From burgers to BBQ, every Georgia eater has a favorite restaurant. After all, it’s a state with a big appetite and a reputation for cooking with a Southern flair. But not every eatery can make it to the top of a critic’s top favorites list. Those spot is reserved for only a select few. Three Georgia restaurants recently graced Bon Appetit’s top 50 best new restaurants of 2022 list.
Atlanta eaters should give Juniper Cafe and Lucian Books and Wine a visit, the website said. For those living in the Savannah area, Common Thread also made the list.
Juniper Cafe
Over on Atlanta’s Marietta Blvd NW, there is an Asian-Southern cafe and bakery of pure flavor. Nestled in Westside Village, it’s called Juniper Cafe.
“Juniper Cafe dishes out housemade and locally-sourced specialties including pho, noodle salads and banh mis,” the restuarant’s website said. “Plus made-from-scratch pastries and lots of fun shaved ice options topped with ice cream for the kids and a full beverage program with a focus on cocktails incorporating Asian flavors and ingredients for the rest!
“Named for Hsu’s niece, Juniper Cafe is a bright and fun family-oriented space, surrounded by modern takes on traditional design, featuring a stepped ceiling, two patio spaces and takeout window for on-the-go coffee, tea and pastry lovers.”
Bon Appetit suggested ordering the crispy okra, mussles, banh mi, coconut shaved ice, roasted duck leg, coconut shrimp crepe and savory mushroom.
Lucian Books and Wine
For a classy meal — and a good read — there is Buckhead’s Lucian Books and Wine. While the menu is never quite the same, it’s always good.
“Dishes rotate, but whether you end up with a strip steak blanketed in creamy pepper sauce or a simple tomato salad and a side of fries, every plate of food is delicate and elegant,” Bon Appetit said in their report.
The website suggests picking up the chicken liver pate, gem lettuce salad, seasonal crudo, ricotta gnudi, strip steak au poivre, and fries with seasonal mayonnaise.
Common Thread
Savannah eaters should head to East 37th Street for a taste of home. Founded by South Carolina restaurateurs, Common Thread is “founded on the commitment of producing, providing and serving locally sourced foods to our guests through the community relationships we foster and grow.”
With Savanah being right off the water, the home grown eatery has some excellent seafood options on hand. Bon Appetit suggested grabbing the oysters, beef tartare and pork presse and sausage.
