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This is a city known for its food; many a trip to Atlanta is planned around meals in its barbecue shacks, upscale diners, and chic urban eateries. Traditional Southern fare—including Cajun and creole, country-style and plantation cuisine, coastal and mountain dishes—thrives, as do Asian fusion, traditional Ethiopian, creative ve
This is a city known for its food; many a trip to Atlanta is planned around meals in its barbecue shacks, upscale diners, and chic urban eateries. Traditional Southern fare—including Cajun and creole, country-style and plantation cuisine, coastal and mountain dishes—thr
This is a city known for its food; many a trip to Atlanta is planned around meals in its barbecue shacks, upscale diners
This is a city known for its food; many a trip to Atlanta is planned around meals in its barbecue shacks, upscale diners, and chic urban eateries. Traditional Southern fare—including Cajun and creole, country-style and plantation cuisine, coastal and mountain dishes—thrives, as do Asian fusion, traditional Ethiopian, creative vegan, and mouth-scorching Indian food. Catch the flavor of the South at breakfast and lunch in diners and other modest establishments that serve only these meals.
Many restaurants will accept you just as you are; dress codes are extremely rare in this casual city, except in the chicest of spots. Although many restaurants accept reservations, some popular spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis on weekends. Waits at some hot dining locales can exceed an hour, especially if you arrive after 7 pm.
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Midtown and Westside
Sweet Auburn, the Old Fourth Ward, and East Atlanta
This French-American brasserie at the base of Hotel Clermont doesn’t play it small. Decadence is at every turn, from the richly patterned floral wallpaper lining the staircase down to the perfect brioche bread service, cardamom-infused cream desserts, and deftly prepared main courses in between. Service is top-notch, at once warm and knowledgeable without being stuffy. Have a cocktail at the jazz-room dark Lobby Bar before or after dinner, or set off to the Study or back room if you can grab a seat before they’re gone.
789 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30306, USA
West Egg is a great place to come for one of the city's best breakfasts, especially if you're staying in Midtown. It serves breakfast all day—locals swear by the blue-plate special and the old-fashioned oatmeal. For lunch or dinner, be sure to try the pimento cheese, particularly good on the fried green tomato BLT. The dining room is popular, so come early to avoid a wait.
1100 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, Georgia, 30318, USA
Dark wood and a welcoming vibe make this cavernous bar with above-average food and a well-curated beer menu feel like a place you can sink into and stay awhile. Ask for their favorite bottled or on-tap brew, or take them up on an offer to sample one that's piqued your interest.
470 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
The narrow wraparound patio is the draw at this buzzing Spanish-inspired restaurant and wine bar. The must-try paella and weekly wine specials help to keep patrons happy. Inside, rich wood tones and classic decor make the place feel a bit upscale, although the menu here is entirely approachable, even a bit indulgent with an emphasis on meats, cheeses, and some deep-fried favorites.
240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30307, USA
Billy Allin helms this bistro that makes you feel like you're hanging on the sidewalks of Paris. The patio is absolutely delightful when the weather is warm, and the pastries, coffee, and wine are just as satisfying. Wait until later in the morning for the full breakfast menu, which includes delicious omelets and pancakes. A French-style happy hour with select wines ends the day.
This popular spot on the bank of the Chattahoochee River has built a reputation based on such dishes as slow-roasted rabbit with wild mushroom ravioli and Swiss chard. Sunday brunch—with smoked-salmon eggs Benedict, house-made Georgia pecan sticky buns, and other offerings—is superb. The restaurant's tagline, "tucked away, not far away," is no joke—call for directions.
4199 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, USA
Don't fill up on the tortilla chips at this Tex-Mex joint. They are so tasty that you might miss the rest of the menu, which includes vegan and vegetarian options, as well as standards like fish tacos and fajitas. A big patio makes this a big sunny-day draw, especially with the organic margaritas featuring rotating flavors fresh from local farmers' markets.
Southern comfort food at its finest can be found at this bright, old-school diner. Cheese grits with a good cheddar bite, fluffy biscuits that can be stuffed with anything from sausage and gravy to perfectly fried chicken, and hunks of made-from-scratch cake are just a few of the reasons locals flock to Home grown. Before you leave, browse the in-house thrift store—an appropriate backdrop to the eclectic atmosphere and crowd at this restaurant. Arrive before 11 for the shortest wait, or grab a seat at the counter.
This place serves classic Italian dishes in a beautiful setting that still recalls old-school neighborhood dining. Count on regulars like bruschetta and spaghetti with meatballs to be elevated beyond basic but without being too fancy. The catch of the day is always something deliciously special.
Kandi Burruss-Tucker (of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame) brings the flavors and hospitality of her Georgia upbringing to this Castleberry Hill hot spot, serving generous portions of soul food staples in a relaxed setting. Despite its reality-TV roots, the decor and atmosphere are homey here, and you’ll be tempted to stay all day.
Vegan comfort food and plant-based barbecue dishes are served up in a no-frills diner setting, with mac and cheese (made with soy cheese), cauliflower and tofu steaks, and kalebone (a wheat-gluten protein) topping the menu. The original location (on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.) serves similar fare but buffet-style, with more limited daily choices.
652 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30306, USA
The culinary traditions of South Carolina inspire the dishes served at this cheerful restaurant. This is the place in the city to try out Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and buttermilk fried chicken. In the heart of the Crescent Avenue entertainment district, the spare, art-filled restaurant attracts a hip crowd.
Scrappy and lots of fun, this bar has a hearty menu of classic pub food. A favorite here is the Greenie Meanie Chicken, a grilled chicken breast topped with roasted poblano peppers and salsa verde. In the back bar you'll see the country's best up-and-coming indie acts.
488 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, USA
You haven't really lived, or at least tested the limits of your heart's health, until you've tried the Heap: a sizzling skillet full of eggs, buttery veggies, and potatoes. Add a fluffy biscuit on the side, and this is one of the city's best breakfasts. Thumb's Up also has good lunch options, including tamari-flavored tofu served on a bed of raw spinach.
573 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, USA
Software engineer Jeff Varasano was 14 when he set the country's Rubik's Cube record, and he's since changed gears to accomplish the feat of building the perfect pizza. The thin, lightly charred pies are created by closely following Varasano's intense instructions, including the use of an 800ºF oven. The restaurant also serves pastas, salads, and rich Italian doughnuts.
2171 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, USA
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