Secret’s Out: 35+ Amazing Alpharetta Restaurants Locals Love (2024)

In addition to comfortable national and local chains, there are a host of chef-driven and family-owned restaurants in Alpharetta that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for inspired Southern cuisine, or a traditional steak house, prefer Asian flavors or an Indian restaurant…Alpharetta, Georgia has it all.

Here are 35+ Alpharetta restaurants you are sure to love.

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN ALPHARETTA

ICONIC ALPHARETTA RESTAURANT FAVORITES

Note: The * means you’ll find these establishments only inAwesome Alpharetta.

SOUTH MAIN KITCHEN*

For a more relaxed date night that leaves you glad you came, head to the rooftop at South Main Kitchen overlooking downtown Alpharetta, GA, for a drink and the Brussels sprouts appetizer.

SECRETO SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR

You’ll find a cool space with southern food favorites at Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar. Start off with the warm pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. It will loosen up your waistband for the main dish: southern fried chicken that will make you slap your mama.

RUMI’S KITCHEN

Spice up your date with a visit to Rumi’s Kitchen for authentic Persian cuisine. The open kitchen gives the restaurant a lively atmosphere, and the food is stellar. Try the Barg and Koobideh with rice.

LAPEER STEAK & SEAFOOD*

Lapeer Steak and Seafood is a chef-inspired steak and seafood concept with a boutique coastal vibe that’s located in the heart of Historic downtown Alpharetta.Their menu includes only the finest cuts of beef, including prime, certified Angus, America Wagyu, and reserved dry-aged steaks.

VINNY’S ON WINDWARD*

Vinny’s on Windward is one of the top restaurants in Alpharetta for a special occasion. Vinny’s is a homegrown favorite owned by locals Chris and Michele Sedgwick. The fare is billed as California Italian and runs the gauntlet from wood-fired pizza to chicken scallopini.

NAHM FINE THAI CUISINE*

Where tradition inspires innovation, Nahm Thai is a unique Thai restaurant with beautiful decor and a patio on Windward Parkway. This restaurants offers a glimpse of traditional Thai culture, where balance and harmony come together in a relaxing, elegant atmosphere.

ALPHARETTA RESTAURANTS FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH

CABERNET STEAKHOUSE*

Cabernet Steakhouse is a Zagat-rated traditional white tablecloth steak house that is a favorite on Open Table. One of the top Alpharetta steak restaurants, Cabernet also has an impressive wine list and liquor menu.

FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a solid corporate-owned chain that sits in a shopping center across from the Avalon restaurants. This is a popular lunch spot, so get there early. Their menu includes hand-cut, aged steaks, fresh seafood, and specialty crafted co*cktails and select wines.

SUPERICA

Chef Kevin Maxey and Ford Fry deliver in Alpharetta at Avalon with Superica. The yummy southwestern fare is perfect for a relaxed date or family-friendly affair. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

CRUST PASTA AND PIZZERIA*

Not your average pizza joint, Crust has a more upscale feel, perfect for when you want something nice but casual. In addition to pizza, they also serve pasta, salads, and crustwiches – served on the pizza crust bread.

THE CAPE RESTAURANT & BEACH BAR

A chic coastal dining restaurant inspired by cuisine & wines from Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Restaurant and Beach Bar’s all-day menu highlights the bold and global flavors and spices that are synonymous with South African cuisine.

LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

JERUSALEM BAKERY & GRILL*

A locally-owned gem, Jerusalem Bakery & Grill isn’t necessarily the first place you think of for vegan restaurants in Alpharetta, but they have many vegan options. I have a friend that can’t stop talking about hummus.

A perfectly healthy lunch spot, there is also a middle eastern grocery attached so you can take some freshly made fluffy pita and that house-made hummus home for later.

CEVICHE TAQUERIA & MARGARITA BAR

Ceviche is Alpharetta’s casual, locally-owned Mexican eatery. The mainstay order here is the fish tacos, which you can get for only $2 on Taco Tuesday. Beyond tacos, you can’t go wrong with Elsa’s chicken enchiladas Verde, washed down with a handmade margarita.

MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY

Maple Street Biscuit Company had me at ‘biscuit‘, but they kept me coming back with an impressive variety of flavors from sweet to savory stuffed between those fluffy scratch made puffs of heaven. I mean we have breakfast for dinner, why not for lunch too.

A CASUAL EVENING WITH THE GIRLS (OR THE GUYS)

COALITION FOOD & BEVERAGE*

Coalition Food and Beverage offers a place for families and neighbors to gather for a common purpose: enjoying expressive, chef-driven American cuisine, carefully crafted drinks, warm hospitality, and the spirited companionship of your guests. Our menu pick here: the Blackened Tuna Burger. It’s made with wasabi ginger aioli, marinated cucumber, onion, radish, and carrots, on a milk bun.

ANTICO NAPOLETANA PIZZA

It’s awesome when you can bring some intown favorites to the north side of town. This location of Antico is part of the Avalon Alpharetta restaurants. I love the communal tables and of course the crisp Naples-style pizza. My favorite is the Margherita. And did we mention Antico is routinely rated as one of the best pizzas in the world? Yes, I said the world.

SALT FACTORY PUB

You can’t go wrong at Salt Factory Pub, a casual American gastropub located in the downtown Alpharetta restaurants district. Mussels are a favorite appetizer, and the burger is a specialty. And the beer selection, let’s say you can choose between 50 different drafts or bottled brews.

PAPPADEAUX

Come hungry for the humongous Cajun seafood concoctions at Pappadeaux. You can’t go wrong with their crab legs dripping with butter and the mason jar banana pudding for dessert.

TOP RESTAURANT IN ALPHARETTA FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH

THE NEST CAFE*

Get your morning jolt with a specialty coffee, made from local Atlanta roasters Batdorf and Bronson at The Nest Cafe. But you can’t live on coffee alone (no, you can’t) so get the California croissant, or if you prefer lunch, the turkey and brie panini. And they have a dog-friendly patio too!

TOP RESTAURANTS FOR A co*ckTAIL

RESTAURANT HOLMES*

The first restaurant to open at Alpharetta City Center, Restaurant Holmes is a neighborhood establishment owned and operated by Chef Taylor Neary (recently of Marcel and St. Cecilia). The eclectic American menu changes often, so if you like something, go back soon for more.

FLATLANDS BOURBON & BAYOU*

You can’t go wrong with a glass of bourbon from the Voodoo Bar at Flatlands Bourbon & Bayou. They have standard brands like Jim Beam to finer pours like Angels Envy.

This downtown Alpharetta restaurant is located in an old house, and the Cajun vibe is evident throughout — from the alligator that greets you on the porch to the catfish Pontchartrain on the menu.

BARLEYGARDEN KITCHEN & CRAFT BAR*

Maybe switch your usual co*cktail for a beer from their impressive brew options when you visit Barleygarden Kitchen. Whatever you choose, it tastes better with the hot pretzels and the rooftop view.

COLLETTA RESTAURANT*

Yes, the food at Colletta Italian Food & Wine is delicious (you have to try the meatballs), but what we love about this Avalon Alpharetta restaurant is sitting at the bar for fancy drinks (think dry ice on Halloween)!

WHERE TO BRING THE KIDS

SMOKEJACK BBQ*

You can’t mention restaurants in any Southern town without mentioning a south city kitchen BBQ joint. Smokejack has an award-winning barbeque, made from scratch daily, and a decent craft beer selection. My suggestion however, is the smoked sliced beef brisket. My mouth is watering as I type. I like to load up on the meat, but if you are a sides person, get the mac and cheese.

CAMPANIA

You can’t go wrong with the crisp wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made with freshly imported ingredients at Campania. Oh, and do save room for the limoncello cake. You are welcome.

CHIRINGA

Chiringa is a casual counter-service dining experience offering clean proteins, fresh fish, and a full-bar including fresh-squeezed juices. The open-air setting provides a terrific gathering spot that is super chill and relaxing. Want to be wowed? Try the Dole Whip soft serve.

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

Clean food that tastes amazing can be found at True Food Kitchen! Seasonally-inspired. Locally sourced.

TOP IT ALL OFF WITH SOME AMAZING DESSERT

SCREAM’N’NUTS*

What’s better than a scoop of ice cream? How about a scoop sandwiched between two yeast-raised donuts and drizzled with toppings? Choose between some seriously weird flavors, too — Doritos ice cream? Charcoal ice cream? Yup!

And everything at Scream ‘n Nuts is made in-house, from the donuts to the ice cream.

CAFE INTERMEZZO

Cafe Intermezzo is located in Avalon Alpharetta. You’ll find delicious drinks and desserts, along with amazing lunch, brunch and dinner options. We love their cheesecake options!

JENI’S ICE CREAM

You can’t go wrong with Jeni’s, the perfect break after (or maybe before) a day of serious shopping at Avalon.

ALPINE BAKERY

Alpine Bakery is perfect because whenever I go to a restaurant, I always look at the dessert menu first. This New York-style bakery is the real deal. If you aren’t sure what to get, I suggest the snicker cannoli. And the food is good too, so bonus.

CRAVE PIE STUDIO

Because you can’t really go wrong with a handmade pie, add Crave Pie Studio to your Alpharetta ‘must try’ list. All of their pies are made from scratch using the finest ingredients available. Maple Bacon? Lemon Chess? Peanut Butter Cream? The options are endless. Also look for quiche, pot pies, frozen pie crusts, and coffee.

THINGS TO DO IN ALPHARETTA (printable)

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(PS. Some of this list is detailed in our article, 41 Things To Do in Alpharetta Ga That We’re Obsessed With and You Will Be Too.)

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• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
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