Within the last decade, Atlanta’s witnessed a shift in attention; once existing simply as a transient city, it materialized as a culinary hotspot in the South.
In October 2023, The Michelin Guide debuted our inaugural edition in Georgia’s Capital, impressed by the likes of Atlas, Hayakawa, and Lazy Betty (among the One Star awards), The Busy Bee, Fishmonger and Estrellita (among the Bib Gourmand list). But there are also a flurry of cafes, late night spots, and other options that would round out any epicurean trip to Atlanta, and that’s where we tapped the locals for their recommendations.
Follow in the footsteps of Chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips of Lazy Betty, for their morning coffee run, a post-shift drink, or anywhere in between, and check out their suggestions below.
Who serves your favorite cup of coffee?
Ron: I like East Pole Coffee in Poncey-Highland. I usually order a cortado and enjoy a breakfast empanada.
Aaron: Chrome Yellow is where it’s at for coffee things!!
What is your favorite breakfast spot?
Ron: The Daily Chew. They make a mean truffled chicken salad, and I love the intimate vibe.
Aaron: My favorite breakfast spot is Hen Mother Cookhouse. The French toast is about half a mile tall, and it’s cooked in individual cast-iron pans.
What is your favorite grab and go?
Ron: Taquito Express, which is in a Virginia-Highland gas station. When the mood strikes, I order a beef tongue burrito. I usually grill the burrito once I get home to crisp up the tortilla on the outside before biting into it.
Aaron: Heirloom Market BBQ.
Where are you going for a sit-down, business lunch?
Ron: I like Tio Lucho’s, as there are a ton of light seafood options perfect for a business lunch, and the vibe is great. Go for their causa.
Aaron: A Mano has an amazing lunch.
Where’s your go-to for date night?
Ron: Ticonderoga Club for their really great cocktail program and delicious, creative food. They make a good swordfish burger.
Aaron: Umi. Definitely love the avocado salad and of course all the nigiri. Special shout-out goes to the spicy tuna on crispy rice.
Where would you take your family?
Ron: We love Delbar. They have great large format dishes perfect for family-style dining. Their rice with barberries and orange blossom water is one of my family’s go-to’s, as well as the sea bass.
Aaron: I would take my family to Atlas for an elegant evening out. I really enjoy the chef’s tasting menu curated by Freddy Money, as well as the cheese selection.
Where would we find you post-shift for late night eats?
Ron: Octopus Bar. It has a no-fuss, perfect-for-chefs vibe. Their fried eggplant is one of my favorite dishes in Atlanta.
Aaron: My favorite late night eats are R. Thomas and Octopus Bar. The Korean pork chop is extremely tasty.
Is there a restaurant that doesn't fit on this list you want to share more about?
Ron: I really like Bo Bo Garden off Buford Highway. Their seafood claypot is one of my favorites, as well as their stir-fried pea shoots.
Aaron: There is a special place in my heart for Kyma as well as Lyla Lila.
Address Book:
East Pole Coffee
676 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Chrome Yellow
501 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
The Daily Chew
2127 Liddell Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Hen Mother Cookhouse
11705 Jones Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30005
Taquito Express
1025 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Tio Lucho’s
675 North Highland Avenue Northeast Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306
a mano
587 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Umi
Two Buckhead Plaza, 3050 Peachtree Rd Suite #1, Atlanta, GA 30305
Octopus Bar
560 Gresham Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
1812 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Bo Bo Garden
5181 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
Kyma
3085 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Hero image: Andrew Thomas Lee / Lazy Betty
