Retire Southern Recommends: Our Favorite Atlanta Restaurants for Every Kind of Night Out
One thing about Atlanta: you’ll never run out of interesting places to eat! No matter the occasion, there’s a spot that will suit and satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. We’ve assembled guide of places that showcase the best of the city, from casual eats to a true special-occasion splurge.
Each team member selected a casual, middle-tier, and an elevated dining option that we love enough to recommend without hesitation. These aren’t just places we’ve been once or twice—they’re our regulars, our crowd-pleasers, and the first places we suggest when friends ask for recs.
Andrea’s Go-To Atlanta Restaurants
Casual: Taqueria del Sol
Taqueria del Sol is the best kind of fast-casual concept, with a focus on quality food that is consistently delicious. The decor is unfussy and approachable. I’m always happy to find a place at the counter for a quick bite. My favorite menu items include the fish tacos, cheese enchiladas with the beef red chili sauce, and the shrimp corn chowder. I’d also check out the daily blue plate - the specials are usually a great choice for off-menu selections.
Middle: Rumi’s Kitchen
Rumi’s Kitchen is easily my go-to Atlanta restaurant. For a night out with friends or a business lunch, Rumi’s is the ideal choice. The decor is classic and elegant, and the vibe is upscale but not intimidating. Not only is the food exceptional, but the service is consistently warm and friendly. If you’re looking for my favorite menu items, try the labne, the roasted cauliflower & shallot torshi, and the roasted salmon. Their wine list is extensive, and I’ve never been disappointed in a single meal in the 15+ years I’ve been a customer.
Fancy: Marcel (Michelin Guide Rating ~ Bib Gourmand)
Easily the most romantic and decadent restaurant in Atlanta, Marcel is a vintage French steakhouse from famed southern restaurateur (and recent Southern Character guest) Ford Fry. The restaurant transports you back in time, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere with features like dim lighting, burgundy leather seating, velvet drapes, ornate chandeliers, antique mirrors, and brass-top tables. The menu features prime steaks and other classic dishes with a focus on French and European elements. Menu highlights include ocean-fresh oysters, steak tartare, escargots, caviar, beef wellington (must be ordered in advance), Sole meunière, pommes dauphinoise, and cauliflower gratinee. The hand-crafted cocktail program features both classic and creative beverages including the Marcel 75 and the bourbon-forward Grand Marquis. The restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list, recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants, with a focus on French wines. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion or a splurge.
Mallory’s Atlanta Dining Picks
Casual: La Fonda Latina
Recently, I was telling a group of my friends about how both my husband and I were hangry to the point where neither of us could make a decision on dinner, so we just drove to La Fonda. All of my friends agreed that yep, La Fonda is always, always, always the right choice. With several locations around Atlanta, La Fonda Latina offers a fantastic mix of Cuban, Mexican, and Spanish dishes at reasonable prices. Personally, I’ve yet to find a salsa that is better. Their Reuben Cubano sandwich should not be missed, and their margaritas and icebergs (Dos Equis Amber topped with a slosh of frozen margarita) are refreshing and delicious.
Middle: Little Bear (Michelin Guide Rating ~ Bib Gourmand)
Little Bear offers an intimate and eclectic dining experience for more adventurous eaters. Awarded Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking by the Michelin Guide, Little Bear offers an ever-evolving menu centered around local produce grown on small farms nearby. You can clue in to their latest dishes by viewing their Instagram, but they don’t hold staples on their menu. Arrive hungry with an open mind, a small group, and get ready to share a wonderful dining experience together.
Fancy: Omakase Table (Michelin Guide Rating ~ One-Star)
I did not know that sushi could taste this good… and I love sushi! Omakase Table offers an incredible dining experience where you’re seated around a counter overlooking the chefs at work preparing a selection of dishes. They offer a 20-course menu, but I would say to splurge on any additions that speak to you. I had some bites that simply melted in my mouth, causing that eye-closing reverence for food so delicious it can’t be rushed. The attention to detail at this restaurant is next-level. For example, we were given cat chopsticks holders and a cat paperclip with the menu and our photo at the end of the night. I noticed that the other patrons were given different animals, and I just know that they did their digging to find that I’m a certified cat-lady who absolutely ate that up! Awarded a Michelin Star in 2024, I would highly recommend reservations since they only offer two dinner seatings a night, typically.
Lauren’s Laid Back Atlanta Eats
Casual: Grindhouse Killer Burgers
The first time I went to the Piedmont Grindhouse was before a show at Smith’s Olde Bar to see Collective Soul play to a very small crowd in the upstairs room, which has since been renamed the Mike Reeves Music Room. Whether it’s because of that memory or because they play retro cult classic films and cartoons while you eat, it has always stood out in my mind as an outstanding option for a casual dinner with an edge. The Piedmont location is my favorite because of the artwork and old school toys from the 80s behind the bar, but a few of their locations offer rooftop dining as well. Dirty South Trivia hosts Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll Trivia on Monday nights at this location. Their a la carte menu has a little bit for everyone, and you can’t go wrong with their house lager draft beer or a boozy milkshake, an order of pimento cheese balls, and a build-your-own burger with fries - I almost always add a fried green tomato and some bacon!
Middle: Six Feet Under
I love a good rooftop bar, and the Grant Park Six Feet Under pairs very, very nicely with a warm summer evening and an ice-cold Weihenstephaner hefeweizen, followed by a seafood feast of your choice or one of their other options if seafood isn’t your thing. It’s a fun place to go with a group too and their brunch options are fantastic. I love their oyster shots and often get the half and half special with cold shrimp and six Blue Point oysters and sometimes add new potatoes and corn on the cob if I’m sharing. I also like their po’ boy sandwiches and hush puppies. They don’t take reservations, but I’d recommend sitting at the bar if they’re on a wait, especially at the Grant Park location. Six Feet Under offers an option to suit everyone’s palette, great service, and fun ambience for a medium-fancy night out on the town!
Fancy: Kurt’s Euro Bistro
This one is well worth the trip OTP. Established 40 years ago this December, this has been on our family rotation throughout my life, especially for a special occasion. It’s tucked into a quiet corner in an unassuming shopping plaza and offers a private dining room, patio, and a romantic, moody formal dining room. I usually opt for the classic Weiner schnitzel with spaetzle and something off their extensive draught beer list. This last time I went we got an order of Swiss fondue to start, but we also like the oysters, Bavarian pretzel with assorted mustards or bier cheese, and artisan cheese board. They also offer a personal favorite - tableside flambé bananas foster served over ice cream. Reservations are available through Open Table and they can run pretty busy on the weekends.
James’s Top Atlanta Restaurants for Every Occasion
Casual: Manuel’s Tavern
Founded in 1956 by the “Godfather” of Georgia Democratic politics, Manuel Maloof, Manuel’s Tavern (aka Manny’s) is Atlanta’s quintessential neighborhood bar. Located at the corner of North Avenue and North Highland this joint has been a long-time gathering place for locals and major political figures alike. The menu is simple and comforting, offering a balanced mix of starters, burgers, dogs, sandwiches and hot plates. The beer list is excellent with over 30 craft beers on tap plus an additional 25 canned and bottled options. My go-to order is the 10 piece wings (all drums) tossed in the house ‘Terry Style’ sauce, extra blue cheese, and a side of crispy tater tots. While this meal pairs perfectly with a cold draft beer, don’t overlook the WhistlePig Old Fashioned. It will change your life.
Middle: Brooklyn Cafe
To steal a phrase from the Cheers theme song, “...sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.” For me, hands down, that place is Brooklyn Cafe in Sandy Springs. Anything they plate or pour absolutely hits, from the Smoked Trout Dip to the Famous Reuben. And while their Classic Cheeseburger is only featured on the lunch menu, you can order it during dinner service. I’m just going to say it, it’s one of the best burgers in Atlanta in my opinion. But what puts Brooklyn over the top for me are two things: their daily rotating lunch & dinner specials which feature fresh seafood, prime steaks, and homemade desserts and their wine club. You can sign up for both to receive emails highlighting the features du jour as well as deeply discounted wines sold by the half or full-case. My friends and I refer to Brooklyn’s daily notifications as, “the Bat-Signal” because we will literally rearrange our day and belly up to the bar for their steak egg rolls, flash fried oysters, shrimp po’ boy, or soft shell crab sandwich. And no matter how full you are, if they are serving Mike’s carrot cake, order it. You can thank me later.
Fancy: Little Alley Steak Roswell
This upscale New York butcher-themed steakhouse is located in the heart of historic Roswell on Canton Street, a vibrant strip of restaurants, art galleries and unique shops. The space has a warm feel accented by exposed brick, white subway tiles, and reclaimed wood. The menu features a robust charcuterie program, raw oysters, chilled shellfish, wet-aged and dry-aged cuts, and a bourbon collection that will definitely pique your interest. My wife Amanda and I love to celebrate special occasions here, so it made perfect sense for us to commemorate our recent move to Roswell at Little Alley. We started with the Ahi Tuna Tartare, followed by the Baby Iceberg Wedge, culminating with the lollipop cut Bone-in Ribeye with sides of Garlic Spinach and Thick-Cut Onion Rings, all perfectly coursed by our server. We capped off the meal with the Warm Milk Chocolate Cake and espresso martinis. Reservations are available through Open Table, but Saturday seatings between 6pm ~ 8pm typically book out two weeks ahead. So be sure to reserve your table in advance and ‘Bone’ Appétit!
Where to Eat in Atlanta—No Matter Your Mood or Budget
We hope this list gives you a few new favorites to add to your personal rotation. We’d love for you to share this guide with anyone who may be planning a visit to Atlanta, and if you’ve got a place you swear by that didn’t make our list, drop us a note or tag us on Instagram. We’re always down to try new restaurants at Retire Southern!