The Top 12 Restaurants in Buckhead, Atlanta

Dining room in Umi

Courtesy of Umi Restaurant

With stately homes, tree-lined streets, and some of the city's most upscale shopping districts like The Shops Buckhead and Phipps Plaza, Buckhead is one of Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods with residents and visitors alike. It's also a hot spot for dining, offering restaurants for every budget, taste, and occasion. From pricey date-night destinations to affordable kid-friendly food, restaurants with outstanding bar programs, and those with international flair, here are the top 12 restaurants in Buckhead.

01 of 12

Aria

Fried food at Aria Restaurant

Courtesy of Aria Restaurant

Address
490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone +1 404-233-7673

Named one of the "10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta" by USA Today, this James Beard Foundation semifinalist consistently lands on the city's best restaurants lists. The atmosphere is elegant but never stuffy, the globally-focused wine list is tight but comprehensive, and chef Gerry Klaskala's new American fare like slow-braised Berkshire pork and crisped boneless duck confit is hearty without being overwhelming. A seven-course tasting menu is available nightly and if you can't snag a reservation, belly up to the bar, which offers wine, beer, cocktails, and an à la carte menu highlighting some of the restaurant's best dishes.

What to Order: Meat lovers will love the black Angus filet mignon, served with crispy Brussel sprouts, potato parmesan gratin, and butternut squash.

02 of 12

Canoe

Peppercorn encrusted kangaroo risped Noodle, Wasabi Edamame Hummus and Ginger Shoyu at Canoe restaurant in Atlanta

Courtesy of Canoe Restaurant

Address
4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Phone +1 770-432-2663

Tucked away on the banks of the scenic Chattahoochee River, Canoe is a welcome escape from the noise and bustle of city life. Grab a cocktail at the River Bar before dinner, where you'll find over 300 quality wine selections, 40 of which are available by the glass. Then stroll the serene and well-manicured gardens or terrace for picturesque views. For your meal, choose from shareable starters like salads and charcuterie to entrees like salmon or a wood-grilled New York strip served with seasonal vegetables. The restaurant also offers weekday lunch and a popular Sunday brunch.

What to Order: Try the cocoa-crusted cervena venison, served with Sichuan sweet potatoes, rapini, cranberry, and a soy glaze.

03 of 12

Atlas

Fried green tomatoes Atlas restaurant Atlanta

Tomas Espinoza / Atlas Restaurant

Address
88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone +1 404-600-6471

Located inside St. Regis Atlanta, this swanky spot boasts an impressive 20th-century art collection and two romantic dining options: the luxurious main dining room or the more casual tavern. Both offer seasonal American fare, craft cocktails, and wines by the bottle and glass. Don't skip the dessert: items such as a Japanese tres leches cake and Caribbean pot de crème are as decadent as they sound.

What to Order: Start your meal off right with the black truffle fettuccine, served in rich parmesan cream.

04 of 12

Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante

Seafood pasta at Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante

Courtesy of Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante 

Address
3167 Peachtree Rd NE Suite S, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone +1 404-500-2181

A restaurant and grocery store rolled into one, this neighborhood gem is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday. The menu of Italian staples, including antipasti like pork meatballs and fried pizza dough and traditional pastas like lasagna bolognese and cacio e pepe is sure to please every palate. It's not all carbs here: the vegetable sides, like broccoli rabe and Brussel sprouts, and a few generous salads will ensure you get a well-balanced meal. Want to replicate your meal at home? Shop for handmade pasta, sauces, pre-made lasagna, and other dishes after you dine.

What to Order: If you like cheese, try the cappelletti spinaci. It comes with a braised spinach, smoked ricotta, pecorino, and mozzarella-filled cappelletti, toasted almonds, brown butter, sage, and grana.

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05 of 12

R. Thomas' Deluxe Grill

Chicken and celery at R. Thomas' Deluxe Grill

Courtesy of R. Thomas' Deluxe Grill

Address
1812 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1858, USA
Phone +1 404-881-0246

Serving all-day brunch and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the eclectic and family-friendly R. Thomas has been an Atlanta institution since 1985. Known for its on-premise live birds (not for consumption!), the restaurant has a special kid's menu that offers breakfast favorites like French toast, grilled cheese, and organic PB&J, while adults can choose from salads, omelets, grain bowls, smoothies, pasta, and sandwiches.

What to Order: The Bubba Gump is a must-try; created with R's rosemary potatoes and layered with shrimp, red onions, green bell peppers, mushrooms, scallions, garlic, and cajun hollandaise sauce. Don't forget the two over-medium eggs on top and nine-grain toast.

06 of 12

Souper Jenny

Turkey sandwiches at Souper Jenny

Courtesy of Souper Jenny

Address
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305-1316, USA
Phone +1 404-295-6761

Located inside one of the city's top museums, the Atlanta History Center, this location of the popular local chain offers a rotating roster of fresh and allergen-friendly soups, salads, and sandwiches. The PB&J and signature turkey chili are particularly kid-friendly, and while the dining room closes at 3:30 p.m., take-out is available until 4 p.m. For early risers, a breakfast menu of avocado toast, fresh fruit, oatmeal, gluten-free granola, and more is offered from 7 to 10 a.m. and pairs well with Brash Coffee, located just across the hall.

What to Order: Don't skip the soup at Souper Jenny's; try the white chicken chili with roasted tomatillos, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.

07 of 12

Superica

Shrimp at Superica

Courtesy of Superica 

Address
3850 Roswell Rd NE #100, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA
Phone +1 678-705-1235

Tex-Mex is always a crowd-pleaser, and you can't go wrong with the Buckhead outpost of local restaurateur Ford Fry's Superica, a nod to his Texas roots. At lunch, you can get your choice of two from a nacho plate, taco, enchilada, soup, and salad with rice and beans for just $11.99. The nachos, queso fundido, and flautas are perfect for sharing with large groups, while heavier plates of familiar dishes like carne asada and chile relleno will satisfy those with heartier appetites.

What to Order: Keep it simple with some street-style tacos, we recommend the tacos de barbacoa, made with slow-cooked brisket, pasilla Oaxaca, avocado, onions and cilantro.

08 of 12

Local Three

Chicken schnitzel at Local Three

 Corutesy of Local Three

Address
3290 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, USA
Phone +1 404-968-2700

This spot, from the owners of Muss & Turner's, is as serious about its liquor as it is about sourcing quality, local ingredients. Chase down the "Notorious P.I.G" charcuterie plate or the signature "McDowell" burger—made with two Angus beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, American cheese, pickles, and onions—with a pour or two from the restaurant's extensive whiskey collection, which includes American bourbon and rye, plus Scotch and Japanese whisky and more. Feeling indecisive? Try one of their four whiskey or tequila flights.

What to Order: Not feeling meat? Try the Roasted Mushroom “Crunchwrap Supreme.” It's made with frijoles refritos, crispy tortilla, iceberg lettuce, jack cheese, and avocado salsa.

Continue to 9 of 12 below.
09 of 12

Umi

Spicy tuna crispy rice at Umi

Angie Mosier / Umi Buckhead

Address
Two Buckhead Plaza, 3050 Peachtree Rd NW Suite #1, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone +1 404-841-0040

Feast on everything from hot dishes like baked lobster tempura and tuna foie gras to house specialty rolls, sashimi, and nigiri at this sleek, modern Japanese restaurant, where a dress code is strictly enforced (no shorts, flip flops, caps, or athletic wear). Pair your seafood of choice with Umi's extensive list of craft sake, handmade cocktails, and premium wine and beer. The adjacent reservation-only lounge, Himitsu (which translates to "secret" in Japanese), is perfect for a post-dinner nightcap.

What to Order: Sushi-lovers will enjoy the unique wagyu roll, made with lightly cooked wagyu beef, daikon sprouts, green onion, garlic ponzu sauce, chili pepper threads, and fried garlic chips.

10 of 12

St. Cecilia

St. Cecilia pasta

Courtesy of St. Cecilia

Address
3455 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA
Phone +1 404-554-9995

This seafood and pasta-focused Ford Fry concept specializes in coastal European food from Italy, Spain, and France. Expect small plates like fresh Crudo and cured meats and oysters, seasonal entrées like wood-roasted branzino, and a rotating selection of handmade pasta dishes like squid ink spaghettini and ricotta gnudi. Gluten-free? Most pasta can be made to order with almond flour instead of the traditional wheat flour. Bottled beer, specialty cocktails, and wine by the glass and bottle round out the menu.

What to Order: If you don't mind spurlging, try the pesce passera, made with a whole flounder, castelvetrano, and salsa verde.

11 of 12

10 Degrees South

Shrimp and salad at 10 Degrees South

Courtesy of 10 Degrees South

Address
4183 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342-3715, USA
Phone +1 404-705-8870

The first South African restaurant in the United States, this spot from Justin Anthony of True Food Brands (Biltong Bar, Yebo Beach Haus, Cape Dutch) honors the Mediterranean, Malaysian, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, and Indian fusion cuisine that defines his homeland. The menu ranges from small plates—like peri-peri chicken spring rolls, Biltong "beef jerky," and lollipop lamb chops—to salads, meats, seafood, and vegetables. At $85, the Safari Platter with rump steak, boerewors (sausages), sosaties (lamb skewers), and lamb chops and the Seafood Platter with prawns, calamari, kingklip, and mussels both serve four people. The beverage menu includes traditional South African sparkling juices, an extensive South African wine list, cocktails, and draft beer.

What to Order: Get a taste of one of their South African specialties, like the ostrich medallions with a red wine and rosemary reduction, garlic mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

12 of 12

Le Bilboquet

Egg, french fries, salad and a mimosa at Le Bilboquet Atlanta

 Courtesy of Le Bilboquet Atlanta

Address
3027 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone +1 404-869-9944

Located at the Shops at Buckhead, Le Bilboquet is a taste of Paris right in the heart of Buckhead. Keep it light with soups and salads, or indulge in French classics like homemade duck foie gras terrine, garlic parsley butter burgundy escargots, or lemon veal scallopini with mashed potatoes. Pair them with sparkling wine or champagne by the glass, or if with a group, split a bottle or even a magnum.

What to Order: Try the Les Moules Marinières, made with Prince Edward Island steamed mussels, white wine, shallots, parsley, and served with french fries.

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The Top 12 Restaurants in Buckhead, Atlanta