There’s no denying that metro Atlanta is a food-lovers paradise. According to a recent study from WalletHub, Atlanta placed 11th out of the 180 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S., was ranked seventh in the diversity, accessibility and quality category and also scored high in number of restaurants per capita.
Of course, the city and surrounding suburbs have long been known for traditional Southern fare, but recent decades have also seen an increase in the number of restaurants — both independent and franchise; inside and outside the perimeter — that showcase international, fusion and new-South cuisines.
No matter your neighborhood, you can easily find your favorite downhome comfort foods or experience flavors from around the world without having to go too far from home. But with so many incredible dining options to choose from, figuring out where to enjoy your next dinner out can be a challenge.
So, we decided to turn to a few experts for help. And who knows the local food scene better than the influencers who get out, taste and share their thoughts on the latest and greatest spots in the city?
The following foodies answered the call to share their recommendations for must-try restaurants in and around Southwest Gwinnett. Their picks offer something for every taste — savory, sweet, smoky and spicy — with a whole lot of flavor.
From Korean BBQ and PERi-PERi chicken to Sichuan hot pot, Wagyu steak, fine dining, late night party food and unbelievable donuts, these are just a few of the restaurants you may want to check out for yourself in 2025.
Lena Ahn (@atlbestbites)
Fire & Seoul
Duluth’s wood-fired Korean BBQ restaurant, Fire & Seoul, is making waves in the culinary scene. Combining traditional Korean flavors with a Southern twist, this exciting eatery from the folks who operate Okiboru Tsukemen & Ramen is not your typical Korean BBQ spot. They are the first KBBQ in the state to cook their meats over an open wood fire grill. And all meat is cooked in the kitchen instead of at your table, so you don’t go home smelling like BBQ.
We tried the Gochujang Honey Ribs, Braised Short Ribs and their house specialty Jjim. The jjim can be ordered according to your spice level and is best eaten with some hot steamed rice. It’s the ultimate Korean comfort food, especially in the fall and winter months.
Watch for more new menu items as they continue to explore Korean Southern cuisine!
Nando’s PERi-PERi
Nando’s PERi-PERi, home of the legendary South African flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, is now open in Dunwoody. Their chicken is marinated in PERi-PERi chili peppers and then grilled to perfection. Also, you can choose sauces that fit your spice level.
What I love best about Nando’s is that the sauce uses African bird’s eye chilies with the Portuguese addition of lemon and garlic, making it truly irresistible. Their spatchcocked chicken is flame-grilled using their special PERi-PERi baste. I also love that none of the ingredients they use include artificial colors or flavors.
Nando’s wide array of sandwiches, platters, wraps and bowls are full of flavor. Some must-try items are the Hummus with PERi-PERi drizzle, Grilled Halloumi Cheese Sticks & Dip and, of course, the famous PERi-PERi Chicken Platter. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
In addition to the Dunwoody location, Nando’s is set to open at The Forum in Peachtree Corners in early 2025.
Matthew Chow (@chowfuneats)
Xi Hotpot Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Duluth, Xi Hotpot stands out with their high quality meats, vegetables and broths. The dining experience starts with choosing a broth, followed by selecting meat and vegetables à la carte via a self-kiosk provided at the table.
Since I’m a fan of spicy food, I opted for the spicy tallow broth, which was delicious! You can tell that all the ingredients are fresh, and with all the different vegetable and seafood options, it caters towards just about everyone’s tastes.
They also have DIY sauce and dessert bars, giving the opportunity to craft the perfect hot pot experience and finish with something sweet.
What really set this hot pot apart from other hot pot restaurants for me was the atmosphere. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a lot of attention to detail.
Definitely recommend Xi Hotpot for those craving something to warm them up in colder weather!
Gold Bunny Donut
Gold Bunny Donut is a newly opened dessert shop on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, focusing on gourmet donuts, as well as bubble tea and coffee. They offer a unique rotation of flavors that you won’t find at your typical donut shop.
Some of the flavors that I have tried so far are matcha, tiramisu, taro ube, Oreo and original milk cream. Each donut is made fresh daily and is packed with cream, having just the right amount of sweetness.
For drinks, I loved the Grapefruit Black Tea (which I ordered with half sugar to really taste the tea).
The donuts are a perfect dessert to enjoy any time of day. I can’t wait to see what other flavors they create in the future!
Adam & Cole (@atlfoodiesofficial)
Falling Rabbit
Hey foodies! Located right off the main downtown strip in Duluth, GA, you will find the most magical and whimsical restaurant called Falling Rabbit — one of our favorites in Gwinnett.
Known for their incredible seasonal menu with bright colors and flavors, we always have the BEST meal there. With innovative cocktails and chef-driven dishes, you literally cannot go wrong. They also have a number of events and date night specials that are a fun way to enjoy the menu.
Falling Rabbit is a casual fine dining spot with a warm and cozy atmosphere and excellent service. It’s one of many incredible culinary gems located in Duluth, just a short drive from Atlanta, and a great spot to dine before or after exploring the downtown scene.
H&W Steakhouse
Hey foodies! As this year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect upon all of the incredible restaurants and foodie adventures we’ve had in and around Atlanta.
One of the BEST meals we had in 2023 and one of the best new restaurants we’ve dined at is hands down H&W Steakhouse in Peachtree Corners.
This stunning, fine-dining steakhouse is located 30 minutes outside of Atlanta and is one of the most beautiful restaurants we dined at [last] year.
Serving everything from high end steaks, to luxury delicacies like caviar and A5 Japanese Wagyu with over-the-top, tableside presentations, you will be absolutely blown away by your meal there.
You also have to end the meal with their famous Turtle Gelato Pie and Carajillo (a Spanish coffee cocktail made with espresso and liquor)! Both were absolutely phenomenal and a great way to end an amazing dinner.
Jenny Hu (@atlanta_foodyyyyy)
Pocha Hanshin Duluth
Pocha Hanshin consistently delivers a combination of delicious food, unbeatable deals and an unmatched late-night atmosphere that I couldn’t resist. With its vibrant setting featuring a big party room, a game room and three karaoke rooms, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out. Plus, their weekday specials like Men’s Night and Ladies’ Night make every visit exciting and budget friendly.
The menu is packed with flavorful Korean favorites that never disappoint. From the Fried Whole Chicken and assorted pancakes to Kimchi French Fries and Beef Brisket with Bean Sprouts, each dish is crafted to perfection.
One of my favorite dishes was the Spicy Chicken Feet, perfectly paired with refreshing Bean Sprout Soup and rice balls. You’ve also got to try their Bossam, Sweet & Sour Pork, Seafood Udon and crispy Fried Chicken for a full-flavored feast!
Great food, a lively atmosphere and memorable experiences with friends make Pocha Hanshin one of my 2024 favorites!
Wagyu House Atlanta
Though not a Gwinnett restaurant, Wagyu House in West Midtown is worth the drive — offering an elevated 90-minute, all-you-can-eat Japanese dining experience with three tiers priced at $55, $75 and $85. Their yakiniku and sushi-focused menu features buttery A5 Wagyu, fresh seafood, vegetables and noodles.
The rooftop dining space with its stunning views of the Atlanta skyline adds a special touch, while their full bar serves sake and craft cocktails that perfectly complement the meal.
As a new addition to Atlanta’s food scene, it has already set a high standard with impeccable service, luxurious ambiance and unforgettable flavors. Wagyu House is a reflection of the exciting culinary growth happening in the city, earning its spot as my top restaurant for 2024.
You can find the magazine version of this article in the January/February issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine — available now in print and as a digital edition.
