100 Dishes to Eat in Atlanta
As Atlanta’s bridges burn, highways buckle and history succumbs to the march of progress, it feels a bit like End Times are nigh (and don’t even get me started on politics). But through the fire and the brimstone, our city’s restaurant industry soldiers on. New concepts debut on a near-weekly basis, big-name local chefs expand and innovate, and promising newbies garner national praise. We’re simultaneously a burgeoning food city and a tight-knit community, and it shows.
Of course, we’ve lost some good ones along the way — shout out to craft cocktail bastion H. Harper Station, beloved Italian mainstay Alfredo’s and my personal tragedy the Yogurt Tap, to name just a few. At the same time, acclaimed intown chefs like Anthony Spina of O4W Pizza and Jay Swift of 4th and Swift and Noble Fin have followed the Braves northward to the ’burbs, becoming bigger fish in smaller ponds.
Some observers foretell of a nationwide restaurant bubble about to burst. Already razor-thin margins shrink further as operating costs rise and a surplus of restaurants — not to mention Trump’s immigration crackdown — creates a deficit in qualified servers and kitchen staff.
But for those of us who live to eat, it’s inarguably an exciting time to be in the A.
This year is my first overseeing Creative Loafing’s time-honored 100 Dishes issue, and I made a few executive decisions in my takeover. One was to abolish the “ethnic food” category. In this nation of immigrants, to classify food in such a way felt both dated and arbitrary. Who’s to say what qualifies as ethnic? What makes tteokbokki less American than spaghetti, and why? By eliminating these lines of division, we were able to better reflect our city’s notable uptick in outstanding international cuisine.
Another decision was to put a premium on geographical diversity. While many (most?) roundups of our city’s food never make it south of I-20, we journeyed to all corners of our fair perimeter and beyond, bringing back our most sweeping list yet of excellent eats. While there’s still a concentration in the northeast quadrant (from Old Fourth Ward to downtown Decatur to Buford Highway), you’ll also find gems in oft-overlooked neighborhoods like East Point, Avondale Estates and Panthersville. Check out our interactive map at the very bottom of this article for the full spread.
Is this list the end-all, be-all to great food in our city? Of course not. In an ever-changing culinary landscape, where palates vary across age, culture and personal preference, compiling such a list would be impossible. We expect and welcome your comments, complaints and additions. What I can say is this: Here are 100 seriously tasty dishes you can eat right here, right now.
— Hilary Cadigan, Food Editor
Small Plates, Apps and Sides
Though only the starter course, these delicious dishes may be the best part of your meal
A5 Wagyu Nigiri at Brush Sushi Izakaya
Available at Brush Sushi IzakayaA slight change in knife angle can transform the texture and taste of sushi. In this bite-sized hedonistic experience, chef Jason Liang scores a sliver of well-marbled beef flown in from Miyajaki, Japan, torches it lightly, adds tiny bits of grated garlic and ancient Japanese sea salt and embellishes with briny UGA caviar. It melts away on the tongue as you close your eyes in ecstasy. Yes, ecstasy. $13.
Biltong and Cheese Board at Biltong Bar
Available at Biltong BarMove over, sad bowl of stale peanuts. South African-style, air-dried beef jerky (aka biltong) is a seriously superior drinking companion — salty, chewy, meaty and oh-so-satisfying. Resident mixologist Sean Gleason’s fanciful cocktails pair well with the bustling bar’s traditional sliced jerky and fleshy bits of droëwors (dried beef sausage). Upgrade it with a beautifully balanced selection of Sweet Grass Dairy’s triple cream brie, aged manchego, Mrs. Ball’s South African-style peach and apricot chutney, salty caperberries and sweet peppadews. $16.
Capra Gia at Bacchanalia
Available at BacchanaliaNewly relocated further west to a sprawling, glass and wood structure on Ellsworth Industrial, Atlanta’s grand dame of modern fine dining has returned to its prix fixe menu (a cool $95 a head for four courses) with an array of seasonally inspired, artfully arranged dishes. The third course is all cheese-based, and the Capra Gia is a true standout: puffs of local, artisanal goat cheese from a family farm in Carrollton, Georgia, served atop a downy little goat cheese pancake with dill, spring onion and three types of beets harvested from Star Provisions’ own Summerland Farm. Not priced individually.
Chengdu-style Dumplings in Red Oil at Good Luck Gourmet
Available at Good Luck GourmetGood luck finding better dumplings in town — Good Luck Gourmet has taken over the mantle from prior Buford Highway tenant Gu’s Dumplings, now at Krog Street Market. The red oil version of Good Luck’s Chengdu-style dumplings brings a generous pile of bright white pouches swimming in a rust-red chili oil base, sprinkled with green cilantro leaves and stems. The wrappers are hefty though still tender, and the pork hidden inside provides a funky punch that pulls together the mild dumpling dough and intense broth. Thanks to the Sichuan spice, your tongue will tingle after every bite. $8.
Chicharron Taco at Las Quekas de la Abuela
Available at Las Quekas De La AbuelaA new spot tucked away in the back corner of the Plaza Fiesta food court on Buford Highway, Las Quekas’ name is Spanish slang for “grandma’s quesadillas†(and that’s accurate; they serve bomb quesadillas, and there’s a real grandma in charge). But the tacos are where it’s at. Our favorite? The chicarrones — crispy fried pork rinds stewed in salsa on a freshly made masa corn tortilla with chopped onions and cilantro. Mix and match to make a meal. $2.50.
Chicken Liver Tart at Staplehouse
Available at StaplehouseIt is a striking work of art against a white plate. A crisp tart shell supplies the canvas for a silky smooth liver mousse. Burnt honey gelée lends a sweet sheen. Green strawberry and ginger cut through the savory richness while pecan bits add further contrast. Like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,†a humble sky made brilliant with layers of dynamic texture. $12.
Collard Green Pho at Richards’ Southern Fried
Available at Richards’ Southern FriedFusion-y takes on soul food favorites often end in culinary disaster — but that’s not the case with chef Todd Richards’ collard green pho, which blends the smoky collards you know and love with Asian-tinged flourishes like green onions, pickled eggs and a bone broth-style potlikker. Peppery bacon, pulled chicken and pickled jalapeños are also thrown into the mix. The result is a smooth-yet-tangy side that’s hearty and satisfying. $2.95 for small/$4.25 for large.
Green Tomato Casserole at Revival
Available at RevivalYou can imagine it bubbling in the oven: chunks of verdant tomatoes melded together with creamy cheeses. The rich, mornay-like sauce provides the perfect contrast to the tart tomatoes, and the crunchy browned topping is made of saltines. It’s like that familiar dish your great aunt brings to the family reunion each year. The one you reminisce about. $6.
Hash and Rice at B’s Cracklin BBQ
Available at B’s Cracklin’ BarbecueThere is no wrong way to make traditional hash, but Bryan Furman’s is so, so right. His heritage-breed whole hogs cook over oak and cherry wood for 12 hours. Using bits and pieces slow simmered in his mustard based, peach-infused barbecue sauce, the resulting gravy comes over rice. It’s thick and stewy with a tangy bite and pronounced black pepper. Hash always tastes better the next day, so we like to get a couple of extras for the road. $4.95.
Jalapeño Cornbread with Honey Butter at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Available at Fox Bros. Bar-B-QThe Fox Brothers’ jalapeño cornbread — golden brown on the outside with corn kernels and bits of jalapeño nestled inside a crumbly, pillowy center — is good enough on its own. But a smear of homemade honey butter adds another dimension of sweet-meets-savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that pairs perfectly with a big ole pile o’ barbecued meat. $2
Lemon Pepper Wet Wings at J.R. Crickets Midtown
Available at The Original J.R. Crickets in Midtown AtlantaAround the year 2000, J.R. Crickets founder Paul Juliano noticed many of his customers liked to combine the heat of J.R.’s traditional hot sauce with the zest of their lemon pepper seasoning, creating a pungent scent and an even bolder flavor. He and a manager decided to add the hybrid hot wings to the menu, dubbing them “Fester wings,†after one Uncle Fester of “The Addams Family.†This year, the wings were rebranded as “lemon pepper wet,†(perhaps because of the word fester’s other meanings). Not for the faint of heart, these bad boys are best enjoyed fresh out the kitchen of the original Midtown location, an Atlanta institution. $10.58.
Oxtail at Double Zero
Available at Double ZeroHesitation precedes the first taste. This pretty little nest is visually stunning. The meat within is impossibly tender after a long, slow braise over creamy pureed celery root. Tart supremes of grapefruit cut the richness, frisee adds a touch of bitterness, and swirls of crunchy filo envelop the beefy succulence. Yellow orbs of cured egg yolk further the depths of flavor with an umami hit of richness. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost. $13.
Pork Wontons at Suzy Siu’s Baos and Taiyo Ramen
Available at Suzy Siu’s BaosSuzy Siu’s Baos focuses on buns while Taiyo Ramen focuses on ramen, but these wontons, served up at both spots, are the ultimate sleeper hit. Stuffed with locally sourced pork and gulf shrimp, boiled and covered in aromatic poached garlic chili oil, they come from an old family recipe of chef George Yu’s, passed down to him by his mother. $5/$7.
Pork Wontons at Suzy Siu’s Baos and Taiyo Ramen
Available at Taiyo RamenSuzy Siu’s Baos focuses on buns while Taiyo Ramen focuses on ramen, but these wontons, served up at both spots, are the ultimate sleeper hit. Stuffed with locally sourced pork and gulf shrimp, boiled and covered in aromatic poached garlic chili oil, they come from an old family recipe of chef George Yu’s, passed down to him by his mother. $5/$7.
Red Red at Afrodish
Available at Afrodish RestaurantFried plantains and hearty black-eyed pea stew come together in this traditional Ghanaian comfort dish, served from a fragrant stall inside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Legumes are stewed with oil, onions, tomatoes and spices and paired with sweet plantains fried to warm brown perfection. The tomatoes give the dish a reddish hue, hence its nickname: red red. Eat it piping hot for optimum flavor. $3.99.
Breakfast
Wake up to the best breakfasts in Atlanta
Cross-Eyed Scramble at Gato
Available at GatoWhile tourists wait in line across the street for Flying Biscuit, ITP denizens grab a stool or booth at Candler Park’s Gato instead. One standout breakfast item, the vegetarian cross-eyed scramble, comprises a heap of seared tofu, green peppers, onions and seasonings on a plate, smothered by cheese as well as red and green salsas. If you can down the whole thing plus a side biscuit, you deserve a trophy. $7.95.
Fish and Grits at Rising Son
Available at Rising SonA traditional low country dish becomes a Piedmont variation in Avondale Estates. Here, a deep bowl of velvety cheese grits is topped with lightly fried North Carolina trout. The skin is crispy while the meat has a flaky tenderness. As a golden crown, choose two eggs. Poached is the way to go, swirling unctuous ribbons of yolk with creamy and crunchy forkfuls. $14.
Guatemalan Tamale/Pache/Chuchito trio at Xelapan Cafeteria
Available at Xela Pan CafeTechnically this is three dishes — all variations on the Guatemalan tamale — but the trio makes for a hearty breakfast or lunch, and tasting all three side by side is a great way to debate the merits of corn vs. rice vs. potato as bases for the perfect tamale. All come with bone-in chicken cooked inside, and the tamale and pache both come wrapped in aromatic maxan leaves (as opposed to the chuchito, wrapped in corn husk). Go early; they run out quick. $6.75.
Omelette du jour at Bread & Butterfly
Available at Bread & ButterflyA true French omelette is hard to find, but Bread & Butterfly’s version offers a direct flight to Paris. Silky on the outside, lush and creamy on the inside — all it takes is good farm eggs, equally good butter and pure old-school technique. Daily variations include the addition of fresh goat cheese or intense pesto, but any day is a good day for this eggy delight. $13.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish at Proof Bakeshop
Available at Proof BakeshopOriginally brought to Denmark by Austrian bakers, the Danish pastry has suffered its fair share of degradation on our fair shores (we’re looking at you, Little Debbie). But at Inman Park’s Proof Bakeshop, pastry chef Carey Bell whips up a dreamy little number that could make even a true Dane swoon. Start your morning off sweet with a cuppa Counter Culture and striations of layered viennoiserie curled around a cushion of cream cheese and topped with a tart ‘n’ seedy dollop of raspberry jam. $2.85.
Toast with Avocado and Fried Egg (with a Piccolo on the side) at Spiller Park
Available at Spiller Park CoffeeSpiller Park’s avocado toast earns a home run thanks to the thick, buttered slices of sourdough bread that serve as its foundation, and the fact that you can get a perfectly pulled piccolo — espresso and steamed milk, twice as intense as a typical latte — as accompaniment. The avocado comes mashed up with chili powder, salt and lime, plus a scattering of salted radish slices. Don’t pass on the optional runny fried egg on top. $7 + $3.70.
Twisted cruller with sweet soy milk at Northern China Eatery
Available at Northern China EateryIn an age of overwrought doughnuts dueling to outdo each other, Northern China Eatery’s traditional fried-to-order crullers or youtiao, paired with warm house-made soy milk, are the ultimate simple pleasure. The crullers come in pairs, a foot long each, crisp outside and in. Dunk them, or let them briefly bathe in the sweetened soy milk before spooning up the goodness. Ideal for breakfast but served all day. $4.
Yoga Pants at Ticonderoga Club
Available at Ticonderoga ClubMaybe it’s the name (and the accompanying menu illustration of a taut tush) that makes the Yoga Pants a destination brunch dish. Or maybe it’s the intensely flavorful spent pineapple puree, made from the leftovers of juicing the fruit for the bar’s eponymous Ticonderoga Cup. Then again, it could be the hidden spread of honey underneath the thick yogurt, or the crunchy granola topped with toasted coconut and almonds. Regardless, there’s no better way in town to start your weekend off right. $8.
Salads
Atlanta’s best salads you must try now
Cote d’Azur Salad at Wildleaf
Available at WildleafA salty kalamata olive vinaigrette is the secret to this Niçoise-ish arugula salad, tossed with green beans, roasted new potatoes, cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled egg and slices of radish. Ask for extra fresh basil, tarragon and parsley on top for an herbal kick, and add Gulf shrimp ($4 extra) if you’re craving something from the sea. $7.50/$9.50.
Crispy Catfish Vietnamese Salad at W.H. Stiles Fish Camp
Available at W. H. Stiles Fish CampDang, this salad is good. Choose between a crispy or pan-seared catfish (crispy is where it’s at — moist and flaky on the inside, golden brown on the outside) cradled in a bed of chopped cabbage and cucumber slaw with peanuts, cilantro and scallions. Slivers of jalapeño, a squeeze of lime and a light dressing of tangy fish sauce-kissed vinaigrette pull the whole thing together. $11.
Dumpster Salad at One Eared Stag
Available at One Eared StagMixed greens, thick bites of bacon, chopped hard-boiled egg and a wide, creamy pool of buttermilk dressing — these are the simple foundations of this oddly satisfying salad. The rest depends on the kitchen; they’ll throw in whatever they have lying around: potatoes, croutons, parmesan, seasonal veggies like radishes and carrots. Available at lunch and dinner, it’s a little different every time, but always fresh and locally sourced. $11.
Quinoa Super Food Salad at Smokebelly BBQ
Available at Smokebelly BBQChock-full of sliced and shredded veggies like golden beets and Brussels sprouts, this salad bursts with color, texture and flavor. The well-crafted produce mix is nestled around a mound of chilled quinoa atop a bed of baby greens. It is at the same time light and refreshing, savory and comforting. A black pepper honey vinaigrette adds punchy tang, and a bowlful makes healthful taste hedonistic. $7.95.
Sardinian Flatbread with Salad on Top
Available at The FederalThe thin, crisp flatbread drizzled with herbs and argan oil may get top billing in this dish, but it’s the vinaigrette-kissed greens piled on top that will grab your attention. Shaved Vella dry jack cheese completes this classic from chef Shaun Doty’s repertoire, going back to his days at Shaun’s and MidCity Cuisine. $12.
Tea Leaf Salad at Royal Myanmar Cuisine
Available at Royal Myanmar CuisineIn Myanmar, you can drink your tea and eat it, too. A staple dish in the Southeast Asian country also known as Burma, lah pet thoke is a rich and flavorful salad made from fermented green tea leaves, cabbage, crispy roasted legumes like peanuts and soy beans, fried garlic, dried shrimp and sesame seeds. This no-frills Clarkston eatery is one of the only places in the metro you can find it, and it’s worth the drive. $7.50.
Twisted Soul Salad at Twisted Soul
Available at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & PoursInvented back in the late ’90s at chef Deborah VanTrece’s long-shuttered first restaurant Edible Art, this healthful yet quintessentially Southern salad has accompanied the chef to each new venture like a beloved security blanket, from EAV to Decatur to her latest digs on the Westside. A generous pile of mixed greens and local veggies comes topped with creamy nuggets of pecan-crusted goat cheese, house-made cornbread croutons, and zingy cranberry peppercorn vinaigrette. $14.
Soups
Warm up with Atlanta’s best soups
Black Tonkotsu at Jinya Ramen Bar
Available at JINYA Ramen Bar - Sandy SpringsSlick and modern national chain it may be, but a bowl of Jinya’s tonkotsu holds a time-honored tradition. House-made noodles are springy. Toppings of earthy wood ear mushrooms, green onion, garlic chips, fried onion, oozy soy-marinated soft-boiled egg and brined and braised tender pork slices add ripples of flavor. But what it’s really about is the broth. The porky potage has an irresistible plushness, while drizzles of black garlic add charred nuttiness. $12.95.
Blue Nile soup from KarbonStar Vitality
Available at Karbonstar Vitality Vegan CafeThis latest addition to the West End’s thriving plant-based dining scene brings it strong with a rotating array of daily soups, salads, wraps, vegan pizzas and juices. Its Blue Nile is the truth: a hearty, creamy, peppery blend of coconut milk, veggies, beans and spices that packs a nutritional punch. In keeping with the traditional Rastafarian diet known as Ital, the soup (and everything else on the menu) is completely free from animal products, yeast, dairy and chemicals. $5 for 8 ounce/$8 for 16 ounce/$15 for 32 ounce.
Mama’s Chicken Lemon Soup at Athens Pizza
Available at Athens PizzaWith 50 years of business under its belt, this family-owned Greek pizzeria in North Decatur is a bastion for the tried and true. Its take on classic Greek avgolemono soup comes from matriarch Asie Papadopoulos’ secret family recipe: rice, chicken and a creamy base made from egg yolk, lemon juice and chicken broth. Just one bowl is guaranteed to cure whatever ails you. $3.95.
Spicy Sausage Stew at Yet Tuh
Available at Yet TuhYet Tuh specializes in Korean dishes that warm the soul, and its spicy sausage stew, or budae jjigae, may be the most soul-warming of all. This bubbling cauldron gets its flavor from chunks of sausage (admittedly rather spam-like, in a good way) paired with kimchi, plenty of tofu and green onion rounding out the dish. It’s hard to pinpoint what makes it work so well, but there’s a deeply funky depth to the broth that avoids being too spicy. $9.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Run, don’t walk, to try these dishes - best things between sliced bread
Bocadillo Vegetariano at La Fonda Latina
Available at La Fonda LatinaAs the yuppie blitz continues its intown face-lift, it’s important to remember the old standbys. La Fonda Latina is a Ponce institution, and the bocadillo vegetariano is a rite of passage: grilled tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese with creamy Cuban dressing packed into a warm, freshly baked loaf of Cuban bread. It’s a cultural experience for those who don’t do pork. Add five shrimp for just a few dollars more and it pushes the bocadillo experience to a wholly new level of excellence. $8.95.
Bocadillo Vegetariano at La Fonda Latina
Available at La Fonda - NorthAs the yuppie blitz continues its intown face-lift, it’s important to remember the old standbys. La Fonda Latina is a Ponce institution, and the bocadillo vegetariano is a rite of passage: grilled tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese with creamy Cuban dressing packed into a warm, freshly baked loaf of Cuban bread. It’s a cultural experience for those who don’t do pork. Add five shrimp for just a few dollars more and it pushes the bocadillo experience to a wholly new level of excellence. $8.95.
Bocadillo Vegetariano at La Fonda Latina
Available at La Fonda Latina - Poncey-HighlandAs the yuppie blitz continues its intown face-lift, it’s important to remember the old standbys. La Fonda Latina is a Ponce institution, and the bocadillo vegetariano is a rite of passage: grilled tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese with creamy Cuban dressing packed into a warm, freshly baked loaf of Cuban bread. It’s a cultural experience for those who don’t do pork. Add five shrimp for just a few dollars more and it pushes the bocadillo experience to a wholly new level of excellence. $8.95.
Bocadillo Vegetariano at La Fonda Latina
Available at La Fonda Latina - Candler ParkAs the yuppie blitz continues its intown face-lift, it’s important to remember the old standbys. La Fonda Latina is a Ponce institution, and the bocadillo vegetariano is a rite of passage: grilled tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese with creamy Cuban dressing packed into a warm, freshly baked loaf of Cuban bread. It’s a cultural experience for those who don’t do pork. Add five shrimp for just a few dollars more and it pushes the bocadillo experience to a wholly new level of excellence. $8.95.
Cadillac at Candler Park Market Deli
Available at Candler Park MarketCandler Park Market’s Deli Babes have been slinging some of Atlanta’s best sandwiches from their small counter in the back of this neighborhood one-stop shop for years, and when it comes to chicken salad sandwiches, the Cadillac is top-of-the-line. Just like its namesake, the Cadillac beats out similar models with its detailing: house-made dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese and thick-cut bacon. Get it on sourdough bread, and thank us later. $8.
Chicken Salad Sandwich at Las Brasas
Available at Las BrasasThis humble eatery just outside downtown Decatur roasts its chicken Peruvian-style on a spiced hardwood charcoal rotisserie. The pulled chicken salad that results, made with an addictively creamy avocado mayo, is one of the city’s best. It comes with lettuce, tomato and onions on a soft egg bun and pairs beautifully with a side of crisp, crinkle-cut sweet potato fries. $10.
Chili Slaw Dog at Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs
Available at Brandi’s World Famous Hot DogsLine up alongside throngs of regulars at Brandi’s to wait your turn, then order up some chili slaw dogs — three if you’re merely hungry, four or five if you’re making the most of that trip to upper Marietta. These dogs are unadulterated old-time Southern goodness, with the spicy chili kicking in a wicked burn balanced out by crisp, sweet slaw. The neon red of the dog itself may startle you — all the more reason to have several and let the shock sink in. $2.15 each.
Falafel Sandwich at Falafel King
Available at Falafel KingGreat news, y’all: the best falafel sandwich in metro Atlanta costs less than five bucks. Other places might be fancier or pack in more ingredients, but the sparseness of the King’s sandwich — just lettuce, tomato and cucumber stuffed inside a pita with five crisp balls of deep-fried chickpea — is also its glory. Add some house-made secret recipe spicy sauce for kick. Owned and operated for the past decade by a Korean couple that learned to make their falafel from the previous Israeli owner, the little shop also serves sushi and dumplings, as tasty as they are incongruous. $4.95.
Hot Nashville Oyster Roll
Available at Bon TonAt Midtown’s New Orleans-meets-Vietnam eatery, the Nashville hot oyster roll turns heads. Big fat bellies are breaded and seasoned with five different types of chili, soaked in hot sauce and buttermilk, tossed in house-made Szechuan oil and served on a crusty Best Bread roll with mayo and crunchy dill pickles. A piquant XO sauce blended with a reduction of the house seafood boil comes on the side. $12.
Just Veggin’ Sandwich at Lottafrutta
Available at LottafruttaThough its name suggests Lottafrutta specializes in fruit-based fare, the Old Fourth Ward shop has mastered its hearty sandwich game, as well. Both vegetarians and meatheads would find the Just Veggin’ panini satisfying. The sweet, flaky bread houses a tower of tomato, cucumbers, sprouts and avocado, plus a curled, melted slice of Havarti cheese. With a complementary side of chulpe (salty, toasted corn kernels), the meal is all you need before a jaunt on the nearby Beltline. $6.25.
Kordova at Heirloom Market
Available at Heirloom Market BBQNamed after one of Heirloom’s choice pork purveyors (Jeff Cordova of Carolina Heritage Farms) and spelled with a K in homage to Korea, this layered sandwich starts with intense gochujang smoked pork shoulder, topped with kimchi cabbage and Korean-style pickles, drizzled with garlic-jalapeño ssam sauce and served on a toasted TGM Bread bun. Available as a special two or three times a week, there’s no better marriage of Southern barbecue and Korean sensibility. $10 (with one side).
Medianoche at Buena Gente Cuban Bakery Truck
Available at Buena Gente Cuban Bakery (food truck)If you’re seeking the city’s top Cuban sandwiches, track down the Buena Gente food truck. On any given day, it’ll offer either a traditional Cuban or a medianoche — the only difference being the type of bread. Both offer house-roasted pork marinated in a piquant mojo sauce, plus the traditional ham, swiss, mustard and pickle. But the medianoche takes the cake with its slightly sweet, brioche-like bread — pressed down to a warm crisp, of course. $10.
Shroom Shire Cheesesteak at Fred’s Meat & Bread
Available at Fred’s Meat & BreadIs it possible the best cheesesteak in town could be bested by another cheesesteak on the same menu? Fred’s regular cheesesteak is the standard bearer, but the ‘Shroom Shire version ups the ante, adding garlic aioli and a house mushroom-Worcestershire sauce that gives a powerful umami punch to the gut. Fred’s also mixes in provolone with its usual American cheese on this version. It’s still as gooey and messy as all get out, but a bit more refined. $14. 99
Pasta, Pizza and Noodles
Atlanta’s best noodle and pizza dishes
Crab Noodle at Le Fat
Available at Le FatThere’s lots to love at Guy Wong’s Westside Vietnamese outpost, Le Fat. But the crab noodle — featuring creamy egg noodles, onions, cilantro and sweet chunks of both blue lump crab and snow crab (and we’d suggest a squeeze of lime just for kicks) — is a singular standout, worthy of a trip on its own. $16.
I Love Pepperoni Detroit-style Pizza at O4W Pizza
Available at O4W PizzaNot familiar with Detroit-style pizza? Get thee to Duluth for O4W’s homage to Motor City, available in a few variations that all share the same basic construct: rectangular pan, thick but airy pie. The I Love Pepperoni version has loads to love — most notably the craggy, crunchy cheese and pepperoni crust that forms around the edges. A blend of havarti, cheddar and mozzarella gives the pizza (and crust) a sharp and deep flavor profile unlike any other pizza I or O the P. $24.50.
Invincible Dan Dan Mazeman at Ton Ton Ramen
Available at Ton Ton Ramen & YakitoriThis ramen noodle dish is indeed invincible — it will crush your taste buds into submission with plentiful Szechuan chili oil and a heavy sprinkling of spice. The combo of chewy noodles and savory ground pork topped with a soft egg calls to mind a Chinese Bolognese made in Japan — and it works like some crazy cross-cultural masterpiece. $12.
Margherita Pizza at Varuni Napoli
Available at Varuni NapoliThe simplicity of a margherita pizza demands the highest quality ingredients — and that’s where Varuni Napoli excels. Per owner Luca Varuni’s exacting Italian hand, the Neapolitan pizzeria’s version of this classic pie features dough made from imported doppio zero flour and filtered water. Stacked with fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil and locally sourced sweet tomatoes, it’s cooked in a beautiful custom-tiled Stefano Ferrara oven and served with love. $20.
Ravioli di zucca at Cafe Lily
Available at Café LilyButter makes everything better, but frying sage in it completely transforms the herb from furry and bitter to crispy and candied. Downtown Decatur mainstay Cafe Lily’s ravioli di zucca — pasta stuffed with butternut squash, pecorino cheese and a brown butter sauce made atmospheric by singed sage — is arguably one of the most underrated pasta dishes in Atlanta. Pee-wee Herman would marry it. $17.
Slice of Rehab Defax Pizza at Jack’s Pizza & Wings
Available at Jack’s Pizza & WingsWhat do macaroni and cheese, homemade chili, hot dogs and sausage links have in common? They’re all things that can be found on a hulking slice of Rehab Defax pizza at Jack’s. To be honest, this particular ingredient combo makes no sense. But when you’re gobbling it up, tossing stray pieces of supple elbow macaroni that fell off back on top of the hot dogs where they belong and wiping chili sauce off your face, it becomes apparent that the most outrageous thing about this slice is how delicious it is. $6.
Squid Ink Spaghetti at La Tavola
Available at La Tavola TrattoriaA critically acclaimed yet oft-overlooked neighborhood favorite, this cozy Va-Hi trattoria has been serving up locally-sourced Italian fare since it opened back in 1999. All pastas are made fresh in-house, and the squid ink spaghetti is one of the best in town, tossed with marinated calamari, pan-toasted anchovy soffrito, garlic, calabrian chilis and a Thai basil pesto that balances the subtle blend of spice and brine. $18.
Tagliolini Caccio e Pepe at Storico Fresco
Available at Storico Fresco Alimentari e RistoranteA major food website declared caccio e pepe as “the most overrated food obsession,†saying, “it’s just cheese and pepper, people.†Sure, the formula is simple, but in simplicity lies beauty. And Storico Fresco’s simple plate of tagliolini caccio e pepe is a thing of great beauty. What makes it so is neither the sharp and creamy coating of Pecorino Romano cheese, nor the plentiful sprinkling of Sarawak black pepper, but rather the simple perfection of the al dente strands of tagliolini. Let the joyful fork-twirling commence. $16.
Meatless Entrees
The best vegetarian-friendly dishes in Atlanta
Beltline Burrito at Sean’s Harvest Market
Available at Sean’s Harvest MarketThis is the kind of burrito that pleases your flesh-eater tagalong even though it’s vegan. A well crafted mix of black bean and corn salsa, quinoa, guacamole, black rice, shaved almonds, carrots, parmesan and arugula nestled in a tortilla is both a savory comfort and so fresh and so clean, clean. $8.
Divine Punani Wrap at Tassili’s Raw Reality
Available at Tassili’s Raw Reality CafeTassili Ma’at’s self-described “psychedelic shack†in the West End (inspired by the Temptations’ song of the same name) serves up raw, vegan food so good, even avowed carnivores can get down. The Punani wrap, with its mix of spicy kale, avocado, tomato, couscous and sweet coconut corn packs a flavorful punch without overwhelming the palate. It comes stuffed with so much food that the whole wheat wrap is the real MVP for successfully holding it all together. Chances are you’re going to want to save half for later. $10.99 for half/17.99 for whole.
Lasagna at Lov’n It Live
Available at Lov’n It LiveAccording to the proprietors of this East Point raw vegan haven, food is medicine. Each dish they serve up is packed with organic produce sourced from local farmers like those at College Park’s Metro Atlanta Urban Farm. The standout is their lasagna: layers of thinly sliced zucchini “noodles,†spinach and house-made chunky tomato sauce topped with drizzles of ooey gooey “cheese†made from raw pine nuts. It’s not cheap, but there are no shortcuts. $21.50.
Lemongrass Tofu at Nam Phuong
Available at Nam Phuong Buford HighwayPretty much everything at this Buford Highway bastion of Vietnamese cuisine is delicious. Heaping portions go far beyond the typical standbys and include a number of excellent vegetarian options. The lemongrass tofu is a fresh, healthy dish that will satisfy vegans and carnivores alike. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, hearty hunks of tofu come thoroughly coated in a salty, citrusy, slightly spicy sauce and served over sautéed veggies and delicate vermicelli noodles with a sprinkle of crunchy peanuts on top. $6.25.
Paneer Kathi Roll at Bhojanic
Available at Bhojanic RestaurantThis dish comes very close to what you would actually find in the streets of Mumbai. Your choice of homemade Indian bread — flaky paratha, tortilla-thin whole wheat chapatti or warm buttery naan — is stuffed with cubes of tandoori spiced grilled paneer (a fresh, pressed cheese) dressed in aromatic mint chutney, raw onions and cucumbers. Add raw green chilies for an extra kick to your lunch hour. $9.95.
Shakshuka at Sivas Midtown
Available at Sivas Hookah LoungeGather for happy hour or Sunday brunch at Sivas Midtown, and order a few meze, or shared appetizers. The Eastern Turkish version of shakshuka here looks like a colorful, meatless, deconstructed lasagna with layers of fried eggplant, potatoes, peppers and onions. Garlicky plum tomato sauce and Turkish yogurt round out this perfect-for-sharing vegetarian dip, served with warm homemade pita bread. $6.
Tteokbokki at Jeju Sauna
Available at Jeju SaunaAfter being stripped naked and scrubbed within an inch of your life, there’s something uniquely soothing about settling onto a cool tile floor and dipping into a steaming pot of tteokbokki. At Jeju, the sprawling Korean spa where $25 gets you 24 hours of unlimited access to a series of igloo-shaped saunas, tubs of varying temperature and spa treatments of varying degrees of brutality, you can take your meals at the homey onsite Korean café. Chow down on chewy cylindrical rice cakes in a fiery red gochujang broth that burns oh so good. $9.
Vegetarian Combo at Bahel Ethiopian Restaurant
Available at Bahel Ethiopian RestaurantRoll up your sleeves and dive in with this bountiful sampler platter of Ethiopian delights at the oft-overlooked Bahel, a quiet, family-owned café located directly across from the always-packed Desta. Dishes here are served family-style on huge platters lined with injera bread that soaks up flavorful vegan sauces in a way that’ll make you forget meat entirely. Creamy, spicy lentils are cooled by thick and hearty yellow peas, well-seasoned collards and cabbage add green to the plate, and potato and carrot sauce rounds out the rainbow of healthful delights. $11.99.
Veggie Platter at Aviva by Kameel
Available at Aviva by Kameel DowntownVariety makes life interesting. At Aviva by Kameel, it also makes life delicious. Kameel’s generous, pick-four veggie platter is a customizable cornucopia packed with vibrant flavors and textures. Usual suspects include things like mujaddara, a satisfying blend of tender lentils, brown rice and caramelized onions; sweet and savory glazed sweet potatoes; and fall-apart eggplant ratatouille bursting with fresh tomatoes and chunky garlic. The worst part about the whole experience is that you can only pick four. $9.25.
Seafood
Atlanta’s best fishy dishes
Coconut Ceviche at Yebo Beach Haus
Available at Yebo Beach HausOutside of the dessert category, it’s tough to find a dish that tastes as gorgeous as it looks, but this coconut ceviche does the trick. Crisp cubes of fresh jicama, creamy avocado and papaya provide a gentle backdrop for fresh lime juice and salt marinated scallops, prawns and octopus tossed in a bright jalapeno-pineapple vinaigrette and served inside half a fleshy baby coconut. A delicate sprinkling of edible flowers and a thicket of crispy fried plantains complete the dish, ideal for devouring on Yebo’s fairy-lit patio on warm summer nights. $18.
Honey Squid at Penang
Available at PenangNo need to travel to Southeast Asia for craveable street food; simply head to Buford Highway. These tiny squid kind of resemble crunchy spiders, but in the cutest way. We swear. Deep-fried and doused in a honey-like rojak sauce until caramelized and brittle, they’re topped with sesame seeds and cilantro, and excellent for snacking. $8.
Kari Fish Head at Mamak
Available at MamakThis once-hidden BuHi gem is no longer quite so hidden (as you’ll realize trying to snag a table at lunchtime), but its menu of Malaysian street eats has stayed strong. Red snapper head, a regional delicacy, comes swimming in a rich, saffron-colored coconut milk curry packed with dry-fried green beans, eggplant and okra. Pulling the silky bits of fish flesh out of the whole head is a task but one that reaps big rewards. For easy access, go with the fillet option: breaded, fried and sautéed strips of catfish, just $8.95 at lunchtime. $15.95.
Poke Bowl at Fish Bowl Poke
Available at Fish Bowl PokeLocated Downtown just a few blocks from CL’s office, Atlanta’s OG poke restaurant opened last year and serves up deconstructed sushi bowls like hotcakes (one of our staff members may or may not have already eaten here 10 times and earned $5 off her next order). Bowls are highly customizable, with an order sheet to pencil in the base, proteins and toppings of your choosing, but here’s our tried and true: brown rice with salad, salmon and ahi tuna topped with everything (and we mean everything) — crab meat, cucumbers, seaweed salad, sweet onion, pickled ginger, avocado, masago, tempura flakes, sesame seeds and green onion. A spiral of wasabi aioli completes the dish. Delicious and nutritious. $10.95 for regular/$12.95 for large.
Roasted Salmon at Rumi’s Kitchen
Available at Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy SpringsThe salmon at Rumi’s Kitchen is among the simplest dishes on the Persian menu — a thick fillet seared on the grill, served alongside basmati rice punched up with fava beans and dill. But simplicity belies the magic that happens when fire meets fish meets a dusting of Persian spices. It’s a safe choice among Rumi’s more exotic specialties, but this salmon delights time after time. $27.
Seafood Boil at South New Orleans Seafood
Available at New Orleans SeafoodLocated in an unassuming commercial strip way down Flat Shoals Road in Panthersville, is a no-frills, real-deal New Orleans-style seafood market serving up heaps of shellfish shipped in from the bayou. Grab a cafeteria tray and some tongs to pick your own crab clusters from the ice chest, choose from various sizes of shrimp, lobster and fish from the deli case or pick from live seafood (right now it’s crawfish season, meaning you can meet the little critters face-to-face before they take their bath of no return). Everything is priced by the pound and can be taken home raw or cooked up Cajun style with your choice of seasoning, butter and low country add-ins like sausage, corn and potatoes. Priced by the pound.
Sushi Doughnut at Poke Burri
Available at POKE BURRISometimes it’s difficult fighting the urge to pick up sushi with your fingers and gobble it down. Fret no longer, the sushi doughnut (food trend alert!) is the perfect mash-up of Japanese tradition and American on-the-go eating. Poke Burri, located in EAV’s Global Grub Collective, fills a ring of rice with a mild layer of wasabi and fumi furikake mayonnaise. On top, sashimi tuna is sprinkled with avocado, scallions, sesame seeds, crunchy tempura and eel sauce. Once a coveted item on the secret menu, the sushi doughnut has been added to Poke Burri’s regular bill of fare. Opt for the regular size or the “mega huge†option if you’re feeling frisky. $5.50/$11.
Whole Branzino at 8arm
Available at 8ARMCasual elegance, rustic sophistication — the same descriptors used for 8arm itself work for this dish. A whole silver-skinned European seabass, pan-roasted to crispness, rests on a vibrant puree of carrot with bright spritzes of lime juice. A confetti of tarragon enhances the pairing of the slightly tangy sauce with the delicate flavor of tender fish, taking it to enchantment level. The wine list is carefully curated with a proper wispy white match. $26.
Wood Grilled Octopus at St. Cecilia
Available at St. CeciliaWhen cooked correctly, octopus eats like a steak. Chef Craig Richards treats his tentacles this way, serving them simply with elements that stand up to the bold flavor. Poached in a flavorful stock then seared for crispy texture, this octopus is subtly smoky and super tender. Baby mizuna, pickled strands of onion, supremes of citrus and a spring pea dijon puree add bright, vegetal contrast. $14.
Meat Entrees
Eat here now: Atlanta’s heartiest meaty meals
Dolsot “Stone Bowl†Bibimbap at Woo Nam Jeong (Stone Bowl House)
Available at Woo Nam Jeong Stone Bowl HouseThere may be no dish more comforting than the classic Korean rice bowl known as bibimbap. And when you’re in Atlanta, there’s still no better place to find it than ye olde Woo Nam Jeong. The dolsot “stone bowl†varietal is king: rice, veggies, bulgogi, your choice of protein and a sunny side up egg on top, served still sizzling in a hot stone pot so that the rice on the bottom, if left to do its thing, gets delightfully toasted and crispy, and accompanied by a plethora of tasty banchan. $16.95. 5953
Dylan’s Chicken and Waffles at Urban Foodie Feed Store
Available at Urban Foodie Feed StoreNamed for chef Michele Tompkins’ wing-loving 8-year-old nephew, this soulful classic gets a gourmet spin in College Park. Meaty drumsticks and wings are seasoned with lime, pepper and garlic; baked, then fried for maximum juiciness; and drizzled with a house-made ancho chile ranch dressing you’ll want to bottle up and take home. Then there are the waffles: fluffy, slightly spicy and studded with meaty lardons of applewood smoked bacon. Douse the whole dang plate in tequila maple syrup and eat up.
Jackie’s Monster Quesadilla at Buenos Dias Cafe
Available at Buenos Dias CafeGeorgia State students (and CL staffers alike) flock to Buenos Dias Cafe for its cheapness and deliciousness. An entire menu section is dedicated to “Customer Creations,†including Jackie’s monster quesadilla, which is stuffed with eggs, bacon, sweet plantains, tangy black bean spread and veggies on a whole wheat tortilla. Order the half size and still be hungry; request the whole thing and stay full forever. $6.49/$9.99.
Medio Pollo al horno at Kiosco
Available at KioscoOn a side street off Marietta Square sits Colombian eatery Kiosco. The waitstaff will likely sway you toward the medio pollo al horno, half of a roasted chicken with raspberry sauce. Crispy skin, tender meat and fruity preserves will seduce you before you realize you’ve pulled all the meat right off the bone. Entrées come with a side of lentil soup or an addictive salad consisting of garbanzo beans, carrots, red onions and cilantro tossed with red wine vinegar. $15.50.
Plato de Puerco con Mojo at Mami’s La Cubana
Available at Mami’s La CubanaOpened early last year in adorable downtown Hapeville, Mami’s La Cubana (housed inside a bright blue façade — you can’t miss it) has gained a loyal local following for its affordable array of real-deal Cuban favorites. The shredded pork, marinated in citrusy mojo criollo sauce and cooked low and slow, comes on a packed plate with yellow rice, sweet fried plantains and crusty buttered Cuban bread with a side of black beans. Get it on Tuesdays for only $8 and stay full all day. $9.50.
Whole Suckling Pig from Porch Light Latin Kitchen
Available at Porch Light Latin KitchenChef Andre Gomez loves bringing a bit of his Puerto Rican heritage to Smyrna, and what better way than an entire suckling pig? Call ahead at least two days, and Gomez will phone up his farmer friends to find a little heritage piggy just for you and your party of eight to 12. Each pig (typically 20-30 pounds) gets a mojo brine, a rub of olive oil and salt and a slow roast before being shown to the dinner table. The kitchen then breaks it down and brings all the pork back (including the crisp skins) with a bevy of sides and intricate sauces like tomatillo salsa verde, chimichurri and guava chipotle barbecue. $200-$300 based on size of pig.
Desserts and Sweets
Atlanta’s best treats for a sweet tooth
Beignets at The Corner Grille
Available at The Corner GrilleInside a century-old corner building that once housed an Episcopal church, the Corner Grille is a laid-back spot to grab brunch, lunch or dinner in historic College Park. The husband and wife owners’ Louisiana roots are proven by the beignets: deceptively thin squares of chewy, layered yeast flour pastry made from scratch and covered in a blizzard of powdered sugar. Eat them piping hot with a cup of coffee for the ultimate NOLA-inspired treat. Three for $4/six for $6.
Blondie and Milk at Eat Me Speak Me
Available at Eat Me Speak MeChef Jarrett Stieber has become known for his quirky menu descriptions (“naive fennel,†“Gnudi and the Blowfish,†etc.). But despite the many nicknames he’s given to his now-beloved blondie and milk over the years, from Milky Blaylock to Four Non Blondies, the words he uses to describe the dessert get right to the point: ecstasy, happiness, bliss. These tawny bars are seductively chewy and get a liberal sprinkling of flaky Maldon sea salt before baking. The combo gives each bite a hint of depth and refinement. But not too much: Stieber serves his blondies with straws and a ramekin of whiskey-spiked milk and blondie puree for some dippin’ and a-sippin.’ $5.
Chocolate-Coffee Mousse at Poor Hendrix
Available at Poor HendrixThe owner and executive chef at this new East Lake gem is five-time James Beard-nominated pastry chef Aaron Russell. And while Russell whips up a mean selection of small plates and entrees, his desserts still shine the brightest. The creamy chocolate-coffee mousse — served in a cute glass jar under a thick layer of piquant bourbon caramel sauce and topped with crunchy puffed rice for texture — is pure bliss. $5.
Coconut Pie at Beetlecat
Available at BeetleCatIt’s rich and dense yet at the same time light and fluffy. It’s so good that Jeni’s Ice Cream made an ice cream flavor/sundae to honor it. This coconut pie family recipe begins with a buttery graham cracker crust filled — and by that we mean piled high — with a vanilla-laden custard topped with heaps of golden toasted shredded, flaked coconut and crowned with a fluffy pillow of whipped cream. $7.
Lavender Honeycomb Ice Cream at Queen of Cream
Available at Queen of CreamTucked into an unassuming corner of Highland Avenue beside a dry cleaner and an apartment leasing office, this little ice cream shop has mastered the art of flavor creation, always landing on just the right amalgamation of texture, taste and whimsy. Our pick, made with lavender steeped in a house-made milk blend, emits a delicate floral aroma that hits the palate alongside sticky ribbons of honey and crunchy bits of baked honeycomb. $3.92.
Mango Sticky Rice Rolled Ice Cream at I-CE NY
Available at ICENY Ice CreamThe Thai rolled ice cream craze has hit Atlanta hard — just look at the cluster of shops that have opened over the past year on a single quarter-mile stretch of Buford Highway. But I-CE NY’s seasonal mango sticky rice varietal (available through June) stands apart from the pack. A play on the classic Thai dessert, the dish blends coconut milk ice cream with mango, frozen in a thin layer on a cold metal plate, then scraped into chubby rolls and stacked upright. It’s then topped off with coconut milk sticky rice, bits of fresh mango and a sticky-sweet drizzle of condensed milk. $5.99.
Praline Escargot at Little Tart Bakeshop
Available at The Little Tart BakeshopFirst off, know that no snails were harmed in the making of this beautiful pastry, inspired by those found at Du Pain et Des Idées in Paris. Imagine if a croissant collided with a pecan sticky bun at full speed — crunching the croissant down to a broader, flatter, flakier version of its former self. That is Little Tart’s irresistible praline escargot. Dusted with fine powdered sugar, it’s also the prettiest escargot you’ll ever devour. $3.50.
Sunflower at Sarah Donuts
Available at Sarah DonutsThis beautiful creation conquered all in our 2016 Ultimate Atlanta Doughnut Smackdown for good reason — the combination of cinnamon, sugar and petal after petal of dough-to-oil surface area creates a texture that regular doughnuts just can’t touch. In fact, Sarah’s sunflower comes dangerously close to being classified as a cinnamon roll, but it’s the gentle bath in hot oil that allows it to bloom into doughnut supremacy. $1.69.
Supreme Bean Pie at Blue Seas Express & Catering
Available at Blue Seas Express & CateringSitting among dozens of boarded-up homes in the Westside area known as the Bluff, this cafeteria-style restaurant is run in partnership by Muslims and Christians seeking to bring positive change to their long-overlooked neighborhood. The menu’s highlight is the Supreme Bean Pie, made from navy beans, which Nation of Islam founder Elijah Mohammed told his followers would make them live to 140 years old. While Mohammed died at 77, this is a seriously tasty pie: at once rich, sweet and savory with a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth crust. $2.99 per slice/$12.99 per pie.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake at Sweet Auburn Bakery
Available at Sweet Auburn Bread CompanyNotes of vanilla and nutmeg swirl together in this indulgent dessert: a layer of thick and creamy classic New York-style cheesecake perched atop a slice of Southern-style sweet potato pie. The richness of the sweet potato conjures thoughts of autumn, but rest assured, a slice can be enjoyed in any season. $4.25.
Cocktails
Atlanta’s best mixed drinks
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