Let me start with a disclaimer: food is incredibly personal, and what I love might not be what you love. This guide is simply a collection of restaurants that I’ve enjoyed in Atlanta over the years. Your mileage may vary, and that’s perfectly fine! Think of this as less of a definitive “best of” list and more of a personal food diary of places that have left an impression on me.

Fine Dining

When it comes to upscale dining in Atlanta, a few establishments stand out in my experience. Ticonderoga Club has earned its reputation as the best bar in town. For those seeking perfection in every detail, Omakase Table delivers an impeccable dining experience. Miller Union holds a special place in my heart, deserving of a Michelin star in my opinion.

Coffee Shops

Atlanta’s coffee scene is vibrant and diverse. Bellwood Coffee, a local roaster and cafe, has created a welcoming atmosphere in Riverside, complementing their quality beans with excellent food options. For those in the Moore’s Mill area, Spiller Park’s SP3 location is worth visiting, particularly for their outstanding fish-heavy bagel sandwich with pickles.

Sandwiches

I’m a huge sandwich enthusiast, so this category gets its own section in my book. Fred’s Meat & Bread in Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE) serves some of the city’s finest cheesesteaks - their Italian is my personal favorite. Bonafide Deluxe has mastered the art of high-effort sandwiches, producing some of the best in town. Frazie’s combines a quality butcher shop with an outstanding sandwich counter, featuring special Sunday offerings. Cubanos ATL makes what I consider the best Cuban sandwich in town, and their Cuban coffee is equally impressive.

Casual Eats

Realistical, most meals are pretty casual, not some elaborate fine dining experience. For pizza lovers, MTH Pizza offers a creative take with carefully sourced ingredients and creative toppings. My advice: order whatever pizza seems weirdest and least likely to work - it’ll surprise you. Don’t forget to grab a cookie while you’re there.

The Companion offers a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere with a great patio and consistently excellent food - their daily crunchwrap supreme is always worth trying. Nuevo Laredo, despite its challenging parking situation, remains an institution; you can enjoy a pitcher of margaritas while waiting, and their enchiladas continue to be my go-to dish.

Gene’s in Oakhurst serves incredible BBQ with excellent sides and atmosphere - just be sure to arrive early on weekends to avoid long waits. The White House, located at 3172 Peachtree Rd NE, is a neighborhood institution for breakfast and lunch - but be prepared for a nap if you order their chicken biscuits and gravy.

For those seeking international flavors, Northern China Eatery excels in authentic northern Chinese cuisine, particularly their dumplings, which you can also take home frozen. Kamayan ATL offers exceptional Filipino cuisine and desserts, though tables can be hard to secure. Carniceria Ramirez rivals any Buford Highway taco spot, with standout carnitas and generous portions of their green sauce upon request.

Las Deliciosas de Abuela serves outstanding Colombian fare - try the bandeja paisa with guanabana in milk, but plan for a post-meal rest. El Rincon Latino offers excellent Salvadoran cuisine, particularly their pupusas served with proper curtido and sauce. Supermercado Chicago combines a Mexican grocery store with an exceptional food counter, perfect for combining grocery shopping with some of the best tacos in town. And when the weather turns rainy, Stone Bowl House provides the perfect comfort food experience.

LanZhou Ramen is a must-visit for noodle enthusiasts. Their standout dish is the chicken with knife cut noodles for 4, hot.

Contributing

This guide is a living document that I’ll update as I discover new places or as my opinions evolve. If you have suggestions or think I’m missing out on something great, feel free to reach out!