The new restaurant openings you should know about.

Juli Horsford & Jacinta Howard

November 1, 2025

If you tried to keep track of every new restaurant and bar in Atlanta, your head might spin. So just read this list instead. These are the openings that seem like they have the most potential. Although, keep in mind, we make no promises about the places we haven't visited yet. Go forth and be a pioneer—or just keep up with our Hit List to see which new restaurants we checked out and loved.

Necessary Purveyor
639 Glen Iris Dr NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Old Fourth Ward
Necessary Purveyor joins the wave of Miami-born restaurants (Rosetta Bakery and Mister 01) coming to the A. This restaurant and gourmet market sits on the ground floor of Scout Living near Ponce City Market. Their menu is doing a lot. There's lighter bites like sandwiches, breakfast options like omelettes and pancakes, and heftier dinnertime dishes like oysters, crudo, and ribeye. Oh, and there's a full cafe too, so we have yet another place to grab a strawberry matcha latte.

The post Atlanta’s New Restaurant Openings appeared first on Scout Living, powered by Placemakr Blog.

Scout Living
$
Old Fourth Ward is, arguably, Atlanta's coolest neighborhood. It's home to the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (which includes his birth home), the BeltLine, beautiful green spaces, and excellent dining options. Staying here puts you in the busiest part of town, but it's busy because there's so much to do (eat, shop, people watch!). If you want a hotel with a homey feel in the heart of the city, you can't beat Scout Living, which offers spacious apartment-style rooms in the trendy Ponce City Market—a former Sears, Roebuck and Co. distribution center turned hub of great dining and shopping. The apartments range from one to two bedrooms, and the ones with city views offer killer vistas of Atlanta. You are in a food wonderland with the market right outside your door, but in the lobby, there's also Miami-based Necessary Purveyor, an all-day cafe with coffee and a full bar, plus a convenient grab-and-go market in case you need something in a pinch.

It’s an exciting moment to book a stay at one of the best hotels in Atlanta. Longtime favorites like the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria continue to deliver classic luxury, while newcomers such as Forth and Scout Living bring a fresh, modern edge. From the Four Seasons in artsy Midtown to Hotel Clermont in the heart of it all, these hotels help define the character of their neighborhoods.
 

Read our complete Atlanta travel guide here, which includes:

• The Best Things to Do in Atlanta
• The Best Restaurants in Atlanta
• The Best Day Trips From Atlanta

How we choose the best hotels in Atlanta

Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

Rick Lew/Courtesy Loews Atlanta

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Loews Atlanta

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Set on Atlanta’s Midtown Mile—one of the hottest stretches of town—Loews Atlanta is a short walk from Piedmont Park and the Beltline, the Fox Theatre, and the High Museum of Art. The lobby's soaring ceilings and granite-and-marble floors echo with the voices of museum- and theater-goers, families, and young, trendy types. The beds beg to be snoozed in, thanks to their 300-thread-count Egyptian-cotton linens. The vibe is contemporary, with an upholstered headboard and some artwork. In the bathroom, there's a walk-in shower with a separate soaking tub and a flat-screen TV. Perks like an Exhale Spa and restaurants serving locally sourced cuisine—not to mention a recent $13 million renovation that of the lobby, bar, guest rooms, and corridors—round out a superb stay here.

Courtesy Christine Gatti/The Candler Hotel Atlanta

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The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2023, 2024, 2025

When Coca-Cola founder and former Atlanta Mayor Asa Griggs Candler built this property in the early twentieth century, it was the city’s tallest building. (The bank vault in the basement is rumored to be his hiding spot for the Coca-Cola formula.) Before opening as a hotel in 2019, the property served as office space, and turning it into lodging—all while preserving the original floor plan and thus its National Register designation—took nearly four years. Entering the lobby, the sweeping marble staircase with original reliefs immediately catches the eye (you just don’t see architectural details like that anymore), followed by the colorful Tiffany windows. This is a place where the treasures of the old have been painstakingly preserved, even as the new has been ushered in. It’s an easy stroll to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the World of Coca-Cola. Easily the city’s most historic stay, this meticulously renovated property lets you sleep in a key location from Atlanta’s story.

Courtesy The St. Regis Atlanta

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The St. Regis Atlanta

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2025

St. Regis Atlanta is one of those hotels that stays busy all day with guests—and locals—heading to and from the spa, restaurants, and bar. You can hang by the Pool Piazza and read a magazine, get a tension-reducing treatment at the Remède Spa, grab one of their "famous Bloody Marys" at the St. Regis Bar, arguably the most popular hotel bar in Atlanta, and even watch the hotel sommelier open a bottle of champagne by saber. (It’s a nightly tradition that traces its roots to Napoleon and was ritualized some years ago at the St. Regis New York.) We haven't even mentioned the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Atlas, with bold American cuisine served in a room with original works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Chagall, and Matisse (from owner Joe Lewis’s private collection). It was one of only a handful of restaurants to receive one Michelin star (which is why it books up quickly).

Don Riddle/Courtesy Four Seasons Atlanta

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Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2023

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is in the heart of Midtown, just a half-mile from the Renzo Piano–designed High Museum of Art and steps from sprawling Piedmont Park. Entering the 53-floor neoclassical building is a joy unto itself, with its marble grand staircase leading up to rooms with memorable views of the city skyline. Despite its opulence, the hotel is far from hushed: Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ in the bar spins something funky, and on Sundays, live music from Park 75 restaurant can be heard throughout the main floor. Keep an eye out for celebrities—Atlanta’s first five-star hotel has seen the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and other famous folks. You’ll also see plenty of well-heeled business travelers. On weekends, wedding-goers take over the lobby lounge into the wee hours. From its central location to its gorgeous décor and groovy cocktail lounge, this hotel does not disappoint.

Courtesy Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

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Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2021, 2025

Rising 42 stories over Buckhead, the Waldorf Astoria (until fairly recently a Mandarin Oriental) is a local landmark designed by famed architect Robert A.M. Stern. The stark limestone and cast-stone facade is softened by a formal English garden in the back courtyard. In the marble lobby, take note of contemporary art by Atlantan Claire Chambless. Capitalizing on Atlanta’s reputation as a “city in the forest,” the hotel recently rolled out a new spa concept aimed at giving guests a sense of calm. Treatments include Forest Therapy, which incorporates evergreen, cypress, and juniper essential oils in a full-body massage—including a scalp massage. The elegant, neutral-hued furnishings in the bedrooms are nice, but the real highlight are the deep soaking tubs in the white-marble bathrooms. Come for the service, stay for the spa, return for the private balconies.

Courtesy Hotel Clermont

hotel

Hotel Clermont

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2019, 2023

Driving down Ponce de Leon Avenue, Hotel Clermont isn’t difficult to spot. The six-story, century-old brick building is topped with a sixty-five-foot radio tower bearing the Clermont name—an original relic that came down years ago but was proudly resurrected at the hotel’s splashy grand opening in 2018. At the check-in desk, you’ll be greeted with a free cold PBR, a tribute to the can-crushing dexterity of the notorious Blondie, who works the legendary lounge downstairs. Accommodations range from roomy suites to double-bunk rooms—nodding to the ones once favored by traveling bands staying at the Clermont Motor Lodge. Velvet headboards, lightbulb sconces, and record players add vintage appeal, and moody portraits by Atlanta College of Art graduate Sharon Shapiro were inspired by the Clermont Lounge dancers. The Hotel Clermont caters to a decidedly discriminating crowd, thanks to its top-notch service, upscale amenities, and celebrated restaurant.

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The Hamilton Alpharetta, Curio Collection by Hilton

$

Alpharetta, about half-hour north of Atlanta, has become a cool suburb in recent years with a flourishing downtown packed with great restaurants, boutiques, green-spaces, and a Ameris Bank Amphitheatre which draws big names performers. Dark and moody is the vibe of the Hamilton’s guest rooms. Dark blue and grey accents create a cozy setting to unwind. Large windows (some rooms have floor-to-ceiling) give a glimpse of charming Alpharetta. You have everything you need right outside the hotel in picturesque Alpharetta which comprises a blend of historic buildings and new construction that fits in seamlessly. And you will truly have your pick of excellent dining options within walking distance. There’s also a high-energy green space where kids frolic and friends play corn hole, and a free splash pad’s nearby when the heat runs too high. It doesn’t get better than this in the suburbs.

Jason Thomas Crocker/Hotel Granada Midtown

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Hotel Granada Midtown

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Spanish architecture-meets-Southern charm in this Midtown hotel with a lush courtyard and cozy rooms. Hotel Granada is an adaptive reuse project set in a century-old building that once housed apartments. Located on the northern end of Midtown, the hotel attracts a fun-loving crowd that wants to sip spritzes under the crape myrtles at Pom Court, the courtyard restaurant, while modern steel structures tower above. This hotel’s perfect for those who want access to Midtown’s museums (the High and MODA) and other Midtown conveniences without the sterility of a box hotel. The hotel sits on a quieter stretch of Midtown with close proximity to the High Museum of Art and the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Low-rise residential buildings and bungalows mingle with high-rises here, making for plenty of architectural eye-candy to enjoy on a neighborhood stroll. It’s also not far from Colony Square which houses a food hall, Italian restaurant Serena Pastificio, and JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge.

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Kimpton Sylvan Hotel

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With a timeless Midcentury Modern aesthetic throughout the hotel, you quickly forget that the most frenetic parts of Buckhead are just a few blocks away. Staying here is a convenient option if you have business to tend to in the area or plan to do some serious shopping at one of the nearby shopping destinations. It’s also just downright charming. The hotel holds 217-rooms but it feels more intimate with plenty of nooks to hide out in, whether that’s the lobby, the outdoor pool, or the rooftop bar (which becomes revelrous at night, especially on the weekends). You’re likely to find a diverse crowd, with ladies dressed in outfits fit for the ‘gram, couples canoodling in the booths of the Betty (the supper club), and girlfriends chatting it up over drinks on the roof. You’re just a few blocks away from Buckhead Village, however, known for its designer shops and high-end dining options like Brush Sushi and Carmel.

Matthew Williams/FORTH Atlanta

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Forth Hotel Atlanta

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The 16-floor hotel and social club has two key things going for it: luxury and location. If you prefer to do as little driving or (Ubering) as possible, Forth makes an excellent jumping off point to explore Atlanta’s buzziest neighborhood. It’s uniquely situated next to Historic Fourth Ward Park and the BeltLine, and its stunning design and amenities sets it apart from more casual options nearby. Each of the 196 rooms offers stunning views of the park or city from their floor-to-ceiling windows. Don’t let the building’s modern facade fool you, the rooms are minimalist yet warm with wood flooring, floral wallpaper, and hand-knotted rugs. Old Fourth Ward is for those who like to be in the heart of the action. Forth sits next to the BeltLine, a paved pathway humming with bikers, roller skaters, and pedestrians, which connects you to Ponce City Market (known for its food hall and shops), Piedmont Park, and plenty of nearby bars like the plant shop-watering hole hybrid Burle’s Bar.

Cavan Images/Getty

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Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta

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Atlantans groaned when the Braves left their historic home in Summerhill for a spot just OTP (that’s “Outside the Perimeter”), but the Battery mostly makes up for it. It’s a come-as-you-are setting with families, friends, and couples milling about. Each room presents a fun take on the baseball theme, an homage to the hotel’s next-door neighbor. A red, white, and blue motif could be cheesy, but it works in these guest rooms with blue gingham-patterned chairs and baseball-themed artwork. Keep an eye out for the framed antique scouting reports. It’s a great place to stay with kids, thanks to its excellent location and on-site pool. There’s even a nightly turndown service for kids with milk and cookies (but we won’t tell them if you keep those cookies for yourself).

Courtesy Epicurean Atlanta

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Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection

$ |  Readers' Choice Awards 2024

Located in a prime part of Midtown, close to the High Museum of Art and SCAD, the Epicurean was designed with food enthusiasts in mind. There are multiple restaurants on site, and even its design nods to the food-loving guests with details like butcher block wood and brushed metal found in the rooms. Because of its Midtown location, you’re sure to see professionals milling about, mingling with a stylish crowd that’s also staying at the hotel for its coolest feature: the Epicurean Theatre, which hosts classes and events. Though the rooms nod to the culinary theme with brushed metal and butcher block wood accents and playful details like wine-centric art, it doesn’t feel like a cheesy theme. Instead, the decor imbues a sophisticated warmth with earthy tones and plush furnishings. While the rooms with courtyard views are lovely, you may as well go for the city views to make the most of your Atlanta stay.

Jena Ardell/Getty

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Scout Living

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Old Fourth Ward is, arguably, Atlanta’s coolest neighborhood. It’s home to the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (which includes his birth home), the BeltLine, beautiful green spaces, and excellent dining options. Staying here puts you in the busiest part of town, but it’s busy because there’s so much to do (eat, shop, people watch!). If you want a hotel with a homey feel in the heart of the city, you can’t beat Scout Living, which offers spacious apartment-style rooms in the trendy Ponce City Market—a former Sears, Roebuck and Co. distribution center turned hub of great dining and shopping. The apartments range from one to two bedrooms, and the ones with city views offer killer vistas of Atlanta. You are in a food wonderland with the market right outside your door, but in the lobby, there’s also Miami-based Necessary Purveyor, an all-day cafe with coffee and a full bar, plus a convenient grab-and-go market in case you need something in a pinch.
 

The post 14 Best Hotels in Atlanta appeared first on Scout Living, powered by Placemakr Blog.

The new restaurant openings you should know about.

Juli Horsford & Jacinta Howard

November 1, 2025

If you tried to keep track of every new restaurant and bar in Atlanta, your head might spin. So just read this list instead. These are the openings that seem like they have the most potential. Although, keep in mind, we make no promises about the places we haven't visited yet. Go forth and be a pioneer—or just keep up with our Hit List to see which new restaurants we checked out and loved.

The New Openings Guide, Explained

Missing out on great, new restaurants and bars keeps us awake at night, so we're always researching spots. Here you'll find every new opening from the past three months that caught our eye. While we haven’t visited them all yet, once we do, we’ll give you our honest review. Those we love will make it onto the Hit List.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

We never accept invites for free meals or opening parties, and no one can buy their way onto any of our guides—ever.

Necessary Purveyor
639 Glen Iris Dr NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Old Fourth Ward
Necessary Purveyor joins the wave of Miami-born restaurants (Rosetta Bakery and Mister 01) coming to the A. This restaurant and gourmet market sits on the ground floor of Scout Living near Ponce City Market. Their menu is doing a lot. There's lighter bites like sandwiches, breakfast options like omelettes and pancakes, and heftier dinnertime dishes like oysters, crudo, and ribeye. Oh, and there's a full cafe too, so we have yet another place to grab a strawberry matcha latte.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
675 Ponce De Leon NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream brings its dairy and vegan scoops to Ponce City Market with flavors like strawberry matcha latte and dulce de leche caramel truffle (hopefully they keep their mac and cheese-flavored ice cream back at the Brooklyn headquarters).

The post Atlanta’s New Restaurant Openings appeared first on Scout Living, powered by Placemakr Blog.

by Henna Bakshi
Updated Aug 12, 2025, 11:10 PM GMT+5:30

The newly reopened Krog Bar will now serve coal-fired pizzas.  Krog Bar Coal Fired Pizza

Henna Bakshi is the Regional and Audience Editor, Southeast at Eater and an award-winning food and wine journalist with a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Level 3 degree. She oversees coverage in Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Nashville.

Here are some restaurant openings around Atlanta to have on your radar this month. This list will get updated throughout the month as noteworthy openings take place.

Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar is back, this time serving pizza

Chef Kevin Rathbun has reopened Krog Bar, and this time it’s slinging coal-fired pizzas. The beloved bar closed in 2020 and was formerly located in Atlanta Stove Works in Inman Park, serving Spanish tapas and wine. Krog Bar Coal Fired Pizza has reopened in a new location next to KR Steakbar at 349 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE.

“I love all my restaurants, but this one was my comfort, my hideaway. It reminded me of our cool family basement when I was a kid, where food and music happened, everyone got along, cards were played, drinks were had, and community was created,” said Rathbun in a statement. “Bringing it back, with a new purpose and in a neighborhood I love, just felt right. It’s intimate, soulful, and deeply personal – an ode to where we started, and to the people and places that inspired me along the way.”

Expect eight signature pizzas, including the Cheese Don, Pomodoro, Margherita, KROG (Kevin Rathbun Original Gangsta), Clam, and the Isabella (named after Rathbun’s granddaughter), with salads, wine, and cocktails. It’s open for lunch and dinner.
 

Big Softie walk-up window opens on the BeltLine

Soft serve shop Big Softie has opened a walk-up window on the Eastside BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward at 405 North Angier Avenue NE. It’s from the team behind bakery Little Tart Bakeshop, which is also expanding to Candler Park next year. This is Big Softie’s third location, in addition to the flagship in Summerhill and another location in Poncey-Highland. The shop has announced Basil Vanilla as its brand-new flavor as it opens the new walk-up window.

Necessary Purveyor Opens at Ponce City Market

Necessary Purveyor, an all-day restaurant and market, opened at Ponce City Market today, Wednesday, August 6. It offers breakfast, coffee, baked goods, sandwiches (like the Short Rib and Fontina Sandwich with caramelized onions), salads, and open-air fridges stocked with deli staples for grab-and-go dishes. In the evenings, the restaurant offers happy hour cocktails, full dinner, and a raw bar with seafood towers. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Scout Living hotel and apartment building. Necessary Purveyor is open from 7 a.m. until late for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and market shopping.

Necessary Purveyor is the new market and cafe at Ponce City Market.  Jamestown
 

ASW Distillery opens bar at the Atlanta airport

ASW Distillery has debuted Flights and Bites at Terminal B at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It is serving up cocktails made with the famous Fiddler bourbon alongside burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast for travelers. The menu is Southern-inspired and includes pulled pork and waffles, and a bourbon flight.

ASW Distillery’s Flights and Bites is now open at Terminal B, serving up cocktails made with the famous Fiddler bourbon alongside burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast.  ASW Distillery

Magnolia’s Kitchen & Cocktails replaces Under the Cork Tree

Under the Cork Tree closed in July in Sandy Springs. It has now been replaced with Magnolia’s Kitchen & Cocktails, which remains under the same ownership with Succulent Hospitality. It offers dinner and brunch with a focus on Southern cuisine. Under the Cork Tree was serving European tapas and mains, with Southern influence, and an extensive wine list and craft cocktail options. The new Magnolia’s is not related to Magnolia Room Cafeteria in Tucker.

Thai restaurant Pink Lotus opens in West Midtown

West Midtown is building back up. The team behind 26 Thai and Blackjack Bar Tapas, another new restaurant in Midtown, has opened a new Thai spot in West Midtown. Located in the former Donetto space, the restaurant by Niki Pattharakositkul has amassed quite the buzz already for its Thai noodle soups and cocktails. It is open daily for lunch and dinner.

The post Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar Is Back, Plus More Atlanta Restaurant Openings in August 2025 appeared first on Scout Living, powered by Placemakr Blog.

These spots aren’t just places to eat – they’re where memories are made, conversations flow freely, and the day starts with a perfect bite of Southern comfort.

1. Highland Bakery: Atlanta’s Morning Crown Jewel

My first visit to Highland Bakery happened after an all-nighter finishing college finals. Bleary-eyed and caffeine-deprived, I stumbled in and left transformed by what might be the best French toast in existence.

Located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, this beloved institution serves breakfast with flair and personality. The sweet potato pancakes arrive at your table like fluffy orange clouds, topped with brown sugar syrup that cascades down the sides in a delicious waterfall. Meanwhile, the ricotta pancakes offer a tangy, light alternative that pairs beautifully with their seasonal fruit compotes.

What truly sets Highland apart is their commitment to freshness. Their in-house bakery produces everything from scratch daily – from the crusty sourdough used in their avocado toast to the flaky croissants that practically disappear in your mouth. The shrimp and grits deserve special mention, featuring plump Gulf shrimp swimming in a spicy tomato broth alongside creamy stone-ground grits.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy without feeling chaotic. Exposed brick walls and large windows create a space that feels simultaneously industrial and cozy. Weekend mornings bring a diverse crowd – young professionals tapping away on laptops, families celebrating birthdays, and couples lingering over coffee.

Service strikes that perfect Southern balance between attentive and relaxed. Nobody rushes you here, but somehow your coffee cup never empties. The portions are generous enough to fuel your entire day, though you’ll likely still be dreaming about your next visit before dinner.
 

2. The Rusty Bike Cafe: Clayton’s Hidden Mountain Treasure

Stumbling upon The Rusty Bike Cafe during a foggy North Georgia morning changed my entire mountain vacation. Tucked away in downtown Clayton, this unassuming spot captures everything wonderful about small-town breakfast culture.

The cafe occupies a converted historic building with weathered wooden floors that creak pleasantly underfoot. Vintage bicycles hang from the ceiling, creating whimsical conversation pieces that perfectly match the relaxed mountain vibe. Mismatched mugs filled with strong, locally-roasted coffee arrive at your table alongside complimentary mini muffins – a touch that immediately makes you feel like a regular rather than a tourist.

Their signature dish, the Mountaineer Skillet, combines farm-fresh eggs with hearty potatoes, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein, all topped with melted cheese and served in a cast-iron skillet that keeps everything sizzling until the last bite. The biscuits deserve their own paragraph – tall, flaky, and somehow both substantial and delicate, they’re served with house-made preserves featuring seasonal fruits from nearby orchards.

During apple season, their apple cinnamon pancakes showcase local produce at its finest. The pancakes come stacked high, studded with fresh apple chunks and drizzled with cinnamon-infused maple syrup that’ll haunt your breakfast dreams for months.

3. The Sawmill Place: Blairsville’s Lumberjack-Sized Portions

Forget everything you thought you knew about pancakes until you’ve tried The Sawmill Place’s flapjacks. My cousin dragged me here at 7 AM during a family reunion, promising it would be worth the early wake-up call. Within one bite, I was plotting how to move to Blairsville permanently.

This North Georgia gem embraces its logging-town heritage with rustic timber décor and actual sawmill blades adorning the walls. The restaurant occupies a former lumber office, and the owners have preserved much of the original character while creating a warm, welcoming space. Wooden booths polished by years of use cradle you as you contemplate a menu that reads like a love letter to hearty mountain appetites.

Their signature Lumberjack Breakfast could feed a small family – three eggs any style, country ham, bacon, sausage, home fries, grits, and biscuits with gravy. I watched a petite grandmother demolish the entire plate while her family looked on in awe. Meanwhile, the Sawmill Scramble combines farm-fresh eggs with smoky bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and sharp cheddar for a deeply satisfying morning meal.

Biscuits here achieve that perfect balance between crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Slathered with house-made apple butter or drowning in peppery white gravy studded with sausage chunks, they’re worth the trip alone. The grits deserve special mention – stone-ground daily and cooked low and slow until they reach creamy perfection, then finished with real butter and just enough salt.

Coffee comes in heavy mugs that server Doris (a fixture for over 20 years) refills before you even realize you’re running low. The orange juice is freshly squeezed each morning, and during summer months, they offer a blackberry lemonade that perfectly balances tart and sweet.

4. The Sandcastle Cafe: St. Simons Island’s Beachside Breakfast Haven

Salty air mingles with the scent of sizzling bacon at The Sandcastle Cafe, where I accidentally discovered breakfast nirvana during a rainy beach vacation. While other tourists huddled in their rental homes, locals pointed me toward this unassuming island institution that’s been serving sunrise sustenance since 1989.

Located just steps from the beach in St. Simons Island’s historic village, The Sandcastle embodies coastal charm without trying too hard. Weathered wooden tables sit beneath ceiling fans that spin lazily overhead, while windows frame views of moss-draped oaks and glimpses of the ocean beyond. The decor features treasures collected from the shore – sand dollars, starfish, and driftwood pieces that remind you exactly where you are.

Their seafood omelet showcases the island’s bounty, stuffed with fresh shrimp, crab, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning that perfectly complements rather than overwhelms the delicate seafood. Meanwhile, the pecan pancakes offer a distinctly Southern twist on a breakfast classic, with Georgia pecans folded into the batter and more sprinkled on top alongside warm maple syrup.

What caught me completely off guard was their signature Crab Cake Benedict. Two perfectly crisp crab cakes replace the traditional English muffins, topped with poached eggs and a hollandaise sauce lightened with a hint of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite just to fully process what’s happening.
 

5. Home Grown: Atlanta’s Farm-Fresh Phenomenon

Nestled in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood, Home Grown occupies a former gas station transformed into a quirky dining space that feels like your eccentric aunt’s kitchen. Mismatched chairs surround tables adorned with mason jar flower arrangements, while local art covers nearly every inch of wall space. The restaurant’s name isn’t just clever branding – they source ingredients from their own garden plot visible from the dining room.

Their legendary Comfy Chicken Biscuit deserves its cult following. A massive buttermilk biscuit splits open to cradle crispy fried chicken, all smothered in a peppery white gravy that somehow manages to be both light and decadent. The dish has its own Instagram account with thousands of followers, and I’ve witnessed people photographing it from multiple angles before taking their first bite.

While the Comfy gets the glory, don’t overlook their pimento cheese and bacon omelet. The eggs arrive perfectly fluffy, folded around sharp housemade pimento cheese that melts into creamy pockets alongside crispy bacon pieces. Their hash browns deserve special mention – shredded potatoes cooked on a flattop until the exterior forms a golden crust while the interior remains tender.

The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing shines in seasonal specials like summer tomato pie or spring strawberry pancakes. Coffee comes from a local roaster, and the hot sauce collection features Georgia-made varieties that range from mild to face-melting. Even the jams and jellies for biscuits come from a small-batch producer just outside the city.

6. Biscuits: Atlanta’s Buttery Breakfast Revolution

Confession time: I once drove two hours through Atlanta morning traffic just for a Bomb Biscuit. The return journey took three hours, and I’d do it again tomorrow without hesitation.

What began as a pop-up has evolved into a permanent Ponce City Market fixture that draws lines before the doors even open. Chef Erika Council, granddaughter of legendary Southern cook Mildred Council (known as Mama Dip), brings three generations of biscuit wisdom to these heavenly creations. The space itself is minimalist – counter service with limited seating – because the focus here is entirely on the food.

The biscuits themselves defy physics. Somehow simultaneously substantial and light, they sport a golden-brown exterior that gives way to layers so tender they seem to melt on contact with your tongue. Each one gets brushed with butter the moment it emerges from the oven, creating a glistening, aromatic masterpiece that needs absolutely nothing else to be perfect.

Of course, you’ll want to try the various ways Bomb Biscuits elevates these base creations. The Hot Honey Chicken biscuit combines crispy fried chicken with a honey sauce infused with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Meanwhile, the Pimento Cheese & Bacon option features house-made pimento cheese that spreads like velvet across the warm biscuit surface, complemented by thick-cut bacon that adds smokiness and crunch.

For sweet-leaning palates, their Cinnamon Biscuit arrives drizzled with cream cheese icing that seeps into the biscuit’s nooks and crannies. It manages to satisfy dessert cravings without being cloyingly sweet – a perfect middle ground between breakfast and indulgence. Coffee comes from local roasters, served in compostable cups that reflect the establishment’s commitment to sustainability.

7. The Busy Bee Café: Atlanta’s Soul Food Breakfast Institution

My grandmother first took me to The Busy Bee Café when I was seven years old. “This place fed civil rights leaders when other restaurants wouldn’t,” she whispered as we slid into a booth. “The food feeds your body, but the history feeds your soul.” Decades later, I still feel that dual nourishment with every visit.

Established in 1947, this Atlanta landmark on Auburn Avenue stands as a living museum of Black culinary excellence and civil rights history. The interior remains charmingly unchanged – worn vinyl booths, photos of notable visitors covering the walls, and a counter where regulars exchange neighborhood news. The restaurant’s legacy as a meeting place during the civil rights movement adds a profound layer to the dining experience.

Breakfast here transcends mere sustenance. Their salmon croquettes achieve the perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, served alongside eggs cooked precisely to your specification. The country ham delivers an intensely savory experience, with just enough salt to complement the accompanying grits without overwhelming them.

Speaking of grits – Busy Bee’s version might convert even the most dedicated grits skeptic. Cooked slowly until they reach creamy perfection, then finished with real butter, they provide the ideal canvas for the restaurant’s famous red-eye gravy. This coffee-infused ham gravy adds complexity that elevates the entire plate.

Their biscuits deserve special recognition – tall, slightly crusty on top, and impossibly tender inside. They arrive at your table still warm, ready to be slathered with butter or sopped through egg yolk. Meanwhile, the fried chicken and waffles offer a perfect sweet-savory combination that demonstrates why this pairing has endured for generations.

8. Clary’s Cafe: Savannah’s Midnight In The Garden Of Good Eating

Humidity hung heavy in the air as I pushed open the door to Clary’s Cafe, seeking refuge from Savannah’s summer heat. Made famous by its appearance in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” this Savannah institution has been serving breakfast since 1903, weathering world wars, the Great Depression, and countless hurricanes without losing its charm.

Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, Clary’s embraces its literary fame without becoming a tourist trap. The walls feature memorabilia from the book and subsequent movie, but they’re mixed with photos of local families who’ve been regulars for generations. The decor maintains an authentic diner feel – counter seating with swiveling stools, booths with vintage Formica tables, and ceiling fans that spin lazily overhead.

Their Crab Cake Benedict has ruined me for all other breakfast dishes. Two perfectly crisp crab cakes serve as the foundation, topped with poached eggs and a hollandaise sauce that achieves the ideal balance between richness and acidity. Each component could stand alone as excellent, but together they create something transcendent.

For those seeking something sweeter, the peach pancakes showcase Georgia’s favorite fruit in its best light. The pancakes themselves achieve that elusive perfect texture – light and fluffy yet substantial enough to hold up to the warm peach compote that cascades over them. A dollop of fresh whipped cream slowly melts into the stack, creating rivers of sweetness that require no additional syrup.

Coffee comes in heavy mugs that servers refill without being asked, delivered with the kind of friendly banter that makes you feel immediately like a regular rather than a tourist. The orange juice is freshly squeezed each morning, and during summer they offer a peach iced tea that perfectly captures the essence of Georgia.

9. Flying Biscuit Cafe: Atlanta’s Colorful Breakfast Empire

Lightning cracked across the Atlanta sky as I dashed into the original Flying Biscuit Cafe in Candler Park, soaked and cranky. One bite of their signature biscuit with cranberry apple butter transformed my mood entirely. Twenty years later, I still measure all other biscuits against this standard.

What began as a neighborhood spot in 1993 has expanded across Georgia while maintaining its quirky charm and commitment to quality. The original location retains its bohemian atmosphere – walls painted in vibrant colors, local art hanging everywhere, and mismatched furniture that somehow creates a cohesive whole. The space buzzes with energy but never feels chaotic, striking that perfect balance between lively and comfortable.

Their namesake biscuits deserve their legendary status – impossibly tall, slightly crusty on top, and cloud-like inside. Each one arrives warm, accompanied by their signature cranberry apple butter that adds a sweet-tart dimension you won’t find elsewhere. These biscuits aren’t just sides; they’re the foundation of the Flying Biscuit experience.

The Love Cakes represent the kitchen’s creative approach to traditional breakfast fare. These heart-shaped black bean cakes come topped with tomatillo salsa, feta cheese, and two over-medium eggs that, when broken, create a sauce that ties everything together. Meanwhile, their Egg-stravaganza showcases the simple perfection of perfectly scrambled eggs alongside chicken sausage patties and their famous “creamy dreamy” grits.

Those grits merit special attention – cooked slowly until they reach a consistency somewhere between traditional grits and a soufflé, then finished with cheese and butter. Even self-proclaimed grits haters find themselves scraping the bottom of the bowl. The oven-roasted rosemary potatoes provide the perfect counterpoint, offering crispy edges and herb-infused centers.

10. Ria’s Bluebird: Atlanta’s Pancake Paradise

Rain tapped against the windows of Ria’s Bluebird as I sipped coffee and waited for what Bon Appétit once called “the world’s best pancakes.” The first bite made me understand why people line up outside this unassuming Memorial Drive diner in all weather conditions.
 

Founded by the late chef Ria Pell, this beloved spot near Oakland Cemetery maintains its founder’s commitment to creative comfort food and inclusive community building. The space feels simultaneously vintage and timeless – counter seating with a view of the open kitchen, simple wooden tables, and walls adorned with local art and photographs. Large windows flood the room with natural light, creating a warm atmosphere even on gloomy days.

Those famous pancakes live up to their reputation – impossibly light yet substantial, with crisp edges giving way to custardy centers. The secret lies in their overnight buttermilk batter preparation and the addition of ricotta cheese, which creates a texture that’s both fluffy and rich. Topped with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of warm maple syrup, they transform breakfast into an almost transcendent experience.

While pancakes may be the headliner, don’t overlook their biscuits and gravy. The biscuits achieve that perfect balance between sturdy and tender, while the vegetarian mushroom gravy delivers surprising depth and complexity without relying on meat. For something truly unique, try the Country Fried Tempeh – a vegetarian spin on country fried steak that might convert even dedicated carnivores.

Coffee deserves special mention – strong, never bitter, and served in substantial mugs that feel good in your hands. The staff keeps it flowing throughout your meal, often topping you off before you realize you’re running low. During summer months, their fresh-squeezed lemonade provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

The post 10 Georgia Breakfast Spots Locals Recommend appeared first on Scout Living, powered by Placemakr Blog.

By Rachel Cohen Noebes – Staff Reporter , Atlanta Business Chronicle
Aug 11, 2025
 

Editor's note: This story is part of Atlanta Business Chronicle's first-ever Advancing Health & Life Sciences in Georgia special edition, highlighting industry leaders and the economic impact of these sectors throughout the state. The Chronicle will host an event on Aug. 14, and a special print takeover issue will be published Aug. 15. For related stories, please visit the digital special section on the Chronicle’s website.

More and more, American culture is embracing the idea that to treat the body, the mind can’t be ignored.

With the pandemic leading to a significant spike in anxiety and depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, long-held stigmas around the topic of treatment for mental illness are slowly starting to break down.

However, there are still steep barriers when it comes to finding aid, including a lack of resources. In a November 2024 report, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration projected unmet needs for behavioral health providers, including adult psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors, and more, into 2037. As of last August, more than one third of the U.S. population — 122 million people — lived in what the report described as a mental health professional shortage area.

Gaps are being filled in a society screaming for resources through different practices that sit outside the realm of traditional health care. In Atlanta, these include a third space where city dwellers can go to unwind and unplug, a luxury postpartum treatment center that focuses on the mother’s wellbeing and a holistic practice where patients are treated as the experts on themselves.

Atlanta Business Chronicle spoke with Dr. Cristina Del Toro Badessa of Artisan Beauté in Buckhead; Brittany Starobin, founder and CEO of Haven Postnatal Retreat in Midtown; and Brandon Chubb, co-owner of wellness spa Do Not Disturb in Old Fourth Ward, about the importance of balancing physical and mental wellbeing.

Artisan Beauté offers holistic medical services

When Badessa, a board-certified emergency medicine doctor, moved to Atlanta in 2019, she started practicing at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in the emergency room

At the same time, she sought out the top spot in the city for her personal beauty treatments, such as facials and botox. Badessa said she received a “unanimous” response to go to Artisan Beauté, a luxury med spa that also offers plastic surgery services.

“I loved the ER … [but] I was seeing so many people at this stage where I felt like I could have helped them more if I saw them before,” she said.

Badessa told the Chronicle she was “activated” by what was happening in the longevity and wellness spaces, so when she had the chance to change careers, she went back to her primary passion, which she described as "helping people live their best and healthiest and ideally longest life.”

Badessa said that while we're living longer, we’re not necessarily living better.

She joined with Dr. Diane Alexander, the founder of Artisan, to start a wellness practice within the company offering holistic medical services in 2023. She is a proponent of IV infusions to boost immunity, cognitive function and beauty, and she is trained in peptide therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Badessa said she sees her patients as “seekers,” or questioners, who are looking for more than to be told their labs look fine, even though they are facing a personal health dilemma — or in some cases, crisis.

When it comes to the different ways in which medicine is approached, including mental health, Badessa recalled a lecture from her time in college to illustrate the traditional Western medical system. One sentence of a slide was devoted to lifestyle management, and the next 45 minutes of the lecture focused on prescription treatment.

“I practice from a place of, ‘I'm the expert on the science.’ We continue to evolve, we continue to learn and I continue to learn, as well," she said. "But the patient, you are the expert on your body, and you are the expert on your lived experience. And I don't ever pretend to know exactly what's going to be best for you. This is a partnership."

She added, “I think Western medical education doesn't really equip doctors to be holistic, to ask questions, to be seekers. It teaches us to sort of look for a quick fix and a pill.

"But then also society — unfortunately, we want an answer. We want it, and we want it now.”

Haven Postnatal Retreat focuses on postpartum depression

Starobin created Haven not simply out of desire, but out of what she saw as desperate need.

Haven specializes in postpartum care for mothers and their newborn babies.

While the founder is quick to acknowledge that the retreat is a luxury — it's located within the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta — she believes that in order to reach back out to the communities she wants to help, this is the way to prove that the model works.

Having gone through postpartum depression with all three of her children, describing the experience as “gut-wrenching” and “isolating,” Starobin saw for herself that “there's not a system in place where we have adequate and proper postpartum care.”

Inside the lounge area of Haven Postnatal Retreat at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Courtesy of Haven

“I think Covid exacerbated the mental health epidemic," she said. "I think a lot of people think that with a maternal mortality crisis, it's just during birth, but there are women committing suicide afterwards because they don't feel as though they're being seen, they're being heard; they feel like they're on that island by themselves.

"They feel like they cannot speak out, because every time they do, they’re met with, ‘Maybe you're not strong enough,’ or, ‘Well, you're the one who wanted the kids.’”

Starobin said she feels society lacks a sense of community, and hopes that Haven can help new mothers, whether they come for half a day or several nights, find solidarity with others.

“We always say, 'Everyone wants to hold the baby, but nobody wants to hold the mom,'" she said. "Here, we're holding the mom."

Do Not Disturb lets people unplug from overstimulation

Chubb, a former professional athlete, founded restorative and recovery wellness studio Do Not Disturb with his brother, Bradley, a fellow ex-NFL player, in 2024.

Located within Ponce City Market, Do Not Disturb offers saunas, cold plunges, massages and more.

The 2,730-square-foot space is meant as a place to recharge both mentally and physically and is founded on the principle that properly restoring the mind and body is essential to reaching one’s greatest potential, no matter an individual’s goals.

Chubb felt that especially in this day and age, when people are so overstimulated, providing a place to unplug is essential.

A private room at Do Not Disturb.
Forrestt Lane

“A place like Do Not Deserve is intentional because we give you that time to really put that switch on, figuratively, before you have to go and tackle the next big challenge in front of the screen, whether it’s a phone, desktop, television or however you’re experiencing it,” Chubb said.

“We want to be the catalyst to mitigate the overstimulation of our day to day,” he said, adding that unlike other studios in the wellness space, customers won’t find music pumping through speakers or screens in the sauna, because he doesn’t find that to be “restorative.”

Chubb feels Do Not Disturb is filling a gap in the market. He was accustomed to these services while playing sports at the college and professional levels, but he couldn’t find anywhere to receive them in the Atlanta area.

“I don't think there's anything else in Atlanta that does what we do, the way we do it and brings in the Atlanta community in such an inclusive way,” he said.

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The Latest Restaurant Openings Around Atlanta, August 2025

   
         
   
The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants Around Atlanta
From sweeping vistas of Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Alpharetta, head here for outdoor dining with a bird's eye view

Where to Dine at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Local restaurants to check out at the Atlanta airport, along with a concourse-by-concourse dining guide           The Best Breweries in Atlanta Breweries with beer gardens, patios, and plenty of beer flowing from the taps               A Candlelit Butcher Shop Is Hosting Atlanta's Most Intimate Meal  It has only four seats             Mellow Mushroom Is Reopening in Decatur Months After Sudden Closure It is set to return in the fall with a revamped bar, patio, and test kitchen

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