Travel guide to the best restaurants in Atlanta, including a variety of foods and cuisines for every visitor.
Atlanta is the culinary jewel of the Southeastern United States. The 1996 Olympics are responsible in part for revitalizing Atlanta's dining community, and creating the diverse and impressive offerings that are available today. No longer just a "meat and three" town, Atlanta's restaurants have grown up, and the city's sophisticated culinary scene can hold its own against the likes of New York City and San Francisco.
So what is the best restaurant in Atlanta? It would be hard to pick just one, so here are a few that are worthy of the title. Seeger's features the exquisite and eclectic cuisine of culinary genius Guenther Seeger. The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead is the ultimate four-star dining experience. Bacchanalia single-handedly has revitalized the West Midtown warehouse district, offering creative masterpieces that Atlanta diners had never seen before.
Other terrific restaurants in Atlanta include the Northern California inspired cuisine of the warm and welcoming Woodfire Grill. South City Kitchen puts an upscale spin on favorite southern dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Bones is the ultimate steakhouse for those with expense accounts. Oscar's in College Park is a gem off the beaten path, and conveniently located near Atlanta's airport. Rising stars include the chic brasserie MidCity Cuisine, the trendy homestyle cooking of Rathbun's, and the refined elegance of Restaurant Eugene.
What are some international favorites of Atlanta's diverse restaurant scene? Nikolai's Roof features impeccable Continental cuisine and service in a Russian inspired setting. Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse featuring luscious cuts of meat, served right at your tableside. Soto offers the best sushi in the city. Imperial Fez is one of Atlanta's most delightful dining experiences, where traditional Moroccan cuisine is served while belly dancers entertain patrons.
Sotto Sotto has wowed Atlantans since its opening, presenting beautifully prepared rustic Italian cuisine in a minimalist setting. Nam offers upscale Vietnamese dishes like "shaking beef" in an ultra-sleek, sensual environment.
Where are the hottest celebrity dining spots in Atlanta? Music stars Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown frequent the Palm. Twist and Bluepointe are popular noshing places for celebrities visiting Atlanta. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar, and View, perched atop the Westin Peachtree in Downtown Atlanta, is a popular spot with the movers and shakers of Atlanta. The revolving dining room floor provides dramatic views of the city that can't be beat.
Not all of Atlanta's great restaurants require a mortgage payment to dine at though. The Varsity is a true Atlanta landmark, serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and F.O.'s (frosty orange drinks) for more than half a century. The Majestic and Landmark Diner are forever embedded in Atlanta's urban landscape, offering greasy spoon goods to those on the late night prowl. And who could forget the frosted delights of a hot and fresh Krispy Kreme doughnut. One of the original stores is located right in the heart of Atlanta, and has been restored to all of its retro glory.
For more great cheap eats, don't miss Atlanta's stellar soul food restaurants. From the fluffy biscuits at Beautiful Restaurant to the savory collard greens at Thelma's Kitchen, you can eat like a king for a pauper's price. The fried chicken at Son's Place in Inman Park is fantastic. The historical Paschal's is a bit more upscale, but offers those standard soul food dishes that can brighten anyone's day.
If barbecue is what you are hankering for, the metro Atlanta area has you covered. Fatt Matt's Rib Shack has been featured on the Food Network for its real-deal ribs and pulled pork. Pull up a chair and stay for the hot blues music. 5th Street Ribs and Blues provides tasty, meaty ribs to a hungry Georgia Tech crowd. The retro looking Rolling Bones BBQ is equipped with a convenient drive-thru, perfect for those tailgating parties at the nearby Georgia Dome. Pig-n-Chik, with multiple metro Atlanta locations, can whip up a batch of their mouth watering pulled pork and ribs that is sure to be a hit at any function. Swallow at the Hollow is another great barbecue joint that features live music, mainly singer-songwriters from nearby Nashville.
If you are craving a big, juicy burger, Atlanta has several restaurants that can satisfy your craving. The Vortex, with two Atlanta locations, serves up one mean burger, available with a wide range of toppings. The Varsity's burgers have become a local legend. Equally on a legendary level are the huge "ghetto burgers" at Ann's Snack Bar. Just make sure you mind Ann's rules of the house or you may find yourself leaving empty-handed. The Earl in East Atlanta is a great place to chow down on a burger, drink a PBR, and listen to some edgy indie rock music. Joe's on Juniper also offers tasty burgers with a generous heaping of fries. Their patio overlooking the Midtown skyline is one of the best in the city.
Pizza is king in Atlanta, and pies of all kinds can be found throughout the city. Cameli's is known for their "monster slice." Mellow Mushroom has dozens of metro Atlanta locations and specializes in unique toppings. Fellini's is another winner for local pizza, and their patios are great for noshing on some pies under the stars. Fritti offers an upscale take on pizzas, with gourmet toppings galore. Everybody's has two locations in Atlanta and makes great pies, pizza crisps, and some of the best salads in the city.
Speaking of salads, vegetarians should not feel neglected in Atlanta. Café Sunflower and Broadway Café are popular hangouts for healthy eaters. Green Sprout features Asian vegetarian cuisine. Lush offers gourmet vegetarian cuisine, presented in an artistic manner.
Have a sweet tooth? Atlanta doesn't skimp on its dessert selections. Café Intermezzo is a great way to finish up an evening. Their dessert and coffee selections are impressive. Apres Diem is another great place for dessert. Their multi-tiered dessert case is always chock full of yummy delicacies. Jake's Ice Cream, with franchises throughout Atlanta, offers homemade ice cream and sorbets in a host of unusual flavors, including "Brown Shugah" and "Chocolate Slap Yo Mama." Jake's is very kid-friendly as well.
Atlanta's diverse dining scene should please and satisfy even the pickiest of palates.
