Atlanta Restaurants With a Focus on Sustainability

In the busy city of Atlanta, where our vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene converge, a new wave is sweeping through the restaurant landscape – sustainability. As our world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our choices, several restaurants and bakeries are stepping up to the plate, embracing eco-friendly practices and farm-to-table philosophies. Below are 9 eateries where the commitment to both flavor and the planet creates a dining experience like no other.

1. 5Church 

Buckhead: 3379 Peachtree Rd NE STE. 125, Atlanta, GA 30326

Midtown: 1197 Peachtree St NE #528, Atlanta, GA 30361

5Church Midtown and its sister location 5Church Buckhead are the definition of a farm-to-table restaurant. The carefully crafted American cuisine uses fresh ingredients from local farmers and providers, resulting in a seasonally changing menu that’s always fresh and exciting. Avoiding wasteful packaging and not having foods shipped from a long distance also contributes to their sustainability efforts. Their stunning atmosphere is also a canvas for local Atlanta artists to showcase their talents.

2. Bacchanalia 

1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318

The ambiance is just right for all your special occasions. Service is always fantastic, with silverware for each course and bread service. Seasonal dishes are always a slam dunk, but the real star of the show is Bacchanalia’s commitment to sustainability. The chefs own and operate Summerland Farm in Cartersville, Georgia, where they grow much of their produce and harvest eggs. They also have a composting program, and they feed chickens with vegetable scraps. No wonder Michelin awarded them a Green Star in 2023.

3. The Chastain

4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

Executive chef Christopher Grossman’s menu changes often, depending on what’s available from local farm partners and in his onsite regenerative-farmed garden. The Chastain offers a seasonal menu in a modern bistro on the edge of Chastain Park. You may sit indoors or outdoors in a relaxing setting, in the middle of the forest. The ambiance combined with amazing cuisine makes the price worth it! Michelin agrees–the Chastain was awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2023. The Chastain recently joined Georgia Organics to help quantify local and organic food purchases. The team composts on-site and also uses a compost company to reduce landfill waste. They also recycle glass and use compostable carryout containers. 

4. Cultivate Food and Coffee

1952 Howell Mill Rd NW Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318

Sustainability and sweet treats? Say less! Cultivate Food and Coffee has an extensive farm-to-table menu including made-from-scratch breakfast and brunch items, specialty cocktails, and a coffee program based on beans roasted on-site. Cultivate prides itself on integrating ingredients from local farmers. All of their coffee beans are identified as organic, Fair Trade beans. Also, cultivate only displays artwork from local Atlanta artists, hand-picked to match their modern atmosphere. 

5. Dulce Vegan 

1994 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317

Located in the Kirkwood area, Dulce Vegan is a queer and woman of color-owned small business that has been serving the local community since 2007. Their mission is to “create the type of world we want to live in: one of passion, radical inclusion, intentionality, sustainability, and care for others.” This delicious vegan cafe, coffee shop, and bakery is a perfect spot for dog owners, book readers, and anyone looking to expand their palette to include more vegan options. Dulce Vegan’s entire menu is organic and locally sourced. Don’t worry, they are also allergen-friendly! 

6. Herban Fix

565 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

In the heart of Midtown, Herban Fix is a completely vegan restaurant led by Chef Wendy Chang. The menu features a wide range of Pan-Asian dishes, showcasing authentic vegan recipes enjoyable for not only plant-based eaters but meat lovers as well. According to Chef Chang, Herban Fix’s main mission is to be a part of the green and healthy movement. In particular, she wishes to raise awareness about animal agriculture pollution, which is the second major source of human-made greenhouse gas emissions. 

7. Lure

1106 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Lure, a stylish and inviting seafood restaurant in Midtown Atlanta, takes a unique approach to sustainability. The restaurant collects nearly 150,000 gallons of rainwater from its roof per year. It uses that water in the restaurant’s toilets, thus recycling water, preventing urban runoff, and diminishing the amount of pollutants washed into local streams. Out of all their delicious food, we highly recommend the baked crab and the seafood lettuce wraps.

8. Spring

36 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060

A neighborhood restaurant located in Historic Marietta Square, Spring features a minimalist, seasonal menu made of ethically raised and locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant supports local farmers and artisans and cooks simple, delicious dishes with the best ingredients. It’s the perfect harmony of deliciousness and sustainability. Be sure to try the steak tartare and the red snapper!

9. Upbeet

1071 Howell Mill Rd NW suite a, Atlanta, GA 30318

Upbeet, a fast-casual, counter-service eatery, has a mission of serving clean, healthy food without sacrificing convenience. Their menu is veggie-forward, providing a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. Upbeet reduces waste by composting and recycling nearly everything used in the restaurant, using energy-efficient lighting, and installing water-efficient restroom fixtures. The restaurant’s signature salads and grain bowls can be customized with organic vegetables, grass-fed animal proteins, non-GMO vegan proteins, and house-made dressings. You can’t go wrong with any combination of ingredients.