Atlanta has one of the best restaurant scenes in the south, and boasts an impressive spread of diverse cuisines. While COVID-19 has made dining out a safety gamble, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s food culture. Here are seven of many restaurants you can get contact-free delivery or takeout from that represent the very best Atlanta bites.
Momonoki
Just off campus below the Modera Midtown apartment complex is a hip Japanese restaurant and cafe, Momonoki. While they are known for their ramen, they also serve delicious bowls and salads, katsu sandwiches and addictive small plates. Accompanying the restaurant is Momo Cafe.
In addition to cafe staples, Momo has an extensive menu of Japanese inspired lattes and pastries and a truly impressive tea menu. They also sell soft serve in two odd but delicious flavors: matcha and black sesame.
Recommendations: Soy Milk Miso, Shiitake Nuggets, Matcha Ice Cream, Black Sesame Mochi
Nuevo Laredo Cantina
The best Mexican food in Atlanta is just a quick 10 minute drive northwest from campus. Nuevo Laredo Cantina is truly a gem and serves the best home-style Mexican food.
The flavors are simple but comforting. Laredo has something for everyone — they offer mexican classics like mole alongside more americanized dishes like taco salad. Everything is extremely reasonably priced, and almost all entrees come with salad, rice and beans making Nuevo Laredo perfect for those on a college budget.
Plus with all takeout orders over $10, they throw in free chips and truly addictive homemade salsa.
Recommendations: Mole vegetable enchiladas, tamales, flan
Emerald City Bagels
In the heart of East Atlanta Village is a cute little bagel shop serving bagels that rival those of New York City. Emerald City Bagels has a small but perfected menu, offering seven types of bagel.
Visitors can choose one of their sandwiches, build their own sandwich or just buy a few bagels to toast at home. As for spreads — they flavor their own cream cheese and offer a vegan option! Emerald City also offers a variety of toppings, from Scottish-style lox and gravlax to pickled beets. They also sell coffee from a local roastery, Three Heart, which pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches.
Currently, their storefront is closed but orders can be placed through their website.
Recommendations: Everything bagel, rosemary and sea salt bagel
Villy’s
A less traditional restaurant that has thrived in the time of COVID is Villy’s, a Black-owned pop-up open Wednesday through Sunday.
Villy’s is 100% plant based and is a vegan junk food heaven that specializes in “chicken sandwiches.” These sandwiches, which can be original, buffalo, BBQ or Korean BBQ, are absolutely giant, crispy and only $10.
The pop-up features a rotating menu, customers can stay up to date with current specials by following Villy’s Instagram, @villysatl.
On weekends they offer brunch specials, and dessert specials change throughout the week. Villy’s has no storefront, but delivers all around Atlanta and customers can order through their Instagram or by phone.
Recommendations: Buffalo chick’n sandwich, Chick’n and waffles, Chili cheese glizzys
Chai Pani
All the way in downtown Decatur is Chai Pani, an Indian restaurant that stands out among its many local competitors.
While Chai Pani does offer typical Indian curries, its Indian street snacks, platters and lassis are what set it apart from the crowd. While they are currently offering only a limited menu, Chai Pani still has many scrumptious offerings.
Like most street food, many of Chai Pani’s best dishes are fried and extremely delicious. Many of their chaat offerings are the perfect comfort food. They also serve sandwiches, something not often seen in Indian restaurants, which are to die for.
Recommendations: Vada Pav sandwich, Bhel Puri, Amritsari Lassi