The southside of Atlanta makes the news for all the wrong reasons, but something you might not realize is that it has become a foodie paradise in recent years. We’re talking cajun food, vegetarian fare, Caribbean cuisine and all types of seafood. Do you travel below I-20 to get your grub on?
In this article, we’ll show you the best Atlanta restaurants on the city’s south side. I’ve been to them all.
What Are The Best Restaurants On Atlanta’s South Side?
Even with the world’s busiest airport in the mix, Atlanta’s south side still lags behind its northern counterpart when it comes to restaurant openings. But that’s OK, a recent surge in grand openings is slowly changing that.
Atlanta’s south side has plenty of great places to eat. Here are the best restaurants on Atlanta’ south side.
Buttermilk Biscuit
1634 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30337
Tucked inside quaint shopping center Virginia Station off in College Park, Buttermilk Biscuit packs a big breakfast punch. Here’s what one reviewer says about Buttermilk Biscuits. Read our review.
“The Belgian waffles were melt-in-your-mouth wonderful,” says one reviewer.
Oreatha’s On the Point
2287 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30311 | (404) 228-4852
Opened by acclaimed restaurateur Chef Deborah VanTrece, the eatery’s kitchen is now helmed by hef Christian “Lucke” Bell, who serves it up something elegant.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Oreatha’s. “Had an amazing time at Oreatha’s. The waiter who was also the bartender was attentive. He checked in on us an appropriate amount of times and made sure we were good on drinks. My Okassan was definitely one of my favorite drinks. I love the atmosphere and the food was delicious. I loved everything that was plated in front of me. From the amuse bouche to the main entree. I look forward to dining here again. This restaurant is a gem.”
The Beautiful Restaurant
2260 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Legendary in the West End, the Beautiful restaurant is known for its faithful breakfast and no-frills Southern food. If you need a dependable spot to eat, it’s The Beautiful. Faves include the fried catfish and beef oxtails over rice.
The Corner Grille
3823 Main St, Atlanta, GA 30337
The Spice House
2247 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | (404) 254-2153
Baltimore Crab & Seafood
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
695 Cascade Rd SW STE 440 Atlanta, GA 30331
Leave it to a celebrity hairstylist to serve up exactly what the masses need. Gocha Hawkins, known for styling the coifs of mega-personalities like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kandi Burruss and other stars, opened Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in January 2019 in the Cascade area of Atlanta.
Jamrock
This Jamaican restaurant encompasses everything we love about Caribbean cuisine: flavorful dishes, warm and inviting hospitality along with authentic Jamrock roots, mon! The counter-serve restaurant is small on dining space, but you can still get you a carryout of Jamaican jerk chicken, curry goat & other favorites.
Owing to its popularity, Jamrock Jamaican restaurant has three Atlanta locations: 111 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, 381 Moreland Ave SE and 1232 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.
Jay’s Kitchen & Bar
3752 Cascade Road, Atlanta, 470-440-5090
Jay’s Kitchen & Bar comes from the minds of music executives Jomo Hankerson and Heather Wesley, who have worked with musical powerhouses like Tony Braxton, Aaliyah, Tank and Ice Cube. The southwest Atlanta restaurant is housed in a 4,000 square foot structure perfect for entertaining large crowds and celebrity events. Favorite dishes include Jay’s Filet Roast, Chicken in the Pot and Sauteed Collossal Shrimp Grits.
Kemper’s Cafe
1955 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
Kemper’s Cafe has revitalized the Metropolitan Parkway food options with its Caribbean + soul food-inspired dishes.
The menu has plenty of island favorites such as Curry Chicken, Oxtails and BBQ Jerk Chicken.
Lickety Split
1155 Virginia Ave Suite F, Hapeville, GA 30354
Here’s what one reviewer says about Lickety Split: “Slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite dining establishments. The staff are nice and the food is slamming. I am stuck on the fried chicken which is definitely some of the best that the city has to offer. I like that they allow you to pick your 3 pieces, so if you wanted 3 breasts or 3 wings, it’s your call. The sides are excellent and I feel like I eating my mother’s cooking.”
The Mr. Everything Cafe
- 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW Suite N-316, Atlanta, GA 30331
- 899 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
- 2220 Jonesboro Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213
The Mr. Everything Cafe has some of the most delectable salads in all of Atlanta. Best Restaurants On Atlanta’s South Side.
Order from The. Mr. Everything Cafe here.
One reviewer says this of The Mr. Everything Cafe: “My favorite go to spot ever. The rice balls are awesome!! Get one every time I go. I always know I won’t be disappointed. But if you don’t like to wait make sure you call ahead of time.”
Rosie’s Cafe
2330 Sylvan Rd Atlanta, GA 30344
There are two other locations (downtown Atlanta and Carrollton) but the original one in southwest Atlanta has a special place in our hearts. Here’s what one customer says about Rosie’s. “Absolutely delicious food! Jennifer (aka Taraji P’s twin) was the best waitress and Shay was the best host! They took such great care of us. 10000/10 recommend the chicken & waffles, the biscuits…and everything else on the menu. Great seasoning and great flavor. Reminded me of my grandma’s cooking. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the ATL!”
Why Atlanta’s Southside Restaurants Are a Big Thing
Atlanta socialite Todd Tucker, who is married to Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss, shared the reason why he wanted to build a restaurant on Atlanta’s south side.
“As you may know, we live on the Southside of Atlanta, so my thoughts were, we need places to go on our side of town.”
“We usually go to Midtown and Buckhead,” he said, So we’re starting Blaze Steak and Seafood, where you can come and get some crab legs, shrimp, boiled oysters, kind of like that New Orleans-style thing. Just some good hearty food.
Tucker, an entrepreneur that knows a good business opportunity when he sees it, is on to something.
Final Word
Atlanta’s southside has some of the best black restaurantsof , and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.