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Atlanta has seen its food scene explode in the past several years. Top chefs, from Steven Satterfield and Anne Quatrano, along with up-and-comers like Nick Leahy, who is at the helm at Aix and Tin Tin, both recently opened on Atlanta’s booming westside, have helped put Atlanta on the national culinary map.
Yet, Atlanta still has the ability to surprise and delight serious foodies who are looking for the newest and lesser known outposts that are destined to become the city’s next culinary hotspots. Here are four places that need to be on your list for your next visit to Atlanta.
Photo: Roland Alonzi/Contento
Rusty Bowers, owner, chief butcher and charcutier at Pine Street Market, an artisan, whole animal craft butcher shop in Avondale Estates, Ga. has teamed up with Riverview Farms in Ranger, Ga. to open Chop Shop, Atlanta’s first and only butcher and farmer-owned retail store in February 2019. Located on Memorial Drive, Chop Shop offers hand-crafted cuts of humanely-raised meat, including Pine Street Market’s pasture-raised, heritage breed bacon, one of the shop’s most popular items. Chop Shop also offers cheeses, breads and specialty provisions, as well as gourmet takeaway sandwiches and more. Popular items include Pine Street Market’s Bacon Jam, recent winner of a Flavor of Georgia award, and brand new Hot Honey Mustard, Pork Rillette and Chicken Liver Pâté. Check in for regular pop-up demos and classes with local purveyors and provisioners. 1366 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta; chopshopatl.com
Photo: Roland Alonzi/Contento
Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante started in a basement in Atlanta, and its current location in Buckhead is still pretty hidden away. Part restaurant and part Italian market, Storico Fresco offers exquisitely prepared Italian dishes with fresh, handmade pastas and a selection of fine Italian meats, cheeses, pastas and provisions. Storico Fresco also offers pasta making classes where students can create fresh pasta from scratch. Classes start with antipasti, small bites and wine, as well as a mini pasta tasting. Classes are 90 minutes long and cost $65 per person. 3167 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta; storicofresco.com
Photo: Roland Alonzi/Contento
East Atlanta’s Buford Highway corridor, or “BuHi” as locals call it, is home to some of the most amazing international cuisine in the Southeast. If you thought Atlanta was all about fried chicken, BBQ and tailgating fare, you’re missing out on some outstanding eats. Lee’s Bakery has been featured in The New York Times for its Saigon style banh mi subs, which is a specialty. 4005 Buford Highway NE, Suite C. We Suki Suki is a Vietnamese sandwich and tea shop that hosts the Global Grub Collective, a celebration of the ethnic eateries around Each weekend, the collective creates a neighborhood community food hall atmosphere, bringing in purveyors of authentic ethnic fare including Asian, African Mediterranean and more. The weekend collective events even feature domestic offerings, like Tacos from West Texas. 479-B Flat Shoals Avenue; wesukisuki.com
Photo: Roland Alonzi/Contento
Café Antico is a part of Atlanta’s “Little Italia” – a small section near Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood created by famed Italian chef and Atlanta restaurateur, Giovani Di Palma. Anchored by Antico Pizza Napolitano, generally regarded as Atlanta’s best pizza restaurant, Café Antico is known for its authentic Italian gelato, sorbets and coffee and espresso drinks. The café also offers traditional Italian desserts, like Torta Della Nonna and Espresso Crème Brulée, as well as Italian staples like sfogliatelle, zeppole and cannoli. Little Italia is also home to Gio’s Chicken Italiano & Maccheroni and Bar Amalfi. 1077 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta; www.littleitalia.com