The Absolute Best Lunch in Atlanta [Updated 2024]

As an expert with years of experience, I am thrilled to present to you the ultimate guide to the best lunch in Atlanta, Georgia! Having personally reviewed a total of 12 establishments, I have carefully curated this list to ensure that you have an unforgettable culinary experience.

From iconic Southern dishes to international flavors, Atlanta's food scene offers an impressive range of options for every palate. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this article will guide you to the most exceptional lunch spots that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

So, without further ado, let's embark on this delicious journey through Atlanta's vibrant lunch scene!

a mano

Highlights
Incredible food
Gracious and helpful staff
Perfect for special occasions
Personalized birthday experience
Beautiful atmosphere

Walking into a mano is like stepping into a Tuscan villa. The moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly put a smile on my face. The restaurant's rustic decor, combined with soft lighting and a cozy ambiance, created the perfect setting for a memorable lunch.

But it wasn't just the atmosphere that left a lasting impression on me. The food at a mano was incredible. I started with their house-made burrata, which was smooth and creamy, complemented perfectly by the juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil. For my main course, I couldn't resist trying their homemade pasta. The rigatoni Bolognese was cooked to perfection, with a rich and meaty sauce that had me savoring every bite.

What truly made my experience at a mano stand out, however, was the gracious and helpful staff. From the moment I entered, they made me feel like a VIP. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and happily answered all my questions about the menu. They went above and beyond to create a personalized birthday experience for a fellow diner at the table next to me, making their special occasion truly unforgettable.

Overall, a mano is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for a special lunch in Atlanta. The combination of delicious food, a beautiful atmosphere, and the attentive staff make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a leisurely lunch with friends, you won't be disappointed by what a mano has to offer.

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MetroFresh

Highlights
Amazing breakfast
Super creamy grits
Fresh guacamole
Quick and friendly service
Delicious medley of flavors

From the minute I stepped foot into MetroFresh, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of amazing breakfast filled the air, inviting me to indulge in their delectable offerings.

One of the highlights of my visit was their super creamy grits. They were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of creaminess and a hint of buttery goodness. Each spoonful was a heavenly experience that left me craving for more.

The guacamole at MetroFresh was an absolute delight. Made with fresh ingredients, it had the perfect balance of flavors. The creamy texture and zesty kick of lime made it the perfect accompaniment to any dish.

The service at MetroFresh was not only quick, but also incredibly friendly. The staff members were attentive and eager to assist, answering any questions I had about the menu. Their warmth added to the overall enjoyable experience.

What impressed me the most about MetroFresh was the delicious medley of flavors in their dishes. Each bite was a sensational explosion of tastes, leaving me wanting to savor every morsel.

If you're looking for a lunch spot in Atlanta that offers an unforgettable culinary experience, MetroFresh is the place to go. With their amazing breakfast options, super creamy grits, fresh guacamole, quick and friendly service, and a delicious medley of flavors, you won't be disappointed. So go ahead, take a break and treat yourself to a lunch that will leave you raving about Atlanta's best.

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Petit Chou

Highlights
Delicious coffee
Fresh and delicious food
Friendly atmosphere
Gluten-free options
Great Bloody Mary

Walking into Petit Chou, I was immediately captivated by the friendly atmosphere that welcomed me. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and attentiveness. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but notice the delicious aroma of coffee filling the air. I quickly ordered a cup, and it did not disappoint. The coffee was rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu at Petit Chou offers a plethora of choices, all made with fresh and delicious ingredients. From salads to sandwiches, there was something to satisfy every palate. I opted for one of their signature dishes, a gluten-free option, and it exceeded my expectations. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was simply stunning.

One highlight of the meal was the Bloody Mary. It was everything a Bloody Mary should be – spicy, flavorful, and served with a generous garnish. It was the perfect accompaniment to my lunch and added an extra kick of excitement to the experience.

In the end, my lunch at Petit Chou was an absolute delight. The delicious coffee, the fresh and delicious food, and the friendly atmosphere all combined to create a fantastic dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick bite during your lunch break or a leisurely lunch with friends, Petit Chou is an excellent choice. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in Atlanta!

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Bon Ton

Bon Ton in Atlanta is a hidden gem for lunch. The playful yet sophisticated menu offers a delicious fusion of Southern and Vietnamese flavors. From the crispy banh mi to the finger-licking crawfish etouffee, every bite is a flavor explosion. Don't miss the decadent beignets for dessert. Bon Ton deserves a spot on the list of Atlanta's best lunches.

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Murphy's Restaurant

Murphy's Restaurant in Atlanta is a gem for lunch enthusiasts like me. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of options, from hearty sandwiches to fresh salads. I couldn't resist their mouthwatering burger, cooked to perfection. The charming ambiance and friendly staff made this meal a delightful experience.

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Marlow's Tavern

I must say, Marlow's Tavern blew me away with their delightful lunch options! From their juicy burgers to their mouthwatering salads, every bite was a taste of heaven. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. Marlow's Tavern is definitely a hidden gem in Atlanta's lunch scene.

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Dakota Blue

Dakota Blue in Atlanta is a hidden gem for lunch-goers. With their playful menu and cozy atmosphere, this place doesn't disappoint. From the mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches to the flavorful vegetarian options, every bite is a delight. Don't miss their delicious homemade desserts – they're the cherry on top!

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Poor Calvin's

I had the pleasure of visiting Poor Calvin's in Atlanta, and boy was it a treat! The lunch options were divine and the flavors were out of this world. From their mouthwatering fusion dishes to their impeccable service, Poor Calvin's is a true gem in the heart of Atlanta's lunch scene. Don't miss out on this culinary delight!

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South City Kitchen Midtown

Lunch at South City Kitchen Midtown was an absolute delight! Southern dishes with a modern twist, like the crispy fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese, left me craving more. The friendly staff and charming ambiance made it a winner for the best lunch in Atlanta!

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Mary Mac's Tea Room

I must say, Mary Mac's Tea Room is a hidden gem that oozes southern charm. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warmth and nostalgia. The authentic ambiance transported me back in time, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.

The menu at Mary Mac's is like a love letter to comfort food. From fried chicken to collard greens, this place knows how to satisfy your cravings. I opted for the meatloaf plate which came with a side of mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, and a choice of vegetable. The portions were generous, leaving my taste buds and tummy delighted.

The highlight of my lunch experience had to be the southern hospitality. The staff at Mary Mac's Tea Room went above and beyond to make me feel like a part of their extended family. They were attentive, friendly, and always ready with a smile.

If you find yourself in Atlanta, don't miss the chance to try the amazing food and hospitality at Mary Mac's Tea Room. It's a place where tradition meets flavor, creating an unforgettable lunch experience that will leave you craving for more.

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Victory Sandwich Bar

Victory Sandwich Bar in Atlanta is the embodiment of a lunchtime victory! With their playful menu and killer sandwiches, this spot is a game-changer for lunch aficionados. The O.G. sandwich and Zombie cocktail? Absolute must-tries. Don't miss out on this victorious lunch option!

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Eats

Eats, nestled in the heart of Atlanta, is a charming lunch spot that left me drooling for more. From their mouthwatering jerk chicken to their finger-licking collard greens, Eats knows how to whip up a flavor explosion. The low-key atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to chow down on an unforgettable lunch. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!