The Atlanta Restaurants We Loved in 2024

From taste to texture to technique…

… I was as wowed as expected when I went to chef Jason Liang’s O by Brush omakase experience for the first time (I’m a big-time fan of their sister restaurant, Brush Sushi). Some courses of the 20-plus meal challenged my comfort zone, but isn’t that the point of trusting the chef? That step out was part of what made the dinner simply exquisite.

I did particularly love the bites that were binchotan-kissed for a bit of fire and smoke — like the kinki and sukiyaki-style fatty o-toro (tuna belly), as well as the more unusual offerings like a chawanmushi, a savory take on a Taiwanese wheel pie, and a Paris-Brest dessert with hojicha and strawberry. It was an outstanding meal from start to finish.

— Su-Jit Lin, Atlanta Writer, Resy Editorial

I’m still thinking about…

… the instant classic that is the crunch wrap at La Semilla, a staple on their menu. While I’m not vegan, you don’t need to be to appreciate it (or the rest of their food). If you’re in Reynoldstown, La Semilla is a must.

— Brandon Gesualdi, Regional Sales Manager, Atlanta

If this is what vegan food can achieve, sign me up…

I couldn’t stop thinking about the fried green tomatoes at La Semilla, which is an entirely plant-based restaurant. Chef Reid Trapani batters the tomato slices in masa and cornmeal, and serves them with ranch, herbed cream cheese, and tomato jam. Incredible.

— Lia Picard, Atlanta Writer, Resy Editorial

I’ve loved nothing more this year than…

… posting up at the bar of restaurants where I know I can get a solid drink and snack, either before heading to the next place, or as my final, semi-casual stop of the night. Highlights included the bucatini and the lemon ricotta bomboloni at Il Premio, the fries with tarragon mayo and good vermouth on the rocks at Lucian, and Avize’s carrot Bolognese.

In October, Palo Santo’s two-year anniversary dinner with guest chef Freddy Money (of Atlas and Garden Room) was a really special collab worth celebrating. And then, of course, there were memorable omakase experiences: I was willing to sit still a little longer than usual for meals at M by Tasuku Murakami and O by Brush.

Bonus musts: Any of the Haitian or African dishes from Bread & Butterfly’s new menu. And an intimate, educational night tasting agave spirits at El Ponce’s Copita Club, paired with Latin-inspired dishes like Mexican charcuterie and tamales.

— Allison Ramirez, Atlanta Writer, Resy Editorial

My husband still talks about…

… a spice-lacquered pork shoulder ham he had at Kevin Gillespie’s newest restaurant (they’re known for their approach to meat), but what I really appreciated at Nàdair was the vegetarian haggis pie, which swapped the traditional filling with mushrooms. It was savory and filling, and I didn’t miss the offal one bit.

— Lia Picard, Atlanta Writer, Resy Editorial

This was one of the best eating years of my entire life…

I hit most of the major omakase spots and tasting menus and none disappointed. 2024 was also a major year for chef collaborations. The special events have been off the hook, and one I’ll never forget was the pasta collaboration at Lazy Betty, featuring the chefs from Lyla Lila, Atlas, Georgia Boy, BoccaLupo, and a mano. It was an absolute showcase of Atlanta chef power, creativity, innovation, and unity, and made me so proud that I live somewhere where the dining community uplifts one another to elevate the city in general.

— Su-Jit Lin, Atlanta Writer, Resy Editorial