Get us in your inbox

Al restaurant
Shutterstock

The best restaurants in Buckhead

The best restaurants in Buckhead are splurge-worthy destinations for celebrating special cuisine and good times

Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Advertising

The Buckhead neighborhood has long been viewed as a top dining destination in the city, especially when looking to show off or celebrate a special occasion. As a corporate and financial center, this ritzy northeast neighborhood has an abundance of high-end places best enjoyed on an expense account. While the quality of some posh restaurants doesn’t always match the price, the best restaurants in Buckhead are worth every penny.

Buckhead is packed with top-tier malls, shops, hotels, and nightlife. Don’t overlook Buckhead’s well-stocked food courts for a decent meal, but when you’re up for a treat (and we know you deserve it), go for a next-level meal at one of these eateries. Among the best restaurants in Atlanta, they are also some of the most memorable. Start with a cocktail at a top Atlanta bar and finish up with a night of dancing at a nightclub — in between, you’ll be dining in style.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Atlanta

Best restaurants in Buckhead

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlas (@atlasbuckhead)

Take the best of seasonal American cuisine, add European flair, and you’ve got Atlas, housed in the Buckhead St. Regis. Every element is fabulous, from the elegant decor to the exquisite plating of each dish. Leave the decision to the chef with the seven-course tasting menu featuring the likes of black truffle fettuccine and wagyu with maitake mushrooms, red pepper, and pickled cauliflower. A thorough wine list and knowledgeable sommelier will find the perfect pairings. After your meal, browse the exceptional collection of 20th-century modern art.

One of the most expensive spots in the area, Chai Yo is the place to go for an occasion that calls for big spending. It’s worth it, as the upscale Thai served here is some of the best. The menu includes high-end takes on classic Thai favorites, like tom kha with lobster and Panang curry with beef cheeks. Each dish features a little something that makes it extra special, making it a splurge-worthy destination that doesn’t involve steak.

Advertising

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 occasion parties and corporate gatherings. From the seafood tower to the beef tartare 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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KING+DUKE (@kinganddukeatl)

Open-fire cooking is the highlight at King and Duke, and the 24-foot hearth is the centerpiece of the regal space. Enjoy grilled meats and elevated, expertly-prepared appetizers like hushpuppies and deviled eggs. The bar is an excellent spot to linger, and the beautiful patio is perfect for weekend brunch.

Advertising

Note: Temporarily closed for renovations

Chops is the place for celebrating or making big business deals. Dress to impress and be prepared to pay. But the price is worth it for some of the best USDA prime-aged beef around. The stylish, dark wood dining room provides the perfect ambiance for enjoying signature cuts and preparations. Downstairs, Lobster Bar serves exquisite seafood flown in fresh daily. Consistently named among the best steakhouses in the country, you know you’ll have a worthy meal here.

Le Bilboquet is the place for a true Parisian experience in Buckhead. The light-filled, romantic, white-tablecloth bistro - sister to the original location in NYC - has a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of European cafe culture. Indulge in classic French dishes like duck foie gras terrine, or the signature beurre blanc Cajun chicken. Enjoy the terrazzo floors, pewter bar, and blue velvet banquettes while sipping a chilled glass of rosé.

Advertising

It may be in a mall, but this high-end Northern Italian steakhouse is on par with the best. With timeless decor and service that’s just right, it’s a prime spot to enjoy a celebratory meal. The menu includes all the steakhouse staples like surf and turf, plus top-quality pasta dishes. It’s exactly what a steakhouse should be and will not disappoint.

Probably one of the most unique spots in Atlanta, Yebo’s decor and menu transition from beach house-inspired in the summer (light fare, small plates) to ski lodge chic in the winter (comfort food, outdoor fire pits, blankets). The bright, airy house provides an inviting atmosphere to sample creative cocktails and coastal eclectic items such as peri peri chicken and ostrich sliders.

Advertising

Pasta is the name of the game at this basement-level Buckhead restaurant and Italian market. While you’ll find a few old standby favorites like lasagna and cacio e pepe, the kitchen shines in more unexpected creations, like delicately fried Roman artichokes, bucatini with littleneck clams and white wine, and cavatelli with wild boar ragu are menu standouts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by St. Cecilia (@stceciliaatl)

Soaring ceilings, white-tiled columns, and a huge marble bar highlight this impressive space. The menu is equally notable, featuring handmade pasta, local produce, wood-roasted fish, and other dishes influenced by the European coast. Everything is made in-house, including cheeses and sauces, and the seafood options are the star of the show. St. Cecilia has become a go-to spot for fine dining, especially to impress a date.

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising