Atlanta’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from the city’s rich history of migration, civil rights struggles, and global influences. As a melting pot in the South, the ATL boasts restaurants that aren’t just places to eat—they’re cultural landmarks where flavors tell stories of resilience, community, and innovation.
The dining scene in Atlanta is buzzing with the newest and trendiest restaurants, but it’s the old standbys — the most iconic Atlanta restaurants — that perennially fill your tummy.
Iconic Atlanta Restaurants You Need To Try in Atlanta
From soul food spots that fueled the Civil Rights Movement to Buford Highway gems showcasing Asian and Latin American traditions, these eight establishments embody the diverse spirit of our city. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, a meal here is a dive into Atlanta’s soul. Grab a fork and let’s explore.
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar
794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 876-7249
Atkins Park bar, as it is called locally, is an Atlanta icon like no other. Atkins is Atlanta’s longest continuously operated restaurant.
Atkins began as a deli in 1922 and has long been the bedrock of the Poncey-Highland community dining scene in Midtown.
The Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 874-5642
The Colonnade restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road, where it has been since 1962, is a part of old Atlanta in every way. The simple menu full of locally grown-and-bought whole dishes harkens back to a time when good food was just good food and the niceties between wait staff and customer was what made the experience.
Not much has changed. And that’s why The Colonnade is one of the must culturally significant restaurants in Atlanta.
Busy Bee
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 (404) 525-9212
Busy Bee has cultivated a beloved relationship not just with southwest Atlantans, but various movers, shakers and visiting celebrities who pass through town.
More recently, national political figures like Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have used the restaurant as a backdrop to make announcements on their national tours.
Tucked in the historic Vine City neighborhood, Busy Bee Cafe has been dishing out fried chicken and collard greens since 1947, earning its stripes as a James Beard-recognized American classic in 2022.
This unassuming takeout spot served meals to legends like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama, making it a cornerstone of Black culinary heritage. The cultural significance? It’s more than meat-and-three plates—it’s a testament to West End resilience amid urban challenges. Must-try: The signature fried chicken with peach cobbler for dessert.
Golden Buddha
1905 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033 | (404) 633-5252
A Clairmont Road fixture for more than 50 years, Golden Buddha serves up Cantonese classics like mu shu pork in a no-frills setting that’s seen waves of Asian immigration reshape Atlanta’s palate.
Its enduring appeal lies in authentic flavors that bridge old-world traditions with Southern fusion experiments.
This spot underscores the city’s Chinese-American history, from railroad workers to modern entrepreneurs. Essential: Sweet and sour chicken with egg rolls for that nostalgic crunch.
Havana Sandwich Shop
2905 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 | (404) 636-4094
This family-run gem on the iconic Buford Highway has slung cubanos for over 45 years, embodying the Latin American wave that transformed Atlanta’s suburbs into a global corridor.
With roots in Miami’s Cuban exile community, it celebrates pressed sandwiches as affordable, flavorful exile cuisine. Culturally, it’s a nod to Atlanta’s 26+ nations represented along this strip.
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Go for: The classic Havana sandwich—roast pork, ham, Swiss, and pickles on Cuban bread.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 876-1800
You don’t even have to look at the menu, just glance at the wall of celebrities and world leaders that have passed through the doors at Mary Mac’s Tea Room for home-coooked fried chicken, pot likker and more.
Since 1945, this Ponce City Market staple has been Atlanta’s go-to for tearoom-style Southern fare, founded by the trailblazing Mary MacKenzie who turned a boarding house kitchen into a community hub.
It’s a rite of passage for newcomers, complete with complimentary pot likker and a “wall of fame” of celebrity patrons. Culturally, it preserves Midcentury Southern rituals while adapting to a diverse clientele. Pro tip: The fried green tomatoes and banana pudding are pure nostalgia.
This place is also a tourist attraction in Midtown Atlanta, pulling in thousands of visitors to the city each year.
Manuel’s Tavern
602 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 525-3447
North Avenue’s Manuel’s Tavern, opened in 1956 by Lebanese immigrant Manuel Maloof, has evolved from a neighborhood dive into a political powerhouse—think Jimmy Carter’s campaign HQ and a post-fire rebirth in 2016.
This spot fosters Atlanta’s democratic spirit, drawing journalists, activists, and everyday folks for burgers and brews. Its cultural weight? It’s a microcosm of the city’s blue-collar ethos and inclusive vibe. Signature order: The tavern burger with a side of fries and a cold local IPA.
Majestic Diner
1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 875-0276
Majestic Diner has been satisfying Atlanta foodies since the late 1929. Not just another greasy spoon, this 24-hour restaurant in Midtown is the place to go for authentic burgers and breakfast.
Paschal’s
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 3031
The most famous black restaurant in Atlanta, Paschal’s traces its roots back to 1947. That’s when brothers James and Robert Paschal opened their first location at 831 West Hunter Street.
For over 70 years, Paschal’s has been a beacon in Midtown, its fried chicken drawing crowds since the 1940s—but its true legacy lies in the 1960s, when it hosted clandestine meetings for Civil Rights leaders, including MLK and his inner circle.
As a safe haven for activists during protests, this soul food institution symbolizes Black empowerment and hospitality. Today, it blends tradition with modern twists in a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss: The smothered pork chops and sweet potato pie, paired with live jazz on weekends.
Paschal’s became an unofficial meeting place for the civil rights movement. Today Paschals is located on Northside Drive in Castleberry Hill section of downtown Atlanta.
What’s cooking in Atlanta?
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
Final Word
Culturally significant restaurants in Atlanta come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the crusty diner and the tourist-friendly landmark, etc.
The city’s rich history only adds to the culturally significant places to eat in Atlanta.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz (casual) explosion in recent years.
Speaking of dining in Atlanta, the best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
