7 Must-Try Restaurants on the Atlanta Beltline for Food Lovers in February 2026
- BiteLines
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Atlanta Beltline seems to change literally overnight. Whether it's a new mural under a bridge, or another restaurant opening its doors, what wasn't here yesterday is here today.
So if you haven't taken a stroll on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail lately, you'll surely be in for a pleasant shock. From Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market, here is a quick guide to 5 restaurants you need to check out on the Atlanta Beltline. They either opened recently or are very close to opening.
This is the newest kid on the block, and they've already divided Atlanta Beltline goers into two camps: Popup and Emerald City Bagels, located just a few doors down. Does Atlanta have enough bagel lust to support both? We'll see. But we can tell you these New York–style bagels in Atlanta are a bit different. Instead of cutting, toasting and schmearing, you just rip your bagel and dip it into a tub of cream cheese. They call it Grip, Rip and Dip. And we're not talking just plain ole schmear. They keep inventing new flavors like lemon pepper - developed with Wingstop - and Buffalo butter. Atlanta is known to crowd every new restaurant that opens, and on opening day last weekend, there had to be 200 people shivering down the Beltline, ready to Rip and Dip.
You probably know Rreal Tacos for their insane Christmas popups or their Valentine's-themed menu items, like a heart shaped birria pizza. Or maybe you've brought your entire contact list to feast on their taco platters and suck down their water-tank sized pitchers of margaritas. If you're looking for a party restaurant on the Atlanta Beltline, you'll find it here. But it's not all flash and no substance. Their salsa is fresh. Their street tacos are to die for. Once you've had the costra or the birria, you'll never settle for a boring chicken taco again. Located diagonally across from Ponce City Market on the Beltline, you might find it hard to choose between the plein air patio or the vibrant decor inside. Bonus points: They hired Beltline Kevin to be their official/unofficial spokesperson. We heart Kevin.
Coming Soon to the Atlanta Beltline
Do we really need another Mexican restaurant on the Atlanta Beltline? Yes please! Casi Cielo appears to be putting the finishing touches on its new spot on the top level of the Fourth Ward offices development. Already serving in Sandy Springs, they're bringing the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico to the Beltline. (That's pronounced Wah-ha-ka, y'all). Diners love their pulpo al carbón and their mole dishes. We're especially excited to try the tostada de pork belly. Any way to work more pork belly into our diet.
If you've lived in Atlanta any amount of time, you've certainly partied at Eclipse di Luna. Their Buckhead location has survived 29 years of birthday dinners, bachelorette parties and plenty of Latin dance nights. The Eclipse di Luna Beltline location is more intimate, and beautifully decorated. You can still get their Spanish tapas menu, with favorites like tasty steak, patatas bravas and garlic-soaked gambas - not to mention sangria. And DJs spin here too on weekend nights. But the Atlanta Beltline patio dining and people-watching are what truly set this location apart. The perfect place to pull up, eat up and chill out.
Northern China Eatery was already a beloved Buford Highway spot, known for their steamed dumplings, and now you can stop in on your Beltline stroll. Fan favorites include the steamed pork & chive dumplings and the juicy soup dumplings (xiaolongbao). authentic Northern Chinese cuisine in Atlanta, with traditional recipes that aren’t commonly found around the city. Now you can explore those flavors without sitting in traffic to go OTP.
It's hard to stand out in Krog Street Market, a food hall already crowded with superstars. But Tyde Tate Kitchen at Krog Street Market serves up seriously impressive Thai food. It might be the best Thai food on the Atlanta Beltline, or anywhere in the city. Yeah, we said it. Try the shrimp rolls, the fried rice and the pad thai - we promise, far better versions of the ones you're used to. Good luck coming here only once.
We'll say it - there just aren't enough dessert spots on the Beltline. After too many trips to Summerhill to get their dreamy soft serve, we were thrilled when Big Softie ice cream opened on the Atlanta Beltline a few months ago. Located next to Three Parks Wine, just down the steps of the Fourth Ward offices, it’s the perfect pairing. Honestly, what goes better with wine than ice cream? We can’t think of a single thing.
Aww man, now we want ice cream. Hope they’re open.
Looking for the best way to explore Atlanta's renowned food scene? Join a Food and Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline. We'll bring you to some of our favorite restaurants, where you'll get a delicious sampling of authentic dishes, and we'll show you the city's coolest street art. This is a tasty way to get to know the city like a local.