The 20 Best Restaurants In Atlanta

March 22, 2021

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of Georgia, renowned for its visitor attractions, including the western hemisphere’s largest aquarium and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Known for it's 'Southern Hospitality', the Atlanta food scene does not disappoint. From the classic Fried Chicken to Vietnamese, South African and Italian. We've put together our list of the 10 best places to eat and drink in Atlanta this year.

Gunshow Atlanta

Gunshow, Atlanta
The huge choice of top quality food means you'll definitely find something you like, in fact youll definitely find something you'll love!

At Gunshow Atlanta they do things a little differently, chefs prepare the dishes before presenting them to guests at theor table. Interested, order and eat dim sum style Looking for something different? Carry on. The great selection means you'll definitely find something you like, in fact youll definitely find something you'll love! This is a true one-of-a-kind experience and is great for groups, plus, because the price is fixed, it makes splitting the bill nice and easy!

They also feature collaborations with chefs from across the US, called their 'Hired Guns' events. Guest chefs get to showcase their dishes to a new discerning audience from the open kitchen.

The Sun Dial Restaurant

The Sun Dial Restaurant

Located on the 71st through 73rd levels of The Westin Peachtree Plaza in Downtown Atlanta, diners equally come for the top-notch food and unparalleled views found at The Sun Dial Restaurant. Their menu focuses on a farm-to-table approach, featuring fresh salads, Southern Calamari, locally sourced Spaghetti Squash, and premium meats from local farms. The prices may be steeper than your average downtown restaurant, so stretch out your time above the city by enjoying a palate-pleasing cocktail in their revolving bar and a visit to the Observation Level.

Petit Chou Atlanta

Petit Chou Atlanta
Brunch is the speciality at Petit Chou. From avocado toast to a full American breakfast, you won't be disappointed

Petit Chou is a popular cafe and bar in the Memorial Drive area of Atlanta. Opened in around 2015, the cafe has gone from strength to strength, with owners Lindsay, Sarah and Ron continuously making improvements to their venture, including the renovation of the gardens which now serve as an outdoor dining area. Food and drink wise, the establishment has done exceedingly well, with brunch being its most popular time. Whether it’s avocado toast or a full American breakfast, you can enjoy it here, washed down with a hot cup of coffee. The bar area is also a great place to drink in the evenings, with a wonderful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails available.

Poor Calvin’s

Poor Calvin’s

Asian fusion blended with Southern comforts? While it may sound like the two styles would clash, Poor Calvin's has found a way to combine the two in a beautiful mouth-watering way. Think Deviled Eggs with Crab Meat topped with ghost pepper barbeque sauce, Fried Frog Leg with Thai curry dipping sauce, and Fried Chicken served with lobster macaroni & cheese. If you've saved room for dessert, a favorite and Instagram-worthy dish is their Fuji Apple dipped in caramel, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and covered in pecans. There's no doubt you'll be back to try more of Chef and Owner Calvin Phan's creations.

A Mano

A Mano

Set in a repurposed 'Lantern House' complete with a heated Tuscan-inspired garden is A Mano, a cozy neighborhood bistro. A Mano means 'by hand' in Italian, which is a tribute to owner George DeMeglio's promise of serving homemade pasta and handcrafted sandwiches. In true Italian fashion, A Mano is open for lunch, then after a 2-hour siesta, reopens again for dinner. Lunch has a heavy focus on sandwiches, serving meatball subs and classic melts. However, dinner is where the true magic happens. A must-try is there Carbonara, complete with homemade tagliatelle pasta along with pancetta, grana, spring peas, and topped with a farm egg.

10 Degrees South

10 Degrees South

Whether you’re in the mood to let loose and try something new or enjoy a quieter night with a beautifully cooked classic dish, 10 Degrees South has you sorted. An authentic South African restaurant owned by native Justin Anthony, it’s easy to see just how blended South African cuisine is, drawing inspiration from an array of European and Asian countries. The closer you get to the bar, the more energetic you’ll find the restaurant with locals enjoying Braii, traditionally grilled meats, homemade spring rolls, and hand-picked South African wines and beers. You just might end up staying a bit longer than expected!

Alma Cocina

Alma Cocina

At either Alma Cocina's Downtown location or Buckhead location, you'll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere with hints of luxury. The high ceilings and elegant furnishings match perfectly with the upscale Mexican food coming out of their kitchen. Chef Robert Rambo and Chad Clevenger work together to bring similar menus to both restaurants, with a strong focus on fresh and colorful produce. Meals are always well presented and showcase the chef's knack for adding unique flavors to Mexican and Latin classics - from their guacamole jazzed up with nuts and peach bites to Masa Fried Shrimp and Fried Avocado Tacos.

Atlas Restaurant

Atlas Restaurant

As soon as you step through the doors of Atlas, your dining journey begins. Art lovers will especially be in awe as they start to notice the extensive collection of 20th-century artwork hanging around the restaurant, with pieces from van Gogh, Picasso, and many other famous artists on rotation. There’s no doubt Chef Christopher Grossman embraces the art of cooking, as every meal brought to your table is almost too pretty to eat. However, we do promise that as soon as you lock eyes with the Atlas Steak or Grilled Turbot, you’ll be diving right in.

Chirori

Chirori

Chirori shares its name with a Japanese sake warmer, which is well-fitting for the Japanese restaurant opened by sake sommelier Takashi Otsauku. Providing an authentic experience for those new to Japanese dining, as well as to those who are well accustomed to it, Chirori has brought an incredible love of Japanese food to the people of Atlanta. Chef Otsauku and Chef Jonathan Yun focus on Yakitori (skewered chicken) and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) cooking styles. However, for the full experience, you must opt for their multi-course set menu with sake pairings.

Muss & Turner’s

Muss & Turner’s

There are no rules or fancy dress codes at Muss & Turner’s – just good food all day long. Founders Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner focus is on creating an inviting atmosphere that allows customers to relax and escape the stresses of daily life. You’ll never feel rushed to order or finish your meal; however choosing what to eat can be challenging. With a rotating seasonal snack menu, an array of inventive sandwiches, and mains that’ll have you licking your plate, it’s no wonder they’ve had to open a second restaurant to feed their happy customers.

La Grotta Ristorante

La Grotta Ristorante, Atlanta
La Grotta Ristorante is consistently voted the best Italian in Atlanta year after year

An exclusive Italian restaurant in the heart of Atlanta, La Grotta is one of the only places on this list that has a dress code, with smart dress preferred. Operating since 1978, the restaurant has long been bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the people of Atlanta. In fact, it’s been voted the Best Italian Restaurant by Atlanta Magazine for 18 years running, yes, 18 years. The restaurant itself is cozy but stylish, with no expense spared on the decor. This continues in the outside dining area, with a private garden and fountains for guests to admire. The food itself is spectacular, with some of the most popular dishes including risottos, ravioli, filet of salmon and Mediterranean shrimp. Food prices are actually quite affordable, given the exclusive vibe of the restaurant, with a good meal not costing more than around $25 – 40.

Minero

Minero

Set within the Ponce City Market, you'll find the always buzzing Minero Mexican restaurant. While the competition is stiff to draw in customers from the abundance of choices within the Market, word has got out that Minero serves the finest margaritas and tacos without the price tag. Plus, it's one of the lucky places to offer an outdoor patio! Nobody can argue that their chips, salsa, guacamole, and Minero Wings are all you really need to go with a couple of margaritas. However, you must try their tacos served on their perfected tortillas, made daily from house-ground corn. Check them out on Instagram here

Nam Phuong

Nam Phuong, Atlanta
The menu features Asian staples such as pho and banh hoi alongside more innovative modern twists

Perhaps the finest Vietnamese restaurant in Atlanta, Nam Phuong has forged its success from its use of fresh ingredients and authentic flavours, plus 20 years of experience in the industry. The menu features Asian staples such as pho and banh hoi alongside more innovative modern twists, such as sugarcane mousse and papaya squid. Flavours that will make your mouth explode, this Vietnamese restaurant simply has to form a part of any foodie’s trip to Atlanta.

Paschal’s

Paschal's, Atlanta
Paschal's focuses on “soul food”, southern specialties such as fried chicken, ribs, and pork chops

Historically, the original Paschal’s dates back to the 1940s, when it was a famous fried chicken shop, visited by Vice President Al Gore, Dr Martin Luther King and many more famous faces. In 2002, a 21st century version of Paschal’s was launched in the Castleberry Hill area of Atlanta by one of the original owners, James Paschal. It focuses on “soul food”, southern specialties such as fried chicken, ribs, and pork chops. It is the rich history which makes Paschal’s so exciting, with many of it’s recipes unchanged since those days in the 1940s. The company can also offer a private catering service for your party or event.

Whiskey Bird

Whiskey Bird, Atlanta
This restaurant simply has to be on the list of places to try if you’ve got a few days in the city to spare

Whiskey Bird profess themselves that they try to “stay away from labels” with their food, and as such it is quite hard to categorize the restaurant. Asian-American is the closest we can really get to describing their innovative menu. The restaurant offers a brunch and a dinner menu, with popular dishes including crispy sushi rice, burgers, and a grouper sandwich. They also stock a good variety of beer and wine, whilst also offering fresh cocktails. An important part of the northern Atlanta community where it is situated, this restaurant simply has to be on the list of places to try if you’ve got a few days in the city to spare.

Hodgepodge Coffee House

Hodgepodge Coffee House
The onsite bakery creates delicious pastries, scones, cakes, and crumbles daily for guests to enjoy

Hodgepodge Coffee House comprises two independent cafes at either end of Moreland Avenue in central Atlanta. The coffee shops double up as art galleries, leading to a chilled atmosphere and an eclectic crowd, a really pleasant place to while away a couple of hours. As well as its range of signature coffee and other hot drinks, Hodgepodge Coffee House does food, with an onsite bakery creating delicious pastries, scones, cakes, and crumbles daily for guests to enjoy. They also do a range of sandwiches, such as jerk chicken and tuna salad, all served with chips.

Emerald City Bagels

Emerald City Bagels, Atlanta
Emerald City sell a variety of bagels and sandwiches, perfect for lunch or a light dinner

Bringing traditional New York Bagels to the Georgian capital, Emerald City Bagels is the brainchild of Deanna Halcrow, who wanted a new profession and taught herself bagel rolling techniques on YouTube. Now home to a physical bagel shop in the heart of Atlanta, those hard hours in front of a laptop must all seem worth it for Halcrow. Emerald City sell a variety of bagels and sandwiches, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The filling options are diverse, from egg and sausage through to salmon and cream cheese, with delivery available as well as dine in. You can even buy Emerald City Bagels merch!

Zunzi’s

Zunzi, Atlanta
Expect South African classics, such as bunny chow (a South African curry) and “Gatsby” South African sandwiches

Zunzi’s is a South African takeaway and catering company, with two outlets in Georgia. Their establishments offer dine in service, as well as an extensive takeaway menu. They can also cater your private party or function. Bringing the taste of South Africa to Atlanta, popular dishes on the menu include South African classics, such as bunny chow (a South African curry) and “Gatsby” South African sandwiches, all made with the finest ingredients.

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