In Atlanta, local means local. From the rolling hills of Northeast Georgian farms to the thriving tradition of in-house smoked barbecue, Atlanta diners have a wealth of options for locally-sourced food. Want locally-raised chicken schnitzel? You got it. Craving a BBQ sandwich on locally-baked, H&F bread? If you’re in Atlanta, you’re in luck. Here’s our roundup of Atlanta restaurants that are bringing the best local farms to the city—and your office.
521 Kitchen & Que
This is your classic slow-and-low, hickory-smoked BBQ joint with a local twist. All of their hormone-free chicken is from Georgia’s Marjac Farms, and all of their bread is from Atlanta’s H&F Bread Co. If a picture’s worth a thousand words, the one above only needs three: smoky, meaty deliciousness.
Seven Hens
All of the chicken used at this schnitzel shop is Georgia-raised, and, via the magic of spices, internationally transformed. They serve up creative variations on chicken schnitzel in seven different flavors, from German to Mexican and Indian. All “seven hens” are prepared from scratch, and you can see a neat step-by-step demo of the process on their website.
Savi Provisions
This local, all-in-one market, wine shop, and catering company is laser-focused on organic, locally-sourced food. From deli classics like Roast Beef & Swiss to more exotic dishes like Curry Cauliflower & Quinoa salad, this menu covers a satisfyingly broad spectrum of tastes. Want locally-sourced food for an event? They also offer a must-see selection of hors d’oeuvres, included Curried Deviled Eggs and Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms.
Cibo e Beve
This restaurant is an homage to the culture of Italy and the best of Georgia’s seasonal and local produce. Their menu ranges from the dressed up (Pancetta-Wrapped Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates) to the everyday (Chicken Parm and Spaghetti & Meatballs). They also have a number of vegetarian and gluten-free options—they’re perfect at juggling multiple dietary restrictions.
Chow Bing
This creative Chinese restaurant sources their chicken from Springer Mountain Farms in Northeast Georgia, and uses locally-grown vegetables as much as possible. Their menu features all of the classics you’d expect, like Kung Pao Chicken and various lo meins, as well as more unique dishes like Crawfish Wontons and all-inclusive boxed lunches.
Smoke Ring
Offering distinctive, Georgia-style BBQ, Smoke Ring dishes up classics like local okra alongside interesting dishes like smoked Georgia trout dip. Named after the coveted “smoke ring” effect in proper slow-and-low BBQ, these guys aren’t just local favorites—they’re masters of an age-old craft.
DBA Barbecue
DBA is Atlanta’s neighborhood barbecue joint, mixing casual Southern food with Creole flair. Their executive chef regularly grinds meat in-house for burgers and sausages, and their ham and pastrami are cured at the restaurant. In the mood for something smoked? DBA does that too. The seasonal sides are just the icing on this local BBQ gem’s cake.