Food and Dining

Credit: Courtesy of the Irish Exit

A New York-based Irish bar is headed to Atlanta’s Centennial Yards

The hospitality group behind the internationally acclaimed bar the Dead Rabbit is bringing its new concept, the Irish Exit, to downtown Atlanta.

Credit: Natrice Miller

Atlanta kava bars offer island culture, alcohol-free social spaces

Kava bars have a growing presence, including in Atlanta. Some focus on the cultural and traditional benefits, while others offer kava to enjoy while socializing and relaxing.

Credit: Handout

The AJC’s 10 best new restaurants of 2025

AJC dining critics reviewed and rated more than 30 restaurants in 2025 while visiting many more. These 10 stood out as the best new restaurants of the year.

Credit: Handout

Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Credit: Courtesy of Lewis Barbecue

Central Texas-style barbecue compound opens on the Northeast Beltline

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis will open his Central Texas-style restaurant Lewis Barbecue in Ansley Mall on Dec. 8.

Credit: Handout

African print aprons, jumbo candy canes and more Southern-made products to try

December's mix of Southern-made food and kitchen products includes cheesecake dip mixes, ranch dressing in salt form and tea blends from Marietta, Georgia.

Credit: Angela Hansberger

4 standout dishes to try in December

From sashimi to mango shrimp, explore four standout dishes at Atlanta-area restaurants this December.

Openings & Closings

A New York-based Irish bar is headed to Atlanta’s Centennial Yards

The hospitality group behind the internationally acclaimed bar the Dead Rabbit is bringing its new concept, the Irish Exit, to downtown Atlanta.

Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Central Texas-style barbecue compound opens on the Northeast Beltline

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis will open his Central Texas-style restaurant Lewis Barbecue in Ansley Mall on Dec. 8.

Food & Drink

Credit: Aaliyah Man

RECIPE

Make flavor-packed chickpea stew in minutes

When the heat comes on, it's time to make stew. Here’s a quick and nutritious recipe for a hearty, comforting vegetarian version starring chickpeas.

Credit: Aaliyah Man

RECIPE

Pendolino’s meatball recipe is ‘loved by all’

Chef Kevin Maxey has been making this Pendolino favorite for 25 years.

Credit: Courtesy of Union Square & Co., an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group/Linda Xiao

RECIPES

Homemade snacks make informal entertaining easy

Take inspiration for setting out an informal holiday spread from two cookbooks: one influenced by Italian culture and another grounded in French culture.

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All dining content

Credit: Handout

The Darling Oyster Bar opens new location in Savannah and more from the coastal dining scene

Peek inside the Darling Oyster Bar's second location now open in Savannah, learn about one of Georgia's historic businesses and more in December's coastal dining dispatch.

Credit: CHRIS HUNT

NFA Burger at Avalon offers 1 table a night that benefits Giving Kitchen

The new full-service NFA Burger at Avalon has one table each day set aside where the reservation fee goes directly to owner Billy Kramer's favorite nonprofit, Giving Kitchen.

Credit: CHRIS HUNT

RESTAURANT REVIEW

NFA Burger’s full-service Avalon restaurant chases fast-food perfection

NFA Burger at Avalon in Alpharetta opened in May. Much like the burger itself, the restaurant is a study in simplicity and exactitude.

Credit: Aaliyah Man

RECIPE

Make flavor-packed chickpea stew in minutes

When the heat comes on, it's time to make stew. Here’s a quick and nutritious recipe for a hearty, comforting vegetarian version starring chickpeas.

Credit: Aaliyah Man

RECIPE

Pendolino’s meatball recipe is ‘loved by all’

Chef Kevin Maxey has been making this Pendolino favorite for 25 years.

Alma Cocina to close in Buckhead this month after 6 years

Fifth Group restaurants will close its second restaurant this year: Alma Cocina's Buckhead location follows the closure of Lure in Midtown.

Credit: Henri Hollis

Raging Burrito sold to new owners after nearly 30 years on Decatur Square

The co-owners behind Decatur Square mainstay Raging Burrito & Taco have sold the restaurant to a group of local investors.

Credit: Handout

12 cookbooks to brighten your holidays and beyond

Make your holiday season bright with 12 cookbooks featuring simple, resourceful recipes and entertaining ideas.

Credit: Courtesy of Union Square & Co., an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group/Linda Xiao

RECIPES

Homemade snacks make informal entertaining easy

Take inspiration for setting out an informal holiday spread from two cookbooks: one influenced by Italian culture and another grounded in French culture.

Credit: Handout

MADE IN GEORGIA

How a Christmas movie inspired a reluctant baker to sell ‘yamalicious’ treats

A love of sweet potatoes and inspiration from a Christmas movie inspired Mableton resident Karen Ervin to found Yams Foods.