DiscoverAtlanta.com homepage
Loading

Power salads and power drinks are available at True Food Kitchen.

Filling tacos and unique sides await at Rreal Tacos in Midtown.

In addition to a beautiful space, Watershed has amazing Southern food.

Venkman's serves filling brunch dishes like this locally sourced fried chicken.

12 Best Restaurants in Atlanta with Locally Sourced and Organic Food

There are many reasons for eating local and organic. Perhaps you want to support local farmers or maybe it is for health reasons. Rest assured there is a bounty of restaurants that fit the bill. Here are my picks for the best Atlanta restaurants that provide organic and locally sourced foods.

  1. Chai Pani – Natural and local sourced foods are not just buzz words around this Decatur spot. Meats are free range and seafood is sustainable. You’ll be quite impressed with the lively atmosphere and aromatic dishes here as well. Don’t miss the okra fries or tantalizing sandwiches like the Sloppy Jai.
  2. Chow Bing – Sure when it comes to organic dishes, Chinese isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But that’s what you’ll find at this Buckhead establishment. There’s modern décor, and dishes are what Chef Gary Lin would feel comfortable serving to his own children, so he’s taken care to serve organic dishes.
  3. Empire State South – The genius of James Beard Award-winner Hugh Acheson, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Empire State South focuses on locally sourced and organic foods.
  4. Farmburger – Craving a burger? You don’t have to sacrifice quality. Burgers are made from grass-fed beef from cows never fed antibiotics or growth hormones, plus Farmburger sources food from animals that are humanely raised and handled. The seasonal menu features items sourced from local farms.
  5. Goin’ Coastal – I remember first dining at Goin’ Coastal five plus years ago, and I remember that the sustainable seafood initiatives they had impressed me. They also were careful to use local farms and organic whenever possible. It’s a true gem that continues to impress in Virginia-Highland. Try anything with lobster, oysters, and even meat-focused dishes are well executed.
  6. HAVEN – Chef Stephen Herman works closely with many local and organic farms in the Atlanta area. Nearly everything on the menu is locally sourced. Get the bacon-wrapped Georgia trout or the Farmer’s Plate with an ever-changing selection of what’s locally available.
  7. Local Three – The hard-to-find restaurant on the outskirts of Buckhead will greet you with a large picture of the Dude from “The Big Lebowski” as you enter. The restaurant invites you to “sit deep and stay long.” Get the Georgia trout or the cauliflower steak.
  8. Rreal Tacos – If you think organic has to be pricey, then you haven’t been to Rreal Tacos in Midtown. With a menu heavily focused on both local and organic products, it’s hard to believe tacos sell for less than $3 each. Get the signature taco, the pork trompo, for which you can see the meat marinating on a skewer as you enter the restaurant. Skip beer for the house-made agua frescas like tamarind juice or horchata.
  9. Table and Main – The lovely Roswell restaurant in a refurbished home features plenty of locally sourced items from the local Georgia cheese to the trout, shrimp and the peas in the Hoppin’ John.
  10. True Food Kitchen – Located in Lenox Square Mall, True Food Kitchen offers nearly everything organic, down to the margaritas. And it shows. Get the salmon or shrimp dishes as they are quite excellent.
  11. Venkman’s – Care for some live music while you dine? Then hit up Venkman’s. Not only does Venkman’s have entertainment to go along with your meal, but the food is locally sourced. You’ll enjoy sustainable seafood and free range meats. My favorite meal is brunch. Get the duck egg hash. 
  12. Watershed – Food Network’s “Chopped” winner, Chef Zeb Stevenson, is also USDA certified in canning, which adds unique creativity to his dishes. Stevenson has a strong commitment to local and sustainable ingredients. Tip: People go crazy for the fried chicken, only available on Wednesdays.

If you are still looking for your next place to eat, try our guide to Atlanta dining and enjoy!

Malika Bowling is the author of Culinary Atlanta: Guide to the Best Restaurants, Markets, Breweries and More!, and founder of Atlanta Restaurant Blog. Malika also has served as a judge at various culinary competitions and food festivals, including Taste of Atlanta. Her podcast, Just a Byte, can be downloaded from iTunes. Follow her on Twitter @MalikaBowling and Instagram

Discover More

Get to know Atlanta, and discover the best things to do around the city.