6 Best New Bars & Restaurants in Atlanta
There’s never been a more delicious time to visit Georgia’s vibrant capital.
By Patricia Kaowthumrong
Atlanta’s dining scene is hotter than ever. Case in point: In October 2023, the prestigious Michelin Guide debuted the first-ever Atlanta guide, which features more than 40 restaurants. But the city’s dining scene has attracted well-heeled foodies long before Michelin landed in the city, thanks to its ever-evolving roster of innovative bars and restaurants. Add these six new spots to your next Atlanta itinerary.
Gene’s
Gene’s, which opened in the East Lake neighborhood in July, is getting Atlantans hooked on Vietnamese-Cajun barbecue—one plate of finger-licking ribs at a time. At the casual, colorful restaurant, share a selection of meats by the pound, such as ribs lacquered in fish sauce caramel sauce and chile-brined chicken skewers, and a couple of flavor-packed sides (we recommend the tallow beans and the green goddess potato salad). Grab a table during brunch for pillowy beignets, pulled pork breakfast tacos, and grilled red shrimp and smoky corn cheese grits.
The Porter Little Five Points
This neighborhood hangout in Little Five Points—which turned its taps back on this spring after a two-year hiatus—is a beer lovers’ paradise. The newly renovated bar and restaurant has 60 rotating beers on tap, more than 800 cellar-aged brews from across the world and a refreshed food menu. Pair something crafted in Georgia such as a New England IPA from Savannah’s Two Tides Brewing Co. with a spread of goat cheese fritters, shrimp toast and fries with Belgian aioli. Prefer to sip something less hoppy? The Porter also has a well-curated list of cocktails, wines and N/A beverages.
Miss Conduck
Mother-and-daughter team Emily James and LaToya Franklin honor their Trinidadian roots at Miss Conduck in Old Fourth Ward. At the five-month-old restaurant, patrons can feast on Caribbean fusion fare in a space furnished with bright orange banquettes, wood floors and lush greenery. Try the zesty jerk chicken or the slow-simmered goat or shrimp curries. If you have room for dessert, indulge in the dulce de leche cake crowned with caramel chocolate–coated cereal.
View of Atlanta from Olympic Centennial Park
M by Murakami
If omakase is your forte, Tasuku Murakami is your man. The chef, who honed his skills at restaurants in Tokyo, New York City and beyond, offers an 18-course tasting menu at M by Tasuku Murakami in the Buckhead neighborhood. The exclusive experience, which launched in May, is only available Wednesday through Friday for two seatings each night. While the meal will set you back $295 per person (plus gratuity), the plates spotlighting Murakami’s talent for whipping up inventive flavor combinations and sourcing the freshest seafood in town (think: Maine lobster bathed in bourbon lobster sauce) are unforgettable.
Big Oomp Studio Kitchen
This smash burger–focused eatery was founded by Korey Robertson, aka Big Oomp and the founder of the eponymous Atlanta-based hip-hop label. Big Oomp Studio Kitchen (BOSK), which opened in September in southwest Atlanta’s SWATS area, honors the music legend’s career with furnishings such as record plaques, decorative headphones and a rap and R&B soundtrack. The menu sports stacked burgers such as the Gladys Baby topped with American cheese, chili con carne and onion rings and crave-worthy snacks, including four kinds of egg rolls.
Auburn Angel
While this culinary gem in the Sweet Auburn district has only been open since last April, the swanky restaurant has already gained a following. Make a reservation to linger over soulful dishes made with seasonal ingredients by chef Robbie Pacheco and pastry chef Pamela Moxley. Past highlights from the menu include duck confit with Luxardo cherry au jus, beet root tart with goat cheese mousse and chocolate cake with brown butter ice cream.
Where to Stay
Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center
This 42-floor, 976-room property, which opened in January 2024, has six bars and restaurants. Tuck into a plate of house-made pasta at Capolinea and sip a refreshing cocktail at the Highball rooftop bar.
Hotel Forth Club
Tucked in Atlanta’s Historic Fourth Ward District, Forth is a design-forward boutique hotel with four drinking and dining concepts. Pop into Bar Primo for wine and charcuterie before you enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal at Elektra.
Loews Atlanta Hotel
This Midtown Mile property, which reopened this past spring after a $13 million facelift, is situated in an eye-catching, 26-story glass building. Enjoy a meal at Saltwood Charcuterie and Bar, a casual eatery known for its cured meats and cheeses and popular salad bar.
Truist Park | Rajesh - stock.adobe.com
EVEN Hotel Atlanta – Cobb Galleria
Situated near Truist Park, EVEN is a pet-friendly retreat near attractions such as Cumberland Mall and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Before or after a day on the town, fuel up on nourishing bites at the health-forward EVEN Kitchen and Bar.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Atlanta, Georgia Skyline
