The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Atlanta

A List of the Best Restaurants in Atlanta!

by Nadeen
September 19, 2019
A A
A list of the Best Restaurants in Atlanta! Read picks from an Atlanta food blogger on the best places to eat and drink in the city!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a slight commission which helps us keep this information available to you. Thanks!


If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’m a foodie! One of the reasons I love Atlanta is because of the thriving food scene.  Prior to moving here in 2012, I had NO idea there was such a variety of really good and affordable Atlanta food. This blog post has been on my “to do list” for quite some time. Friends and readers often ask my opinion on where to eat in Atlanta. I know this will be a helpful resource for visitors and residents!  But, how does one narrow down the best restaurants in Atlanta?  Thanks to Atlanta Magazine’s article “50 Best Restaurants in Atlanta” I was finally prompted to write my own list.

To prove to you how much of a foodie I am, I have been to 4 out of the top 5 listed restaurants and 7 out of the top 10. Although I agree with most of the mentions for the best restaurants in Atlanta, I definitely have my own favorites, so here goes. Take a look at the Top 5 Food Tours in Atlanta to try it all at a better price!

Staplehouse – the top restaurant in Atlanta:

Atlanta Magazine lists Staplehouse as the #1 restaurant in Atlanta. It has received many accolades since its opening including being named as the best new restaurant of 2016 by Bon Appetit. I have only been once but the menu was creative and the service spectacular. I look forward to returning to try their pre-fixed menu on the patio this summer.

Best BBQ in Atlanta:

Fox Bros BBQ, Moe’s Original BBQ, Grand Champion BBQ

Best Upscale Southern Restaurant in Atlanta:

South City Kitchen, JCT Kitchen, Southern Art, The Southern Gentleman

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Best Italian restaurant in Atlanta:

Boccalupo, Sotto Sotto

Best Spanish Tapas in Atlanta:

The Iberian Pig

Best Latin Food in Atlanta:

Alma Cocina

Best Burgers in Atlanta:

Holeman and Finch, Butcher and Brew. To try: One Eared Stag “the meat stick” and the “Ghetto Burger” at Ann’s Snack Bar. Check out my list of the best burger restaurants in Atlanta.

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Best Atlanta Tacos:

Taqueria Del Sol

Best Thai Food in Atlanta:

Spoon Eastside, Harry & Sons, Nan Thai Fine Dining. I speak from experience! See my guide to Thai food… in Thailand!

Best Middle-Eastern:

Yalla

Best Persian Atlanta Food:

Rumi’s Kitchen

Best Brunch in Atlanta:

Le Petit Marche, South City Kitchen, Local 3, Sun in My Belly, The Lawrence. Check out my blog post of the best brunch restaurants in Atlanta.

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Best Steakhouses in Atlanta:

Hal’s The Steakhouse, Kevin Rathbun Steak

Best Tex Mex:

Agave, Superica

Best New Find- Indian:

Amara

Best Ice Cream:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Best Desserts and Date Night in Atlanta:

Apres Diem

Best Hang Out Spot for Cocktails and Tapas:

Barcelona ( I love the new location at Westside Ironworks)

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Best Atlanta Food Halls:

Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. These are great places to go and explore if you are not sure what you want to eat or if you want to have some of everything! There is a variety of cuisines at both.

Most Unique Restaurant in Atlanta:

Gunshow by Kevin Gillespie. Check out our review of Gunshow. This is a place you need to “know before you go”. The ever changing dishes are delicious but you can easily spend a lot of $$ without realizing it by picking item after item that is presented to you from the a la carte menu. Kevin Gillespie also has a Southern restaurant in Decatur called “Revival”. I have not been there-yet

Ford Fry Restaurants:

BeetleCat, The Optimist, No246, St.Cecilia, JCT Kitchen, Superica, King & Duke. I can’t have a list of the best restaurants in Atlanta without mentioning my favorite restauranteur in the city! From Atlanta to Decatur you will find a mixture of seafood, Mediterranean, Southern food, Tex-Mex and American cuisine.

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Kevin Rathbun Restaurants:

KR Steakbar, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Rathbun’s, Krog Bar. Kevin Rathbun is also a favorite chef and restauranteur in Atlanta. If you are looking for a delicious steak pick from one of his steakhouses. Have a more casual experience at Krog Bar or Rathbun’s.

Best Food Trucks:

Yumbii (which now has its own location in Buckhead!), Nectar (also has a restaurant in Decatur),  Blaxican, The King Kabob, The King of Pops. To try: The Fry Guy

Best Farmer’s Markets:

Atlanta has quite a few farmers’ markets that take place around the city from spring to winter. I have been to the one in Piedmont Park several times and it is wonderful. I plan to make it to Grant Park and the West Midtown markets this year.

My Bucket list of Must-Try Restaurants in Atlanta:

I have a long list of restaurants to try based on great reviews from food critics and bloggers! Therefore, stay tuned for an updated list of the best restaurants in Atlanta. Here is my current list of must try places: The Federal, Restaurant Eugene, Bacchanalia, Bones, Marcel, American Cut Steakhouse, Dolce, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Porch Light Latin Kitchen, Nexto, Nuevo Laredo Cantina, Busy Bee, Chai Pani, 10 Degrees South, Ray’s in the City.

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

 

Honorable Mentions:

 These are a few places I’ve only been to once or twice, but are popular in Atlanta. So if you’ve already eaten at all the places on this list, here are a few more to try:

  • Bocado (known for their burger)
  • Desta Ethiopan Kitchen
  • Cafe Bombay
  • Negril Village
  • Two Urban Licks
  • Sweet Auburn Market.

Of course you may have noticed there are some categories of Atlanta food not listed here, such as best sushi or best pizza restaurants. Based on my dining out preferences, I haven’t visited enough of these to form an opinion. However, be sure to check out the list of best restaurants in Atlanta from Atlanta Magazine as well as the websites of my two favorite Atlanta food bloggers: Lia Picard of The Cardigan Kitchen and Malika Bowling of Roamilicious. Subscribe to the blog and keep up with my latest Food and Atlanta posts! There are several Atlanta restaurant reviews so you will definitely find something that meets your fancy.

What are your picks for the best restaurants in Atlanta? Is it on this list? If not please add it below! One of the great ways to discover great Atlanta food is to explore the restaurants by neighborhood. West Midtown, Inman Park, and Midtown are definitely my favorite places to eat in the city! Check out my previous restaurant guides for West Midtown. This time of the year is the perfect time to do a walking food tour in Atlanta.

Interested in dining out at some of these restaurants for less? Get 2 for 1 entrees at over 70 Atlanta restaurants using the Atlanta Dining Out Passbook! Check out my Foodie’s Guide to Las Vegas next.

Pin this post for future reference.

best restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food, atlanta foodie, insider's guide

Sign up to learn about luxury travel with food + wine experts all over the world.

Curated small group trips where all you have to do is pack your bag, relax & enjoy!

+ Receive my free packing & to-do lists for International travel!

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: AtlantaFoodgeorgiaRestaurantsusa
Previous Post

12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok & Beyond!

Next Post

Relax with Rhone Valley Wines!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

culinary travels, culinary travels by the sophisticated life, culinary tours, culinary tourism, group travel, food and wine tasting
Blog

Introducing Culinary Travels by The Sophisticated Life!

November 15, 2022
black owned brunch spots in atlanta, black owned restaurants in atlanta, brunch in atlanta
Food

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

April 27, 2022
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival
Wine

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting
Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu
Travel

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina
Travel

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
Next Post
Relax with Rhone Valley Wines!

Relax with Rhone Valley Wines!

Postcards from Phuket: Beautiful pictures from my trip to Phuket in Thailand! Take a look at the Phi Phi Islands, Siray Bay and Old Phuket Town!

Postcards from Phuket: Siray Bay, Phuket Town, Phi Phi Islands, Bangla Road.

Comments 12

  1. Samantha says:
    6 years ago

    Great list, I enjoyed how you broke it down into categories like the Oscars! Haha! I am from Columbus, OH so its great to see you mention Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams as it originated in Columbus. They REALLY DO have the best ice cream! Your pictures are gorgeous btw!

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      I am so glad Jeni’s came to Atlanta! Thank you for commenting!

  2. Sally says:
    6 years ago

    This is fabulous! Thank you! We’ve visited Atlanta several times and never know where to eat (Yelp just doesn’t cut it!) Will have to save this list for our next Georgia adventure!

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Great! I am sure you will enjoy the restaurants!

  3. Deliverr says:
    6 years ago

    Impressive!Thanks for the information

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Your welcome!

  4. Janene says:
    5 years ago

    Bacchanalia was featured in the movie “Baby Driver” this summer. Its definitely on my list of places I’d love to try. I’ve heard great things!

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      I didn’t know that! yes I can’t wait to try it!

  5. Borley says:
    5 years ago

    My sister is moving back to ATL from Dubai and I want to have a welcome back party for her. Whats a good restaurant that has a good food but also a fun environment for a lot of friends to come together for a welcome back party?

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Good luck to her! It really depends on how many people you plan to have at the event and your price point and if you want cocktails with appetizers or a sit down dinner. It is probably best to check with some event planners in town. I do know South City Kitchen in Buckhead has event space as well as few of the restaurants in the Shops of Buckhead and the Kevin Rathbun Restaurants.

  6. Gary Anthony "G.A." Herbin Jr. says:
    4 years ago

    Send me a 50-Restaurant Book from Atlanta, Georgia to 617 Slade Street in Gibsonville, N.C. 27249
    it’s a house but my name is Gary Anthony “G.A.” Herbin Jr. and I’m black and I’m a male because so send
    me a 50-Restaurant Book from Atlanta, Georgia so I can look at it so I love it to look at it and my lifetime
    of what.

  7. Dee says:
    4 years ago

    amazing restaurant list. thank you for sharing.

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Blog

Introducing Culinary Travels by The Sophisticated Life!

by Nadeen
November 15, 2022
Food

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

by Nadeen
April 27, 2022
  • This is Vik Iceland 🇮🇸!!! Have you been here? 
Do you normally chase the deal or destination? I normally chase the destination but this time I chased @delta deal to Iceland. I didn’t even know if I would have anyone to go with. In the end 2 woman from a travel I’m in went but I hung out on my own for most of the trip. 

I ❤️ Black sanded beaches! Besides this one I have been to them In Santorini Greece 🇬🇷 and Maui Hawaii 🌸 How about you? 

One of the reasons I posted this is to show Black women are adventurous! Including Black women over 50!!! I booked this tour the night before, got up at 6am and jumped on a tour bus solo. Because seeing this beach was on my bucket list for Iceland. It did not disappoint! 

Do you recognize this beach from a TV show?!!

#vikiceland #reynisfjarabeach #reynisfjara #blacktravelmovement #blacktravelfeed #essencetravels #travelnoire #adventuretravels #blackoutdoors #blackwomentravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #women50andovercandoit
  • Happy Monday!!! The answer is ZERO!! I love this trend because it speaks to me. Even when I haven’t been fond of a destination, I never regret the trip. I always learn something new about the place and about myself. It’s called growth. 

How about you?! 

#igtrends #montegobayjamaica #montegobayjamaica🇯🇲 #traveladdicts #luxurytraveller
  • Thank you @africanamericanvintners for this special #blackhistorymonth2023 feature!! Thank you for showcasing the vast diversity of your members and uplifting us in the industry!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

Repost from @africanamericanvintners
•
"Find your niche, do the research and network."

- Dr. Nadeen White | Owner & Creator/Editor/Curator, The Sophisticated Life & Culinary Travels by The Sophisticated Life

❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚

To celebrate Black History Month, we
  • In my last reel I gave you a long list of foods you should try in Turkiye. Now I’m suggesting the drinks you should try! 

Have you ever had Turkish coffee ☕️? Whew it’s strong! Head to my new blog post “Your Guide to Turkish Food” to find out why-the link is in my stories or thesophisticatedlife.com 

My favorite Turkish drinks-
Turkish tea 🫖 I drank it a few times a day and brought canisters home for me and as a gift 
Salep-thick sweet goodness-but this drink has an interesting history and current dilemma. Read why 
Sherbet-NOT dessert! a refreshing herbal, slightly fruity drink. Not sweet
AND of course I tried Turkish wine 🍷 mostly red blends and dry white wines. 

Have you been to Istanbul or Turkiye? Have you had any of these? Let me know what you think of my blog post! 

@goturkiye @goaheadtours #goistanbul @gogastro #turkishfoods #turkishdrinks #turkishcoffeetime #turkishtea #tslculinarytravels #culinarytour #blacktravelfeed #blackluxurytravel #blackpeopledotravel
  • I am so incredibly proud of @marty_sandiego 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 I met Martinique Lewis years ago before we both found ourselves as co-founders of @theblacktravelalliance where she currently serves as President. She is also the founder of @abctravelgreenbook among other amazing things. This TV show was meant for her!! Please share this post & watch the show on February 6th!!

Repost from @marty_sandiego
•
MY SECRET IS OUT!!! WATCH ME ON @natgeotv FEB.6 FOR MY SHOW ENTITLED ‘’BLACK TRAVEL ACROSS AMERICA’’ ! 

You can’t talk about American History without including Black History! These are the spaces and places that celebrated our stories and paved the way for the future ! If ANYBODY is going to tell the world, IT’S GONE BE ME!!! So tune in!

#blackhistorymonth2023 @natgeo #blackhistorymonthfacts #blacktravelmovement
  • A NEW Blog Post!! Yes 🙌🏽!! Head to thesophisticatedlife.com to read my Turkish Food Guide. It lists out all these yummy foods I ate in Istanbul and gives you interesting facts & history of the dishes!
We ate at about 21 restaurants from fine dining to street food daily!! So there was a lot to cover. 

Have you been to Istanbul? If so which food was your favorite? 

#goturkiye #goistanbul @goturkiye @goturkiyeus #gogastro #culinaryarts #tslculinarytravels #turkishfoods #istanbulfood #istanbulrestaurant #istanbulstreetfood #foodguide #culinarytourism #istanbulturkey🇹🇷

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 2, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

hagia sophia istanbul turkey

Istanbul Travel Guide

February 7, 2023
turkish food, istanbul food, istanbul food guide, meze, mezze, turkish cuisine

Your Guide to Turkish Food

February 8, 2023
culinary travels, culinary travels by the sophisticated life, culinary tours, culinary tourism, group travel, food and wine tasting

Introducing Culinary Travels by The Sophisticated Life!

November 15, 2022
black owned brunch spots in atlanta, black owned restaurants in atlanta, brunch in atlanta

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

April 27, 2022
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life