10 Fancy Atlanta Restaurants That Are Worth the Splurge

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published October 23, 2020 and last updated February 9, 2022. 

We love a great, cheap eat just as much as anyone but there are also Atlanta restaurants that are absolutely worth the splurge. You might have to open up your wallet a little wider for these meals, but these Atlanta restaurants are totally worth it for your next special occasion or if you’re just feeling fancy!

Lazy Betty is a newer gem to the Atlanta dining scene that pays exquisite attention to every detail of the dining experience. Chef Ron Hsu’s tasting menu concept serves dishes that are every bit as delicious as they look. Their open kitchen lets you get a peek in at all the action, or sit in their dining room for an intimate meal.  A James Beard semi-finalist, Lazy Betty has just launched their new seasonal fall menu, available in 6-courses or 8-courses, with vegetarian options as well. 

Tucked away by the Beltline is famed chef and restaurateur Kevin Rathbun’s namesake steakhouse, who’s serving up steak that’s a cut above the rest. Perfect for an intimate date night, Kevin Rathbun Steak features fantastic offerings like Japanese BBQ Wagyu Short Rib Skewers, Seared Foie Gras, and a Dry Aged Cowboy Ribeye.

Nestled in the St. Regis is fabulous Atlas, which celebrates the best of seasonal American cuisine with additional European touches. The decor is breathtakingly elegant, the plating of each dish is immaculate, and their sommelier will help you find the perfect pairing. Atlas’ new culinary director has redesigned their 7 course chef’s tasting menu that features mouthwatering items like hand dived scallops, seabass, and lobster–so there’s something new and interesting to discover even if you’ve been before!

It’s a special night if it begins at Umi, a favorite in Atlanta for their sexy atmosphere and fresh sushi. The cocktails are also impeccable, and for dessert you absolutely have to order the ultra fluffy green tea souffle, served piping hot and with a perfectly matcha-y hot sauce. They’ve got social distancing measures in place as well as a new, elegant covered patio.

At Chops, each outing is more than just your average meal. Each Chops classic creation speaks about its rich Atlanta tradition. For years, Chops has been the place to go for special occasions, meetings, and for the best steak and lobster in town. Visit the Lobster Bar when you’re in the mood for seafood, or sit in the main dining room for a tender, juicy piece of steak, Chops has it all! They are temporarily closed making repairs, but they should be back in action soon. 

The hype is real! This wildly talked about Buckhead newcomer is a gem. Intimate and elegant, French inspired restaurant Lucian Books and Wine is definitely a splurge but the attention to detail paid in every dish is evident with each bite. Their caviar topped omelette is the only way we want to eat eggs now, and the truffle fries are a must (and also a heftier portion for a place where the portion sizes can be tre petite). Plus, they have an extensive wine list and tons of fabulous cocktails to choose from.

There’s no shortage of fantastic steakhouses in Atlanta, but don’t forget about Marcel in West Midtown. The restaurant has one of the sexiest interiors in the city, making the splurge totally worth it time after time. The lobster risotto is heaven in your mouth, and the baked Alaska is a true showstopper.

This James Beard award winning spot in Atlanta by Chefs/Owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison has a simple but approachable, prix fixe four-course menu. The space is absolutely gorgeous, with seasonal contemporary American cuisine made from ingredients sourced fresh and organic from the owners’ farm, Summerland. You can also get Bacchanalia for a Valentine’s Day feast at home at this time if you’re more comfortable staying in. Fun fact, Bacchanalia was also featured on Season 1 of the hit Netflix show Queer Eye!

Dimly lit and timeless, Bones is truly a five-star experience. Every sizzling steak that waltzes out of the Bones’ kitchen is tender and delicious. One of the “go-to” longstanding establishments in the city, Bones’ lives by “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The service is always impeccable, and the sides are positively mouthwatering. Try the lobster bisque!

Every trip to Gunshow is a new experience. Celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie takes the fun of dim sum dining and makes it high end, so you’ll sit back and relax and choose from the menu items rolling through the dining room on carts. Their menu currently includes an eclectic collection of old fashioned banana pudding, kimchi mussel pancake, beef cheek pastrami and crispy pork belly.

For more high end dining experiences, check out our Romantic Restaurants Blog post!

Lazy Betty

Kevin Rathbun Steak

Atlas

Umi

Chops Lobster Bar

King & Duke

Marcel

Bacchanalia

Bones

Gunshow

Lazy Betty

Kevin Rathbun Steak

Atlas

Umi

Chops Lobster Bar

King & Duke

Marcel

Bacchanalia

Bones

Gunshow