The best restaurants in Atlanta

This Buckhead staple is known for its elegant setting, comfortable vibe and unmatched hospitality. Dishes like lump crab cakes, slow braised pork, pan seared scallops and bourbon glazed chilean salmon impress with not only their flavors but also their visually striking presentation. Aria offers an excellent wine list to match. 

Lazy Betty redefines the dining experience with its inventive, multi-course tasting menus. This intimate Candler Park spot offers a blend of modern techniques and global flavors, all served with Southern hospitality. The sleek, minimalist interior sets the stage for dishes that are as artful as they are delicious. With seasonal ingredients and ever-changing menus, every visit promises something new. The result is a dining experience that's both upscale and approachable.

It’s hard to do better than this stylish eatery on a cozy date night, a charming restaurant serving small plates of contemporary Spanish cuisine. Everything is exceptionally well presented and offered in satisfying quantities. For a slice of Spain in the heart of Georgia, don’t miss the cast-iron–seared octopus, braised pork-cheek tacos and confit duck ravioli. Or go all-out with your group for the shole suckling pig.

This charming tropical hideaway in Reynoldstown offers some of the city’s most delicious plant-based fare. The setting is playful, with vintage decor and hand-painted banana leaves adorning the bar. Cocktails like the Agricole, a rum-based cocktail with mole and Angostura bitters, complement the vibe. The forward-thinking menu celebrates Cuban classics and timeless Latin dishes. The vegan Cubano, made with house-made seitan and jackfruit lechón, is a standout, though the true highlight might be the bistec de palomilla, made with locally-sourced lion’s-mane mushrooms.

For an elegant meal in a laid-back setting, head to Kimball House, housed in the former Decatur train depot. The award-winning cocktails are a highlight, but stay for dinner, and you’re in for a treat. Local fish and veg dishes, top-notch steaks, and impressive desserts are all on the menu.

The Colonnade has been serving meat and three plates to hungry locals and visitors in some form and location for almost a century (it opened in 1927). It is not a fancy or trendy restaurant, but it is one of Atlanta’s favorite ones. Put your name down on the list and spend some time hanging out at the popular bar among a slew of recurring characters, from bikers to blue hairs. Once your table is ready, order the fried chicken and choose from a long list of old-school sides (fried okra, mac and cheese, aspic).

Don’t be alarmed with the chorus of “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” coming your way as you enter the renowned North Avenue diner. Instead, be prepared. Walk right up to the expansive counter and place your slaw dog order with confidence. Want to really blend in like a local? Finish your order with an F.O., an orange and vanilla flavored milkshake.

Bones has been serving prime beef, fresh seafood, and regional specialties since 1979. The old-school vibe, exceptional service, and clubby dining rooms make it a top choice for special occasions and corporate gatherings. From the shrimp cocktail to the broiled lobster or any steak on the menu, the food is of the finest quality, and the acclaimed wine cellar has just the right pairing to take a meal to the next level.

Hayakawa is a must for sushi lovers. The serene space holds just eight spots at the sushi counter where guests enjoy a multi-hour, unforgettable omakase tasting menu. Featuring the finest selection of fish and personalized service, this is a sushi experience rarely found outside of Japan.

That less-than-delicate tapping sound you’ll notice as you wait in line to order is the chop-chop-chop of delicious BBQ meats; all served in a dining room defined by the kind of country decor that will make you feel right at home. Community Q is right by Emory University, so it’s the ideal dining destination for those looking to explore the school.

From appetizers that star farm eggs and celery cream to one of the best grass-fed burgers in town and the to-die-for duck breast, this is Southern cooking at its most elevated. Miller Union's executive chef is Steven Satterfield, winner of the 2017 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast, a region full of exceptional talent. Do you need another reason to make a reservation?

Dress up. Wear a tie. Learn which fork is the salad fork. Bacchanalia is a magnificent, luxe dining experience. Even though the restaurant has relocated from its original location to a spot not too far away, the signature dishes remain the same. The four-course tasting menu will surprise you in the best possible way. Bacchanalia is the place to celebrate a happy occasion or enjoy a great meal with family, close friends, or that special someone.

Located in Inman Park, this Italian-American spot is both a neighborhood favorite and a must-try for visitors to Atlanta. Chef Bruce Logue’s ‘pasta kingdom’ serves fresh noodle dishes, many of which have become instant classics. Don’t miss the 20-yolk tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and Tuscan kale kimchi or the black spaghetti with hot sausage, red shrimp, and scallions. The wine list is equally impressive.

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Thanks to two grill-happy Texans, Atlanta is home to one of the best BBQ joints in the country. Tuck into sticky wings, rib sandwiches, brisket and bacon burgers, and more meaty options than your meat-loving heart could desire. Biscuits and barbecue, what more could you ask for?

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Tucked away in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood, Poor Hendrix offers a laid-back vibe that perfectly complements its eclectic menu. This neighborhood spot nails the art of comfort with a selection of small plates, sandwiches and craft cocktails that keep locals coming back. The intimate space feels like a secret hideout where you can enjoy a cold beer or a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed evening, Poor Hendrix delivers a uniquely chill experience that’s as unpretentious as it is satisfying.

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The lines are long, the parking situation is ridiculous, and there’s almost no actual seating, but this Korean BBQ fusion joint is so good nobody seems to care about all the trouble. Serious BBQ scholars rank Heirloom Market among the best BBQ spots in Atlanta. The spicy Korean pulled pork sandwich with kimchi is a firm favorite topped with any one of five different sauces. The sides are equally memorable.

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Politicians, presidents, hip-hop stars, sports stars, actors, and hungry locals craving authentic Southern food all pass through Busy Bee's doors regularly. Try the fried chicken or BBQ ribs, and remember to get some cobbler for dessert. Why visit? First of all, this is an Atlanta institution. Secondly (or maybe, firstly), the fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and cobbler. No trip to ATL is complete without a trip to The Busy Bee. This is 'The South on a Plate,' after all.

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This New England-style tavern in Krog Street Market fosters the conviviality of a social club without the membership fees. Settle in for comfort fare ranging from fried Ipswich clams to vegan noodle bowls to Gulf shrimp risotto. The crispy veal sweetbreads are a standout. Pair with a drink or two from the exceptional cocktail list. Don’t miss the club’s riff on a mint julep: the Ticonderoga Cup includes aged rum, French brandy, Sherry, pineapple, lemon and mint.

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The vibrant rhythm of Jamaican culture pulses throughout this Jamaican institution—from the food to the atmosphere. Jerk chicken, rich curry plates, braised oxtails, jerk fish fried rice and other traditional dishes are enhanced by reggae beats and an infectious energy. You’ll feel the Caribbean vibes as soon as you walk in. Check out breakfast too, when the menu features callaloo, dumplings and saltfish fritters.

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Talat Market celebrates the flavors of Northern Thailand with authenticity and innovation. With its vibrant ambiance and bold aromas, you’ll be transported to the streets of Chiang Mai. Led by Chef Parnass Lim Savang, Talat Market crafts dishes that pay homage to tradition while pushing boundaries, from fragrant curries to fiery salads. Stop by for happy hour, which features a range of specials and unique cocktails like a pina colada with a Thai twist.

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Virgil’s celebrates the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture through tantalizing Lowcountry cuisine. Each dish tells a story, from she-crab soup to shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo to Gullah egg rolls stuffed with red rice, cabbage and shrimp. Try the crab rice mixed with sauteed bacon, onions, and peppers with a side of greens, then follow up with the brownie-based Chucktown Chewie sundae for dessert. This spot is a must for a taste of the coastal plains of South Carolina and Georgia.

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A post shared by Lee's Bakery Atlanta | Vietnamese Restaurant (@leesbakeryatl)

Tuck into delicious and affordable banh mi and pho, generally considered some of the best in Atlanta. Be warned; the line during the peak weekend meal timesat Lee's can get pretty long, so opt for takeout if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure not to leave empty-handed. Plus, it’s one of the few Vietnamese places on Buford Highway where you can get a pho-banh mi combo, so you don’t have to choose between favorites.