Fancy That! The Best of Atlanta Fine Dining
UPDATED JULY 2023There is an underground battle occurring in the Atlanta food scene, and no one is talking about it. With new, unique fine dining concepts frequently opening across the city, it is clear to me - chefs and restaurateurs alike want to be positioned to get the first Michelin Star in the city. The Michelin Star, the highest honor a restaurant can receive, cements a restaurant and its chef as the creme de la creme, and so far, Atlanta has 0 Michellin Star restaurants. Not one!
As a lover of the Atlanta food scene, I know this city has a highly talented food industry, and food’s highest honor is bound to come to our city. Michelin Stars are awarded to the top restaurants in the world by the Michelin guide, which is created by the Michelin tire company. The honor of one Michelin star is given to restaurants that are “a very good restaurant in their category.” Two Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants with “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” And three Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants with “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
Currently, the Michelin Guide only considers American restaurants in certain regions - California, Illinois, Washington DC, California and Florida. But with so many fantastic Atlanta restaurants, they are bound to consider our region in the future. And every restaurant wants to be positioned to get that first star.
UPDATE: Michelin Finally Decides Atlanta Is Worthy of Its Coveted Dining Guide - https://atlanta.eater.com/2023/7/11/23790928/michelin-dining-guide-coming-atlanta
Below, are three local fine dining establishments that are at the top of their game, and who could be candidates for a future star. Check out details from my experiences, below, and let me know if you have a favorite restaurant on this list!
BACcHANALIA
If you are an Atlanta food lover, you’ve likely ventured to West Midtown for this staple in the Atlanta fine dining scene. Opened in 1993, Bachanalia was celebrated as Alanta’s finest restaurant for many years, and offers their traditional 4 course fine feast 7 days a week. I have dined here several times, and have NEVER been disappointed. Never. Featuring a modern-American menu, even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. My favorite dish (and the favorite of diners for years) is the crab fritter with thai essence. It is a plate of PERFECTION!
MUJO
Mujo is the new kid on the block, but feels like an old soul. This omikase style sushi restaurant opened in February 2022 on Howell Mill Rd. and is hidden behind a small door that you would miss if you didn’t know where you were going. Upon entering their space, you KNOW that the meal is about to be special. The 14 course omikase experience is limited to 6 seats at a time, and uses the freshest, most rare fish prepared by a master sushi chef. The meal began with a few starters like curried mussels and savory egg custard, and then led to 8 courses of nigiri style sushi, and ended with sesame ice cream with caramel and sweet potatoes for desert. This is some of the freshest fish that you will find in Atlanta, and a truly unique experience for sushi lovers.
GEORGIA BOY
When I heard that the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Georgia Boy was 16 COURSES, I was intrigued. When I heard the dining room is hidden behind a secret, hidden door in the back of it’s sister restaurant, Southern Belle, I HAD TO TRY IT. And boy, I was in for a treat. From the first course to the last, I have never had a more immersive food experience - each course was more imaginative than the last and this meal left me dreaming about it for days. The featured item this evening was locally grown sweet potatoes, and that flavor was the undercurrent of the meal. By far, my favorite dish was the quail with shaved apple, sweet potato ribbons and topped with the most delicate but decadent shaved truffle. It was a food DREAM on a plate!
These 3 restaurants are all so different and offer vastly contrasting menus. But what these restaurants have in common is their use of the best ingredients they can source to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. I cannot wait to see which restaurant in Atlanta gets the city’s first Michelin star.
UPDATE - I was told that I needed to take a stand and predict which one of these picks will get the first Michelin star. After a little thought, it’s an easy choice for me - it’s Georgia Boy. And I predict they will eventually get 3 stars. If Georgia Boy is not on your list of Michelin star competitors, it’s simply because you have never tried it. This 16 course feast is truly worthy of a special journey to Atlanta to experience this one-of-a-kind meal.
Have you dined at any of these restaurants? Do you have another favorite fine dining restaurant in the city? And who do you think will get the first Michelin star in the city? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!