Atlanta offers a diverse culinary scene with many excellent restaurants to choose from. Keep in mind that the restaurant landscape can change, so it's a good idea to check the latest reviews and availability. Here are some highly regarded restaurants in Atlanta:
From the curated list of top restaurants:
Hayakawa:
A Japanese sushi restaurant renowned for its authentic and high-quality cuisine. This intimate and traditional sushiya, modeled after the finest sushi shops in Japan.
The restaurant has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, highlighting its exceptional cooking quality. Chef Atsushi Hayakawa, a local legend for his Japanese cuisine, has successfully transitioned Hayakawa to a new chapter in West Midtown, Atlanta, after establishing a renowned reputation on Buford Highway.
Hayakawa offers an omakase-style dining experience, which means "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese. In omakase, the chef selects and serves a series of dishes, allowing guests to experience a variety of flavors and techniques that showcase the chef’s expertise and creativity. This style of dining is highly appreciated for its emphasis on the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and it often provides a unique, personalized experience for diners.
Specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine, offering a blend of modern elegance and traditional Japanese charm. Noted for its Omakase experience. Featuring minimalist platings and fish imported from Japan. The dining experience at Hayakawa is known for its memorable and flavorful dishes in a relaxed fine dining atmosphere.
Hayakawa offers a 16-course dinner starting at $315. This omakase experience includes a variety of pre-nigiri courses, such as tender, sliced scallop in kiwi puree with miso paste, and thick slabs of globally imported, top-grade fish selections. The nigiri style reflects the chef’s hometown preference in Japan, offering a meatier bite with fish that nearly melts in your mouth.
In addition to the exceptional food, Hayakawa is recognized for its casual approach to fine dining, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's interior features elegant wood paneling, table vases overflowing with orchids, and the chef's family kakejiku art, contributing to the overall ambiance.
Mujo:
Mujo is an acclaimed sushi restaurant located in Atlanta, known for its intimate and elegant dining experience. Mujo specializes in modern Edomae sushi, offering a unique culinary experience that blends traditional sushi techniques with a modern approach.
Mujo has received significant recognition, including a one-star rating from the Michelin Guide, a testament to its high-quality cooking and exceptional dining experience. The restaurant boasts a moody elegance with a U-shaped counter crafted of Southern cypress, providing an intimate setting for diners.
The menu at Mujo focuses on Edomae-style sushi, which involves traditional sushi-making methods that highlight the flavors of fresh, high-quality fish. The restaurant is known for its omakase-only tasting menu, where the chef curates a selection of dishes based on the freshest ingredients available. This style of dining allows guests to experience a variety of flavors and textures, carefully chosen and prepared by the skilled sushi chefs.
Known for blending modern sophistication with traditional flair, offering a wide range of dishes and an extensive wine list.
The Consulate:
Is known for its global cuisine and craft cocktails. It has received several accolades, including being a recipient of the 2021 James Beard Grant and 2022 Lee Initiative/Heinz Grant. It was also listed among ZAGAT's Top 10 Sexiest New Restaurants and Bars in Atlanta and has been an OpenTable Diners Choice Winner from 2018 to 2022. The restaurant was also named one of the Best New Restaurants in 2017 by the AJC.
La Grotta Ristorante Italiano:
Is a well-regarded Italian restaurant that offers a culinary oasis in the heart of Buckhead. This establishment has been serving Atlantans for over four decades and is known for its classic Northern Italian cuisine. The menu includes an extensive wine cellar selection, ensuring guests have a variety of choices to complement their meals.
Poor Calvin's:
Is a unique dining destination in Downtown Atlanta, known for its exceptional fusion of Asian and Southern cuisines. Established in November 2012 by owner and chef Calvin Phan, who was raised in Vietnam and classically trained in Germany, the restaurant offers an innovative blend of Eastern flavors with Western techniques and presentations. Chef Phan's international culinary fusion perspective is evident in the diverse and flavorful menu items.
Ray's in the City:
Is a well-regarded destination for fine dining, particularly known for its fresh seafood, classic steaks and chops, and professional service. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes specialties like pecan-crusted trout, jumbo lump crab cakes, shrimp scampi linguini, various handhelds like salmon burgers and fish or shrimp tacos, as well as a variety of shareable sides. Additionally, they offer business “Blue Plate” specials on weekdays and feature a chilled seafood tower and hot seafood platter as part of their ultimate seafood experience
South City Kitchen Midtown:
Known for its contemporary Southern cuisine with a sophisticated twist. Located in a historic bungalow on Crescent Avenue, the restaurant has been a favorite in Atlanta for over 20 years. It provides a dining experience that embodies Southern hospitality and charm.
The menu at South City Kitchen Midtown features local favorites like shrimp and grits, buttermilk fried chicken, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and banana pudding. These classic Southern dishes are given a modern and innovative twist, making the restaurant a go-to place for both traditional and contemporary Southern cuisine.
Bone's Restaurant:
Renowned for its exceptional service, prime steaks, and fresh seafood. Established in 1979, it has a long-standing reputation as one of the best steakhouses in Atlanta and is often recognized as one of the best in America. The restaurant serves prime beef, fresh seafood, Maine lobster, and regional specialties reflecting its Southern roots.
Bone's is known for its business lunches and dinners, offering private party rooms and personalized menus to accommodate fine dining experiences and special occasions. The restaurant has consistently won the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for several years. The menu at Bone's features a range of signature and seasonal dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients from across Georgia and the Southeast. The expansive wine list includes a variety of old and new world wines, carefully selected to complement the menu.
Nikolai's Roof:
Located atop the Hilton Atlanta, offers an award-winning AAA four-diamond dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Celebrated for more than 40 years, this restaurant is renowned for its unparalleled cuisine, well-curated wine list, and compelling cocktails, making it an ideal destination for special occasions or a night out.
The menu at Nikolai's Roof showcases European-inspired cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients from organic farmers, fishermen, and game purveyors. The restaurant is also known for its signature house-infused flavored vodkas and an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the menu offerings. In addition to its regular dining options, Nikolai's Roof also has a lounge where guests can enjoy a flight of their signature house-infused vodkas.
The Capital Grille:
Is a fine dining steakhouse known for its expertly prepared steaks and an extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience, making it an ideal place for special occasions, romantic dinners, large groups, business meetings, and a bar scene.
Their menu features a range of appetizers, soups, entrees salads, sandwiches, and plates. Signature dishes include dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and a variety of other American cuisine. The Capital Grille is particularly famous for its in-house dry-aged steaks, hand-cut by the restaurant's on-premise butcher, and a wine list featuring over 350 selections.
Canoe:
Is a fine dining restaurant located in Atlanta's historic Vinings area along the peaceful banks of the Chattahoochee River. It offers a rich and flavorful dining experience, balancing culinary expertise with natural aesthetics. This setting makes it an ideal spot for weddings, receptions, and private celebrations. Canoe has garnered numerous accolades, including induction into Nation’s Restaurant News 2005 Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and has been recognized by various prestigious publications like Bon Appetit, Food And Wine, Gourmet, The Wine Spectator, and The New York Times.
The menu at Canoe features American cuisine with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those requiring gluten-free meals. The restaurant is known for its original cuisine and distinctive design.
Nan Thai Fine Dining:
Nan Thai Fine Dining, located in Midtown Atlanta, is an acclaimed restaurant known for its luxurious and elegant dining experience, specializing in Thai cuisine. The restaurant has been a staple in the Atlanta dining scene, recognized for its exceptional culinary offerings and ambiance.
Nan Thai Fine Dining has been awarded the Four-Diamond Award multiple times, a testament to its high-quality food and service. The restaurant's decor, featuring towering ceilings and white tablecloth aesthetics, adds to its fine dining experience. It's a popular destination for special occasions, date nights, and fine dining experiences.
The menu at Nan Thai Fine Dining is known for its fresh and creative flavors. Even standard dishes, like pad thai, receive an upscale twist, such as the addition of two fried lobster tails. The restaurant also offers a selection of fresh seafood, like juicy pan-seared scallops, enhanced with rich red curry.
Gunshow:
A unique dining experience where chefs prepare dishes and present them tableside in a rotating menu format. These are just a few examples of the top-rated restaurants in Atlanta, each offering unique dining experiences and a variety of cuisines.
Created by Chef Kevin Gillespie. It offers a bold and interactive take on the traditional dining experience. Dishes at Gunshow are presented to guests at their tables by the chefs who prepared them. This interactive approach allows guests to engage directly with the chefs and learn about the dishes firsthand. The restaurant also features cocktails prepared tableside on a rolling cart, adding to the immersive dining experience.
The menu at Gunshow is dynamic and varies, featuring a range of dishes that showcase creative culinary skills. Reviews suggest the menu offers a variety of tastes and is frequently updated. Gunshow provides a casual yet vibrant atmosphere. It's designed to be communal and social, with an open kitchen and dim sum-style service.
