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5 Fantastic Restaurants Flying Under-The-Radar in Atlanta

There’s nothing quite like finding a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant that you will simultaneously want to tell everyone about as well as keep a hidden secret all to yourself. These Metro Atlanta spots are doing what they do so well and aren’t yet getting the crowds and love they deserve.

The Lemon Tart with a cantaloupe sorbet from the Alden.

The Alden

The Alden is a fabulous Chamblee restaurant and total neighborhood gem. Their unique seasonal menu takes inspiration from Chef Jared Huck’s travels around the world and the presentation is always wow-inducing. Some current menu highlights include a Thai inspired lemongrass pork belly and a jerk seasoned red snapper. Enjoy their outdoor patio, settle in for a drink at the bar, or dine-in at this awesome find.

Hotto Hotto Ramen & Tepanyaki

Hotto Hotto Ramen & Tepanyaki is a favorite of local neighborhood folks in the area, but it’s time more of ATL knows about what they’ve got to offer. They’ve got a big, spacious dining room and their ramen broth is made in-house and stewed for horurs. They’re right by Eventide Brewing, so make a whole day of it and grab some brews at Eventide then some grub at Hotto Hotto for a grand old time.

Atmosphere Bistro - Profiteroles | Photo/atmospherebistro.com
Atmosphere Bistro – Profiteroles | Photo/atmospherebistro.com

Atmosphere Bistro

This neighborhood spot in Midtown has been flying under the radar for years. The French vibes are immaculate, with a great outdoor patio that will remind you of the bistros and streets in Europe. Enjoy French favorites like escargot braised in garlic butter and confit de canard. They’ve got a takeout menu as well with a super comforting croque monsieur if you’re more comfortable eating at home at this time.

Mustard Seed BBQ - Stuffed Baked Potato
Mustard Seed BBQ – Stuffed Baked Potato

Mustard Seed BBQ

We love a great BBQ spot, and we thought we had seen them all until we happened upon Mustard Seed BBQ in Fairburn. This veteran-owned spot is a total hole-in-the-wall type of joint that’s unique in that they only serve *one* type of sauce–a terrific and sweet mustardy blend that tastes great on just about everything. The BBQ is addicting, and the sides are top-notch. So if you’re ever on the Southside of ATL, be sure to stop by this Fairburn joint!

Chong Qing Hot Pot - Braised Fish
Chong Qing Hot Pot – Braised Fish

Chong Qing Hot Pot

For those of you who have never tried Szechuan cuisine, let us introduce you to their crazy addicting fare! Szechuan (or Sichuan) food is a regional cuisine from China which is famed for their use of the native Sichuan pepper that adds a nice dry heat to everything. And Chong Qing Hot Pot has been serving up delicious Szechuan for over a decade. It’s a bit of a dive, but the deals are great! Find them nestled in the Chinatown Mall food court in Chamblee.

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