18 Incredible Restaurants in Atlanta, GA

Travel Lens

Nov 19, 2023 • 9 min read

Situated in Georgia's heart, Atlanta boasts a culinary scene rich in soulful Southern comfort food and innovative fusion cuisine.

The city's diverse flavors present a melting pot of culinary experiences.

Atlanta houses numerous gems that have made it a food lover's paradise.

This guide highlights the best restaurants that promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Whether a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, this guide serves as a pathway to rediscover Atlanta's local dining scene.

Enjoy exploring the best restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia!

Lazy Betty

Lazy Betty in Atlanta, nestled in an unassuming building, reveals itself as a world-class restaurant upon entry.

A four-course menu with wine pairings begins the gastronomic journey, showcasing thoughtfully curated dishes that challenge conventional taste and presentation.

For a more elaborate experience, the eight-course tasting menu is highly recommended.

Unexpected delights like the asparagus dish and truffle risotto impress even meat enthusiasts.

Aviva by Kameel

Aviva by Kameel, a counter-serve cafe and juice bar in downtown Atlanta, offers a welcoming family-home atmosphere.

The cafe stands out for its Mediterranean meals made with olive oil and locally sourced ingredients.

Popular dishes like the falafel platter with pasta and lentil soup with rice are both tasty and healthy.

Lunch prices are reasonable, and the quality of the meals justifies the cost.

Canoe

Canoe, located in a serene corner of NW Atlanta by the Chattahoochee River, is surrounded by a lush, well-tended garden.

The river view adds to the restaurant's charm, making it an ideal spot for special occasions like anniversary dinners.

The menu offers a journey through New American cuisine with a farm-to-table approach.

Highlights include a salmon appetizer and bluefin tuna, capped off with unique popcorn ice cream.

Cooks & Soldiers

Cooks & Soldiers in Atlanta offers an exceptional experience with authentic Basque cuisine

The warm, minimalistic atmosphere set the stage for a meal where each dish was a mouthwatering delight, highlighted by the use of a wood-burning grill.

The 'pulpo a la gallega' stood out for its tender and flavorful octopus, while the 'mountain bread' with butter was a revelation.

The Ribeye, cooked perfectly on the wood-burning grill, along with delicious asparagus, was a standout larger portion.

The overall experience at Cooks & Soldiers left a lasting impression and a desire to return.

La Grotta Ristorante

La Grotta Ristorante in Atlanta redefined upscale dining with its Northern Italian cuisine.

The white-linen space in the cellar exuded an inviting aura of sophistication.

The restaurant, adhering to a formal dress code, felt like a part of the local community's refined culture.

An Aperol Spritze from the full bar and a carefully selected Italian wine complement the meal perfectly.

Little Bear

Little Bear restaurant in Atlanta, located close to home, quickly became a favorite with its cozy, brick-lined setting and rotating international menu.

The daring and innovative menu, though small, offers new culinary surprises with each visit.

The Meat Du Jour is a highlight for meat lovers, while vegetarian and vegan options are impressively catered to.

Creative cocktails and mocktails complement the dining experience, with the ambiance enhancing the overall enjoyment.

The Optimist

The Optimist in Atlanta, nestled within West Midtown, offers a seafood paradise with a country-modern charm.

Upon entry, guests are greeted with the aroma of fresh seafood.

Dishes like Lobster rolls, gumbo, and wood-fired oysters highlight the menu's freshness.

The oysters and mussels in spicy sauce were particularly impressive, while the sides, though fresh, needed more seasoning.

The hush puppies, sweet and airy, made up for this.

The service stood out for its attentiveness and warmth, with valet parking adding convenience.

Special occasions like birthdays are acknowledged with thoughtful touches, enhancing the dining experience.

The ambiance is pleasant, though it can get loud on busy nights, with lighting that strikes the right balance for dining.

Home Grown GA Restaurant

Home Grown GA Restaurant in Atlanta is a beloved spot for breakfast, featuring a retro country-diner setting.

The Southern fare, particularly the French toast, is a draw for locals.

Despite a busy parking lot on Friday mornings, street parking is available.

The atmosphere inside is bustling yet homely, with quick service.

Dishes like chicken and biscuits are a fan favorite, with the combination of tender chicken and fluffy biscuits standing out.

The fried bologna sandwich and a la carte sides also come highly recommended.

TWO urban licks

TWO urban licks in Atlanta combines American rotisserie fare with live blues music in an old warehouse setting, offering city views.

The wood fire rotisserie and large-scale brisket are highlights of the culinary experience.

Lebanese influences add an interesting twist to some meals.

The atmosphere is enhanced by live blues music at a perfect volume, creating an enjoyable dining ambiance.

Aria

Aria in Atlanta captivates guests with its elegance and sophistication.

The dinner-only eatery's contemporary decor creates a tranquil ambiance.

Opting for the tasting menu reveals a series of dishes that are culinary art, with flavors forming a delightful symphony on the taste buds.

The extensive wine list complements the meal, enhancing the dining experience.

The service at Aria is consistently top-notch, making it a preferred destination for special occasions.

South City Kitchen Midtown

South City Kitchen Midtown in Atlanta offers an upscale ambiance that beautifully blends traditional and modern elements.

Guests are welcomed with complimentary biscuits, setting the stage for the inventive Southern classics on the menu.

The fried chicken, moist and crispy, is a personal favorite, served with creamy mashed potatoes and greens.

Other standout dishes include shrimp and grits with flavorful tomato gravy, and the goat cheese-filled green tomatoes as a unique appetizer.

Outdoor seating is available, allowing for an open-air dining experience under comfortable fans.

Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia in Atlanta provides a dining experience that is both a culinary adventure and a symphony of sophistication and charm.

Each dish is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, showcasing the attention to detail in preparation.

The restaurant's industrial chic ambiance adds to the unique dining experience.

From house-made bread to palate cleansers, every aspect of the meal is carefully crafted.

SOHO Atlanta Restaurant

SOHO Atlanta Restaurant is a trendy spot known for its upscale yet casual global menu, perfect for a break from the routine.

The Ahi Tuna Entrée and burger, cooked to the specified temperature, impress with their divine taste and appealing presentation.

The restaurant's remarkable service and cozy, intimate atmosphere, complete with candle-lit tables, make it an excellent choice for date nights or quiet dinners with friends.

The desserts, especially the chocolate bread pudding, are a delightful conclusion to the meal.

Ray's In the City

Ray's In the City in downtown Atlanta offers an upscale dining experience that consistently stands out.

Guests are treated with great attention to detail and feel like VIPs from the moment they walk in.

The menu features a variety of succulent options, with perfectly cooked steaks and a comprehensive wine list.

The lively yet sophisticated atmosphere is enhanced by weekly live jazz performances.

Desserts like key lime and butter cake, paired with an old-fashioned, perfectly round off a meal.

The restaurant also boasts a beautiful private dining space for special occasions.

Poor Calvin's

Poor Calvin's is an intimate eatery in Atlanta, serving Asian fusion cuisine and a variety of classic and creative cocktails.

Dishes like lobster Mac and cheese, pad Thai, and fried grouper showcase the kitchen's diverse culinary skills.

The service makes guests feel uniquely attended to, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The modern yet cozy ambiance is ideal for both friendly gatherings and special date nights, creating a delightful dining experience that combines excellent food, ambiance, and service.

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Atlanta Breakfast Club is a modern diner in the heart of the city, known for its American breakfast staples and retro ambiance.

The diner buzzes with energy, even on Monday mornings, offering a lively atmosphere with outdoor seating, a mimosa truck, and a DJ.

The standout dish is the "Dirty Bird," a mix of chicken, bacon, eggs, and waffles, alongside other favorites like salmon croquettes with creamy grits and an exceptional cinnamon roll.

Miller Union

Miller Union in Atlanta merges the rustic charm of the countryside with modern American cuisine.

The warm, country-modern decor sets the stage for a sublime dining experience.

The menu offers a gastronomic journey with farm-fresh, Southern-accented dishes.

Highlights include the mezze platter, grilled quail, and the yogurt lemon vinaigrette salad dressing.

The freshness of the locally sourced ingredients emphasizes the farm-to-table concept.

An extensive wine list complements the meal, catering to the tastes of wine enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Dining in Atlanta, Georgia, offers an engaging encounter with the city's culinary expertise.

Each restaurant visit reveals a gastronomic delight, characterized by remarkable flavors and exceptional service.

This vibrant culinary scene is a testament to Atlanta's rich gastronomic culture.

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