This April 2021 marks 5 years of living in Atlanta, and one of my greatest joys over the last few years has been exploring Atlanta’s restaurant scene. Experiencing good food + drink has always been a core value of mine, and I have left no stone unturned to find my favorite spots. For all of the times that I get asked “what places would you recommend in Atlanta?” here is a list of all my frequented favorites, special occasion places, happy hour musts, and more. Enjoy!
EDIT – as of fall 2021 we live in the city, so I’ve updated this list with some new finds and new regular favorites.
Atlanta
Food & Drink Guide
ATL Favorite Restaurants
Antico – Not only the best pizza in Atlanta, but my favorite pizza ever. The Sophia is my favorite! It’s a casual experience at best: BYOB and be prepared to sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers at picnic tables. But trust me, you will not find better pizza.
Barcelona Wine Bar – A tapas restaurant that’s great for date night. Get the croquettes, it’s a requirement.
Beetlecat – A favorite seafood spot in Inman Park. I dream of their lobster roll and oyster happy hour, plus their downstairs bar is adorably retro themed. Whether you want just drinks + bites or a full meal, it’s a fun spot. (I’ve always wanted to try their donut brunch, too!)
Biltong Bar – Hands down my favorite drinks in Ponce City Market. The Celery Sour or See You Spaced Cowboy are my favorites. Their food is great as well, but their cocktail menu is the standout.
Bread & Butterfly – Another favorite spot in Inman Park. Their menu is French inspired full of delicious items, especially their bread products. It’s definitely a favorite weekend pick for breakfast or brunch, and has the cutest decor (surprise surprise I love a restaurant with aesthetics).
Cooks & Soldiers – Tapas restaurant in West Midtown with insanely delicious food. Perfect for a dressy date night or special occasion.
East Pole Coffee Co – As someone works from home often, I’m always looking for a new place to work outside of my house. This is a favorite coffee shop to sit and get work done!
JCT Kitchen – Downstairs, you’ll find a refined dining room specializing in upscale Southern food. Upstairs, their bar is super cozy (great cocktails!) and they have a great bar menu. (TRUFFLE FRIES.) Edit – JCT Kitchen is now closed! 🙁
Jeni’s Ice Cream – Not an Atlanta exclusive, but still a must.
Ladybird – JJ and I’s favorite spot off of the Beltline. Their menu is great but we really come here for the vibe. Our favorite Sunday is taking the dogs to the Beltline for a long walk, then stopping off at Ladybird for a mid-day snack or drink.
Le Colonial – A Vietnamese-French inspired restaurant and truly a 10/10 experience. The lounge is stunning, go early for a drink before your reservation!
Little Rey – A reliable spot for tacos and margaritas. Casual and delicious. I love their breakfast tacos!
Storico Fresco – Our one and only spot for Italian!
Superica – If I could only eat at one restaurant in Atlanta, this would be it. I love their entire menu (seriously) but if you’ve never been, get the fajitas.
Honorable Mentions:
Bocado – Upscale dinner restaurant on the Westside. I’ve been here for dinner with some girlfriends, we split some small plates + a bottle of wine and it was a lovely evening! Edit – another spot that sadly closed! 🙁
Bone Garden – Solid choice for Tex Mex cuisine. The decor is Day of the Dead which is super fun, and they have a killer spicy margarita.
Delbar – Another Inman Park favorite if you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern cuisine!
Emerald City Bagels – Located in Edgewood, I dream of these bagels. My two favorites are their pretzel bagel and rosemary sea salt.
Hampton & Hudson – A favorite casual spot in Inman Park. I love their brunch!
Joy Cafe – One of my favorite spots for brunch located in Midtown. I am not a bloody mary girl but this place makes the only one I’ll order!
Marcel – One of the best meals I’ve had in Atlanta. Truly an excellent steakhouse and the restaurant itself feels so sexy. It’s perfect for a special occasion and well worth the dining experience. Everything, and I mean everything, from appetizers to steak to espresso martini was incredible.
New Realm – A favorite brewery right off the Beltline. Their patio and rooftop is great for alfresco dining! It’s a great spot if you’re just looking for drinks, but I think the food is fantastic.
Nine Mile Station – The restaurant on the roof of Ponce that is well worth visiting. Great food and cocktails, and a great view of the city!
The Optimist – Beetlecat’s sister restaurant that has fabulous seafood, incredible dinner rolls (I can’t stop eating them), and an awesome vibe. Best item on their menu – Shrimp A La Plancha.
Ton Ton – another Ponce City Market favorite! If you’re ever in the mood for ramen, this is my recommendation.
West Egg Cafe – Solid breakfast/brunch restaurant in West Midtown. Casual, hip, and delicious.
