Atlanta’s dining scene is finally getting the respect it deserves through top awards. But those aren’t limited to those inside the perimeter! Our fair suburban eateries are also being represented on the national stage. As you might imagine, several of these are also ideal for special occasions, but some are casual. Where available, be sure to make reservations in advance.
Canoe, Vinings
Set on the Chattahoochee River, Canoe focuses on seafood and local ingredients, earning its first James Beard award in 1996 for Best New Restaurant. It’s maintained top-tier service ever since, also earning the honor of being inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News 2005 Fine Dining Hall of Fame. Don’t miss longtime favorites like salmon with a crispy potato cake. Outdoor seating lets you take in the views after your meal or just head to the riverfront bar for a drink and appetizer.
C. Ellet’s, The Battery
Chef Linton Hopkins has a vast culinary empire in Atlanta, known for restaurants like Holeman & Finch and Restaurant Eugene, earning him the title of James Beard’s Best Chef: Southeast in 2012. In 2017, he opened C. Ellet’s, a modern steakhouse at The Battery with jazz brunch, oysters, Tomahawk steaks, and the famous H+F burger, ideally paired with one of the mini martinis. The restaurant has also won a Wine Spectator award for its wine list.
El Super Pan, The Battery
Chef Hector Santiago has a long culinary history in Atlanta, regularly being named a semifinalist for the James Beard title of Best Chef: Southeast since 2008. He also appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef for the Las Vegas season, which also featured fellow Atlanta chefs Kevin Gillespie and Eli Kirshtein. El Super Pan is his love letter to his native Puerto Rico, and the outpost at The Battery followed the success of the first location at Ponce City Market.
Heirloom Market Barbecue, Vinings
The unlikely barbecue spot next to a convenience store has been honored with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand since 2023. Chef Jiyeon Lee, who combines Korean and Southern flavors at Heirloom Market BBQ, has also been nominated for James Beard’s Best Chef for several years. The restaurant, which has no seating to speak of, but is most often taken to-go, has also been featured in the New York Times. The fried chicken, pulled pork, and roasted sweet potatoes are among our favorites.
Marietta Proper, Marietta Square
In 2025, the James Beard Foundation named Marietta Proper a semifinalist for Best New Bar. The 1920s-inspired cocktail bar and cafe is a collaboration between longtime sommelier and beverage director Jordan Lynn Traylor, Chef William Adamec, and Marietta locals Kacey and Hillery Cecil, who also own a neighboring event venue. It has a speakeasy in the back and hosts special events like wine tastings and cocktail classes.
Spring, Marietta Square
Spring earned Marietta’s very first Michelin star in 2024 and has held onto it since. Chef Brian So has also been named a semifinalist in the James Beard Awards since 2017 for both Rising Star chef and Best Chef Southeast. The same year, Bon Appétit magazine called Spring one of America’s best restaurants.
Spring 2nd Branch, Marietta Square
Chef Brian So’s second restaurant, Spring 2nd Branch, is just down the block from his original spot and just earned its first Michelin recognition. Opened in 2025, the restaurant leans into everyday Korean cuisine, with classics like dumplings, chive pancakes, and bibimbap plus locally made soju on draft.
Superica, The Battery
Another longtime Atlanta restauranteur is Chef Ford Fry, who has been a semifinalist for James Beard’s Outstanding Restaurateur for several years. His empire includes upscale dining at Marcel and St. Cecilia, but also the casual Tex-Mex spot Superica, which has a location at the Battery. It has enchiladas, tacos, and more, plus top-notch margaritas and a weekend brunch menu.
