Dining

A patio in Sylvan Hills is now home to a colorful market and casual eatery that shines in its simplicity. After years of feeding Georgia State students at their downtown restaurant, Buenos Dias Cafe, Jeannette Flores-Katz and her husband, Ken Katz, opened La Bodega Market & Pupuseria to meet a need they saw for fresh food in the South Atlanta neighborhood.

Aria has all the right ingredients: an experienced kitchen, a talented front of house, and a loyal audience willing to pay for the experience. What it currently lacks is a clear sense of risk. That could be the natural tension of a restaurant in transition that’s trying to respect its legacy while daring to redefine it. But Atlanta doesn’t need another temple to nostalgia. It requires restaurants that reflect our current state. Aria could do that—if it just got the nerve.

Step into Buddy Buddy in Midtown’s Promenade, and you’re immediately enveloped in the kind of warm, familiar embrace that only true friendship (and truly good food) can create. This isn’t just another bar; it’s a testament to the enduring bond between Atlanta bartenders. Proprietor Nick Chaivarlis’s decades of shaking and stirring across the city are now reflected in every corner of this new spot: a bar helmed by veteran bartending buddies.

Welcome the new year with this trio of comfort-food–inspired hors d’oeuvres that are big on flavor and easy to prepare. Za’atar White Bean Dip, Apple Butter Roast Pork Tenderloin Crostini, and Broccoli Cheese Bites—resolutions will be easy to keep when they taste like this. Bon appétit, y’all!

Among Summerhill’s newest openings, Psito (pronounced “SEE-tow”) brings a fresh Greek sensibility to the neighborhood, courtesy of Birmingham-based Pihakis Restaurant Group (which also owns Hero Doughnuts & Buns down the street). The group has transformed the space into a bright, breezy fast-casual hangout with one of the best patios on this strip of Georgia Avenue.

We asked six top local chefs to share the Atlanta dish they wish they created. Robert Butts, chef/co-owner of Auburn Angel, said: “Miss Ann’s Ghetto Burger [from Ann’s Snack Bar in Kirkwood] was an Atlanta classic. The shack closed years ago, but this burger still stands the test of time to Atlanta natives.”

From smashburgers to mapo tofu pork dumplings, these 10 dishes reveal how Atlanta is still evolving and always hungry for more.

Rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions and shaped by Spanish influence, Mexican candies are a flavor- and history-packed treat. While you’ll find these candies at many Mexican markets in Atlanta, Buford Highway is the mother lode. Stop by Buford Highway Farmers Market for bags of Mexican candy, or visit Dulce Fiesta & Party Rentals’ stall at Plaza Fiesta to grab a selection of individual treats.

Ice is the unsung hero of a fine bar program, its subtle influence often taken for granted. But not by Jeff Banks, Atlanta’s iceman. A former bartender himself, Banks now dedicates his days to his ice company, King Cube. He makes and delivers pristine, oversized, clear-cut cubes to 120 bars and restaurants across the city. 

Ryokou, a new kappo-style restaurant in Adair Park is owned by chef Leonard Yu who also owns Omakase Table. The restaurant builds its identity by sharing its passion for knowledge and exploration. It doesn’t try to outdo its peers, and it is not about chef worship. It’s more like hanging out with a friend who is a total nerd about Japanese food and wants to tell you about it while feeding you.