Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but what about lunch? The midday meal can make or break your day — choose wisely, and it will leave you feeling satisfied and happy as you head back to the workday grind.
A great lunch isn’t just
about the food. It’s also about the atmosphere and the little details that can elevate your mood. Whether you’re after a three-martini affair that would make Don Draper proud, a sunny spot to linger over a salad, or a taco on the go, these 14 Atlanta restaurants get the lunch game right.
Restaurants are listed in geographic order from north to south. Don’t see a favorite lunch spot listed? Send Eater Atlanta the details via the tipline to be considered for the next update.
Cuddlefish
290 High St, Dunwoody, GA, 30346, US
(678) 994-2715
At High Street in Dunwoody, Cuddlefish offers a bright dining room with subtly oceanic decor and plenty of natural light. The menu departs from the usual sushi-restaurant fare with an emphasis on temaki, or hand rolls. Order them individually (the yellowtail with salsa and the crispy tuna are particularly good), or opt for the $20 lunch set, which includes three temaki, cucumber salad, chicken nuggets, and a cookie. Another bonus: High Street offers free parking.
Sabaraba’s
5920 Roswell Road, GA 30328
(404) 904-3881
Chamblee has become a hotspot for restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, and among its many lunch options, Sabaraba’s stands out for affordability and flavor. The fast-casual spot serves Mediterranean fare like shawarma and falafel. Try the shawarma plate, which pairs slow-cooked chicken with hummus, Israeli salad, and pita for around $13, or a falafel pita for around $10. Expect hefty portions either way. Another nice thing about dining here: The food arrives on real plates, a rarity in a world where disposable containers are the norm. There’s also a Sandy Springs location if you find yourself in that neck of the woods.
Taqueria Taquito Express
5018 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Atlanta, GA, 30341, US
(770) 455-6255
Not every lunch can be an experience, but every lunch should be delicious, right? For those on-the-go meals, Taqueria Taquito Express fits the bill. The local chain has several Atlanta-area locations inside BP gas stations. There’s usually some seating, but the no-frills setting lends itself to takeout. The menu includes tacos filled with carnitas, lengua, and chicken, along with other taqueria staples like burritos, quesadillas, and tamales. The guacamole is chunky, with tomatoes and onions mixed in.
THE CHASTAIN – New American Bistro
4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA
(404) 257-6416
Located across the street from the park it shares a name with, natural light floods The Chastain’s modern farmhouse dining room during the day. This isn’t a budget-friendly lunch, but the splurge is worth it for seasonally driven dishes featuring produce from the restaurant’s on-site regenerative garden. Among the standouts are the broccoli Caesar salad, the salmon crudo, and the burger with caramelized onion aioli. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lee’s Bakery
4005 Buford Hwy NE Ste C, Atlanta, GA, 30345, US
(404) 728-1008
For a quick lunch with international flair, head to Lee’s, a Buford Highway favorite known for banh mi made with house-baked baguettes. The most popular variation is the combo, loaded with Vietnamese bologna, ham, pork head cheese (a terrine), pork liver, and pickled vegetables. There are also fish, tofu, and chicken options, along with banh mi and pho combos if you can’t decide between the two. Service is friendly and snappy, so you’ll be in and out in no time.
Bones Restaurant
3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30305, US
(404) 237-2663
This Buckhead steakhouse institution serves lunch just one day a week: Friday. There’s seating in the dining room, but the best spot is the bar, with its plaid-clad ceiling, cushy seats, and personable bartenders who make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time there. You might also overhear some interesting conversations among judges (we can neither confirm nor deny). The restaurant’s beloved steaks are available at lunch, but the real draw is the rich, juicy burger served with fries. Pair it with your favorite cocktail and a slice of Mountain High Pie, and you can go ahead and slam that laptop shut for the afternoon.
Daily Chew
2127 Liddell Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30324, US
(404) 600-4155
“Daily” is in the name, but don’t go on a Tuesday, when Daily Chew is closed. That quibble aside, this petite restaurant among the industrial buildings of Piedmont Heights exudes charm with white brick walls, green tiles, and a plant-filled patio. The menu skews lighter, with Israeli and South African influences. Dishes like the latke stack with smoked salmon belly, ricotta hotcakes with labneh and seasonal fruit, and the grilled chicken pita deliver bright flavors without leaving you ready for an afternoon nap. A full coffee bar is on hand for a caffeine boost, too.
The General Muir
1540 Avenue Pl B-230, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
(678) 927-9131
Deli-style restaurants just make sense for lunch, and while Atlanta doesn’t have many, it does have the General Muir. The dining room, with its classic black and white accents, is an inviting spot for a hearty pastrami sandwich on rye and a cup of matzo ball soup. But don’t feel limited to traditional deli fare: The restaurant also serves breakfast all day, including open-faced bagel sandwiches. Try the Avenue A with smoked salmon, cream cheese, grapefruit, and avocado. On your way out, swing by the bakery counter for a black-and-white cookie, a deli classic that’s surprisingly hard to find in Atlanta.
Elise
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, US
404-540-7572
At the Woodruff Arts Center, Elise makes a fitting extension of a morning spent at the High Museum. Settle into the magenta-hued lounge, where vinyl from an in-house collection spins on the record player. It’s a lovely backdrop for dishes like the crispy artichokes, the croque monsieur, or a lunch-size portion of steak frites. Lunch here also comes with a perk: High Museum members park free.
Souper Jenny Westside
1082 Huff Rd NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318, US
+14046039977
Souper Jenny is the quintessential lunch spot for anyone who loves a soup-and-salad combo. Each of its metro Atlanta locations feels welcoming, thanks to cheery, eclectic decor and a menu that changes daily. There are a few standbys, like the turkey chili and the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but part of the fun is seeing which seasonal soups and salads are available. You can order soup or salad by the bowl or cup, but the split combo is ideal for the indecisive (plus, it includes a cookie and a drink).
Mushi Ni
337 Elizabeth St NE Ste B, Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 975-3312
What began as a stall in the now-closed We Suki Suki food hall has grown into a fast-casual restaurant in Inman Park. Just off the BeltLine, it’s an easy stop for flavorful Asian fusion. The minimalist dining room feels warm thanks to colorful accents and a glowing neon sign. Married owners Tanya Jimenez and Michael Le draw on their Filipino and Vietnamese heritage, as well as other Asian cuisines, for tempting dishes such as pork belly or duck bao and bowls loaded with toppings like fried cauliflower and tofu. Save room for house-made soft serve in creative flavors, such as persimmon with brown butter.
Busy Bee Cafe
810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, 30314, US
(404) 525-9212
Don’t let the fact that the Busy Bee is takeout-only (for now) deter you if you have a midday comfort-food craving. The restaurant is an Atlanta landmark that has served soul food since 1947 — so well known that even former President Barack Obama stopped by for its fried chicken. Get the same, along with Southern sides like macaroni and cheese and candied yams, ordering online or in person. Additional locations at Centennial Yards and Atlantic Station are in the works.
La Semilla
780 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30316, US
(404) 228-3090
Fans rejoiced when this beloved plant-based Latin American restaurant began serving lunch Tuesday through Thursday. The vibrant dining room, with its monstera wallpaper and pink accents, shines a little brighter during the day. Signatures like the Cubano and the Crunch Wrap (both made with house-made proteins) are on the lunch menu, along with cashew-based queso and croquetas. You could order a cocktail, but if you’re not looking for that kind of lunch, the daily agua fresca made with seasonal produce makes a refreshing pairing.
Sammy’s
565 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, US
+14041234567
A sunny spot in Adair Park, Sammy’s is the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile, with the vibe of a stylish midcentury-modern living room. The sandwiches have global flair: Try the Miami Sami, the restaurant’s take on a Cuban, or the Samigo with turkey and avocado ranch. The espresso drinks range from classic to creative (think lattes with miso caramel syrup), and house-baked chocolate chip cookies round out the meal.
