The Resy Hit List: Where In Atlanta You’ll Want to Eat in Oct. 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in Atlanta: a monthly-updated (and expanded!) guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Atlanta Not to Miss This Month
- Taste the Rainbow: Any time of year is right to visit one of the many excellent LGBTQ+ owned restaurants in Atlanta, but doing so while Atlanta’s celebrating Pride in Piedmont Park makes it even more meaningful. Keep an eye on Resy Events for special evenings, or make a Resy at spots like JenChan’s or El Viñedo Local to keep the good times going after the Pride Parade, live entertainment, and more.
- Great Scots: If you’re one of the millions anticipating the end of #Droughtlander, Atlanta’s got your Scottish fix. Get warmed up for the new “Outlander” season by hitting up the Stone Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games October 19 and 20. Then promptly book the tasting menu at Nàdair, Kevin Gillespie’s homage to his heritage, right on top of one of the city’s lesser-known green spaces.
- White Hot Openings: Hit List starlet Kitty Dare welcomes a new sister in Natalie Bianca, another tribute to a dearly departed friend by Jammy Zarnegar. She’s a Southern and Mexican ingenue taking up residence in the former La Panarda space in Cascade Heights, and taking Resys already. Plus, the much buzzed-about Forth Hotel has opened its doors to its finest dining option yet, Il Premio – get the inside scoop with our Rundown and check more openings in New on Resy.
- All Hail All Hallow’s Eve: The weather’s only sporadically autumnal in Atlanta, but there are plenty of paths to spooky szn. On Oct. 17, go to Capturing the Spirit of Oakland; the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival + Parade the 19th and 20th; then the Midtown Halloween Block Party at Politan Row on Oct. 25, where you can end the night at JoJo’s Beloved. To end, Little Bear has two days of Little Scare bookable through Resy Events.
New to the Hit List (Oct. 2024)
Lucian, Lyla Lila, Tio Lucho’s, Vesper.
1. Lazy Betty Midtown
The many petals of Lazy Betty’s expanded space unfurl luxuriously, blooming into an expansive bar and lounge and three distinct dining rooms. (Even if you know its former occupant, Hugh Acheson’s Empire State South, the space is now unrecognizable.) And, yes, the food: With a seasonal seven-course tasting menu, the friendly staff works as a team to deliver bites like poached Icelandic cod with green tomato “caviar” destined to swim in a broth of country ham, to a trio of petit fours with unexpected twists like miso caramel. Not ready for a deep dive? The newly introduced bar menu lets you dip a toe into Aaron Phillips and Ron Hsu’s award-winning experience; bonus items like foie gras brioche doughnuts make it worth checking out regardless.
2. Nàdair Restaurant Woodland Hills
In this modern interpretation of a laird’s lodge, Kevin Gillespie proudly reclaims a part of his culinary heritage that he once pushed into the shadows. Among swathes of deep greens, reddish woods, and a custom carpet in the pattern of his great-grandfather’s military tartan, his latest embraces “the way of nature” both literally and figuratively. Beginning with a park-facing property and earth-friendly sourcing, it progresses to a return to his wood-fired cooking days and Scottish roots. Multi-course tastings and three-course prix fixe menus feature contemporary and often Southern takes on that country’s hearty fare. Think Aberdeen butter pull-aparts, lacquered ham with a collard green “dumpling,” and steak with punchy horseradish brown sauce and savory skirlie oats that’ll have you questioning why we Americans eat oats sweet.
3. Bacchanalia Westside
A moody former industrial space – shared with counter-service sister Star Provisions – sets the stage for some of Atlanta’s most show-stopping cuisine. This 1993 establishment founded by Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison just keeps growing better. Their local farm, Summerland, whose production continues to guide their farm-to-table approach. Because of that, their format of a four-course prix fixe menu is the only thing that remains constant. One night you might find crab fritters made remarkable with citrus and avocado, or steak tartare with a twist of lime, toasted rice, and chile. And if your Notify didn’t pan out for that special occasion, just go during the day and grab a Bacchanalia-quality lunch or a pastry from Star Provisions while you hunt for an artisan “I’m sorry” gift. It’ll be a nice taste of what’s to come when your Resy comes through.
4. Auburn Angel Sweet Auburn
The former historical Auburn Avenue Rib Shack is now a moody, jewel-toned supper club-style restaurant with chef Robbie Pachecho and Miller Union pastry legend Pamela Moxley turning out new Southern with sumptuous panache. The small plates are anything but, in flavor and size. The PB&J stands for pork belly and tomato jam, served on brioche with almond butter and candied grape tomatoes, and the double-patty, ground to order lamb burger is a gutbuster of a starter. The cherry pepper in the Cussin’ Granny cocktail cleanses the palate just fine before moving on to mains like a heavily cocoa and coffee-dusted filet, seared to the chef’s preference. Finish with the new white fig tart and its generous smattering of candied pistachios.
5. Delbar Middle Eastern – Inman Park Inman Park
The shiny new Alpharetta location has gotten a lot of attention lately for its big, bright spaces, but the original Delbar has no intention of fading into the background. The heart (the meaning of “delbar”) is certainly captured by a dream of a lamb shank stew, and a ribeye with a walnut pomegranate marinade cut for sharing. Accompany that with adas polo, a buttery showstopper of a rice dish that hides pops of sweetness from buried raisins. But don’t fill up, as tempting as it may be. The pistachio lava cake with molten white chocolate and ginger date cake with toffee and roasted tahini mousse blend the best of Middle Eastern and Western sensations. Same with well-considered cocktails such as the Dubai Drift – an intriguing blend of ginger, maple, soy, and apple brandy.
6. Lucian Buckhead
Books, wine, and dining? We’re hooked on this Buckhead mainstay already. The wine list intrigues, with deep cuts on Champagne and chardonnay (if you’re a skeptic, this is where to explore). Seasonal plot twists make the story change a bit with every retelling. For example, a garlic-rubbed, crispy-all-around modern porchetta is currently being served on a bed of corn with local muscadine grapes — the last of both for the season. If you like to stick with classics, count on two-bite breaded polenta cubes on a black truffle aioli, and a perfect soft-curd French omelette topped with caviar and herb crème fraiche. Validated parking is an invitation to stay and browse the bookshop selections, curated by co-owner Katie Barringer, in this museum library-like setting. Pro tip: check Resy Events frequently for special book signings.
7. Kitty Dare Inman Park
Atlanta’s culinary style boils down to swirling cultures together like paint until it becomes something new — and that’s the best way to describe the artistry in play here, where an Iranian owner and Italian chef have combined Middle Eastern and Western European flavors into dishes you won’t find elsewhere. Turmeric colors pillowy gnocchi already rich with black garlic lamb ragu on a swirl of mint yogurt. Perfectly roasted chicken, thick with Berbere spices and lightened with watermelon and feta salad and a silky, lush Andalusian gazpacho speak of southern Spanish summers, and myriad nooks — a muraled courtyard, whitewashed and cerulean corners — create a casual spot with neighborhood fave vibes.
8. M by Tasuku Murakami Buckhead
At direct odds with dark and moody Umi downstairs, M by Tasuku Murakami is subdued, small, and bright white — a prepped canvas for 18 courses meant be revered and admired like the artwork it is. Discuss each generous bite with chef Murakami, who offers thoughtful insights on the inspiration and preparation behind each dish. It’ll turn into a group chat as conversation among the eight diners per seating — available only twice nightly and thrice weekly — picks up as you journey through the experience. But feel free to rush that organic progression along with a sake pairing and fine Japanese whisky.
9. Southern Belle Poncey Highlands
New season, new reasons to see what magical mischief chef Joey Ward is cooking up in the kitchen. Now fully à la carte (unlike fancy brother tasting menu-only Georgia Boy), you can sidequest how you like with a tight selection of dishes sorted into three sizes. Descriptions name ingredients, but rarely technique and never presentation. This opens the door for textural surprises like a roasted potato “bucatini” carbonara and unexpected combos like warm curried banana b. Gratuities are already included in the menu prices, so go ahead and treat yourself to a cocktail — conveniently marked with notes like “Light. Refreshing. Herbaceous” — with the money normally earmarked for tips. You deserve it.
10. Foundation Social Eatery Alpharetta
If your dessert stomach felt uneasy when Gus Castro left Lazy Betty, prepare for butterflies of excitement as he lands at Foundation Social Eatery. He’s putting together snappy last courses such as a chocolate verrine with miso caramel and ice cream, brioche doughnuts with vanilla anglaise and strawberry sauce, and lime sponge cake with blueberry and coconut to capture these last summer feels. The rest of the menu remains as good as always, as the confit ribs and tinned fish boards remain permanent staples. But do get your last licks of seasonal sunshine from large windows lighting the lofty, bright space … and dishes like Hokkaido scallops with sunflower seeds and sweet peas. Also try If It Ain’t Broke, a watermelon, mint, lime, and Tajin cocktail.
11. The Optimist Howell Mill
There’s clearly coastal flair to this Ford Fry seafood spot, but several dining areas offer different takes on what that means. Shellfish lovers should post up at the fishmonger-style counter to creep on what’s fresh and what’s going in and out of the hickory-wood oven. If dining on the patio or putt-putt green, a chilled seafood tower is just the fix for a hot summer night, especially since it includes their extraordinary smoked fish dip. And in these months, anything with Pearson Farms peaches — including the pickled version with hamachi crudo — is a go. For something more substantial, try the duck fat poached swordfish. Pro tip: Ask for more of those exceptional butter-baked dinner rolls, and do it shamelessly. They’ll gladly pack your extras to go.
Call 404-477-6260 for reservations.
12. Bread & Butterfly Inman Park
It’s now been a year since James Beard-nominated Billy Allin sold his last outpost to Demetrius Brown and Brandon Blanchard, and all three voices speak clearly from the menu. Traditional French style peeks out most coquettishly during the day, but come evening, Haiti comes out to play with the South. Savory herb cocktails with dark spirits complement shareables like lamb belly “tasso,” oversized and flaky tamarind-accented Haitian beef patties, and scallops with etouffee-inspired sauce and brightly zesty greens. A modern, super-buttery take on bouyon beef — in which swim plantain gnocchi and sweet potato — is reimagined with a few slices of perfect steak bites. Plus, the return of Brown’s Heritage Supper Club experience — monthly starting September — means anything can happen in this kitchen.
13. Hart & Crown Tavern Madison Georgia Historic District
After a recent expansion and refurbishment, Hart & Crown Tavern in the historic district of Madison, GA (where Hit List fave and sister restaurant The Dining Room is also located) is making a hop across the pond as easy as an hour and change in the car. Now that they’re on Resy, you can plan ahead to check out the show kitchen churning out gourmet bangers (and mash), including fish and hand-cut chips, a double burger with Red Dragon cheese, and sticky toffee pudding in a classic pub-style setting that looks (and feels) dropped right out of the English countryside. Signature twisted-tradition cocktails for only $10 each remind you you’re not paying in pounds.
14. Lyla Lila Midtown
Everyone knows about the crispy duck lasagna with cocoa bechamel at this refined southern European mainstay, but the pro tip here is to journey through the Pasta Odyssey, which shows off the range of chef Craig Richards’ talent … and includes this signature dish in sampler size. On this multi-course taster, cacio e pepe takes agnolotti form with quadruple the pepper power, beef and black truffle merge with thyme and star anise, and braised rabbit becomes smooth and silken when tucked into thin sheets of pasta. End with the Meyer lemon cheesecake, whose soft, whipped texture recalls the center of a perfect Basque-style version and is perfectly punctuated with macerated blueberries and basil.
15. Varuni Napoli Midtown / Morningside
Chef Luca Varuni’s original location is now officially 10, but the buzz is still as fresh as the made-to-order pies, where even online orders don’t hit the custom Neapolitan ovens until checking in at the counter or the pick-up window. Grab a seat at the 20-seat pizza bar, where a massive cornicello hangs from the skylight — they’re the most entertaining seats in the communal-style dining room, especially during brunch, since you can watch sweet fig, Gorgonzola, and prosciutto puff up into crackling-crusted fork-and-knifers and get a preview of combos like egg yolk sauce, sausage, pancetta, and black truffle. Kick back on the patio and feel invincible to the summer heat refreshed by a new list of creative spritzes, including bourbon peach tea and limoncello basil versions.
No reservations. Find more info here.
16. Vesper Glenwood Park
Glam furnishings, bold local art, and a playlist as well-mixed as the smooth craft cocktails leave you stirred, not shaken, in this James Bond-influenced lounge. The references to 007 are subtle, via the movies on silent behind the bar and the names of drinks, like the tropical Pussy Galore with peach, pineapple, and cherry and the peachy, bubbly Tilly Masterson. But the style is not. Jewel-toned velvet couches are clustered in semi-private spaces ideal for kicking back or canoodling, and hearty snacks like cheese-buried truffle tots, lobster quesadillas, and tuna tataki accompany a substantial list of elevated classics. Pro tip: Score the city’s best espresso martini, the May Day, for a p.m. pick-me-up.
No reservations. Find more info here.
17. Nikolai’s Roof Downtown Atlanta
A part of the Atlanta downtown skyline and dining scene since 1976, few views of Atlanta can compete with the panorama from this 30th-floor restaurant. But decades of AAA Four-Diamond ratings prove that it’s more than just a pretty space. Chef Stephanie Frick puts together decadent and inventive prix fixe menu that can feature starters like beef tartare with hibiscus pickled radish, mango, and salsa macha, and entrees from diver scallops with duck bacon to tenderloin with beef tallow potato, shallot jam, and foie gras butter. It starts at three courses, but grilled cheese with mozzarella, caviar, tomato, and gold flakes make a strong argument to go for the four. Parking at the Hilton’s validated, so reappropriate those funds toward that cheese course.
18. Tio Lucho’s Poncey-Highland
At the entrance, a bold chicha font states, “En Atlanta, se come rico.” But at this Peruvian collaboration between La Chingana’s Arnaldo Castillo and Sweet Auburn BBQ’s Howard Hsu, rico is an understatement. Mixed seafood ceviches, aji bechamel-roasted oysters, and corn “fritter” pancakes covered in crab are standout openers for exceptionally tender roasted chicken with Cuzco corn succotash, and lomo saltado so good you’ll be using the fries to sop the sauce. Pro tip: Pastry chef extraordinaire Claudia Martinez of Miller Union dips into her own South American roots when she bakes here, so keep an eye on their Instagram to find out what desserts to save room for. For more tropical fun, try the passionfruit sour with egg white foam.
19. Café Alsace Decatur
In the region of Alsace, German and French cooking find not only something approaching peace, but a layered harmony. This is hearty upon hearty — crème fraiche and Emmenthal top tarte flambee (aka flamenkeuche) or spaetzle, both also topped with bacon bits and onion; a trio of sausage is indulgent as you’d expect; pastry lined with mushroom duxelles accompany luscious filet mignon; more flaky pastry shows up in the tarte tatin of the day. Place all of that on tables surrounded by rustic chairs in a romantically understated French country dining room and you have Benedictine Cooper’s tribute to her native homeland, now a 25-year-old local staple. Pro tip: Browse the retail nook toward the back before you leave, and don’t forget to grab some macarons to go.
Find more info here.
20. Kimball House Decatur
Photo courtesy of Kimball House
Kimball House has a preternatural ability to charm. Is it the setting, in a renovated rail depot, inspired by an Atlanta landmark, the Kimball House Hotel? (An old hotel menu became the foundation of the menu.) Whatever it is, the excitement quickly extends to the particulars of the menu, starting with a selection of around 20 oyster varieties, and refined modern cocktails such as a ponzu martini or green apple Negroni. No bad seats here, but for a full meal, make a Resy for one of the tufted leather booths in the classically elegant dining room. You’ll want the table space for updated classic dishes; ravioli en consomme comes with venison; the osso bucco is lamb; grilled oysters have kimchi butter and the opera cake is Earl Grey. And in true local spirit, don’t miss the lemon pepper chicken skins as an app.
Photo courtesy of Kimball House
