Alpharetta has quietly become one of the best dining cities in metro Atlanta. Between the chef-driven restaurants of Avalon, the porches of Downtown Alpharetta and the standbys along Windward Parkway, you could eat out every weekend for a year and not repeat yourself. Here are the 15 places locals bring up first.
The Avalon heavy hitters
1. Oak Steakhouse is Alpharetta's special-occasion room: a Charleston-born steakhouse known for dry-aged beef, Wagyu and a serious wine list. Book ahead for weekends, or grab a seat at the bar.
2. South City Kitchen does upscale Southern better than almost anyone: fried chicken, biscuits, shrimp and grits, and one of the area's most popular brunches.
3. Rumi's Kitchen put Avalon on Atlanta's food map with its Persian kabobs, fragrant rice and hummus. If you've never had Persian food, start here.
4. Colletta covers the Italian side with wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta, while 5. Antico Pizza brings Atlanta's most famous Neapolitan pies north of the Perimeter.
6. Superica, Ford Fry's Tex-Mex cantina, is the spot for chorizo queso fundido, fajitas and margaritas, and 7. The Cape adds a Cape Town-inspired rooftop with sunset views and a crab dip people drive in for.
Downtown Alpharetta favorites
8. Smokejack Southern Grill & BBQ has been smoking hand-pulled pork, ribs and burnt ends in its historic brick building on Main Street for years. It's the downtown anchor.
9. Citizen Soul blends California cooking with Southern soul, and 10. The Southern Porch serves fried green tomatoes and biscuits and gravy on an actual screened-in porch.
11. Up On The Roof owns downtown brunch with mimosa carafes and challah French toast above Main Street, while 12. Carson Kitchen counters with donut French toast, garbage hash and a pet-friendly patio.
Beyond the districts
13. Cabernet Steakhouse on Windward Parkway is the old-school, club-like steakhouse Alpharetta regulars swear by, and 14. Pampas Steakhouse cooks Argentinian-style over wood embers on a custom grill.
15. Food Terminal rounds out the list with Malaysian street food in the North Point corridor, proof that Alpharetta's dining scene goes well past steak and Southern.
Honorable mentions
You won't go wrong at Delbar or Jerusalem Bakery on Old Milton for Middle Eastern, Nahm for upscale Thai on Windward, District III for pho at Avalon, or Hen Mother Cookhouse for comfort-food breakfast downtown. For the full list, browse our Alpharetta restaurant directory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best restaurant in Alpharetta?
It depends on the night. For a steak dinner, locals point to Oak Steakhouse at Avalon or Cabernet Steakhouse on Windward. For Southern food, South City Kitchen and Smokejack lead the list. For something different, Rumi's Kitchen's Persian kabobs are a metro Atlanta favorite.
Where should I eat at Avalon?
Avalon's heavy hitters include Oak Steakhouse, South City Kitchen, Rumi's Kitchen, Colletta, Antico Pizza, Superica and The Cape's rooftop. Cafe Intermezzo is the move for dessert and late-night espresso.
What restaurants are in Downtown Alpharetta?
Downtown's Main Street area has Smokejack BBQ, The Southern Porch, Citizen Soul, Carson Kitchen, Hen Mother Cookhouse, Up On The Roof's rooftop brunch, Crust Pasta & Pizzeria and more, most within a short walk of the Town Green.
Does Alpharetta have good brunch?
Yes. Up On The Roof, Hen Mother Cookhouse and Carson Kitchen anchor downtown brunch, South City Kitchen and Superica run popular brunches at Avalon, and The Original Pancake House on Windward is the classic pancake stop.
Sources
- Awesome Alpharetta: Dining by District
- Explore Georgia: Guide to Dining in Alpharetta
- Atlanta Eats: The Best Restaurants at Avalon
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