Atlanta is a city that many consider to be the culinary capital of the South. Thanks to its vast array of cuisines, neighborhoods, and culinarians from all backgrounds, it constantly offers new and exciting dining experiences. Here are some of the hottest new openings and timeless favorites that make up the best restaurants in Atlanta right now:
**The Chastain**: Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, The Chastain is a fun New American eatery. You can enjoy a meal outside on a patio while mingling with locals and their furry friends. The full-service menu features fresh salads, pasta, and main courses like pan-roasted grouper and a smoked pork chop, and many of the ingredients come from the onsite chef’s garden and local purveyors. Reservations are available.
**The Deer and The Dove**: Using ingredients sourced from nearby farms, chef Terry Koval offers a skillful menu of seasonal harvests served as small and large plates. Adventurous eaters will love the novelty section with dishes like beef heart tartare and wood roasted bone marrow. Wash it down with a wide selection of French and Italian wines, and don’t forget to pick up some hand rolled wood fired bagels from B-Side next door. Reservations are also accepted.
**Hayakawa**: This beloved sushi restaurant has recently relocated to Atlanta with an intimate setting and the same great sushi. The new digs offer just eight seats and two nightly seatings at the sushi bar, so snag a seat for a top-notch experience. Award-winning chef Artushi “Art” Hayakawa engages diners with his 16-course omakase menu, which features the finest sushi with ingredients from Tokyo’s Toyosu market and around the world, as well as some of the best Japanese small bites and sakes outside of Japan. Reservations are available.
**Heirloom Market BBQ**: Heirloom Market BBQ has consistently been named one of the best barbecue restaurants in the country for a good reason. Marrying classic Southern barbeque with Korean-inspired flavors, chefs Taylor Cody and Jiyeon Lee offer a one-of-a-kind flavor pairing that is executed flawlessly. You may often find a line out the door, but when you finally get your hands on the gochujang-marinated spare ribs, smoked chicken wings with kimchi mayo, and pulled pork sandwiches, you’ll understand the hype. Delivery and takeout are also available, and you can order directly.
**Palo Santo**: Renowned chef Santiago Gomez has a new Atlanta concept offering upscale Mexican fare in a chic environment with a roaming mezcal cart. The wood-fire kitchen is the heart of the restaurant, serving perfected dishes like Roasted Miso Cauliflower, citrusy branzino, and smoked scallops with black truffle. Reservations are available.
**Snap Thai Fish House**: The stunning coast of Thailand is on full display at Snap Thai Fish House, which is dedicated to serving sustainable, wild-caught seafood. The new Buckhead establishment offers some of the best lobster fried rice and Massaman curry Chilean sea bass in the city. Reservations are accepted.
**Three Arches**: Located at the Hyatt Centric in Buckhead, Three Arches transports you to the luxurious food and ambiance of the Mediterranean. The steel archways, breezy curtains, and stone mosaic floors lead into an outdoor terrace, perfect for summer evenings. The menu features dishes developed by Atlanta chef Josh Hopkins that range from Mediterranean fare to Greek, Italian, Moroccan, and Israeli-inspired creations. To book, visit the website.
**Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar**: With multiple locations, Virgil’s is one of the few places in Atlanta where you can taste authentic Gullah Geechee dishes in a fun and soulful environment. Executive chef Gregory (Gee) Smalls and general manager Juan Smalls have created a menu inspired by family recipes passed down from Small’s ancestors. Favorites include Gullah Eggrolls with gullahgal sauce and stewed Okra Perloo, and you can also try the Fav’rit Plates section for a taste of everything. Reservations are available.
**Zakia**: With high ceilings, white pillars, and dramatic chandeliers, this glamorous Lebanese restaurant is the perfect place for an over-the-top meal. Dishes like chargrilled kebabs, fluffy pita bread, and spreads of hot and cold mezze are rooted in traditional fare but presented in a modern way. Reservations are accepted.
**The Optimist**: Known for serving some of the best seafood in Atlanta, The Optimist is the ideal place for a happy hour with lobster rolls or a date night filled with fun cocktails and crispy fried oysters. Chef and owner Ford Fry uses locally and sustainably sourced ingredients to turn homestyle seafood into a sophisticated choice. You can’t go wrong with the daily catch or other Southern-inspired specials. Reservations are available.
**Gunshow**: Georgia native Kevin Gillespie named this East Atlanta restaurant in tribute to his childhood and his relationship with his father. This emotional connection makes Gunshow one of the best spots in the city, and the tableside cooking and interactive elements enhance the experience. The prix-fixe menu is served dim sum-style off rolling carts, and expect Southern ingredients prepared in unique ways like dry-fried crawfish and catfish finished with a kosho beurre blanc sauce. Reservations are available.
**Spring**: Considered one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, Spring is worth the drive to the suburbs. Helmed by chef Brian So, his wife Kerry, and sommelier Daniel Crawford, the menu is highly seasonal, locally sourced, and sustainable. Expect a small menu with simply garnished proteins prepared in French cooking techniques and farm fresh vegetables. The menu changes regularly, but don’t resist the chocolate cake with caramelized banana and praline ice cream. The affordable wine and cocktail list complements the meal. Reservations are available.
**Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours**: In West Midtown, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours offers a delicious blend of Southern and soul food. With a great selection of dishes and a lively atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for dining. Reservations are welcome.
Atlanta’s dining scene is diverse and exciting, with something to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, barbecue, Mexican cuisine, or Lebanese fare, these restaurants are sure to deliver a memorable dining experience. So, explore the city’s culinary offerings and discover your new favorite spot.
