What to eat in Atlanta: 9 must-try dishes

Georgia’s capital is the birthplace of some of the most famous Southern dishes, so finding the best food in the city is high on most visitors' lists of things to do in Atlanta. But what food is Atlanta best known for? Sweet Georgia peaches make the perfect peach cobbler, while its signature fried chicken is a favorite with almost the entire city. And don’t forget the famous meat and three: a hearty plate of meat accompanied by three sides and a true Southern classic.

Mouth watering already? Make your must-eat list before you travel with this roundup of the most popular foods to try in Atlanta. From a unique cheese spread to chicken and waffles, it’s a real bellyful.

1. Fried chicken

As the hub for soul food, you won’t have to look far to find fried chicken on a menu. Southern fried chicken was born from an unlikely combination of Scottish and West African cooking, but in Atlanta it has developed into a taste league of its own with a lightly spiced, crispy coating. There’s nothing else that could take its place as the number one must-eat in Atlanta.

How to eat the best fried chicken in Atlanta?

Skip the chain joints and follow your nose to the fried chicken vendors at Ponce City Market — one of Atlanta’s top attractions for food lovers — from some freshly fried gourmet options, or join a tour that will lead you to the best around. Or fill a restaurant table with sides of fried, collard greens, and mac 'n' cheese for an authentic spread.

2. Chicken and waffles

Why is the combination of chicken and waffles one of the most famous foods in Atlanta? You just have to experience the sticky, crunchy, moreish combination or salt and sweet and it’ll no longer be a question. This Southern brunch staple is the thing to order after a late night out in Atlanta.

How to eat the best chicken and waffles in Atlanta?

Chicken and waffles is one of the most popular dishes in Atlanta, so you’ll find it on most brunch menus in Downtown Atlanta. Switch it up and replace the waffles with biscuits — delicious, crumbly breads similar to a scone — and discover another Atlanta food favorite.

3. Pimento cheese

When you’ve discovered a new love for biscuits, you have to switch the usual gravy accompaniment for pimento cheese spread, made from chili pepper, mayonnaise, and cheese. Georgia is renowned for growing and canning pimentos, making the “caviar of the South” a popular Southern condiment. Use it as a dip, filling, topping, spread — whatever you like.

How to eat the best pimento cheese in Atlanta?

You’ll find pimento cheese in grocery stores, delis, and cafés. A local food tour will no doubt include this much-loved dish, along with many more delicious Atlantan foods.

4. Peach cobbler

No meal in the Big Peach, as Atlanta is know, is complete without tasting a dish made from locally grown peaches. If someone asks what dessert Atlanta is known for, the obvious answer is peach cobbler.

How to eat the best peach cobbler in Atlanta?

During Georgia’s peach season, from May to August, chefs creatively add this juicy fruit to the menu, but the cobbler is a classic Atlanta food you have to try. Ms. Ruby’s Peach Cobbler Café is an obvious yet stellar choice.

5. Barbecue

Atlantans love to grill, and you’ll find the most delicious burgers, tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket at the city’s BBQ joints.

How to eat the best BBQ in Atlanta?

Ensure whatever meat you choose is topped with some tangy, sweet sauces and traditional sides like coleslaw and smoky baked beans. There’s not shortage of BBQ places, so check out what’s near to you, or head to a popular choice like Fox Bros., which has locations across the city.

6. Shrimp and grits

This classic Southern dish features creamy grits — a kind of porridge made from corn — topped with succulent shrimp, often cooked with garlic, bacon, and a touch of lemon for a zesty kick. Douse it in gravy if you want to go all out.

How to eat the best shrimp and grits in Atlanta?

Traditional Southern restaurants will undoubtedly have shrimp and grits on the menu, and everyone has their favorite place. Taking a food tour downtown? Ask your guide where to try this popular dish in Atlanta. Your hotel concierge or any Atlanta native will send you in the right direction to their favorite spot too.

7. Meat and three

Arguably Atlanta’s most famous food, meat and three is pretty self explanatory: meat with three sides. You’ll see it on traditional Southern restaurant menus across Atlanta, and it’s usually a fixed price giving you plenty of bang for your buck. You can often choose from ham, steak, pork chops, or fried chicken, then add on three sides, such as cornbread, potatoes, collard greens, or beans.

How to eat the best meat and three in Atlanta?

Order this classic Southern comfort food at a local restaurant when you’re feeling really hungry — “meat ‘n’ three” is not a light option. It’s probably not wise for a first date, but getting messy and sharing all the sides is a great date idea for couples in Atlanta.

8. Hot boiled peanuts

A traditional Southern snack, these green peanuts boiled in salty water taste both savory and earthy and are often enjoyed at social gatherings or while watching sports.

How to eat the boiled peanuts in Atlanta?

You’ll get boiled peanuts from street food vendors around Atlanta, and you might find them at sports venues like Truist Park when catching an Atlanta Braves game — one of the most fun things to do in Atlanta. But stop in at any RaceTrac gas station in Atlanta and you’re likely to find them hot and waiting for you.

9. Sweet tea

Okay, this isn't food, but it’s something you have to try in Atlanta — what else are you washing all that tasty food down with? Grab a cold glass of sweet iced tea and see why this popular drink is such a favorite in Atlanta and across the South.

How to drink the best sweet tea in Atlanta?

You can try iced sweet tea from restaurants across Atlanta, plus street vendors and at Ponce City Market, where you might want to grab one and head to the rooftop on a hot summer day in Atlanta.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Atlanta?

The must-try food in Atlanta is fried chicken. Enjoy well-seasoned chicken that is crispy, tender and oozing juiciness. For a traditional and hearty dish, try Meat and Three, a mouth-watering meal for the soul. Finish it all off with a classic peach cobbler dessert.

What are the best food tours in Atlanta?

Atlanta has multiple food tours that allow you to explore diverse cuisines around the city. Join a guided street food tour to sample must-eat foods and learn more about Atlanta’s unmissable landmarks and historical sights.

What are the top local food markets in Atlanta to visit?

Ponce City Market is one of the most popular food markets in Atlanta and a great place to sample delicious cuisines. The shopping complex has multiple dining spaces and restaurants to taste the delicacies of the city. Or stop by Krog Street Market to shop for fresh farm produce and find local ingredients for Southern-style cooking.

What is the best time of year to visit Atlanta for food lovers?

If you are a foodie, the best time to visit Atlanta is in the summer to attend the food festivals. During summer events, you can sample the best Southern cuisines. Don’t miss the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, which features a variety of dishes, wines, and beers.

How much should I budget for food in Atlanta?

Eating your way around the city is one of the most fun things to do in Atlanta and should be factored into your budget. While meal prices in Atlanta vary depending on the restaurant and type of food, the average cost of food per day is $50. When dining out, you are likely to spend at least $25 per person, with breakfast being cheaper than lunch and dinner.