Atlanta: The Guide for all the Essential Eats!

I love Atlanta. Atlanta is my favorite city in the world. It was my first home as an adult, and a place that still holds an enormous grip on my heart. Going back to Atlanta for me is like a pilgrimage. Each time I go back, I have my go-to spots to relive my favorite days. The Botanical Gardens in Piedmont Park. My favorite vista on the Beltline. And a huge list of different restaurants. Over the years many of my favorite spots have closed (unfortunately). But that also has allowed me to visit and experience new places. And so, using my immense knowledge of my favorite city, I present my guide covering all of the essential eats in Atlanta. Unlike many of my other guides, I've gone further than listing the specific place and also listed the main food item at each place to get. However, all the food at these items are worth trying!

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Goat Cheese Stuffed Fried Green Tomatoes at South City Kitchen

@markfedoronko

South City Kitchen has become a bit of a commercialized brand with several locations around Atlanta. And while some things are not as good as they once were (I'm still heartbroken over the fact they pulled the lemonade with white whiskey off the drinks menu), there is one thing that remains as good as ever: the goat cheese stuffed fried green tomatoes. The crispy fry with an almost liquid-like gooey goat cheese is a revelation. Finishing it off with a red pepper coulis and basil oil and you have one of Atlanta's best dishes. The only fried green tomato I've had that is better is my own, partly because I figured how to make a rendition of the South City Kitchen ones. The fried green tomatoes are not the only food that is worth trying here. The cornbread before the meal is almost like a delicious dessert. Guests rave over the fried chicken as well. But nothing quite tops the fried green tomatoes

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Mofongo and Camerones al Ajillo at El Super Pan in Ponce City Market

@markfedoronko

Ponce City Market has become Atlanta's favorite place since it opened in 2016. It really is an amazing place: shops (both local and national), a rooftop with bars and arcade games, culinary shops, and one of the best food halls in America all in one spot. Match it up with maybe the best location on Atlanta's Beltline walking path and it is a must visit. There are lots of great places to eat in Ponce. But I still cannot help but think El Super Pan is the best of the bunch. Despite being right in the center of the food hall, it can be easy to miss it. However, once you try the food you'll always want to come back! My favorite dish on their menu is their mofongo - a Puerto Rican plantain mash. I've had many a mofongo over the years, and the strong cilantro hints in the mofongo at El Super Pan is the best I've ever had. Add in some delicious shrimp with a strong garlic sauce and this is simply heavenly (and gluten free!). Don't like shrimp? The pork belly with the mofongo is also a star.

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Biscuits and Bomb Biscuit Atlanta

@markfedoronko

Biscuits are a southern staple, and Atlanta's biscuit scene has been amazing for a long time. However, I have lamented the loss of some of my favorite biscuit shops over the years. A note of positivity for Atlanta biscuit lovers: Bomb Biscuit Co remains open with no foreseeable threat to its future. Now garnering a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, Bomb Biscuit is harder to get into than Atlanta's Michelin starred restaurants (think two months out for a reservation). However, if you plan for it, it is no wonder than this place is so popular. Fluffy biscuits come in a variety of flavors here - traditional buttermilk, jalapeño, black pepper, and even everything seasoning. If you're looking for something heavier, add some spicy fried chicken with honey butter to bring out the best in the biscuit. Even desserts are good - sweet biscuits like chocolate chip are worth looking at as well. The cinnamon rolls are also worth a shout out

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Mujedera at Aviva by Kameel

@markfedoronko

For a long time (and based on my recent search it still is), Aviva by Kameel was the top restaurant on TripAdvisor in Atlanta. Which is bewildering to me, as this casual Middle Eastern restaurant seems to only serve office workers in downtown Atlanta. However, as a former office worker in downtown Atlanta, Aviva by Kameel was my favorite place for lunch; and now with another location in Midtown, there is no reason Aviva by Kameel shouldn't be on your list! Run by Kameel - an Israeli man from Nazareth - and his Palestinian wife, Aviva by Kameel serves delicious food. The plates of hummus, baba ghanous, tabouleh, felafel, and meats are heavenly. I personally think the mujedera is the star of the show. Mujedera is a Middle Eastern dish with lentils and caramelized onions. While most mujedera I have eaten in the Middle East (while delicious) lean as a drier dish, Kameel's is different. The lentils are more stewed and rich, creating a thick, delicious spiced stew. While the location in Midtown is much closer to places of interest for an Atlanta visitor, the downtown spot is the original. Kameel is always there handing out samples of soup and sometimes dessert. He will always greet you "Hello, my friend, I love you!" This is as close to the Middle East as you'll get in the United States.

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Jalapeño Cheese Dip at Taqueria Del Sol

@markfedoronko

Residents of Atlanta have been raving about Taqueria del Sol for years. I even connected with a former Atlanta resident who said the thing she missed the most was Taqueria del Sol. Founded by a Texas native with a friend from Tennessee, Taqueria del Sol have pioneered the concept of Southern-Mexican fusion in the fast casual space. Since 1991, Taqueria del Sol has been serving up fried chicken tacos and catfish tacos marrying up the best of the South and Mexican culinary traditions. However, I cannot think of an item on a menu that kindles more joy from my fiancee than the jalapeño cheese dip. The actual dip is quite simple. Just a melted cheese with pickled jalapeños. I might not be describing the world's best queso, but it may just be the world's best queso. The balance of creaminess and spice makes this such a good appetizer. Sometimes we get two when we go just because the cheese dip is so good

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Parmesan Cheese Course with Date Cake and Black Garlic Puree at Bacchanalia

@markfedoronko

Over time I have had the privilege to eat at both the holes in the wall of Atlanta and the high end establishments of the city. I can think of no better high end establishment in Atlanta than Bacchanalia. Bacchanalia has been among the best of Atlanta's restaurants since 1993. Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison have been creating amazing food using ingredients from their farm for three decades now, moving into their current home in West Midtown about six years ago. To add to the accolades and acclaims, Bacchanalia became one of five Atlanta restaurants to garner a coveted Michelin Star - and rightfully deserved! - and one of two restaurants to garner a green star for sustainability. Bacchanalia provides a four course tasting menu with amazing eats all along the way. However, the highlight is course three: the cheese course. When I first dined at Bacchanalia, I was stunned that the cheese course was more than just a few pieces of high end cheese. Instead, the kitchen prepares a full course with cooked elements to bring the cheese to life. The parmesan cheese option is a life changing experience (and the Michelin Guide agrees). A delicious shaved parmesan cheese is served with a semi sweet date cake to balance the salty, sharp cheese. This is rounded off with a pungent black garlic puree served underneath the date cake. The result is one of the best single bites I've had in Atlanta. Bacchanalia is more than just the cheese course, but if there is one standout that deserves to make this list of essential Atlanta eats, it's the cheese. However, the bread is also quite good; if you're lucky, they might send you home with a loaf from their delicatessen Star Provisions next-door free of charge!

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Omelette with caviar and creme fraiche at Lucian Books and Wine

@markfedoronko

I've always had a bit of an issue with Buckhead. Once upon a time, Buckhead was the nicest part of Atlanta. But as other neighborhoods have risen closer to the city, Buckhead has fallen a bit behind. If I want to go to a restaurant in Buckhead it must be good. So Lucian is a top notch restaurant. Founded in 2021, Lucian Wine and Books is part wine bar, part book store, and part restaurant. The wine list is tailored to the owners' preference. and the wall full of books ranging the topics of arts and food makes it feel like you are dining in the library. And the food is also pretty good - a list of dishes designed to share with various preparations make this an elegant place to spend the evening. The piece de resistance is an omelette. While simple, this omelette has been written up by the New York Times and myself alike! A delicate omelette with herbs topped with a sharp creme freche is balanced with some delicious caviar on top. Simple is certainly an apt description; but sensational would also fit the bill. The balance of flavors makes this a perfect bite!

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Coffee Chocolate at Xocolatl Chocolate

@markfedoronko

When I moved to Atlanta, I had read an article about the best chocolate shops in the country with shops listed in alphabetical order. As I read through the article with several dozen shops I was annoyed Atlanta had no entries. I got to the final listing and was relieved to finally find a spot in Atlanta - XocolATL. XocolATL is located in Atlanta's other great food hall (and many locals would argue better than Ponce) - Krog Street Market. Located among a small set of high end vendors is this wonderful chocolate shop. XocolATL has been around for about a decade now, after the owners had a life changing experience of eating lots of chocolate in Costa Rica. As their recipes were refined, XocolATL has turned into one of the nations best chocolate shops. All of the single origin and flavored bars are delicious at XocolATL. However, my go-to is the Eyes Wide Open Espresso Bar. Coffee beans are added at the end of the cocoa bean grinding process to produce a strong balance of coffee and chocolate - a delicious combination I bring home in boxfuls. If you are looking for something more, XocolATL recently opened up its factory for tours and tastings, a one of a kind food experience in Atlanta!

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Straciatella Gelato at Paolo's Gelato Italiano

@markfedoronko

Any list without dessert is probably not worth looking at, and in Atlanta, there are a fair number of good places for sweets. However, I can't think of a place more unique among its peers than Paolo's Gelato in my favorite Atlanta neighborhood, Virginia Highlands. Founded 25 years ago by Paolo, an Italian native frustrated by the lack of authentic gelato in Atlanta, Paolo's has been scooping some amazing, decadent gelato. While all of the flavors are good, I struggle to think of a better offering - and more universally loved offering - than the straciatella. Straciatella - with its creamy gelato base and streaks of chocolate - is a great benchmark for any gelato shop. And Paolo's is among the best I've had - creamier, more balanced, and more refreshing than pretty much any other I've had. Paolo's also makes affogatos - gelato with espresso - and serves delicious tiramisu and cannoli. Maybe take one to go after eating the gelato on the spot!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Fedoronko

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My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11. About Me I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional. Expertise Beyond Borders Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience. Custom Itineraries, Crafted with Care I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style. Why Choose Mark's Travel Recs? Passion-Driven Expertise: Mark's lifelong passion ensures every itinerary has an authentic touch. Global Perspective: With knowledge spanning diverse destinations, I offer journeys beyond the ordinary. Attention to Detail: I leave no stone unturned, from accommodation to off-the-beaten-path excursions. Seamless Planning: Let me take the reins for a stress-free journey from conception to execution. Embark on a voyage of a lifetime with me—where the world is your oyster, and I help you discover its pearls

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