What Food Is Atlanta Best Known For?

Atlanta has so many places to eat that you may be forgiven if you don’t know what type of food is its signature. And before you say lemon pepper wings, just know that Georgia’s largest city is way more than that.

That is a question best answered by consumers who patronize Atlanta’s many restaurants, bars and taverns. What we do know is that there are many restaurants with great dishes that are exclusive to the establishment.

Here Are 13 Foods Atlanta Is Best Known For

When you think about the dishes that every Atlantan must try for themselves here is what we have. Check out the food Atlanta is best known for:

Pork Chops at Malones

1258 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344  — (404) 762-5577

Malones Steak & Seafood is part of the dining scene of the Hapeville corridor although it is technically in Atlanta. One thing you do not want to sleep on are the pork chops at Malones.

Taco Pete: Nachos

2957 Main St, East Point, GA 30344 | (404) 968-4790

Taco Pete is an East Point institution that has been serving awesome tacos and Mexican food for years. One of the top dishes are the nachos, which are the most delicious on the south side.

Here are the types of nachos offered by Taco Pete:

• Cheese Nachos -Tortilla chips covered in cheddar cheese sauce. Served with jalapeño peppers and sour cream.
• Chili Cheese Nachos -Tortilla chips covered in our homemade chili and cheddar cheese sauce. Served with jalapeño peppers and sour cream.

Busy Bee: Fried Chicken

810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | (404) 525-9212

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the fried chicken at Busy Bee: “This time the wait wasn’t too long. The fried chicken and iced tea, were on point, as usual. I can never tire of the excellent service, personable staff and exquisite soul food. YESSSSSS!”

Loca Luna

550 Amsterdam Ave NE C, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 875-4494

Loca Luna has some of the best tapas in Atlanta. From the Empanada de Pollo to the Lamb Chops, Barilla de Pollo and Gambas Fritas.

Gus’s: Hot Chicken

231 Peachtree St. NW A-05 The Mall at, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 996-2837

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is the longest-running chain serving hot chicken. After expanding in the Atlanta market a few years ago with a restaurant downtown, Gus’s has big plans to open up several more locations in metro Atlanta.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: “I’m from out of town and wanted to have some fried chicken in Atlanta and ended up here on a whim. Extremely glad I did. Honestly, best fried chicken I’ve ever had. The skin is delightfully crispy, not too heavily spiced. The meat was amazingly tender and juicy. Service was great and homey, I felt like I was treated like a regular even though it was my first time there.”

Holeman & Finch: Burger

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Holeman & Finch Public House has some great beer and IPAs but it holds distinction as having one of the best burgers in Atlanta. They only make a limited number of them per day. Try the double patty H&F Burger and see if you agree.

Read about the best burgers in Atlanta.

South City Kitchen: Chicken & Waffles

 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 873-7358

One of the best restaurants in Midtown Atlanta is South City Kitchen. So it’s no wonder that their chicken and waffles are in the upper echelon!

Read more: The best chicken & waffles restaurants in Atlanta

Louisiana Bistreaux: Beignets

Atlanta Locations:

• 1375 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344 | (404) 574-6210
• 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030 |  (404) 963-1463
• 3312 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 941-9545

No, this is not New Orleans or anywhere close to it, but the beignets at Louisiana Bistreaux are very Cafe DuMonde-ish. And if you don’t know, that’s the gold standard.

The Varsity: Chili Dog

 61 North Avenue NW Atlanta Ga 30308 | (404) 881-1706 

What’ll you have? At the Varsity, the Chili Dog is the top dog at one of Atlanta’s most renown food institutions.

Jamrock’s Jerk Chicken

Metro Atlanta Locations:

• 1232 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 |  (678) 973-2532
• 111 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 577-4622
• 6523 GA-85, Riverdale, GA 30274 | (470) 278-2848

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.

Lickety Split: Fried Chicken

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.”

Q Time Restaurant: Turkey Legs

1120 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310

Among the best of the Styrofoam plate eateries, Q Time Restaurant continues to impress. This West End gem sits in a strip mall a short distance from Willie Watkins Funeral Home, The Wrens Nest and even the Atlanta University Center. Q Time is known for its succulent turkey wings, collard greens and meatloaf.

Bone’s Restaurant: Steak

3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 237-2663

If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.

What Should You Eat In Atlanta?

If you’re struggling with what to eat in Atlanta. Perhaps, it’s best to break it down by the type of restaurant you like or the food you like.

Here are some of the best Atlanta foods to try:

• Best Fried Chicken Restaurants
• Best Chicken & Waffles Restaurants
• Best Soul Food Restaurants
• Best Hot Chicken Restaurants