Southern cuisine, with its bold flavors and comforting warmth, has an undeniable appeal for food lovers worldwide. In the heart of the South, Atlanta, Georgia, is not only renowned for its rich history and culture but also as a culinary haven, home to some of the best restaurants serving traditional and modern Southern dishes. If you’re seeking an authentic Southern food journey in Georgia, join us as we explore must-visit restaurants where flavor and story intertwine, creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
Bantam + Biddy: A Premier Fried Chicken Destination
Address: 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #301, Atlanta, GA 30324.
Bantam + Biddy is more than just a restaurant; it’s an Atlanta icon of poultry perfection. Nestled near the vibrant Piedmont Park, this eatery, under the guidance of co-owner and talented chef Shaun Doty, has become a must-visit for chicken enthusiasts. The menu at Bantam + Biddy is a symphony of chicken-centric dishes, from crispy, melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken to flavorful, savory roasted half-chicken. But the experience extends beyond chicken. The diverse menu also features other Southern staples like hearty meatloaf, fresh salmon, and crispy fried shrimp, all elevated by comforting Southern side dishes—think creamy grits, rich mac and cheese, or flavorful collard greens. Notably, Bantam + Biddy also caters to early risers and brunch aficionados with an extensive breakfast menu, harmoniously blending Southern and Southwestern favorites, served until late on weekends.
Miller Union: Farm-to-Table Seasonal Southern Cuisine
Address: 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
At Miller Union, the essence of Southern cuisine is redefined through the lens of seasonality and sustainability. Chef Steven Satterfield, a James Beard Award winner, infuses his menu with the freshest regional produce. The ever-changing, seasonal menu celebrates the best of each season, featuring dishes made from locally sourced pork, beef, and poultry, along with an acclaimed in-house butchery program. Located in a historic former warehouse, the restaurant pairs its culinary creations with an extensive wine and whiskey collection, curated by Neal McCarthy, a Michelin Guide Sommelier Award recipient. The signature dish, baked farm egg in celery cream, exemplifies the simple yet refined flavors that define Miller Union’s unique culinary identity.
Casserole dish
Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Preserving Culinary History
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is not just a restaurant but a living Atlanta legacy, a proud culinary landmark. Since 1945, Mary Mac’s has offered a glimpse into the past, reminiscent of an era when women-run eateries were elegantly referred to as “tea rooms.” Mary Mac’s extensive menu is a profound tribute to Southern culinary traditions, featuring over 20 specialties like renowned fried chicken, savory pot roast, and tender slow-cooked brisket, each accompanied by an impressive selection of side dishes. Iconic starters like pot likker with crispy cornbread and hearty Brunswick stew set the perfect stage for an authentic Southern dining experience. For those with a sweet tooth, Mary Mac’s dessert menu is a treasure trove of Southern classics like creamy banana pudding and sweet coconut pie. Mary Mac’s esteemed title as “Atlanta’s Dining Room” speaks volumes about its significance and standing in Georgia’s culinary history.
Holeman & Finch Public House: Modern Twist on Southern Classics
Address: 1201 Peachtree St NE Building 400, Suite #160, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Atlanta’s culinary narrative takes a contemporary turn at Holeman & Finch Public House. Led by the duo Gina and Linton Hopkins, this establishment reimagines Southern cuisine with a modern approach, emphasizing ingredient quality. Holeman & Finch’s menu is a symphony celebrating local and seasonal products, featuring a range of refined small plates, each encapsulating the essence of Southern food while constantly innovating and creating. House-made preserves and pickles, along with a selection of grilled meats and artisanal salumi, add unique and surprising touches to the dining experience. A must-try at Holeman & Finch is the H&F Burger, once an off-menu item served in limited quantities nightly. Due to overwhelming popularity, the H&F Burger is now a staple, always available. For a more casual setting to enjoy the H&F Burger or Hop’s Chicken, visit H&F Burger or Hop’s Chicken at Ponce City Market for a relaxed and delicious experience.
Mac and Cheese
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours: Southern & Global Flavors Fusion
Address: 1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, under the talented Chef Deborah VanTrece, is a culinary masterpiece where global flavors meet and blend with Southern soul food. This Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant showcases VanTrece’s sophistication and originality in combining the familiar with the novel. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours’ menu offers a captivating blend of dishes, from soft-boiled eggs and crispy fried green tomatoes to unique creations like hoisin-glazed oxtails, harmoniously paired with fragrant ginger and crisp garlic bok choy. The Southern fried chicken, served with creamy mac and cheese and a distinctive sweet potato-apple hot sauce, exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to redefining soul food in a fresh and innovative style. Located near the Georgia Tech campus, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is a vibrant testament to Atlanta’s dynamic and diverse culinary scene, where traditional and modern flavors thrive together.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours Restaurant Interior
The Colonnade: A Southern Food Historical Landmark
Address: 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.
The Colonnade, a true bastion of Southern cuisine, has been an integral part of Atlanta since 1927. This restaurant is the epitome of old-school Southern dining, serving classic dishes that have stood the test of time and won the hearts of generations of diners. Best known for its legendary fried chicken, a meal at The Colonnade is a journey back to the roots, exploring the traditions that have shaped Atlanta’s unique culinary identity. The Colonnade’s culinary approach is simple and unpretentious, focusing on food quality and customer satisfaction. The straightforward formula of “one main protein and two sides” has pleased countless regulars over the decades, making The Colonnade a familiar and beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
South City Kitchen: Southern Classics in a Contemporary Setting
With multiple locations across Atlanta, South City Kitchen has become synonymous with refined and modern Southern cooking. This restaurant chain harmoniously blends the simplicity of classic Southern dishes with contemporary elegance, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and comforting, yet fresh and exciting. From its renowned fried chicken to innovative twists on traditional dishes, South City Kitchen is a living testament to the continuous evolution and innovation of Southern cuisine in a modern context. The restaurant’s popularity, especially for Sunday brunch, is a clear indication of South City Kitchen’s commitment to culinary excellence and providing memorable dining experiences.
Downtown Atlanta cityscape
Atlanta’s Culinary Journey: From Tradition to Innovation
Atlanta’s Southern cuisine is a vibrant tapestry, where time-honored traditions intertwine with innovative and modern interpretations. The city’s chefs and restaurateurs have skillfully navigated this delicate balance, creating menus that honor the past while embracing the rhythm of the present. This dynamic and inspiring approach has transformed Atlanta into a compelling destination, a must-visit for anyone seeking a culinary experience rooted in history yet brimming with contemporary freshness and sophistication.
Piedmont Park in Atlanta
Embarking on a Southern culinary journey in Atlanta is an exciting and memorable adventure, offering a wealth of unique flavors and experiences. From historic tea rooms, preserving the legacy of Southern hospitality, to modern eateries, where global influences blend with local traditions, Atlanta boasts a diverse and rich culinary scene, ready to capture the hearts of every food lover. Each restaurant, each chef contributes to the city’s reputation as a leading Southern culinary center, inviting locals and visitors alike to savor distinctive flavors, making Atlanta a prominent food destination on the global map.