Steak Shapiro has put together a meal-by-meal guide to 10 Buckhead restaurants you should try in 2016! These hidden gems may be new to you, but you can trust Steak to steer you in the right direction. He is our resident Buckhead foodie and host of Atlanta Eats with Mara Davis, a weekly TV and radio show.
Breakfast
Most Important Meal of the Day
Buttermilk Kitchen– This divine southern restaurant could fit in a couple categories, but a handful of signature breakfast items make Buttermilk Kitchen the ultimate Buckhead breakfast spot. Chef Suzanne Vizethann makes each item from scratch or purchases from local purveyors. The dish Atlanta Eaters crave the most? Her fried chicken biscuit smothered with pepper jelly. (Photography by Tina Rowden).
Brunch
It’s a Breakfast, It’s a Lunch…It’s Super Brunch
Café Jonah– Are you searching for that perfect Sunday brunch spot? How about all you can eat breakfast and brunch dishes that have been made with great ingredients and a lot of love? Jenny Levison brings her special touch to this cozy Buckhead house turned restaurant and offers up an impressive spread every week. (Enjoy before the end of this month, as Cafe Jonah will be closing the end of February 2016).
Lunch
I Never Bring My Lunch
Joy Cafe– Two words: Everything. Homemade. For incredibly tasty salads, sandwiches and great daily specials look no further than this unassuming Pharr Road favorite. Try the chicken salad on a bed of greens for a filling yet healthy meal, and if you’re hankering for something sweet do yourself a favor and order the Cookies and Milk Pie.
Coffee
Where Can I Get a Caffeine Fix?
Cookie Studio– Tucked behind one of Buckhead’s busiest intersections (Peachtree and Pharr Rd); lies a café serving up much more than scrumptious cookies. Cookie Studio also serves breakfast and lunch, desserts, dessert platters and an outrageously addicting Intelligentsia Coffee. Customers can’t get enough of Cookie Studio’s cups of Joe! Owner, Barbara claims she has to ship multiple orders of the Chicago coffee per week.
Tea Time
Southern Elegance meets timeless traditions.
The Swan Coach House- Vintage pink fabric wallpaper welcomes admiring guests as an opulent chandelier adorns the elegant dining area. Sterling mini muffin baskets are presented along with a fruit-infused spread which melts into the homemade zuchinni, banana, and blueberry breads. Their signature dish, The Swan’s Favorite, has two scoops of chicken salad inside heart-shaped cones accompanied by cheese straws and a slice of the refreshing frozen fruit salad. Most plates come garnished with fresh purple orchids, and there are always fresh roses from the backyard garden on each table. Did we mention the swan-shaped dessert?
Take the Kids
Not Just Kid-Friendly, Kid-Enthusiastic.
Shake Shack– This New York native is not only kid-tested, it’s kid-approved! There are options for even the pickiest eaters, from the new “Chicken Shack” for poultry purveyors to the “Shroom Burger” for vegetarians. Cheese fries are a must for kids and adults alike.
Take a Date
When You Want to Look Sophisticated
Pricci– There is no shortage of remarkable, high-end places to dine in Buckhead. But if you want to impress, Pricci will do just that. Nosh on great Italian and Modern American fare; highlights include the Osso Bucco and Pork chop, which are both great dishes to share with a date.
Take the Boss
When You Want to Look Professional
Hal’s– When it comes time to impress the boss and show him or her a great night you simply can never ever go wrong with a night at Hal’s on Old Ivy. With Hal cozied at the bar, this New Orleans themed steakhouse serves a filet better than any you’ve ever tasted. Mix in monster martinis and a piano player that rocks, and that promotion could be just around the corner.
After Work Cocktails
When You Want to Look Like Gatsby
Supply & Demand– With a swanky-sophisticated vibe, Supply & Demand is exclusive and upscale – they don’t even have a website. Stop by Monday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and dress to impress!
Dinner
Can’t Go Wrong Dinner
Saltyard– From small plates to signature drinks, Saltyard has gotten into the Buckhead groove after just over a year of business. Don’t confuse small plates with tapas- Saltyard’s selection includes more than just Spanish food! A couple must-orders: wild mushroom bruschetta, flash fried Brussels sprouts and their “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” signature cocktail.
This post was contributed by Steak Shapiro. Plenty of Buckhead dining inspiration can be found on Peachtree TV every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.!
