy your chicken with a good amount of heat, we highly recommend giving this Atlanta food a try. The hottest version registers at four times hotter than habanero peppers…you’ve been warned!

Hattie B’s | Multiple Locations | $$

2. Mac and Cheese at The Busy Bee Café

Mac and cheese is an all-time favorite comfort food, as the Busy Bee Café knows well. At the James Beard award-winning and Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, baked mac and cheese is not only the star of the menu but also one of the most popular Atlanta foods as a whole. 

The Busy Bee’s legacy as a famous restaurant in Atlanta extends back to its founding by Lucy Jackson in 1947. This esteemed soul food eatery remains one of the most iconic places to eat (or get takeout) in the city and offers its marvelous mac and cheese as a star dish alongside other excellent Atlanta foods like ribs, fried chicken and fried okra. 

The Busy Bee Café | 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | $$

3. Ribs at Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt

This award-winning barbecue house boasts half a menu dedicated to its ribs and rib combos. With that type of menu real estate, you know they’re going to be good. This Atlanta food hotspot also offers proteins other than classic pork or beef, like seasonal lamb and turkey ribs.  

And if ribs aren’t enough Atlanta food to whet your appetite, there’s a lengthy list of sides at Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt to pair with them for the ultimate Southern barbecue experience.

Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt | 264 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | $$

4. Lasagna Pizza at Antico Pizza Napoletana

How can you pass up a pizza topped with lasagna elements? Antico is a cornerstone of the Atlanta food scene’s version of Little Italy, located on the margins of the Georgia Tech campus. 

This pizza combo of two Italian favorites might be the best food to eat in Atlanta, at least if you want something a bit different. 

Comprising a tomato pizza base paired with meatballs, ricotta, basil, garlic and a healthy dose of olive oil, this unique Atlanta food is worth spending all your lunch money on! 

Antico Pizza Napoletana | Multiple Locations | $$

5. Naked Dogs at The Varsity

The Varsity is an Atlanta food institution, bearing the title of the World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant. As one of the undisputed best places for fast food in Atlanta, a trip to the Varsity has to be on your foodie bucket list. 

Its menu features classics like burgers and hot dogs slathered in chili, slaw or both. However, many in the city find that less is more here. That’s why it’s the naked dog, with its unadorned presence and memorable, fun-to-say name, that stands out as the M.V.P. on this classic American menu. 

To spruce up your meal a little, we recommend pairing the Naked Dog with the brand's “World Famous” onion rings and grabbing a classic Georgia peach pie for dessert. 

The Varsity | 61 N. Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308 | $

6. Meat and Three at The Beautiful Restaurant   

A meat-and-three meal is a must-try amongst the best food in Atlanta, and The Beautiful Restaurant does it…well, beautifully! This famous Atlanta food specialty puts the meat of your choice center plate and surrounds it with three authentic Southern sides like mac and cheese, yams and collard greens. 

Some of our favorite options include the oxtail and the baked salmon, but we encourage you to try a few (or all) of the protein choices to discover which one is your favorite. One thing’s for sure, you won’t walk away hungry after enjoying this renowned Atlanta food!

The Beautiful Restaurant | 2260 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30311 | $$

7. Brisket Sandwich at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

The world-famous "Big Tex" brisket sandwich makes the most of this smokery’s special flavors, creating an Atlanta food specialty to be savored. From the first bite, we knew this one lived up to the hype.

If a hearty pile of sliced Angus brisket served on Texas toast with pickles, onion and mustard is the kind of Atlanta food you’re looking for, you’ve found your happy place at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q | Multiple Locations | $$

8. Peach Cobbler at Peach Cobbler Café

Being on an Atlanta food adventure without including Georgia peaches is practically against the state constitution. Remedy that with a hearty helping of peach cobbler at Peach Cobbler Café. 

Operating as a full-service soul food cafeteria, the café makes its sumptuous signature cobbler with locally grown peaches. While there are many delicious comfort foods on the menu like fried catfish, ribs and cornbread, it's the namesake cobbler that earns this spot’s reputation among the finest purveyors of famous Atlanta food.

Peach Cobbler Café | 2221 Peachtree Road NW, Ste. G, Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$

9. Chicken and Dumplings at Atkins Park

This staple of the Atlanta food world holds the distinction of being Atlanta’s longest licensed tavern. One of the main reasons people stop by this iconic eatery is to indulge in Southern classic chicken and dumplings, which Atkins Park executes perfectly. 

Though Atkins operates a sister location in Smyrna, this regional specialty is only available at the two Atlanta locations. It’s an indulgence everyone exploring Atlanta food should try at least once, though once may not be enough.

Atkins Park | Multiple Locations | $$$

10. Sweet Potato Cheesecake at Sweet Auburn Bread Company

Sweet potato pie is a sure-fire favorite among famous Atlanta foods. At Sweet Auburn Bread Company, this classic is reimagined as an indulgent cheesecake creation; a treat that was once enjoyed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

That Presidential nod makes it one of Atlanta’s most famous dessert inventions. While delightful enjoyed all to yourself, it’s also perfect for splitting with your special someone, especially if you’re looking for a sweet date idea in Atlanta.

Sweet Auburn | 234 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | $$

11. Mac 'n' Cheese Changa at The Vortex

When the question is “What food is Atlanta known for?” one of many answers is absolutely the Mac 'n' Cheese Changa, a delicacy whose name warrants a trademark. 

The Vortex has been awarded time and again for its popular Atlanta food and drink selections. But for us, this genre-bending behemoth of mac and cheese and pulled pork deep-fried in a tortilla and topped with house cheese sauce and spicy honey barbecue sauce takes top prize. As The Vortex itself puts it, “It’s like a whole damn barbecue is happening inside your mouth.”

The Vortex | Multiple Locations | $$

12. Maple Pecan Pie at Little Tart

Pecan pie is a required dish on any list celebrating famous Atlanta foods. The version offered by Little Tart blends maple syrup and local honey into the mix with pecans from nearby Pearson Farms. 

And, there’s absolutely no need to wait for Thanksgiving. You can dig into this sweet Atlanta food any time the craving hits. Plus, with three locations around the city, you’ll likely always be near one of three when you need a taste of this popular Atlanta dessert. 

Little Tart | Multiple Locations | $$$

13. Chicken Biscuit at Star Provisions Market & Café

A chicken biscuit is a true Southern indulgence. Star Provisions' take on this famous snack is simple: sweet pickles and crispy chicken tucked inside a fluffy biscuit, all finished with a squeeze of hot pepper honey to tickle your tongue. 

While this is a delicious pick for breakfast in Atlanta, you can grab one up until 4 p.m., so head in whenever you need some comforting Atlanta food. 

Star Provisions Market & Café | 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$

14. Boiled Peanuts at SweetWater Brewing Company

The Southern tradition of boiling peanuts makes this salty treat an icon among authentic Atlanta foods. But nobody boils peanuts quite like SweetWater Brewing Company. 

This craft brewer boils Georgia peanuts in its artisan extra-pale ale and adds spices to turn up the flavor. It’s a saucy bite that literally puts the best food in Atlanta at your fingertips.

SweetWater Brewing Company | Multiple Locations | $$$

15. Pecan Pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen

These prized Southern confections come with a storied past that dates back to 18th-century France. While founded in Savannah (hence the company name), the pecan pralines from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen became a popular Atlanta food as soon as the chain opened an local outlet. 

You can enjoy this treat in both chocolate and original versions, with the option to purchase in tins, boxes, baskets and trays. 

Just note that this sweet Atlanta food is currently only available at the airport. However, this makes it easy to pick up a delicious souvenir if visiting or have a delightful treat to look forward to every time you fly out of the city. 

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen | Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Concourse A, B and C, Atlanta, GA 30337 | $$

16. Deviled Eggs at Old Lady Gang

A perennial favorite when the weather turns warm, deviled eggs are a famous Atlanta food, making appearances at every potluck, picnic and barbecue. While this dish is generally quite simple, you can try an upmarket version at this whimsically named eatery.

Old Lady Gang's take on deviled eggs is fried to the hilt and served with brown sugar bacon. We suggest going with the option to add some grilled shrimp, creating an extra-Southern deviled egg experience.

Old Lady Gang | Multiple Locations | $$

17. Zhong Style Dumplings at Gu’s Dumplings

Atlanta has eateries serving dumplings of both American and Asian styles. For the most popular example of the latter, one of our favorite restaurants in Atlanta is Gu’s Dumplings. 

This spot brings Szechuan dining to central Atlanta and is best known for its famous dumplings that have pride of place at the top of the menu. Filled with pork, chicken or vegetables and coated with spicy, signature Zhong sauce, these award-winning bites are a special pleasure in the Atlanta dining scene.

Gu’s Dumplings | 99 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$

18. Lemon Pepper Wings at Hudson Grille Midtown

Lemon pepper seasoning is much-loved on the Atlanta food scene, especially favored when paired with chicken wings. While you can find this combo across town, Hudson Grille’s award-winning version is a must-try and makes this vibrant sports bar a destination for experiencing the best of Atlanta’s famous foods. 

These wings offer the perfect balance of tangy and savory that lemon pepper is loved for. Plus, you’ll be pleased to learn that these wings are available in jumbo, boneless and cauliflower versions, which means everyone can enjoy them.

Hudson Grille Midtown | Multiple Locations | $$

19. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich at Paschal’s

There’s nothing like a pulled pork sandwich to let you know you’re eating the best food in Atlanta! At Paschal’s, you’ll indulge in slow-cooked pork nestled in a toasted kaiser roll served with two sides. Options include mac and cheese, green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy. 

With its 75-year history of serving up beloved soul food selections, Paschal’s is one of the best places to eat in Atlanta, hands down, even when you don’t feel like the pulled pork sandwich. In fact, we highly recommend it for all occasions, from a date night to a birthday dinner in Atlanta. 

Paschal’s | 180 Northside Drive SW., Atlanta, GA 30313 | $$$

20. Crab Cakes at Baltimore Crab and Seafood   

When looking for places to eat in Atlanta, make sure you have Baltimore Crab and Seafood on your must-visit list. Crab cakes help bring coastal flavors to Atlanta, and the famous lump crab cakes at this refined modern eatery are exemplary. 

Lightly breaded and deep fried, they represent traditional cuisine that’s made its way to contemporary dining without compromising its heritage. 

As these are an appetizer, be sure to try some other seafood-based Atlanta foods when dining here, such as the Baltimore Bucket, a seafood boil-type dish with 1 pound of crab legs, plus potatoes, corn, lobster tail and sautéed shrimp. 

Baltimore Crab and Seafood | 1075 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, GA | $$$

21. Coastal Shrimp and Grits at Wisteria

A classic Lowcountry contribution to the cookbook of Southern style, shrimp and grits is hearty and satisfying without being pretentious. It’s a featured item at Wisteria, which bills itself as creating “modern southern cuisine.”

We find that this variation of the iconic dish strikes the perfect balance between classic flavors and contemporary culinary techniques. Featuring shrimp and stone ground grits paired with poblano pepper, onion and a flavorful broth, this Atlanta food retains its original charm with a dash of upscale flair.

Wisteria | 471 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$$

22. Crane’s Southern Fun Dip at Home Grown 

While the name may not sound familiar if you’re new to the Atlanta food scene, this dish is popular locally and is effectively a twist on classic pimento cheese dip. 

At Home Grown, pimento cheese is blended with chorizo and cheese grits to create a smooth, creamy and slightly spicy dish. It’s served alongside Ruffles chips for the perfect Southern chip and dip combo. 

Combining rich cheese with just the right amount of heat makes it one of the most comforting and flavorful appetizers you’ll find among Atlanta's culinary hotspots. As it’s a starter, you can pair this dip with another Atlanta food favorite for your main, such as country-fried steak or fried catfish. 

Home Grown | 968 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 | $$

23. Lemon Pepper Wet Pizza at Phew’s Pies

Among famous Atlanta foods, lemon pepper wet wings are both unique and legendary. Phew's Pies does magical things with this local symbol of culinary creativity by adding lemon pepper sauce to pizza and topping it with the trademark wings that give lemon pepper wet cuisine its moniker. 

The result is a tangy, spicy celebration of everything that gives famous restaurants in Atlanta their distinctive character. Even if you’re unsure about this out-of-the-box Atlanta food, we recommend giving it a try; we’re almost certain that you’ll be hooked! 

Phew’s Pies | Multiple Locations | $$

24. Fried Fish Platter at Delilah’s Everyday Soul

Fried fish (generally catfish) is a Southern classic and a popular Atlanta food. While local soul food favorite Delilah’s Everyday Soul is best known for its fried chicken, the fried fish platter is somewhat of a hidden gem. 

The dish features crispy and perfectly seasoned fried fish paired with cornbread and two other sides of your choice. These accompaniments include all the classics, from fried green tomatoes and collard greens to mac and cheese and fries. 

Delilah’s Everyday Soul | Multiple Locations | $$

25. Fried Green Tomatoes at South City Kitchen

Immortalized by the movie of the same name, fried green tomatoes are as famous a food as the American South has ever produced. Unsurprisingly, there are many places that serve this dish in Atlanta. 

Yet, if we had to choose one, we would say that the fried green tomatoes served by South City Kitchen are the most unique and should top everyone’s Atlanta food bucket list. This classic gets the royal treatment at one of the most expensive restaurants in Atlanta, with a topping of red pepper coulis and goat cheese. 

If amazing Atlanta food like this doesn’t get your Southern spirit fired up, you just aren’t trying!  

South City Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$$

26. Seafood Gumbo at Bon Ton

Gumbo is a quintessential Cajun and Creole treat that captures everyone’s imagination. While most associated with Louisiana (notably being one of the most famous New Orleans foods), gumbo is also becoming a much-loved Atlanta food, and one of the best versions is found at Bon Ton. 

This Cajun and Vietnamese fusion restaurant serves its gumbo with classic seafood and sausage, and it comes with both rice and bread. Bon Ton also offers a range of other excellent dishes that help make the Atlanta food scene unique, such as boiled peanuts, smoked snow crab and bánh mì with catfish. 

Bon Ton | 674 Myrtle St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | $$

27. Chicken and Waffles at 10th & Piedmont

This traditional favorite is enjoyed around the world, but 10th & Piedmont keeps chicken and waffles in the spotlight as a signature Atlanta food. Their signature C&W is a skewered, batter-fried delight, flavored with bacon, syrup and hot sauce. Bacon-braised collard greens on the side show of the creative side of what food in Atlanta can be.

10th & Piedmont | 991 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$$

28. Lemon Pepper Chicken Biscuit at Bomb Biscuit Co. 

This list of the best Atlanta food already contains a few entries about local favorites, lemon pepper wings and biscuits. But why not combine them for this next pick among the most popular Atlanta food, and from a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, no less. 

As the name suggests, Bomb Biscuit Co. specializes in biscuit dishes, especially biscuit sandwiches. The lemon pepper version comes with lemon pepper-sauced fried chicken tucked between a biscuit and served with bread, butter and pickles. 

If you have room, this Atlanta food hotspot has lots of sweet treats as well, with the cinnamon rolls being especially popular. 

Bomb Biscuit Co. | 519 Memorial Drive SE, Ste. B-02, Atlanta, GA 30312 | $$

29. Strawberry or Peach Sliders at Revolution Doughnuts

Behold, the reinvention of the slider as a famous Atlanta food! At Revolution Doughnuts, a sugar donut split down the middle and stuffed with seasonal fruit like strawberries and Georgia peaches turns a regular pastry into a dessert sandwich sensation.

Season determines the fruit selections used with this sweet Atlanta food, so plan your indulgence accordingly. No matter what season it is, we guarantee that getting fruit sliders here is one of the best things to do in Atlanta! 

Revolution Doughnuts | 745 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $

30. Biscuits and Gravy at Flying Biscuit Café

You’ll find this Southern staple in almost every diner you visit, but Flying Biscuit Café is one of our top choices because the eatery makes biscuits such a staple of the menu. With so many biscuit options, they’ve got to be good!

The biscuit, eggs and gravy option will get you a buttery biscuit topped with chicken sausage gravy, all paired with scrambled eggs and served with creamy grits on the side. Comfort food doesn’t get much more Atlanta than this!

Flying Biscuit Café | Multiple Locations | $$

31. Buttermilk Pie at Buttermilk Sky Pie

Buttermilk pie is the Atlanta food world’s answer to crème brûlée. It’s a creamy, custardy concoction baked in a pie shell and served with a crackled sugar top.

A 25-minute ride down the I-85 S to Sandy Springs will deliver you to Buttermilk Sky Pie, which serves up our favorite buttermilk pie in the Greater Atlanta area. One taste and you’ll understand why Southern comfort food is a way of life.

Buttermilk Sky Pie | 4600 Roswell Road, Ste. C130, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 | $$

Get a Taste of Famous Atlanta Foods

As you can see, there is an array of delicious and unique Atlanta food to try. And, if you're looking to find the best of the best on the Atlanta food scene, you can make that task much easier by taking a food tour in Atlanta.

Led by expert local guides, you'll be taken to a range of culinary hotspots, including new restaurants and hidden gems. Your guide will even offer history and fun facts on the places you visit and will ensure that you experience all the can’t-miss eats in one of the best foodie cities in the U.S.

Hoping to recreate delicious versions of Atlanta foods in your home kitchen? There are also cooking classes in Atlanta that focus on Southern favorites, taught by talented chefs with a taste for the cuisine. You can even hire a private chef in Atlanta who can cook all the city's best dishes for you. 

Of course, if you’re set on forging your own path through this foodie paradise, this guide to the 31 most famous Atlanta foods is all you need. 

With a collection like this, there’s no disputing that the Atlanta food scene is worth checking out. Overall, Atlanta food is a celebration of Southern heritage recipes and soul food classics, all served with thoughtful touches to put this city's cuisine in a class of its own.

For even more ways to explore Atlanta and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.