PEOPLE's 24 Hour Food World Cup Tour: Atlanta

Whether you're looking for a tasty taco or a gorgeous spot to watch a match, here are all the restaurants where you should eat in Atlanta

Born and raised in Atlanta, writer Elissa Rosen has spent more than a decade covering the city’s dining, luxury, and nightlife scene.

From longtime Atlanta staples to BeltLine hotspots and Buckhead favorites, the city’s food scene is constantly evolving — and impossible to fully tackle in just one day. Still, with the right game plan, you can get a pretty delicious taste of Atlanta in 24 hours. With people from all over the globe descending on the Atlanta area to catch a World Cup game (kicking off June 15, with Spain vs. Cape Verde), there's never been a better time to check out the city's variety of decadent treats, fabulous views and fun nightlife. Here's exactly where to stop for all of the above and more.

Breakfast: Buttermilk Kitchen

Start the morning at Buttermilk Kitchen in Buckhead, where the fresh biscuits and to-die-for chicken and waffles have earned the restaurant a loyal following among locals. Despite the crowds and inevitable wait, the restaurant still feels cozy and low-key rather than overly trendy. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, making it one of the best breakfast spots in the city.

Lunch: Taqueria del Sol

For lunch, Taqueria del Sol on the West Side remains one of Atlanta’s go-to casual staples for tacos and margaritas. The fried chicken taco, brisket taco, and trio salsa are must-orders, and somehow the margaritas always taste even better after standing in line outside for a bit. The atmosphere is relaxed, the crowd eclectic, and the wait always worth it.

Sweet Treat: Little Tart Bakeshop

Spend part of the afternoon wandering around Ponce City Market and the Atlanta BeltLine before stopping at Little Tart Bakeshop for something sweet. The bakery has become one of the city’s favorite pastry destinations thanks to buttery croissants, seasonal pastries and desserts that somehow disappear almost immediately after ordering them.

Cocktails and Snacks: Painted Park

Painted Park along the BeltLine in Inman Park is one of the best places in the city for cocktails, snacks and people-watching. The move here is to lean into the shareables: tuna crispy rice, wagyu sliders, truffle fries and sushi rolls paired with a chilled spritz or espresso martini while the music and patio energy carry the night. The drink menu is especially extensive, ranging from elevated cocktails and frozen piña coladas to rosés, bubbly and wines available by the glass or bottle.

Spot a Celebrity: Hotel Clermont Rooftop

Atlanta’s favorite rooftop bar atop Hotel Clermont has remained one of the city’s most iconic gathering spots thanks to its casual atmosphere, astroturf-covered rooftop, twinkle lights and sweeping skyline views stretching from Downtown to Buckhead. The eclectic crowd is part of the appeal, with locals, tourists, musicians, creatives and film-industry regulars all mixed together over frozen cocktails and strong drinks. (According to their website, A-listers such as Bill Murray, Robert De Niro, P!nk, Carey Hart, Kid Rock, Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman have been spotted there.) This summer, the rooftop food truck is also leaning into Korean BBQ-inspired bites like galbi short ribs, rice bowls and bulgogi burritos, making it an easy place to settle in before heading downstairs to the legendary Clermont Lounge.

Dinner: Kyma

Atlanta has no shortage of trendy restaurants, but Kyma remains one of the city’s most reliable dinner reservations. Summertime at Kyma means Mediterranean simplicity at its best — grilled octopus, flaming saganaki, lemon potatoes, fresh whole fish and crisp Greek wines that transport diners straight to the coast. The polished but energetic Buckhead atmosphere continues drawing everyone from athletes and executives to groups lingering late into the evening.

Late Night Bite: Yeppa & Co.

For a late-night bite and cocktails, Yeppa & Co. in Buckhead Village delivers both the scene and the food. The handmade pasta dishes and focaccia are standouts, especially paired with a spritz or espresso martini on the packed patio. Thanks to its Buckhead Village location, don’t be surprised if you spot a few familiar faces while you’re there.

Where to Watch the World Cup

Visitors coming into town for the FIFA World Cup should keep Hotel Phoenix on their radar. Located steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium inside the new Centennial Yards development, the hotel is expected to become one of downtown’s busiest gathering spots during the tournament thanks to its rooftop pool and bar overlooking the stadium along with pre- and post-match dinners at Zephyr.

For visitors looking for a more classic luxury stay during the World Cup, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta in Midtown is expected to become a major tournament hub. Between elevated watch parties at Bar Margot, specialty cocktails, indulgent game-day bites, and the hotel’s longtime reputation as one of Atlanta’s top celebrity magnets, it’s one of the city’s best places to settle in between matches.

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