June 30, 2022
Food & Drink,
Everyone knows that the only thing better than dining at a top-notch restaurant is dining at a top-notch restaurant where the reservation was harder to get than parking in downtown Atlanta. Some may say it can’t be done, but we say if there’s a will, there’s a way, and at these restaurants, the way in may just be booking before the sun comes up. Whether you’re aiming for brunch, lunch or late-night dinner, these Atlanta hot spots are the hardest to get a reservation at.
Aria
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490 East Paces Ferry Road NE / Website
Renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and innovative cuisine, this gastronomic gem captures the essence of modern American fine dining. Aria’s menu, curated by visionary chefs, seamlessly blends seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create exquisite dishes that tantalize the palate. Securing a reservation at Aria in Atlanta can be challenging due to its popularity and reputation for exceptional dining experiences. The restaurant’s acclaim often leads to high demand, especially during peak dining hours and special occasions.
Kimball House
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303 E Howard Ave. / Website
If it’s caviar you want, it’s caviar you’ll get. Kimball House in Decatur, GA, is serving up food and drinks that mirror the seasons, farms and personalities of the people preparing them. Backed by attentive hospitality, humility and a passion for their craft, the team behind the scenes provides service filled with love and a welcoming spirit. From an extensive raw bar selection and caviar to hors d’oeuvres and steak options, the menu promises satisfaction down to the last bite. And, of course, no meal is complete without libations, and Kimball House offers more than a few to choose from.
Mujō
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691 14th St. NW / Website
Fish flown in directly from Japan? Say less. Mujō, an omakase-only menu-tasting experience, is offering a dining venture as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. The Modern Edomae style menu changes daily to reflect the best ingredients available so that each and every small plate and progression of seasonal nigiri is a reflection of what the restaurant is all about. In addition to the tasting menu, guests are served a secondary menu of supplements showcasing the chef’s daily features, and if you’re feeling extra, request the wine and sake beverage pairings to complete an already ideal experience.
Lyla Lila
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693 Peachtree St. NE / Website
Something about the words “southern European restaurant in the heart of Midtown Atlanta” sounds right up our alley. Lyla Lila maintains a constantly evolving menu based on seasonal options to ensure everything they prepare is as fresh as possible. Along with a tasteful menu comes the hardest decision yet —what drink will be best? From crafted cocktails to a carefully curated wine selection, you’re guaranteed to find a complimentary match.
Little Bear
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71-A Georgia Ave. SE \ Website
From the mind of chef Jarrett Stieber, Little Bear throws fine dining stuffiness and pretension out the window opting for what Stieber likes to call “Michelin Tire Dining.” Funny enough, this year, Little Bear was awarded two real-life Michelin awards—the Bib Gourmand and the Young Chef Award 2023! What makes this restaurant so special is the exploratory menu, coziness (dinner-style counter and limited tabletop seating), and of course, the sole proprietor and mascot, Fernando L. Bear—the owner’s nine-year-old Pyrenees mountain dog! Expect dishes like pork döner sausage with hoppin’ john fried rice and Lion’s Head Meatball featuring black ginger broth, hakurei turnip, shroom, fennel, bell & poblano peppers and sunchoke—that is if you can get a reservation!
UP on the Roof
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33 S. Main St. / Website
Situated on the rooftop of Liberty Hall in Downtown Alpharetta lies UP on the Roof, a spot that has quickly become a crowd favorite. With a wraparound outdoor terrace, the rooftop offers guests 360-degree views of North Atlanta, which is perfect, because what’s dinner without a view to snap the perfect Instagram pic? Whether you’re stopping in for the signature bottled cocktails and handcrafted libations, looking to relish in a lively atmosphere with an upscale bar vibe or wanting to dine on small plates and shareable portions, UP on the Roof is sure to please.
Umi
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3050 Peachtree Road NW / Website
Whether you’re from Atlanta or just visiting, one thing is for certain: you’ve heard of Umi. Renowned for its elegant, yet simple interior, Umi offers modern Japanese cuisine with a menu boasting the most fresh fish from around the world and only the highest quality ingredients. Alongside hot ticket items such as sautéed foie gras, black cod miso, baked lobster tempura, traditional hand rolls and a selection of “aburi,” this spot is also offering a multitude of beverage pairings including exclusive craft sake, select wine and beer, handmade cocktails and pressed, artisan roasted Lamill coffee.
Georgia Boy
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1043 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE \ Website
Hidden within Atlanta restaurant Southern Belle, Georgia Boy is one one-part speakeasy, one-part fine dining experience. If you’re one of the lucky diners with reservations, you’ll be seated in the "library" for drinks, snacks and a hint of what’s to come. Find the chef’s favorite book on the shelf, and a secret door opens, revealing an open kitchen. Here, chef Joey Ward orchestrates a delicate harmony of flavors treating guests to. a16-course tasting menu. Four seatings are available nightly!
Lazy Betty
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1530 Dekalb Ave. NE / Website
What do you get when you combine the likes of three siblings’ love for food and community? So named after the mother of Howard, Anita and Ron Hsu, Lazy Betty is truly taking the cake when it comes to dining experiences. Executive chef Ron leads the team as he brings to the table the experiences he developed while working in kitchens across the world, not to mention the time he spent as creative director at the world-renowned NYC restaurant, Le Bernardin. Ron, with the help of the second executive chef, Aaron Phillips, has curated an exclusive dining experience where consumers can watch their meals being prepared. Here, it’s all about coming together and eating well, and though we could tell you more, you’re just going to have to try and snag a reservation to see what the hype is really all about.
Lucian Books & Wine
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When you go to make a reservation on the Lucian Books & Wine website (available through Resy), there is quite a paragraph explaining reservations. This genius concept, dreamt up by owners Katie Barringer and Cakes & Ale veteran Jordan Smelt, focuses on an amazingly curated wine list accented with a large collection of high-quality books and full dinner and lunch services. Seating is limited and highly sought after for an afternoon of inspiration or an evening of conversation between glasses of wine. Nothing here was an afterthought, from sellable products to the wines to the dishes, hence why it is so hard to get on the list!
Gunshow
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924 Garrett St. / Website
From the cocktails prepared tableside to the open kitchen made for your viewing pleasure, Gunshow knows how to please a crowd. Owned by chef Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow is offering a bold take on the traditional dining setting. At this spot, dishes are prepared right where you can see them and are then delivered to your table by the chef who prepared them. Additionally, Gunshow boasts a unique environment as they decided to do away with many of the kitchen walls so that viewing is made easy as guests sit at communal tables, because what’s better than a restaurant with full transparency? Try cocktails like The Peach Pit and Below Deck or have a taste of old-fashioned banana pudding, but don’t get too attached, because the menus do change day-to-day to ensure you’re getting the most out of your meal.
The Garden Room
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88 West Paces Ferry Road NW / Website
Escape from the monotony of everyday life and step into a lush experience, unlike the rest. Welcome to The Garden Room, where subtlety is pushed to the side as florals and tasteful greenery take center stage. At this Atlanta hot spot, it’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the unmatched dining and brunch menus. Choose from under-the-sea options such as oysters and Chilean sea bass, go for something hot and crispy such as the chicken royal or take a deep dive into the cocktail and wine choices.
La Grotta
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Located in the heart of Buckhead, La Grotta is serving up authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale, yet intimate setting. Family-owned and operated, this spot’s ingenious menu is cooked up by none other than chef Antonio Abizanda. With an extensive wine list offering spirits from around the world, as well as a menu that boasts favorited classics and fresh twists, it’s no wonder this spot has been voted ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in Atlanta for 18 consecutive years.
Honorable Mention: Staplehouse
Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta and even the country, Staplehouse stands out as an exceptional neighborhood restaurant with a remarkable narrative. The restaurant was notoriously a hard place to nab a seat. Still, once you visit, you will find a decently relaxed environment with an unpretentious menu and a user-friendly wine list. Staplehouse and not-for-profit worked in tandem for many years until a change in 2020. Chef Ryan Smith and his wife, Kara Hidinger, bought the historic brick storefront in Old Fourth Ward, where they opened a neighborhood market offering prepared foods to-go—swapping fine dining for a marketplace. While the tables and seats may no longer exist, the passion and talent for their menu and food is what keeps the Atlanta community coming back for more.
**Updated for 2023**
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