15 perfect restaurants in Atlanta, United States

Welcome to the glorious city of Atlanta, where you can find culinary delights that will send your taste buds soaring to new heights! This article unveils the crème de la crème of Atlanta's dining scene, showcasing the 15 finest establishments that will make your stomach sing with joy. From finger-licking BBQ joints to elegant fusion spots, these restaurants will leave you craving for more, while simultaneously making your waistline question its life choices. So buckle up and prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other in the mesmerizing city of Atlanta!

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1. The Optimist

4.6 (3229)

914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, The Optimist is a culinary oasis for seafood enthusiasts. As you take your first bite of their delectably fresh oysters, you'll wonder if you accidentally teleported to a beachside shack, but fear not, you're still in the landlocked capital of Georgia. So, grab a seat at their lively bar, sip on a craft cocktail, and prepare to dive into their menu of oceanic delights that will leave you feeling more buoyant than a dolphin on a trampoline.

www.theoptimistrestaurant.com

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2. Chops Lobster Bar

4.6 (2493)

70 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of Atlanta, Chops Lobster Bar is a seafood lover's paradise, where even the lobsters have dreams of becoming celebrity superstars. This upscale eatery exudes a retro-chic ambiance, with plush leather banquettes and elegant chandeliers, making it the perfect spot to impress a group of penguins in tuxedos. Delight in their succulent lobster dishes, each one prepared with a touch of artistry that would make Picasso reconsider his chosen profession.

buckheadrestaurants.com

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3. The Consulate

4.6 (1055)

10 10th St NW Suite P200, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Welcome to the whimsical world of The Consulate in Atlanta, where daily life feels like stepping into a surreal architectural masterpiece. This colorful haven is a testament to the city's vibrant spirit, showcasing a mishmash of styles that'll leave you happily disoriented. Once inside, be prepared to witness an enchanting blend of Italian Renaissance, Art Deco, and maybe even a pinch of Dr. Seuss, ensuring that you'll never look at a consulate the same way again.

www.theconsulateatlanta.com

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4. Canoe

4.7 (3951)

4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA

Welcome to Canoe, Atlanta's culinary oasis where the journey towards a memorable dining experience begins. As you embark on an adventurous exploration of flavors, prepare to be whisked away on a delicious ride through Southern-inspired cuisine. Bask in the warm embrace of a charming riverside setting, where the menu showcases culinary delights that have rightfully earned Canoe its reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and devoted paddlers of the taste bud seas.

www.canoeatl.com

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5. Atlas

4.5 (419)

88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Welcome to the bustling city of Atlanta, where you'll find Atlas, a restaurant that will blow your taste buds away faster than you can say "I'm hungry!" With its blend of Southern charm and modern sass, this culinary gem will have you feeling like a food explorer on a mission. Get ready to indulge in their innovative dishes, sip on craft cocktails, and experience a gastronomic adventure that will leave you saying, "I can't procrastinate on booking a table any longer!"

atlasrestaurant.com

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6. Kimball House

4.7 (1177)

303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Kimball House emerges as a culinary oasis, where oysters flaunt their mermaid-approved physiques and cocktails dance with abandon. As you step into this whimsical wonderland, prepare for an enchanting experience that's part Alice in Wonderland, part hipster heaven. Don't forget to say hello to the bartenders, who skillfully mix drinks while sporting mustaches you could mistake for avant-garde sculptures.

www.kimball-house.com

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7. Aria

4.6 (718)

490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Welcome to Aria, Atlanta's hidden gem! Nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape, this charming neighborhood combines Southern warmth with a touch of quirkiness. Be prepared for a delightful journey through its tree-lined streets, eclectic boutiques, and an irresistible mix of farm-to-table eateries that will make your taste buds sing... or maybe even do a little happy dance. Immerse yourself in the whimsical atmosphere of Aria, where each corner is straight out of a Pinterest board. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for the local residents who have proudly turned their front yards into miniature gardens full of curious decorations – think gnomes, pink flamingos, and whimsical wind chimes. It's not uncommon to find yourself wondering if you've accidentally stumbled into a real-life fairy tale. Food lovers, rejoice! Aria's culinary scene is a feast for all senses. From the cozy cafes charmingly named after rare birds to the hipster-inspired gastropubs that serve spiced-up Southern classics, every meal will leave you craving for more. Don't miss the chance to savor the fluffiest biscuits in town – they're like fluffy clouds that might just take you to food heaven.

www.aria-atl.com

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8. Miller Union

4.5 (1128)

999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Welcome to Miller Union, where Southern charm and farm-to-table dining come together like two peas in a pod. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, this restaurant is a foodie's paradise and a perfect spot to refuel after a long day of exploring the city's quirks (and quirks there are aplenty!). With dishes so delicious they'll make your taste buds do a happy samba, and a cozy ambience that screams "come on in, y'all!", Miller Union is sure to steal a little piece of your heart (and maybe even a nibble off your plate, if you're not careful!). So grab your stretchy pants and prepare to feast on Southern goodness, because at Miller Union, the only thing more abundant than the flavors is the hospitality!

www.millerunion.com

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9. Cafe Intermezzo

4.5 (4715)

1065 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Welcome to Cafe Intermezzo, Atlanta's answer to caffeine cravings and existential ponderings. This charming cafe will have you pulling up a chair and diving into their extensive menu, aptly labeled the "book of beverages." Prepare to embark on a literary journey as you peruse countless pages filled with velvety lattes, aromatic teas, and concoctions that could very well be considered caffeinated works of art. Whether you're in need of a caffeine fix or seeking a tranquil spot to debate the meaning of life over a cup of Joe, Cafe Intermezzo will leave you caffeinated, enlightened, and possibly questioning the existence of all other coffee shops.

www.cafeintermezzo.com

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10. Staplehouse

4.7 (551)

541 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Welcome to Staplehouse, the culinary haven that's so hipster, the waiters probably have better beards than you. This hidden gem in Atlanta offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors and pretentious food names that will leave you scratching your head, wondering why you just paid $20 for a single bite. But fear not, for the atmosphere is so trendy and cozy, you'll forget about your empty wallet while sipping on craft cocktails and pretending to understand the abstract art on the walls. Just a fair warning: if you don't Instagram your meal here, did it even happen?

staplehouse.com

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11. Little Alley Steak

4.6 (2185)

3500 Lenox Rd NE #100, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA

Welcome to Little Alley Steak in Atlanta, where the juicy steaks will make you rethink your vegetarian vows and have your taste buds dancing a tango of carnivorous delight. As you step into this meat lover's paradise, be prepared to have your nose seduced by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling prime rib, and your eyes mesmerized by the perfectly marbled cuts, more mesmerizing than a magician's disappearing act. The attentive staff, as skilled in their steak knowledge as a surgeon with a scalpel, will guide you through the menu, ensuring that your journey through carnivorous ecstasy is nothing short of a beefy masterpiece.

www.littlealleysteak.com

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12. Restaurant Eugene

4.6 (180)

2277 Peachtree Rd suite a, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Restaurant Eugene takes fine dining to rural levels of rusticity, effectively blending Southern charm with metropolitan flair. The restaurant prides itself on serving meticulously crafted plates that will not only satisfy your appetite but also leave you questioning your own abilities in the kitchen. With a touch of opulence and a dash of quirkiness, Restaurant Eugene is the perfect place to experience the fusion of culinary excellence and a touch of Southern humbleness.

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13. Bacchanalia

4.6 (857)

1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Welcome to Bacchanalia, where food and merriment go hand in hand in a delightfully delicious dance! This charming Atlanta eatery is the epitome of culinary indulgence, seducing taste buds with their inventive, farm-to-fork creations. Step inside and prepare for an epicurean adventure that will leave you begging for seconds (and possibly loosening a belt notch or two!).

www.starprovisions.com

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14. Empire State South

4.4 (852)

999 Peachtree St NE Suite #140, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Empire State South offers a culinary experience that will leave you counting sheep over a plate of delish Southern dishes. This trendy joint takes Southern comfort food to new heights, like an adult version of a bouncy castle. So sit back, sip on a mint julep, and let the friendly staff charm your taste buds with a menu that's as plentiful as a buffet but without the danger of accidentally combining mac and cheese with peach cobbler.

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15. Gunshow

4.6 (1005)

924 Garrett St, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA

Welcome to Gunshow, Atlanta's foodie mecca that promises an explosive dining experience! As you enter this culinary battleground, be prepared to unleash your taste buds for a delightful assault of bold flavors and whimsical presentations. With a menu that changes regularly, Gunshow is like a carnival ride for your appetite, where the dishes pop up like surprise targets, leaving you both amused and deliciously satisfied.

www.gunshowatl.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Atlanta, United States by plane is to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the primary airport serving the city. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Atlanta from cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Atlanta is also a popular option, as the city is accessible from several major interstates, including I-75, I-85, and I-20. However, visitors should be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.

Train

While there are no passenger train stations directly in Atlanta, the closest Amtrak station is in Birmingham, Alabama, which is about 150 miles away from Atlanta. From there, travelers can take a Greyhound bus or rent a car to drive to Atlanta.

Boat

While Atlanta is not a coastal city, visitors can take a riverboat cruise along the Chattahoochee River, which runs through the city. Cruises depart from several locations, including Paces Mill, Paces Ferry, and Chattahoochee Landing.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus is an affordable option for getting to Atlanta, with many bus routes from cities across the United States. The Greyhound station in Atlanta is located in downtown Atlanta at 232 Forsyth St SW.

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