In a year where Southern hospitality meets global gastronomy, Atlanta’s dining scene is once again proving it’s a force to be reckoned with.
OpenTable, the go-to platform for restaurant reservations, unveiled its annual Top 100 Restaurants in America list for 2025, and the Peach State punched above its weight with not one, but three Atlanta establishments earning well-deserved nods.
America’s Best Restaurants, According To OpenTable
Amid a coast-to-coast lineup of 100 elite spots – from California powerhouses to New York staples – our city’s steakhouses, Italian havens, and sushi sanctuaries stand tall, showcasing the diverse flavors that make Atlanta a true foodie destination.
The list, drawn from a staggering 10 million verified diner reviews collected between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, isn’t just about star power; it’s a data-driven celebration of excellence.
OpenTable crunched metrics like average ratings, the percentage of five-star reviews, reservation demand (including advance bookings and capacity fill rates), and even direct searches to score contenders.
Only those hitting a minimum review threshold made the cut, resulting in an alphabetical-by-state roster (no numerical rankings here – every entry is a winner). With Atlanta’s trio all boasting perfect 4.9-star ratings on the platform, it’s clear our locals are delivering unforgettable nights out.
Buckhead’s timeless elegance dominates the Georgia contingent, but West Midtown sneaks in with a modern twist.
Here’s the lowdown on Atlanta’s honorees, each a pillar of our vibrant culinary landscape:
Bones: The Steakhouse Standard-Bearer
Perched in the heart of Buckhead at 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Bones has been Atlanta’s go-to for power lunches and celebratory suppers since 1979.
This isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s an institution where prime aged beef meets fresh Maine lobster and Southern-rooted specialties like sautéed mushrooms atop a petite New York strip.
Diners rave about the “best steak in town” and “exceptional service,” with one OpenTable reviewer calling it their “favorite restaurant in Atlanta for 40 years.”
What sets Bones apart? An award-winning wine cellar boasting over 1,350 labels – browsable via iPad for that tech-savvy touch – and a cozy, club-like vibe perfect for sealing deals or toasting milestones. Zagat has crowned it America’s top steakhouse for food and service, and with 630 glowing reviews on OpenTable, it’s no wonder.
Pro tip: Pair your dry-aged ribeye with a classic martini; they shake ’em like no one else in the ATL.
La Grotta: Italian Heritage in a Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the speakeasy-style basement of a Buckhead condo at 2637 Peachtree Rd NE, La Grotta feels like a secret shared among Atlanta’s elite since its 1978 debut.
Overlooking a lush courtyard garden, this Northern Italian treasure specializes in handmade pastas, seared calamari, and veal dishes that whisper “nonna’s kitchen” with upscale flair.
“Still the best restaurant in Atlanta,” declares a loyal patron, while another praises the “impeccable” fall patio under heat lamps.
Voted Atlanta Magazine’s Best Italian for 18 straight years and a 25-time AAA Four Diamond winner, La Grotta embodies timeless class – think vitello tonnato appetizers and goat cheese-stuffed ravioli mains.
Chef Daniel Chance, at the helm since 2021, sources fresh, local ingredients for hearty, rustic plates that pair beautifully with the full bar’s cocktails.
It’s the spot for rehearsal dinners or corporate escapes, seating up to 110 in private bliss. Dress to impress; this is where trends fade, but classics endure.
Mujō: Sushi Elevated with Southern Soul
For a sleek departure from Buckhead’s classics, head to West Midtown’s Mujō at 691 14th St NW, where Michelin-starred omakase meets moody, intimate vibes.
This 15-seat cypress-counter haven, led by Kentucky-raised Chef J. Trent Harris (a veteran of Tokyo and NYC sushi temples), delivers Edomae-style nigiri feasts that evolve nightly with seasonal fish flown in from Japan.
“Phenomenal service” and “impeccable food” dominate the 119 OpenTable reviews, with guests swooning over wagyu bites and chawanmushi custards.
Opened in 2022 after a pandemic pop-up stint, Mujō infuses Japanese precision with Atlanta flair – think hip-hop on the playlist and bespoke cocktails in the dimly lit bar. It’s a “luxury seafood dreamland” where small plates precede a nigiri progression, all in a space that activates every sense
Esquire named it one of America’s Best New Restaurants in 2023, and its Michelin nod cements the hype. Reservations? Book months ahead; this is ichi-go ichi-e – one chance, one meeting – at its finest.
Atlanta’s representation on this national stage underscores our city’s evolution from Southern comfort to world-class innovation.
With heavy hitters from Chicago (15 spots!) and California (16) leading the pack, Georgia’s trio – all within a short drive of downtown – highlights how we’re blending heritage with high-end without missing a beat.
Final Word
As Debby Soo, OpenTable’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, noted in the announcement, these honorees “exemplify the incredible dining experiences available across the country.”
Whether you’re craving a dry-aged cut at Bones, al dente perfection at La Grotta, or nigiri nirvana at Mujō, make your move – tables fill faster than a Falcons comeback. Atlanta’s food scene isn’t just cooking; it’s commanding the conversation. What’s your next reservation? Drop us a line in the comments.
Even if 100 restaurants don’t fit your fancy, you can also come and grub at one of the best places to eat on the southside. The street’s walkable, trendy vibe, enhanced by vibrant murals and restored brick storefronts, draws food enthusiasts and supports a burgeoning dining scene.
More Food Coverage: