Best restaurants in Sandy Springs

Omakase Table

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese, Sushi

Here at this serious counter-focused setting, find Chef Leonard Yu and his small team presiding over a multicourse experience that leans traditional while offering a nice balance of variety and seasonality. A smattering of otsumami begin the evening on a strong note with shaved wagyu beef lightly poached in sukiyaki sauce with a quail egg. The chef's signature dish, uni gohan with otoro, is decadent, while corn potage delivers an impressive depth of flavor. Meanwhile, nigiri showcases character without any flash: Kawahagi is topped with flash-frozen liver paste that melts on the tongue, while

Atlas

★ Michelin$$$$American

When the night calls for a grand celebration, few places fit quite like Atlas. Snuggled inside the posh St. Regis Atlanta, this restaurant from London-born Chef Freddy Money is impossibly elegant. Fine art graces the walls — it's home to rotating installations in partnership with a local gallery, showcasing works from local, national, and internationally acclaimed artistsv — but it's not just the artwork that impresses. Order à la carte from this seasonal American menu with European influences or celebrate with the tasting menu for dishes like tender lobster plated with smoked paprika butter s

O by Brush

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese, Sushi

Brush Sushi is located in a swish shopping center, but step inside this stylish space to discover O by Brush, a separate omakase counter helmed by Chef Jason Liang. The extensive procession will begin with several starters before moving into nigiri such as beautifully rich shima aji, warayaki sawara that is hay smoked over coals then sliced and filled with rice, and anago tempura temaki finished over binchotan coals. A tasting of dry-aged hirame and kanpachi is a delightful surprise, as is the tamago tasting, featuring the classic style alongside a tender, cake-like version. The wide-ranging s

Heirloom Market BBQ

Bib Gourmand$$Barbecue

Co-Chefs Cody Taylor and Chef Jiyeon Lee have cooked up something entirely new at Heirloom Market. Blending their Southern and Korean heritage and flavors, they've created a mash-up that's nothing short of fantastic inside a small spot that happens to share space with a liquor store. What it lacks in size it makes up for with a buzzy vibe and standout flavor — it's easy to see why the Korean pork, smoked and braised in a sweet-spicy sauce, is a signature dish. BBQ traditionalists will want to dig in to the brisket that's unfussed with but oh-so-tender and tasty. For a clever take on a Southern

The Alden

$$$$American, Contemporary

Warm, attentive service and a sexy, upscale dining room make The Alden a natural choice for a night out. It's the kind of place where plush leather banquettes invite guests to linger a bit longer. Atlanta native Chef Jared Hucks is running the show, and his vision internationally inspired cooking is unique. Some dishes might not read regional, but local ingredients and flair ensure pride of place. Case in point? The deliciously gamey knobs of lamb bathed in a white gravy with pink peppercorns. Hot and sour red snapper is Asian inspired but locally sourced, resulting in an elegant but approacha

The Chastain

$$$$American

Set on the verdant edges of Chastain Park and surrounded by trees, this restaurant feels like a modern oasis with charming details (think butterscotch leather booths, exposed brick elements and gas lamps). The setting is stunning, reminding one of a restored carriage house, but Chef Christopher Grossman's seasonally focused American menu with Southern nods is a solid match. Wondering what to order? You won't go wrong with the crown roasted Green Circle chicken with Brussels sprouts delicata squash and pine nut aioli. Mac and cheese is a perfect side, and don't skip dessert, especially the choc

🕐 Mo 07:00-14:00; Tu-Fr 07:00-14:00,17:00-22:00; Sa 08:00-14:00,17:00-22:00; Su 08:00-14:00,17:00-21:00

Kamayan ATL

$$Filipino

You'll see the sign, but the crowd out front will signal that you've arrived at Kamayan ATL. Once a pop-up, this place from owners Mia Orino and Carlo Gan has a serious fan base, so reservations are a must. The tables are tight but it's homey, and the busy cadence, coupled with the tropical island decor, adds to the vibe. Tagalog for "by hand," kamayan is the traditional Filipino form of dining. Choose from a menu of family-style dishes, with a good dose of classics mixed with regional items. Lumpia are always a hit, while the sinigang, with tender pork ribs bobbing in a tamarind-based broth,

Best BBQ

$$Chinese, Cantonese

Don't let the name fool you: Best BBQ isn't your typical Southern barbecue spot. Instead, this casual eatery is located inside Chamblee's Ba Hue Market. It's simple and straightforward, with ducks and roast meat on display and walls lined with large photos of the food, making it easy to order by number at the counter. Come hungry or with a crowd, as the portions are large and shareable (though you might want to keep those leftovers all to yourself). The casual Cantonese cooking includes dim sum, barbecue, roast duck, noodles and fried rice with standout dishes including quarter roast duck, hon

Tomo

$$$$Japanese, Sushi

This spot, at the bottom of the chic and modern Ritz-Carlton Residences, is a contemporary space where floor-to-ceiling windows make a big impression. In addition to tables and a sushi bar, there are four seats reserved exclusively for the omakase, arranged well in advance of your visit. Slightly Americanized, the chef's tasting menu offers eight plated courses before progressing into sushi. One dish, chu-toro nuta, presents three pieces of lightly seared tuna in a miso and rice vinegar sauce, balsamic reduction, crumbled pistachio and seared scallions for a rich and satisfying plate. Sushi, s

Food Terminal

$$Malaysian

Chef/owner Amy Wong's Food Terminal may have multiple locations, but the Buford Highway original will always stand out from the rest. Located within a cavernous space that sports a contemporary feel (think exposed ducts, charcoal-gray walls and metal chairs), it's designed to resemble a night market. As for the food, it's Malaysian at its core. The massive menu is matched only by the portions, perfect for enjoying family style. It's a celebration of the cultural mash-up that is Malaysia with dishes like garlic noodles, made in house and tossed in a garlic sauce with spinach and mushrooms. It's

LanZhou Ramen

$$Chinese, Regional Cuisine

Located on Buford Highway in a busy shopping center, LanZhou is both the name of a Chinese city and a type of hand-pulled noodle that just so happens to be this spot's main attraction. Those delicious noodles are available in hearty soups with a variety of proteins, and also come broth-less. From there, broad Sichuan-leaning dishes tempt diners. Fried pot stickers sport a beautiful crispy, lacy base and delight with a savory goodness. Roast duck hand-pulled noodle soup is pure, unadulterated satisfaction, slurp by glorious slurp. Served in a massive bowl bobbing with bouncy noodles, baby bok c

Han Il Kwan

$$Korean

Located on Buford Highway in Doraville, the setting stands out with its standalone structure and pagoda roof. The large dining area is bright and well maintained, and offers a variety of seating areas including a section with tabletop grills. Tiled flooring, wood furnishings and a beamed roof produce a pleasant arena.The menu covers the delights of Korean cuisine, from appetizers like haemul-pajeon, the crispy pancake studded with vegetables and seafood; to stimulating stews like the kimchi jjigae served bubbling hot with strips of pork belly and cubes of soft tofu. And then there's barbecue,

Nam Phuong

$$Vietnamese

Chef/owner Du Nguyen and co-owner Hoa Phan have created a welcoming spot at Nam Phuong, tucked inside a blue-roofed building on the side of Buford Highway, but comfortable booths aside, all eyes are on the large menu. Staples like vermicelli noodles and fried rice are on offer, and you'll never go wrong with a bowl of pho (try pho gâu, which bobs with tender brisket and bouncy noodles). However, it's the Vietnamese street food section that demands attention with treats like bôt chiên, pan-fried rice flour cubes with egg and a sweet soy dipping sauce. No matter your selection, the dishes are pr

Woo Nam Jeong

$$Korean

Anchoring the corner of a shopping center along Buford Highway, this busy spot features an expansive Korean menu. With so many options, it may be difficult to pick just one but start with a seafood or kimchi pancake or their seared mandu and you won't go wrong. Then, plenty of specialties tempt but you're here for one in particular: the house specialty "stone bowl" bibimbap. Take a peek at the neighboring tables and nearly everyone is tucking into one of these signature dishes. Bulgogi, or tender beef, is the classic order, and it arrives in the stone bowl sizzling long after it is set atop th

Storico Fresco Alimentari

$$Italian

Located in a chic Buckhead shopping center, the vibe is rustic and convivial. The generously sized dining room boasts cement flooring, metal-framed wood seating and open shelving, while the ample sidewalk seating provides an al fresco perch to enjoy a sbagliato or espresso martini. Pasta is the thing here with nearly a dozen offerings of house-made strands, as well as stuffed and baked preparations. The cacio e pepe is a nicely portioned mound of spaghetti alla chitarra tossed with a creamy pecorino cheese sauce hit with coarse-ground toasted Sarawak peppercorn. The lunch menu offers appetizer