As the year comes to a close, calendars become packed with special events such as holiday parties, anniversaries, New Year’s Eve festivities, and Valentine’s Day. You don’t need to venture into the city to enjoy exquisite dining experiences. If you’re seeking suggestions, we’ve compiled a list of some of our top picks.
Aspens Signature Steaks, East Cobb
The longtime restaurant in East Cobb is, of course, known for its steaks, but that’s far from the only dish on the menu. Aspens is named for the omnipresent trees found out west, with a rustic mountain lodge decor. Menu highlights include classic prime rib with garlic butter, crispy chicken schnitzel, and heaping crab cakes. Pair with carefully selected wines and signature cocktails.
2942 Shallowford Road, (678) 236-1400
Canoe, Vinings
Set on the Chattahoochee River, Canoe focuses on seafood and local ingredients. Expect top-tier service and dishes like salmon with a crispy potato cake and roasted red snapper with pad Thai. There’s also outside seating to take in the views after your meal. Note that the restaurant has a “smart business casual” dress code.
4199 Paces Ferry Road SE, (770) 432-2663
Chicago’s Restaurant, East Cobb
Another East Cobb staple is Chicago’s, open in the community since 1991. The strip mall eatery has a large dining room, where you can enjoy bites like the cream of mushroom soup topped with puff pastry and pecan-crusted chicken, plus all the top USDA steaks. Top it all off with a classic martini a la Frank Sinatra. The speakeasy lounge also hosts live music on weekends.
4401 Shallowford Road, (770)-993-7464
C. Ellet’s Steakhouse, The Battery
C. Ellet’s is the fine dining option within The Battery, just steps away from the entrance to Truist Park. The Linton Hopkins restaurant may have only been open for a few years, but it’s already earned a Wine Spectator award for its wine list. Stop by for Tomahawk steaks, classic martinis, and oysters, plus the beloved H+F burger. Even if you don’t have time for a full meal, you can grab a quick drink and snack from the to-go window. Parking is validated for two hours within the Red Deck and valet is offered during Braves games.
2605 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 400, (678) 996-5344
Cherokee Chophouse, Marietta
The newly reopened Cherokee Chophouse is convenient to those coming from Marietta or Kennesaw. The menu leans heavily into steak like New York Strip with classic steakhouse sides, namely rich macaroni and cheese and herb-roasted asparagus. Save room for strawberry cheesecake, just one of the dessert options.
2710 Canton Road, (770) 427-0490
Mac’s Chophouse, Marietta
Set in the former Shilling’s space in the Marietta Square, Mac’s Chophouse carries over the quality to commitment and partnership with farmers and other purveyors. Top picks are the steak frites, pimento cheese fritters, and seared scallops with squash risotto. There is no dress code downstairs, but upstairs is business casual.
19 North Park Square, (770) 238-1202
Old Vinings Inn, Vinings
Set in an 1880s cottage, the Old Vinings Inn is one of the area’s oldest buildings still in use, opening as a restaurant in 1990. The menu focuses on Southern classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. The Attic Bar has the same menu plus snacks and a patio and hosts live music on weekends.
3011 Paces Mill Road SE, (770) 438-2282
Seed, East Cobb
Located in the heart of East Cobb’s shopping area, Seed highlights Southern and American dishes plus Sunday brunch. Don’t miss the crab cakes, sweet potato ravioli, and filet mignon.
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, #504, (678) 214-6888
Spring, Marietta
Spring is highly praised and earned Marietta’s very first Michelin star. The cozy restaurant only serves beer and natural wines with the menu, which is creatively plated and seasonal.
36 Mill Street, (678) 540-2777
