13 Best Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

Small-batch ice cream is made on-site at this old-school ice-cream-parlor in downtown Decatur. Batches of seasonal and inventive flavors accompany the classics, as well as brownies, cookies, and killer ice-cream sandwiches, like the East Pole Coffee ice cream on a double chocolate cookie.

The General Muir is inspired by New York Jewish delis. From the subway tiles lining the walls to fresh-baked bagels made in-house by TGM Bread, it is the ultimate homage. The General Muir thrives during brunch with classics such as omelets and French toast. But they also offer well-known and loved Jewish cuisines—matzah ball soup, latkes, and lox, to name a few. The coffee bar is always ready and able to make a variety of drinks as well.

Pull out your phone, scan the QR code menu, and decide what you want in your tacos; bartaco offers everything from falafel and fish to cauliflower and chorizo. You'll want at least two, even though it's easy to fill up on the unforgettable guacamole. The chopped salad tossed with lime vinaigrette is also a great choice, especially if you ask to have some seasoned shrimp added in.

This bistro that makes you feel like you're hanging out 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.

Chattahoochee Food Works is nestled inside an 80-acre, mixed-used development that contains everything from dining to retail. The space—preserved in some of the Westside's historic industrial buildings—is where the sprawling, 31-vendor food hall highlights the best of Atlanta’s food scene. Just outside the food hall is Your 3rd Spot, a social dining experience. Make a reservation and spend hours playing yard and arcade games while enjoying shareable small plates.

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.

Inspired by Jarrett Stieber’s pop-up, Eat Me, Speak Me at S.O.S. Tiki Bar in Decatur, the restaurant is named after his dog, a Great Pyrenees. Located beside the old Turner Field stadium that now belongs to Georgia State University, Little Bear boasts creative and themed menu items and unique cocktails. Stieber won the 2023 Young Chef Award from Michelin, and the restaurant achieved Bib Gourmand status. 

It's fun to come sit at the oversized bar and sample any number of the smaller plates on this happening Italian eatery's menu. The pastas are delicate and delicious, and the pizzas are thin, charred, and chewy. For a view of the kitchen, request a seat facing the wood-fire oven and watch the pizzaiolas (pizza guys) slide fresh pies in and out of the oven.

Don't let the long lines outside this counter-service eatery discourage you. They move quickly, and once you get in you'll be rewarded with a full bar, a wide selection of tacos and enchiladas, and unusual sides like spicy collard greens and jalapeño coleslaw. You can also sample a fabulous trio of salsas and not-to-be-missed chunky guacamole.  Don't grab a table before you order or you'll get glares from those waiting in line.