27 Essential Restaurants in Atlanta for 2024
The city of Atlanta, Georgia offers a wealth of culture, music, art and culinary delights, and restaurants in Atlanta are a great place to experience all four. Atlanta is one of the best places in the world to find authentic Southern comfort foods, but you can also enjoy incredible Thai, Italian, vegan and barbecue restaurants in Atlanta.
Are you planning a visit to Atlanta? Looking for something new to sink your teeth into in your neighborhood? From local gems with a homestyle flair to 72-story towers with a view of downtown, restaurants in Atlanta have it all. Check out these essential restaurants in Atlanta sure to excite your taste buds and inspire your home cooking.
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27 Essential Restaurants in Atlanta
1. The Busy Bee Café
Established in 1947, The Busy Bee Café is a very well-known location and one of the best restaurants in Downtown Atlanta. Frequented by famous folks, politicians and local celebrities, The Busy Bee Café is a great place to enjoy homestyle Southern soul food in a casual diner atmosphere.
The Vibe
Although it’s located in the heart of Atlanta, The Busy Bee Café gives off a local, small-town diner feel. Picture honey-yellow lamps, wood beadboard, retro barstools and brown leather booths. The walls are decorated with the café's numerous awards and photographs of some of its most famous visitors.
What to Order
The Busy Bee Café is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for comforting homestyle fried chicken. Each succulent piece is marinated, hand-battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Try yours with a side of their famous candied yams, mac and cheese and cobbler for dessert.
The Busy Bee Café | 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | $$
2. Aria
Located in the upscale Buckhead district, Aria is a traditional American restaurant in Atlanta, serving top-notch dishes like filet mignon, braised lobster and crab cakes. Since 2000, Aria has spoiled guests with delicious foods, an extensive wine list and an approachable but refined atmosphere.
The Vibe
Aria is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a romantic date or intimate, classy meal. Step inside, and you’ll find a dimly lit dining room with a white marble bar, white tablecloths and sculptural light fixtures, as well as some fascinating artwork.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with nearly anything from this restaurant in Atlanta, but the beef short rib is one of their most popular dishes for a good reason. Extremely tender and succulent beef is served atop a bed of whipped potatoes, snow peas, English peas and carrots. Other delectable options include duck breast with honey spice glaze, Fuji apples, savoy cabbage and carrots or butter-braised Maine lobster with truffled potatoes and broccoli mousseline.
Aria | 490 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | $$$$
3. Miller Union
Ask anyone about the best restaurants in Atlanta, and you’re bound to hear Miller Union mentioned a few times. Established in 2009, Miller Union was built on the former site of the Miller Union Stockyards in Atlanta’s meatpacking district. Today, this restaurant in Atlanta serves up some fantastic American staples with a classy Southern flair.
The Vibe
This restaurant in Atlanta has a rustic and somewhat industrial feel reminiscent of its stockyard roots, but overall the dining room is minimalistic, modern and casual. The large full bar stands out here, showcasing Miller Union’s wide range of wines and cocktails. Miller Union is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a delicious date night or celebratory dinner with family.
What to Order
Miller Union’s menu changes seasonally, but some possible options include sautéed quail with spaghetti squash, nardello pepper, muscadine and pecan or grass-fed steak with potatoes, snap beans, eggplant, cherry tomatoes and pesto. Be sure to cap off your meal with a selection from their dessert menu, such as raspberry-vanilla glazed doughnuts with streusel and lemon-buttermilk ice cream.
Miller Union | 999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$$
4. Bones
Another upscale restaurant in Atlanta, Bones, located in Buckhead, is sure to please even the pickiest of meat lovers. Since 1979, this steakhouse has persisted as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, known for its attentive service, tender steaks, fresh seafood and Southern-themed specialty dishes.
The Vibe
Walking into the front lounge area at Bones feels like walking into a swanky speakeasy, with leather lounge chairs, candlelit tables and thoughtful artwork. Bones has nine separate dining rooms, perfect for hosting private celebrations or special occasion dinners. While each room of the restaurant is unique, the whole space gives off luxurious, masculine vibes, from the red leather to gold accents, deer antlers and dog portraits.
What to Order
Be prepared to go all-out when you’re at this restaurant in Atlanta; every bite on the menu is irresistible. Start with an appetizer like shrimp cocktail or foie gras on brioche, then split a porterhouse for two or treat yourself to A4 wagyu beef. Finish the flawless experience with warm pecan pie or chocolate torte.
Bones | 3130 Piedmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | $$$$
5. The Breakfast Boys
If you’re waking up in A-town, head to The Breakfast Boys to fuel up for a busy day of things to do in Atlanta. Located in College Park near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, The Breakfast Boys is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, offering an incredible breakfast, lunch and brunch menu, including some phenomenal brunch cocktails.
The Vibe
Visitors to this restaurant in Atlanta rave about its adorable interior, with fun patterned wallpaper, pink and blue striped walls and charming blue gingham tablecloths. This eatery also has kind and knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you narrow down their tasty menu options. This is a great place to meet with friends for brunch or treat your family on a lazy Sunday.
What to Order
The Breakfast Boys is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for lovers of both sweet and savory foods. Popular options include the jerk chicken with sweet potato waffles, fried chicken and pancakes or the lobster mac and cheese. Pair your meal with hot coffee, a passion fruit mimosa or frosé. Breakfast in Atlanta never tasted so good!
The Breakfast Boys | 3387 Main St., College Park, GA 30337 | $$
6. Kimball House
For a classy yet approachable fine dining restaurant in Atlanta, head to Kimball House, located in the former Decatur train depot building. Established in 2013, Kimball House layers American cuisine with French cooking techniques for a fresh take on everyone’s favorite dishes.
The Vibe
This restaurant in Atlanta has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with a charming, vintage vibe perfect for a romantic date or classy night out. The dining room features globe pendant lamps, chandeliers, penny tile floors and a grand shelving display behind the bar. Everything about this train-depot-turned-social-hotspot feels charming and authentic.
What to Order
Kimball House offers a good variety of choices, but they are one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for delicious, fresh oysters and award-winning cocktails. Try the grilled oysters with sweet pepper butter, potato crumbles and a fine white wine or Kimball House cocktail.
Kimball House | 303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur, GA 30030 | $$$
7. Chirori
When you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine and a chef-led experience, few restaurants in Atlanta even come close to Chirori. Chirori offers an omakase-style dinner, where chefs curate a multi-course sushi meal and prepare it before your eyes. If you can’t make it to an omakase dinner, Chirori also hosts happy hours for specific dates, listed on their website.
The Vibe
Chirori’s dining room is clean and modern yet casual, allowing the focus to remain on the delicious food. Inside, you’ll find polished wood tables, green chairs and natural materials like bamboo and linen. This fine restaurant in Atlanta doesn’t mention a dress code on its website, but many visitors prefer to dress in polished business casual attire.
What to Order
If you decide to skip the omakase dinner and brave the menu on your own, the tiki-papa is a popular maki sushi roll, with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, cucumber, tuna, eel, eel sauce, yellow tail, sweet and spicy mayo, kaiware, black tobiko and tempura flake. Not a fan of seafood or sushi? Chirori also offers robata options like beef toban, galbi and A5 Miyazaki wagyu.
Chirori | 349 14th St. NW C-1, Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$$$
8. Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
The Sun Dial Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Downtown Atlanta for magnificent views of the city. Located on the 72nd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Sun Dial serves upscale takes on classic Southern cuisine, seafood and other options, including a full bar.
The Vibe
Sun Dial is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a special date, small group or impressing out-of-towners. From your window-front seat, you may be able to see such icons as the CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The restaurant has a reservation limit for up to seven guests and kindly requests a business casual dress code.
What to Order
Sun Dial Restaurant in Atlanta is well-known for their filet mignon, served perfectly seasoned and tender with your choice of sides, such as whipped potatoes, asparagus or seasonal vegetables. Other excellent entreés include the vegan mushroom ravioli, gulf snapper or Southern fried airline chicken.
The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View | 210 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | $$$$
9. South City Kitchen
Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just visiting for the weekend, South City Kitchen is the place to go to enjoy authentic Atlanta foods. With four locations in Midtown, Buckhead, Vikings and Avalon, this restaurant in Atlanta consistently impresses visitors with its sophisticated Southern cuisine and wholesome Southern hospitality.
The Vibe
Each South City Kitchen location may vary, but the dining room décor is generally simple, warm and modern yet natural and welcoming. All four restaurants in Atlanta offer outdoor seating options and are a great place to enjoy a casual dinner with a partner, friends or family.
What to Order
The she-crab soup is a Southern classic and a very popular option at these restaurants in Atlanta, featuring fresh crab meat, crab roe, cream and a splash of sherry. Other great dishes include the smoky grilled pork chops, Carolina trout and banana pudding trifle.
South City Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Che Butter Jonez
Established in 2018 by husband and wife duo Malik Rhasaan and Detric Fox-Quinlan, Che Butter Jonez quickly gained acclaim and became known as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, if not the world. The owners take great pride in serving their community — and serving up delicious foods. On their website, Che Butter Jonez describes their motto as “Refined Ratchet.” In other words, “You want to question it, but you can't because it's fly.”
The Vibe
Che Butter Jonez operates both a food truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Atlanta, located on Cleveland Avenue. Inside the dining room at the restaurant, you’ll find inviting wood tables, a subway tile counter, wood-look tile floors and friendly faces. This is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a quick bite or casual lunch with friends.
What to Order
Che Butter Jonez takes a farm-to-block approach in their kitchen, serving up wholesome ingredients in new ways. The “That Sh!t Slambing” burger is a local favorite, featuring a juicy lamb patty with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, jalapeños and herb sauce.
Che Butter Jonez | 757 Cleveland Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 | $$
11. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q may be one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, but its owners reign from Texas, so you know you can expect some finger-licking good brisket, ribs, wings and more. Twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox opened the first Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q location in 2007, just off of Dekalb Avenue. Today, there is another location off of Chattahoochee Row and a food truck on Ottley Ave.
The Vibe
Both brick-and-mortar restaurants in Atlanta have an eclectic and rustic Texan feel, with concrete floors, neon beer signs and artwork of iconic Texan characters like Willie Nelson. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Atlanta to enjoy a casual and filling meal with friends or family.
What to Order
Any great barbecue joint must be judged on its brisket, and the brisket at this restaurant in Atlanta is sure to impress even the pickiest carnivores. Try the brisket on its own or order it sliced or chopped in a sandwich with a brioche bun, pickles and plenty of scrumptious sauce. If you’re looking for something new, the smoked chicken or chicken fried ribs offer a world of flavor.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q | Multiple Locations | $$
12. Nakato Japanese Restaurant
Established in 1972, Nakato Japanese Restaurant has had over 50 years of success as a family-owned restaurant in Atlanta. There are now a total of five sister restaurants across the Southeast region, all well-known for creating some of the best sushi, hibachi and more.
The Vibe
The vibe at Nakato is comfortable and inviting, with a large dining room, private tatami room and a sushi bar that seems to go on forever. The dining area is minimally decorated except for dozens of colorful origami paper cranes that hang from the ceiling, symbolizing honor, health, peace and good fortune.
What to Order
If you aren’t sure where to start on Nakato's vast menu, try the popular crispy spicy tuna with spicy aioli, sesame oil, dry chili, crispy rice and jalapeño. Some other unique and tasty options at this restaurant in Atlanta include the Kiss of Death roll, Super Crunch roll and calamari tempura.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant | 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | $$$
13. Poor Calvin’s
Don’t let the name fool you. Poor Calvin’s is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Atlanta, offering a classy atmosphere and unique dishes inspired by both Asian and Southern cuisine. Located on Piedmont Avenue, Poor Calvin’s is an excellent place to enjoy brunch or dinner and drinks with friends.
The Vibe
This restaurant in Atlanta has some outdoor seating near the front door, perfect for soaking in the downtown vibes as you enjoy your meal. Inside, the space is decorated with traditional Asian artworks, gold Buddha statues and an extensive full bar with a marble countertop. Poor Calvin’s requests that guests arrive in reasonably modest and tidy attire, with no athletic clothes, basketball shorts, fuzzy slippers or similar loungewear items allowed.
What to Order
The lobster fried rice is a must-try, with eggs, fresh greens and a whole fried tempura lobster tail. For brunch, try a chicken and pandan waffle or beignet basket. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of wine or one of their stunning cocktails, like the jasmine Manhattan or tom yum cocktail.
Poor Calvin’s | 510 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | $$$
14. Rice n’ Pie
Can’t get enough of fun fusion foods? Located on the outskirts of Atlanta in Berkeley Lake, Rice n’ Pie is one of the most iconic restaurants in Atlanta for creative and delicious mashups, serving up cultural favorites from all around the world in the form of pizza pies. Stop in for unique bites like a tandoori pizza or Korean barbecue chicken pizza.
The Vibe
Like most amazing local pizza shops, Rice n’ Pie doesn’t rely on a fancy dining room to impress their guests. When the pizza parlor has steel tables and chairs, tile floors and bright yellow walls, you know you’re in for a treat. Rice n’ Pie is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a quick lunch, casual meal with friends or some oh-so-satisfying takeout.
What to Order
Visitors rave about the 65 Pizza, a delectable square-cut pie with your choice of protein, toppings and 65 Indian herbs and spices. Other titillating choices include the jerk chicken pizza and masala veggie pizza. If you’re craving something a little more traditional, Rice n’ Pie also serves biryanis, rice bowls, pilafs and more.
Rice n’ Pie | 3980 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 800, Berkeley Lake, GA 30096 | $$
15. Gunshow
If you’re looking for restaurants in Atlanta that’ll blow you away, Gunshow has it down with their delicious Southern-inspired flavors. Established in 2013, Gunshow was named in honor of the founder’s father, who often spent quality time with his son at local gun shows. At this restaurant in Atlanta, chefs present their dishes to guests and guide them through the elaborate flavor experience.
The Vibe
Gunshow is truly like no other restaurant in Atlanta, from its fresh and funky menu to its communal dining tables and fun, casual energy. The space itself feels like a large open kitchen, so guests are encouraged to observe and enjoy. Gunshow is all about fostering a connection between guests, food and the chefs who prepare it.
What to Order
The menu varies day to day, so come in with an open mind. For reference, some possible dishes include Admiral oysters with watermelon, pork belly with eggplant and faygo or lamb with peppers and peanuts.
Gunshow | 924 Garrett St., Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30316 | $$$
16. Tassili’s Raw Reality Café
Raw vegan food at restaurants in Atlanta? Yes, it can be done well (and not well-done) at Tassili’s Raw Reality! This local gem serves wholesome wraps, salads, noodles, pies, stews and more. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or omnivore, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at Tassili’s.
The Vibe
The outside of this restaurant in Atlanta looks like a quaint city home, but inside there is an abundance of life and vibrancy, and not just in the healthy foods. The walls are painted in a rainbow of shades and feature Afrocentric artwork for sale by local artists. Be prepared to wait in line at this popular spot; slow down, enjoy the art and focus your intentions on the delicious experience to come.
What to Order
One of many tempting options is the Punany wrap, featuring vegan mayo, kale, coconut corn, couscous, avocado and tomato all wrapped in a spinach tortilla. After your meal, treat yourself to a sweet snack like the Carob Climax brownie or strawberry cream pie.
Tassili’s Raw Reality Café | 1059 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30310 | $$
17. Heirloom Market BBQ
There’s no shortage of great barbecue restaurants in Atlanta, but Heirloom Market BBQ stands out from the crowd with their Korean and American influences and hometown style that keeps the crowds coming back for more. Heirloom Market doesn’t have many seating areas, but it’s worth it to stop by for a quick bite or sandwich to go.
The Vibe
Heirloom Market’s modest exterior gives little indication of the treasure within, but step inside the doors of this restaurant in Atlanta and you’ll feel like you’ve teleported to a warm and cozy Texas café. This is a great place to chow down with your buddies during a weekend in Atlanta.
What to Order
Heirloom Market’s menu is inspired by its founders, Korean chef Jiyeon Lee and Tennessee-Texan chef Cody Taylor. Dig into their famous spicy Korean pork platter, brisket sandwich or smoked spare ribs. Just be sure to smother it in one of their delicious barbecue sauce varieties — or why not try them all?
Heirloom Market BBQ | 2243 Akers Mill Rd. SE, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30339 | $$
18. Little Bear
Established in 2020, Little Bear is a trendy restaurant in Atlanta located near the heart of downtown. The namesake for the restaurant is the founder’s Great Pyrenees dog, Fernando, affectionately nicknamed “little bear.”
The Vibe
Little Bear aims to provide top-notch, upscale cuisine in an environment (and a price point) that is more pared-back and approachable to everyday people. The inside of this restaurant in Atlanta has exposed brick walls, multiple wood tables and a colorful array of wines and spirits. Open for dinner only, this is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and casual cocktail before a night out in Downtown Atlanta.
What to Order
The menu at Little Bear changes frequently to honor the seasons, but some of their well-crafted dishes may include muscadine chicken with grape sauce, summer onion, okra, pepper, pickled chili, basil and tajine or summer ratatouille with cantaloupe, tomato, carmen pepper, poblano, jalapeño, harissa broth, hoja santa and yóu po. Be sure to treat yourself to one of their house cocktails or a dessert like red pea panisse.
Little Bear | 71 Georgia Ave. SE, Unit A, Atlanta, GA 30312 | $$
19. Bacchanalia
Named after the Roman festival of Bacchus, god of wine, vegetation, revelry and pleasure, Bacchanalia is the best restaurant in Atlanta to have an all-out luxurious feast. Established in 1993, Bacchanalia has been serving some of Atlanta’s finest foods and finest people for over 30 years.
The Vibe
Bacchanalia is one of the most well-known restaurants in Atlanta for a true fine dining experience. The dining space is clean and minimalistic, with elegant round tables, leather bench seating, large marble bars and cozy pendant lights. If you’re looking for somewhere to dress and dine to the nines, head to Bacchanalia.
What to Order
Bacchanalia only offers a prix fixe four-course dining menu, where each course has a few options artfully selected by the chefs. The menu may include choices like crab fritter with Thai essence, citrus and avocado or duck with eggplant and cauliflower. Each bite also comes with a suggested wine pairing to enhance the dishes’ flavors.
Bacchanalia | 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$$$
20. 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar
For wholesome, warming Thai comfort foods, it’s hard to compete with 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar. Founded in 2016, this spot quickly made a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, serving modern takes on classic Thai favorites in a modern and elegant atmosphere.
The Vibe
Despite often being busy quite, 26 Thai Kitchen’s dining room always seems to feel exceptionally clean and tidy. Guests can sit at the charming vintage-style bar, butcher block tables or a spacious private dining loft upstairs. This is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for a relaxing dinner with family or a low-key but memorable date night.
What to Order
For the ultimate sharing experience, order the 26 Thai platter, which allows you to pick four tapas plates to share with the table. If you’d prefer a dish all to yourself, try the popular drunken noodles or panang pad thai.
26 Thai Kitchen & Bar | 541 Main St. NE, Suite F170, Atlanta, GA 30324 | $$
21. Herban Fix
Another top-rated vegan restaurant in Atlanta, Herban Fix brings creative Asian fusion dishes to the local plant-based scene. While it’s located on Peachtree Street near many other high-end restaurants, Herban Fix manages to hit the trifecta of delicious, healthy food, a lovely atmosphere and a reasonable price point.
The Vibe
Herban Fix is spacious, sleek and ultra modern. Inside the dining area, you’ll find orange leather chairs, polished dark wood tables, a spotless bar and diffused lighting. If you’re looking for your next vegan fine dining spot, this is it.
What to Order
The seared pom pom mushroom steak with seasonal vegetables is a real treat at this classy restaurant in Atlanta, with some visitors saying it tastes akin to authentic oxtail. Other tempting choices include lemongrass tofu with baby gai lan, spicy ramen with soy shrimp and vegetables or bibimbap with vegetables, gochujang, nori and sesame seeds.
Herban Fix | 565-A Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | $$
22. Slutty Vegan
Who said vegan food always has to be healthy? At Slutty Vegan, you can indulge your cravings for loaded burgers, fried “chicken,” french fries and more. Slutty vegan has five restaurants across Atlanta, so there’s no excuse not to check out this awesome plant-based gem.
The Vibe
Vibes may vary across different Slutty Vegan restaurants in Atlanta, but in general, the locations feel similar to any neighborhood burger joint. Think subway tiles, yellow and red color schemes, overhead menus and fun merchandise like hats and T-shirts.
What to Order
The Fussy Hussy is a classic burger option, with pickle, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, a Hawaian roll bun and secret “slut sauce.” For something more outside the box, try the Sneaky Link, a plant-based hot dog smothered in vegan chili with warm pretzel bun.
Slutty Vegan | Multiple Locations | $$
23. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been an absolute staple restaurant in Atlanta. Southern hospitality is the central theme at Mary Mac’s, highlighted in both their traditional homestyle food and antique tea room atmosphere. If you’re planning a special event in Atlanta, Mary Mac’s also offers fantastic catering!
The Vibe
Although it is located near the heart of Atlanta, Mary Mac’s neon sign looks like a standard small-town café from the outside. Inside, this large restaurant in Atlanta is 30,000 square feet with six parlor rooms. The rooms are decorated with wood tables and chairs, antique furniture pieces and historical photographs of the city.
What to Order
Mary Mac’s serves all the Southern comfort foods your heart could ever desire, from cracklin’ cornbread to fried okra, meatloaf and chicken and dumplings. Their most popular dish by far is the legendary fried chicken, served with your choice of two sides like black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese or whipped potatoes.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room | 224 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | $$
24. Boccalupo
Located in Inman Park, Boccalupo passionately creates Italian cuisine, including pasta made in-house by hand. Boccalupo describes itself as a “bustling neighborhood restaurant” in Atlanta, attracting people from all across the city and beyond. The word “boccalupo” translates to “into the wolf’s mouth,” an expression used in Italian performances, similar to “break a leg!”
The Vibe
The inside of this restaurant in Atlanta has a cozy dining area, rustic wood details, and charming string bulb lights across the ceiling. Seating at tables and the bar is limited, but Boccalupo also has a covered patio area, perfect for enjoying Atlanta’s pleasant spring and autumn days.
What to Order
The menu at Boccalupo changes frequently throughout the year, which is a great excuse to keep coming back for new scrumptious bites. Some offerings might include porcini and morel mushroom risotto, black spaghetti with hot calabrese sausage and an array of antipasti, wine and cocktails.
Boccalupo | 753 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$
25. 26. 5Church
With two restaurants in Atlanta’s Midtown and Buckhead neighborhoods, 5Church is all about art — the art of food, the art of local creators and the art of bringing people together. This bright and beautiful restaurant is perfect for a sunny brunch or birthday dinner in Atlanta.
The Vibe
5Church has a refined, upscale feel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, from the word art on the ceiling to the funky chandeliers and artwork from local artists. The Buckhead location of this restaurant in Atlanta has a beautiful atrium-like seating area with glass ceilings, flowers and greenery, and the Midtown restaurant has a rooftop patio for enjoying your meal while admiring the city lights.
What to Order
One of the best restaurants in Atlanta, 5Church serves well-balanced and flavor-focused new American foods. For brunch, dig into a quiche lorraine with bacon, caramelized onions, goat cheese and spinach and grab a mimosa carafe for the table. For dinner, try the popular cacio e pepe or a wagyu burger with portobello mushroom, goat cheese, fig aioli, mint and crispy potatoes on a duck fat brioche bun.
5Church | Multiple Locations | $$$
26. La Grotta Ristorante Italiano
When you need date ideas in Atlanta, it seems you can never go wrong with a romantic Italian dinner. Since 1978, La Grotta Ristorante Italiano has been one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for authentic Northern Italian food made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Vibe
La Grotta is at once cozy, classy and timeless, with its charming brick archways, immaculately set tables and impressive wine bottle displays. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor seating area that feels like you’ve stumbled straight into an Italian villa garden.
What to Order
La Grotta’s signature dish, sacchetti di formaggio e tartufi neri, is famous for a good reason. Each sacchetti, or “little beggar’s purse,” is stuffed with fontina cheese and black truffles and bathed in a creamy marsala sauce with white truffle essence and toasted walnut. In a word: irresistible.
La Grotta Ristorante Italiano | 2637 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | $$$
27. Buttermilk Kitchen
Only one thing could be better than waking up on a beautiful sunny day in Georgia: waking up to the smell of fresh French toast, sausage and grits at one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, Buttermilk Kitchen. Established in 2012, this restaurant in Atlanta quickly climbed the ranks in the breakfast and brunch scene, so be prepared to wait in line or make reservations ahead of your meal.
The Vibe
Buttermilk Kitchen has a small-town coffee shop feel, like the perfect place to sip a latte and catch up with friends on a lazy Sunday morning. Inside this cute blue restaurant in Atlanta, you’ll find chalkboard menus, farmhouse style décor and several parlor rooms with white tables and chairs.
What to Order
This restaurant in Atlanta serves amazing Southern-style breakfast and lunch options. Some of their most popular dishes include the grits bowl with garlic, spinach, roasted tomato and two eggs and the French toast with powdered sugar and maple syrup or rye whiskey syrup.
Buttermilk Kitchen | 4225 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 | $$
Try Cooking Atlanta Foods
With so many amazing restaurants in Atlanta, it can be hard to choose what to try first. Luckily, you can bring the authentic Atlanta dining experience home when you sign up for cooking classes in Atlanta. In cooking classes, you’ll learn about the roots of Southern cuisine, each dishes’ cultural significance and the popular cooking techniques used by the most famous restaurants in Atlanta.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
From an indulgent Southern brunch to raw vegan lunch or classy fusion dinner, restaurants in Atlanta have so many diverse culinary experiences to offer. We hope that this list of the best restaurants in Atlanta has inspired you to explore flavors of the city and discover your next delicious bite!
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