When visiting Atlanta, be sure to try the city's renowned Southern cuisine, which combines traditional African American, European, and Native American flavors with modern twists and creative flair.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Atlanta's cuisine is deeply rooted in its Southern heritage, with influences from African American, European, and Native American traditions. The city's strategic location at the intersection of several major highways and railways made it a hub for food trade and cultural exchange, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and cooking styles. From traditional comfort food to modern fusion cuisine, Atlanta's food scene is characterized by its warm hospitality, rich flavors, and creative use of local ingredients. The city's culinary landscape is also shaped by its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and specialty restaurants, such as the Soul Food joints in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and the Barbecue pits in the suburbs.
Atlanta's food culture is also defined by its strong sense of community and tradition. Many restaurants and food establishments have been family-owned and operated for generations, serving up classic dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken and Waffles, and Biscuits and Gravy. The city's vibrant food scene is also reflected in its numerous food festivals, such as the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, which celebrates the city's culinary diversity and showcases the best of Southern cuisine.
In addition to its traditional Southern cuisine, Atlanta is also home to a thriving international food scene, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from Korean BBQ to Mexican Tacos and Indian Curry. The city's diverse culinary landscape is a reflection of its growing international population and its status as a major hub for business and tourism.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken | Main Course | Breaded and fried chicken pieces, often served with sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens | Mary Mac's Tea Room, The Busy Bee Cafe |
| Chicken and Waffles | Brunch | A classic Southern dish made with fried chicken, waffles, and maple syrup | Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles, The Flying Biscuit Cafe |
| Peach Cobbler | Dessert | A warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet peaches and topped with vanilla ice cream | The Peach Cobbler Factory, Mary Mac's Tea Room |
| Barbecue Ribs | Main Course | Slow-cooked pork ribs slathered in tangy barbecue sauce | Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Community Q |
| Sweet Potato Pie | Dessert | A sweet and creamy pie made with cooked sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices | The Sweet Potato Pie Company, Paschal's Restaurant |
| Brunswick Stew | Soup | A hearty, slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and corn | The Varsity, Brunswick Stew Company |
| Pimento Cheese Sandwich | Snack | A classic Southern sandwich made with pimento cheese, bread, and pickles | The Pimento Cheese Sandwich Company, Alon's Bakery |
| Grits | Breakfast | Ground corn cooked with milk or cream, often served with butter, cheese, or eggs | The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Biscuits and Gravy |
| Fried Green Tomatoes | Appetizer | Thinly sliced green tomatoes breaded and fried, often served with remoulade sauce | The Whitley, South City Kitchen |
| Bananas Foster French Toast | Brunch | Thick slices of French toast topped with caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and rum | The Flying Biscuit Cafe, The Breakfast Club |
Street Food & Snacks
- Peach Ice Cream: a sweet and creamy ice cream made with fresh peaches, available at the Peach Ice Cream Truck ($5-$7)
- Barbecue Sandwiches: slow-cooked pork or beef sandwiches slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, available at food trucks like Barbecue Bob's ($8-$10)
- Fried Dough: crispy, sugary fried dough topped with powdered sugar, available at the Atlanta Food Truck Park ($5-$7)
- Pimento Cheese Fritters: crispy fried balls filled with pimento cheese, available at the Pimento Cheese Sandwich Company ($6-$8)
- Chicken Tenders: crispy fried chicken strips served with dipping sauce, available at food trucks like Chick-a-Dee ($8-$10)
- Peach Lemonade: a refreshing drink made with fresh peaches and lemonade, available at the Peach Lemonade Stand ($4-$6)
- Grits Bites: crispy fried balls filled with grits and cheese, available at the Grits Bites Food Truck ($6-$8)
- Sweet Potato Fries: crispy fried sweet potato sticks served with dipping sauce, available at the Sweet Potato Fries Food Truck ($5-$7)
Drinks
- Sweet Tea: a classic Southern drink made with black tea, sugar, and ice, available at most restaurants and cafes ($2-$4)
- Peach Iced Tea: a refreshing drink made with peach puree and black tea, available at the Peach Iced Tea Company ($3-$5)
- Lemonade: a classic summer drink made with fresh lemons and sugar, available at most restaurants and cafes ($2-$4)
- Craft Beer: Atlanta is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries like SweetWater and Terrapin offering a wide range of beers ($5-$10)
- Bourbon: a classic Southern spirit made from corn and aged in oak barrels, available at most bars and restaurants ($8-$15)
- Fresh-Squeezed Juice: a refreshing drink made with fresh fruit and no added sugars, available at juice bars like the Fresh-Squeezed Juice Company ($5-$7)
Dining Customs
- Tipping: it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservation: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends and holidays
- Dress Code: dress codes vary by restaurant, but it is generally recommended to dress casually for most establishments
- Eating Etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit and to keep your elbows off the table
- Food Sharing: it is common to share food with friends and family, especially at Southern-style restaurants
- Paying the Bill: it is customary to pay the bill at the end of the meal, rather than paying as you go
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: Atlanta has a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Southern cuisine to modern fusion restaurants
- Food Trucks: food trucks are a popular option for quick and easy meals, with many vendors offering a wide range of cuisine
- Cafes: cafes are a great option for breakfast and brunch, with many establishments offering pastries, sandwiches, and coffee
- Markets: Atlanta has several markets, including the Atlanta Farmers Market and the Ponce City Market, which offer a wide range of food options and shopping
- Food Courts: food courts are a great option for a quick and easy meal, with many establishments offering a wide range of cuisine
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Ponce City Market: a historic market turned food hall, offering a wide range of cuisine and shopping options, located at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
- Atlanta Farmers Market: a bustling market offering fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, located at 16 Forest Pkwy
- Krog Street Market: a trendy market offering a wide range of food options, including restaurants, cafes, and food stalls, located at 99 Krog St NE
- Sweet Auburn Curb Market: a historic market offering a wide range of food options, including soul food, barbecue, and Southern cuisine, located at 209 Edgewood Ave SE
- World of Coca-Cola: a museum and tasting experience dedicated to the iconic beverage, located at 121 Baker St NW