You’re a really cool person and you deserve a cool restaurant in Atlanta. Many spots here invest as much in atmosphere, design, and vibe as they do in the food—think rotating views, taxidermy goats, intimate dessert dens, rooftop skylines, and spaces that feel like destinations.
A lot of Atlanta restaurants are investing in decor and atmosphere to supplement what’s on your plate. If you’re hungry, an intimate setting can make or break a culinary experience.
13 Cool Places To Eat In Atlanta Right Now
So we’re about to show you some cool places to eat in Atlanta this year. These spots are not all new, but many of them have added a few wrinkles since you’ve last been there. Besides, they’re cool.
1. Polaris
265 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 460-6425
Polaris is probably one of the coolest restaurants you’ll find in Atlanta from a cosmetic perspective. Hidden inside the Hyatt Regency, Polaris literally rotates — not unlike the Sun Dial four miles away in downtown Atlanta.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Polaris: “The food and the staff made this meal a wonderful experience. Add on the atmosphere and views as Polaris spins, and I have to recommend everyone try it at least once. Weekdays are typically easier to be seated and allow the staff to provide even better personal service.”
2. Restaurant 356
One Porsche Dr, Atlanta, GA 30354 | (770) 290-4356
Restaurant 356 is an upscale restaurant located at the Porsche headquarters in Hapeville.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Restaurant 356: “The food here was awesome! I had the scallops and tagliatelle which was phenomenal. My colleagues had chicken and waffles and schnitzel and spaetzle which they reported was also fantastic. Service was great.”
3. Los Cuatro Milpas Atlanta
4. South City Kitchen
1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 873-7358
South City Kitchen’s menu is one of the most celebrated in the Southeast. And it’s relatively close to a MARTA Station.
Here’s what one reviewer says about South City Kitchen: “Picked this place for out of town co-workers who wanted a “southern experience”. Everyone LOVED it. Couldn’t stop talking about the amazing food. Manning and staff took really good care of us. I even got a “high-five” for recommending 🙂 A classic and modern Atlanta experience all-in-one.”
5. Avize
956 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
West Midtown’s modern Alpine standout is a must-visit. Chef Karl Gorline’s seasonal menu draws from Swiss/Austrian/French/German mountain traditions with Southern touches—standouts include lemon-pepper wet frog legs and inventive plates. The room features a taxidermied white mountain goat, open kitchen energy, and a soundtrack that keeps it from feeling stuffy. High-end but approachable cool.
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6. Madeira Park
640 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 228-2058
Poncey-Highland wine bar from the Miller Union team (Steven Satterfield and partners). Excellent small plates, rare/reserve wines by the half-glass (a smart way to try special bottles), and a cozy, high-energy neighborhood vibe with wood accents and a vintage map. Perfect for sharing, lingering, and discovering something new by the glass.
7. 9 Mile Station
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308 | (770) 999-1532
Entrepreneur Kelvin Slater and wife Mandy have a hit on their hands with 9 Mile Station. Described as an “elevated beer garden,” 9 Mile Station is located on the rooftop of Ponce City Market in Midtown Atlanta.
8. New South Kitchen
100 CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia 30303 | (404) 659-0000
New South Kitchen is one of the best upscale restaurants in Atlanta. Because it is primarily located primarily in a business district, many families don’t know about the daily buffets and gourmet desserts.
If you’re in the mood for a hidden gem with an open kitchen, come to the Omni Hotel’s New South Kitchen.
Here’s what one reviewer says about New South Kitchen. “Good breakfast buffet, but very expensive. Enjoyed my breakfast with a nice variety of good breakfast foods. The service and environment were very nice. Everything was great until I got my $30 bill! Probably will go somewhere else next time just based off the cost even though it was convenient and good.”
9. Bar ANA
939 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (basement of El Ponce) | (470) 763-9626
Bar Ana is a new Atlanta restaurant from James Beard-nominated pastry chef Claudia Martínez’s intimate 21+ late-night dessert and cocktail bar. Afro-Latin-Caribbean influences, artfully plated seasonal sweets that feel like modern art, and creative cocktails in a stylish, cozy courtyard-inspired space. Daytime coffee via Recuerdos; nights are the main event for industry-edgy but warm vibes. A true “last bite, best bite” destination.
10. Two Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 522-4622
Two Urban Licks is one of those places that hometown natives tell you about, but they can’t do it justice. This place has ambiance by the pound! And the menu is great.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Two Urban Licks: “The atmosphere alone is enough to make you come back for more. The salmon chips were incredible, I could’ve had a double order and been satisfied. The Brisket was perfectly charred and an enormous portion and the Scallops with Grits were absolutely delicious.”
11. Superica
99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (678) 791-1310
3850 Roswell Rd NE #100, Atlanta, GA 30342 | (678) 705-1235
Superica’s two locations are hard to be when it comes to upscale Tex-Mex, eclectic selections and creative drinks.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Superica: “Great Mexican cuisine. Very attentive staff and fairly priced. Nice ambiance and very good bar area. Portions are generous. It gets super busy so go early or be ready to wait..a while..”
12. Bar-bacoa
1000 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 815-9155
There are some cool places to eat in Atlanta. And the reason is because there are good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South.
All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
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