Chicken and waffles, buttery biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and pimento cheese—no matter what’s on the menu, Atlanta is a dream city for foodies.
I grew up just outside the city, and I love showing friends all the delicious foods Atlanta has to offer. Home to authentic southern cuisine, decadent brunch dishes, and everything in between, you definitely won’t leave Atlanta hungry.
Here are 19 of the best restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia you and your taste buds won’t want to miss.
The Varsity
The Varsity is a classic Atlanta restaurant and diner that dates back to 1928 and has earned a reputation as “The World’s Largest Drive-In.” Today, the massive establishment is perfect for a memorable lunch or a quick bite from the drive-through.
The Varsity has a fun atmosphere and the menu features classic American fast-food favorites like hotdogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, fries, and onion rings. Make sure to try their famous Frosted Orange milkshake!
- 61 North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Visit the website
Der Biergarten
Located in downtown Atlanta next to the Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, Der Biergarten is a German-style restaurant and beer garden with outdoor seating and an impressive beer list.
It’s one of my family’s favorite restaurants in the city and I still have dreams about their Käsespätzle and potato pancakes. For good food under the twinkle lights, Der Biergarten is a must.
- 300 Marietta Street NorthWest, Atlanta, GA, 30313
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Visit the website
The Vortex
Contributed by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
One of Atlanta’s most iconic and whacky restaurants is The Vortex. With locations in Midtown and Little 5 Points, this 21+ adults-only restaurant features American fare with an over-the-top twist!
Inside the décor is wild with lots of old signs, license plates, and adult humor. It’s a really crazy experience and the food and drinks are great!
Finally, be sure to check out the Laughing Skull Lounge, which is the world’s smallest comedy club for only 74 occupants located in the back of the Vortex’s Midtown location.
So whether you’re visiting Atlanta for a day or staying for a while, be sure to add The Vortex to your restaurant list.
- Midtown: 878 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA
- Little 5 Points: 438 Moreland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA
- Visit the website
Home Grown
Contributed by Kelli and Eddie from The Vanabond Tales
You haven’t been to the South if you haven’t over-indulged in a true southern breakfast. In Atlanta, there are tons of breakfast and brunch options dotting the various neighborhoods but one of the best is Home Grown found in Reynoldstown.
This retro-style, country diner on Memorial Drive serves up some of the best southern classics you can find including southern staples such as fried chicken biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. Home Grown also puts its own spin on a few southern breakfast classics.
Specialties include Donnie’s breakfast of home fries with peppers and onions topped with crumbled sausage and cheddar cheese or Kevin’s breakfast of cheese grits topped with chili and eggs served with, of course, a biscuit.
One lazy morning breakfast at the diner counter and you will quickly realize why Home Grown has captured the hearts of so many Atlantans.
- 968 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
- Visit the website
Flying Biscuit Cafe
If you’re looking for a classic Atlanta brunch, you can’t miss the Flying Biscuit. It’s one of my favorite spots to take visiting friends and they serve delectable breakfast dishes all day long. (According to their website, each Flying Biscuit location makes nearly 5,000 biscuits per week!)
While they’re known for their biscuits, they’re also one of the best places to try creamy grits. I like the veggie grits bowl which is served with breakfast potatoes and one of their dreamy biscuits. The pimento cheese fritters and fried green tomatoes are also out of this world.
Not in the mood for breakfast? They also serve plenty of lunch items like burgers, sandwiches, and pot pie.
- 1001 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309
- 1655 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- 857 Collier Rd NW Suite 16, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
- Visit the website
Agave Restaurant
Agave Restaurant is located in Cabbagetown and serves southwestern cuisine alongside an impressive tequila selection. Whether you’re after fresh taquitos, crispy brussels sprouts, grilled fish, New York strip, or tasty tacos, Agave does it all with a southern flair.
There’s a cozy, romantic atmosphere, making this a great choice for special occasions. Since Agave is a popular spot, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance so you don’t miss out on a delicious meal with one of Agave’s signature margaritas.
- 242 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30312
- Visit the website
Busy Bee Cafe
Busy Bee Cafe is an Atlanta soul food restaurant that was established in 1947. At Busy Bee, you can taste classic chicken, fish, pork, and beef dishes served with incredible veggies and sides. Guests rave about the fried chicken and waffles and the homemade mac and cheese.
Right now, Busy Bee is doing take away service only but you can order ahead to avoid the long line. A great way to try southern cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Atlanta.
- 810 Martin Luther King, Jr Dr, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
- Visit the website
The Nook on Piedmont Park
Located in Midtown Atlanta just steps from Piedmont Park, The Nook is known for great food, award-winning drinks, and a lively outdoor patio space. I’ve been here several times for brunch and my favorite thing to order is their famous Totchos, or tater tot nachos.
Visit for brunch, lunch, and dinner to sample tavern food with a southern twist. It’s the perfect spot to watch a game or grab a bite after exploring Piedmont Park.
- 1144 Piedmont Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309
- Visit the website
Silver Skillet
Silver Skillet is a breakfast spot that’s been serving southern food since 1956. With a retro design and vintage decorations, this restaurant has been featured in dozens of movies and films.
This Atlanta restaurant was featured on the popular food show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. It’s not uncommon to see a celebrity stop by.
Silver Skillet is open for breakfast and lunch. Indulge in traditional southern fare like biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, chicken and waffles, and hash browns. Make sure to try their famous lemon icebox pie!
- 200 14th Street Atlanta, GA 30318
- Visit the website
Taqueria del Sol
Taqueria del Sol is a casual Mexican restaurant with locations around Georgia and Tennessee. When I was in college, this was one of our all-time favorite spots to grab a bite, and as I write this I can still taste their amazing veggie bean tacos.
The menu at Taqueria del Sol includes simple and flavorful Southern-inspired tacos, enchiladas, and salsas.
When you arrive, you’ll wait in line to order at the counter, then take a seat in the colorful restaurant. The line can be long sometimes, but their fresh food is worth the wait!
- 1200-B, 1200-B Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
- 2165 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, United States
- Visit the website
The Lawrence
The Lawrence is an upscale brunch, lunch, and dinner establishment in Midtown Atlanta. They partner with local farmers to offer a seasonal menu that’s fresh, creative, and always delicious.
Dig into a savory country fried steak or sweet plate of bananas foster french toast while sipping elderflower mimosas.
If you’re enjoying a weekend brunch with friends, take their “Not your mom’s sangria” for a spin on the outdoor patio. With outstanding service and a modern, artsy atmosphere, The Lawrence is perfect for a special occasion.
- 905 Juniper Street, Atlanta GA 30309
- Visit the website
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Located downtown near the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Atlanta Breakfast Club is a perfect place to go for your first meal of the day.
Choose from classics like old-fashioned oatmeal, crispy chicken and waffles, and biscuits with gravy, or go for something more unique like breakfast tacos or a fried green tomato BLT.
- 249 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30313
- Visit the website
Kimball House
Located in Decatur on the Stone Mountain Trail, the Kimball House serves upscale dishes with a French twist. The building used to be a railway station, but today it’s home to an impressive raw bar and a seasonal farm-to-table kitchen.
Southern Living recognized Kimball House as the best new restaurant in Atlanta in 2014, so make sure to stop by next time you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving fresh oysters.
- 303 East Howard Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030
- Visit the website
Miller Union
Miller Union serves farm-fresh American cuisine near Atlantic Station and the Georgia Tech campus. The restaurant is located in a refurbished warehouse and offers plenty of unique indoor and outdoor dining spaces with an industrial, modern atmosphere.
Guest reviews rave about the farm egg baked in celery cream starter and across the board, many visitors said Miller Union was one of their top meals in a long time.
This comes as no surprise, considering that executive chef Steven Satterfield has won a James Beard award for Best Chef in the Southeast.
- 999 Brady Ave, NW Atlanta, GA 30318
- Visit the website
Sushi Hayakawa
Sushi Hayakawa is a traditional Japanese restaurant with an award-winning chef, Atsushi Hayakawa. Eating here with friends was one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Atlanta and a must for anyone who loves authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine.
Reservations are required, and if you’re looking for an above and beyond experience, consider booking the Honkaku Omakase option. This includes a multi-course tasting menu made before your eyes while the chef explains each dish.
- 5979 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30340, United States
- Visit the website
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill is a quirky eatery that’s been open since 1985. This colorful restaurant has a huge outdoor dining area and a diverse menu that includes all-day breakfast.
If you’re not hungry for breakfast fare, you can choose from salads, sandwiches, bowls, pasta, quesadillas, and hardy main dishes. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available, as well as fresh juices and smoothies.
- 1812 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Visit the website
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Satisfy your sweet tooth with The Yard Milkshake Bar. Home to positively decadent milkshakes you’ll have to see to believe, The Yard is located in downtown Atlanta just a few steps from Centennial Olympic Park and The World of Coca Cola.
Choose from dozens of classic ice cream flavors and toppings, or go all out with an over-the-top milkshake topped with entire slices of cheesecake, cookies, candy bars, or scoops of cookie dough.
- 341 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313
- Visit the website
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a food hall and shopping center located in Old Fourth Ward near Piedmont Park. Dine at the classic French cafe, taste authentic ramen, chow down on burgers, and visit the cookie dough counter.
You can also head to The Roof at Ponce City Market for more food, mini-golf, boardwalk games, rides, and special events with a city view. No matter what time of year you visit Atlanta, there’s always something fun going on at Ponce.
- 675 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
- Visit the website
Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is a food hall and multi-use space located in a historical warehouse building in the Inman Park neighborhood.
Travel and Leisure named it one of the world’s best new food halls in 2015, and today, it’s home to over a dozen delicious restaurants, cafes, and snack spots.
- 99 Krog Street NE Atlanta, GA 30307
- Visit the website
Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia
Whether you’re looking for a quirky burger joint, a classic fine dining spot, or local brunch with southern influences, these Atlanta restaurants each offer a memorable dining experience. Bon appétit!
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Yum! That’s a great list–you made me hungry!!
I’ve lived in Atlanta for 27 years and, for the handful of these I’ve been to, the reviews are spot on. The Silver Skillet has the ambience of a working man’s diner but the location and the reputation for good food fast made it a power lunch place as well. You might see the mayor dining next to a group of construction workers in the SS. Der Biergarten is not to be missed during a big soccer match but be sure to get there early.