Good Restaurants Unique to Atlanta?

There are two approaches to great food experiences in Atlanta.

1. The Atlanta Institutions. Sure, their food may not be the most unique, but you'll have a memorable experience.

The places that top this list are The Varsity and Ormsby's. Both of these spots should be within your budget and will reward you with a good time.

Ann's Snack Bar is a must if you can get there early (think 15-30 min. before she opens). Get the Ghetto Burger and make yourself proud.

2. Food You Can't Find Elsewhere. It's a bit tricky to narrow it down, but I have some solid recommendations.

For lunch, I recommend The General Muir (the matzoh soup and loaded poutine will change you). They're open for dinner, too, but lunch is definitely cheaper.

For an early dinner, try Antico Pizza Napoletana. You literally can't find this pizza outside of Naples, Italy, and they stay open until 9 or whenever the dough runs out. The dough usually runs out first. And it's BYOB, so BYOB!

If Antico runs out of dough, stop by next door at Gio's Chicken Amalfitano. It's from the same folks who run Antico, and the amazingly simple, fresh flavors are amazing.

If you're looking for new Southern fare, you can pick from Empire State South (Hugh Acheson) and JCT Kitchen & Bar (Ford Fry). Again, both can get pricey at dinner, so try visiting them for lunch.

To really experience the chill vibe that define the Atlanta food scene, be sure to make time (and belly room) for dim sum meets fine Southern food at Gunshow and a snack and a beer Krog Street Market (My personal favorites are Superica, Fred's Meat & Bread, Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, and The Little Tart Bakeshop.)

Finally, you should cap off any evening in Atlanta at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium (or "Church" for short). It's easily the hottest spot in town, the best place to spot celebrities, and the best sangrias around. Caveat: Church is not the most pious of places and not for the most religiously sensitive of folk.

Atlanta has some amazing dining options! I suggest checking out:

• Gunshow
• King + Duke
• Fat Matt's Rib Shack
• Antico Pizza Napoletana

You can go to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site then have lunch on Edgewood. Edgewood Corner Tavern, Thumbs Up Diner, and Noni's Bar & Deli are good.  If you want AUTHENTIC Atlanta, have lunch at Busy Bee Cafe. It is the best southern in town.  For out-of-towners, it will be something you will always remember.

The Colonnade Restaurant has awesome southern cuisine too.  It is good for dinner and cash only. Watch out! --People may recommend Mary Macs but I dont like it.  Food is sloppy and the whole place smells.

Jack's Pizza & Wings is a great local joint. For something a bit more trendy, try Après Diem or Café Intermezzo. 

Let me know if you have more questions. 

For lunch, The Varsity is a well-known Atlanta spot for greasy burgers, hot dogs, and Frosted Orange ("FO") sherbet milkshakes.  

Vortex Bar & Grill in midtown is an excellent gastro-burger grill and bar offering burgers ranging from the ordinary to the extreme (like the Triple Coronary Bypass with three beef patties, three fried eggs, 14 slices of cheese, and grilled-cheese sandwiches in place of the buns).  My favorite is the Hangover Helper (2 patties, 2 eggs, bacon, white gravy, tater tots).  The beer selection is top-notch as well.

Antico Pizza Napoletana is a classic pizza place here in ATL with brick ovens shipped in from Italy. Unique environment. Mother in Edgewood is a bar in a very eclectic part of town with great food too. Serpas True Food is a bit more expensive but you could eat for ~$30 with a drink or two, probably my favorite restaurant in ATL.

Tomatillos in East Atlanta has fresh excellent Tex Mex. They also have a wide variety of freshly made drinks (the red Sangria is awesome). It has a very hip vibe and usually there's not a long wait. The price is very reasonable.

You can't go wrong with Antico Pizza Napoletana, as others have previously mentioned.

So many great answers listed! Another favorite of mine is Delia's Chicken Sausage Stand, which has two locations. 

You should go to the top of The Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta. They have a bar on the very top floor which provides an incredible view!

Fritti is a fabulous pizza place in a cool neighborhood.

Star Provisions / Westside Urban Market on Howell Mill is a great area with 10 plus restaurants, some shops and cool bars.

Try Bartaco West Midtown

The Varsity is a hang out for Georgia Tech kids and has burgers etc.  It is an Atlanta landmark.  Their slogan is whatayahavein

Enjoy Atlanta!

Gladys Knight's Signature Chicken & Waffles