49 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Atlanta

Last updated February 22, 2026

49 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Atlanta

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From charming local dining spots to high-end culinary destinations, Atlanta offers a wide variety of restaurants that'll satisfy your taste.

Whether you desire traditional Southern comfort cuisine or creative meals that challenge flavor limits, the city offers options to meet your desires.

Envision immersing yourself in a sushi omakase journey that brings you directly to Japan or relishing a dish of crispy fried chicken in a cherished local spot.

Here are the 49 best restaurants and places to eat in Atlanta!

1. Little Bear

This is a delightful bistro situated in the Summerhill area of Atlanta, featuring a changing menu of global cuisine alongside cocktails and beer.

The bistro has been acknowledged for its gastronomic superiority, with Proprietor and Chef Jarrett Stieber being honored with the Young ChefAward.

Little Bear takes pride in offering upscale comfort food crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients, including inventive renditions of traditional Southern-inspired meals like grits and shrimp, fried chicken, and homemade biscuits.

2. Tiny Lou's

This is an elegant American-French brasserie situated in the chic Hotel Clermont.

This brasserie presents creative French cuisine along with various imported wines inside a charming and refined atmosphere.

The title 'Tiny Lou's' carries a fascinating background, stemming from a dancer who refused to perform a requested table dance for Adolph Hitler.

Chef Aldrich Jeb demonstrates his culinary skills here with traditional French cuisine, highlighting dishes such as steak frites and foie gras black cocoa torchon.

3. Banshee

This is a small restaurant within East Atlanta Village, offering an elegant dining atmosphere with a varied food menu inspired by multiple cultures.

The atmosphere of the restaurant radiates sophistication with gold pendant lighting, deep blue tones, and velvet curtains, while whimsical elements like tiny dinosaur figurines contribute to a casual feel.

Partner and chef Nolan Wynn's cooking skills have brought Banshee Restaurant recognition, especially for their famous pepperoni butter.

4. La Grotta Ristorante

Located in the center of Buckhead, this is a delightful Italian treasure that has pleased guests since the year 1978.

This high-end restaurant boasts a refined atmosphere decorated with white tablecloths and provides a scenic patio facing a vibrant garden.

Famous for its genuine Northern Italian dishes, La Grotta offers traditional meals such as Prosciutto diParma con Melone, ideal for special events and cozy dinners.

5. Argosy

Argosy stands as a chic gastropub recognized for its tasty New American dishes and diverse craft beer offerings.

Boasting more than 30 beers, Argosy’s draft selection is notable for its bold options, including an assortment of strong DIPAs, Belgian ales, stouts, and sours.

The restaurant also serves artisanal hot dogs, wood-fired pizzas, and Southern classics, providing a distinctive dining adventure where you'll enjoy specialty beers and hot dogs that are locally smoked.

6. Nakato Restaurant

This is a refined, historic Japanese restaurant that provides an array of classic dishes including washoku, sushi, and hibachi options.

The restaurant boasts a wide array of sake and wine to enhance your dining experience.

Situated close to Morning Side Nature Reserve, the family-run restaurant also offers a Hibachi Teppanyaki engaging experience paired with the best sushi in Atlanta.

7. Talat Market

This is a well-known Thai restaurant located in Atlanta’s Summerhill area.

The restaurant provides cocktails and dishes made with local ingredients and also provides take-out options.

It has received acknowledgment as part of the highly recommended Atlanta restaurants, and is also recognized for its good community-focused approach.

Talat has transformed from a physical store into a cherished Thai restaurant owing to the backing of its local customers.

8. Bread and Butterfly

This is a chic bistro and cafe serving French-inspired cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The bistro offers skillfully prepared soft-scramble eggs, a variety of pastries, and trout, in a nice European-inspired atmosphere.

The playful decor here, inspired by Paris, includes vibrant green subway-tiled walls, marble café tables, and leather bar stools.

9. Hayakawa

Hayakawa is a traditional Japanese restaurant recognized for its hot dishes, sushi, and a wide selection of shochu and sake.

The restaurant boasts a sophisticated Asian design and is well-known for its delicious and fresh meals.

Regarded as one of Atlanta's priciest prix fix menus, it also offers an 8-seat unique omakase counter dining experience that serves as a classic destination for a special night out.

10. Chai Pani Decatur

This is a lively and laid-back venue within Atlanta that serves various Indian street food, platters, draft beers, and lassis.

This vibrant space radiates a trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the tastes of Indian food.

11. Atlas

Situated within the Saint Regis Atlanta, this is a high-end restaurant that provides a remarkable dining experience.

This restaurant offers seasonal American dishes with European touches and boasts a stunningly elegant interior design.

The plates here are beautifully presented and crafted from premium, seasonal ingredients.

Alongside its culinary selections, Atlas also serves as a fun art gallery, displaying pieces from the historic Lewis Collection.

12. El Tesoro

This is a delightful restaurant that serves genuine regional Mexican drinks and food in a cozy atmosphere with a large patio.

The name of this restaurant, which translates to 'the treasure', symbolizes the culinary delights available inside.

Operated by Cristina Soto, a skilled Guerrero home cook, and Mayra her daughter, El Tesoro remains famous for its delicious tamales, which include flavors such as green salsa with pork, rajas with squash and mushrooms, and chipotle salsa with chicken.

13. Marcel

Marcel is a stylish establishment located in the Westside Provision District of Atlanta that honors the historic beefsteak dinner tradition from the early 20th century.

The restaurant provides a nostalgic American steakhouse ambience with personalized china and elegant chandeliers, fostering a romantic setting ideal for celebrations.

Couples frequently select Marcel for commemorating anniversaries, relishing in tableside creations here such as their baked Alaska.

14. Atlanta Fish Market

This is a lively seafood restaurant situated in the affluent area of Buckhead.

It features a diverse and changing menu with more than 100 types of fish delivered fresh every day, ensuring a broad choice for diners.

This restaurant is also recognized for its vibrant ambiance and spacious, loft-style environment.

Since 1993, this spot has been providing outstanding service and fresh seafood as a member of the BuckheadLife Restaurant Group.

15. Heirloom Market BBQ

This is a well-liked, quaint restaurant situated in Atlanta’s Cumberland neighborhood.

Although it has only a small patio and is situated beside a small convenience store, Heirloom attracts significant crowds excited to try its distinctive menu.

Owned by chef couple Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor, Heirloom features an Asian flair on classic barbecue, offering items such as Korean spicy pork paired with wings and kimchi slaw accompanied by kimchi mayo.

16. LanZhou Ramen

LanZhou Ramen stands as an essential Atlanta destination for genuine Chinese hand-pulled noodles and delicious broths.

Situated atop Buford Highway, the restaurant provides a distinctive experience that features a noodleviewing window, allowing you to observe talented chefs hand-pulling and slicing noodles straight into hot broth.

Their menu here features an array of noodle choices, ranging from knife-cut, heartier noodles excellent for stir-fry to hand-stretched fine noodles suited for soups.

17. The Colonnade

This is a historical venue that has continued to offer traditional Southern cuisine since 1927.

Situated atop Cheshire Bridge Rd, it offers a casual environment where customers can savor popular dishes such as coleslaw, fried chicken, salmon croquettes, grilled calf liver, fried-chicken steak, and platters of oysters and shrimp.

The varied audience this restaurant draws includes drag queens, elderly women, and employed individuals.

18. South City Kitchen

This is a delightful restaurant housed in a vintage bungalow situated in the center of Midtown.

The restaurant provides a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere with a nice open kitchen, offering modern Southern dishes for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner.

The menu here showcases creative interpretations of traditional Southern cuisine, with gluten-free choices also available.

Dishes such as crabcake hash and smoked beef Benedict highlight the creative twist on classic flavors in this restaurant.

19. Antico Pizza Napoletana

This is a relaxed pizzeria that offers Naples pizzas to guests seated in communal tables.

Even with varied critiques, the lengthy queues that appear here each evening and afternoon showcase its lasting appeal.

Giovanni Palma, the owner, has established a thriving business in a straightforward cinderblock structure that houses Acunto imported ovens in its rear area.

20. Daily Chew

This is a fresh walkup window restaurant created by the group responsible for StopThink Chew.

This venue offers a warm and nutritious menu that highlights BRASH specialty coffee, breakfast options, rotisserie chicken, pita wraps, bowls, local vegetables, and supplies.

Guests always praise the friendly reception and knowledgeable care from their staff while dining.

The meal here is characterized as truly delightful with each mouthful.

21. Fox Bros BarBQ

Situated at the crossroads of Candler Park and Little 5 Points on Dekalb Av., this is a famous BBQ destination in Atlanta.

Established by Texas siblings Justin and Jonathan Fox, this restaurant serves slow-roasted ribs, Southern-style sides, and pulled pork in a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating.

Their BBQ style combines a southern twist with Texas influences.

22. Mujō

Mujō is a unique omakase-only eatery that provides a luxurious and personal dining experience.

Their menu showcases various dishes made from the best ingredients, including newly imported Japanese fish.

Due to Mujō’s restricted capacity of just 14-16 guests, it's essential to make reservations at least one month ahead.

This elegant restaurant also offers an Edomae sushi experience featuring custom rolls designed to suit personal preferences.

23. Bones Restaurant

Bones Restaurant stands as a famous steakhouse offering seafood and prime beef since 1979.

The spot has garnered lots of praise, including being designated the country's finest steakhouse by Zagat in 2019 and regularly acknowledged as part of Atlanta’s leading places for chops.

The restaurant also provides an assortment of premium cuts, even Japanese wagyu, fresh lobsters, and dry-age steaks delivered daily.

24. Gigi Italian Kitchen and Restaurant

This is a delightful dining spot situated in Atlanta, Georgia.

The restaurant provides a mix of classic atmosphere and contemporary cooking methods.

Led by chefs Jacob Armando and Eric Brooks, Gigi's offers a carefully designed Italian menu highlighting seasonal items like polenta fried cake with caviar and crème fraîche, grilled brassicas spiced with Calabrian chili, and masterfully made housemade pastas.

25. Canoe

Canoe is an enchanting restaurant situated by the stunning Chattahoochee River, featuring a refined garden ambiance and exquisite New American farm-2-table dishes.

The inside of this restaurant radiates a vibrant vibe featuring a ceiling that resembles a canoe and an open kitchen.

Visitors can enjoy meals here prepared with fresh seasonal produce, including French brioche toast topped with smoked crispy chicken biscuit and cinnamon-bourbon cream.

26. Lucian Books & Wine

This is a high-end restaurant inspired by French cuisine and situated in Buckhead.

This cozy and stylish venue serves delightful small dishes that complement their wide selection of wines and fantastic cocktails.

The meticulous attention to details in each dish here is clear, from the omelet adorned with caviar to the truffle fries that are a must-try.

This restaurant also features one of Atlanta’s finest wine selections, highlighting outstanding producers who emphasize biodynamic and organic agriculture.

27. Lyla Lila

This is a high-end eatery with a fashionable vibe that presents a menu of Southern European cuisine showcasing seafood and pasta selections.

Chef Richards Craig demonstrates his skill in crafting handmade pasta here at this charming venue decorated with distinctive artwork and considerate staff.

Their seasonal menu showcases delectable choices like corn and cocoa bechamel with duck lasagna, along with rabbit ravioli.

28. Mary Mac Tea Room

This is a cherished Atlanta landmark that has provided Southern comfort cuisine since around the 1940s.

Even with its shutdown during COVID 19, this iconic restaurant continues to be a mainstay in Atlanta's culinary landscape.

Renowned for its cozy ambiance and classic Old South cuisine, Mary Mac's features a menu brimming with substantial items such as Brunswick stew, pork chops, fried oysters, and chicken & dumplings.

29. The Deer & The Dove

This is an upscale American restaurant situated in Decatur.

It provides a range of Italian, Greek, and seafood meals.

This restaurant is recognized for its exceptional cuisine and endorsed by Michelin.

Its lovely private dining feature makes it ideal for event hosting, and it even ranks among the top ten essential dining spots in Decatur.

30. The Alden

This is a modern restaurant located in Chamblee in Atlanta, recognized for its seasonal Southern dishes and contemporary design.

Chef Hucks, drawing from his background at esteemed establishments such as Arzak and Noma, presents an inventive menu here that includes international interpretations of brunch classics and a nice tasting menu.

This restaurant's name carries importance since in the Old English, 'Alden' translates to old friend, mirroring the friendly ambiance it seeks to foster.

31. Umi

Umi is a trendy and high-end Japanese restaurant situated in Atlanta, providing a refined dining experience within a modern setting.

The culinary skills of the executive chef here, Fuyuhiko Ito, are evident in the exactness of the restaurant's sashimi and nigiri, along with their tasty seafood dishes inspired by Chef Fuyuhiko’s French culinary background.

The restaurant radiates a sophisticated warmth that draws in a varied clientele, even Hollywood A-listers, music legends, and sports superstars.

32. Sun Dial

This is a famous dining venue situated in downtown of Atlanta, providing stunning 360-degree vistas of this beautiful city.

Located at the Westin Peach Tree Plaza, it offers a vital experience for residents and guests alike.

The restaurant offers American seasonal dishes, including LochDuart Salmon and gnocchi made with sweet potatoes.

Due to its ideal position, it also provides convenient access to close sites like Centennial Olympic Park and MercedesBenz Stadium.

33. Chops and Lobster Bar

This is a traditional Atlanta chophouse that has delighted customers for more than twenty years.

This restaurant presents a distinctive dual-concept, where Lobster Bar has a speakeasy-exclusive ambiance below and Chops has a dark-wood traditional dining area.

The menu here features fresh seafood and prime-aged USDA beef, highlighting must-try items such as the renowned South African steamed lobsters.

34. Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours

Situated in Atlanta's West Midtown neighborhood, this restaurant provides a contemporary and cozy dining atmosphere with a unique take on classic Southern brunch and dishes.

Chef VanTrece Deborah, drawing from her past as a dedicated flight attendant, offers a distinctive take on soul food here with a visually appealing menu that includes standout dishes such as Hoisin Glazed Oxtail, Stewed Neckbones, and Southern Fried Marinated Chicken.

35. Staplehouse

Staplehouse stands as a famous New American bar and restaurant that provides an outstanding dining experience while also supporting a charitable initiative.

It features garden seating and an outdoor patio, creating a delightful atmosphere for guests.

It has attracted considerable interest as part of Atlanta's leading culinary spots, offering creative fusion meals made with distinct ingredients that excite the palate.

36. General Muir

This is an upscale modern Jewish deli offering New York flavor in the South.

Situated inside Toco Hills, the deli offers traditional dishes such as pastrami hash, latkes, and lox with bagels.

The eatery's name honors a refugee transport vessel that carried one of this restaurant coowners' family to the United States following World War II.

37. BoccaLupo

This is a charming Italian restaurant situated in Atlanta's historical Old Fourth Ward area.

Its cozy dining area serves traditional Italian dishes and inventive cocktails, ideal for enjoying with your significant other.

From beginning to end, their wait staff here always ensures you are informed about the cocktails, dishes, and wine choices.

38. The Chastain

Situated in Atlanta, this is a contemporary American neighborhood eatery known for its eco-friendly methods and distinctive cuisine.

Its menu is shaped by its ingredients that are locally sourced and gotten from farm collaborators and a regenerative garden on-site, leading to regular updates according to seasonal produce.

This establishment has partnered with Georgia Organic to measure its purchases of organic and local food, showing a dedication to sustainability.

39. Busy Bee Cafe

Founded in 1947, this is a cherished soul food spot in Atlanta recognized for its classic Southern cuisine and affordable prices.

This cafe's renowned fried chicken and daily meat-&-three offerings have established it as a beloved spot for locals and prominent individuals such as Oprah Winfrey.

Honored by James Beard as a good American Classic, the cafe remains a top venue for regional special dishes with long-lasting charm.

40. Eight Sushi Lounge

This is a contemporary Japanese restaurant situated within West Midtown.

The restaurant features innovative and modern Japanese dishes infused with elements of Western tastes.

The stylish and modern atmosphere here creates a perfect setting for a fashionable date evening or a relaxed meal outdoors on their patio.

41. Aria

Aria is a high-end restaurant in Buckhead that serves dinner exclusively and features modern American dishes with an emphasis on seafood.

This restaurant offers a comfortable and trendy dining space where visitors can savor both tasting and la carte menus designed by Chef Klaskala.

Aria is recognized for its impressive modern American dishes, sophisticated and laid-back ambiance, and international wine selection.

Visitors can also enjoy delightful desserts here crafted by pastry chef King Kathryn.

42. Kimball House

Kimball House, set in a historic train station established in the year 1891, is a raw bar and chic restaurant serving farm-fresh meals with a nice French flair.

This restaurant is famous for offering the town’s freshest oysters and intends to begin cultivating their own personal oysters very soon.

The inside and outside of Kimball House retain a sense of movement akin to a transit hub, featuring high ceilings, tiled floors, and large windows.

43. Gunshow

Situated in Atlanta, Gunshow is a distinctive culinary spot crafted by renowned chef Gillespie.

This restaurant's idea merges aspects of Chinese dimsum with Brazilian churrascaria, providing small dishes such as red snapper Caribbean crudo, and Japanese shrimp-and-bacon pancakes.

Guests can also savor unique cocktails crafted with creative components while sitting at shared tables.

What distinguishes Gunshow is its immersive dining adventure, where several chefs craft their dishes and personally serve them to guests for selection.

44. Lee's Bakery

This is a lively Vietnamese eatery that has become well-known for its delicious banh mi sandwich and other classic offerings such as spring rolls and pho.

Located along Buford Highway’s corridor, it distinguishes itself among the varied selection of global restaurants in Atlanta.

45. Miller Union

This is a contemporary American restaurant situated in a modest neighborhood of Howell Station and Knight Park.

Chef Satterfield Steven heads the kitchen here, crafting inventive farm-2-table dishes inspired by Southern flavors.

The restaurant provides a contemporary, rustic setting that radiates closeness, combining traditional and modern features.

It is also recognized for its sit-down budget-friendly lunch choices and is favored by office workers because of its elegant and welcoming vibe.

46. Kevin Rathbun Steak

This is a contemporary steakhouse situated in Atlanta’s Inman Park.

It’s famous for its generous servings and expertly prepared steaks, procured locally and accompanied by indulgent sides such as Gruyere with scalloped sweet potato and jalapeno charred creamed corn.

This chef Rathbun's premier restaurant has remained a leading Atlanta steakhouse since it opened in 2007, attracting devoted patrons from across the USA.

47. Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia stands as a famous Atlanta restaurant, recognized for its New American seasonal dishes and vast wine collection.

It features a sophisticated white-tablecloth ambiance accented with chic-industrial elements.

Owned by chefs Clifford Harrison and Anne Quatrano, Bacchanalia has remained a leader in supporting female chefs like executive chef Poon Faye and pastry chef Tomasko Carla.

48. Bon Ton

This is a lively venue in Midtown offering a distinctive blend of Vietnamese and Louisiana dishes.

The menu here includes traditional Louisiana seafood options infused with a nice Vietnamese flair such as grilled crab claws, smoked snow crabs, Cajun shrimp burgers, and blackened catfish or fried shrimp with banh mi.

And along with fresh oysters and cool salads, Bon Ton offers inventive drinks such as the BonTon Hurricane and Vietnamese Frozen Irish coffee.

49. Lazy Betty

Lazy Betty stands as a cutting-edge restaurant recognized for its creative wine selections and tasting menus, providing a chic dining atmosphere.

It additionally offers a takeout option featuring reasonably priced and well-sized meals intended for dining at home.

Motivated by the hospitality of their mother, the owners of the restaurant m utilize local ingredients to craft modern tasting menus featuring inventive flavor pairings.

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About the Author

Uc is the travel enthusiast behind My Uc Travels. She began sharing her journeys as a travel blogger driven by a love for new cultures, food, and hidden destinations. Over the years, she has explored multiple countries and cities, documenting real travel experiences and practical tips. Through her blog, Uc helps travelers discover beautiful places and plan memorable trips with ease.