The Ultimate Decatur Dining Guide
Decatur is a city of contrasts. It has a small-town feel but is full of big city restaurants. It’s a quiet and unassuming community yet attracts some of the most prominent names in the food scene. Whether you’re craving a perfectly-poured pint of beer on tap or authentic French fare, you don’t need to look far in Decatur to find something that will hit the spot.
Here’s where you should start.
1. Athens Pizza
1341 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Greek immigrants started this pizza diner several decades ago. It specializes in both Greek and Italian staples as well as unique combinations of the two cuisines. Nowhere else in town can you score tasty spanakopita as well as the perfect pizza. Can’t decide? We recommend the Athens Special, a traditional Greek fluffy crust topped with feta, white cheddar, ground beef, Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
2. Brew and Bird
1355 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
This unassuming spot is committed to serving the tastiest chicken in town. Whether you’re chowing down on the Korean spicy BBQ wings or the surprisingly scrumptious pork dumplings, make sure you wash it down with one of their 50 craft beers!
3. Brick Store Pub
125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
Come for the beer, stay for the grub! This timeless beer tavern has a friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, serving up classic pub food with a Southern influence. We can’t stop drooling over their Meatloaf Sammie, pictured above.
4. Buena Gente
1365 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Take in the sights and smells of this authentic Cuban bakery and you’ll know you’re in good hands. Buena Gente celebrates the rich culture with sweet and savory pastries, lovingly crafted staples, and perfectly crafted Cuban coffee. If you’re craving a quick snack, grab a pastelito (puff pastry danish filled with guava preserves) and a fresh cortadito. If you’re looking for a full lunch, they’ve got one of the tastiest Cuban sandwiches you’ll ever eat.
5. Cafe Alsace
121 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Step into this quaint downtown Decatur bistro and you will be swept away to the beautiful French countryside. Whether you order the beef Wellington or the crepe du jour, you’ll fall in love with this petit cafe magnifique!
6. The Cereal Lab
335 W. Ponce De Ave Suite D, Decatur, GA 30030
There are fewer foods more comforting than a bowl of cereal, ice cream, and milkshakes. Cynthia Hernandez had the brilliant idea to combine all of the above into one remarkable concept: The Cereal Lab, which began as a pop-up before opening in Downtown Decatur. This experimental dessert spot allows you to create your own concoction (pick your ice cream flavor, two cereals, two toppings, and a drizzle on top) but they also have a few signature combos you won’t want to miss. As a peanut butter nut, my personal favorite is the Butta Love: Reese’s Puffs cereal, Captain Crunch Peanut Butter, Reese’s Puffs, Chocolate Sauce, Reese’s Pieces, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Tap into your inner child and you’ll be a very happy grown-up.
7. Chai Pani
406 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Bombay street food has made its way to Decatur! Chef Meherwan Irani has married authentic Indian flavors with common Southern ingredients to create a uniquely exotic cuisine. Our go-to’s are the kale pakoras (deep-fried kale fritters) and the okra fries, but you can’t go wrong no matter what you get.
8. Community Q
1361 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
This BBQ joint leaves nothing to be desired besides another visit! From melt-in-your-mouth meats to simply divine sides, Community Q is BBQ done right. If you get the pulled pork sandwich with their three-cheese mac and cheese, you’ll walk away a happy (and full) camper.
9. The Deer and the Dove
155 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
This farm-centered neighborhood restaurant serves rustic cuisine made with farm-fresh ingredients and meats. Combined with incredible service and a beautiful patio, The Deer and The Dove is a must-visit. In the inaugural publishing of The Michelin Guide to Atlanta, The Deer and The Dove was mentioned alongside many other incredible restaurants and eateries. The founder, Chef Terry Koval was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef: Southeast 2023. If you stop by, you can’t go wrong with the beef tartare, octopus, pork belly, or just a solid burger (hint: every dish is a winner).
10. The Grove
2761 Lavista Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Come to this neighborhood spot where everybody knows your name! The Grove has over 100 beers on tap and unpretentious yet delicious bar grub. All taste buds will find something delightful, from the Grove Burger smothered with grilled onions, mushrooms, and bacon to the southwestern chicken egg rolls.
11. The Iberian Pig
121 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
Walk into The Iberian Pig and you’ll find yourself teleported to the markets of Spain, bursting with cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and expertly-selected wines. If you’re looking beyond the charcuterie, you’ll go loco for the braised pork cheek tacos.
12. Kelly’s Market
308 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
This cozy bodega-esque store has you covered with groceries, freshly baked treats, and simple yet succulent sandwiches. The Mulligan is a divine double-stack with turkey, cheddar, avocado, bacon, tomato, cucumber, and plenty of Duke’s mayo on multigrain bread. We’ve also been craving the spicy-in-all-the-right-ways Rah’s Inferno, with Cajun turkey, pepper-jack, LTO, pepperoncinis, and spicy ranch on a toasted baguette!
13. Kimball House
303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
This cute little spot once was a railroad station. Today, it’s known for its oysters and cocktails. If you are down for a challenge, order the Oyster Tower! Their entrees like the duck breast are so tender and perfectly cooked. Their whole menu has top-notch flavors you have to try!
14. Leon’s Full Service
131 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
This mix of old and new serves up innovative yet comforting American cuisine. Built out of an old gas station, Leon’s Full Service emulates the full-service stations of a past era of hospitality. Gather a group and split the hand-cut pommes frites served with any two sauces, from garlic aioli to smoked jalapeño mayo. You’ll be fighting over who gets the last fry!
15. Louisiana Bistreaux
1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know it’s a city with its own flavor and spice. If you can’t make the trip to the Big Easy, you can get all the flavor and spice you need from Louisiana Bistreaux. From the jambalaya to the hurricanes to the live bands playing inside, it’s one of the few Atlanta locations where you can ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’!
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16. Ms. Icey’s Kitchen
1371 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30033
Brunch at Ms. Icey’s IS the moment and the vibes are amazing. The skillet cornbread is bomb and the mac n cheese is simply the best thing you will sink your teeth into. This place is booked out for weeks so make sure to get a reservation ASAP.
17. No. 246
129 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
One of Decatur’s premier Italian restaurants is sustainably and locally sourced with jaw-droppingly fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and devastatingly delicious pizza. The veal, pork, and beef meatballs are a perfect reminder that less is often more.
18. Oak Grove Market
2757 Lavista Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
This local favorite is part butcher shop, part grocery, and part local deli where generations can get together and share a delicious bite to eat. The prime rib Cuban will scratch anybody’s sandwich itch; if you’re going bread-free, look no further than the Three Salad Plate, consisting of a medley of chicken, beet, and apple-broccoli-walnut salad.
19. Parker’s on Ponce
116 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Located in downtown Decatur Square, this restaurant is worth the trip! With amazing food combined with an excellent pianist, dining here is an exceptional experience. All their meats like the grilled octopus, mussels, USDA Prime Grade steaks, etc. are fresh and delicious! If you’re looking for a lighter option, they have amazing salads (must try: the watermelon and peach salad). Stop by on Monday for their Martini and Manhattan Monday, where they serve 1/2 off their Parker’s Martini and Manhattan all day long.
20. The Po’Boy Shop
1369 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Step into the French Quarter with this Cajun spot just right for any rendezvous. You can’t go wrong with any Po’Boy or drinks fit for any Bourbon Street enthusiast. Our current favorite is the Surf & Turf Po’Boy, topped with shrimp and debris (roast beef drippings) with spicy remoulade and horseradish. You’ll need to pinch yourself to remember you’re not in the Big Easy.
21. Raging Burrito
141 Sycamore St Back Patio Entrance:, 320 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
Despite what the name implies, this is a laid-back burrito joint offering the classic Tex-Mex cuisine as well as 50+ tequilas which you can enjoy in a margarita or straight up (ideally with salt and lime). You can’t miss with any of the burritos, but the pineapple jerk is their most popular, with good reason!
22. Revival
129 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
Kevin Gillespie brings his Midas touch to yet another Atlanta restaurant with this nod to his formative years. He brings Southern cuisine to life with a proper version of the traditional Sunday dinner with a focus on farm-fresh ingredients. We can’t get enough of the Maryland Baked Crab Au Gratin and the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, so make sure you don’t fill up on the mouthwatering cornbread!
23. Southern Sweets Bakery
24. Sprig
2860 Lavista Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
This community-first restaurant serves up Southern comfort food made with local ingredients cravable for the entire family. Take a trip on the wild side with their duck succotash! If you’re feeling less adventurous but equally hungry, you can’t go wrong with the garlic chicken fried chicken or the fried green tomatoes.
25. Twain’s Brewpub and Billiards
211 E Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030
You and your crew need to arrange your next hang at this hit local gastropub. Twain’s has house-brewed beers on tap and a variety of group games as far as the eye can see. Once you’ve worked up an appetite shooting pool, settle down with a tall glass of beer and an order of smoked sweet garlic wings!
26. Universal Joint
906 Oakview Rd, Decatur, GA 30030
This full-service neighborhood hangout has great food, friendly service, and the most dog-friendly patio in town. Whether you have two legs or four, you’re going to go wild for the Steinbeck Burger, loaded with pimento cheese, smoked bacon, and pickled jalapeños or the Universal Fries, jam-packed with cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, scallions, and served with a side of (what else?) ranch.
27. Who’s Got Soul
3818 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032
Who’s got soul? This place sure does! This Black-owned soul food restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Southern food with homemade sauces, seasonings, and desserts to satisfy anybody with or without a Southern bone in their body. Look no further than the oxtails and gravy! If you’ve never had oxtails before, you’ll thank us later.
Greek immigrants started this pizza diner several decades ago. It specializes in both Greek and Italian staples as well as unique combinations of the two cuisines. Nowhere else in town can you score tasty spanakopita as well as the perfect pizza. Can’t decide? We recommend the Athens Special, a traditional Greek fluffy crust topped with feta, white cheddar, ground beef, Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Come for the beer, stay for the grub! This timeless beer tavern has a friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, serving up classic pub food with a Southern influence. We can’t stop drooling over their Meatloaf Sammie, pictured below.
This unassuming spot is committed to serving the tastiest chicken in town. Whether you’re chowing down on the Korean spicy BBQ wings or their surprisingly scrumptious pork dumplings, make sure you wash them down with any of their 50 craft beers!
Take in the sights and smells of this authentic Cuban bakery and you’ll know you’re in good hands. Buena Gente celebrates the rich culture with sweet and savory pastries, lovingly-crafted staples, and rich Cuban coffee. If you’re craving a quick snack, grab a pastelito (puff pastry danish filled with guava preserves) and a fresh cortadito. If you’re looking for a full lunch, they’ve got one of the tastiest Cuban sandwiches you’ll ever eat.
Step into this quaint downtown Decatur bistro and you will be swept away to the beautiful French countryside. Whether you order the beef wellington or the crepe du jour, you’ll fall in love with this petit cafe magnifique!
Bombay street food has made its way to Decatur! Chef Meherwan Irani has married authentic Indian flavors with common Southern ingredients to create a uniquely exotic cuisine. Our go-tos are the kale pakoras (deep fried kale fritters) and the okra fries, but you can’t go wrong no matter what you get.
This BBQ joint leaves nothing to be desired besides another visit! From melt-in-your-mouth meats to simply divine sides, Community Q is BBQ done right. If you get the pulled pork sandwich with their three-cheese mac and cheese, you’re going to walk away a happy (and full) camper.
Come to this neighborhood spot where everybody knows your name! The Grove has over 100 beers on tap and unpretentious yet delicious bar grub. All taste buds will find something delightful, from the Grove Burger smothered with grilled onions, mushrooms, and bacon to the southwestern chicken egg rolls.
Walk into the Iberian Pig and you’ll find yourself teleported to the markets of Spain, bursting with cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and expertly-selected wines. If you’re looking beyond the charcuterie, you’ll go loco for the braised pork cheek tacos.
This cozy bodega-esque store has you covered with groceries, fresh baked treats, and simple yet succulent sandwiches. The Mulligan is a divine double-stack with turkey, cheddar, avocado, bacon, tomato, cucumber, and plenty of Duke’s mayo on multigrain bread. We’ve also been craving the spicy-in-all-the-right-ways Rah’s Inferno, with Cajun turkey, pepper-jack, LTO, pepperoncinis, and spicy ranch on a toasted baguette!
This mix of old and new serves up innovative yet comforting American cuisine. Built out of an old gas station, Leon’s Full Service emulates the full service stations of a past era of hospitality. Gather a group and split the hand-cut pommes frites served with any two sauces, from garlic aioli to smoked jalapeño mayo. You’ll be fighting over who gets the last fry!
One of Decatur’s premier Italian restaurants is sustainably and locally sourced with jaw-droppingly fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and devastatingly delicious pizza. The veal, pork, and beef meatballs are a perfect reminder that less is often more.
This local favorite is part butcher shop, part grocery, and part local deli where generations can get together and share a delicious bite to eat. The prime rib Cuban will scratch anybody’s sandwich itch; if you’re going bread-free, look no further than the Three Salad Plate, with a medley of chicken, beet, and apple-broccoli-walnut salad.
Step into the French Quarter with this Cajun spot fitting for any rendezvous. You can’t go wrong with any Po’Boy or drinks fit for any Bourbon Street enthusiast. Our current favorite is the Surf & Turf Po’boy, topped with shrimp and debris (roast beef drippings) with spicy remoulade and horseradish. You’ll need to pinch yourself to remember you’re not in the Big Easy.
Despite what the name implies, this is a laid-back burrito joint offering the classic Tex-Mex cuisine as well as 50+ tequilas which you can enjoy in a margarita or straight up (ideally with some salt and lime). You can’t miss with any of the burritos, but the pineapple jerk is their most popular, with good reason!
Kevin Gillespie brings his Midas touch to yet another Atlanta restaurant with this nod to his formative years. He brings Southern cuisine to life with a proper version of the traditional Sunday dinner with a focus on farm-fresh ingredients. We can’t get enough of the Maryland Baked Crab Au Gratin and the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, but make sure you don’t fill up on the mouthwatering cornbread!
Southern Sweets Bakery has been a Decatur fixture for over three decades and it’s clear why. Owner Nancy Cole and her entire gifted team started with a few divine pies but their menu has exploded ever since, now offering everything from Key Lime Cake to Buttermilk Flapjacks to Black Bean Burgers. Located right down the street from the famous Your Dekalb Farmers Market, turn to this spot for all of your breakfast, lunch, and bakery needs; they even offer a wide swath of vegan and gluten-free treats so everybody can get in on the fun.
This community-first restaurant serves up Southern comfort food made with local ingredients cravable for the entire family. Take a trip on the wild side with their duck succotash! If you’re feeling less adventurous but equally hungry, you can’t go wrong with the garlic chicken fried chicken or the fried green tomatoes.
You and your crew need to arrange your next hang at this hit local gastropub. Twain’s has house-brewed beers on tap and a variety of group games as far as the eye can see. Once you’ve worked up an appetite shooting pool, settle down with a tall glass of beer and an order of smoked sweet garlic wings!
This full-service neighborhood hangout has great food, friendly service, and the most dog-friendly patio in town. Whether you have two legs or four, you’re going to go wild for the Steinbeck Burger, loaded with pimento cheese, smoked bacon, and pickled jalapeños or the Universal Fries, jam-packed with cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, scallions, and a side of (what else?) ranch.
Who’s got soul? This place sure does! This Black-owned soul food restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Southern food with homemade sauces, seasonings, and desserts to satisfy anybody with or without a Southern bone in their body. Look no further than the oxtails and gravy! If you’ve never had oxtails before, you’ll thank us later.
If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know it’s a city with its own flavor and spice. If you can’t make the trip to the Big Easy, you can get all the flavor and spice you need from Louisiana Bistreaux. From the jambalaya to the hurricanes to the live bands playing inside, it’s one of the few Atlanta locations where you can ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’!
Cute little spot that once was a railroad station that is known for their oysters and cocktails. If you are down for a challenge, order the Oyster Tower! Their entrees like the duck breast is so tender and perfectly cooked. Their whole menu has top notch flavors you have to try.
