As Atlanta’s culinary landscape navigates the aftermath of Keith Lee’s viral TikTok food reviews and grapples with the challenges of the past year, The Hungry Black Man Media (@thehungryblackman) stands at the forefront, celebrating eight years of reviewing Black-owned eateries nationally. With an award-winning blog and annual Top 10 rankings, the media outlet has become a trusted guide for both tourists and locals seeking the city’s culinary gems. Utilizing a comprehensive metric of customer satisfaction, food quality, service, and local recommendations, The Hungry Black Man Media, after investing over $10,000 in Atlanta restaurants and visiting over 100 Black-owned spaces, proudly presents the Top 10 Black-Owned Atlanta Restaurants of 2023. Whether familiar favorites or exciting newcomers, these establishments showcase the city’s best of the best, extending congratulations to each for their outstanding contributions. We work hard for you! Please consider clicking the follow button on our social pages @thehungryblackman

#10 Augie’s Café

1540 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd

Atlanta, GA 30310

Phone: (678) 974-7338

Augie’s Café stands out with a delightful menu, showcasing strengths like the “Your The One I Want” dish with fried catfish and grits (despite a minor flaw in grits texture, the overall experience is delightful) and further impressing with dishes like the “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” omelet with seared salmon is outstanding, while the “Tell It To My Heart” pasta dish fell a little short due to overly liquid Alfredo sauce, but the menu emrbaces delicious homestyle cooking that warrants multiple visit by both locals and tourist. Augie’s Café offers a cozy diner ambiance, showcasing intentional and homestyle charm. A resounding 4.2 out of 5 stars make Augie’s Café a must visit.

#9 Grits and Eggs Breakfast Kitchen

3205 Cumberland Blvd SE #105

Atlanta, GA 30339

(770) 693-2695

Grits and Eggs Breakfast Kitchen promises scratch menu options that create a crave worthy dining experience first thing in the morning. Known for their shrimp and grits, fried chicken, catfish, and out of this world delicious NOLA style beignets, you will also find perfectly cooked eggs and locally sourced sausage seared to an exact char with fluffy grits, creating a nostalgic masterpiece. The overall experience of this space was both memorable and rewarding and worth a trip if you are in the Atlanta area.

#8 Southern National

72 Georgia Ave Southeast

Atlanta, GA 30312

404-907-4245

Southern National, emerges as a newcomer in Atlanta’s Black-owned restaurant scene, offering a modern take on Southern cuisine under Chef Duane Nutter’s expertise. The Creole Cured Salmon & Cornmeal Blini impresses with its unique flavor combination, while the Lamb Burger Helper falls short on seasoning and vibrant flavors, but is still a customer favorite. The breadbasket, featuring a Jalapeño Johnny Cake and Sheet Pan Biscuits, delights with its harmonious blend. The highlight is the Coffee Rub Grilled Pork Chop, showcasing a perfect pinkish hue and exceptional flavor balance. Despite minor refinements needed in the menu and service, Southern National earns a commendable 4.4 out of 5 stars. Desserts, however, require some improvement.

#7 Toast On Lenox located

2770 Lenox Road Northeast

Atlanta, GA 30324

(404) 748-4594

Toast on Lenox, has become one of Atlanta’s most popular eateries boasting a robust menu offering a southern epicurean voyage merging down home comfort cooking with chef innovation. The Lobster and waffle, salmon with collards and shrimp, lobster and waffle, apple cobbler French toast and various breakfast skillets have garnered praise from customers and critics alike. A known eatery to star gaze, celebrities frequent this space for its swanky design and southern forward culinary offerings.  A resounding 4.5 out of 5 stars make Toast on Lenox a brunch and dinner beacon in Metro Atlanta.

#6 Southern Fusion (Formerly Heaven Cafe)

1820 Noahs Ark Rd Ste. 101, Jonesboro, GA 30236

(678) 519-4756

Southern Fusion, formerly Heaven Cafe, at 1820 Noahs Ark Rd Ste. 101, Jonesboro, GA 30236 is a hidden gem outside downtown Atlanta, offering a gastronomic journey blending grandma’s comfort with chef finesse. The salmon croquettes, bacon, grits, and breakfast potatoes shine, with the bacon earning particular praise for its umami flavor and BBQ charm. The pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and biscuits are heavenly, while perfectly scrambled eggs and a standout breakfast sandwich contribute to a harmonious breakfast symphony. A resounding 4.5 out of 5 stars make Southern Fusion a breakfast beacon in Metro Atlanta.

#5 Che Butter Jonez

757 Cleveland Ave SW Suite E

Atlanta, GA 30315

(404) 919-4061

Che Butter Jonez, stands out among Atlanta’s restaurant scene with its outrageously delicious lamb burger. The distinctive taste, more pastoral and earthy than beef, pairs exceptionally well with their special mayo or aioli. The chicken gyro, reminiscent of NYC street cart Shawarmas, blends Middle Eastern authenticity with a hint of soul, featuring shawarma-like seasoning, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, hummus, tzatziki, and possibly homemade tahini. The restaurant also offers exemplary service and is known for carrying the best cookies in Atlanta by the AB Cookie company. A must-visit spot if you are live in or visiting Atlanta.

#4 The Breakfast Boys 

3387 Main Street

College Park, GA 30337

(470) 312-2108

The Breakfast Boys is quickly becoming a staple in Atlanta’s brunch scene, boasting a beautifully designed, cozy, and efficient space. Their eclectic menu features standout entrees like jerk chicken and sweet potato waffle, green eggs and lamb, and a personal favorite, crispy catfish and grits. The signature mimosas and brunch-inspired cocktails, especially the peach purée and French connection, are highly recommended for a delightful drink experience. A must-try addition to Atlanta’s best brunch spots.

#3 Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours 

1133 Huff Road Northwest D

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 350-5500

This top-tier Atlanta restaurant, led by culinary giant Chef Deborah Vantrece, showcases sophisticated and elevated southern cuisine with a touch of simplistic complexity. Managed by Executive Chef Robert Butts and General Manager Ms. Kursten Berry, the eatery offers chef-driven entrees like the Dirty South Fried Chicken Omelet and Mississippi Fried Catfish. Standout dishes include the Hoisin Oxtails with vegetable fried rice and ginger-shallot roasted bok choy, alongside must-try FIRE wings. The cocktail program, featuring classics like the Channel Orange, elevates the dining experience, making it a standout in Atlanta’s vibrant food scene.

#2 LowCountry Steak

1010 W Peachtree St NW

Atlanta, GA 30309

(770) 213-0830

LowCountry Steak earns its spot in Atlanta’s top ten restaurants with a reputation that precedes itself, lauded by friends and colleagues for exemplary service and “New South” flavors. Co-founded by celebrity Chef G. Garvin, the menu is rooted in Southern simplicity, featuring soulful proteins like fried chicken, ribs, and Gulf seafood. The delectable veggies and signature peach cobbler add to the culinary experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the Old Fashioned, uniquely crafted with the outstanding Black-owned whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest along with their unforgettable crabs. A must-visit destination for a genuine taste of Southern hospitality and flavor.

#1 Oreatha’s At The Point

2287 Cascade Road

Atlanta, GA 30311

(404) 228-4852

Chef Deborah VanTrece, known for Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, unveils her latest venture, Oreatha’s at the Point, that opened back in March of this year in Atlanta’s Cascade Heights neighborhood. Inspired by home-cooked meals from global moms, the menu curated by Chef Christian “Lucke” Bell known for his breakout menu at Rock Steady Atlanta showcases his masterful culinary skill with diverse offerings like tempura miso fried artichokes, fried duck ravioli, Thai-seasoned catfish, and a nod to the namesake with a smoked duck pot pie. The restaurant contributes to the ongoing revitalization of Cascade Heights neighborhood, offering a variety of dishes, sandwiches, salads, and enticing desserts like chocolate chai tiramisu. Beverage director Kursten Berry known from her skills at Twisted Soul, oversees a well-rounded cocktail program. Oreatha’s at the Point is a the pride and joy of the city, and you would be greatly missed out if this space isn’t one of your, if not first stop when visiting Atlanta.