If someone asked you for the best food cities in America, you’d probably say New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and you wouldn’t be wrong–but after those heavy hitters, you’d have to include Atlanta. Haven’t heard much about their food scene? That’s what we were afraid of. Not only does Atlanta have some of the country’s best restaurants, it has some of the most diverse, too. Here’s our guide to 10 Atlanta spots you can’t miss.
Ponce City Market
Going to Ponce City Market (PCM) is like entering the future—the future where food courts aren’t filled with chains, but instead small outposts of big name local restaurants and testing grounds for new chefs. The Central Food Hall has over 30 different options, ranging from bakeries, ice cream shops, Indian street food, sushi, Mexican, and more. Don’t skip out on a Five Daughters Bakery donut, a chicken biscuit sandwich from Hop’s, or a savory bowl of pho from Vietvana. With so many options, there’s something for every taste bud.
Staplehouse
If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal while you’re in Atlanta, this is the spot. Besides being named the city’s #1 restaurant by Atlanta Magazine, it was named the Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit in 2016 and one of the 38 Essential Restaurants in the US by Eater. The menu is modern New American and changes seasonally, so expect the unexpected, but don’t worry, it doesn’t get too crazy. Enjoy take out or choose to dine al fresco in the relaxing setting of the Staplehouse garden. You can even stop by the specialty market and purchase local vinegars and spices to add to your own culinary creations.
Miller Union
When you’re in the South, you want to eat Southern food, right? In Atlanta, there’s no better option than James Beard-winning chef Steven Satterfield’s Miller Union. Start with the farm egg baked in celery cream, but after that, the world’s your oyster. Don’t expect your run of the mill shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and so on. This is New American cuisine with a distinctly Georgian twist, as nearly everything served is grown in the state. We recommend the seafood gumbo paired with a glass of wine from the extensive wine list.
The General Muir
Get ready for your newest obsession: The General Muir. This contemporary take on a Jewish deli offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pop in in the morning for a bagel with schmear and smoked fish, grab yourself a giant-sized reuben for lunch, or try one of their dinner plates, like the Friday night-only fried chicken or Sunday night spaghetti. If you’re on the move, you can always stop into the deli itself and grab a sandwich, salad, or loaf of freshly baked bread to go.
Chai Pani
Chai Pani is the sister restaurant to Botiwalla, one of our favorites inside Ponce City Market, so you know it’s good. Start off with a mango lassi and one of their chaat snacks, like the chicken pakoras, before moving on to one of their signature sandwiches. If you’re there for dinner, we recommend getting a Thali—you’ll get a melange of regional dishes, sides, and sauces. Besides being out of this world flavorful, the menu is extremely friendly for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners.
Tomo
Every city has sushi, but not every city has great sushi. Luckily, Atlanta has chef Tomohiro Naito’s Tomo. Located just a few minutes away from Atlanta Tech Village, home to some of the city’s most promising tech startups, Tomo is known for its limited, nightly omakase. That means you’re getting the best of what he’s received that day, served both very traditionally, and with some modern spins. Prices start at $100 but can get closer to $200 if you want to ball out with caviar and foie gras. Our opinion? You only live once.
Ticonderoga Club
Ticonderoga Club is…something. To be honest, it doesn’t make sense, and that’s exactly what makes it perfect. Its interior design is mostly Colonial with a touch of modern. The food ranges from Cajun to English to Southeast Asian. There’s a 48oz chuck roast. There’s a wine menu that focuses mostly on France. The cocktails seem to be vaguely pirate-themed, but known throughout town as some of the best you can find. The point is, don’t think about it too much, just go and experience it for yourself.
Kimball House
Kimball House is just the kind of place that feels cool to hang out in. The building was originally built in 1891 as a train depot, and the vibe inside still feels very early-20th-century-cool. Along with Ticonderoga, Kimball House is known for having the best cocktails in Atlanta, mixing classics and modern twists seamlessly. It makes a pretty great date spot, too. We recommend sitting at the bar and enjoying a fine libation, including their surprisingly large absinthe offerings, and some of their incredibly fresh oysters. Dinner itself is a mashup of classic French with a southern twist. Whatever you end up ordering, we’re certain you’ll leave happy.
Tiny Lou’s
The Hotel Clermont is already one of the hippest hotels in Atlanta, but it’s even cooler now that Tiny Lou’s has opened inside of it. This restaurant pays homage to the classic French designs and dishes of the early 20th century. It’s self-described as “a swinging French-American brasserie”, and we couldn’t put it any better. The menu is full of French classics, like steak frites, Burgundy snails, and bone marrow, but be sure to save room for something sweet; once you see the options on the dessert cart, you won’t be able to resist.
Buford Highway
Like Ponce City Market, Buford Highway isn’t one restaurant. Heck, it isn’t even one single place full of restaurants. This strip of road is packed to the gills with international restaurants and markets. Don’t let the strip mall vibes push you away, though—all the real foodies know this is where to go. Stop by El Rey Del Taco for, well, tacos; Lee’s Bakery for a killer banh mi; and Yet Tuh for traditional Korean fare. You really can’t go wrong.
Living in Atlanta will give you easy access to some of the best spots for dining. These restaurants are just a glimpse of what Atlanta’s scrumptious food scene has to offer. Don’t live in Atlanta yet? Search for your next apartment and you’ll get to eat your way through your new city’s tastiest restaurants.
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