Atlanta’s restaurant market stayed busy in 2025, with dozens of new concepts opening. With new openings like Yuji, Heaps Pies, and Shake Shack drawing attention across the city and suburbs. From chef-driven spots to national favorites, the year delivered fresh flavors, inventive menus, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
12 Atlanta Restaurants That Opened This Year
New restaurants have flourished in Atlanta’s food scene, bringing fresh flavors and energy. Here’s a curated look at 12 of the most talked-about restaurant openings that defined Atlanta’s dining landscape this year.
1. Heaps Pies
Heaps Pies is a popular New Zealand-style pie shop that offers irresistible savory and sweet hand pies. Opened earlier this year in Decatur, just east of Atlanta, it offers a menu that keeps people coming back for more. Bringing the comfort of New Zealand food, it offers a unique experience to the community.
Since opening, popular dishes here include the beef and cheddar pie, fish and chips, chicken pot pie, and Zealand. Meanwhile, locals have highly recommended the Thai Chicken Curry pie, the Channa Masala pie, the Beef and Cheese pie, and other items offered here.
When: January 9, 2025
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2. Yuji
Named one of Atlanta’s 50 best restaurants this year, Yuji offers Japanese cuisine with elegance. From beautiful sushi to creative cocktails, this restaurant along the BeltLine is a place where one can find balance. Promising a delightful experience each time, this is a restaurant that’s definitely worth checking out.
The most popular dishes at the restaurant include the Lobster Salmon Roll, Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Black Cod, and the Seafood Bisque. Meanwhile, visitors have mentioned the Tuna Poke Bowl, Tuna Spoons, Otoro nigiri, and Spicy Salmon Maki as some of their favorites.
When: February 6, 2025
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3. Rreal Tacos Decatur
Rreal Tacos may have many locations to choose from, but the one in Decatur is in a league of its own. Offering the brand’s signature items and bringing the true taste of Mexico to locals, it has gained much popularity in these few months. It has already become a local favorite.
Popular items at Rreal Tacos include the Burrito Bowl, Pork Belly, Quesabirria, Tempura Fish, and other specialties. However, visitors have highlighted the al pastor, shrimp and fish tacos, Crispy Pork Belly Taco, and Costra Cheese Taco among their favorites.
When: February 9, 2025
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4. Madre Selva
Latin American restaurant Madre Selva is a refined dining destination loved by Atlanta. Opened by Executive Chef Carlos Enriquez, it has been awarded Best Taste for its bold Latin flavors. Additionally, the ambience of the restaurant adds to the charm and elegance it carries with its food.
The restaurant is popular for its Lomo Saltado, Spicy Classic Ceviche, Chaufa Aeropuerto, and Parmigiano Conchitas. Meanwhile, diners have selected the Raices De La Costa, Ceviche Carretillero, and the Hokkaiso Scallops as some of their favorites.
When: February 14, 2025
5. Madeira Park
Poncey-Highland wine bar and restaurant Madeira Park is known for its exceptional wines and relaxed atmosphere. Brought to the city by award-winning chef Steven Satterfield, Tim Willard, and Neal McCarthy, it is highly rated by locals. Meanwhile, the laid-back vibes of the place are just perfect for taking a break.
Apart from the variety of wines, Madeira Park is also known for its charcuterie, Pommes frites, Potato Gnocchi, and Poulet Rouge. Diners have recommended the grilled Bok Choy, the pork belly, bistro steak, ham and cheese croquettes, and beef tartare, among many others.
When: February 15, 2025
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6. Fawn Wine & Amaro Bar
In the heart of downtown Decatur is Fawn Wine & Amaro Bar, attracting attention with grace. Celebrating coastal winemakers, dry-aged seafood, and curated Amari, it is named among Atlanta’s 50 best restaurants this year. Its constantly rotating menu only adds to its experience, making it a good choice.
James Beard-winning chef Terry Koval does not disappoint diners looking for good food. The dry-aged Golden Tilefish, razon clam crudo, and the crab ravioli are among the popular dishes at the restaurant. Meanwhile, diners have loved the salmon belly bacon, grilled oysters, Fritto Misto, and the ouef mimosa soft boiled eggs.
When: March 20, 2025
7. Shake Shack
Taking over The Battery by storm, Shake Shack opened its doors with celebrations. While the celebrations attracted attention, it was the shakes and delicious foods that really won the hearts of those in Atlanta. Known to use only the best ingredients, it serves the elevated versions of American classics.
Popular for its ShackBurger, crispy chicken, hot dogs, frozen custard, and irresistible shakes. Diners have highlighted the Chicken Shack, Smash Burger, crinkle cut fries with cheese sauce, and the famous ShackBurger as their favorites.
When: June 30, 2025
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8. Jolene Jolene
Atlanta’s first and only bar for women’s sports, Jolene Jolene, created a space like no other. It started as a small idea and soon grew into what it is today. The new opening is favored by many, and visitors have also complimented the atmosphere, food, and service offered here.
Popular dishes here include sports bar classics like fries, JJ Smash Burger, Chicken Tenders, and BBQ Chicken Skewer. Meanwhile, diners have loved the wings, Parmesan fries, Bao Buns, and other dishes.
When: July 4, 2025
9. White Windmill
Offering Korean and French treats in the heart of Buckhead, White Windmill is surely a unique experience for locals. This unique concept has made the opening popular because the curiosity caught locals’ attention, and the food won hearts. It has now become a favorite for many with its unforgettable treats that keep them coming back for more.
Popular dishes here include the Fresh-Korean pastries, the fish-shaped Bungeoppang, Patbingsu, and macarons. Visitors have loved the cream-filled croissant donut, coconut ball, and mocha cream bun.
When: September 6, 2025
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10. ISHIN by Ito
A rooftop omakase by chef Fuyuhiko Ito, ISHIN by Ito, is a thoughtful, upscale, unforgettable experience. Creating an intimate atmosphere with its limited 16 seats, the restaurant makes every guest feel welcome. Meanwhile, its delicate crafts make this a place that is worth checking out.
The restaurant is known for its signature dishes, including the nigiri, crudo, yakizakana, and wagyu. Diners have loved the omakase experience offered by Chef Ito and his team. The wine and sake created the perfect pair with the sushi, making this an experience that hits the highest point for sushi lovers.
When: October 10, 2025
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11. Big Bad Breakfast
Celebrity chef John Currence brought Big Bad Breakfast to Buckhead this year, and it became a hit. Offering the finest of foods when serving the most important meal of the day, its popularity has already spread around the area since its opening. Visitors have loved the delicious breakfast served at the restaurant, making it a favorite spot.
Popular for its housemade biscuits, Tabasco-cured bacon, shrimp and grits, and the Big Bad Skillet, this restaurant truly hits the spot. Meanwhile, diners have loved the andouille sausage, French toast, Chicken biscuit, and the Low Country Skillet.
When: November 4, 2025
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12. Portillo’s
Chicago-style street food has arrived in Kennesaw, and it has already become a local favorite. Offering delicious flavors and an unforgettable experience, this opening of Portillo’s is what locals have been looking forward to for a long time. In a short time, it has become one of the most popular openings of the year.
Known for its Chicago street food, the popular dishes here include the Chicago-style hot dog, Italian Beef sandwiches, and Chopped salad. Diners have loved the Beef and Cheddar croissant, chicken tenders, fries, and the Cheddar burger.
When: November 18, 2025
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Spanning a mix of independent concepts and established brands, this year’s openings reflected Atlanta’s expanding and increasingly diverse dining landscape.
