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The best restaurants in Atlanta

From classic Southern fare to mind-blowing modern cuisine, the best restaurants in Atlanta cater to all palates

Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Contributors
Frances Katz
&
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
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Are you ready to get greedy in A-Town? Atlanta’s culinary scene is big news, drawing attention from foodies all over the country who make the pilgrimage south in search of heritage and innovation. They are mostly flocking here because the food is so darn good. The best restaurants in Atlanta showcase the city’s flavors at their very best, from local BBQ to fine dining and beyond.

Everyone has their favorite Atlanta restaurant, and we’ve dug deep into the Rolodex of contacts to ensure our selection covers all the bases. Eating until you can eat no more is one of the great ATL experiences, no matter your taste of choice. Cover the best things to do here and dust off the bib; it is time to feed.

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Best restaurants in Atlanta

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?

For an elegant meal in a laid-back setting, head to Kimball House, housed in the former Decatur train depot. The award-winning cocktails 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.

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Named after chef Kevin Gillespie’s dad, Gunshow is a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Watch the crew craft unique and often adventurous dishes in an open kitchen before a staff member brings the plate to your table. If it entices you, you’ll get to order it dim sum style. Not striking your fancy? Worry not; you can pass and wait for the next dish. Insider tip: you’ll be tempted by most of what passes by, so go with a small group of adventurous eaters to ensure you can sample everything.

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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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.

Lines are consistently long at this world-famous plant-based burger spot. The burgers are made from Impossible patties and piled impossibly high with all kinds of fresh toppings, sauces, and vegan versions of favorite additions like bacon and cheese. Throw in alcoholic slushies and a high-energy staff, and Slutty Vegan becomes a downright party.

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Chinese master chef Rui Liu serves delicious Szechuan food in an unassuming strip mall in the Duluth section of Buford Highway. Both adventurous and timid diners will find something to love here. The shrimp and vegetable entrées, like the delicious eggplant and string beans dish, dry pot shrimp, and spicy mapo tofu, are all on order. 

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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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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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There is so much to love here; Nova lox and house-made bagels, matzoh ball soup, pastrami poutine and chopped liver like Bubbie used to make but with just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. It's the best and (possibly) the only place for homesick New Yorkers and others to get their fix of deli-inspired favorites that taste just like home, only better. Also: order the burger. Trust us on this one.

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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.

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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.

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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).

In India, 'chai pani' means popping out for tea and a snack. That makes for a laid-back, fuss-free outing, precisely what this downtown Decatur restaurant offers. Here, you can relax with authentic Indian street food such as samosas, pakoras, stuffed rolls, and thalis (like Indian tapas). And, of course, they serve chai, among other Indian drinks, desserts, and surprisingly tasty cocktails.

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Politicians, presidents, hip-hop stars, sports stars, actors, and hungry locals craving authentic Southern food all pass through these 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.

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 cocktail 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.

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Tiny but delicious sandwiches packed with various meats and flavors await you. Order two or more and a jar of pimento cheese and a spiked soda to go with it. From the boisterous environment and the eclectic cocktail list (including the locally famous frozen Jack-and-Coke) to the exciting sandwich options, the entire endeavor is an effort to think outside of the box and might be a very different dining experience than what you’re used to. What’s not to love?

The menu at Hot Cafe includes Laotian, Thai, and Chinese dishes, offering a range of flavorful dining options. While all are well-executed, the Laotian fare stands out and draws legions of fans. Go for any of the larb dishes to savor a refreshing salad of ground meat tossed with bright scallion, cilantro, red onion, and toasted rice. The spicy papaya salad is a perfect accompaniment for any dish, and classics like tom yum soup and pad thai are reliable options.

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Food Terminal is a popular spot on Buford Highway. It wows diners with its beautiful, stylish interior and a wide selection of Malaysian-style noodle bowls, curries, bao, and small plates. Along with noodle bowls to suit every taste and mood is an array of vegetarian dishes and virgin cocktails that taste better than their alcoholic counterparts. There are four Food Terminal locations across Georgia. 

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. The eatery is right by Emory University, so it’s the ideal dining destination for those looking to explore the school.

 

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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 times 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.

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