The Atlanta Restaurants Where We Want To Be Regulars

This storied underground steakhouse and martini bar, with its subterranean staircase entry, dim lighting and wood-paneled decor, has an incredibly magnetic pull. It’s an Atlanta landmark, having opened in 1989, is quite the flex for those living close enough to stop by anytime for a classic cocktails to the 14-ounce, certified Angus, blackened Prime rib. There’s also serious history in this sacred space, as before it was Highland Tap, it was called the Texas Drilling Company, a popular gay bar. Prior to that, it was the Downtown Cafe, and featured local bands like the B52s who played in what’s now the dining room.

Those of us who’ve had to pay speeding tickets at the nearby courthouse over the years know that before Spring opened seven years ago, Marietta Square wasn’t exactly a place you’d hang out if not a local. But today, those who live within reasonable distance of the fantastic and always-changing menu at this intimate, 44-seat, true farm-to-table neighborhood restaurant know they’re blessed. Spring is only open to the public for a total of 20 hours per week, which means if you’re hankering for chef Brian Ho’s brilliant dishes, such as pan-roasted Alaskan halibut with turnips, beech mushrooms, radishes and ramps in beurre blanc (if it’s available), it helps to be not far away. No, that’s not a reason to go back to your old bad driving habits; it’s motivation to make a plan to get there, slowly but surely, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday — with the help of a reservation, of course. 

Before the rise of “foodies,” and before Atlanta had such a grand variety of fine dining restaurants and brilliant upstarts swinging for the creative culinary fences, there was Bacchanalia, which continues to thrive three decades since first opening in Buckhead, which goes without saying is way beyond some of the city’s gone-but-not-forgotten favorites. How did it happen, aside from a reminder of its status for a new generation of diners in the movie “Baby Driver”? That would be the brilliance of chef Anne Quatrano, and an unbending standard for excellence that’s made the reputed restaurant a constant mention among the very top places to eat in Atlanta. Saying you’ve been a regular here for at least a few of Bacchanalia’s years in existence is a big ATL flex. But it’s never too late to start!

Milan native Riccardo Ullio’s enduring Italian destination has given Atlanta some of its best handmade pasta for 24 years. It remains a favorite of fans inside and outside the perimeter, near and far from Inman Park, for its intimacy, close-knit dining experience, warm dining room and of course its superb food and excellent wine program — both of which have received national acclaim. Having constant access and deep relationships with the chef and his staff is the dream; the only issue would be not overindulging on pasta dishes like hand-made “priest stranglers” with sweet sausage ragù… At least the infinitely walkable neighborhood helps justify regular visits. 

We — at least the we who don’t live in downtown Decatur — would love to live in downtown Decatur for a number of reasons. And it’s beyond reasonable to say that Kimball House is one of the coolest places in the area, and certainly the best place to have drinks, oysters, and a sense of historic Decatur cool. The fact that you’re in a train depot is never going to get old, and the beverage program Miles Macquarrie has put together rivals those of esteemed bars around the globe, not just metro ATL. And we could go on and on about the food, but as anybody who’s attended weekday oyster happy hour knows, it was this awesome little place that upended Atlanta’s idea of what great oysters should taste like. Wouldn’t it be awesome to live so closely that you’re always there for a seat at the bar right when it’s time to shave a considerable sum from those intensely fresh and tasty bivalves? If you already do live close enough to be a regular, please don’t brag. Just save us a seat.

The rich history of the “S.W.A.T.S.” (Southwest Atlanta) neighborhood of Cascade Heights is that of a community of strength, pride and resilience. Restaurants like The Beautiful kept that legacy alive by nourishing not only bodies but spirits. The Beautiful has survived, but there are new additions to the culinary landscape, and chef Deborah VanTrece’s investment in the area began with this restaurant that serves international comfort food, bringing the historically Black area a taste of the world that revolves around it. The fact that it’s named for VanTrece’s mother Oreatha makes it not only a place that we want to establish as our own, but we want our moms to love it too. 

To be a regular at The Chastain, you just might be a resident of the ritzy area in and around Chastain Park, where stars and zillionaires roam Powers Ferry’s walkable paths all day long, until it’s time to stop into Christopher Grossman’s remarkable breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant and cafe. And since this is a place where the hours are long and the nearby living is easy, it always feels like a place of aspiration as well as relaxation, not to mention an always-inspired style of service and some of the best food in Atlanta, whether you’re into pan-seared fish or a burger that tops $30 but is also one of the top burgers in town. 

Generally the vibe of Buckhead restaurants can be either super-scenic and lounge-like, or ultra-proper and intended for the power lunch or dinner meeting. But here’s this very unique place where fantastic wines, impressive small plates and an interesting collection of books are all available to consume. Lucian certainly gave the neighborhood something to brag about to all the Midtown, Westside, O4W and Eastside cool kids who might thumb their noses at the fancy folks who’ve chosen the northside community as their place of residence. But they can’t deny that Lucian’s super-comfortable and ultra-cool aesthetic have made it one of the most popular establishments in town, with its own unique identity. How much are those walking-distance Pharr Road condos or houses on West Paces Ferry again? 

If you live ITP and were a fan of the old FSE, back when chef Mel Toledo and company were located in Roswell (which closed in 2020), you were both thrilled to see the return of this extraordinary restaurant. You were also probably a little sad that once again, Foundation is not on the MARTA line. Anyone who’s visited the Parisian-style bistro has experienced the authentic neighborhood approach to service, and tasted the first-rate food. It feels casual and sophisticated all at once, whether you’re inside or on one of 90 seats at their two patios, enjoying dishes such as duck confit with turnip and ricotta ravioli, smoked salmon tartare with truffled egg salad, caviar, bronze fennel and brioche, and chicken bolognese with fettuccine. Those of us inside I-285 aren’t haters; we salute our OTP family and admit we kinda wish we could be a little closer to Foundation’s greatness.

It goes without saying that it takes a certain type of individual to become a regular at a sushi restaurant that’s (quite justifiably) around $400 per person if you’re going to do it correctly with both the omakase service and the drink pairing (which you absolutely should). But there are such people who are consistently in and out of Mujo, according to Federico Castellucci, president of Castellucci Hospitality Group. Yes, we’re jealous, but it’s also proof that the incredible edomae-style sushi chef J. Trent Harris presents nightly, along with the stellar service from Mujo’s veteran crew of front-of-house staff, are worth every penny, and worth coming back for again and again.