Southern cuisine, with its rich flavors and distinctive warmth, has long captivated food lovers worldwide. In the heart of this region, Georgia stands out as a must-visit destination, where traditional dishes are cherished and innovated upon through generations. From bustling Atlanta to tranquil small towns, Georgia offers an unforgettable culinary journey, inviting you to explore the unique flavors and cultural stories behind each dish.
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
If you’re a food enthusiast eager to discover the authentic tastes of the American South, join Discovery To Wonders as we explore the must-try traditional Georgian dishes. This journey is more than just a culinary tour; it’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the culture, history, and people of this region.
Bantam + Biddy: A Haven for Fried Chicken and Southern Specialties
Address: 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #301, Atlanta, GA 30324
Bantam + Biddy prides itself on being one of Atlanta’s best fried chicken restaurants, an ideal spot for those seeking the true taste of Southern fried chicken. Located near the vibrant Piedmont Park, this restaurant is helmed by talented chef Shaun Doty, who has crafted a diverse menu with chicken as the star ingredient.
At Bantam + Biddy, you can find a plethora of tempting chicken dishes, from crispy fried chicken and flavorful roasted chicken to other creative options. But it’s not just about chicken; the menu also includes many other Southern specialties like meatloaf, salmon, and fried shrimp, all prepared in a traditional style using fresh ingredients.
To complete your meal, don’t forget to order Southern-style side dishes such as creamy grits, rich mac and cheese, or nutritious collard greens. Bantam + Biddy also serves breakfast and brunch with a diverse menu of Southern and Southwestern favorites, extending late into the weekend nights.
Miller Union: Seasonal Flavors from Farm to Table
Address: 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Miller Union offers a unique Southern dining experience where sophistication and sustainability are paramount. Chef Steven Satterfield, a James Beard Award winner, has created a seasonal menu that focuses on the freshest produce from local farms.
casserole dish
Miller Union’s menu is constantly refreshed to reflect the best ingredients of each season, featuring dishes made from locally sourced pork, beef, and poultry. The restaurant is also renowned for its distinctive in-house charcuterie program.
Housed in a historic warehouse, Miller Union perfectly blends a cozy atmosphere with innovative cuisine. Neal McCarthy, a Michelin Service Guide award recipient, has curated an extensive wine and whiskey list to elevate your dining experience. The restaurant’s signature dish, baked farm egg in celery cream, exemplifies the refined yet simple flavors that have made Miller Union famous.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Preserving Culinary History in Every Dish
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is more than just a restaurant; it’s an Atlanta historical landmark. Established in 1945, it offers a window into the past, reminiscent of a time when women-run eateries were charmingly known as “tea rooms.”
Mary Mac’s extensive menu is a symphony of traditional Southern cuisine, featuring over 20 specialties like fried chicken, pot roast, and slow-cooked beef brisket. Each main dish is accompanied by a variety of enticing side dishes, creating a truly authentic Southern feast.
Appetizers like the iconic pot likker with crispy cornbread and hearty Brunswick stew will awaken your palate, preparing you for a memorable Southern culinary experience. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the dessert menu with classics like bread pudding and sweet coconut pie. Dubbed “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” Mary Mac’s has cemented its significant place in Georgia’s culinary history.
Holeman & Finch Public House: Modern Twists on Southern Cuisine
Address: 1201 Peachtree St NE Building 400, Suite #160, Atlanta, GA 30309
Holeman & Finch Public House brings a breath of fresh air to Atlanta’s Southern dining scene. Under the guidance of Gina and Linton Hopkins, this restaurant reinterprets Southern cuisine with a modern flair, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and refined culinary techniques.
Holeman & Finch’s menu celebrates local and seasonal produce, featuring numerous small plates that showcase the essence of Southern cuisine while constantly innovating and creating. House-made preserves and pickles, along with a selection of unique charcuterie and salumi, add distinctive touches to the dining experience here.
A highlight not to be missed at Holeman & Finch is the H&F Burger, a dish that was once off-menu and served in limited quantities each night. However, due to overwhelming popularity, the H&F Burger has become a staple of the restaurant. For a more casual version of this burger, or delicious fried chicken options, visit H&F Burger or Hop’s Chicken at Ponce City Market.
Mac and Cheese
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours: A Fusion of Global and Southern Flavors
Address: 1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, led by Chef Deborah VanTrece, is a unique culinary gem where global flavors blend with Southern soul food. This restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, showcasing VanTrece’s talent in combining familiar dishes with novel creations.
Twisted Soul’s menu offers surprising and delightful combinations, from poached eggs and crispy fried green tomatoes to unique creations like hoisin-glazed oxtails paired with ginger and garlicky bok choy. The Southern fried chicken, served with mac and cheese and sweet potato-apple hot sauce, exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to redefining traditional soul food.
Located near the Georgia Tech campus, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is a symbol of Atlanta’s dynamic and diverse culinary scene. Here, you’ll experience a unique flavor feast where familiar Southern dishes are elevated to new heights through bold combinations with international ingredients and cooking techniques.
Placeholder image
The Colonnade: Timeless Southern Culinary Traditions
Address: 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
The Colonnade is a true bastion of Southern cuisine, an Atlanta culinary icon since 1927. This restaurant is the embodiment of classic Southern fare, serving traditional dishes that have stood the test of time.
Best known for its fried chicken, dining at The Colonnade is a journey back to the roots of Southern cuisine, where traditions are cherished and preserved. The Colonnade’s serving style is simple and unpretentious, featuring a main protein and two choice side dishes, a formula that has pleased countless diners for decades. If you want to experience authentic Southern flavors in a cozy and familiar setting, The Colonnade is an unmissable choice.
South City Kitchen: Southern Classics in a Contemporary Setting
With multiple locations across Atlanta, South City Kitchen has become a household name when it comes to Southern cuisine. This restaurant chain combines the simplicity of classic Southern dishes with a contemporary style, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and fresh.
From its renowned fried chicken to innovative preparations of traditional dishes, South City Kitchen is a testament to the ongoing evolution of Southern cuisine in a modern context. The restaurant’s popularity, especially for Sunday brunch, demonstrates their commitment to quality and culinary excellence. No matter which South City Kitchen location you choose, you can count on a delicious and memorable Southern meal.
Downtown Atlanta skyline
Discovering Atlanta’s Cuisine: From Tradition to Innovation
Atlanta’s Southern cuisine is a wonderful blend of long-standing traditions and innovative modern interpretations. The city’s chefs and restaurateurs skillfully balance honoring the past and embracing new trends, creating a rich and diverse culinary landscape.
This dynamic approach has transformed Atlanta into a compelling destination for those eager to explore Southern cuisine. Whether you seek traditional dishes with a taste of home or unique culinary creations, Atlanta can satisfy all your preferences. Come and experience an unforgettable culinary journey in this vibrant city, where Southern flavors blend with modern sophistication.
Piedmont Park in Atlanta
For a complete travel experience, explore more of Atlanta’s attractions near these renowned restaurants. Agoda offers a list of Hotels near Piedmont Park and Hotels near Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, making it easy to find comfortable and convenient accommodations for your Southern culinary adventure in Atlanta.
A culinary journey through Atlanta’s Southern food scene will offer you a myriad of memorable flavors and experiences. From historic tea rooms preserving the legacy of Southern hospitality to modern eateries blending global influences with local traditions, Atlanta welcomes you to explore a diverse and rich culinary landscape. Each restaurant and chef contributes to the city’s reputation as a premier Southern culinary center, inviting visitors and locals alike to savor the flavors that define Atlanta’s unique identity.