The best restaurants in Athens

Brightly colored Mexican kitchen specializing in customizable tacos made with local ingredients.

100 6th St NE #110 (Atlanta)

Lively spot for Mexican favorites, cocktails, rooftop views and a patio.

245 18th St NW (Atlanta)

No-frills pizzeria offering thin-crust & Sicilian slices & pies, with beers & outdoor seating.

1634 McLendon Ave NE (Atlanta)

Creative Italian small plates, pasta & Neapolitan pizza served in a stylish, modern space.

1577 N Decatur Rd (Atlanta)

Low-key, intimate dining room serving up homestyle Italian cooking & creative cocktails.

753 Edgewood Ave NE (Atlanta)

Chef Richard Sandoval offers upscale Mexican comfort food & many tequilas in casual, stylish space.

187 10th St NE (Atlanta)

Informal destination serving Asian fusion dishes & sushi in a straightforward setting.

880 W Peachtree St NW Ste 1 (Atlanta)

Eatery serving regional Mexican cuisine and drinks in a rustic venue with an expansive patio.

1374 Arkwright Pl SE (Atlanta)

Serves inventive Mexican cuisine and cocktails in a stylish locale with happy hours, regular live music, and DJs.

800 Peachtree St NE Apt F (Atlanta)

Contemporary Mexican counter serve offering tacos, breakfast & margaritas in a sunny, vibrant space.

1878 Piedmont Ave NE (Atlanta)

Utopia Restaurant at the Underground Atlanta serves bold Latin-fusion plates, handcrafted cocktails, and luxury hookah in an…

50 Upper Alabama St (Atlanta)

Slide into Indaco for house-made pastas, blistered wood-fired pizzas, and classic piatti that hit the comfort button without getting fussy.…

725 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Ste 250 (Atlanta)

Omakase Table serves a relaxed, course-by-course experience, with 20 courses at Buckhead or 14 at West Midtown. Perfect for this week when…

3330 Piedmont Rd NE #22A (Atlanta)

Tikka Nation Athens is your go-to for Asian comfort, from slurpable noodles to Chinese favorites that actually satisfy. Perfect when you…

142 W Clayton St

Five and Ten is your friendly neighborhood excuse to eat like an adult. Think contemporary Southern plates that actually taste like…

1073 S Milledge Ave

Elegantly upscale modern space featuring globally influenced, seasonal fare, cocktails & wine.

Three Alliance Center, 3550 Lenox Rd NE Ste 550 (Atlanta)

Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.

1787 Oconee Connector

Chic, lively place with a popular happy hour offering oysters, eclectic seafood dishes & cocktails.

297 Prince Ave Ste 10

Relaxed restaurant with sports on TV, serving specialty sandwiches, wings & burgers.

2020 Timothy Rd

Upmarket Japanese place featuring hibachi entrees, house sushi rolls & sake, plus karaoke rooms.

251 W Clayton St Apt 117

Upscale restaurant in a shopping center serving pizzas and other Italian dishes in a comfortable setting.

1965 S Barnett Shoals Rd

Utilitarian, late-keeping restaurant featuring wings & sandwiches plus take-out & delivery options.

521 Baxter St

Local chain serving burgers, chili & shakes in a hip space with B-movies projected on the walls.

1553 S Lumpkin St

Mediterranean-style dishes created with seasonal, Southern influences, plus an extensive wine list.

232 W Hancock Ave

Energetic local bar offering wings & other pub grub along with arcade games & weekly karaoke nights.

758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

Minimalist Italian restaurant & specialty shop selling handmade pasta & imported goods.

3167 Peachtree Rd NE Ste S (Atlanta)

Southern breakfast & lunch staples with a modern twist whipped up in relaxed, cheery digs.

197 Oak St

Contemporary Southern fare served in elegant digs with stained glass, tile floors & marble columns.

247 E Washington St Apt 101

Vietnamese restaurant with a relaxed vibe offering pho, banh mi sandwiches & bubble tea.

1063 Baxter St

Eatery in Little Five Points offering Vietnamese eats and cocktails, plus hookah.

1126 Euclid Ave NE (Atlanta)

Store offering cookware, gifts, and cooking classes, plus a cafe and a wine bar.

100 Prince Ave Ste 103

Japanese eatery with a stylish, dimly lit decor, serving sushi, cooked dishes & hibachi-grill fare.

3557 Atlanta Hwy

Colorful throwback diner offering creative comfort eats & milkshakes made with organic ingredients.

259 W Washington St

Nouveau-rustic outpost serving smoked meats & sides with eclectic touches, plus inventive cocktails.

656 N Highland Ave NE (Atlanta)

Stylish haunt serving sushi & other sophisticated Japanese fare in an airy, contemporary setting.

Two Buckhead Plaza, 3050 Peachtree Rd Suite #1 (Atlanta)

Family-friendly restaurant, pizzeria and bar known for its Italian classics.

1328 Windsor Parkway (Atlanta)

Cool, brick-lined standby offering Southern comfort food, clever cocktails & craft beer on tap.

229 E Broad St

Long-standing destination for chicken wings also offering Chinese fare in a cozy space.

2115 Athens Hwy (Gainesville)

Casual restaurant serving up locally sourced Southern breakfast & lunch fare made from scratch.

4225 Roswell Rd NE (Atlanta)

Laid-back place with rustic decor offering coffee & French-inspired breakfasts & lunches.

662 Memorial Dr SE (Atlanta)

Breakfast place offering meals delivered to the poolside or presented on a floating tray.

3343 Peachtree Rd NE (Atlanta)

Inventive Mexican fare with regional influences & Latin-inspired cocktails in a stylish setting.

Peachtree Towers, 191 Peachtree Rd NE (Atlanta)

Exposed beams & brick walls add to the vintage vibe at this bustling spot for Italian fare & drinks.

5434 Peachtree Rd #101 (Atlanta)

Lively tapas bar for Spanish classics, brunch cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.

1221 Peachtree St NE Ste 110 (Atlanta)

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

3194 Atlanta Hwy

American rotisserie fare & live blues are draws at this restaurant in a warehouse with city views.

820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE (Atlanta)

Spanish eatery specializing in tapas.

3150 Roswell Rd NW Ste A3 (Atlanta)

Buzzy, relaxed eatery featuring traditional sourdough thin-crust pizza, plus pasta & small plates.

2171 Peachtree Rd NE Unit 100 (Atlanta)

American eatery dishing up eclectic eats, from burgers to kebabs & seafood, in family-friendly digs.

2120 Johnson Ferry Rd NE (Atlanta)

Local fixture known for its burgers, beer & whiskey selection & offbeat, rock 'n' roll vibe.

878 Peachtree St NE (Atlanta)

Italian fare, seafood and other meals, plus cocktails and wine, in a casual-chic setting.

1680 S Lumpkin St

Warm, easygoing Vietnamese eatery offering traditional fare such as pho, noodles & rice plates.

950 W Peachtree St NW Unit 240 (Atlanta)

Texan brothers' slow-roast ribs, pulled pork & Southern sides in an informal space with a patio.

1238 DeKalb Ave NE (Atlanta)

Barbecue plates with classic sides doled out in a hip, industrial space with outdoor picnic tables.

85 Georgia Ave SE (Atlanta)

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

140 Alps Rd

Casual eatery, where DJ sets accompany soul food plates like grits and mac and cheese.

921 Peachtree St NE (Atlanta)

Counter-serve BBQ nook with outdoor picnic tables, for pulled-pork sandwiches, ribs & classic sides.

224 W Hancock Ave

Informal eatery serving thin-crust pies in a variety of styles such as margherita, along with sandwiches and salads.

1397 Prince Ave

Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

3075 Atlanta Hwy

Rustic-style kitchen offering classic BBQ options with a choice of sauce, plus a bar with tap brews.

810 Hawthorne Ave

Casual eatery specializing in brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs, along with breakfast burritos.

1660 W Broad St

Relaxed eatery featuring Venezuelan cuisine along with a few Mexican options.

2467 Jefferson Rd

Handmade pasta & other seasonal Italian dishes, in a cozy cottage with a snug bar & patio.

587 Ralph McGill Blvd NE (Atlanta)

Casual eatery for burgers and fried chicken sandwiches to crispy wings, beignets, fries, pasta, mac and cheese and tenders as well as…

3150 Roswell Rd NW Ste A1 (Atlanta)

Street food classics get glammed up in this posh Thai restaurant, with skyline views & a patio.

1745 Peachtree St NE (Atlanta)

Rooftop beer garden with local brews, creative pub fare & city views from atop Ponce City Market.

Ponce City Market, 1829, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

Elegant, long-running Japanese restaurant serving sushi, washoku & hibachi items plus wine & sake.

1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE (Atlanta)

Pizza & casual Italian eats served in a rehabbed tire garage with outdoor seating & a bocce court.

254 W Washington St

No-frills counter-service beer & BBQ joint with nightly live blues music.

1811 Piedmont Ave NE (Atlanta)

Traditional Southern Italian cuisine served in an industrial-chic restaurant that has a rooftop bar.

1835 Piedmont Ave NE (Atlanta)

Sports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.

3365 Piedmont Rd NE (Atlanta)

Mediterranean fare, cocktails & hookah in a homey, multiroom, multihued space with couches.

87 15th St NE (Atlanta)

Bustling counter-serve cafe dishing up gourmet waffle sandwiches, plus fries & desserts.

311 E Broad St

Serving classic Viet fare like pho, rice vermicelli and broken-rice dishes in a simple environment.

560 Gresham Ave SE (Atlanta)

Casual eatery serving classic Italian eats such as tagliatelle and fettuccine as well as cocktails, beer and wine.

323 E Broad St

Family-friendly bistro serving burgers (including lamb, turkey). Also offering sandwiches and chicken dishes, plus a beer selection.

1791 Oconee Connector #510

Casual Italian restaurant offering pizza, pastas, and other comfort fare, including vegetarian options, plus desserts.

2080 Timothy Rd

Neighborhood hub for classic Italian comfort food has a cozy, exposed-brick interior & a back patio.

992 Virginia Ave NE (Atlanta)

Hip Japanese spot specializing in hearty noodle soups & dumplings, plus craft beers.

351 E Broad St

Laid-back eatery, serving gourmet grilled cheese and tomato-basil soup alongside desserts and custom beverages.

620 Peachtree St NE ste 202 (Atlanta)

Family-friendly pizza chain with New York-style pies, submarine sandwiches & calzones.

1040 Gaines School Rd Suite 219

Straightforward take-out operation specializing in made-to-order chicken wings with sauces.

Inside Circle K Gas Station, 3004 Piedmont Rd NE (Atlanta)

Bustling upscale spot with a vibrant bar scene serves traditional Italian entrees.

500 Pharr Rd NE (Atlanta)

Casual chain, serving Southern comfort food such as fried chicken, sandwiches and peach cobbler.

299 Moreland Ave NE (Atlanta)

Seasonal Italian fare & drinks served in modern-rustic digs with a reclaimed-wood bar & patio seats.

2480 Briarcliff Rd NE Suite 21 (Atlanta)

Local chain serving burgers, chili & shakes in a hip space with B-movies projected on the walls.

1842 Piedmont Ave NE (Atlanta)

This 1945-era institution draws locals & tourists for Southern comfort food in a homey space.

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

Airy space serving Italian classics & wines alongside coffee, imported goods & prepared to-go meals.

Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Unit 131 (Atlanta)

Seafood dishes such as lobster ravioli and mussels sit alongside pizzas and pastas at this warm restaurant known for its seafood pizzas.

3242 Peachtree Rd NE Suite A (Atlanta)

Counter-service restaurant known for wings in a range of flavors, including lemon pepper, plus fried Oreos.

60 Peachtree St NW (Atlanta)

Chef Joey Riley's roomy, comfortable neighborhood hangout serves an international, eclectic menu.

1410 Dresden Dr NE #100 (Atlanta)

Easygoing eatery serving breakfast, brunch, and comfort food, including vegetarian options.

8851 Macon Hwy Ste 403

Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.

163 E May St (Winder)

Vietnamese noodle soup joint featuring a variety of options (including vegetarian and chicken versions), plus banh mi, fried rice and bun…

1860 S Barnett Shoals Rd Ste 501

Bright, casual spot for pho, spring rolls & other Vietnamese favorites.

4186 Buford Hwy NE (Atlanta)

Traditional Creole dishes & desserts doled out in a narrow, low-key space with counter service.

123 Luckie St NW Apt 108 (Atlanta)

Casual venue serving smash burgers, loaded fries and banana pudding via a simple menu.

1591 S Lumpkin St Ste A

New York-style pizza and other Italian fare in a laid-back restaurant with a bar and multiple TVs.

1255 S Milledge Ave

Laid-back eatery serving locally sourced breakfast & Southern fare in a retro country-diner setting.

968 Memorial Dr SE (Atlanta)

Upscale Italian eatery featuring dishes made with fresh ingredients, plus a wine list and cocktails.

60 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Ste B (Atlanta)

Fast-casual BBQ restaurant for ribs, hand-chopped pork, chicken & classic Southern sides, founded in Georgia in 2002.

680 US-29

Quaint, casual eatery with sidewalk seats serving BBQ sandwiches, burgers & vegetarian specialties.

217 Hiawassee Ave

Relaxed restaurant and bar serving a menu of chicken wings, tacos and nachos.

235 W Washington St

Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

161 Alps Rd

Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.

3393 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 3058B (Atlanta)

Sushi and hibachi spot where chefs do table-side shows on the grill for shrimp, steak and vegetables dishes.

1225 S Milledge Ave

Located in a strip mall, this casual Vietnamese noodle house serves pho 24 hours a day, every day.

4646 Buford Hwy NE (Atlanta)

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

1530 DeKalb Ave NE (Atlanta)

Upscale spot for sushi, nigiri and other Japanese dishes, plus creative cocktails, beer and wine.

3009 Peachtree Rd NE #140 (Atlanta)

Turning out the classics, a laid-back American diner with vintage styling & 24/7 hours.

171 College Ave

Lively venue featuring brunch, cocktails, and live music, plus hookah.

3402 Piedmont Rd NE (Atlanta)

Casual venue for comfort food, serving sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes, plus beer.

710 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

American food, sushi & creative cocktails in a lounge-like dining room & bar with modern decor.

101 Marietta St NW (Atlanta)

Laid-back, family-friendly bar-restaurant serving meats smoked in barrels, plus chicken and pork.

350 Memorial Dr SE (Atlanta)

Chain restaurant serving wings and other chicken dishes in casual digs.

196 Alps Rd

Intimate spot serving homey Japanese food, from classic noodle soups & sushi to tonkatsu plates.

339 14th St NW (Atlanta)

Humble eatery in a shack with eclectic decor whipping up Latin American bites, plus BYOB. Cash only.

1427 S Lumpkin St

Relaxed BBQ shack & bar offering traditional dishes, sides & desserts in a simple setting.

480 Macon Hwy

Sleek, modern spot serving classic- and creative-style sushi rolls, Japanese appetizers and cocktails.

667 Auburn Ave NE Ste 122 (Atlanta)

Relaxed, colorful hangout for Spanish tapas and craft cocktails.

818 Juniper St NE (Atlanta)