Atlanta has a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Southern fare to innovative international cuisine. Whether you crave a comforting plate of soul food, a fine dining experience, or a unique array of globally-inspired dishes, the best Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta have something for everyone.
You’ll find traditional Gullah Geechee dishes at a favorite in West Midtown, Southern-meets-Asian food at the Eastside Beltline-adjacent outpost of an acclaimed airport restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward, and legendary fried chicken at a historic soul food spot in Castleberry Hill.
These six restaurants hold a significant and valued place in the city’s culinary scene, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions, community pride, and entrepreneurial spirit of Atlanta’s Black community.
Secure your spot by booking a reservation on OpenTable at these six Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
For a celebrity chef’s elegant Southern food in one of the best Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta – head to Marcus Bar & Grille (Old Fourth Ward)
Marcus Bar & Grille is one of the newer Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta. At this lively Old Fourth Ward restaurant decked with records and roller skates, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s menu goes all in on elegant takes on classic American comfort foods. Savor dishes like hot honey salmon with roasted tomato cream and a wagyu smash burger. Save room for desserts like skillet peach cobbler. And don’t miss Sunday Supper & Spins, a brunch buffet accompanied by the beats of live DJs.
For globally-inspired dishes in a glamorous setting — book a table at The Consulate (Midtown)
Owned by Mei Lin and Douglas Hines, The Consulate is an upscale restaurant in Atlanta filled with luxe details like vintage furniture. The glam decor sets the stage for a rotating menu of global cuisine that changes every 90 days. Past dishes have included Tibetan sherpa stew and Mongolian beef skewers. The restaurant also has some mainstays, like black truffle bulgogi, Havana egg rolls, and ube maitake mushroom dip.
For award-winning dining on the Beltline — head over to One Flew South (Old Fourth Ward)
Head to the Beltline outpost of One Flew South for the Southern-Asian dishes and stellar cocktails that earned the original location at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport two James Beard nods. Dig into elegant favorites like grilled octopus escabeche, salmon curry, and pork belly and potstickers in the sleek space. Grab a seat on the expansive front patio for al fresco dining—and prime people-watching.
For special occasion dinners in one of the best Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta — try LowCountry Steak (Midtown)
Co-founded by Atlanta native and James Beard Award-nominated chef Gerry Garvin, LowCountry Steak is where you go for elegant riffs on classic Southern food. As one of the most upscale Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, this Midtown steakhouse serves up luxe chophouse fare like LC-steak braised meatballs, Georgia shrimp and stone ground grits, and prime ribeye steak. The restaurant’s upscale atmosphere and menu options make it a great special occasion destination.
For traditional Gullah Geechee cuisine — reserve a table at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar (West Midtown)
Enjoy a taste of the Gullah Geechee cuisine of the coastal Carolinas and Georgia at.Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar. Founders Juan and Gregory “Gee” Smalls named the restaurant in honor of Gee’s father, Virgil. Raised on James Island near Charleston, Gee Smalls brings his family recipes and Gullah traditions to Atlanta with dishes like Gullah eggrolls, deep-fried salmon croquettes with Geecheeboi sauce, and crab rice, a savory blend of seasoned rice and fresh crab meat.
For a comforting dining experience at one of the most historic Black-owned Restaurants in Atlanta — reserve a table at Paschal’s Restaurant (Castleberry Hill)
Paschal’s is not only one of the top Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, it’s one of the city’s most iconic restaurants. Open since 1947, the restaurant was once a gathering place for the city’s notable Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rep. John Lewis. Today, Paschal’s menu has an array of popular Southern comfort dishes like fried green tomatoes, candied yams, seafood grill, and peach cobbler.
From Marcus Samuelsson’s modern Southern food in the Old Fourth Ward to The Consulate’s rotating menu of global dishes in Midtown, these Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta provide a range of unique dining experiences. Make sure to save time by planning ahead.
Book your table at one of these best Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta on OpenTable today.
Check out other restaurants in Atlanta with these guides to hot spots:
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- Editor’s choice: 12 go-to Atlanta restaurants from our local expert
- 12 Atlanta restaurants perfect for special occasions
Taryn White is a Washington, DC-area travel and food writer and founder of travel and lifestyle website The Trip Wish List. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and other outlets.
