FYI, Atlanta has recently earned a spot among the top 10 U.S. cities most popular for food tourism.
How many restaurants are in Atlanta? Atlanta is among the highest for restaurants per capita, with five for every 1000 residents. That’s more than New York and Los Angeles combined.
The mosaic of places to eat in Atlanta is unmatched. The cuisine is diverse, the food is delicious, and the options are endless.
From classic Southern comfort to fine dining to modern dining, we’ve put together an at-a-glance guide to the best food in Atlanta. Whether you’ve touched down for a visit, just moved in, or are a longtime resident, you’ll find something to try.
Let’s dig in.
Atlanta’s Iconic Southern Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like the down-home flavor of Southern comfort. Luckily for Atlanta residents and visitors, there are plenty of Southern restaurants to try.
Classic Southern Favorites
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for the classic fried chicken, biscuits, and collard greens. Check out our top spots for authentic Southern dining:
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
When you hop onto Mary Mac’s website, the first thing you’ll see at the top of the page is a freebie for a peach cobbler. If this doesn’t scream soul food in Atlanta, we don’t know what will.
Mary Mac’s has been a longtime staple in the Atlanta restaurant scene. Affectionately known as Atlanta’s Dining Room, this restaurant has been led with heart and hospitality for over 75 years.
Enjoy delicious cobblers, fresh-from-scratch breads, and fried chicken.
The Busy Bee Café
An inductee of the 2023 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame, Busy Bee is an Atlanta institution.
When you think of soul food in Atlanta – rich gravy, collard greens, and melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken – you’ll find it here.
Delight in everything from sweet potato pie to smothered pork chops.
Barbecue Bliss
Atlanta has a longstanding love for barbecue. If you’re looking for tangy sauce, tender brisket, and wings that fall off the bone, you need to visit these restaurants in The Big Peach.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Owned by Texan twins Jonathan and Justin Fox, the Fox Bros. story started small.
Fueled by a love of southern grilling, the two brothers hosted classic backyard barbecues for friends and family. They opened their first location in 2007 – now, they have six beloved locations across Atlanta.
Pulled pork, wings, brisket, and rotating original side dishes are the norm for Fox Bros. They even do Easter hams.
Sweet Auburn BBQ
The Sweet Auburn BBQ is one of Atlanta’s best barbecue restaurants bringing a new meaning to fusion dining. Sibling owners Howard and Anita Hsu grew up surrounded by restaurant life and a love of guest comfort and hospitality.
Already a restaurant owner before the birth of Sweet Auburn, Howard began experimenting with Asian-inspired smoked meats. A few awards later, they were invited to open a restaurant at the Sweet Auburn Market in Atlanta. They now have a new location open in McDonough; the rest is history.
Sweet Auburn guests can enjoy classic Americana favorites like their Bucket of Cornbread and innovative creations like Pimento Cheese Wontons.
Trendy Spots for Modern Dining in Atlanta
Are you in the mood for something a bit less daily special and more prix fixe? Or perhaps you’re looking for a more farm-to-table experience?
We’ve got you covered. Fine dining in Atlanta is easy to find.
Upscale Dining Experiences
Michelin stars glitter all throughout Georgia’s capital city. If you’re looking for creativity and innovation, we’ve curated a few spots to try.
Bacchanalia
One of the best restaurants in Atlanta, Bacchanalia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a slightly varied prix fixe menu at $125 per person. Each of the four courses thoughtfully celebrates the seasons, technique, and presentation.
With an in-house sommelier and premium caviar on the menu, your experience at Bacchanalia will be unforgettable.
Gunshow
Gunshow is not your typical fine-dining Atlanta restaurant. Interactivity is encouraged, and you get your dish delivered to you by the person who prepared it. The dining room is an extension of the kitchen, and transparency is prioritized.
Each year, Gunshow puts on its ‘Hired Guns’ dinner series, featuring celebrated and groundbreaking chefs throughout North America. Several dates are still available for the year, so if this is on your bucket list, don’t miss it.
Gunshow takes a literal approach to its high service standards. They treat them like cherished guests.
Their menus vary, but you can expect to enjoy carefully sourced seafood, oxtail, rabbit, and more.
Atlanta’s Farm-to-Table and Sustainable Dining
Want to keep sustainability front and center while exploring places to eat in Atlanta? You’re in luck.
Come to Atlanta for cozy eateries straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie and rustic spots that capture the magic of a warm July evening.
The Farmhouse
Tucked inside the summer dining room of a family home, The Farmhouse gives guests a warm, intimate setting where cozy meets elevated dining.
The Farmhouse proudly sources its organic ingredients from its own garden, the neighboring Serenbe Farms, Chattahoochee Hills, and regional producers.
Featured in Martha Stewart, the menu can vary day to day based on product availability. Diners can expect warm bisques, crunchy salads, fritters, and land and sea offerings.
Canoe
A sensory experience to remember, the award-winning Canoe restaurant is nestled on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.
It’s also as elegant inside as it is outside. The luxe iron-brick-wood interior combination makes Canoe a coveted setting for weddings and events alike.
Their seasonal menu is robust and has everything from refreshing cocktails to the brunch you never knew you needed.
Enjoy Atlanta’s Diverse International Cuisine
When we describe Atlanta dining as a mosaic, we mean it. Also described as a ‘melting pot,’ Atlanta has a wealth of dining options, ranging from Latin to Asian.
Mexican and Latin Flavors
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing margarita or a crisp taco, look no further. Let’s explore a few must-try Mexican and Latin restaurants:
Papi’s
Rooted in a story of passion, sacrifice, and bravery, Papi’s is where to go for family-style Cuban cuisine. Served with the warmth that makes you feel like part of the family, Papi’s is an authentic dining experience.
This storied spot features delicious classics like Jerk Chicken Breast, Tostones, and the iconic three-meat Papi’s Tacos.
El Tesoro
El Tesoro started as a little taqueria with a dream. Now, it’s a 175-seater with a 7,000 sq. ft. restaurant. Guests enjoy street-style tacos, mouthwatering mulitas, and sweetly decadent postres – including flan, churros, and more.
Asian-Inspired Delights
Have a craving for Korean BBQ? We don’t blame you. Let’s look at the top spots for fusion cuisine and Korean BBQ in Atlanta.
Fuku
Have you ever asked yourself, “Just how good can a fried chicken sandwich get?”
No? Well, David Chang, owner of NYC’s Momofuku Noodle Bar, did. Their sandwich started as an off-menu item his staff made for themselves after a long day at work and became an icon. Fuku is now one of Atlanta’s best restaurants, and you can catch it at several huge upcoming events and games. Check out Atlanta’s Fuku for a wide selection of fusion fried chicken sandwiches. However, if you ask David, taste is more important than labels.
Park 27 Korean BBQ and Bar
With two locations in Atlanta, Park 27 is the ultimate in Korean BBQ. The owners prioritize serving guests fresh dishes, as they’d serve loved ones at home, with the utmost care.
Sauces are prepared fresh daily, the menu is regularly updated according to guest feedback, and the grills are open.
Atlanta’s Array of Casual Eats and Local Gems
Are you looking for something casual but still unique and flavorful? Atlanta has scores of food trucks, cafés, brunch spots, and casual eateries to explore.
Food Trucks and Street Food
Atlanta is full of popular food trucks that offer a variety of cuisines. Let’s explore a handful of notable trucks and their specialties:
The King of Pops
If you’re strolling around Atlanta, you may find yourself under a rainbow umbrella. That’s a King of Pops stand – a network of franchisees that sell the iconic King of Pops dairy treats.
Yumbii
Putting the yum in Yumbii, this food truck-turned-storefront is a remarkable blend of Mexican and Southern BBQ.
Try their iconic Buttermilk Chicken or Asian Rib-Eye Beef tacos.
Coffee Shops and Casual Cafés
Finally, we’ll wind down with the best spots for breakfast, brunch, or just a great cup of coffee in Atlanta. Here are some cozy cafés to check out:
Dancing Goats Coffee
Are you in the mood for some fresh coffee roasted in Atlanta? Give Dancing Goats Coffee a try. Guests enjoy a wide selection of drip and specialty coffee beverages and delicious bagel and quiche creations.
The Flying Biscuit Café
If you want to spend a little time at an eccentric spot with lots of color, check out The Flying Biscuit Café. The Biscuit has a robust menu with several unique options to choose from, like the iconic Egg-Stravaganza and the Stuffed French Toast Breakfast.
Taste Your Way Through Atlanta
From time-honored soul food staples to creative small plates and international fusion, Atlanta’s restaurant scene has something for every craving.
Whether you are planning a night out or exploring a new neighborhood, a delicious discovery is right around the corner.
Try the classics, venture into something new, and don’t be afraid to chase a food truck or two. The best food in Atlanta might just be the next place you try.
Dig in, explore, and don’t forget to share your favorites. Bon appétit.
