Most Unique Dining Experiences in Atlanta (2024)

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published November 25, 2020 and last updated July 29, 2022.

Sometimes, half of the fun of eating out is in the experience and presentation, and these restaurants in and around Atlanta absolutely deliver on both of those fronts. Here’s our updated list of unique dining experiences around Atlanta.

1.The Third Door

131 Church St, Marietta, GA 30060

Speakeasies are always fun, and the Third Door is no exception. But what makes this place especially unique is that it’s built in a beautifully restored 1920s gas station. You’ll love all the vintage touches, from the velvet curtains, vintage paintings, and 14-foot polished wood bars. There’s currently no food on the menu, but the co*cktails are wonderfully inventive and it’s the perfect place to stop by before dinner in Marietta Square.

2.The Consulate

10 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

This Midtown spot is seriously underrated. They’ve got over-the-top gorgeous and glam interiors, but what makes this place so special is their rotating “Visa” menu of global cuisine. Every 3 months, they revamp the menus to feature new dishes from a new country. Currently, Australian cuisine is featured with dishes like Shrimp on the Barbie, Tasmanian stew, and Aussie burgers.

3. Kamayan ATL

5150 Buford Hwy NE Suite A230, Doraville, GA 30340

Kamayan ATL have been making a name for themselves with pop-ups all over the city of Filipino fusion dishes and most notably, their Kamayan style feasts. Kamayan means “with hands” in Filipino, and at their feasts, you’ll be able to gorge on tons of delicious Filipino comfort food. The menu is constantly changing, but ube, a purple yam popular in the Philippines, and flavorful baos seem to be mainstays on the menu. Follow them on Instagram to see where they’re headed next!

4. Tannery Row Ale House

554 W Main St, Buford, GA 30518

This place is truly something. The food is phenomenal, first of all–whatever you do, make sure you order the sriracha ribs and the bacon and peanut butter appetizer–but then there’s also so much more to the space. And literally, so much space–36,000 square feet of it! Tannery Row Ale House in Buford, GA is part event-space, part bar, part restaurant, part Artist’s Colony, and part concert venue. There’s tons of fun arcade games, a 17 foot by 11 foot television to watch your favorite team, a vintage car just plopped at the restaurant opening, and tons of great country and singer-songwriter acts always hitting the stage. Check them out sometime!

5. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

6035 Peachtree Rd Unit A107-A110, Doraville, GA 30360

Feel like you’ve stepped into Tokyo when you try Kura Sushi! Pluck a dish straight from the revolving conveyor belt, or order your favorite items from the touchpad if you want to cut to the chase. At just over $2 per plate, Kura is also a budget friendly option. If you order 15 plates, you’ll also receive a little toy as a treat!

6.Gunshow

924 Garrett St, Atlanta, GA 30316

Every trip to Gunshow is a new experience. Famed chef Kevin Gillespie takes the fun of dim sum dining and makes it high end, so you’ll sit back and relax and choose from the menu items rolling through the dining room on carts. However, due to COVID-19, the experience is a little different these days with a fixed price menu that’s every bit as delicious. Their menu currently includes an eclectic collection of old fashioned banana pudding, kimchi mussel pancake, beef cheek pastrami and crispy pork belly.

7. R. Thomas Grille

1812 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

“What a strange place. I loved it though,” is what one Yelp reviewer wrote about R. Thomas Grille, and that sentiment pretty much sums up this beloved spot. The interiors are delightfully colorful and look like a hippie aunt decorated it, and there’s tons of parrots and exotic birds outside. They’re open super late so they’re great for a bite to eat after a night out. There’s plenty of healthy-ish foods and vegetarian options to choose from.

8. Polaris

265 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303

Polaris is a rotating restaurant at the top of the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel so that you can take in a 360 degree view of downtown. Sure, it’s a little tourist-y, but it’s not everyday you can eat in a restaurant that spins! Go for co*cktails or dine-in for an elevated dining experience. They’re closed for dine-in at this time due to COVID-19, but they’re potentially available for private events.

9. Cubano’s

6450 Roswell Rd C, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

A cute-as-a-button Cuban sandwich spot has set up shop in Sandy Springs. And what makes this place especially unique is that it operates out of a commercialized tiny home in a parking lot! Cubanos ATL’s menu is small but flavorful, with authentic Cuban sandwiches using old family recipes plus coffee that packs a punch.

10. Battle & Brew

5920 Roswell Rd a120, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Combine your love of all things gaming with a great menu of unpretentious bar food favorites. You can hunker down at one of their PCs, rent out a couch and console, or play a board game with some friends. Share a plate of their “dragon talons” (chicken fingers) with your friends, and be impressed with the wide selection of games to choose from.

11. One Flew South

670 DeKalb Ave NE Suite 102, Atlanta, GA 30312

Hartsfield Jackson is built different. Most airports are stressful, sweaty, and undesirable places to be with dining options that range from Quizno’s to another Quizno’s. But One Flew South has been delighting Atlanta out and inbound travelers for years with their globally inspired and world-renowned menu. And now, they’ve opened up a location on the Beltline so you can try their cuisine at any time and not just before your flight out. What makes them unique is their insane combinations of flavors, from hot chicken and mochi waffles to bourbon miso black cod with collard green kimchi. It’s an insane gastronomic experience that’ll delight every tastebud.

12. The Garden Room

88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW At Buckhead Plaza Atlanta, GA 30305

Greenery, plants, and florals are having a moment in both our homes and Atlanta restaurants, but nowhere else in the city is doing it quite like the Garden Room. The interiors are absolutely stunning–a beautiful and lush floral oasis–and totally instagrammable. Make a reservation in advance for co*cktails or dinner, or book their pricey Sunday brunch ($100 minimum spend per person) for a splurge.

13. LIPS Atlanta

3011 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

You’ll truly have a meal to remember at LIPS Atlanta drag + dining show! You’ll be totally wowed by all the drag performers, and be sure to bring lots of dollar bills to tip. It’s also great for brunch which includes two pitchers of mimosas or bloody marys. It’s perfect for a Bachelorette party, girl’s night out, or group dinner!

14. Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party

1645 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party has been a kitschy delight in the heart of funky Candler Park for years. The interiors are oh so cozy with books galore for sale that benefit their women’s education project in India. Tuck into their high tea for a sumptuous afternoon treat or rent out their private tea room for a wedding or baby shower!

15. Rooftop LOA

1115 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

Atlanta just got a lot more lit thanks to the opening of this rooftop restaurant/bar/pool. It’s part elegant restaurant, part bar, part rooftop pool! Come to have yourself a “leave of absence” experience, and if you want the best poolside seats, reserve a cabana or lounge chair in advance on their website.

If you like this article you will enjoy our article on Best Eatertainment Venues in Atlanta!