There are plenty of things to do in Atlanta when you’re visiting, with no shortage of amazing restaurants inside and outside of the city. No matter what type of food you enjoy, Atlanta has a wide variety of places to eat. Whether you like authentic Italian food, barbecue, or seafood, Atlanta has offerings to spare.
You don’t have to worry about where to eat in Atlanta because we have a list of 20 of the top restaurants that offer different dining options. Our list not only includes different types of food, but we also provide pricing information to help you create a budget for your Atlanta trip.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Atlanta
1. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
For those planning a romantic three-day weekend in Atlanta or looking for fine dining during their visit, The Sun Dial Restaurant is a great option. It's certainly one of the more expensive options, but that's for good reason.
The restaurant is 723 feet above Peachtree Street, giving diners a 360-degree panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline. The Sun Dial serves high-quality options such as Lamb Chops, Chilean Sea Bass, Wagyu Beef Tartare and even a $100 dry-aged 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye.
2. Ecco
For a high-quality meal in Midtown Atlanta, Ecco is a great option. This upscale restaurant offers a diverse menu with bold European flavors.
Ecco is run by veteran chef Alan Chandonia, and his menu includes Wood-Roasted Shrimp served with garlic sourdough and agnolotti with sweet potato. For proteins, you can try the Scallops with smoked parsnip and mussels or the Duck Breast served with a date vinaigrette.
3. Nan Thai Fine Dining
Nan Thai Fine Dining is a spot in Atlanta where you can feast on elevated Thai dishes. The menu comes from the experienced Chef Nan Niyomkul, who has served meals at the Miss Universe Dinner and the PGA Tour Championship. The restaurant has a charming decor from the mid-20th century, and they have plenty of Thai food options.
Some of their popular dishes include their Pan-Fried Chilean Sea Bass with Chef Nan’s signature chili sauce and the Grilled Lamb Chops with sweet soy coriander glaze.
Seafood Restaurants in Atlanta
4. Ray's in the City
Ray’s in the City is one of many delicious seafood restaurants on Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street. At Ray's they serve dishes inspired by the South, like seafood gumbo and New Orleans BBQ shrimp. If you’re looking to share, you can try their Broiled Seafood Platter. They also have popular individual dishes like seared scallops and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
5. The Optimist
This seafood restaurant is the perfect place to go for seafood fans visiting Atlanta. The Optimist is owned by Chef Ford Fry, and they bring incredible seafood dishes to this landlocked city. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining and serves amazing dishes like Tuna Crudo with Szechuan peanuts, Redfish with a bacon vinaigrette, and their Double-Stacked “Opti” Burger with caramelized onions.
6. Ray’s on the River
Just outside of the city itself is Ray’s on the River, and it is worth a visit. You can visit for Sunday brunch, but they have a full, fresh seafood menu everyday for lunch and dinner. They also offer a surf and turf combo so even those who may not like fish will find something here. And, with the sunset views over the Chattahoochee River, it’s the perfect romantic spot.
Mediterranean Restaurants in Atlanta
7. Di Paolo
Di Palo Italian restaurant in Atlanta has almost 30 years of experience serving simple yet creative dishes. The executive chef, Darin Hiebel, was featured in Best Chefs America and has a menu filled with Italian classics. Di Paolo is open for dinner, and they have an assortment of small plates to get you started, which includes their Sapelo Clams with your choice of white wine or spicy pomodoro or the Polenta alla Bolognese with creamy polenta.
As a main dish, you can get the Pizza Con Quattro Formaggi with four different cheeses, the Linguine alle Vongole with clams and white wine or the Short Rib with gorgonzola risotto.
8. Anis Cafe and Bistro
Anis Cafe and Bistro brings French Mediterranean food to the Buckhead area of Atlanta. With indoor and outdoor dining, it also provides an incredibly romantic atmosphere for couples. Some of the amazing dishes they serve include their Loup de Mer, a Mediterranean-style sea bass, and their Poulet Rô, a thyme-roasted free-range chicken served with Yukon Gold potato purée.
9. Kyma
Kyma has great Greek food at affordable prices for many of the travelers who come through Atlanta. This restaurant serves top-notch seafood in its contemporary tavern setting.
In addition to their tasty dishes, they also serve authentic Greek wine. Their dinner menu includes a signature Wood-Grilled Octopus marinated in red onions, Ahi Tuna Tartare over wild mushrooms, and crispy veal sweet bread.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, they also offer an eight-course Greek tasting menu with an optional wine pairing for those looking to try a bit of everything.
Mexican Restaurants in Atlanta
10. Alma Cocina
If you’re looking for high-quality Mexican restaurants in Downtown Atlanta, Alma Cocina may be the place for you. Alma Cocina is a modern Mexican restaurant with a bar that serves Latin-influenced cocktails like their famous margaritas.
For appetizers, they have some great chips and dip options, like their fire-roasted salsa or guava queso. Their popular dishes include Crispy Fried Shrimp Tacos and Chile-Rubbed Pork Chop. They also offer a Vegetarian Paella.
11. Minero
Minero is a small Mexican restaurant that’s nothing short of special. It’s located in the Ponce City Market, and known for both its trendy, new vibes and its fantastic, bold-flavored cuisine. The local favorites include tacos al pastor as well as fried catfish tacos. Don’t overlook a cocktail from the bar either.
Bars and Brewery Restaurants in Atlanta
12. Bar Margot
Those looking for dinner in Atlanta in a nice bar setting with quality cocktails should try Bar Margot. Located in the Northeast part of town, Bar Margot serves excellent appetizers and entrees with options for everyone. They have Crispy Oyster Mushrooms with chipotle aioli, Pork Belly with Georgia honey, and Duck Breast with pickled blueberry au jus. They also offer a Sunday brunch for $89 per person.
13. Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery
For a classic American brewery, Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery is a great stop. It’s located in a converted warehouse, creating a rustic atmosphere, with excellent wood-fired cuisine. Make sure to check out the four cheese brick oven bread. The handcrafted cocktails from their full bar menu are also a must here.
Steak Restaurants in Atlanta
14. Little Alley Steak
Little Alley Steak is an upscale steakhouse located in Buckhead with an exquisite bourbon collection to go along with its amazing steak dishes. The atmosphere is inspired by the 1800s for an old-time feel while you dine. Some of their appetizers include a “Korean-style” filet mignon over a Jasmine rice cake and duck confit spring rolls with an Asian slaw and Bing cherry gastrique.
They serve both wet- and dry-aged steaks, which include their tomahawk steak that’s been aged for 60 days. Little Alley also has USDA prime cuts and New York strips to try.
15. Hal’s “The Steakhouse”
The AAA Three Diamond-designated Hals' "The Steakhouse" in Atlanta is a core part of the Buckhead restaurant area. Noted for its aged steaks, full bar, and even seafood, Hal’s is a traditional favorite. You’ll need reservations most nights of the week. Put on something dressy and head out for a luxurious night with the best steaks in the city.
16. New York Prime Steakhouse
At New York Prime Steakhouse, you’ll enjoy upscale dining with USDA Prime steaks. These are big steaks with all of the traditional sides. It’s common to see a modern, professional crowd here, especially after work during the week. Don’t overlook the stone crab that’s also on the menu for seafood lovers.
American Style Restaurants in Atlanta
17. Mission and Market
If you’re looking for one of the best Atlanta restaurants with something for everyone, Mission and Market is the perfect choice. They have seafood, pasta, steaks, and more. They also have a great brunch menu.
This restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with some of their best dishes being the Spaghetti with mussels and clams, the Braised Short Rib with roasted fingerling potatoes, and the Center Cut Filet with red wine au jus. They also have a vegetarian menu as a meatless option.
18. Crispina Ristorante & Pizzeria
Crispina Ristorante & Pizzeria has been serving authentic Italian dishes in Atlanta since 2015 and is located in Northwest Atlanta. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or seafood, Crispina has it all. You can try the homemade Paccheri Seafood Pasta, the Porterhouse Pork Chop with creamy parmigiano polenta or their Lenticchie with sausage and carrots. They also have their signature “Tour of Crispina,” which has three different pastas to taste.
Asian Restaurants in Atlanta
19. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft
Those looking for some mouthwatering Thai food while exploring Atlanta should visit Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft on Peachtree Road. This Thai restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner every day of the week. Tuk Tuk has a tasty menu created by Chef Dee Dee Niyomkul, who is the daughter of Chef Nan from Nan Fine Dining.
The menu includes appetizers like Thai Beef Jerky and fried garlic chicken wings as well as plenty of entrees like Fried Whole Red Snapper and BBQ Pork with Thai sausage.
20. Bangkok Station
Bangkok Station brings a trendy Asian vibe to the community of Buckhead. This Thai-influenced restaurant offers traditional dishes, but it is also recognized for its extensive fusion and modern additions. They bill themselves as a high-end, but casual setting, with artisan foods. It’s often recognized for its pad thai, but there’s so much more to enjoy here.
Plan Your Next Trip To Atlanta with AAA
The only thing better than visiting Atlanta and eating the best food the city has to offer during your trip is to save money while you’re doing it. With an AAA membership, you get various perks and discounts whenever you travel.
The travel services with AAA help you conveniently find cheap hotels and flights, and we’ll help you find fun things to do wherever you decide to travel. When you book your next trip, be sure to do it with AAA.