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Atlanta carries its love for food in dishes extremely well. The way the city celebrates abundant flavours is always mesmerising to see. In this city, you will come across several Southern special eateries existing harmoniously with Northern contenders. Each of them displays a fountain of flavours brimming through every recipe.
Some restaurants are known for their timeless appeal while carrying its age-old legacy. Other newcomers delight patrons with new and conventional flavours, always introducing something surprising with every delicacy. These restaurants have the heart of Atlantans, and if you are new here, you must explore the delightful reason behind them.
From bustling barbeques to cosy patios, discover Atlanta’s most famous restaurants and learn what makes them iconic landmarks in the city.
7 Famous Restaurants In Atlanta You Can’t Afford To Miss
1) The Busy Bee Cafe
Image Credit: The Busy Bee Cafe
Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has been Atlanta's go-to for mouth-watering fried chicken and classic Southern dishes. Frequented by locals and legends like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey, it's earned international acclaim as a James Beard Foundation American Classic. COVID hasn't dimmed its shine; while dine-in is paused, takeout, curbside, and delivery keep the flavours alive. Come for the iconic fried chicken, and stay for the timeless recipes that have made Busy Bee a soul food institution for over 70 years.
Location: 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am–7 pm
Must Try: Fried Chicken, Smothered Chicken, BBQ ribs, Cornbread Dressing, And Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Price for 2: $40 approx.
2) Manuel’s Tavern
Image Credit: Manuel's Tavern
Manuel’s Tavern isn't just a place to dine; it's a hub for political discourse and literary musings. Established by Manuel Maloof in 1956, it's been visited often by everyone from journalists to left-leaning politicians, including President Carter and a visit from President Obama in 2016. Despite a renovation in 2016, its vibe remains intact, drawing locals for beer-charged debates on sports and politics. This Poncey-Highland gem is in Atlanta's heart and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Open Hours: Mon: 11 am–12 am; Tue-Fri: 11 am–1 am; Sat: 9:30 am–1 am; Sun: 9:30 am–12 am
Must Try: Burgers, Fries, Wings, Nachos, Sandwiches, Salads
Price for 2: $35 approx.
3) Colonnade Restaurant
Image Credit: Heather Burnley, The Colonnade via Google Maps
For almost 100 years, Atlantans have loved eating at the Colonnade Restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road. They serve tasty Southern dishes like fried chicken, salmon croquettes, and sweet potato soufflé. The portions are big, and the staff is friendly. This place is a favourite among older folks, but young people love it too. Come by for classic comfort food like turkey, dressing, or chicken fried steak. You'll feel right at home at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road.
Location: 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Open Hours: Wed-Sat: 5–9 pm; Sun: 12–8 pm; Mon-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Fried chicken, Salmon croquettes, Sweet potato soufflé, Turkey and dressing, Chicken fried steak
Price for 2: $40 approx.
4) Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Image Credit: Rose Cameron, Mary Mac’s Tea Room via Google Maps
For nearly 80 years, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been a beloved spot in Atlanta. Located on Ponce de Leon Ave, it's famous for Southern cooking like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea. Opened in 1945, it's one of Atlanta's oldest restaurants. Visitors line up early for classics like peach cobbler and a complimentary cup of pot likker. With friendly service and unchanged charm, Mary Mac’s is where you go for a taste of genuine Southern hospitality and delicious homemade dishes.
Location: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Must Try: Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Tea, Peach Cobbler, Hush Puppies, Okra, Banana Pudding, and Freshly Baked Bread.
Price for 2: $30 approx.
5) Paschal’s
Image Credit: Paschal's
Paschal’s has been a historical landmark for being a piece of civil rights history. Since 1947, this Castleberry Hill gem has been dishing up legendary fried chicken and hosting crucial meetings during the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders would gather here to strategize. Today, Paschal’s still serves mouth-watering fried chicken and award-winning peach cobbler, keeping its rich legacy alive. Come for the food, stay for the history, and experience the heart of Atlanta at Paschal’s.
Location: 180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 12–8 pm; Fri-Sat: 12–9 pm; Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Fried Chicken, Peach Cobbler, Smothered Pork Chop, Corn Muffins, Mac & Cheese, Fried Catfish, And Southern Potato Salad.
Price for 2: $40 approx.
6) Majestic Diner
In Poncey-Highland, Majestic Diner has been a favourite since 1929. Though it used to be open all day, now it closes at 2:30 p.m. Still, you can enjoy their yummy breakfast and lunch. They serve everything from tasty burgers and sandwiches to fluffy pancakes and waffles. It's a cosy spot for a good meal any time. So, swing by and taste a bit of Atlanta's history at Majestic Diner on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Location: 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 7:30 am–2:30 pm
Must Try: Burgers, Sandwiches, Omelets, Pancakes, Waffles, Steak and Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Cheese, Fries, and The Ponce Dog With Chili, Cheese, and Onions
Price for 2: $40 approx.
7) Polaris
Image Credit: Polaris
Polaris is a famous restaurant in downtown Atlanta, sitting on top of the Hyatt Regency hotel. It's known for its amazing views and tasty Southern food. Since 1967, people have enjoyed dining in its rotating room. They use honey from their rooftop bee garden in drinks like the Mind Your Bee’s Knees. Try dishes like duck leg & cassoulet and sweet potato gnocchi. With its history and delicious food, Polaris is a must-visit spot in Atlanta.
Location: 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Open Hours: Wed-Thu: 5–11 pm; Fri-Sat: 5 pm–12 am; Sun-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Wild Salmon Crudo, Chicken Liver Beignets, Local Cheese, Hand-Carved Charcuterie, Crispy Dr Joe Duck Leg & Cassoulet, Sous Vide Wild Boar, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, and Southern Pecan Tart at Polaris
Price for 2: $70 approx.
Relish the timeless classic at these beautiful and famous restaurants in Atlanta. From early-morning breakfasts to late-night brew parties, enjoy every meal in these iconic places and try the city’s celebrated eats.
