When you think of world-class dining, you don’t normally think of the suburbs. But the Alpharetta restaurants on this list are dining destinations that coax even city-folk to travel.
In addition to comfortable national and local chains, there are a host of chef-driven and family-owned restaurants in Alpharetta. that you don’t want to miss. Try inspired Southern cuisine, or experience a traditional steak house. Prefer Asian flavors or an Indian Restaurant? Alpharetta, Georgia has those too.
For progressive dining, there are four main dining hubs: For a hometown, Main Street feel, the Downtown Alpharetta restaurants are a perfect choice. Plus from April through October you can also take advantage of the abundance of shopping and seasonal events every week in the area. Avalon Alpharetta restaurants are extremely walkable, with plenty of upscale shopping and activities nearby. There are also some great choices of restaurants near North Point Mall (it’s not all fast food), and some restaurants along Windward Parkway are hidden gems.
So before you discount the dining scene beyond the big city, read through our list for the perfect culinary experience, no matter the occasion.
The * means you’ll find these establishments only in Awesome Alpharetta.
ICONIC ALPHARETTA RESTAURANT FAVORITES
SOUTH MAIN KITCHEN*
For a more relaxed date night that leaves you glad you came, head to the rooftop at South Main Kitchen overlooking downtown Alpharetta, GA, for a drink and the Brussels sprouts appetizer. Don’t like sprouts? You will after trying these. After dessert, you can enjoy a stroll through Main Street.
SECRETO SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR
A cool space with southern food favorites that doesn’t disappoint, so hang up the diet for tonight. Start off with the warm pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. It will loosen up your waistband for the main dish: southern fried chicken that will make you slap your mama. Top it all off with some warm carrot cake and you have a Southern evening to remember. Chances are, you’ll get a visit from Chef Boyd before the night is out, too.
RUMI’S KITCHEN
Spice up your date with a visit to Rumi’s for authentic Persian cuisine. The open kitchen gives the restaurant a lively atmosphere, and the food is stellar. Try the Barg and Koobideh with rice, or if you need something a little more familiar, the salmon is a great choice.
LAPEER STEAK & SEAFOOD*
This chef-inspired steak and seafood concept with a boutique coastal vibe is located in the heart of Historic downtown Alpharetta. Their menu includes only the finest cuts of beef, including prime, certified Angus, America Wagyu, and reserved dry-aged steaks. They also have seasonal dishes with a mix of classic yet innovative creations and some steakhouse staples.
VINNY’S ON WINDWARD*
One of the top restaurants on Windward Parkway for a special occasion, Vinny’s is a homegrown favorite owned by locals Chris and Michele Sedgwick. The fare is billed as California Italian and runs the gauntlet from wood-fired pizza to chicken scallopini.
NAHM FINE THAI CUISINE*
Where tradition inspires innovation, Nahm Thai is a unique Thai restaurant with beautiful inside decor, and a Patio on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta offers a glimpse of traditional Thai culture, where balance and harmony come together in a relaxing, elegant atmosphere.
FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH
CABERNET STEAKHOUSE*
Cabernet is a Zagat-rated traditional white tablecloth steak house that is a favorite on Open Table. One of the top Alpharetta steak restaurants, Cabernet also has an impressive wine list and liquor menu. The exemplary service means it’s a good place to entrust with your most special of occasions.
FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL
A solid corporate-owned chain that sits in a shopping center across from the Avalon restaurants. Chef/owner Donte Youmans cooks up American classics with wide appeal. This is a popular lunch spot, so get there early. Their menu includes hand-cut, aged steaks, fresh seafood, or specialty crafted cocktails and select wines.
SUPERICA
Chef Kevin Maxey and Ford Fry deliver in Alpharetta at Avalon with Superica. The yummy southwestern fare is perfect for a relaxed date or family-friendly affair. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
CRUST PASTA AND PIZZERIA*
Not your average pizza joint, Crust has a more upscale feel, perfect for when you want something nice but casual. In addition to pizza, they also serve pasta, salads, and crustwiches – served on the pizza crust bread.
THE CAPE RESTAURANT & BEACH BAR
A chic coastal dining restaurant inspired by cuisine & wines from Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape’s all-day menu highlights the bold and global flavors and spices that are synonymous with South African cuisine. Signature dishes include a Whole Red Snapper, served fried and topped off with pickled pico de gallo alongside a sweet cilantro coconut sauce and peri-peri sauce; Pan-Seared Halibut dressed with a red butter curry sauce over sautéed broccolini and coconut rice; Tuna Tataki prepared with seared ahi tuna, avocado, jalapeño and cucumber served over a crispy rice paper alongside house-made ponzu sauce; and Ostrich Sliders that pair deliciously with the house fries.
LUNCH WITH FRIENDS
JERUSALEM BAKERY & GRILL*
A locally-owned gem, Jerusalem Bakery & Grill isn’t necessarily the first place you think of for vegan restaurants in Alpharetta, but they have many vegan options. I have a friend that can’t stop talking about hummus. A perfectly healthy lunch spot, there is also a middle eastern grocery attached so you can take some freshly made fluffy pita and that house-made hummus home for later.
CEVICHE TAQUERIA & MARGARITA BAR
Ceviche is Alpharetta’s casual, locally-owned Mexican eatery. The mainstay order here is the fish tacos, which you can get for only $2 on Taco Tuesday. Beyond tacos, you can’t go wrong with Elsa’s chicken enchiladas Verde, washed down with a handmade margarita.
MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY
They had me at ‘biscuit’, but they kept me coming back with an impressive variety of flavors from sweet to savory stuffed between those fluffy scratch made puffs of heaven. I mean we have breakfast for dinner, why not for lunch too.
A CASUAL EVENING WITH THE GIRLS (OR THE GUYS)
COALITION FOOD & BEVERAGE*
Coalition Food and Beverage offers a place for families and neighbors to gather for a common purpose: enjoying expressive, chef-driven American cuisine, carefully crafted drinks, warm hospitality, and the spirited companionship of your guests. Our menu pick here: the Blackened Tuna Burger. It’s made with wasabi ginger aioli, marinated cucumber, onion, radish, and carrots, on a milk bun.
ANTICO NAPOLETANA PIZZA
It’s awesome when you can bring some in town favorites to the north side of town. This location of Antico is part of the Avalon Alpharetta restaurants. I love the communal tables and of course the crisp Naples-style pizza. My favorite is the Margherita. And did we mention Antico is routinely rated as one of the best pizzas in the world? Yes, I said the world.
SALT FACTORY PUB
You can’t go wrong at this casual American gastropub located in the downtown Alpharetta restaurants district. Mussels are a favorite appetizer, and the burger is a specialty. And the beer selection, let’s say you can choose between 50 different drafts or bottled brews.
PAPPADEAUX
Come hungry for their humongous cajun seafood concoctions. You can’t go wrong with their crab legs dripping with butter and the mason jar banana pudding for dessert. There may be a wait, but it’s worth it!
TOP RESTAURANT IN ALPHARETTA FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH
THE NEST CAFE*
Get your morning jolt with a specialty coffee, made from local Atlanta roasters Batdorf and Bronson. But you can’t live on coffee alone (no, you can’t) so get the California croissant, or if you prefer lunch, the turkey and brie panini. And they have a dog-friendly patio too!
TOP RESTAURANTS FOR A COCKTAIL
RESTAURANT HOLMES*
The first restaurant to open at Alpharetta City Center, Restaurant Holmes is a neighborhood establishment owned and operated by Chef Taylor Neary (recently of Marcel and St. Cecilia). The eclectic American menu changes often, so if you like something, go back soon for more. Top off every meal with seasonal soft-serve ice cream made in-house.
FLATLANDS BOURBON & BAYOU*
You can’t go wrong with a glass of bourbon from the Voodoo Bar. They have standard brands like Jim Beam to finer pours like Angels Envy, voted by Liquor Magazine as bourbons best high roller. This downtown Alpharetta restaurant is located in an old house, and the cajun vibe is evident throughout. From the alligator that greets you on the porch to the catfish Pontchartrain on the menu.
BARLEYGARDEN KITCHEN & CRAFT BAR*
Maybe switch your usual cocktail for a beer from their impressive brew options when you visit Barleygarden Kitchen. Whatever you choose, it tastes better with the hot pretzels and the rooftop view.
COLLETTA RESTAURANT*
Yes, the food at Colletta Italian Food & Wine is delicious (you have to try the meatballs), but what we love about this Avalon Alpharetta restaurant is sitting at the bar for fancy drinks (think dry ice on Halloween!)
WHERE TO BRING THE KIDS
SMOKEJACK BBQ*
You can’t mention restaurants in any Southern town without mentioning a south city kitchen BBQ joint. Smokejack has an award-winning barbeque, made from scratch daily, and a decent craft beer selection. My suggestion, however, is the smoked sliced beef brisket. My mouth is watering as I type. I like to load up on the meat, but if you are a sides person, get the mac and cheese.
CAMPANIA
You can’t go wrong crisp wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made with freshly imported ingredients. Oh, and do save room for the limoncello cake. You are welcome.
CHIRINGA
Everything is better at the beach, right? Now there’s no need to leave Alpharetta to catch that beachy vibe. Chiringa is a casual counter-service dining experience offering clean proteins, fresh fish, and a full-bar including fresh-squeezed juices. The open-air setting provides a terrific gathering spot that is super chill and relaxing. Want to be wowed? Try the Dole Whip soft serve.
TRUE FOOD KITCHEN
Clean food that tastes amazing! It can be done. Seasonally-inspired. Locally sourced. You will rethink what “healthy” should taste like after coming to True Food Kitchen.
TOP IT ALL OFF WITH SOME AMAZING DESSERT
SCREAM’N’NUTS*
What’s better than a scoop of ice cream? How about a scoop sandwiched between two yeast-raised donuts and drizzled with toppings? Choose between some seriously weird flavors, too -Doritos ice cream? Charcoal ice cream? Yup. Taste them all if you like. And everything at Scream ‘n Nuts is made in-house, from the donuts to the ice cream.
CAFE INTERMEZZO
We used to go to the old location on Peachtree Road, and I’d just stare into the cases, mouth watering for pretty much EVERYTHING. The perfect dessert stop is located in Avalon Alpharetta. Bring a friend, that way, you can split two desserts. Oh, and I hear some people come for the coffee, latte, and espresso too.
JENI’S ICE CREAM
You can’t go wrong with Jeni’s, the perfect break after (or maybe before) a day of serious shopping at Avalon.
ALPINE BAKERY
Because whenever I go to a restaurant, I always look at the dessert menu first. This New York-style bakery is the real deal. If you aren’t sure what to get, I suggest the snicker cannoli. And the food is good too, so bonus.
CRAVE PIE STUDIO
Because you can’t really go wrong with a handmade pie, add Crave Pie Studio to your Alpharetta ‘must try’ list. All of their pies are made from scratch using the finest ingredients available. Maple Bacon? Lemon Chess? Peanut Butter Cream? The options are endless. (Seriously. They can create a concoction just for you!) Also look for quiche, pot pies, frozen pie crusts, and coffee.
ALPHARETTA FAQ
What is Alpharetta known for?
Alpharetta is the 12th most populated city in the state of Georgia. It’s also known as the Technology City of the South because of the number of tech-focused companies that call Alpharetta home.
What are Alpharetta’s top attractions?
Some of Alpharetta’s top attractions are The Avalon, for unique shopping and events, Big Creek Greenway, for outdoor enthusiasts, and Willis Park and Recreation Area.
What movies were filmed in Alpharetta?
Several movies have been filmed in Alpharetta. Some of them include the horror thriller, Freaky, The Change-Up, Sully, and Mother’s Day with Georgia born, Julia Roberts.
WHERE TO STAY IN ALPHARETTA
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO ALPHARETTA:
- THINGS TO DO: 39 Things to Do in Alpharetta Ga That We’re Obsessed With
- ALPHARETTA SHOPPING: 25+ Unique Alpharetta Shopping Experiences We Love
- MATILDA’S: Music Under the Pines Is Perfect Family Fun
- ATL RESTAURANTS: What’s The Most Expensive Restaurant In Atlanta?
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