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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Atlanta

The best restaurants in Atlanta, from Bacchanalia and Michelin tables to soul-food icons, rooftop views, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighborhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Atlanta means embracing a city where Southern hospitality meets ambitious modern cooking.

In a single day you can dig into a plate of crispy fried chicken with collard greens for lunch, chase it with a Michelin-starred tasting menu at night, and end at a Buford Highway strip mall for late-night dumplings.

Atlanta's food identity is built on deep soul-food traditions, a booming international immigrant scene along Buford Highway, and a fast-rising fine-dining culture that earned the city its first Michelin stars in 2023.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallBacchanaliaReserve
By CuisineChai PaniReserve
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred RestaurantsBacchanaliaReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsBonesReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsSun Dial Restaurant, Bar & ViewReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsLazy BettyReserve
Soul Food & Iconic Atlanta EatsMary Mac's Tea RoomReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsTalat MarketReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Atlanta on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 Westside

Bacchanalia

New American$$$$· Special occasion

Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's flagship is the standard-bearer for Atlanta fine dining, a prix-fixe institution now anchoring the Westside food scene. The seasonal menu leans on their own Summerland Farm, delivering elegant, ingredient-driven cooking like the famous crab fritter and precise composed courses. The room is refined and calm, ideal for milestone celebrations. For a definitive taste of why Atlanta is taken seriously by the national dining world, this is the essential reservation.

What to order: Seasonal prix-fixe menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Old Fourth Ward

Staplehouse

New American$$$· Intimate & inventive

Born from a nonprofit tied to The Giving Kitchen, Staplehouse pairs a genuine social mission with some of the most inventive cooking in the city. Chef Ryan Smith's tasting and a la carte menus are precise and produce-forward, moving from delicate to deeply savory with quiet confidence. The warm brick room in Old Fourth Ward feels intimate and personal. It is a Michelin-recognized destination that captures the creative energy defining Atlanta's independent restaurants.

What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Buckhead

Bones

Steakhouse$$$$· Clubby & classic

Open since 1979, Bones is Atlanta's classic power steakhouse, a clubby Buckhead institution where deals are made over martinis and dry-aged beef. The bone-in ribeye, cold-water lobster, and old-school tableside service define the experience, delivered by career waiters who know the regulars by name. The dark wood room is timeless rather than trendy. For travelers who want the quintessential Southern steakhouse night out, Bones remains the enduring benchmark.

What to order: Bone-in ribeye

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Candler Park

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Barbecue$$· Casual & lively

Twin brothers from Texas brought serious smoked meat to Atlanta, and Fox Bros. has grown into the city's beloved barbecue standard-bearer. The brisket is the star, joined by ribs, the chili-topped Tominator loaded fries, and rich Brunswick stew. The casual, high-energy dining room stays packed, so expect a line at peak hours. It is a dependable, deeply satisfying stop for anyone craving Central Texas smoke with a Georgia accent.

What to order: Smoked brisket

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

The Varsity

Fast food$· Retro drive-in

No Atlanta food tour is complete without The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in and a downtown fixture since 1928. The rapid-fire 'What'll ya have?' greeting, chili dogs, onion rings, fried peach pie, and the signature Frosted Orange are essential rites of passage. The retro counter service and vast parking make it a fun, cheap stop between sights. It is the easiest way to check off a genuine local institution in one budget-friendly meal.

What to order: Chili dog & Frosted Orange

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Vine City

Busy Bee Cafe

Soul food$$· Historic & soulful

A soul-food landmark near the Historic West End since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has fed civil rights leaders, students, and celebrities alike. The fried chicken is legendary, crisp and juicy, joined by fried whiting, collards, and candied yams served with genuine warmth. Recognized as a James Beard America's Classic, it carries real cultural weight. Come hungry, expect a wait, and settle in for one of the South's most storied plates.

What to order: Fried chicken

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Midtown

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Southern$$· Homey & traditional

Open since 1945, Mary Mac's is Atlanta's last classic tea room and a temple of Southern comfort cooking. The fried chicken, pot likker with cornbread, tomato pie, and endless sweet tea arrive in a warren of homey dining rooms full of history. Servers guide first-timers through the ordering-card ritual with hospitality that feels genuinely Southern. It is a comforting, affordable window into the city's culinary traditions, steps from Piedmont Park.

What to order: Fried chicken & pot likker

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Westside

Miller Union

Southern$$$· Refined farm-to-table

Chef Steven Satterfield's Westside restaurant is a cornerstone of Atlanta's farm-to-table movement, celebrated for seasonal Southern cooking that feels effortless and refined. The famous farm egg baked in celery cream is a signature, alongside pristine vegetable dishes and thoughtfully sourced proteins. The airy, understated room lets the ingredients speak. A James Beard-honored kitchen, it is a must for anyone who wants to understand modern Southern cuisine at its most graceful.

What to order: Farm egg in celery cream

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Glenwood Park

Gunshow

New American$$$· Interactive & bold

Kevin Gillespie's Glenwood Park restaurant reinvents the format, sending cooks roaming the dining room with carts of just-finished dishes for guests to accept or wave on. The rotating, chef-driven plates are bold, personal, and unpredictable, blending global influences with Southern roots. The interactive energy makes for a genuinely fun, communal night out. For adventurous eaters who want a dining experience unlike anything else in the city, Gunshow delivers.

What to order: Rotating cart selections

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Home Park

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Pizza$$· Casual communal

Tucked near Georgia Tech, Antico brought serious Neapolitan pizza to Atlanta with imported ingredients and blazing wood-fired ovens. You order at the counter, then eat at communal tables beside the kitchen while pies emerge blistered and bubbling. The San Gennaro with sausage and peppers and the classic Margherita are standouts. Cash-friendly, no-frills, and deeply authentic, it remains the city's benchmark for old-world pizza worth the trip to Home Park.

What to order: San Gennaro pizza

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Decatur

Chai Pani

Indian$$· Vibrant & casual

Meherwan Irani's Indian street-food restaurant in downtown Decatur turned a national spotlight on Atlanta, winning the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant award. The vibrant, affordable menu roams through crispy kale pakoras, the beloved sloppy jai, and vivid chaats bursting with spice and texture. The playful, colorful room stays busy and welcoming. It is a joyful, accessible introduction to regional Indian cooking and one of the metro area's most acclaimed tables.

What to order: Kale pakoras

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Westside

Cooks & Soldiers

Basque$$$· Lively & share-friendly

A Basque-inspired restaurant on the Westside, Cooks & Soldiers pairs a lively pintxos bar with a wood-fired asador turning out charred meats and vegetables. The txuleta, a massive shared bone-in ribeye, is the showpiece, backed by an excellent gin and sherry program. Sleek yet convivial, it is built for grazing and sharing across a long, spirited meal. It stands out as one of Atlanta's most distinctive and design-forward dining rooms.

What to order: Wood-fired txuleta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Summerhill

Little Bear

New American$$$· Tiny & creative

Chef Jarrett Stieber's tiny Summerhill restaurant delivers an ambitious, ever-changing tasting menu at a remarkably fair price. The hyper-seasonal, produce-driven dishes are creative and irreverent, often surprising diners with unexpected combinations that somehow just work. The stripped-down, counter-style room keeps the focus squarely on the food. Michelin-recognized and beloved by locals, it is proof that some of Atlanta's most exciting cooking comes from its smallest kitchens.

What to order: Ever-changing tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Emory Point

The General Muir

Deli$$· All-day & classic

A modern take on the classic Jewish deli, The General Muir near Emory pairs house-cured pastrami on rye and proper bagels with polished all-day cooking. Chef Todd Ginsberg's kitchen elevates deli staples without losing their soul, and brunch draws devoted crowds for latkes and eggs. The bright, handsome room bridges nostalgia and craft. It is a dependable, widely loved spot that fills a real gap in the Southern dining landscape.

What to order: Pastrami on rye

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Midtown

Nan Thai Fine Dining

Thai$$$· Elegant & refined

Nan Thai brings genuine elegance to Thai cuisine in a lavish Midtown setting of orchids, silk, and polished service. The kitchen turns out refined versions of classics alongside more ambitious dishes, from delicate curries to beautifully plated seafood. It is upscale without being stiff, a rare fine-dining take on a cuisine usually served casually. For a special-occasion dinner with elevated flavors and gracious hospitality, it is among the city's most reliable choices.

What to order: Classic Thai curries

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Inman Park

Kevin Rathbun Steak

Steakhouse$$$$· Sleek & buzzy

Set in a converted industrial space near the BeltLine, Kevin Rathbun Steak is a sleek, modern counterpoint to Atlanta's old-guard steakhouses. Dry-aged cuts, creative sides, and a strong cocktail program draw a stylish Inman Park crowd. The energetic room and skyline-adjacent patio make it a top date-night and celebration pick. For diners who want serious beef in a contemporary, buzzy setting, it consistently ranks among the city's best.

What to order: Dry-aged steak

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Inman Park

Ticonderoga Club

Gastropub$$· Clubby cocktail tavern

Tucked inside Krog Street Market, Ticonderoga Club is a nautical-themed tavern beloved for its serious cocktails and eclectic, well-executed food. The cheeseburger has a cult following, joined by rotating small plates and one of the best bar programs in the city. The clubby, wood-paneled room feels like a hidden retreat amid the market bustle. It is a favorite for both a full meal and a lingering nightcap in Inman Park.

What to order: The cheeseburger

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Westside

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

Global soul food$$$· Stylish & soulful

Chef Deborah VanTrece's Westside restaurant reimagines soul food through a global lens, weaving in Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean influences with real craft. Signature dishes like the smoked short rib and inventive vegetable plates show off a bold, personal point of view. The stylish, welcoming room and thoughtful drinks list round out the experience. Nationally celebrated, it is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Atlanta dining.

What to order: Smoked short rib

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Atlanta by Cuisine

Atlanta's global growth makes it one of the South's great cuisine cities, where a short drive along Buford Highway can carry you from Vietnamese pho in Doraville to Mexican taquerias and Sichuan dumpling houses, all within a few strip-mall blocks.

The best restaurants in Atlanta by cuisine reward exploration beyond downtown: immigrant-run specialists often outshine flashier destinations.

Whether you crave Ethiopian injera, birria-style tacos, Indian street snacks, or a plate of Westside soul food, the city delivers depth and authenticity across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the perimeter.

  • Chai Pani

    Indian street food $$

    This beloved Indian street-food spot in downtown Decatur won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022. The menu channels the snacks of Mumbai's roadside stalls, with crispy okra fries, kale pakoras, and vibrant chaat that reward sharing. Bright, casual, and consistently excellent, it helped teach Atlanta to take regional Indian cooking seriously.

    What to order: Kale pakoras; okra fries; sloppy jai

    Reserve

  • Nam Phuong

    Vietnamese $

    A reliable, no-frills anchor of Buford Highway's Vietnamese scene, serving steaming bowls of pho, vermicelli plates, and grilled meats. The broth is fragrant and the portions generous, and the surrounding corridor offers banh mi, bubble tea, and Asian grocery exploration. It sits at the heart of one of the Southeast's best strips for Vietnamese eating.

    What to order: Pho tai; bun cha gio; rice plates

    Reserve

  • El Rey del Taco

    Mexican $

    A Doraville taqueria on Buford Highway specializing in unfussy, authentic tacos and antojitos served late into the night. The al pastor and carne asada come on fresh double tortillas with salsa and lime, deeply satisfying and a must for understanding Atlanta's Mexican food culture beyond the counter. Simple, focused, and beloved.

    What to order: Tacos al pastor; carne asada

    Reserve

  • Heirloom Market BBQ

    Korean-Southern BBQ $$

    This creative Korean-Southern mashup on the city's northwest side fuses hickory-smoked meats with Korean flavors and gochujang heat. The Korean pork BBQ sandwich is a signature, and the tight, order-at-the-counter setup keeps the focus on the smoker. It reflects Atlanta's talent for cross-cultural cooking rooted in genuine skill and heritage.

    What to order: Korean pork BBQ sandwich; brisket

    Reserve

  • Gu's Dumplings

    Sichuan Chinese $$

    A family-run Sichuan favorite in Krog Street Market famous for its handmade Chengdu dumplings in chili oil and slippery dan dan noodles. The convivial, generous style makes it perfect for groups, and the numbing-spicy heat is the real deal. It is a beloved anchor of Atlanta's Chinese dining scene and a reliable go-to.

    What to order: Chengdu dumplings in chili oil; dan dan noodles

    Reserve

  • Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

    Ethiopian $$

    A welcoming Ethiopian standby near Briarcliff, serving spongy injera piled with spiced doro wat, tibs, and vegetarian combinations meant to be scooped by hand. The room is warm and the platters are generous and communal. It is a strong pick for group dining and a gentle introduction to East African cooking.

    What to order: Doro wat; tibs; vegetarian combo with injera

    Reserve

  • Nan Thai Fine Dining

    Thai $$$

    This elegant Midtown restaurant reimagines Thai cooking with white-tablecloth polish and refined presentation. The menu balances familiar comfort like green curry and pad thai with more delicate specialties, all in a lush, plush setting. It is a modern standout that put upscale Thai dining firmly on Atlanta's map.

    What to order: Green curry; pad thai; crispy duck

    Reserve

  • Antico Pizza Napoletana

    Neapolitan Italian $$

    A cult Neapolitan pizzeria near Georgia Tech turning out blistered, wood-fired pies from imported Italian ovens. The communal tables and cash-only, order-at-the-window energy make it approachable, while the San Gennaro and margherita honor Naples tradition. It draws pilgrims from across the city for the best classic pizza Atlanta has to offer.

    What to order: San Gennaro pizza; margherita

    Reserve

  • Busy Bee Cafe

    Soul food $$

    A historic soul-food institution on the Westside, open since 1947 and long tied to Atlanta's civil rights history. The fried chicken is legendary, joined by collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that define Southern comfort. Unfussy and deeply satisfying, it is essential for understanding the city's Black culinary heritage.

    What to order: Fried chicken; collard greens; mac and cheese

    Reserve

  • Talat Market

    Modern Thai $$$

    A modern Thai restaurant in Summerhill that reimagines the cuisine with Georgia produce and seasonal creativity, earning national James Beard recognition. The menu leans on punchy laab, curries, and market vegetables with contemporary polish. Bright, personal, and inventive, it brings fresh energy to Thai cooking beyond the takeout norm.

    What to order: Laab; seasonal curries; market vegetables

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta joined the Michelin map in 2023, and its first stars confirmed what locals already knew: this is a serious dining city with range.

The best fine dining restaurants in Atlanta stretch from prix-fixe New American temples to hushed omakase counters and refined European-leaning tables, many led by chefs who came up through Anne Quatrano's kitchens or trained abroad.

Expect seasonal menus rooted in Georgia produce, thoughtful wine and non-alcoholic pairings, and dining rooms built for occasions. These are the tables for anniversaries and once-in-a-trip splurges.

Book weeks ahead, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Atlanta's top rooms reward diners who surrender to the experience.

  • Bacchanalia

    New American $$$$

    Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's Michelin-starred flagship is the benchmark for fine dining in Atlanta. The prix-fixe New American menu leans on ingredients from the couple's own Cartersville farm, and the room sits alongside their Star Provisions market on the Westside. It is the city's essential special-occasion pilgrimage.

    What to order: Prix-fixe tasting; crab fritter

    Reserve

  • Atlas

    Contemporary American $$$$

    Set inside the St. Regis in Buckhead beneath a museum-worthy collection of paintings, this one-Michelin-star room delivers polished, European-influenced American cooking. Service is impeccable and the plating refined, making it a top choice for celebrations that favor elegance over spectacle.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Lazy Betty

    Modern American $$$$

    Chef Ron Hsu's Michelin-starred tasting-menu destination brings ambitious, technique-driven cooking to a sleek room. The multi-course menu is inventive and precisely composed, moving between playful and refined. It is one of Atlanta's most exciting fine-dining stories.

    What to order: Multi-course tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Mujo

    Sushi $$$$

    A Michelin-starred Edo-style sushi counter tucked into the Westside's Works development. Diners sit for an intimate omakase built on pristine fish flown in for the day, guided course by course by the itamae. It is Atlanta's premier sushi experience.

    What to order: Omakase; nigiri

    Reserve

  • Hayakawa

    Sushi $$$$

    Chef Atsushi Hayakawa runs a tiny, deeply personal omakase counter that earned a Michelin star for its purity and precision. With only a handful of seats, the pace is unhurried and the fish exceptional. It is a quiet, reverent sushi pilgrimage.

    What to order: Omakase; seasonal nigiri

    Reserve

  • Lyla Lila

    Italian-Mediterranean $$$

    Chef Craig Richards's Michelin-starred Midtown restaurant serves refined Italian and Mediterranean plates in a handsome, warmly lit room. Handmade pastas and thoughtful seasonal cooking make it elegant yet approachable, ideal for celebrations without a full tasting-menu commitment.

    What to order: House pastas; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • Aria

    New American $$$

    Gerry Klaskala's longtime Buckhead favorite specializes in the art of slow cooking, from braises to roasts, in a plush, romantic setting. Consistent and deeply comforting, it is a dependable pick for milestone dinners with polished service.

    What to order: Braised short rib

    Reserve

  • Bones

    Steakhouse $$$$

    An iconic Buckhead steakhouse and power-dining institution since 1979, all dark wood and clubby energy. Dry-aged steaks, classic sides, and a deep wine list define a night that feels timeless. It is Atlanta's quintessential special-occasion chophouse.

    What to order: Dry-aged steak; lobster

    Reserve

  • Umi

    Japanese $$$$

    An upscale Buckhead Japanese restaurant known for its glamorous scene and serious sushi program. Beyond the crudos and rolls, the robata grill and premium cuts of fish reward splurging. It pairs a lively room with genuinely refined cooking.

    What to order: Sushi; toro

    Reserve

  • Nikolai's Roof

    French-Russian $$$$

    Perched atop the Hilton Atlanta downtown, this historic fine-dining room blends French technique with Russian flourishes and sweeping skyline views. Tableside service and a ritual of chilled flavored vodkas make it a nostalgic, special-occasion classic.

    What to order: Prix-fixe tasting; flavored vodkas

    Reserve

  • Canoe

    Southern American $$$

    Set along the Chattahoochee River in Vinings, this longtime favorite serves seasonal Southern-American cooking amid lush gardens. Romantic and gracious, with standout brunches and celebration dinners, it trades city energy for a serene riverside setting.

    What to order: Seasonal Southern menu

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from clubby Buckhead steakhouses and candlelit Italian rooms to riverside gardens and cozy Westside spots in converted warehouses.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want Buckhead glamour or a tucked-away table beside the Chattahoochee, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet corner if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Bones

    Steakhouse $$$$

    Dark, clubby, and quintessentially Buckhead, Bones is a top date-night steakhouse with old-school charm. Rich wood paneling, low lighting, and a great martini make dinner feel like an occasion. The prime steaks and warm, tenured service seal the romantic deal.

    What to order: Prime steaks; Georgia trout

    Reserve

  • Aria

    New American $$$$

    An intimate, warmly lit Buckhead room ideal for lingering over wine and slow-cooked plates. Attentive service and a plush, relaxed-but-refined mood make it a comfortable choice for couples who want a special dinner without pretension.

    What to order: Braised short rib; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • St. Cecilia

    Italian $$$

    A polished, airy coastal-Italian dining room from Ford Fry, ideal for special-occasion dinners. Elegant crudo, handmade pasta, and an excellent wine list in a sophisticated Buckhead setting make it a reliably romantic option.

    What to order: Crudo; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • Canoe

    New American $$$

    For a refined riverside date, seek out this longtime favorite set beside the Chattahoochee with lush gardens and glowing lanterns. Seasonal Southern plates, plush service, and a great wine list make for a classic, unhurried romantic evening.

    What to order: Seasonal Southern plates; riverside garden setting

    Reserve

  • La Grotta

    Italian $$$

    A warm, tucked-away Italian room below a Buckhead high-rise with a relaxed-romantic vibe. Longtime regulars return for classic Northern Italian plates and handmade pasta paired with candlelight, making it a comfortable, timeless date-night pick.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; osso buco

    Reserve

  • The Optimist

    Seafood $$$

    Ford Fry's stylish Westside seafood house offers a lively yet intimate mood with an oyster bar and coastal plates. Share a tower, split a bottle of white, and settle into a leather booth for a relaxed, low-pressure evening together.

    What to order: Oysters; wood-grilled catch

    Reserve

  • Bacchanalia

    Fine Dining $$$$

    Atlanta's benchmark fine-dining room in a Westside warehouse offers a more intimate, refined experience with a seasonal prix-fixe menu. Warm lighting and impeccable service make it a sophisticated, flavor-rich destination for milestone celebrations.

    What to order: Prix-fixe tasting; crab fritter

    Reserve

  • Atlas

    French $$$$

    Set inside the St. Regis and hung with museum-quality art, this Buckhead room is atmospheric and lush. The gracious service and elegant European-leaning cuisine make it a longtime favorite for romantic special occasions.

    What to order: Refined tasting; wine list

    Reserve

  • Miller Union

    Southern $$$

    A serene, farm-to-table Westside room with a relaxed-romantic feel and a warm, seasonal menu, well suited to a stylish date. Comfortable and thoughtful, it works for a quiet celebration or an easy evening out together.

    What to order: Farm egg baked in celery cream; seasonal vegetables

    Reserve

  • Kevin Rathbun Steak

    Steakhouse $$$

    A sleek, modern steakhouse in Inman Park with buzzy energy, generous cuts, and stylish charm. The lively setting suits couples who want a celebratory, memorable steak dinner with a great cocktail and a relaxed downtown skyline view.

    What to order: Dry-aged steaks; big cuts

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Atlanta

Few Southern cities reward dining with a view like Atlanta, where the Midtown and Downtown skylines rise above one of the most heavily wooded urban canopies in the country, creating lush green backdrops from spring through fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Atlanta range from revolving hotel towers and sky-high cocktail lounges to buzzy market rooftops and hotel terraces perfect for golden hour.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when rooftops fill quickly and reservations or early arrivals become essential. Many focus as much on the setting and drinks as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a signature cocktail high above Peachtree Street or a laid-back perch over the treetops, these spots deliver Atlanta's most photogenic dining.

  • Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

    American $$$

    Atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, one of the tallest hotels in the Western Hemisphere, this revolving venue rotates slowly for a full 360-degree panorama of Downtown and beyond. Come for a cocktail and the sweeping vantage point over the city's core.

    What to order: Cocktails with revolving panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Polaris

    American $$$

    The distinctive blue dome crowning the Hyatt Regency Atlanta houses this revolving rooftop lounge, a mid-century icon reborn as a cocktail and small-plates destination. The slow rotation delivers changing Downtown skyline views throughout the evening.

    What to order: Cocktails; small plates; revolving views

    Reserve

  • Nikolai's Roof

    French $$$$

    High atop the Hilton Atlanta, this elegant fine-dining room pairs French and Russian-inspired cuisine with commanding Downtown views. It is a special-occasion classic where the vantage point matches the polished, multi-course experience.

    What to order: Prix fixe tasting; skyline views

    Reserve

  • 9 Mile Station

    Southern $$

    Perched on the roof of Ponce City Market, this open-air Southern spot pairs beer-garden energy with skyline views and access to the adjacent Skyline Park rides. It is a lively warm-weather pick for shareable plates and cocktails above the BeltLine.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable Southern plates; skyline

    Reserve

  • Hotel Clermont Rooftop

    American $$$

    Atop the historic Hotel Clermont in Poncey-Highland, this stylish rooftop bar offers cocktails and light bites with skyline and neighborhood views. Its retro-glam vibe makes it one of the city's most popular sunset perches.

    What to order: Cocktails; small bites; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Estrella

    Latin American $$$

    A breezy rooftop at Colony Square in Midtown serving Spanish and Latin American small plates, wood-fired dishes, and cocktails. The stylish terrace and strong food set it apart from view-only rooftops, making it a top all-around pick.

    What to order: Wood-fired plates; tapas; cocktails

    Reserve

  • SkyLounge

    American $$

    The rooftop bar atop the Glenn Hotel Downtown offers an intimate perch with close-up skyline views and a relaxed cocktail scene. Its comfortable vibe makes it a solid choice for after-work drinks or a laid-back rooftop evening.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Whiskey Blue

    American $$$

    A lively rooftop lounge atop the W Atlanta Buckhead with a see-and-be-seen scene, cocktails, and Buckhead skyline views. Popular for nightlife, it delivers energetic vibes and photogenic vantage points above the district.

    What to order: Cocktails; nightlife; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House

    Seafood $$

    The upper deck of this Grant Park favorite looks out over historic Oakland Cemetery to the Downtown skyline beyond, a genuinely unusual vantage. Come for fried seafood, oysters, and cold beer on a casual, breezy patio.

    What to order: Fried seafood; oysters; skyline patio

    Reserve

  • Rooftop L.O.A.

    American $$$

    Atop the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown, this open-air lounge serves cocktails and shareable plates with treetop and skyline views. The laid-back terrace is a scenic warm-weather spot for drinks as the sun sets over the district.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; Midtown views

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Atlanta span comfort-food counters, refined seasonal tasting menus, and globally inspired spots serving everything from vegan soul food to plant-based Ethiopian and Indian street snacks.

Many of the city's produce-driven chefs source from Georgia farms, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Atlanta can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • Lazy Betty

    Vegetable-forward $$$

    An ambitious tasting-menu restaurant that offers a fully plant-based option alongside its regular courses. It demonstrates how far Atlanta's meat-free dining has come, with refined, seasonal plates and a polished service that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Elevated vegan tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe

    Vegan Cafe $

    A vegan bakery and cafe in Kirkwood serving plant-based comfort food, hearty breakfasts, and pastries. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable neighborhood stop for satisfying vegan versions of familiar favorites.

    What to order: Plant-based brunch; baked goods

    Reserve

  • Herban Fix

    Vegan Pan-Asian $$

    A vegan pan-Asian restaurant in Midtown serving dumplings, noodle bowls, and stir-fries with polished, health-minded cooking. Its dedicated, meat-free approach and elegant dining room have earned a loyal following.

    What to order: Vegan dumplings; noodle bowls

    Reserve

  • Cafe Sunflower

    Vegetarian $$

    A pioneering vegetarian restaurant in Sandy Springs famous for creative meat-free plates and vegan desserts. An Atlanta institution since the vegetarian scene's early days, it remains a beloved go-to for plant-based dining.

    What to order: Seasonal veg plates; vegan sweets

    Reserve

  • Soul Vegetarian

    Vegan Soul $$

    A West End vegan soul-food institution serving hearty plant-based takes on comfort classics. Its long history and satisfying, flavorful cooking make it a meaningful stop for vegan dining beyond the usual neighborhoods.

    What to order: Plant-based soul-food classics

    Reserve

  • Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

    Ethiopian $$

    An Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Slutty Vegan

    Vegan Burgers $$

    A wildly popular vegan burger spot born in the Westview neighborhood, known for indulgent plant-based patties and playful menu names. Casual, energetic, and beloved by locals, it turns comfort-food cravings entirely meat-free.

    What to order: Loaded plant-based burgers

    Reserve

  • Tassili's Raw Reality

    Raw Vegan $

    A West End raw vegan spot serving colorful wraps, salads, and cold-pressed juices. Its wholesome, uncooked approach and friendly counter service make it a favorite for lighter, energizing plant-based meals.

    What to order: Raw wraps; fresh juices

    Reserve

  • Chai Pani

    Indian $$

    A Decatur Indian street-food restaurant with a deep bench of vegetarian and vegan options and plenty of small, snackable plates. Casual, lively, and celebrated, it offers boldly spiced meat-free cooking worth the crowds.

    What to order: Vegetarian street snacks; chaat

    Reserve

  • Miller Union

    Farm-to-table $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, Steven Satterfield's West Midtown restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward dishes worth seeking out. Its farm-driven produce cookery makes it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward seasonal plates

    Reserve

Best Soul Food & Iconic Atlanta Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Atlanta without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: lemon pepper wings, Southern soul food, crispy fried chicken, and slow-smoked barbecue.

Lemon pepper wings are the headline act, and locals swear by the ordering it "lemon pepper wet," a saucy twist that Atlanta made its own, while soul food staples like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler anchor Sunday tables across the city.

Beyond wings, the chili dog and Frosted Orange at The Varsity and racks of ribs at neighborhood pits are essential rites of passage. These dishes are affordable, unpretentious, and deeply tied to Atlanta's African American culinary heritage and working-class roots.

Come hungry, embrace the mess, and taste the foods that define the city's identity.

  • Mary Mac's Tea Room

    Southern $$

    An Atlanta institution since 1945 and one of the last classic tea rooms, serving heaping plates of fried chicken, pot likker, and peach cobbler. Dependable, generous, and quintessentially Southern, it is where visitors and regulars alike come for comfort food done right.

    What to order: Fried chicken; pot likker; peach cobbler

    Reserve

  • Busy Bee Cafe

    Soul Food $$

    A West End soul food landmark since 1947, famed for its golden fried chicken, fried whiting, and sides like candied yams and collard greens. A cornerstone of Atlanta's Black culinary history, it draws lines for a reason.

    What to order: Fried chicken with soul food sides

    Reserve

  • Paschal's

    Soul Food $$

    A civil rights era institution where Dr. King and other leaders once gathered, still celebrated for its signature fried chicken and Southern sides. Historic and satisfying, it serves both a meal and a piece of Atlanta's story.

    What to order: Signature Southern fried chicken

    Reserve

  • The Varsity

    Fast Casual $

    The world's largest drive-in and a downtown Atlanta icon since 1928, famous for chili dogs, onion rings, and the frothy Frosted Orange. The rapid-fire "What'll ya have?" counter is a rite of passage in a fun retro setting.

    What to order: Chili dog; onion rings; Frosted Orange

    Reserve

  • Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

    Barbecue $$

    A beloved Little Five Points pit turning out Texas-style brisket, ribs, and the famous Frito pie topped with brisket chili. Smoky, hearty, and consistently packed, it is Atlanta's go-to for serious barbecue.

    What to order: Brisket; ribs; Frito pie

    Reserve

  • Fat Matt's Rib Shack

    Barbecue $

    A no-frills Midtown shack pairing slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork with live blues most nights. Cheap, messy, and full of character, it is a quintessential only-in-Atlanta barbecue experience.

    What to order: Pork ribs with live blues

    Reserve

  • J.R. Crickets

    Wings $

    A hometown wing joint widely credited with helping popularize Atlanta's lemon pepper wings. Order them "wet" for the saucy version locals crave, ideally alongside a game and a cold beer.

    What to order: Lemon pepper wings, wet

    Reserve

  • American Deli

    Wings $

    A ubiquitous local chain that became a lemon pepper wing staple immortalized in Atlanta rap culture. Affordable and quick, its saucy "lemon pepper wet" wings and fries are an everyday city ritual.

    What to order: Lemon pepper wet wings and fries

    Reserve

  • The Colonnade

    Southern $$

    A retro Cheshire Bridge classic serving old-school Southern plates and famously crisp fried chicken to a delightfully mixed crowd. Beloved for its throwback charm, it is comfort food at its most genuine.

    What to order: Fried chicken; Southern plates

    Reserve

  • Home grown

    Southern Comfort $

    A quirky Reynoldstown diner known for scratch-made biscuits, especially the Comfy Chicken Biscuit piled high with fried chicken. Unpretentious and packed on weekends, it represents Atlanta's everyday Southern breakfast tradition.

    What to order: Comfy Chicken Biscuit

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Atlanta by Neighborhood

Atlanta is a sprawling city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants in Atlanta are scattered across them rather than concentrated in a single dining district.

West Midtown forms the buzziest modern hub, while Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Summerhill reward those who explore the walkable BeltLine corridor. Buford Highway offers vibrant international eating, and Decatur anchors the leafy eastside.

Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, walkable strolls, and a genuine sense of local life. This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the city.

  • West Midtown, Miller Union

    Southern Farm-to-Table $$$

    The farm-to-table landmark that defined modern Atlanta dining, with Steven Satterfield's ingredient-driven Southern cooking. West Midtown is the city's design and restaurant epicenter, and this James Beard winner is its beating heart. Reservations are worth planning ahead.

    What to order: Farm egg baked in celery cream; seasonal Southern plates

    Reserve

  • Virginia-Highland, Murphy's

    American Bistro $$

    A beloved neighborhood institution anchoring one of the city's most charming residential districts. Seasonal American cooking, a legendary weekend brunch, and a warm bistro vibe make it the ideal introduction to Virginia-Highland's independent food culture.

    What to order: Weekend brunch; house-baked pastries

    Reserve

  • Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market

    Food Hall $$

    A soaring food hall inside the historic Sears building that helped ignite the Old Fourth Ward boom. Communal and convivial, sitting right on the BeltLine's Eastside Trail, it captures the neighborhood's transformation into a dining destination.

    What to order: Central Food Hall stalls; BeltLine dining

    Reserve

  • Buford Highway, Havana Sandwich Shop

    Cuban $

    A longtime Cuban counter in the heart of Atlanta's international Buford Highway corridor. Pair a visit with the strip malls' Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean spots for a full cross-cultural culinary afternoon.

    What to order: Cuban sandwich; ropa vieja

    Reserve

  • Decatur, Kimball House

    Oysters and Cocktails $$$

    Erick and Bryan Rathbun's peers helped build the eastside scene, and this oyster and cocktail temple inside a restored 1890s train depot anchors it with raw-bar seafood and gracious hospitality. It is the essential reason to plan a meal around downtown Decatur.

    What to order: Raw oysters; absinthe; craft cocktails

    Reserve

  • Summerhill, Little Bear

    New American $$$

    A charming, tiny counter of independent creativity. Chef Jarrett Stieber's inventive, ever-changing seasonal menu and cozy room make Summerhill a rewarding, low-key dining destination near Grant Park.

    What to order: Inventive seasonal small plates

    Reserve

  • Inman Park, Beetlecat

    Seafood $$$

    A Michelin-recognized seafood and oyster house that put this walkable neighborhood squarely on the culinary map. Inventive, lively, and beloved, it exemplifies Atlanta's chef-driven neighborhood dining.

    What to order: Raw bar oysters; whole roasted fish

    Reserve

  • Buckhead, Bones

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A dark, clubby steakhouse in the city's densest uptown dining and nightlife district. Buckhead offers everything from power-lunch rooms to bustling bars, and this 1979 classic is a standout special-occasion anchor.

    What to order: Dry-aged steaks; classic sides

    Reserve

  • Midtown, South City Kitchen

    Southern $$$

    A refined Southern restaurant in a converted bungalow that captures Midtown's creative energy. It is a compelling reason to explore the museums, theaters, and Piedmont Park at the city's cultural core.

    What to order: Fried green tomatoes; shrimp and grits

    Reserve

  • Sweet Auburn, Sweet Auburn Curb Market

    Multicultural Market $$

    Atlanta's historic market, near downtown, offers soul food, global stalls, and bustling counters under one roof. A grazing crawl through the neighborhood is a rewarding, affordable culinary outing steps from the King Historic District.

    What to order: Soul food; global vendor stalls

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Atlanta

Atlanta's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Atlanta keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on the Westside's continued growth, ambitious debuts around Summerhill and the BeltLine, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2023 raised the stakes, and new openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps.

Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go. These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Atlanta dining is heading right now.

  • Talat Market

    Thai $$$

    A Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Summerhill from chefs Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter, pairing family recipes with Georgia produce. Its punchy, seasonal cooking and neighborhood warmth made it one of the city's defining modern arrivals.

    What to order: Seasonal Thai plates; larb

    Reserve

  • Mujō

    Sushi Omakase $$$$

    An intimate omakase counter in Westside Provisions District that earned a Michelin star for its precise, Edomae-style sushi. The tight seating and pristine fish make it one of Atlanta's most coveted and hard-to-book reservations.

    What to order: Edomae omakase; nigiri

    Reserve

  • Lazy Betty

    New American $$$$

    A Michelin-starred tasting-menu destination from chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips, blending refined technique with playful, globally inspired courses. Its ambitious menus made it a benchmark for fine dining in the city.

    What to order: Multi-course tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Little Bear

    New American $$$

    Chef Jarrett Stieber's tiny, ever-changing Summerhill restaurant serves inventive, produce-driven plates that shift with the market. Its cult following and creative point of view make it emblematic of Atlanta's adventurous new wave.

    What to order: Ever-changing produce-driven plates

    Reserve

  • Delbar

    Middle Eastern $$$

    Chef Fares Kargar's Middle Eastern restaurant in Inman Park brings Persian flavors and warm hospitality with mezze, stews, and charcoal kebabs. Its lively room and generous shared plates keep it popular for groups.

    What to order: Charcoal kebabs; mezze

    Reserve

  • Lyla Lila

    Modern Italian $$$

    Chef Craig Richards' Midtown restaurant blends Italian and Mediterranean cooking with handmade pastas in a polished, contemporary room. It represents the upscale, see-and-be-seen dining that continues to draw buzz.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; Mediterranean plates

    Reserve

  • Marcel

    French Steakhouse $$$$

    A glamorous Parisian-style steakhouse in Buckhead from the Ford Fry team, bringing bistro energy and classic steak-frites to a see-and-be-seen crowd. Its buzzy room made it an instant special-occasion destination.

    What to order: Steak frites; classic bistro fare

    Reserve

  • Bomb Biscuit Co.

    Southern $$

    Chef Erika Council's Old Fourth Ward biscuit spot turned a beloved pop-up into a full brick-and-mortar destination. Warm, comforting, and reasonably priced, it reflects Atlanta's love of elevated Southern cooking.

    What to order: Buttermilk biscuits; fried chicken

    Reserve

  • BoccaLupo

    Italian-American $$$

    Chef Bruce Logue's cozy Inman Park spot draws devotees for its Italian-American cooking and standout handmade pastas. Its neighborhood energy and consistent quality keep it firmly in the conversation as a modern favorite.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; house sausage

    Reserve

  • Ponce City Market / food halls

    Food Hall $$

    Curated food halls like the Central Food Hall at Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market gather standout local vendors under one roof, offering an easy way to sample multiple buzzy chefs and cuisines in a single, casual visit.

    What to order: Multiple local vendors under one roof

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Atlanta most famous for?

Atlanta is most famous for Southern soul food: fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, and peach cobbler. Locals also love the chili dogs at The Varsity, smoked barbecue, and increasingly, refined fine dining.

Where can I get the best fried chicken in Atlanta?

Top spots for fried chicken and soul food include the historic Busy Bee Cafe, Mary Mac's Tea Room, and Paschal's, a civil rights landmark. Each is a classic. Try more than one.

Do I need reservations for top Atlanta restaurants?

Yes. Michelin-starred spots like Bacchanalia, Lazy Betty, Mujo, and Atlas need reservations released weeks ahead. Many Buford Highway favorites are walk-in only. Book early or sit at the bar.

Which Atlanta neighborhoods are best for dining?

The Westside and West Midtown are the buzziest hub. Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Decatur have chef-driven spots, Buford Highway offers affordable international cuisine, and Buckhead has steakhouses.

How expensive is fine dining in Atlanta?

Atlanta's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before pairings. Neighborhood soul-food spots, taquerias, and the food stalls at Ponce City Market offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Atlanta?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian spots include Slutty Vegan, Cafe Sunflower, and Herban Fix. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate vegan menus with notice, and Soul Vegetarian offers plant-based Southern platters.