Spring Dining Guide: The Atlanta 50
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OTP or ITP, there’s a whole lot of dining out there to explore
By John KesslerThe last time I summoned the sheer chutzpah to propose a list of metro Atlanta’s top 50
John Kessler is the AJC's chief dining critic
restaurants, the year was 2004. Back then many of the best restaurants were also the most ambitious ones. Scouting out the talented chefs who used top-tier ingredients meant going to a lot of places with tablecloths and ice-filled wine buckets.
That hierarchy has collapsed, and I have to say it makes this quest a lot more rewarding. Today you can eat great food in scores of casual joints, in bars where you shout over head-banger music, in revitalized neighborhoods throughout the metro area, in farmers markets and at food truck rallies.
All across Atlanta, I have witnessed the doctrine of manifest yumminess. (Find an “Atlanta 50″ restaurant near you with our interactive map.)
So how do you choose 50 from this bounty?
You eat and eat, and eat some more. But first you must decide what doesn’t belong.
I chose to stay away from restaurants outside the metro area (sorry, Athens) and restaurants that only serve late at night (like Octopus Bar) or on weekends (Quinones at Bacchanalia).
I avoided some very good places that suffer from inconsistency and others that are too similar to better spots nearby. I tried as best as I could to provide a variety of styles and cuisines.
I’m still looking for a French, Thai or Middle Eastern spot to merit a place on this list. I’m sorry to the worthy Italian and Japanese restaurants that were edged out.
I did not limit it to only those places that we’ve rated three stars and above but instead made room for two-star restaurants — such as Roswell’s Table & Main and Lilburn’s Three Blind Mice — that add so much to their communities and connect so well with their fans. It’s not an ITP or an OTP thing, it’s a looking-like-Atlanta thing.
Some restaurants that I had not previously rated, but have visited at least twice, now get a rating.
Two previously rated places got a bump. Atlanta’s Heirloom Market BBQ deserves three stars as a citywide destination for its inimitable fusion barbecue. Miller Union has grown into a defining restaurant for today’s Atlanta and it deserves a fourth star. (A guide to our star ratings and a list of the restaurants we’ve rated.)
No restaurant on this list lost a star. Yay!
I hope you enjoy this list and can use it as a guide when you travel throughout metro Atlanta. As you can see, there’s lots to explore.
The 2012 Atlanta 50:
(Restaurant capsule reviews listed in alphabetical order.)
> 4th & Swift, Atlanta; Abattoir, Atlanta; Antico Pizza Napoletana, Midtown; Aria, Buckhead; Bacchanalia, Midtown; Barcelona Wine Bar, Atlanta; Bistro VG, Roswell; Bocado, Midtown; Bone’s, Buckhead; Busy Bee Cafe, Atlanta.
> Cafe Restaurant Dominicano, Norcross; Cakes & Ale (restaurant and bakery), Decatur; Canoe, Atlanta; Cardamom Hill, Atlanta; Community Q BBQ, Decatur; Empire State South, Midtown; Desta, Atlanta; Ecco, Atlanta; Golden House, Duluth.
> Heirloom Market BBQ, Atlanta; Honey Pig, Duluth; Holeman and Finch, Atlanta; Kevin Rathbun Steak, Atlanta; Kyma, Buckhead; McKendrick Steak House, Dunwoody; Miller Union, Midtown; Nam Phuong, Norcross; One Eared Stag, Atlanta; Pura Vida Tapas, Atlanta.
> Rathbun’s, Atlanta; Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta; Rumi’s Kitchen, Sandy Springs; Seed Kitchen & Bar, Marietta; Sotto Sotto, Atlanta; Sound Table, Atlanta; Sushi House Hayakawa, Doraville; Table & Main, Roswell; Taqueria del Sol, three metro locations; Taqueria Oaxaquena, Jonesboro; Tasty China, Marietta.
> Three Blind Mice, Lilburn; Tofu Village, Marietta; Tomo Japanese Restaurant, Buckhead; Umaido, Suwanee; Varasano’s, Atlanta; Viande Rouge Steakhouse , Johns Creek; Vingenzo’s, Woodstock; Woodfire Grill, Atlanta; Woo Nam Jeong Stone Bowl House, Doraville; World Peace Cafe, Sandy Springs.
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> BEHIND THE ATLANTA 50: AJC chief dining critic John Kessler has spent the past three months researching this dining guide by revisiting potential “top 50” restaurants at a breakneck pace that would put members of any competitive eating league to shame.
Many of the places he revisited made the “Atlanta 50” cut, and many others did not. He downed Sichuan dan dan noodles in his car, ate Ethiopian food for breakfast and brought his editor leftover steak in exchange for a busted deadline or two.
See what else John brings to the table.
Previously:
> Where We’ve Eaten: All Our Restaurant Reviews Since 2010
> First Look: Recently Opened Restaurants
> Fall 2011 Dining Guide: Distinctive Culinary Voices
> Spring 2011 Dining Guide: Splurges and Destinations
> A Night On The Town: Our Complete Food, Restaurant and Nightclub Guide
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106 comments Add your comment
RJM
March 23rd, 2012
1:28 pm
John, Miso Izakaya is a HUGE oversight here. And Taqueria del Sol? Why not add Chipotle while you’re add it? What “emotional connection” do you have with brusque service, long lines and a lack of seating?
RJM
March 23rd, 2012
1:29 pm
while you’re AT it, I meant. Otherwise enjoyed the list, John. Thanks.
Connie
March 23rd, 2012
1:33 pm
What about Wild Ginger Thai? It may not be swanky, but it is consistently delicious!
td
March 23rd, 2012
1:45 pm
Tantra Restaurant in south buckhead isn’t exactly authenticity Mediterranean, but has a lot of influences from the region. They also serve some pretty delicious roasted carrot soup with cumin.
Daisy
March 23rd, 2012
1:47 pm
I think it’s a good list, covers a lot of ground (not sure about World Peace Cafe and Taqueria, but they are reflective of Atlanta dining). I would include Local 3 and/or Muss & Turner’s as places balancing high quality cooking with local tastes — they are both “Atlanta” restaurants in that they reflect very accurately their community’s preferences while not being complacent.
Native Atlantan
March 23rd, 2012
1:59 pm
@MU Fan — bite it dawg….I live in the city and really didn’t care for Miller Union. Over-rated…over-priced…..off my list….not even in the same league as some of the others….of course, this is all IMHO.
Sandy
March 23rd, 2012
3:29 pm
Local Three needs to be on the list, take Taqueria Del Sol OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!! and put on Bell Street Burrito on Howell Mill, as someone above said, it is perfect! And cheap
Sandy
March 23rd, 2012
3:32 pm
oh, and RIGHT ON about Heirloom BBQ!
Dave
March 23rd, 2012
3:33 pm
Tasty China???? If you like roaches in your food, I guess I could see it being on the list.
MountainMain
March 23rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Check out LocalThree.com
Easter Brunch served in that world class kitchen. Beer and Burgers on Big Green Eggs on the patio. It may be the best spot for upscale casual dining in the southeast. Props to the crew at L3
Jen
March 23rd, 2012
4:12 pm
Why no review of Sprig this time? Have you been in lately. Lots of changes!
Gerard G
March 23rd, 2012
7:18 pm
I enjoyed reading the list very much. I thought it was well written. But I can’t understand how you can have 50 nice eating places and not one of them gets a 5 star rating. Surely there are one or two restaurants here worthy of five stars?
Brian
March 23rd, 2012
11:00 pm
Actually I’d vote heavily for miller union. From service to the setting to the food – it all works. It’s not Bacchanalia but it’s not trying to be. And yes, I’d favor fox brothers over heirloom… Think it’s a bit harsh to wipe off La Pietra because Logue left. I wouldn’t vote against it until there is evidence of a fall-off. We don’t know that yet, and my guess is it will be kept in good hands since the team appears to have been together awhile.
Zeus
March 24th, 2012
12:16 pm
I would put Gu’s Bistro ahead of Tasty China, for sure. Gu’s food is more nuanced and much less salty and oily, but still brings the heat and flavor,
Guest
March 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
Most of the people on this blog seem to be more interested in naming the restaurants they visit rather than the quality of food and service, except the Varsity one.
thanks
March 24th, 2012
3:46 pm
Awesome list, I agree with upgrading Heirloom BBQ and with the comments regarding removing Taqueria del Sol. By the way, the interactive map is terrific and really helpful.
Brian
March 24th, 2012
3:49 pm
Having World Peace Cafe on this list is a joke. That place is annoying and the food sucks.
crackbaby
March 24th, 2012
7:00 pm
JK,
Here’s a vote to put di Paolo on the list in place of Bistro VG. di Paolo continues to deliver consistently excellent meals after all these years. Definitely cannot say the same for VG.
So many Atlanta restaurants entice with excellent appetizers & starters (and desserts) but fall flat with their entrees. Pity.
patrick
March 24th, 2012
7:02 pm
Holy Taco should replace Taqueria del Sol. Hands down.
Atlantavol
March 24th, 2012
7:41 pm
I agree with everyone who mentioned LOCAL THREE…it has to be on the list…absolutely great food and a very nice atmosphere…Chris does a great job!
L W
March 24th, 2012
8:47 pm
So, there are no notable restaurants south of I-20? Or is that too far for your chauffuer to drive?
Kim A.
March 24th, 2012
9:39 pm
LW–what’s with the hateful comment about the chauffeur? When has John ever acted pretentious and like he needed a chauffeur? I’m gonna have to defend him here. He is very down-to-earth and approachable, not like many restaurant critics. Read some others which are pretentious as hell and you’ll see how great John is. Perhaps none of the restaurants merited a spot on the list? I also live south of I-20 as well and I’m not attacking him. He can’t go to every restaurant in the whole metro area…it’s Atlanta’s 50 Best Restaurants, not The 50 Best Restaurants From Newnan to Gainesville.
Wingham
March 24th, 2012
10:23 pm
I agree with those in favor of Local Three. The food is great creative, and it doesn’t hurt that everyone there is genuinely warm and welcoming. Upgrading Heirloom Market is a good call, too – everything on the menu is excellent. FYI, heirloom’s burger is one of the best in ATL. I also would vote to add Miso Izakaya, and I’d keep TDS!
j bryan
March 25th, 2012
8:22 am
where’s is LaGrotta on Peachtree? How can you add Bone’s (classic? i’m thinking tired/dated) but no LaGrotta?
LMerlyn
March 25th, 2012
8:59 am
Great list I agree with the clamor over Local Three. In addition to great food, it’s the best place to get a drink in town, and unlike most places with a great cocktail list, the drinks come out quickly. I’d also like to see Yakitori Jinbei on here, and Swallow at the Hollow over Community Q for traditional BBQ (as opposed to Heirloom, which deserves to be in its own category).
Taqueria del Sol is fine enough but really not worth the hassle. El Rey on BuHi is far better and with none of the BS, plus they are open 24 hours!
Cardamom Hill….haven’t tried it yet, and very much looking forward to checking it out. However, it seems a little premature to put it on this list when it JUST opened. Surely you have to earn a little consistency over time? At least 6 months, maybe??? Maybe we need a “most promising newcomer/future 50″ subsection?
Falconi
March 25th, 2012
9:35 am
How is Alluvia, the restaurant conveniently located inside The Cheetah?
Randall Williams
March 25th, 2012
9:49 am
Veni Vedi Vici is consistently delicious, quite attractive, always crowded and has above average service. As a foodie and a frequent traveller to Italy, I believe Veni Vidi Vici is a more than worthy candidate for your top 50 list.
Rachel
March 25th, 2012
10:11 am
If you’re looking for a good Thai place – the best Thai I have ever eaten is at Green Ginger in Decatur. Every time I eat there, I am anxious and excited with every perfectly seasoned bite as my mouth is filled with a blast of flavor – and they don’t skimp on the proportions. You must try it – I guarantee Green Ginger will make it on your list next time.
mfw411
March 25th, 2012
11:57 am
Thanks so much for this list. I just have one comment. We live in Marietta and were huge Tasty China fans. We’ve reluctantly given up on it and even though it is twice as far away we now go to Peter Cheng’s restaurant on Powers Ferry. We just had one too many bad experiences at Tasty China- messed up orders, super greasy food, really poor service. I am truly mystified that you would include it as a Top 50 at this point in time. I wish you were right as we miss the old Tasty China.
Tom
March 25th, 2012
12:58 pm
One place south of I-20 huh? Virtually nothing worthwhile in the south side of the city. That puts a question mark in my mind of your personal prejudices. Sorry I’m dismissing this drivel, but I guess you have to write an article for today’s paper.
Joseph Locicero
March 25th, 2012
1:00 pm
Havens is so consistent with friendly and knowledgeable service. We loved the pea-spinach reduction soup with bay scallops. The waiter actually steered us away from overpriced wines, while maintaining taste integrity and balance with our choice of entre.
OIFVet
March 25th, 2012
1:02 pm
Las Brasas – the Peruvian-style Rotisserie Chicken and Potatoes with Huancaina Sauce is divine. Small take-out place with 4 outdoor tables in Decatur …..310 E Howard Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
gagirl
March 25th, 2012
1:35 pm
Taqueria Del Sol is nothing to write home about. They can’t even get the salsa and chips right and the tacos were average at best. I don’t get the hype at all. Taqueria Los Hermanos on the other hand, has some of the most consistently good Mexican food in the city. Now they should’ve made the list! I guess some people just don’t know how good food should taste. But TDS is not it.
clax
March 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
No Nan’s? No Wisteria? I am stunned Kessler. I give your list 2 stars!
Kim A.
March 25th, 2012
5:16 pm
Rachel–we have a Green Ginger in Peachtree City too, same web site, same people, same menu; and while I *really* like it (I’m going there tonight, as a matter of fact), those restaurants in no way meet the standards for inclusion on a Best of Atlanta list. I really, really don’t think he would add it to the list–Nan didn’t make it! There’s no comparison. Plus, Green Ginger is a Japanese/Chinese/Thai combo restaurant. The one in my area definitely sells more sushi. Everything I’ve had there has been good, don’t get me wrong. But nothing that compares to the restaurants on this list I’ve been to.
Tara
March 25th, 2012
9:03 pm
You stated you wished to find a Thai restaurant for the list: Baan Thai in Conyers has excellent Thai cuisine!
Barbara
March 26th, 2012
7:48 am
Great list. I don’t get the haters — still love Taqueria Del Sol on Howell Mill and I often send out of towners there. Big miss for me is no Local Three. What are you thinking here John? It is innovative, great ingredients, and doesn’t take itself too seriously except for striving for delicious food. An excellent addition to Atlanta food scene. Looking forward to the explanation.
Jeff
March 26th, 2012
8:53 am
John — Please put Sushi House Hayakawa on the interactive map….
Grasshopper
March 26th, 2012
9:19 am
I’m laughing at all the readers who are bashing John for not including any restaurants on the South side — yet they fail to name any themselves!
Agree with most about Taqueria del Sol. Standing in a twenty minute line to get sneered at when I order a couple of mediore tacos — I’ll pass. Hankook is just up the street.
KP
March 26th, 2012
10:55 am
Great list. Ask 10 people to make a list of the “Top 50″, and you’ll undoubtedly get 10 different lists, but it’s a great way to get people talking about some of the great restaurants we have here. Some that would have been on my list that weren’t included here:
1. Nan
2. Iberian Pig
3. No. 246
4. Floataway Cafe
5. Serpas
6. Local Three
7. Pricci
8. Nava
For the record (since an opinion on TDS appears to be a requisite to posting on here at the moment), I like Taqueria Del Sol. I am, however, growing tired of the farm-to-table craze. I like to know i’m eating fresh, quality ingredients. But I also like variety, and for my food to be more bold and flavorful. Aria, Miller Union, Empire State South, Cakes & Ale, Restaurant Eugene, etc.–all good, but the experience dining at one seem to be largely the same as dining at any other after a while. That’s not to say that they shouldn’t make the list. But sometimes I just crave the bold flavors of a Serpas, Nava, Iberian Pig, Local Three. And I don’t know how Nan doesn’t make any Top 50 list, particularly when searching for good thai. I’ve been to some of the top high end Thai restaurants in Thailand, and Nan can hang with any of them.
Ann
March 26th, 2012
11:31 am
I absolutely understand why World Peace Cafe made the Top 50 list. They do “what they do” very well and consistently. I have been there at least 20 times and have never had an “off meal”. I have dined at many of the places on the Top 50 list and World Peace is one of my favorite places to eat. We go there at least once a month and it is where I chose to eat my Mother’s Day lunch, over fancier spots, partly because of the food, but also because of how relaxing and peaceful the place is. And, I was given a fresh flower that day when I walked in.
I’m a big soup fan and great soups are one way that restaurants for me can stand out. Their Kale-Mushroom soup is one of the best soups around and very hearty, and healthy. It is on the daily menu. The service is impeccable and pleasant. We also enjoy the Veggie sandwich, Peace Burger, the salad with the mustard vinaigrette dressing, and the vegan strawberry cake.
John Kessler
March 26th, 2012
11:32 am
Jeff – Sushi House Hayakawa shows up on the map for me.
SW
March 26th, 2012
11:54 am
Where is Local Three!? Not having it on this list takes your Atlanta Foodie credibility waaaay down.
Jeff
March 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
I see — it’s hidden underneath Woo Nam Jeong Stone Bowl House … after zooming in I could see a little sliver of the green dropped pin for Hayakawa.
John Kessler
March 26th, 2012
12:12 pm
Thanks, Ann!
The Atlanta 50: The Readers Have Spoken | Food and More with John Kessler
March 26th, 2012
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[...] have gone through your comments thus far on my choices for the Atlanta 50 in our Spring Dining Guide, and I will try below to excerpt your opinions and answer your questions in a way that can make [...]
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March 26th, 2012
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[...] thе list tο 50, аѕ we јυѕt ԁіԁ іn ουr Atlanta Spring Dining Handbook thіѕ progressing duration [...]
Jeremy
March 26th, 2012
3:30 pm
We, in VaHi, are very sad that Murphy’s is missing from this list.
JME
March 26th, 2012
9:26 pm
At the risk of piling on, Local 3 is a glaring omission. Chris, Ryan and Jeff were Resterauteurs of the Year for a reason, and they just followed it up by making the menu even better! They get it right, every meal.
AJC ‘Readers Have Spoken’ | ATLFREEWIFI.com
March 26th, 2012
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[...] ‘The Atlanta 50‘ was recently compiled by the AJC‘s lead critic John Kessler, who “spent the past three months researching this dining guide by revisiting potential “top 50” restaurants at a breakneck pace.” Included in the AJC‘s Spring Dining Guide, the list recognizes, in no particular order, “50 restaurants that help make Atlanta a robust and influential food town.” [...]