10 Best Restaurants in Atlanta | Red Roof

10 Best Restaurants in Atlanta

Southern-style fried chicken

10 Best Restaurants in Atlanta

Craving delicious food during your stay in Atlanta? Red Roof has rounded up the best restaurants in town, offering a variety of flavors and dining experiences. Whether you're in the mood for casual bites or gourmet dishes, you'll find the perfect spot near our budget-friendly hotels to satisfy your taste buds.


If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Atlanta offers plenty of great non-chain restaurants. From southern cuisine to international flavors, there's something for everyone. In this guide, we'll highlight some of our 10 favorite spots that are definitely worth checking out. So, whether you're in town for a vacation or just passing through, be sure to give these places a try! They definitely top the list of best restaurants in Atlanta.

Grilled steak with rosemary garnish

Miller Union

Miller Union, nestled in Atlanta, Georgia, tops our list of finest restaurants in the city, known for its unique farm-to-table dining philosophy. The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal ingredients to construct innovative culinary creations, complemented by a bar serving cocktails and wine.


Georgia-native and James Beard Award-winning chef, Steven Satterfield, launched the establishment and is celebrated for his honest interpretation of Southern cuisine. The dishes are simple, yet elegant, starring locally grown produce. The locals' favorites include fried pork chop with creamed greens and duck breast with hoecakes and strawberries.


Miller Union frequently updates its menu, but signature dishes like the Miller Union burger, grilled octopus, celery cream-baked farm egg on grilled toast, and peach cobbler remain a constant. A kids' menu is also available, featuring items like PB&J sandwiches and chicken nuggets.


Since its inception in November 2008, Satterfield and co-owner/general manager/sommelier Neal McCarthy have positioned Miller Union as a shining example of Southern hospitality on the Westside, offering a hospitable dining space and equitable kitchen. It epitomizes the evolving South, both in its operations and offerings.


Operating hours include lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday, and brunch on weekends. Miller Union doesn't accept reservations, and peak times might witness wait periods of up to two hours. Despite potential wait times, Miller Union is a dining gem for those seeking fresh, seasonal cuisine. The sumptuous food and overall experience make the wait worthwhile.

Colorful Indian dishes overhead view

Talat Market

The Talat Market Restaurant, situated in the heart of Atlanta, has consistently offered some of the finest cuisine for many years. The extensive menu, showcasing a diverse range of Indian dishes, makes it an excellent dining option for both tourists and locals. For an authentic Indian dining experience, a visit to the Talat Market Restaurant is a must.


Originating as a popular Thai pop-up in the spring of 2020, Talat Market has since evolved into an essential culinary stopover in Atlanta. It operates on a unique concept: Thai techniques meet Georgian produce. Its interior is adorned with an enchanting mural, vibrant green walls, and suspended flower pots, creating an appealing dining atmosphere.


In practice, this translates to dishes like yum phonlamai. This fruit salad is made with a savory, funky mix of lemongrass, scallop floss, mint, cilantro, and fish sauce. It can also be made from yum khao tod, a crispy rice salad with housemade red chili jam, the meat salad laab, which includes ingredients like duck heart and sunchokes, crispy mussel pancakes, and much else.


The Talat Market Restaurant is also known for its mouth-watering curries. There are several different curry dishes available on the menu. The Talat Market Restaurant also offers several delicious tandoori items, including chicken tikka masala, lamb kabobs, vegetable samosas, and shrimp.


If you're looking for something a little bit more adventurous, the Talat Market Restaurant is definitely the place to go. It has many dishes that will definitely satisfy your taste buds, i.e., soups, salads, relishes, curries, stir-fries, and desserts. The restaurant is also well-known for its delicious naan bread, which is perfect for dipping into your curry sauce.

Plated pork chop with sides

Spring

Spring is a restaurant located in the heart of Atlanta that specializes in both American and Southern cuisine. The restaurant has received critical acclaim for its unique take on traditional dishes and its service. Spring offers a variety of dishes that cater to all appetites, whether you are looking for something light or hearty.


Founded by chef Brian So and associate Daniel Crawford in 2016, this brilliant tiny eatery defied all the rules to become one of the most famous restaurants in Atlanta. It serves a fresh menu matched with natural and biodynamic wines.


Starting on top of the train tracks in a secluded area of Marietta Square, not exactly a gourmet hotspot. The dining space, while upmarket, was sparse and austere. The menu was also extremely small: four appetizers and four mains. So, how is Spring still open three years later and among our top ten? Food by chef Brian So.


At this venue, you can select from options like grilled wagyu flatiron steak, slow-cooked short rib, or a whole fish. The dessert offerings vary regularly with the season, incorporating fresh vegetables, fruits, and other seasonal ingredients. Its intimate dining space makes it perfect for a small group of two or four, enjoying a meal accompanied by fine wine.


Pasta dishes featuring morels, fava beans, and Parmesan celebrate the restaurant's eponymous season. A menu highlight includes pan-roasted mackerel paired with zucchini, shellac peas, broccoli, and beurre blanc. Each dish at Spring Restaurant is more nuanced than it appears. Early reservations are recommended.


We trust this overview will guide you in making your menu choices when visiting the Spring Restaurant in Atlanta.

Three Mexican tacos closeup

El Rey Del Taco

Experience the flavors of Mexico without leaving Atlanta by exploring El Rey Del Taco, a hidden treasure tucked away in the Buford Highway's international dining area. Renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, El Rey Del Taco, or "The King of Tacos," lives up to its regal name.


As you step inside, you're instantly greeted with vibrant décor that captures the lively spirit of a traditional Mexican taqueria. The aromas wafting from the kitchen promise an authentic culinary experience you'll find hard to forget. The menu is extensive, boasting an array of delectable options that suit both adventurous and traditional palates.


Tacos are, unsurprisingly, the restaurant's crowning glory. Featuring a variety of fillings, from classics like grilled chicken, carnitas, and steak, to unique offerings like beef tongue and tripe, there's a taco for every taste. Don't miss their handmade tortillas, a rarity that elevates the already delicious tacos to a whole new level.


Beyond tacos, the menu also features traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales, chiles rellenos, and molcajetes. The ceviche and seafood options are also customer favorites. To complement your meal, choose from their selection of traditional Mexican beverages, including horchata, tamarindo, and an assortment of Mexican beers and tequila.


Service at El Rey Del Taco is warm and welcoming, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you're a long-time lover of Mexican cuisine or a first-time explorer, El Rey Del Taco offers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Atlanta. Be sure to visit their website for the most current operating hours and menu options.

Latte with decorative foam art

Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Nuevo Laredo Cantina, a beloved staple in the Atlanta dining scene, offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine in a charming and vibrant setting. This award-winning restaurant, tucked away in the city's Westside neighborhood, is well-known for its delicious food, friendly service, and festive atmosphere.


Step into Nuevo Laredo Cantina and be instantly transported to a rustic Mexican hacienda, with warm colors, traditional Mexican decor, and mariachi music in the background. The ambiance sets the perfect stage for an immersive culinary experience.


Their menu offers a range of delectable Mexican dishes, with a particular focus on dishes from the border town of Laredo, Texas. The signature Lobster Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent lobster tail nestled in soft corn tortillas. The Chicken Mole, another must-try, is prepared with a rich and flavorful sauce, a true Mexican delicacy. Vegetarian options and gluten-free dishes ensure that there's something for every dietary preference.


Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive drinks menu, which includes traditional Mexican beverages, specialty margaritas, and an impressive variety of tequilas. For a sweet ending, indulge in the Tres Leches, a Mexican-style sponge cake that's a delightful treat.


Service at Nuevo Laredo Cantina is as warm and inviting as the ambiance, making guests feel like part of the family. Open for lunch and dinner, it's an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Check out their website for the latest menu updates and operating hours. With its authentic Mexican fare and friendly atmosphere, Nuevo Laredo Cantina is a must-visit dining spot in Atlanta.

Pepperoni pizza fresh baked

Glide Pizza

Glide Pizza in Atlanta has got you covered when it comes to good eats. This trendy spot is known for its 20" Brooklyn-style pizza pies that will please any palate. Rob Birdsong, an Atlanta native who runs Glide Pizza, spent a decade in Brooklyn and frequented its slice shops. After returning to his home city, he decided to bring a little bit of Brooklyn back with him. He loved the satisfaction that came with a quick hot slice and he wanted that to happen for the people along the Beltline. He had a vision of combining artisan techniques and the great qualities of street food.


If you're keen on exploring the New York-style pizzeria scene in Atlanta, simply drop by Glide Pizza, pick your spot, and place your order. With an entirely customizable menu, there's no doubt you'll find a dish to your liking. To elevate your pizza experience, every whole pizza comes with complementary pizza ranch and pickled peppers. While the menu at Glide Pizza is straightforward, the ability to personalize your pizza guarantees a unique culinary adventure on each visit. There are also daily specials on beverages and wines.


Though single slices are a popular choice, a 20" pizza is sure to satisfy a group of four, especially given the high-quality ingredients used. So, when you're deciding where to dine in Atlanta, Glide Pizza deserves consideration. With its delectable fare and lively setting, it's the ideal venue for a memorable meal with friends. Don't miss out on this exciting dining experience!

Asian dishes on red tablecloth

Masterpiece

When searching for an exceptional dining spot in Atlanta, Masterpiece Restaurant is a choice you won't regret. The culinary strategy at Masterpiece is designed to tantalize every taste bud with just a couple of bites. The Dry Fried Eggplant, a spin on the renowned Sichuan dish, highlights their culinary prowess. Seasoned with cayenne pepper and capsicum ash powder, it is arguably the best version of the dish you can find.


The ma la (numbing chili) aspect of the dish is masterfully balanced. It comes with a generous, yet non-overpowering, sprinkling of aromatic, crunchy Sichuan peppercorns. This detail, as subtle as it may seem, brings a nuanced flavor layer that ties the entire dish together. Undoubtedly, Masterpiece Restaurant lives up to its name, presenting patrons with a memorable dining experience in the heart of Atlanta.


Onto the second bite: Masterpiece's Dong Po Pork, a braised slab of pork belly coated with an intoxicating mahogany-hued sauce. The first mouthful will electrify you. The second will take you to a new level of flavor by enhancing and prolonging the first.


Northeastern Chinese master chef Rui Liu immigrated to the United States on an O-1 visa, reserved for "individuals of remarkable achievement." Wait till you try his other 125 recipes.


If you're not sure what to order, the restaurant also has a set menu that includes some of its most popular dishes. So, whether you're looking for something spicy or something a bit more tame, Masterpiece Restaurant has something to offer everyone. So, why not pay it a visit the next time you're in Atlanta? You won't be disappointed.

Crispy fried chicken platter

Busy Bee Café

Busy Bee Café, an iconic and cherished dining institution in Atlanta, stands out for its soulful menu that resonates with every patron. The moment you step inside, you're embraced by an ambiance that radiates warmth and familiarity, making you feel instantly at ease.


Founded 75 years ago by Lucy Jackson, Busy Bee Café swiftly garnered a reputation for its exceptional homemade fried chicken and ham hocks, transforming it into a frequented dining spot. Its acclaim escalated to such an extent that it evolved into a gathering place for notable figures in the civil rights movement. Whether you're an Atlanta native or a visitor, a meal at Busy Bee Café offers a slice of history alongside mouthwatering Southern cuisine.


Today, the huge tasting menu is better than ever and the Cafe is now owned by Tracy Gates. Each day a rotating selection of specials and desserts are available along with the traditional southern staples of fried chicken and catfish, ham hocks, collard greens, golden cornbread, creamy mac and cheese, and so much more.


And the best part is that no reservations are needed for this independent and family-owned restaurant. Enjoy home cooking and time with the family at a restaurant that treats you like family.


So, if you're looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, Busy Bee Café is a perfect choice. With a menu that features something for everyone, Busy Bee Café is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. So, what are you waiting for? Make your reservation today and experience Busy Bee Café for yourself!

Thai dishes spread table view

Tum Pok Pok

Welcome to Tum Pok Pok, an Atlanta-based Thai restaurant quickly gaining a following for its delicious and unique dishes. Tum Pok Pok is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something different from the usual pizza or burger.


In the same BuHi mall as Food Terminal and Saigon Tofu, Tum Pok Pok was a welcomed addition to our city's most cosmopolitan corridor. Atlanta has a great Thai restaurant, but this is a top-of-the-line establishment. With its proximity to the Laotian border and shared culinary traditions, Thailand's northeast Isan region is the focus of the restaurant owned by Adidsara Weerasin.


Larb from Weerasin is served with sticky rice and cabbage leaves and is seasoned with lime juice and tiny chilis and ginger and peanuts. Shredded raw green papaya makes som tum, a spicy and sour salad. For over a decade, Weerasin has been dishing up Thai delights, such as crab omelet and spicy pork with red curry sauce and shaved makrut lime leaves, in his restaurant in the southern province of Thailand.


Tum Pok Pok in Atlanta shines among the city's culinary landscape, thanks to the impressive range of options its menu offers. You can find everything from quintessential Thai favorites, such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup, to more exotic choices like Fried Chicken with Spicy Tamarind Sauce or Green Papaya Salad.


Regardless of your selection, satisfaction is almost guaranteed, as Tum Pok Pok consistently delivers delectable fare. So, when craving an outstanding Thai dining experience in Atlanta, don't hesitate to visit Tum Pok Pok.

Grilled Peruvian meat with parsley

Las Brasas

Las Brasas, a Peruvian dining spot in Atlanta, is an excellent destination if you're on the hunt for scrumptious cuisine. Its extensive menu showcases an assortment of offerings, from succulent sandwiches and wraps to delectable ceviche, Peruvian stir-fry, and a range of chicken dishes. Catering to all meal times, Las Brasas serves as an ideal choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner.


It is located on Church Street and has been a popular option since 2007. The Peruvian-inspired cuisine has pulled customers from all over to taste their meats cooked over hardwood and seasoned with huacatay. Their chicken comes in both half and whole portions, so you're sure to get enough to fill your stomach.


If you're not a fan of meat, don't worry! Las Brasas also has a wide selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options to choose from, meaning just about anyone and everyone can find something they'll enjoy.


With a dark and intimate decor and gorgeous presentation, accented by splashes of color, in place of white tablecloths, Las Brasas creates an ambiance all its own. Co-owner and head chef Andreas Johansson emphasizes that his focus is the sharing of food between friends.


If you're looking for a great Peruvian restaurant in Atlanta, Las Brasas is a great option. The food is delicious, and there's something for everyone on the menu. Whether you're looking to satiate a hunger for meat, vegetables, or something else, Las Brasas has you covered.


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