Atlanta is considered a major city for restauranting as restaurants of nearly every worldwide cuisine can be found in Atlanta or metro Atlanta. With the ever-growing immigrant population, new types of restaurants are always springing up with their own unique menu items as people incorporate their own family recipes or specific regional takes on popular recipes. As more people become open-minded about trying different types of food, these small but delicious restaurants have been gaining popularity, especially among the youth, over the past few years. Having frequented many restaurants in the area, I have come up with my list of the best restaurants. I attempted to pick restaurants of varied cuisines and ones located in different parts of metro Atlanta so that there is a little something for everyone.
Proceed with an empty stomach and be sure to try as many of these out as you can; I promise you won’t be disappointed.
1. Baitong Thai
This hidden gem located in Johns Creek is one of the best Thai restaurants in metro Atlanta. With menu items ranging from drunken noodles to Thai curries to green tea ice cream, most everyone that leaves the restaurant feels satisfied with their food and that their wallet is still fairly full.
2. Tin Lizzy's Cantina
This Mexican-American fusion restaurant has a few locations in the Atlanta area. Its menu has the staple Mexican food of tacos, burritos and burrito bowls. However, it also has the Southern-American classics of deep-fried pickles and jalapeños and other great menu items. Their guac is also to die for.
3. Top Spice
Located in Druid Hills, this Thai and Malaysian restaurant looks upscale but has incredibly reasonable prices. Their roti canai, a flattened Indian bread with chicken curry, is something that is seen at most Malaysian restaurants, but this restaurant has one of the best. Having menu items of both Thai and Malaysian cuisine, there is sure to be food for everyone.
4. Eclipse di Luna
Located right next to Perimeter Mall, this tapas joint combines great food with a lively atmosphere. Their authentic Spanish tapas are great to be shared by groups; they have calamari, ceviche and even just cheese and bread. They often have live music, so customers can be seen on the dance floor in the front of the restaurant.
5. Spice Brick Oven Kitchen
Another tapas place, but in Alpharetta, Spice offers many of the same menu items as Eclipse di Luna. Although live entertainment may not be found, they have an incredible array of tapas, pizza and some of the best seafood items in the area.
6. Jerusalem Bakery & Grill
An authentic Middle-Eastern eatery located in Alpharetta, Jerusalem Bakery offers a variety of Middle-Eastern staples. Their homemade hummus, accompanied by fresh pita, is probably the most popular item followed by their shawarmas which are made in front of the customer with whatever the customer wants. They also make falafels, and for the less adventurous, calzones and pizza among other things.
7. Nahm Thai Cuisine
In the heart of Alpharetta on Windward Parkway, this small Thai restaurant is cozy on the inside and has amazing food. Their spice levels are actually on par with Thai spice levels, however, so be careful when you tell them how hot you want things!
8. Chatpatti
An Indian restaurant located in Decatur, Chatpatti offers a variety of Indian food from South Indian food to northern meals to near-authentic Indian street food, such as chaat and samosas. The food is fantastic, and the prices are cheap.
9. Egg Harbor Café
This brunch favorite in Johns Creek, but also with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, is always busy because of its delicious food. With classic breakfast and lunch dishes, this is the most popular breakfast location in Johns Creek. The staff is extremely helpful and will get to know you one-on-one.
10. Antico Pizza Napoletana
Although they may not have a lot of options on the menu, Antico Pizza never fails to deliver with their amazing pizzas. Hand-made pizza in brick ovens makes going to this place an experience in itself.
11. Rumi's Kitchen
One of the best places in Atlanta to get Persian food, Rumi’s kitchen is a more upscale place to eat Persian favorites—kabobs, lots of lamb, grilled vegetables and tons and tons of deliciously-flavored rice.
12. Alon's Bakery & Market
Located in the same complex as Eclipse di Luna, Alon’s is a local favorite with its freshly baked bread and brewed coffee. It’s an ideal location for interviews and meetings, but many people just come to pick up the fresh sandwiches and salad that they make daily.
