In a city as sprawling and culturally rich as Atlanta, it’s easy to get stuck in your neighborhood comfort zone, especially when it comes to food. But some of the best meals, cocktails, and experiences happen just beyond your usual hotspots. Atlanta restaurants on the Westside are packed with character, creativity, and culinary excellence, yet many of its gems remain under the radar compared to the more tourist-trodden neighborhoods.
So if you’re willing to take a short drive, you’re in for an incredible reward. Whether you’re after mind-blowing barbecue, fresh Mediterranean, elevated Southern comfort, or one of the coolest all-in-one social experiences in the city, here are a few of the restaurants on the westside that are absolutely worth the trip, starting with a place that redefines what a “hidden gem” can be.
1. Westside Motor Lounge
Address: 725 Echo St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
This is not just a restaurant, it’s a 3-acre experience. Tucked into the historic English Avenue neighborhood, Westside Motor Lounge is part restaurant, part cocktail bar, part music venue, part open-air hangout. Set in a renovated former auto shop, it feels like stepping into a creative playground for food lovers, music fans, and social seekers alike.
Let’s talk food first: The menu at Westside Motor Lounge brings bold, comforting flavors to the table with dishes like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, wings, tacos and elevated takes on a few southern staples.
The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with expertly crafted drinks like the Westside Cocktail, frozen margaritas, and seasonal signatures designed to be sipped under string lights or around a fire pit.
And then there’s the vibe: With a hi-fi listening lounge (Echo Room), a live performance stage, private event spaces, and an expansive outdoor patio, Westside Motor Lounge isn’t just one of those restaurants on the westside, it’s a destination. If you’re looking for a place that brings style, energy, and unforgettable flavors together, this is the hidden gem that’s not going to stay hidden for long.
2. Bacchanalia
Address: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Ask any serious Atlanta foodie about fine dining on the Westside, and they’ll point you to Bacchanalia. This award-winning restaurant is a quiet powerhouse, known for its elegant seasonal tasting menus built around organic, locally sourced ingredients, many from the owners’ own farm.
The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect an elevated, artful experience. Past highlights have included items like rabbit terrine, slow-roasted duck, and handmade pastas that rival the best in the country. The service is as polished as the plates, and the minimalist space allows the food to take center stage.
Yes, it’s pricey, but for a special night out on the Westside, Bacchanalia is worth every mile and every dollar.
3. The Optimist
Address: 914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
From the team at Ford Fry comes The Optimist, a Westside anchor for seafood lovers. The nautical, coastal-inspired space is effortlessly cool, but it’s the fresh-as-it-gets menu that really makes this place shine.
Start with the she-crab soup or the GA white shrimp a la plancha, then move on to their famed whole roasted fish or buttery lobster roll. The raw bar is also a standout, featuring a rotating list of oysters from both coasts.
Pair all that with a coastal cocktail and a seat on their patio, and you’ve got yourself one of the best seafood dining experiences in Atlanta.
4. Forza Storico
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
If you’re craving authentic Roman cuisine with big city style, Forza Storico hits the mark. Located in the Westside Provisions District, this lively spot brings energy, flavor, and a bit of Italian swagger to the neighborhood.
Pasta is the star here, with must-tries like the Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Gricia stealing the show. But don’t sleep on the small plates, vibrant cocktails, or their robust Italian wine list.
The indoor-outdoor space is stylish but inviting, with big communal energy and a friendly staff that keeps the wine flowing. For date night, dinner with friends, or a solo pasta mission, Forza Storico is always worth the detour.
5. Little Bear
Address: 71 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (technically in Summerhill, but too good to ignore)
Okay, we’re bending the “Westside” boundary just a little, but Little Bear has the heart of a hidden gem and the culinary firepower to justify the drive. Chef Jarrett Stieber’s quirky, ever-evolving restaurant is known for its playful, seasonal small plates and ultra-casual, BYOB approach to fine dining.
Dishes here are creative, surprising, and delicious! They have globally inspired ingredients and a clear sense of fun. Think mapo tofu spaghetti or crab rangoon beignets. You never know what you’ll find on the menu, but you can bet it’ll be bold and memorable.
Add in the low-key service style, the eclectic playlist, and the always-warm vibes, and you’ve got one of Atlanta’s coolest “hidden in plain sight” gems.
6. Bone Garden Cantina
Address: 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Looking for something casual, colorful, and packed with personality? Bone Garden Cantina brings a whole lot of flavor and fun to the Westside. This Day of the Dead-themed spot serves up scratch-made Mexican street food and an awesome list of tequilas and mezcals.
Favorites include the slow-roasted pork tamales, street-style tacos, and chorizo queso dip that’s impossible to resist. The cocktails are equally bold, especially their spicy margaritas and mezcal mules. It’s not a fancy place, but that’s part of its charm. Bone Garden is a true neighborhood gem that brings flavor, culture, and a good time to the table.
Why Restaurants On The Westside Are Atlanta’s Culinary Underdogs
Atlanta’s Westside has always had a little edge, a little soul. And now, with so many creative chefs, designers, and entrepreneurs investing in the area, it’s also one of the city’s most exciting places to eat and drink.
Whether you’re looking for a low-key taqueria, a fine dining masterpiece, or a next-level social dining experience like Westside Motor Lounge, this corner of Atlanta is packed with flavor, style, and surprising gems. So next time you’re planning a night out or looking to shake up your regular rotation, head west. It’s not just worth the drive, it might just become your new favorite part of town.