Michelin Star Restaurants Atlanta: Michelin Guide, Fancy Restaurants, Best Lunch in Atlanta

Incredible Dining in Atlanta’s Best Restaurants

The song “Food, Glorious Food” from the 1960s Broadway hit “Oliver” could be the theme song about the current dining scene in Atlanta. The most difficult decision to be made by visitors and locals who plan to dine out may just be how to choose a single restaurant from scores of incredible options. Hopefully, you plan to be in Atlanta for several days and will have multiple opportunities for memorable gastronomic experiences.

Follow along as we navigate some of the amazing options you may want to consider, starting with the latest Michelin star-rated restaurants of which there are eight in Atlanta. Michelin has also added seven new local dining spots to its “Recommended” category. Bear in mind that the one and only two-star Michelin restaurant in the South is Emeril in New Orleans, so earning one star, being recommended, or earning placement on the Bib Gourmand list from Michelin is a huge honor.

Atlas

Atlas, Buckhead, sophisticated refined dining (in the St. Regis Hotel), distinct menus for cheese, chef’s tasting recommendations, vegetarian, vegan, dessert, and for The Tavern. Other distinguished awards from Wine Spectator and Open Table. $$$$

Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia, West Midtown, New American fare, the restaurant has also earned a Michelin Green Star in recognition of its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and dedication to waste reduction. Seasonal organic ingredients, often from the chef’s/owner’s farm. Four course, prix-fixed menu that the chef varies each evening. $$$$

Hayakawa

Hayakawa, West Midtown, high-end sushi experience (next door to Lucky Star). As the restaurant touts, “It’s not a dinner. It’s an experience”. Reservations required. Cancellation fees may apply. The finest seafood available presented as if you were in Japan. $$$$

Lazy Betty

Lazy Betty, Midtown, an innovative and intimate tasting menu with matched wines dining experience. Dine unrushed, savoring each dish in a welcoming atmosphere. The menu is worth reading even if you aren’t dining here. Prices include service fee. $$$$

Mujo

Mujo, Midtown, extravagant omakase (the chef determines the menu) sushi experience. Koshitsu counter for four to six guests is available for small group bookings. Reservations are required for the sushi bar as well. The chef prepares a series of small plates followed by a progression of fresh nigiri. $$$$

O by Brush

O by Brush, Buckhead, artful high-end omakase (the chef determines the menu) sushi dining presented by a Taiwanese American chef. O by Brush is a restaurant within a restaurant, and an evening that will never be forgotten. $$$$

Omakase Table

Omakase Table, Buckhead, intimate omakase sushi dining. As with the previous restaurants, with omakase the chef will design the menu and prepare the food. Diners will be in awe at the artful displays of sushi that are provided. $$$$

Spring

Spring, in northwest suburban Marietta, New American cuisine. The short menu allows Chef Brian So to focus on delivering top-notch dishes without fail. Oysters-foie gras-fish, and perfectly matched natural beverage list from partner/friend/Sommelier Daniel Crawford assures an incredible night out. $$$$

Michelin “Recommended” Restaurants in Atlanta

Avize

Avize: West Midtown, modern Alpine cuisine, upscale yet chic chalet atmosphere enhanced by a beautiful fireplace. The menu has been influenced by French, Italian, German, Austrian and Swiss cooking styles. Lemon pepper frog legs! A one-of-a-kind dining venue. $$$-$$$$

Best BBQ:

Best BBQ: Chamblee (inside the Ba Hue Vietnamese Market), this is definitely not a Southern BBQ joint. Featured Cantonese dishes include crispy roasted duck, radish cakes, several types of dumplings, pan-fried noodles, and stuffed eggplant. Best of all is that dim sum is served anytime. With a Michelin recommendation, very casual atmosphere, generous portions, and with very affordable prices, you really can’t go wrong. $$

Fawn Wine & Amaro Bar

Fawn Wine & Amaro Bar: Decatur, dishes inspired by southern U.S. coastal foods, with clear influence from France and Italy, Fawn is a seafood-centric dining experience that is unique. Servings are named noshes, bites, tastings, and plates, and go down perfectly paired with an enormous list of volcanic wines, amaro cocktails, and other libations from around the world. $$$

Lucky Star

Lucky Star: West Midtown, Taiwanese cuisine (next door to Hayakawa). Innovative cocktails crafted using precision lab equipment, bold yet comforting dishes, all of which can be consummated by locally roasted coffee and delectable pastries provided by sister restaurant, and Michelin starred Brush Sushi. $$$-$$$$

Madeira Park

Madeira Park: Poncey-Highland neighborhood (two miles east of downtown), Southern-inspired small plate cuisine developed by James Beard Award-winning chef Steven Satterfield. The finely curated wine list makes this wine bar perfect for casual diners seeking unique foods in a convivial atmosphere. Madeira wines are highlighted along with other highly regarded wine producing areas of the world. $$$

Pho House

Pho House: Duluth (Mall Corners Shopping Center). Who knew that Vietnamese cuisine could be so indescribably delicious? From some of the best pho we’ve ever tasted to incredible appetizers, rice, and vermicelli noodle dishes, Pho House’s food is comforting, with flavors that you won’t find just anywhere. Very affordable, too. $$

Ryokou

Ryokou: Located in the historic residential Adair Park neighborhood southwest of downtown Atlanta. Modern Kappo-style Japanese sushi and grilled foods that are prepared before your eyes. Chef-driven, the menu is chosen for you, so you just have to sit back and enjoy. The eight-course fixed-price tasting menu is orchestrated similar to omakase sushi restaurants. $$$$

The Chastain

The Chastain: Chastain Park (three miles north of Buckhead), the restaurant has also earned a Michelin Green Star in recognition of its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and dedication to waste reduction. The upscale restaurant is comfortable and unpretentious, with internationally inspired pastries and creative dishes offered with your morning coffee, at brunch, lunch, and dinner. The Chastain offers a wide selection of options for vegetarians, as well as seafood, pork, poultry, and beef dishes. $$$-$$$$

Michelin “Bib Gourmand” Listed Restaurants in Atlanta

This Michelin collection of interesting restaurants recognizes terrific value, indicating “great food at a lower price”.

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Antico Pizza Napoletana: West Midtown, traditional Neapolitan pizza and calzone served slightly charred. The menu is the menu, is the menu, but there’s no need to adjust to love this pizza.

Busy Bee Cafe

Busy Bee Cafe: Vine City neighborhood (west of Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the southwest side). Famous for Southern soul food including incredible fried chicken, pork chops, fried fish and shrimp, ribs, and oxtails with black-eyed peas, turnip greens, mac ‘n cheese, slaw, candied yams, fried okra, and on and on. Come extremely hungry.

Bomb Biscuit Co.

Bomb Biscuit Co.: Grant Park neighborhood (southeast of downtown), specializes in Southern soul food including pork, chicken, egg lovers, and vegan ‘sammies’, breakfast plates, biscakes and waffles, or just order a few of the lip-smackin’ good sides as a meal.

Estrellita

Estrellita: Located in the Grant Park nearby Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, (two miles southeast of downtown). From the warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home, to the Filipino cuisine that embraces national dishes including pork adobo, beef Nilaga stew (Angus beef), Filipino chicken BBQ, and several fish options, this restaurant will wow you. Casual, homey, and deeeelicious.

Fishmonger

Fishmonger: Poncey-Highland neighborhood (two miles east of downtown), fresh seafood market and restaurant. Check out the raw bar for oysters, shrimp ceviche, and tuna tartare. If it’s cooked food you prefer, the blackened grouper sandwich, lobster roll, tuna melt, and steamed mussels are fresh and wonderfully prepared.

Fred’s Meat & Bread

Fred’s Meat & Bread: Inman Park neighborhood (Krog Street Market), adjacent to the Belt Line, creative internationally inspired sandwiches that have made Michelin’s Bib Gourmand three years in a row. Creative and unique sandwiches such as chicken and pepperoni, Korean cheesesteak, cauliflower and eggplant banh mi, and the obligatory shrimp po’ boy.

Heirloom Market BBQ

Heirloom Market BBQ: Cumberland (I-285 frontage road/close to Truist Park), Southern BBQ with Korean influences. Choice of brisket, turkey, spicy Korean pork, and pulled port sandwiches. Also available as a platter with sides. Wings, BBQ ribs, and tacos are also served. Don’t be put off if there’s a line out the door. It moves quickly and is worth the wait, especially for the Korean sweet potatoes and locally made kimchi.

Little Bear

Little Bear: Another popular Grant Park dining spot, close to Center Parc Stadium. The inventive hyper-seasonal international cuisine clearly fits the bill if you are looking for “something different”, in an excellent way. There’s Emerald Soup with pork and chicken meatballs; Shish Taouk chicken thighs with apple and sweet potato; a Chicory Salad with dan dan dressing, sweet potato, mushroom, green onion, and cilantro; and Raw Beef in a persimmon umeboshi dressing with chili relish, turnip, dill, and edamame. Full bar and sweet desserts compliment the dishes.

Superica

Superica: Inman Park neighborhood (Krog Street Market), adjacent to the Belt Line. Featuring authentic Tex-Mex fare, Superica is well-known for its lively atmosphere and special take on nachos, fajitas, tuna tostadas, enchiladas, chicken con mole, house made queso, and carne asada. Wash the amazing food down with a full line-up of margaritas, beer. wine, Tex-Mex cocktail classics, and in-house creations.

Table & Main

Table & Main: Roswell, “A Southern Tavern”, serves up simply amazing corn bread, mushroom and pecan bisque, and chicken salad croquettes for starters. But don’t fill up and these irresistible options with mains including fried chicken, shrimp and grits, prime Wagyu strip steak, and Georgia mountain catfish still to come. The sides and desserts are equally tempting and perfect to share with a few friends.

No Less Fabulous Atlanta Restaurants That Aren’t on a List

ecco Midtown and ecco Buckhead: European-inspired creative Continental cuisine in elegant surroundings. Also, on Concourse F at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Wood-fired hearth, pastas made by hand, fried goat cheese, mussels with andouille sausage, and that’s just for starters. Mains include pizzas, oven roasted redfish, pork tenderloin, and hangar steak. Pair these upscale dishes with the impressive wine list for a truly memorable evening.

Spring 2nd Branch: The new addition from the owners of Spring, the Michelin award winning restaurant, also in Marietta. Spring 2nd Branch features amazing takes on Korean dishes created by Chef Brian So. Kimchi, kalbi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and so much more. The website photos will make your stomach growl.

Ray’s in the City: Extraordinary American fine dining, located in AmericasMart on Peachtree St. in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Charbroiled steaks-fresh seafood-veal-poultry-extensive wine list. Other locations on the Chattahoochee River (since 1984), and in suburban Alpharetta.

Municipal Market: Not sure what you want, or you want this and your partner wants that? No problem. Also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, this originally open-air market began in 1918 on the border with downtown Atlanta and historic Sweet Auburn. Today’s MM features dozens of local shops and food stalls to satisfy every craving. Cajun, Creole, Vietnamese, soul food, pizza, Chicago-style mac n’ cheese, fried chicken, and more. Grab a quick bite and peruse the market for a fun lunch or early dinner. Closed Sundays.

Park Bar: For a casual lunch or dinner when you’re traveling solo and staying downtown, or to join the crowd watching college sports or Atlanta’s sports teams if you don’t have tickets, this two-story spot is a fun option. Near Centennial Park is so convenient to many hotels in the area, stop in here to BYOB (build your own burger), chicken tenders, or a real meal such as a New York strip steak, grilled mahi mahi, or a specialty plate. The Park is widely known for its extensive selection of bourbons and beers.

Breakfast at Barneys: Since 1978, Breakfast at Barneys has been a gathering spot for decadent breakfast, brunch, and lunch meals in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and until 5 p.m. weekends, downtown visitors can relax in the inviting, stylish atmosphere and enjoy a creatively prepared meal away from their hotel. Unique offerings include lamb and eggs, salmon croquette and eggs, Barney’s French toast, lobster mac and greens, Savannah fish and grits, fried green tomatoes, and yacht toast. Reservations accepted.

Miss Conduck: A Caribbean restaurant in Atlanta? Sure, why not? Miss Conduck brings Trinidadian cuisine to you without having to buy an expensive airline ticket. This high energy spot is an experience, not just another dinner. Featuring tropical cocktails and memorable meals in a stylish atmosphere, the menu here is one-of-a-kind in Atlanta. Curry goat, chicken, and shrimp are always winners, but don’t overlook the vegetarian options, rasta pasta, callaloo, and Jamaican offerings. If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, Miss Conduck is remarkably close by.

Atlanta Hotels That Are Close to Great Dining

So where should you stay if having incredible restaurants nearby is important to you? If consuming wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages will be a part of your evening dining experiences, the best areas to book your hotel are downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, where the greatest concentration of highly regarded restaurants are located. These three areas will offer restaurants that are either walkable from your hotel, or a short rideshare (Uber, Lyft) distance away, so you won’t even have to consider driving after imbibing.

Atlanta’s Dining Scene is the Best in the South

Sure, New Orleans, Charleston, and Miami are high-quality restaurant towns, but when it comes down to which city in the South offers the greatest collection of incredible places to dine, Atlanta wins hands down.

The largest southern metro area by far is also home to the world’s top airport in terms of passengers served, 108 million in the last year, and that means more international flights making this a truly cosmopolitan area. Naturally, this has lead to an abundance of restaurants from every imaginable corner of the world.

There’s no shortage of high-end, extravagant restaurants here, but you don’t need a bottomless expense account or be filthy rich to dine well in Atlanta. There are scores of restaurants in all price ranges to choose from, and the local scene is just getting bigger and better each and every year.