23 Best Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

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.

A coffee shop, restaurant and market all in one, Le Bon Nosh is all elegance and French flair. As soon as you step into the stunning, open space, you’re immediately transported. The aesthetics wow, but the service, food and drinks are memorable as well. Everything is simple yet dynamic, made with the freshest local ingredients. Pastries are made in-house, ranging from savory to sweet, and the espresso bar is a must.

With three locations around Atlanta, Little Tart’s flagship store in Grant Park is beloved for many reasons. The first being the multitude of pastries and drinks offered, and the second being its prime location convenient to everything from Zoo Atlanta to Oakland Cemetery. With a humble start at local farmer’s markets, Little Tart now offers everything from classic croissants to galettes and scones. And, of course, tarts, their namesake. Pair a pastry with one of the many coffee and tea options offered, including the summer favorite iced strawberry matcha drink.

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.

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 brews, or take them up on an offer to sample one that's piqued your interest.

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.

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.

Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has become a historic staple of Atlanta (even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ate here). This cozy restaurant was founded by Lucy Jackson, a self-taught cook, and today it still offers delicious Southern cuisine that has molded and shaped Atlanta's food scene. From fried chicken to seafood, and with all the sides you could want, there’s no shortage of choices. Busy Bee is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was also awarded the James Beard Classic Award in 2022, and is a 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.

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.

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.

The Farsi word delbar translates to “heart, captured,” and that’s exactly what this restaurant intends to do. The interior is elegant and striking, and the cuisine's color and flavor is equally enthralling. Delbar’s menu is based on food that owner Fares Kargar made and ate growing up in Iran, as well as inspiration from all over the Middle East. If you want an intro to Persian cuisine, try the tahdig, or crispy rice. No matter what you choose, a reservation is a choice decision.

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.

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.

In a neighborhood flush with craft beer options, Leon's introduced an inventive specialty cocktail menu (as well as its own long list of craft beers). The food menu is full of fun snacks to share while drinking, including fries served with an array of sauces. For an entrée, try the pan-roasted trout. The restaurant borders a popular patio on one side and is lined by a busy bocce court on the other.

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.

Revolution” refers to their dedication to doughnuts made by people, not machines. Every hand-crafted doughnut is made with natural, organic ingredients, from the glaze to the filling. With each bite of these artisanal baked goods, you can taste the difference in craftsmanship and care. Hard work goes into every doughnut, as well as a breadth of creativity and uniqueness.

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.

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.