The Top Rated Resy Restaurants in Atlanta According to Beli

Part of the fun at Poncey-Highland’s Georgia Boy is the secret, surprise heavy nature of the experience — you don’t want to read too much before you visit. It’s hidden within chef Joey Ward’s other restaurant, Southern Belle, which lends a speakeasy vibe to the whole thing. The menu changes all the time and is as inventive as inventive gets: We’re talking lemon pound cake you lick right from the beater, custom-designed Georgia Boy cereal boxes, and sweet potatoes that serve as the dinner roll to a generous portion of butter. You’ll sit around the kitchen in a relatively intimate space with your fellow diners, so come ready to make some friends.

It’s rare that a best-of list of Atlanta restaurants doesn’t include this crown jewel of the genre, Bacchanalia, which has been recognized by critics and Michelin alike for their romantic atmosphere, impeccable service, and four-course tasting that changes with the seasons. It’s pretty much the best of the bunch when it comes to celebrating something special: Their more than three decades of experience is apparent from the second you walk in the door.

Chef Leonard Yu’s Buckhead Landing temple of omakase has quickly become the epitome of the style in Atlanta — and for good reason. His focus on technique (watching him slice through fish is like watching Michelangelo carve marble), lovingly sourced ingredients, and careful service combine for an evening you won’t soon forget. It’s not a casual splurge, with the menu clocking in at $295 per person, but it’s more than worth it.

Diners adore Inman Park’s Delbar, where Persian fare takes center stage. Atlanta is no stranger to the cuisine, which makes their success even more impressive. Know that the grilled za’atar wings and kashk badenjoon (fried eggplant spread) should definitely be on your table, as should the Shiraz 75, a take on the classic made with honey, lemon, and lime-infused gin.

Even after more than 10 years in business, BoccaLupo remains one of the toughest reservations to snag in Atlanta. Perhaps it’s because there are only 20 tables inside, but it’s also likely because of the handmade pasta. If you see it on the menu, the 20-yolk tagliatelle and the mafaldine cacio e pepe should be part of your order. The real pro tip? Order a single tasting menu for your group, plus a few additional apps and pastas to share. They’re one of the only restaurants that doesn’t require full table participation.

What began as a pop-up is now one of Atlanta’s favorite spots for quality Italian cooking. There’s handmade pasta and aperitivo, but Gigi’s takes it to a level that’s hard to match (though many have tried). There’s plenty of nostalgia, between the checkered tablecloths and the leather booths, but don’t let that fool you — the kitchen is churning out some serious innovative creativity here. Comfort is in no short supply, in other words, and neither is a nice glass of red.

If you’re keyed into the Atlanta food scene, chances are that you’re at Kevin Rathbun because you’ve heard about the sides. They’re notoriously decadent, with choices that have included things like twice-baked potatoes, charred jalapeño creamed corn, and mac and cheese with truffle crumb, and are definitely worth the trip, in addition to a standout filet mignon. The cuts are, well, a cut above.

This spot is, in our humble opinion, one of the swankiest date night spots in Atlanta. Maybe it’s the wine, or the housemade pasta, or the warmly lit dining room — no matter what it is, the vibes are always off the romance charts. And the dishes, from crispy duck lasagna and the tiramisù, always deliver. Because of its special status, it can be tough to snag a reservation, but we’ve got all the tips for you right here.

If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the eight seats at West Midtown’s Hayakawa, you’re in for a night to remember. You’ll enjoy around 14 courses of premium omakase from chef Atsushi “Art” Hayakawa, who makes the meal even better with his educational, humor-filled commentary that he shares over his headset microphone.

Becoming a brick-and-mortar didn’t change the scrappy, experimental energy at Talat Market, which was once one of Atlanta’s favorite pop-ups. This is Thai cuisine, Georgia style, which means you could find yourself enjoying dishes like crispy rice salad, curry with housemade coconut cream, and beef tallow fried potatoes with lime leaf. The menu changes pretty regularly, so it’s worth heading back a few times to try what’s new.