Atlanta’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of Southern tradition and innovative cuisine, offering a unique dining experience for every palate. From iconic dishes like chicken and biscuits to creative creations like lasagna pizza and peach donut sliders, the ATL’s culinary landscape is a must-explore for any food enthusiast. So, what are the essential eats that define Atlanta’s foodie identity? Let’s dive into a list of must-try food in Atlanta and discover where to find these delectable treats.
31 Must-Try Foods in Atlanta
1. BBQ Ribs at Daddy D’z
Daddy D’z is an award-winning BBQ haven, renowned for its ribs. With a menu section dedicated entirely to ribs and rib combos, including seasonal lamb and turkey ribs, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy ribs as sandwiches, BBQ plates, or specialty platters. Don’t forget the sides at Daddy Z’s for the ultimate Southern BBQ experience.
Daddy D’z | 264 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | $$
2. Mac and Cheese at The Busy Bee Café
The Busy Bee Café, a James Beard award-winning eatery, serves baked mac and cheese. Founded in 1947 by Lucy Jackson, the Busy Bee Café is known for its soul food. This mac and cheese is a must-try when exploring Atlanta’s food scene.
The Busy Bee Café | 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | $$
3. Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s
Hailing from Nashville, Hattie B’s has made its mark in Atlanta with its hot chicken. Enjoy platters of traditional pieces, boneless sandwiches, and tenders. Be warned, the hottest version is four times hotter than habanero peppers.
Hattie B’s | 299 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$
via Hattie B’s
4. Lasagna Pizza at Antico Pizza Napoletana
Antico is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s Little Italy, serving a pizza topped with lasagna elements. This popular spot near Georgia Tech is known for its unique pizza combo that combines two Italian favorites.
Antico Pizza Napoletana | 1093 Hemphill Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$
5. Naked Dogs at The Varsity
An Atlanta food institution, The Varsity is the World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant. While they offer burgers and dogs slathered in chili, slaw, or both, the naked dog is the MVP.
The Varsity | Multiple Locations | $
6. Meat and Three at The Beautiful Restaurant
A meat-and-three meal is a must-try when exploring Atlanta’s food. The Beautiful Restaurant serves your choice of meat surrounded by three Southern sides like turnips, yams, and collards.
The Beautiful Restaurant | 2260 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30311 | $$
7. Brisket Sandwich at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
The “Big Tex” brisket sandwich at Fox Bros features sliced Angus brisket served on Texas toast with pickles, onion, and mustard.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q | 1238 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$
via Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
8. Peach Cobbler at Peach Cobbler Café
A trip to Atlanta isn’t complete without Georgia peaches. The Peach Cobbler Café makes their cobbler with locally grown peaches.
Peach Cobbler Café | 2221 Peachtree Rd. NW., Suite G Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$
9. Chicken and Dumplings at Atkins Park
Atkins is Atlanta’s longest licensed tavern, making it the perfect place to try chicken and dumplings. This regional specialty is only available at the Atlanta location.
Atkins Park | Multiple Locations | $$$
10. Sweet Potato Cheesecake at Sweet Auburn Bread Company
Sweet Auburn Bread Company reimagines sweet potato pie as an indulgent cheesecake creation enjoyed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Sweet Auburn | 234 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | $$
11. Mac n’ Cheesy-Changa at The Vortex
The Vortex is known for its Mac n’ Cheesy-Changa. This dish features mac and cheese and pulled pork deep-fried in a tortilla and served with pepper jack cheese.
The Vortex | 878 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$
via The Vortex
12. Maple Pecan Pie at Little Tart
Little Tart blends maple syrup and local honey with pecans from nearby Pearson Farms.
Little Tart | Multiple Locations | $$$
13. Chicken Biscuit at Star Provisions Market & Café
Star Provisions’ chicken biscuit includes sweet pickles and hot pepper honey.
Star Provisions Market & Café | 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$
14. Boiled Peanuts at Sweetwater Brewing Company
Sweetwater Brewing Company boils Georgia peanuts in their extra-pale ale and adds spices.
Sweetwater Brewing Company | 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324 | $$$
15. Pecan Pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
At Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, pecan pralines come in both chocolate and original versions.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$
via Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
16. Pulled Pork Sandwich at Paschal’s
Paschal’s serves slow-cooked pork nestled in a toasted kaiser roll with sides.
Paschal’s | 180 Northside D. SW., Atlanta, GA 30313 | $$$
17. Deviled Eggs at Old Lady Gang
Old Lady Gang’s deviled eggs are fried and served with brown sugar bacon. Add grilled shrimp for a Southern experience.
Old Lady Gang | Multiple Locations | $$
18. Dumplings at Gu’s Dumplings
Gu’s brings Szechuan dining to Downtown Atlanta, featuring pork, chicken, or vegetable dumplings.
Gu’s Dumplings | 99 Krog S., Ste. M, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$
19. Burgers at Flip Burger Boutique
“Flip” is home to the Flip Stack, a double dose of beef patties topped with American cheese and 1,000 Island dressing.
Flip Burger Boutique | 1587 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$$
via Flip Burger Boutique
20. Crab Cakes at Baltimore Crab and Seafood
Baltimore Crab and Seafood‘s crab cakes are lightly breaded and deep-fried.
Baltimore Crab and Seafood | 1075 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, GA | $$$
21. Shrimp and Grits at Wisteria
Wisteria creates “modern southern cuisine” with shrimp and grits seasoned with poblano peppers and onions.
Wisteria | 471 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $$$
22. Pimento Cheese Spread at Empire State South
The pimento cheese spread at Empire State South is a must-try.
Empire State South | 999 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$$$
23. Lemon Pepper Wet Pizza at Phew Pies
Phew Pies adds lemon pepper sauce to pizza and tops it with the trademark wings.
Phew Pies | 873 Victoria Pl. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | $$
via Phew Pies
24. Fried Catfish at Revival
Revival in Decatur serves cornmeal-crusted fried catfish made with local, farm-fresh ingredients.
Revival | 129 Church St., Decatur, GA 30030 | $$$
25. Fried Green Tomatoes at South City Kitchen
South City Kitchen serves fried green tomatoes with red pepper coulis and goat cheese.
South City Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$$
26. Seafood Gumbo at The Optimist
The Optimist serves a seafood gumbo with oysters, shrimp, and andouille sausage with garlic bread.
The Optimist | 914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318 | $$$$
27. Chicken and Waffles at 10th & Piedmont
10th & Piedmont keeps chicken and waffles in the spotlight. Their version is skewered and batter-fried, flavored with bacon, syrup, and hot sauce, with bacon-braised collard greens on the side.
10th & Piedmont | 991 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$$
via 10th & Piedmont
28. Lemon Pepper Wings at Hudson Grille Midtown
Hudson Grille’s award-winning lemon pepper wings are available in jumbo, boneless, and cauliflower versions.
Hudson Grille Midtown | 942 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 | $$
29. Strawberry or Peach Sliders at Revolution Donuts
Revolution, stuffs sugar donut with seasonal fruit like strawberries and Georgia peaches.
Revolution Donuts | 745 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | $
30. Biscuits and Gravy at Flying Biscuit Café
Flying Biscuit Café serves a biscuit, eggs, and gravy option with chicken sausage gravy over a biscuit topped with scrambled eggs and served with grits on the side.
Flying Biscuit Café | Multiple Locations | $$
31. Buttermilk Pie at Buttermilk Sky Pie
Buttermilk Sky Pie serves buttermilk pie, a creamy, custardy concoction baked in a pie shell and served with a crackled top.
Buttermilk Sky Pie | 4600 Roswell Road, Ste. C130, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30342 | $$
via Buttermilk Sky Pie
Experience the Best Food in Atlanta
Atlanta’s food scene is a vibrant mix of Southern heritage, creative innovation, and thoroughly satisfying flavors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these must-try foods will give you a true taste of Atlanta’s culinary identity. From hearty BBQ to inventive desserts, the ATL’s food scene is sure to impress.
