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You'll find everything from comforting regional fare to cutting-edge cuisine at the best restaurants in Atlanta
Written by Gerrish Lopez
Contributor
Contributors: Frances Katz & Jennifer Bradley Franklin
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Atlanta is hot in more ways than one. From sizzling summer temps and top-notch bars to buzzy nightlife and must-see attractions, this city has got it going on. Atlanta’s culinary scene is no exception. The best restaurants in Atlanta are the stars of what many consider one of the best food cities in the South.
Here you can dive into soul food classics or Southern comfort fare, settle into a cozy neighborhood cafe or see-and-be-seen over cutting-edge, modern cuisine. There’s no shortage of steak and seafood spots for celebrating or doing business, but the city is chock full of can’t-miss barbecue joints and renowned pizza spots as well, not to mention excellent examples of farm-to-table restaurants and a slew of James Beard Award-winning chefs. Atlanta’s restaurants celebrate the region, but international flavors have made their mark as well. Check out the best restaurants in Atlanta and you’ll get a tasty introduction to what this city has to offer.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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Best restaurants in Atlanta
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From appetizers that star farm eggs and celery cream to one of the best grass-fed burgers in town and the to-die-for duck breast, this is Southern cooking at its most elevated. Miller Union's executive chef is Steven Satterfield, winner of the 2017 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast, a region full of exceptional talent. Do you need another reason to make a reservation?
2.Bacchanalia
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Dress up. Wear a tie. Learn which fork is the salad fork. Bacchanalia is a magnificent, luxe dining experience. Even though the restaurant has relocated from its original location to a spot not too far away, the signature dishes remain the same. The four-course tasting menu will surprise you in the best possible way. Bacchanalia is the place to celebrate a happy occasion or enjoy a great meal with family, close friends, or that special someone.
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3.Kimball House
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For an elegant meal in a laid-back setting, head to Kimball House, housed in the former Decatur train depot. The award-winning co*cktails are a highlight, but stay for dinner, and you’re in for a treat. Local fish and veg dishes, top-notch steaks, and impressive desserts are all on the menu.
4.BoccaLupo
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Located in Inman Park, this Italian-American spot is both a neighborhood favorite and a must-try for visitors to Atlanta. Chef Bruce Logue’s ‘pasta kingdom’ serves fresh noodle dishes, many of which have become instant classics. Don’t miss the 20-yolk tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and Tuscan kale kimchi or the black spaghetti with hot sausage, red shrimp, and scallions. The wine list is equally impressive.
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5.Aria
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This Buckhead staple has shifted away from white-tablecloth fine dining, now sparkling with a bar and lounge offering drinks and snacks and an overall more relaxed vibe. The kitchen hasn’t changed, however, as Aria favorites like butter braised lobster, slow braised pork, and lump crab cakes continue to impress, with an excellent wine list to match. The dining room is elegant but comfortable, as is the service. The covered, heated patio is an option too.
6.Ticonderoga Club
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This New England-style tavern in Krog Street Market fosters the conviviality of a social club without the membership fees. Settle in for comfort fare ranging from fried Ipswich clams to vegan noodle bowls to Gulf shrimp risotto. The crispy veal sweetbreads are a standout. Pair with a drink or two from the exceptional co*cktail list. Don’t miss the club’s riff on a mint julep: the Ticonderoga Cup includes aged rum, French brandy, Sherry, pineapple, lemon and mint.
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7.Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
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Thanks to two grill-happy Texans, Atlanta is home to one of the best BBQ joints in the country. Tuck into sticky wings, rib sandwiches, brisket and bacon burgers, and more meaty options than your meat-loving heart could desire. Biscuits and barbecue, what more could you ask for?
8.Iberian Pig
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It’s hard to do better than this stylish eatery on a cozy date night, a charming restaurant serving small plates of contemporary Spanish cuisine. Everything is exceptionally well presented and offered in satisfying quantities. For a slice of Spain in the heart of Georgia, don’t miss the cast-iron–seared octopus, braised pork-cheek tacos, and braised veal-shank ravioli.
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9.Heirloom Market
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The lines are long, the parking situation is ridiculous, and there’s almost no actual seating, but this Korean BBQ fusion joint is so good nobody seems to care about all the trouble. Serious BBQ scholars rank Heirloom Market among the best BBQ spots in Atlanta. The spicy Korean pulled pork sandwich with kimchi is a firm favorite topped with any one of five different sauces. The sides are equally memorable.
10.Busy Bee
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Politicians, presidents, hip-hop stars, sports stars, actors, and hungry locals craving authentic Southern food all pass through Busy Bee's doors regularly. Try the fried chicken or BBQ ribs, and remember to get some cobbler for dessert. Why visit? First of all, this is an Atlanta institution. Secondly (or maybe, firstly), the fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and cobbler. No trip to ATL is complete without a trip to The Busy Bee. This is 'The South on a Plate,' after all.
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11.Bones
Bones has been serving prime beef, fresh seafood, and regional specialties since 1979. The old-school vibe, exceptional service, and clubby dining rooms make it a top choice for special occasions and corporate gatherings. From the shrimp co*cktail to the broiled lobster or any steak on the menu, the food is of the finest quality, and the acclaimed wine cellar has just the right pairing to take a meal to the next level.
12.Jamrock
The vibrant rhythm of Jamaican culture pulses throughout this Jamaican institution—from the food to the atmosphere. Jerk chicken, rich curry plates, braised oxtails, jerk fish fried rice and other traditional dishes are enhanced by reggae beats and an infectious energy. You’ll feel the Caribbean vibes as soon as you walk in. Check out breakfast too, when the menu features callaloo, dumplings and saltfish fritters.
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13.Talat Market
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Talat Market celebrates the flavors of Northern Thailand with authenticity and innovation. You’ll be transported to the streets of Chiang Mai with its vibrant ambiance and bold aromas. Led by Chef Parnass Lim Savang, Talat Market crafts dishes that pay homage to tradition while pushing boundaries, from fragrant curries to fiery salads. Stop by for happy hour which features a range of specials and unique co*cktails like a pina colada with a Thai twist.
14.Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar
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A post shared by Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar (@virgilsgullahkitchen)
Virgil’s celebrates the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture through tantalizing Lowcountry cuisine. Each dish tells a story, from she-crab soup to shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo to Gullah egg rolls stuffed with red rice, cabbage and shrimp. Try the crab rice mixed with sauteed bacon, onions, and peppers with a side of greens, then follow up with the brownie-based Chucktown Chewie sundae for dessert. This spot is a must for a taste of the coastal plains of South Carolina and Georgia.
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15.The Colonnade
The Colonnade has been serving meat-and-three plates to hungry locals and visitors in some form and location for almost a century (it opened in 1927). It is not a fancy or trendy restaurant, but it is one of Atlanta’s favorite ones. Put your name down on the list and spend some time hanging out at the popular bar among a slew of recurring characters, from bikers to blue hairs. Once your table is ready, order the fried chicken and choose from a long list of old-school sides (fried okra, mac and cheese, aspic).
16.Sushi Hayakawa
Housed in a strip mall along Buford Highway, Sushi Hayakawa’s unassuming exterior belies the treasures within. Reservations are a must, especially for sushi lovers who want to experience the two-hour 16-course omakase, an unforgettable, one-on-one experience with the chef.
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17.Community Q
That less-than-delicate tapping sound you’ll notice as you wait in line to order is the chop-chop-chop of delicious BBQ meats; all served in a dining room defined by the kind of country decor that will make you feel right at home. Community Qis right by Emory University, so it’s the ideal dining destination for those looking to explore the school.
18.Lee’s Bakery
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Tuck into delicious and affordable banh mi and pho, generally considered some of the best in Atlanta. Be warned; the line during the peak weekend meal timesat Lee's can get pretty long, so opt for takeout if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure not to leave empty-handed. Plus, it’s one of the few Vietnamese places on Buford Highway where you can get a pho-banh mi combo, so you don’t have to choose between favorites.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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