The Best Meals Atlanta Eats Staff Had All Year (2025)
We’ve had a lot of fantastic meals this year, but there were a few that stood out above the rest. Fantastic service, a perfect mix of flavors, outstanding attention to detail… for us, these meals were the stuff of dreams this year. Keep reading for our list of the very best meals Atlanta Eats staff have had all year.
1. 9292 Korean BBQ‘s Beef Tartare
9292 has long been the king of Korean BBQ in the Atlanta metro area, but don’t sleep on their beef tartare, either. For our president, Kyle, “The tartare’s mix of egg yolk, pear, and pine nuts balances a savory, standout flavor that you just keep going back to. 9292 is top notch for KBBQ as the staff is super attentive and helpful cooking the food for you. And the quality of the proteins and banchan are excellent, you won’t go home hungry.”
2. Bibi Eatery‘s Koobideh
For our Director of Content & Community Engagement, Jorge, the koobideh at Bibi was the standout of the year. “It’s beef brisket and lamb shoulder mixed into a delicious kebab, from the folks at DelBar. Served with an incredible yogurt and the best long grain rice on the planet. Despite the crowds, it’s why I keep going to Ponce.”
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3. Edo Izakaya‘s Wagyu Omakase
#OJtheEditor didn’t mind dropping the big bucks at Edo Izakaya multiple times a year this year. Their wagyu omakase was a sensation from start to finish. “The Vibe, the SERVICE, the FOOD, it is a wonderful addition to this city!!!” says OJ.
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4. Krog Bar’s Krog Pizza
For our founder/host Steak Shapiro, it was the pizza at Chef Kevin Rathman’s new Krog Bar in Peachtree Hills that stood out the most. “Kevin Rathbun Original Gangster is what it stands for, and it is the greatest homemade fennel sausage with fresh onions. The entire experience is spectacular. They have wonderful peppers and salads, and some of the best pizza I’ve ever had and the drinks and design of the place are simply wonderful. I love this new restaurant.”
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5. Himalayan Kitchen‘s Butter Curry Momo
For our social media manager, Trisha Pintavorn, the butter chicken momo at Nepalese restaurant stole the show. “The butter curry momo is a mix of two of my favorite foods, and the noodles at Himalayan Kitchen was insanely tasty as well. Totally a hidden gym that’s worth the drive into Smyrna!” says Trisha.
6. Maderia Park‘s Gnocchi, Squash Fonduta, Roasted Mushrooms, Truffle Vinaigrette
For our account manager, Megan, buzzy new spot Madeira Park was a standout: “I love a good wine bar, and Madeira feels like it brought a little piece of Europe to Atlanta with its small plates and extensive wine menu. The staff is always friendly, and while it’s not specifically Italian, their gnocchi is incredible. It’s the perfect place to sit with friends, catch up, and share a bottle of wine over great food.”
7. El Tesoro‘s Carnitas Guerrero
El Tesoro has long been a staff favorite for its happening patio and delectable food! Our video editor, Alastair, loved it this year as well: “Spicy, savory, flavorful, and fun. El Tesoro is a great restaurant in a wonderful location with a casual atmosphere.”
8. The Optimist‘s Everything
Our video editor, Kate, had her mind blown this year with a meal from The Optimist. She raved, “The crispy sourdough bread and butter to start with was so good we got 2 servings. We also got grilled oysters with butter, garlic, and parmesan. For my entree, I got the Lobster Roll. This lobster roll was absolutely perfect. It was buttery and full of flavor. You could tell that the lobster was so fresh. I will be returning for the exact same meal very soon.”
