Atlanta, GA has many delectable restaurants no matter what your hometown palate is used to! Check out our list of the best places to grab a bite so that you can have an enjoyable dining experience before or after exploring Atlanta’s sights.
We love finding new restaurants and we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites for you. We rate each restaurant and highlight the best dishes and drinks that they have to offer. Our favorites were chosen based on:
- The quality of the food and drinks.
- How unique the menu is and how tasty the food is.
- The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant.
- The service we received from the wait staff.
Here are our top recommendations for Atlanta, GA restaurants
1. Canoe
Dine on exquisite New American dishes made with fresh ingredients from local farms, all while enjoying a beautiful view of the Chattahoochee River. The menu changes seasonally, so you can always look forward to something new and delicious.
Address: 4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (3.6k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “What a great brunch experience. From the atmosphere to the service and the food I wish I could rate this place higher. Started with the freshly baked pastries which are a must. I had the smoked salmon eggs Benedict and the flavor was exquisite. I also tried the french toast. Simply delicious. Don’t leave before enjoying your favorite cocktail by the river. You can spend hours admiring such a beautiful place.”
2. The Optimist
This seafood spot offers plenty of reasons to return, including luscious lobster rolls, gumbo, wood-fired oysters, and more. The country-modern space has a raw bar and serves up divine cocktails along with simply wonderful oysters.
Address: 914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.6(3k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “Loved this restaurant. Tall ceilings with exposed wood. Low lighting. Nice romantic dinner spot! The dining tables were spaced out at 6 feet apart. The food was delicious! The bread was one of the best I have ever had! Served warm and topped with a little olive oil and sea salt. I had the halibut steak which was cooked to perfection! The fried rice was good but it had a strong saffron taste. The fried rice was a sharable portion size. The food came out at perfectly timed intervals. We plan to dine here again, very soon!”
3. The Capital Grille
This high-end steakhouse chain’s outpost serves classic American fare in a refined, upscale setting and is the perfect spot for special occasions. The menu includes dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and innovative sides, all perfectly seasoned with the restaurant’s signature rubs and spices.
Address: 255 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.7(1.2k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “I took my sister here for lunch and it was the best dining experience I’ve had in a long time. Our server was Michael! Shout out to him for making our outing so spectacular. He was very informative about the menu and our drinks. He made us laugh and we felt very cared for. The food spoke for itself. The lobster salad was so light and fresh. I got the chicken mushroom risotto which was cooked to perfection. The portions were great, the cocktails were so good as well. The Creme Brule had you wanting seconds! Capital Grille is where its at!”
4. Nan Thai Fine Dining
Classically-styled restaurant with a modern, Zen-like interior design and the menu features upscale eats that are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Serving up delicious Thai fare with a modern twist, Nan is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing evening out.
Address: 1350 Spring St NW #1, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.6(1.3k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ stars for our dining experience at Nan Thai Fine Dining. The dining room was beautiful. The table was divinely dressed. The service was wonderful and the food was not only tasty, but desirable works of art. Don’t take my word for it. Experience it for yourself and let me know what you think! ❤️❤️❤️
5. Poor Calvin’s
This restaurant is sleek and inviting, with a menu full of Asian fusion cuisine and drinks ranging from classics to modern creations. The dining room is open and bustling, giving the place a casual vibe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Address: 510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.5 (3k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “Poor Calvin’s certainly lived up to their reputation. Fine dining in a modern yet quaint little spot that is still spacious enough that you don’t feel enclosed. Customer service was exceptional with very good details on selections of all items including desserts. The food was excellent, especially the lobster mac and cheese. It should be noted that the food portions were very generous. I highly recommend making a reservation and there is a automatic 19% gratuity added to all bills.”
6. South City Kitchen Midtown
This restaurant’s modern take on Southern classics has made it extremely popular, especially among brunchers. Its upscale surroundings are the perfect backdrop for its best dishes: fried chicken, burgers, and waffles.
Address: 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (3.1k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “Came here with a small group of about 5 people and left very full and happy. The ambience is old southern home, right down to the nostalgic narrow wooden staircase to the second floor. We sampled most of the recommended dishes. Some favorites included the fried green tomatoes and the cornbread for appetizers; the pork chops, fried chicken, and butcher steak for entrees; and all three desserts. 🙈 For me especially the chocolate-caramel and the banana pudding. The location is pretty great too, with a lot of nightlife right around the corner.”
7. Cooks & Soldiers
An upscale restaurant serving Basque tapas & larger shareable portions cooked on a wood-burning grill with a great bar scene featuring craft cocktails. This restaurant’s focus on giving guests a unique dining experience extends beyond its menu, as its striking decor and attentive service make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends.
Address: 691 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (1.2k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “Been here twice and both experiences have been amazing! Wonderful service, amazing and unique food! Only small thing to note, the cauliflower was cooked over propane and unfortunately we could taste that in the meal. Very minimal compared to the overall 5 star experience!”
8. Bones Restaurant
A steakhouse institution serving prime beef & seafood in clubby rooms with an old-school vibe. The steak at Bones Restaurant is some of the best in the city, and its cocktail menu has a wide range of classics that are sure to please every palate. This restaurant’s upscale ambiance makes it the perfect place for memorable dinners with friends or special occasions.
Address: 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, United States
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (2.1k Reviews)
Our Favorite Review: “Loved walking inside and feeling welcomed. I would recommend making a reservation in advance. We made a reservation the same day and they only had one time slot left to choose from. The parking area is right next to the restaurant as valet parking. The staff was extremely kind to us and explained the menu very well. They made sure we were satisfied with everything and even escorted me to the bathroom since I hadn’t known where it was. The mountain high pie was delicious, would recommend for ice cream lovers. It’s a giant slice of various ice cream flavors stacked into a pie with a chocolate drizzle.”
