Alpharetta, the bustling suburb just north of Atlanta, has long been a haven for food lovers, but this year has elevated its culinary game to new heights.
With over 200 eateries ranging from hidden gems in historic Crabapple to flashy spots in the Halcyon development, the city’s dining scene blends Southern comfort with global flair. Whether you’re craving wood-fired steaks, Persian kebabs, or Korean fried chicken that once nabbed national acclaim, Alpharetta delivers.
In this article, I’ve tasted and tested 10 standout spots—curated from local buzz and expert picks—to help you navigate this flavorful frontier.
Where To Eat in Alpharetta
From family-style feasts to intimate omakase experiences, these restaurants are where Alpharetta’s palate shines brightest.
1. Delbar Middle Eastern – Alpharetta OM
4120 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (404) 777-6037
Yes, Delbar has multiple metro locations, but this one, nestled in the upscale OM complex, Delbar offers a palatial escape into Persian cuisine that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Chef Fares Kargar’s family-style menu highlights skewers of marinated meats, a slow-cooked lamb shank stew, and tahdig-topped polo rice—crispy saffron rice that’s pure comfort.
The cavernous dining room with soaring ceilings makes it ideal for groups, and its Michelin nod cements its status as a must-visit for refined Middle Eastern fare.
2. Jerusalem Bakery & Grill
11235 Alpharetta Hghwy Roswell, GA 30076 | (770) 696-1499
This Mediterranean hybrid—part restaurant, part grocery—feels like a slice of the Levant right off the Alpharetta Highway.
Dive into platters of hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush served with warm, fresh-baked pita, or go big with shawarma wraps and lamb shank specials. It’s casual, affordable, and endlessly customizable, drawing locals for quick lunches or hearty takeout.
Pro tip: Stock up on spices and olives from the market side for your next home-cooked feast.
3. Kimchi Red
3630 Old Milton Pkwy, Ste 110, Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (470) 336-7222
Korean street food gets a fiery upgrade at this Alpharetta outpost, where the menu sizzles with bulgogi bowls and their signature Korean fried chicken—once crowned Yelp’s “Best Fried Chicken in the Nation” in 2023.
Toss in house-made sauces like Jeonju bibim sauce or soy garlic pepper, and pair with the Red Buldak cheesy spicy ramen for a heat-packed adventure. It’s fast-casual done right, perfect for a post-shopping Avalon bite.
4. Lily Sushi Bar
220 S Main St, Suite H, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 650-3168
For sushi purists, Lily’s intimate downtown perch delivers Japan-sourced fish in nigiri, sashimi, and omakase flights that rival Atlanta’s finer spots.
The binchotan-grilled meats add a smoky twist to the menu, while hand rolls keep things approachable. With a cozy vibe and meticulous prep, it’s the go-to for date nights or solo celebrations—book ahead, as seats fill fast.
5. Rumi’s Kitchen
7105 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 534-8855
Tucked into the Avalon development, Rumi’s channels vibrant Middle Eastern flavors with a modern edge.
Exclusive charred tomato labne starters lead into standouts like badenjoon eggplant stew, chicken barg skewers, and the shirin rice pilaf studded with orange zest, barberries, pistachios, and almonds. It’s a feast for the senses, blending hospitality with bold tastes that linger long after the meal.
6. Foundation Social Eatery
55 Roswell St, Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 691-0028
Perched on the second floor of a parking deck (yes, really), this American spot reopened with a bang in 2022 and hasn’t slowed down.
The sous vide-then-flash-fried octopus—tossed with fingerling potatoes, chorizo, and a butter-lemon sauce. Wash it down with a Graham Beck sparkling rosé, and end on the peanut butter candy bar dessert. Rooftop views make it a summer staple.
7. Smokejack BBQ
29 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (770) 410-7611
Barbecue fans, rejoice: Smokejack’s pan-regional approach pulls from Memphis ribs to Texas brisket and Alabama white sauce, all smoked low and slow.
The signature beef burnt ends are a smoky, caramelized dream, and the family-friendly setup in Crabapple welcomes kids with open arms. Pair with local brews for a true Southern pit stop.
8. Ocean & Acre
6290 Halcyon Way, Suite 620, Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (678) 823-8887
The 2025 newcomer at Halcyon brings New England coastal vibes to Georgia, with nautical blues, pergola patios, and a menu heavy on seafood.
Hot buttered lobster rolls, cast-iron crabcakes, and bouillabaisse pasta shine, while landlubbers can opt for smoked grilled pork with paprika-guava glaze or steaks topped in port wine reduction. It’s fresh, briny, and a welcome addition to Alpharetta’s surf scene.
9. Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
800 Mayfield Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (770) 817-0161
Housed in a 150-year-old farmhouse in the Historic Crabapple district, Milton’s sources ingredients from its on-site garden and nearby farms for farm-to-table magic.
Prime steaks and herb-crusted trout with sweet potato shrimp fritters headline the dinner menu, while weekend brunch and new $15–$19 lunch sandwiches keep it accessible. The patio is prime for lazy afternoons.
10. Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar
6290 Halcyon Way, Suite 610, Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (770) 559-8749
From the team behind HOBNOB, this Halcyon steakhouse is a carnivore’s paradise, helmed by Chopped winner and Kyma vet Olivia Hurst.
Wet-aged ribeyes and espresso-rubbed filets pair with housemade pastas and small plates, plus preset wine flights for oenophiles. It’s upscale without the stuffiness—ideal for sealing deals or savoring specials.
Final Word
Alpharetta’s restaurants aren’t just about the food; they’re about the stories—the immigrant chefs blending heritages, the historic barns turned bistros, and the patios buzzing with Northside chatter.
As the year winds down, why not make a reservation and taste why this suburb is stealing Atlanta’s culinary thunder? Share your favorites in the comments, and happy eating!
Alpharetta’s not the only dynamic plate on the Northside, Sandy Springs has the eats as well.
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