14 Quintessential Restaurants to Try While You’re Visiting Atlanta
It may be controversial to say, but we think Atlanta is the best food city on the planet–period. When it comes to food, the South’s truly got something to say. On any given day, you can eat Ethiopian, Persian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Southern food—all at an elite level and often within a few miles of each other. Whether you’re here for the World Cup or simply passing through, these 14 restaurants will show you exactly why Atlanta has become one of the most exciting food cities anywhere.
1. 9292 Korean BBQ
3360 Satellite Blvd NW #8, Duluth, GA 30096
If you’ve never experienced Korean barbecue before, this spot just north of the city is actually where you want to start. Located in the heart of Duluth‘s thriving Korean community, this lively restaurant puts the cooking right at your table, turning dinner into an experience as much as a meal. Order premium cuts of beef and pork belly (be sure to ask for extra brisket!) all while enjoying an endless spread of banchan, the small and flavorful free side dishes that accompany your meal. After your meal, there’s plenty of boba spots that are excellent for an night cap!
2. Antico Pizza
1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
It’s a tried and true, Michelin recommended joint that you’re absolutely going to love. Antico Pizza has been a go-to spot for locals for great wood-fired Neopolitan pizza, and also the site of many a celebrity sighting. Owner Giovanni Di Palma doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to his family’s age-old Pizza Napoletana recipe: Fior di Latta and Mozzarella di Bufala cheeses are flown in fresh from Naples each week; San Marzano and Pomodorini tomatoes are hand-picked in Campania; 10,000 lb. ovens were custom built from ancient Santa Maria brick and volcanic rock from Mt. Vesuvius…and get so hot that a pizza cooks to perfection in only about 60 seconds. There are quite a few Antico Pizza locations all over Atlanta, but we love going to their original location on Hemphill Avenue for the best quality. The Sophia pizza is a thing of beauty for any truffle lover, and the Diavola has just the right amount of spice. Be sure to also to grab some fresh basil, fresh garlic, olive and oil, and parmesan cheese to dip your crusts in and top your pizzas with.
3. Breakfast at Barney’s
349 Decatur St. SE Unit A1, Atlanta, GA 30312
When in Atlanta, it’s simply a must to enjoy a boozy brunch. There’s a lot of excellent ones around town–we’d like to give an honorable mention to Toast on Lenox, the Breakfast Boys, and the Real Milk & Honey as well, but a great and luxe one centrally located in downtown is Breakfast at Barney’s.
4. The Busy Bee Cafe
810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Serving soul food since 1947, The Busy Bee Cafe is Atlanta history on a plate. The fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread have made this restaurant a beloved landmark for generations. It’s one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences and was enjoyed by the legendary Martin Luther King. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to understand Atlanta’s culinary roots–and enjoy a great Southern meal.
5. Canoe
4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Nestled against the Chattahoochee River in Vinings is the legendary Canoe. Its riverside view is unmatched in Atlanta. The menu blends Southern ingredients with refined technique, creating dishes that feel distinctly Atlanta while remaining elegant and approachable. It’s also really lovely for brunch–we love the sticky buns, the she-crab soup, and scones. The ice cream popcorn sundae is a must!
6. Delbar
3060 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite R-160, Atlanta, GA 30305
Delbar has become one of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants by showcasing the rich flavors of Persian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine. From smoky kebabs to delicious dips and fresh-baked bread, every dish is designed for sharing. The atmosphere is lively, trendy, and ideal for experiencing one of Atlanta’s most exciting dining destinations. There are multiple locations, but we’re especially partial to their Buckhead and Inman Park spots.
7. Fred’s Meat & Bread
Krog Street Market, 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Located in Krog Street Market, Fred’s Meat and Bread is everything that there is to love about food. Fred’s has the charm and flare of an old school soda shop with a pull up counter serving up some of Atlanta’s best comfort classics. The shroom shire cheesesteak is a thing of beauty, and the burger is one of ATL’s finest. Don’t forget to grab a side of garlic fries!
8. Home Grown
968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
If Atlanta had an official neighborhood diner, it just might be Home Grown! This beloved East Atlanta staple serves comforting Southern breakfast and lunch dishes in a casual setting filled with local character. The famous Comfy Chicken Biscuit has earned a cult following for good reason. It may just be Atlanta’ best biscuit!
9. Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
A uniquely Atlanta barbecue experience, Heirloom Market BBQ blends traditional Southern barbecue with Korean influences. The result is a menu packed with smoky meats, bold sauces, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else. It’s consistently ranked among the best barbecue spots in Georgia—and for good reason. The brisket is unreal, and the sides are filled with goodness.
10. Kamayan ATL
5150 Buford Hwy NE, Suite A-170, Doraville, GA 30340
Atlanta’s growing Filipino food scene has a standout representative in Kamayan ATL. The menu celebrates traditional Filipino cooking with a big menu featuring dishes packed with bold, comforting flavors. The eggplant curry is a can’t miss, and the sizzling sisig is a triumph. You can also rent them out for private feasts (Kamayan means by hand in Tagalog) which is a truly excellent way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion.
11. The Local
758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
The Local has built a loyal following thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, strong and cheap drinks, and delicious wings. It’s the kind of neighborhood dive that perfectly captures the city’s unpretentious side. They often sell out, so try to go early. I’ve also made a fool out of myself many a night during their Monday karaokes (be aware, however, that they don’t sell wings on Mondays).
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12. Quoc Huong
5150 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
There are so many iconic Buford Highway joints, but one of our favorites is Quoc Huong for their $5 and some change banh mis that are truly out-of-this-world. Crispy bread, delicious meats, and affordable prices have made it a destination for locals in the know. Check out the other spots in the plaza while you’re there–there’s boba, pastries, and rolled ice cream all in that same shopping center.
13. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe
1059 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Tassili’s is unlike any other restaurant in Atlanta. Famous for its massive spicy kale wraps that are the size of your head and plant-based menu, this West End institution has earned a devoted following. Even dedicated meat eaters will leave totally impressed by the bold flavors and creative approach to healthy eating. It’s always a delicious palate cleanser whenever you’ve had a weekend of heavy eating.
14. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW, Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30318
When it Atlanta, you’ve got to get some soul food, and we love how Twisted Soul reimagines Southern cuisine through a modern lens. Chef Deborah VanTrece’s menu draws inspiration from Southern traditions, global flavors, and personal storytelling to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting. We’ve never had a bad experience there, and the fried chicken is some of our favorite in the city!
15. Umi
3050 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
There’s a million and one new sushi and omakase restaurants in Atlanta these days, but we do have a soft spot for the alwasy excellent Umi. This Buckhead restaurants delivers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The fish is flown in from Japan, the service is impeccable, and the menu showcases both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. The nigiri is exceptional, and the tasting menu is a delicious way to indulge. For a splurge-worthy meal in Atlanta, Umi is hard to beat.
16. Waffle House
Multiple locations throughout metro Atlanta
It’s not a quintessential Atlanta list without our local favorite chain, Waffle House (or Waffle HOME!) This iconic late night diner chain is woven into the fabric of Atlanta culture. Whether you’re ordering a waffle, scattered-smothered-and-covered hash browns, or the All-star special, Waffle House is a uniquely Atlanta experience that every visitor should have at least once.
