Must-Try Restaurants in Atlanta

A good starting point to fall in love with Atlanta’s culinary scene

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I am a proud self-proclaimed foodie, and Atlanta is my playground. One of the reasons I chose to live in this city is its culinary scene. It’s fun, surprising and daring. 

Because I study and write about food in Atlanta, I get asked for restaurant recommendations all the time. That is a tough question to answer because there are so many, and each is unique in its own way. However, I do have a go-to list for those with limited time in the city who want to experience ATL’s food scene within a time constraint. 

So, if I MUST choose, here is a list of my recommended must-try restaurants in Atlanta. Yes, there are so many more incredible ones, so take this as a great start.

Meet the Writer

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Raised in a family of chefs, Daniela Cintrón grew up in restaurants—an experience that continues to shape how she writes about food and the people behind it. She is an award-winning bilingual journalist, editor, and producer focused on stories at the intersection of food, art, and culture, and serves as senior content manager and editor for Discover Atlanta. Her work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Magazine, and Eater.

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Friendship Market at Signia

I know recommending a café inside a hotel sounds unexpected, but trust me on this one. Executive pastry chef Daniella Lea Rada and her talented team make some of the best croissants in the city. Grab a coffee, a pastry and enjoy the grand lobby. Don’t leave without one of the in-house-made chocolates or the in-house-made ice cream.

Kinship Butcher & Sundry

Yes, the line can get long on the weekends — but it’s worth it. The breakfast sandwich is made with locally sourced ingredients, including the bread. My advice: Don’t choose between bacon or sausage. Get both.

Le Bon Nosh

This place is beautiful and incredibly photogenic. The communal table makes it easy to strike up conversations with other Atlantans while enjoying thoughtful seasonal dishes in the heart of Buckhead.

Sammy’s

Here is a fun breakfast spot near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where you might smell the smoker before you even walk in. I love the “Sam I Am” sandwich with green eggs, ham, bacon and cheese. If you stay for lunch, the Cuban sandwich with smoked pork and mojo mayo is fantastic. Oh yeah, the coffee, so good. 

Star Provisions

Next door to Michelin-starred Bacchanalia, this café and market delivers one of the best breakfasts in Atlanta. The granola is legendary, the French omelet baguette feels straight out of Paris and the weekend pancakes are hard to beat.

BoccaLupo

Dining here is all about not taking yourself too seriously, except when it comes to the food. Chef Bruce Logue and his mighty team bring playful, modern spins to Italian-American comfort classics, including standout pastas. Add in quirky cocktails, and you’ve got a spot that’s as fun as it is delicious. Reservations are highly recommended. It’s definitely an ATL favorite.

Iberian Pig Buckhead

I crave Iberian Pig at least twice a month – particularly the paella. Thankfully, they make small ones that I can share with a friend or two, along with a parade of tapas and, of course, sangria. Ask for the specials. Chef Josué Peña always has fun with a few special dishes, especially those featuring premium imported ingredients straight from Spain. Look around, I’ll likely be sitting at the bar.

Little Bear

Chef Jarrett Stieber runs one of the most creative kitchens in the city. The menu shifts constantly and the flavors are adventurous, but the vibe remains relaxed and neighborhood-friendly. He cooks based on what the local farmers bring him. He is creative and daring, so it’s no surprise that he was awarded Best Young Chef in the MICHELIN Guide 2023. Now open on Mondays. 

Madeira Park

Executive chef Ollie Hondred and Atlanta’s beloved Chef Steven Satterfield are having fun with flavors from around the world in this relaxed neighborhood setting. It’s one of those places where the food feels elevated, but the vibe stays casual. It’s definitely a neighborhood favorite. Sit on the patio, order from the small menu and let the night surround you with a glass of your new favorite wine. 

Ruby Chow

Selfishly, I hardly ever talk about this restaurant because I like to keep it close to my heart. But, I won’t gatekeep anymore. Ruby Chow, just across the street from Ponce City Market, blends Asian flavors with a fun, lively atmosphere. I like to show up with a friend, sit at the bar and share plates. Always start with the Katsu Bun and make your way down the list. 

Talat Market

Chefs Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter bring incredible Thai flavors to Atlanta with dishes that are bold and unforgettable. The menu changes often, which just gives me more excuses to come back. Don’t forget to look around and catch small touches of nostalgia that represent Parnass’s childhood and Thai heritage.

Tio Luchos

Chef Arnaldo Castillo celebrates the coastal flavors of Peru and the heritage of Southern cuisine. The ceviche is bright and refreshing, and the grilled seafood dishes always hit the spot. Catch flavors from Atlanta’s heritage in his cooking, making it unique to our city. 

Aria

Aria has been in Atlanta for more than 25 years, and dinner here still feels timeless. The food is elegant American cuisine with a Southern sensibility, and the service is so warm and polished that it has become a James Beard Awards finalist. It’s one of those restaurants where you know you’ll have a wonderful evening every single time.

Avize

Chef Karl Gorline brings French Alpine inspiration to Atlanta in the most beautiful way. Think delicate, creative dishes based on local produce, thoughtful wine pairings by sommelier Taurean Philpott and a dining room that feels intimate, elegant and out of the ordinary. Get adventurous with the lemon pepper wet frog legs because nothing says Atlanta swag more than that. 

Elise

Right in the heart of the Woodruff Arts Center, Elise is one of my favorite spots for a relaxed but elegant dinner. Chef Craig Richards blends French technique with an Italian perspective, with a menu that highlights beautiful seafood, house-made pastas and seasonal vegetables. It’s a great place to linger over a glass of wine after a day at the museum or the theater.

Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar

By MICHELIN-recognized chef Terry Koval, this is the place you come to if you love incredible fish. The menu is thoughtful and seasonal, and the wine and amaro selections make it feel like a cozy European hideaway. It’s a perfect place to settle in with friends and order a few dishes to share. The menu has European dishes that you cannot find anywhere else in the city. 

Luella

A restaurant with a lot of nostalgia, Luella sits where many of Atlanta’s millennials used to party years ago. Now, all grown up, we flock to the completely redone location where Luella gives us a sense of permission to indulge, laugh and have fun in such a stunning dining room. This new kid on the block is an Italian steakhouse with Japanese influence, where chef Stuart Rogers blows our minds with wood-fire cooked Akaushi beef that melts in your mouth, sushi rolls and pastas. Splurge and dine like there is no tomorrow. 

The Chastain

Chef Christopher Grossman creates beautiful dishes using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, and I honestly love coming here any time of day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner — the food is always delicious. It’s elegant but relaxed, which is a combination Atlanta does really well.

Umi

This is one of the sexiest dining rooms in Atlanta. Chef Todd Dae Kulper serves beautiful Japanese dishes with ingredients sourced directly from Japan. Chef Kazou Yoshida shows off with an array of sushi that will make you never look at sushi the same way. If you tell them I sent you, you might get access to a secret-menu pasta loaded with black truffles or caviar. And trust me — order the lychee martini. The vibe is intimate, daring and perfect for fun — even on a Monday.

Yebo Beach House

Yebo brings South African coastal flavors to Atlanta in a fun setting. The seafood is excellent, the cocktails are strong and the atmosphere feels like a stylish beach escape right in Buckhead. Without a doubt, order the sushi and a glass of the owner’s favorite South African wine. Trust me. 

Atlas

When I want a dinner that feels like a true occasion, this One-MICHELIN-Star restaurant is where I go. Chef Freddy Money leads one of the city’s most elegant dining experiences, offering innovative tasting menus that change with the seasons. The dining room is surrounded by museum-worthy art while music from bands such as the Rolling Stones plays. It’s such a rebellious luxury vibe that makes the whole evening feel super special and fun. This is a dress-up, linger-over-wine (or champagne, honestly) kind of night. 

Lazy Betty

Chef Ron Hsu and Chef Aaron Phillips have created something really special here. Their One-MICHELIN-Star tasting menu is playful, precise and full of surprises. Every course feels like a small performance, and the staff walks you through each dish as if telling a story. If someone asks me where to see Atlanta’s fine dining at its best, this is always on my list.

Mujō

This tiny omakase counter feels incredibly intimate. Chef J. Trent Harris focuses on traditional Edomae sushi with beautifully sourced fish and meticulous technique. The attention to detail is intense and every bite feels intentional. It’s one of those meals where you forget about everything else happening in the world.

M at Umi

This is the secret tasting room hidden inside Umi, and it’s one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the city. Chef Kazou Yoshida, with his fun and playful personality, prepares an intimate omakase meal for just eight guests. If you ever get the chance to sit here, take it — it feels like stepping into a private sushi temple.

O by Brush

Chef Jason Liang offers one of the most artistic omakase experiences in Atlanta. The tasting menu blends Japanese techniques with subtle Taiwanese influences, and every course feels thoughtful and beautifully composed. It’s intimate, calm and incredibly memorable.

The Garden Room

Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping into a surreal garden fantasy. The dining room is lush, dramatic and over-the-top in the best way. Come dressed up, order a martini and enjoy the spectacle.

Gunshow

Chef Cody Chassar hosts one of the most interactive dining experiences in Atlanta, where you are practically having dinner in the kitchen. Instead of a traditional menu, chefs bring dishes directly to your table and explain them to you. If you want it, you take it. It’s energetic, fun and a little unpredictable — which is exactly why I love it.

Georgia Boy

Right on the back of Southern Belle (another one of my favorites), there is a hidden tasting counter by chef Joey Ward that offers one of the most creative menus in the city. The meal is immersive and playful, and the small room makes it feel like you’re part of the culinary experiment. If it’s on the plate, yes, you can most likely eat it, even if it doesn’t look like food. From beginning to end, it’s such a unique experience. 

Lucian Books & Wine

Part bookstore, part wine bar, part restaurant — and somehow it all works beautifully. The wine list is fantastic and the food is elegant but unfussy. I love lingering here with a glass of wine or the incredible house martini, which will blow your mind. 

Uberto

Not exactly in Atlanta, but totally worth the one-hour drive to step outside the city and into the farm in Gay, Georgia. This intimate tasting experience by chef Ryan Smith feels like being invited into someone’s private dinner party on a farm — because that is exactly what it is. The menu highlights beautiful ingredients and thoughtful cooking in a relaxed but elevated way.

Bovino After Dark

Late-night dining gets an upgrade here, where you are literally having dinner on a counter, inside a brewery. Watch chef Chris McCord in action, along with his fun crew, as they prepare dishes with bold flavors and great meats in an energetic, indulgent atmosphere. Recently, the restaurant started offering more affordable tasting menus during the week, making the experience more accessible to a wider range of people. 

Chai Pani Decatur

At Chai Pani, a vibrant, light-strung space sets the stage for bold, shareable South Asian dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients in chef Sahar Siddiqi‘s kitchen. From rich butter chicken to crispy fried okra and tangy, spicy gobi pepper fry, every plate invites you to order just one more. Check out the daily lunch buffet.

El Tesoro

El Tesero is a true neighborhood spot where everyone feels welcome. Margaritas, tacos, tamales and elotes fill the tables while people gather outside on gravel patios. The vibes are easygoing and the food is always on point. I always check the specials board and never skip the pozole.

Glide Pizza

Think New York-style pizza, huge and with premium ingredients. I lived in NYC, so you can trust me. Don’t miss out on the house-made mozzarella or the exquisite pepperoni with a nice kick. Of course, plenty of adventurous choices for those who like to keep things even more fun. Grab a slice at any of their locations, or a whole pizza and enjoy it at your favorite park in Atlanta.

Heirloom Market BBQ

This MICHELIN-recognized BBQ joint is worth the line. You order from your phone and either take it to go or eat outside on the patio while the smell of smoked meat fills the air. My go-to is the BBQ sandwich with tempura sweet potatoes.

Kamayan ATL

Here it’s all about big flavors and even bigger group vibes. Owners Mia Orino and Carlo Gan are serving up everything from lechon kawali and ginataang talong to the best ube flan cake —but the real move is the kamayan feast, a hands-on, pile-it-all-on-the-table experience that’s meant to be shared (and devoured) with friends.

So So Fed

This pop-up is where chefs and industry folks go to eat on Sundays and Mondays. It serves Lao and other Asian dishes inside OK Yaki, and the menu changes weekly. Show up with a few friends and order everything. 

Check out our guide to more amazing pop-ups around the city.

Vice Taco

Not a restaurant but a taco truck that absolutely deserves a spot here. I’m Mexican, and these tacos are the closest thing I’ve found in Atlanta to Mexico City street tacos. The al pastor and carne asada with all the toppings and green salsa are a must. The owner, Alejandro, has kind of a following by now and if you try the agua fresca, you’ll know exactly why.

7th House

7th House is a tiny, intimate cocktail bar with creative drinks and fun themed events throughout the year. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect to visit with a couple of close friends. I had the burger, and it was not what you are thinking. It was anything but ordinary.

Bar Ana

It’s a dessert bar co-owned by award-winning chef Claudia Martinez, where cocktails, sweets and savory bites come together beautifully. The olives and focaccia are a must. Almost a speakeasy, it’s located underneath, through the back, of El Ponce. 

Buddy Buddy

Buddy Buddy is bartender-owned and all about great cocktails. Try the bone broth shots (yes, I said bone broth shots), grab a couch with friends and settle in for a long, relaxed evening. The menu has some hearty dishes that will give you more energy to make your way down the cocktail list. 

El Malo

A sexy spot that starts with cocktails and bites and slowly turns into a party. Walk through the red-lit tunnel, grab a velvet booth and stay as the DJs take over the night.

Little Spirit

This neighborhood bar in Old Fourth Ward stays open late. It’s cozy, lively and sometimes even turns into a dance party.

Lucky Star

An award-winning Westside favorite that’s open all day is especially fun for cocktails and brunch events with DJs. Chef Jason Liang’s menu has great Taiwanese street food options, but you can’t leave without trying his wife’s (chef ChingYao Wang) pastries. The double chocolate croissant is unforgettable. 

MidCity Cafe

Some of the best cocktails in Atlanta are made by José Pereiro in MicCity Cafe, a tiny, intimate neighborhood bar. The drinks are thoughtful, balanced and always beautifully executed.

Redacted

You can’t go wrong with a night ending – or maybe starting – at this underground cocktail bar in Summerhill. It’s intimate, a little mysterious and definitely a neighborhood favorite.

Atlanta’s dining scene moves fast, and so do we. This list is refreshed every six months, so there’s always something new to crave. Got a spot I have to try? Send it our way: [email protected].