22 Must-Try Places to Eat in Atlanta for Food Lovers

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Atlanta’s food scene is where Southern charm meets bold, global flavors, making it a foodie’s paradise. From classic fried chicken and soul food to innovative fusion dishes and farm-to-table creations, this city has it all. Picture cozy spots serving peach cobbler that melts in your mouth, trendy rooftop bistros with skyline views, and lively markets dishing out tacos, barbecue, and everything in between. Known for its hospitality and diverse influences, Atlanta’s restaurants are as dynamic as its culture. These 22 must-try spots will take you on a flavorful journey, showcasing why Atlanta is a top-tier destination for food lovers. Come hungry and ready to taste the best the city has to offer!

👉 Pro Tip: Escape to Georgia’s wine country with the North Georgia Wine Country Tour! This full-day trip from Atlanta takes you to top wineries for award-winning tastings while sharing the region’s rich wine-making history. Perfect for wine lovers, it’s a relaxing way to sip and explore stunning vineyards. Cheers!

Unique Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia: 22 Incredible Atlanta Eateries

Are you excited to explore the most unique restaurants in Atlanta? As previously mentioned, Atlanta is a treasure trove of dining options that cater to every culinary preference. Keep reading to find out where to eat in Atlanta, Georgia for a distinctive dining experience.

Are you looking for Southern comfort food with an innovative twist? Or perhaps a fusion dish that melds traditional Southern flavors with global influences? Whatever your taste desires, Atlanta has an array of unique culinary offerings. Here’s your detailed guide to the most unique restaurants in Atlanta.

1. The Consulate

• 📍 Location: Midtown
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Rotating Global Small Plates / Modern American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Rotating global menu, “passport” concept, travel-themed decor, craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Global cuisine explorers, unique dining themes, adventurous eaters, and cocktail drinkers.

Grab your passport for a culinary world tour at The Consulate! This chic Midtown spot whisks you to a new country every few months with its rotating menu focused on a specific global destination. One quarter Italy, the next Peru – it’s a delicious guessing game!

Stamp your menu “passport” as you explore. Recent menus featured delights like Peruvian ceviche with leche de tigre, flavorful Italian arancini with marinara, or spicy Thai beef salad. Their “Diplomat’s Tonic” and other globally-inspired cocktails are excellent.

2. Lazy Betty

Lazy Betty is Atlanta’s answer to playful, modern fine dining. The energy here is elevated but never stuffy. The creative tasting menus change with the seasons, but beeline for the champagne-poached lobster and the caviar service if it’s on the rotation. Plates are works of art – if you’re an Instagrammer, this is your spot. The space has a sleek, modern look with bold, whimsical touches (think open kitchen and glowing lights). Treat yourself to the chef’s counter for a front-row seat to all the action. I was floored by how engaged the whole staff was; you can feel how much they love the food. Tip: It’s tucked in an unassuming strip, but you’re just a short drive from Candler Park’s leafy trails if you want to walk it off afterward.

3. The Third Door

• 📍 Location: Marietta (OTP – Outside The Perimeter)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktail Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Speakeasy in historic bank building, hidden entrance, bank vault lounge, craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy seekers, craft cocktail lovers, and date nights.

Unlock Marietta’s best-kept secret behind The Third Door! Tucked away in a historic former bank building, this speakeasy exudes cool, clandestine charm, complete with cozy nooks and seating inside the original vault. History and hooch, perfectly paired!

Once inside, let the expert bartenders craft you a perfect Old Fashioned. A unique house creation like the Marietta Mule with local ginger beer, or a classic Sazerac, are also highly recommended. It’s a top-shelf escape for serious cocktail appreciation.

4. Poor Hendrix

Poor Hendrix is a neighborhood treasure with a chilled-out Atlanta vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you can sip a craft cocktail in a cozy booth or hang out on the patio with friends. The standout here is the fried chicken sandwich – juicy, crispy perfection – but don’t skip their killer Korean-style wings. The bar gets creative with local spirits and rotating beer taps. The vibe is lively but not too rowdy, with exposed brick, communal tables, and friendly service that feels genuine. Pro tip: Head over on the early side to score a seat on the patio if the weather’s good. Just down the street you’ll find East Lake Park for a post-meal stroll. Personally, this is where I go to kick back and catch up with friends over a plate of something unexpectedly great.

5. Kamayan ATL

• 📍 Location: Doraville (OTP – Outside The Perimeter) / Pop-Ups
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Filipino Kamayan Feast
• 🔥 Standout Features: Communal Filipino feast (eaten by hand!), banana leaf table setting, authentic dishes
• 🎯 Perfect For: Communal dining lovers, Filipino food explorers, and unique group meals

Ditch the forks and dive hands-first into a glorious Filipino feast at Kamayan ATL! This unique experience centers around a massive spread of traditional dishes piled high on banana leaves, designed to be eaten communally with your hands. Get ready to get messy!

Gather your crew for a flavour explosion. Expect crispy lechon kawali (fried pork belly), savory lumpia (spring rolls), and grilled seafood like tilapia or shrimp. Garlic rice and various dipping sauces complete this vibrant, interactive celebration.

6. Arepa Mia

Arepa Mia serves up Venezuelan comfort food that warms your soul. The focus, unsurprisingly, is on arepas, which are made fresh daily and come stuffed with everything from slow-roasted pork to garlicky Reina Pepiada chicken salad. The Pabellón arepa is always a win – packed with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and cheese. The décor is colorful and cheerful, with Latin tunes in the background and a real neighborhood diner feel. It’s counter-service, so you can pop in for a quick bite. If you find yourself at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, this is a must-try – plus, you’re smack in the middle of the city’s historic vibes. My tip: Finish your meal with a tart, creamy passionfruit juice. It’s a game-changer.

7. No Mas! Cantina

• 📍 Location: Castleberry Hill, Atlanta
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Mexican / Regional Specialties
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge artisan market attached, vibrant hacienda-style decor, extensive tequila list, authentic regional Mexican dishes, beautiful patio.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Mexican food lovers, shoppers seeking Mexican crafts, margarita enthusiasts, festive group dinners, and experiencing a slice of Mexico in Atlanta.

Step into a vibrant Mexican hacienda at No Mas! Cantina in Castleberry Hill. More than just a restaurant, it’s a destination, complete with a massive artisan market next door filled with imported crafts. The colorful decor and lively atmosphere instantly transport you.

You should definitely try their authentic cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork). Their sizzling fajitas, or fresh guacamole made tableside, are also fantastic. Don’t forget to explore their impressive tequila and margarita selection. ¡Salud!

8. Bomb Biscuit Atlanta

If you’re after buttery, sky-high biscuits done right, Bomb Biscuit Atlanta absolutely delivers. This Black-owned bakery in the Old Fourth Ward slings epic breakfast sandwiches and biscuits topped with imaginative fixings from fried chicken to peach jam and hot honey butter. The Big Jerk biscuit – with jerk chicken and pickles – is ridiculous in the best way. The bright, casual space is perfect for roll-up mornings or grab-and-go brunch. Expect a line, especially on weekends, but it moves fast and is worth every minute. Krog Street Market and the BeltLine are just moments away if you want to walk off your carb coma. I’m not exaggerating: This place ruined all other biscuits for me.

9. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

• 📍 Location: Multiple (e.g., Doraville OTP)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Revolving Sushi Bar / Japanese
• 🔥 Standout Features: Conveyor belt sushi delivery, touch-screen ordering, prize system (“Bikkura Pon”), various sushi/rolls.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fun sushi experiences, casual Japanese dining, and families with kids

All aboard the sushi train at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar! Watch plates of colourful sushi and Japanese bites glide past your table on a conveyor belt – just grab what looks good! Plus, order specific items via touchscreen and maybe even win a prize!

Stack up plates of classic nigiri, like salmon or tuna. Try fun specialty rolls, such as the “Dragon Roll” or “Rainbow Roll”. Hot items like takoyaki (octopus balls) or tempura are also popular. It’s a fun, interactive, and affordable way to enjoy sushi.

10. Ticonderoga Club

Hidden inside Krog Street Market, Ticonderoga Club is that cool, nautical-themed cocktail den you wish you could bottle up and take home. The food is deceptively brilliant – try the crab Louie or the signature Ticonderoga Cup cocktail loaded with gin, sherry, and housemade ginger beer. The room’s vintage nautical decor (think cozy booths, ship wheels, and low lighting) lends a moody, secret-club feel. Music is always on point. Go with a small group and get adventurous with the menu. Tip: If you’re market-hopping, this is the perfect escape from the crowds. Personally, I came for the drinks and stayed for the shockingly good smoked trout dip.

11. R. Thomas Deluxe Grill

• 📍 Location: Buckhead / South Buckhead
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Healthy American / Global Influences
• 🔥 Standout Features: Garden patio setting (live birds!), health-focused menu, 24/7 operation
• 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night/early-morning eats and healthy food seekers.

Step into a lush, quirky oasis that never sleeps at R. Thomas Deluxe Grill! This Buckhead institution stands out with its vibrant garden patio filled with plants and live birds, offering a healthy, eclectic menu 24 hours a day. Where healthy meets funky!

Fuel up anytime with unique dishes. Trying their popular Thai Express Bowl with brown rice and lots of veggies is a good idea. Hearty breakfast burritos (served anytime!), or one of their many vegetarian/vegan options like the “R’s Raw Plate”, are also excellent.

12. Talat Market

Talat Market flips your expectations of Thai food with Southern twists and hyper-local ingredients. Set in a converted Grant Park bungalow, the space is breezy, sunlight-drenched, and hums with cool playlists. Dishes change weekly, but if the khao soi with housemade noodles is on deck, order it. Their fried chicken larb has an almost cult following. The cocktails riff on Thai flavors (lemongrass, makrut lime, spicy chili). There’s often a wait, but the friendly staff hands out cold beers to soften the blow. Cabbagetown’s murals and shops are only a quick cheese stroll away. I left dreaming about the flavors for days – it’s that memorable.

13. Polaris

• 📍 Location: Downtown (Hyatt Regency Atlanta Rooftop)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40+ per drink/small plate
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Rooftop Lounge / Small Plates & Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Rotating rooftop lounge (blue dome!), panoramic downtown skyline views, cocktails/bites.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic drinks/dates and pre/post-event cocktails.

Take a spin back in time with stunning views at Polaris! This iconic rotating lounge atop the Hyatt Regency offers breathtaking panoramic views of the downtown Atlanta skyline from its famous blue dome. It’s retro cool meets sky-high views!

Settle into the retro-chic space as it slowly turns. Sip on classic or signature cocktails, like their “Polaris Peach”. Enjoy sophisticated small plates such as charcuterie boards or flatbreads while watching the sunset or the city lights twinkle.

14. Le Bon Nosh

Le Bon Nosh is pure Parisian daydream in Buckhead, mixing swanky café décor (marble, oversized windows, lush greenery) with a breezy, laid-back energy. The all-day menu spotlights French-inspired comfort: the mushroom tartine is a must, and their famous quiche sells out daily. Pair it with a crisp glass of rose, and treat yourself to the bakery counter’s flaky almond croissants. It’s equal parts romantic and lively, perfect for a solo treat-yo-self breakfast or a sunny brunch with friends. Phipps Plaza shopping is a short hop away. I could happily spend all day in here, nibbling pastry and people-watching.

15. Battle & Brew

• 📍 Location: Sandy Springs (OTP – Outside The Perimeter)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Food/Drinks); Game time extra.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gastropub / Gamer Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Gamer bar (PC/console/tabletop), themed cocktails/shots, elevated pub grub, geek culture.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Gamers (video/board), fun group activities, and themed drink lovers.

Level up your night out at Battle & Brew! This Sandy Springs spot is Atlanta’s premier gamer gastropub, offering tons of video games, board games, and themed nights alongside delicious food and creative drinks. Where Player 1 meets plate one!

Grab a controller and order geek-themed cocktails like a “Mana Potion”. Chow down on surprisingly good pub fare like the “Castle Crasher Burger” (a massive burger). Their loaded tater tots or crispy chicken wings are also great.

16. Banshee

Banshee is East Atlanta’s go-to for creative small plates, offbeat vibes, and some of the city’s most inventive New American cooking. Think handmade pastas, tender lamb ribs, and ever-changing veg-forward dishes. The blue crab risotto is a flavor bomb – definitely nab it if it’s on the menu. The eclectic décor pairs neon pink with thrift-store treasures, and the back bar is a local legend for fun cocktails. The mood is equal parts high-energy and welcoming, making it great for group hangs or a lively date. Trendy shops and the Earl music venue are within walking distance. My hot take: I haven’t had a bad bite here yet.

17. The Garden Room

• 📍 Location: Buckhead (St. Regis Atlanta)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50+ per drink/small plate
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Lounge / Small Plates & Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Floral garden setting (indoors!), Instagrammable decor, craft cocktails, lounge bites.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Instagram backdrop seekers, romantic drinks/dates, and stunning ambiance.

Step into an absolute floral fantasy at The Garden Room! Located within the St. Regis, this bar is less a room and more an immersive indoor garden overflowing with blossoms and enchanting decor. Prepare for peak Instagrammability! It’s like drinking inside a fairytale!

Surrounded by stunning floral arrangements, sipping on beautifully crafted cocktails like the colourful “Lavender Haze” is a must. Enjoy elegant small plates such as delicate tuna crudo, fresh oysters, or mini lobster rolls perfect for sharing in this breathtakingly beautiful setting.

18. La Semilla

La Semilla is the dreamy, colorful vegan eatery making plant-based food seriously fun in Reynoldstown. Bright murals and hanging plants create an indoor garden party feel. Their tamal plate and chorizo tacos (all plant-based, but you wouldn’t know it) are unbeatable, and the Tres Leches dessert will have you plotting a return trip before you finish your meal. The drinks keep up – the mezcal margarita with hibiscus is dangerously sippable. There’s a cool, communal energy and plenty of outdoor seating. You’re literally steps from the BeltLine. Even my meat-loving friend was blown away by the flavors here.

19. Lips Atlanta

• 📍 Location: Buford Highway Area
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person (Dinner + Show)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Dinner Show / Drag Queen Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Drag dinner show, flamboyant performances/costumes, high-energy party atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Drag show enthusiasts, group celebrations, dinner + entertainment combos, and party seekers.

Get ready for dinner, drinks, and divas galore at Lips Atlanta! This place serves up fierce drag performances alongside American fare in a high-energy, glitter-filled atmosphere. Where the only thing bigger than the hair is the fun! Start your engines!

Enjoy dinner entrees with sassy names like “The Diva Burger”. Sip on colourful “Sassy Cocktails” and get ready to cheer for incredibly talented drag queens. Their chicken parmesan or a classic steak dinner are popular choices. Lips offers a full-blown entertainment spectacle.

20. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is where Southern comfort food goes bold. Chef Deborah VanTrece’s menu is packed with soulful takes – think bourbon-peach-glazed pork chops and buttermilk fried chicken alongside spicy hoisin duck wontons. The deviled eggs are legendary. Interiors blend rustic wood and contemporary art for a homey but stylish vibe. The cocktail list is as wild as the menu, featuring local spirits and seasonal creations. Don’t miss the sweet tea-brined wings. Atlanta BeltLine’s Westside Trail is close for an after-dinner walk. I keep coming back for the creative twists you won’t find anywhere else.

21. The Painted Pin

• 📍 Location: Buckhead
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Pub Fare / Gastropub / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Boutique bowling alley, classic parlor games, live music, craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fun group outings, competitive date nights, and corporate events.

This isn’t just a bowling alley; it’s a swanky underground playground for grownups. The Painted Pin swaps sticky floors for polished wood lanes and chesterfield sofas. The place buzzes with a sophisticated energy, where the sound of crashing pins is mixed with live music and the clinking of craft cocktail glasses. It’s competitive, it’s cool, and it’s totally unique.

Forget greasy bowling alley food. Here, you’re snacking on things like crispy truffle fries and delicious wood-fired pizzas between turns. They also have an incredible menu of shareable tacos and sliders. Grab one of their signature cocktails—the drink menu is huge—and challenge your friends to a game of bocce or shuffleboard.

22. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

• 📍 Location: Lawrenceville (Sugarloaf Mills – OTP)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $80+ per person (Dinner + Show)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Feast / Dinner Tournament
• 🔥 Standout Features: Medieval dinner tournament, jousting knights/horses, utensil-free feast, castle setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families, themed dining lovers, medieval fantasy fans, and unique group outings.

Huzzah! Travel back to the age of chivalry at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament! Cheer for your knight while witnessing thrilling jousting, horsemanship, and swordplay inside a castle arena, all while devouring a four-course meal – no utensils allowed!

Get ready to eat with your hands! Enjoy a hearty feast typically including roasted chicken, tomato bisque, sweet corn on the cob, and herbed potatoes. It’s a fun, immersive, and action-packed dinner show perfect for families.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Unique Places To Eat In Atlanta

Curious about where to find the most distinctive dining in the city? Our FAQ section unravels the wonders of unique restaurants in Atlanta, answering all your culinary queries.

What food is unique to Atlanta?

Atlanta is known for its soul food and Southern cuisine. One dish you can’t miss is the classic Atlanta-style lemon pepper wet wings. They’re a city favorite. For a unique twist on local dishes, many restaurants in Atlanta offer their own signature flavors and ingredients.

What restaurants do celebrities eat at in Atlanta?

Celebrities often visit Atlanta and when they do, they look for places with great food and a cool vibe. Many choose unique restaurants in Atlanta that offer privacy and top-notch service. Spots like The Garden Room and Polaris are known for attracting famous faces with their standout menus and ambiance.

Do any Atlanta restaurants have Michelin stars?

Currently, there are nine restaurants in and around Atlanta with a Michelin-star rating.

What type of food is Atlanta best known for?

Atlanta is best known for its diverse food scene, especially its barbecue, fried chicken, and peach cobbler. These Southern staples are a must-try for visitors. For those looking for something out of the ordinary, unique restaurants in Atlanta also serve up international cuisines with a Southern twist.

Are there any unique dining experiences for families in Atlanta?

Yes, Atlanta has many family-friendly restaurants that offer fun themes and interactive dining experiences, complementing the array of things to do for families in Atlanta. From medieval tournaments to dining with tropical birds, there’s a unique restaurant in Atlanta for every family to enjoy.

Can I find international cuisine at unique restaurants in Atlanta?

Absolutely! Atlanta is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food. You can find everything from authentic Italian to traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Many unique restaurants in Atlanta specialize in bringing flavors from around the world to your plate.

Where can I find a unique restaurant in Atlanta for a special occasion?

For special occasions, Atlanta has many unique restaurants that offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a night out, you can find a place that provides a memorable meal with a special touch.

What are some unique restaurants in Atlanta for vegetarians?

Vegetarians have plenty of options in Atlanta. Many unique restaurants in Atlanta are dedicated to plant-based cuisine, offering creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes that even meat-lovers would enjoy.

Final Thoughts On Unique Atlanta Restaurants

Atlanta’s dining landscape is as diverse as its history and people. In this city, food lovers can embark on a culinary journey that spans the globe without ever leaving the comfort of the South, discovering hidden gems in Georgia. The unique restaurants in Atlanta are a testament to the city’s innovative spirit, offering everything from interactive dining experiences to meals that are works of art.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city’s eateries provide a chance to explore flavors and settings that are out of the ordinary. With chefs who are as creative as they are skilled, each restaurant brings its own story to the table. Atlanta invites you to taste its distinctive blend of tradition and innovation, and to make dining out an experience you’ll remember long after the last bite.