Atlanta is definitely a foodies city and it’s no wonder, we are home to some of the best restaurants and chefs. Unique cuisines and pairings abound in this food mecca. Whether you’re craving something fancy and high-end or just a regular everyday spot, Atlanta has you covered. And now it’s official! 5 Atlanta restaurants have become semi-finalists for The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award! Check out these five spots below
1. Ticonderoga Club – Hospitality
This quirky little hot spot located on Krog St. gained notoriety for its amazing hospitality. I mean we shouldn’t be shocked because it’s in the South, but! It takes something really special to make it onto this list and Ticonderoga Club nailed it. In addition to amazing service and hospitality guests will also enjoy filling dishes such as shrimp chips, Bali burgers, and Jasmin rice bowls. Of course, they offer more options for the guest, so be sure to check out all of what they have to offer.
Note: They are temporarily closed and housed in Bread & Butterfly in Inman park, due to an unfortunate flood they had in December.
2. Lyla Lila – Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
This Southern European restaurant in Midtown has been recognized for its delicious wines and cocktails! This is indeed an awesome feat as there are so many other options that could have been considered. Lyla Lila provides such a unique experience for those who truly enjoy libations! They describe their drink menu as an “adventure of sorts” and it absolutely is! They have something for everyone. Mocktails, regular cocktails, and an extensive wine list that they encourage patrons to ask about.
3. Lazy Betty – Best Chef: Southeast
Ronald Hsu of Lazy Betty has been tapped on the shoulder for his amazing curated menu at Lazy Betty. Located off of Dekalb Ave, this cute and swanky restaurant doesn’t just have good vibes, but good food! Guests are met with a swanky bar and rich color schemes. Lazy Betty curates a 6-course tasting menu for its guests to enjoy. What’s even better is that for nonmeat eaters they also provide a 6 or 8-course Vegetarian meal.
4. Heirloom Market BBQ – Best Chef: Southeast
Chefs Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor have really taken southern bbq to the next level which is no wonder why they are also semi-finalists for this prestigious award. Small but mighty is the perfect description for this quaint soul food location. Both chefs desire to keep the ingredients simple, and fresh, but tasty which is why their bbq has been voted some of the best in GA. Between their brisket, spicy Korean pork, and their pulled chicken you are bound to come back for more.
5. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours – Best Chef: Southeast
Deborah VanTrece has carved out a huge name for herself as well as her restaurant Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours. Committed to creating award-winning soul food VanTrece has some of the best-voted southern cooking in Atlanta. Guests enjoy anything from Braised Short Beef Cannoli, Southern Fried Chicken, and Brown Stew Chicken Wings. VanTrece’s cooking garnered so much praise that she released her own cookbook in 2021. If you’re not drooling already, you are bound to now!
Be sure to check out any of these spots to see why they’ve been getting the praise they deserve!