Ultimate Guide: Where To Eat In Atlanta

One thing about the best places to eat in Georgia’s largest city is that they all represent for Atlanta. No matter if it’s a seafood joint, gluten-free options or some chicken wings, they are true to Atlanta and combine excellent customer service with tasty good.

This article will show you where in Atlanta you can have an excellent dining experience with top-notch food and drinks.

Here’s Where To Eat In Atlanta Right Now

No matter where you’re from, there are always a few dishes that you prefer over others. And so, we’ve designed this resource to cater to your plate-to-mouth desires.

Georgia is on your mind, but has it ever been on your plate? I’m talking about locally sourced ingredients that taste as authentic as the Georgia clay.

Our Best New Restaurants of Atlanta E-Book covers all the hot spots that have opened over the past year that you should check out.

Want to eat out on the town? Indulge in your personal food preferences by going on a personal food tour without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.

Dining out in the city can also provide a chance to peop

We’ve organized this in order of the Big 4 — Seafood, Fried Chicken, Steak and Brunch — with a side of Vegan for good measure.

Table of Contents:

Seafood

OK, so Atlanta is not a coastal city, we get it. But that doesn’t mean the largest city in the Southeast can’t truck or fly a few fins in on a daily basis. Here are Atlanta’s best seafood joints right now:

McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant

3209 Maple Dr. Atlanta NW |  (404) 237-1313

McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant has been a Cajun mainstay for over four decades. Located at , McKinnon’s is the place to go for Louisiana-style  Bourbon Street Scallops, crabmeat au gratin and more.

Here’s what one reviewer says about McKinnon’s: “We recently enjoyed an entertaining evening with a group an McKinnon’s. The owner Aziz greeted us and made sure we were well attended to. I did not know this was one of the oldest restaurants in Atlanta! They had live music and a lovely atmosphere. Thanks for a wonderful evening!”

Louisiana Bistreaux

Atlanta Locations:

  • 1375 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344  404-762-6755
  • 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030,  404-963-1463
  • in Buckhead inside a Hampton Inn hotel  404) 941-9545

Here’s what one reviewer said about Louisiana Bistreaux: “Absolutely loved the music & our server Theo was the best. I had looked into coming here for our dinner before flying out on vacay. I am so glad we did. We had the oysters both raw & broiled w/ garlic & parm…OMG so so good. So good we order another dozen after our 2 half dozens of each. The oysters were huge fresh & juciy. I had the crawator grouper which was absolutely mouth watering delicious. The flavor & the grouper coated in the chip crust was amazing. My husband has the cajun BBQ shrimp….so good. Full of flavor. Afterwards we stuffed ourselves with beignets. Definitely recommend to enjoy a meal here.”

Atlanta Fish Market

265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 |  (404) 262-3165

“I had the Blackened Mahi Reuben sandwich. This might have been one of the best sandwichs I have ever had. It was a thick cut of Mahi with a slaw on rye,” says one patron.

Here are some excellent seafood places in Atlanta.

 Fried Chicken

There are few things that unite Atlantans like some good fried chicken.  Here are some top places to visit right now.

Buttermilk Kitchen

4225 Roswell Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30342  678.732.3274

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Buttermilk Kitchen: “With an ever changing menu based on what’s fresh and available, Buttermilk continues to be my go-to spot and recommendation for brunch in Atlanta. Their homemade Chicken Biscuit with red pepper jam is a keepsake that, if the option is available, is a must try.”

Try this great fried chicken in Atlanta.

Busy Bee

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!”

Steak

There are few things as powerful on a plate as a brownish blackened, glistening steak. Thankfully, Atlanta restaurants know the recipe. 

Bone’s Restaurant

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.

Make a reservation at Bones

A Yelper says: Bones Salad will change how you feel about salads, and it’s a crime to not try either the french onion soup or the lobster bisque.” Address: 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Blue Ridge Grill

1261 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | (404) 233-5030

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Blue Ridge Grill: “Absolutely love this place. Busy, bustling, friendly – awesome food, equally awesome staff and service (thank you Angelica, our wonderful server). Everything is great, including a wonderful wine list.”

Make a reservation at Blue Ridge Grill

Chops Lobster Bar

70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305  (404) 262-2675

If Bones is the king, then Chops is the president: confident, immaculate and sure in its power. Don’t be surprised to see a who’s who of old-school Atlanta in this classic chophouse.

Check out these top steak places in Atlanta.

Brunch

Brunch is one of those times on the weekend where you can catch with the girls, party in the day and unwind from the treacherous week. In Atlanta, brunch isn’t a place; its a state of mind.

Let’s check out the hot brunch spots right now.

Park 75

75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 253-3840

Photo credit: Cafe 75 / Instagram

Park 75 is located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown. This upscale restaurant is popular among business travelers. Brunch menu faves: House Smoked Salmon, Eggs Benedict, Egg White Frittata.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Park 75: “THE MOST AMAZING place to go for an upscale brunch in the city. It comes with a higher price tag than most brunch but it is worth it. Located in the Four Seasons hotel in Midtown. The seafood spread is insane. Everything I ate was made to perfection and the service is exquisite!”

The Spice House

2247 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | (404) 254-2153

The Spice House in Cascade offers live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday. Brunch faves include the Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cakes and the Bottomless Mimosas.

Here’s what one reviewer says about The Spice House: “Excellent food. Great drinks that you feel after just 1! And great live music on Sunday when I went! It’s authentic Haitian good. Get the black rice and oxtails!”

Best brunch spots in Atlanta.

Vegan

If you’re health-conscious and looking for a place to eat, there’s no need to worry. Atlanta has many great vegan spots. Here are a few:

True Food Kitchen

3393 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 3058B, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 481-2980

Here’s what one customer says about True Food Kitchen: “Literally the best meal and best service I’ve ever had. I’ve been in the industry for over 8 years and have never left a restaurant feeling so welcomed and satisfied. Nicole and Heath went well out of their way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. Pro tip: Get the Cauliflower app (literally the best thing I’ve EVER tasted and I don’t even like cauliflower that much) and ask for Nicole, a SERIOUSLY wonderful server. Couldn’t rate this place higher and can’t wait to visit again.”

Herban Fix

565 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 |  (404) 815-8787

Here’s what one customer says about Herban Fix: “Herban Fix is definitely my favorite vegan restaurant. This was my third visit & I got the scallion pancake, soy fish and caramel cake… I’m convinced you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I don’t even like kale and I would marry the kale I had today. Jimmy is also the best server I’ve had at any restaurant; the service here sets an unbeatable precedent. “Compliments to the chef” isn’t enough for the incredible experience Herban Fix offers. Can’t wait to come back!”

Gutierra Vegan Mexican

1038 White St SW Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30310

Here’s what one customer says about Gutierra Vegan Mexican: “Best vegan food in Atlanta! It soooo good! Not only that the customer service is A1! I stalk the Ig to see when he’s open! Thank you so much for your food and amazing service!”

Best vegan and pescatarian food in Atlanta.

Final Word

There is simply no way to encapsulate the many flavors and different types of cuisine represented in Atlanta’s restaurant scene. But if you’re looking for a place to eat, one of the restaurants on our list can satisfy you totally. And we haven’t even told you about the city’s stable of soul food joints. If you want a stiff drink, there’s some awesome and storied watering holes as well. What’s the point? The point is that Atlanta’s food and drink scene scene is popping! 

Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

CJ Johnson: CJ is a longtime Atlantan who has written a book about Atlanta's food scene. He has also fallen in love with the city's music and sports scenes. He writes about Food, Restaurants, Travel, Sports and Atlanta Culture. Check out the book. https://amzn.to/3RPmbZM