There’s already a ton of good food in Atlanta, but – as with many businesses this year – the pandemic has taken its toll and several have had to shut their doors. Fortuitously, with such a hot market, Atlanta has attracted many restaurants looking to bring their flavors to the culinary scene. Though some had to wait a few months, this robust group of eateries have all opened successfully in 2020. Check out the best new restaurants in Atlanta for 2020 to see what this year has brought our way.
Yebo Beach Haus – South African – Buckhead
Not so much brand-new, as newly located, this restaurant features South African flavors with New American cuisine in combos like ostrich sliders and Peri-Peri prawn tacos. This restaurant is part of the hospitality group True Story Brands, a creation of South African native, Justin Anthony. The group’s other restaurants include Biltong Bar and 10 Degrees South. There is also a winter pop-up planned here as Yebo Ski Haus – reminiscent of a ski lodge with a matching menu.
Address: 56 E. Andrews Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30305
Good Morning Breakfast Bar – Old Fourth Ward
For late nights out, this restaurant is seeking to bring a more robust option to the munchie market with an 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. all-breakfast menu. Good Morning Breakfast Bar is restaurateur Dennis McKinley’s latest venture in Edgewood. He hopes the nighttime eats will complement the area’s vibrant nightlife.
Address: 367 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta GA 30312
Woodward & Park – Local Flavors – Grant Park
For more than two years, Grant Park residents have anticipated this new spot which finally opened on September 11. Woodward & Park’s menu is a culinary mix with fresh-sourced local ingredients like Springer Mountain Chicken. Other features include Blondie banana pudding and a Korean pork Philly. The restaurant promises to feature daily specials and rotating vegan options as well.
Address: 519 Memorial Drive, SE Atlanta, GA 30312
Chi Chi – Vegan Taco Shop – Reynoldstown
Dedicated vegans will delight in the September addition to Reynoldstown’s One Moreland development, Chi Chi. It’s a vegan taco shop and purports to be “Atlanta’s first and only 100 percent plant-based taqueria.” The dining room is small, but they’re also offering takeout and delivery for lunch and dinner.
Address: 1 Moreland Ave. SE, Ste. F, Atlanta, GA 30316
Yumbii – Fusion Taqueria – Toco Hills
From a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location, this fusion taco shop is winning over new fans with its now stationary location in Toco Hills. Now open for lunch and dinner daily, fan’s can get favorites like tacos and sesame fries while also indulging in new options like build-your-own salads. Yumbii offers a covered patio and a diverse food menu for takeout, dining in or delivery.
Address: 2907 N Druid Hills Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30329
Stoner’s Pizza Joint – Pizza – The Mix GSU Student Apartments
Already a favorite across the Southeast, Stoner’s Pizza Joint has opened its newest location in the Georgia State University student apartment building, The Mix. It’s a combo location with the building’s Dunkin’ Donuts, so you can also grab an iced coffee with your pizza. Happy customers love the flavor, price and selection of pizza and salads offered by Stoner’s.
Address: 120 Piedmont Ave, St. C Atlanta, GA 30303
Thrill Korean Steak and Bar – Korean BBQ – Sandy Springs
Atlanta is well versed in Korean cuisine with one of the country’s largest Korean populations, but that also means there’s a high demand for Korean fare. Another Korean restaurant hit the scene this year – Thrill. It’s an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue spot, and its opening was delayed by the pandemic. Since August, however, they’ve been in business in Sandy Springs, and customers are loving what they have to offer. Try the Chadol baegi, a Korean thinly shaved beef brisket quickly grilled and served with a sesame oil, salt and pepper dipping sauce.
Address: 5958 Roswell Rd Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Grub Fresh Bowls and Wraps – Healthy – Hapeville
Creator Philip Jones opened Grub Fresh Bowls and Wraps to sate his own desire for a healthy and fast option for dining in the Hapeville area. This collaboration with Chef Kelley Hicks brings customers bowl and wrap options that change seasonally and are made in-house from scratch and with fresh ingredients.
Address: 876 Virginia Ave; Suite B Hapeville, GA 30354
Slim and Husky’s Pizza Beeria – Pizza – Adair Park
For co-owner Derrick Moore, opening this restaurant on Juneteenth was an important tribute to the Black community by celebrating this important day marking the end of slavery. This pizza and beer restaurant has its original location in Tennessee, and its prime focus (outside of providing delicious food) is building up the African American community.
Address: 1016 Howell Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30318
Pokéworks – Fast Casual Hawaiian – Cumberland
With 56 locations across the United States and Mexico, Pokéworks is no startup. But Cumberland residents are the latest to enjoy this Hawaiian-style poké-focused eatery. It offers custom bowls with signature sauces where customers can combine their choice of fish, veggies and garnishes. There are also unique proteins for a poké shop including chicken, shrimp and tofu.
Address: 2980 Cobb Parkway Ste 172, Atlanta, GA 30339
Brown Bag Seafood Co. – Sustainable Seafood – Colony Square
All the way from Chicago, Brown Bag Seafood Co. brings its first outpost to Atlanta since opening in the Windy City in 2014. Restaurateur Donna Lee has kept a mostly-seafood menu while adding some local and regional offerings too. Colony Square visitors are already enjoying the change of pace for the area and the lobster roll has been particularly well-received.
Address: 1197 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30361
Cheba Hut – Fast Casual Subs – Signature West Midtown
A unique concept, for sure, Cheba Hut is a sub shop with a cannabis-inspired menu. They have plans to also host live entertainment in the future. With locations already in Arizona, Colorado, California, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin, Atlanta is their first dip into the Southeastern market. They offer toasted sub sandwiches with some signatures like the White Widow (a grilled chicken, ranch, mushroom, bacon and provolone sub) and local specialties as well. Their dips are made in-house, and their desserts are prepared fresh daily.
Address: 800 Marietta St Atlanta, GA 30318
Many of these restaurants had plans to open earlier this year, but the pandemic forced those plans to change. Fortunately, all of the restaurants on this list have been able to open their Atlanta-area doors in 2020. If you’re looking for the best new restaurants in Atlanta and want to try something new, check out one of these fresh options.
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