This mocktail from Ocean and Acre in Halcyon is so pretty and tasty you won't miss the booze at all!
If you live in north Fulton neighborhoods of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming or anywhere in Forsyth county, you are pretty lucky to have some of the best restaurants just minutes away. I’ve rounded up the best restaurants in the Points North areas right here.
Lapeer Seafood Market – Downtown Alpharetta
Open in Downtown Alpharetta, this spot is a seafood lover’s dream. If the channel orange cocktail is available make sure to get it! I’ve never had a cocktail that is made with carrots, and this one didn’t disappoint. Make sure to get their oysters with house made hot sauce. They’ve also got an enclosed patio that is perfect for large parties. You want to click through through to my full post on this outstanding spot in Alpharetta to see the seafood porn.
Ocean and Acre restaurant – Halcyon Forsyth
If you live ITP, Forsyth may seem like a road trip. I don’t blame you for thinking so, but lemme assure you, it is worth the ride. Because the payoff is tremendous. First off is that amazing raw bar as soon as you walk in the North Atlanta restaurant. I’ve been twice – the first time was a group tour of the spots in Halcyon. The second was a date night. We feasted on everything you see below. I would go back for the lamb belly and crab cake! Check out the full overview on Halcyon Forsyth here.
Carson Kitchen – downtown Alpharetta
A newcomer to the downtown Alpharetta space is Carson Kitchen. It hails from Las Vegas, and they operate a tight ship. Don’t even think about skipping the bacon jam. Insider tip: it is especially delicious if you use it as a dip for the chicken skins. It is simply ooey gooey deliciousness. Oh and don’t pass on the doughnut bread pudding dessert. Sure, you are probably going to consume all the calories any normal person should consumer in an entire week, but it is totally worth it, I promise.
Usually upscale salads, like this one with feta and watermelon skimp on portion size, but not at Alpharetta’s Carson Kitchen. The portion is huge! Just look at all those watermelon, cucumber and feta pieces. Definitely good enough for up to three people to share.
South Main Kitchen – downtown Alpharetta
Looking for a lovely brunch spot in the area? Head to South Main Kitchen. I have been there for lunch and I loved it but brunch is awesome here. I’d make reservations just in case, but when I ate there for brunch it was not overly crowded. Yes, we could have just walked in to dine, but I’d make a reservation just in case.
The restaurant has their own special Bloody Mary mix but if it is available get the Twilight in Tulum cocktail. It is unorthodox but the SMK Salad with peaches and a light citrus dressing is perfect to start. Or have it when you visit the North Fulton restaurant at dinner as well. Short rib crepes are a must but the Three Pigs Omelette would also be a stellar choice. Read the full write up on South Main Kitchen here.
Persian Basket (Johns Creek)
Johns Creek isn’t left off this list either. Though it is quite far for me to drive, I did make it out to Persian Basket and Kitchen (located close to Alpharetta). One of the things I love about Persian Basket and Kitchen is that not only do they have a full restaurant BUT they also have a market where you can purchase your favorite items to go. Not only that, but you can order online for delivery too. Perfect if you want those delicious Persian dishes but don’t want to make the trek out to Johns Creek in Forsyth county to pick them up!
I love this restaurant for celebrations too! It has all the feel and ambience of Buckhead without any of the hassle! Plus, a lot of thought has been put into the desserts here. Don’t forgo them, even if you get them to go. You’ll thank yourself the next day or later on that evening.
Butcher and Brew (locations in Alpharetta and Halcyon Forsyth)
If upscale pub food is on your radar, then Butcher and Brew will most certainly hook you up! Check out those pork rinds and cheese covered fries below! There’s another location of the popular brewpub in Alpharetta’s downtown too. Protip :The Halcyon location is dog friendly.
Made Kitchen and Cocktails – Alpharetta
Made from reclaimed wood from a South Carolina barn, MADE Kitchen and cocktails is a beautiful space with gorgeous features Wood Grilled Artichokes. File this under dishes worth driving for. The cocktails here are outstanding.
This is only one of the tapa dishes we had. Click through to my full writeup on Alpharetta’s Made Kitchen and see pics of the garlic shrimp and salted cod fritters!
E.M. Bop – Alpharetta
Though E.M. Bop is a bit out of the way from the dining hot spots of Avalon and Halcyon or downtown Alpharetta, it is worth driving a bit further to dine here. It is located in strip mall, but the decor feels fun and modern and makes you forget the locale. Just check out these Korean wings.
If ever there was a restaurant that embodied the spirit of K-pop, it is E.M. Bop. What is K-pop? It is Korean Pop music that includes a mix and variety of so many types of themes and styles. Besides the Korean wings the lotus chip topped mushroom rolls are amazing.
The dishes are divided into two sections: more traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbop and Korean barbecue and then more Americanized dishes with a Korean spin, like the burger topped with kimchi or the chicken Bulgogi pasta. The strip mall that E.M. Bop is located in might be unremarkable but there is food is certainly not. You’re in for a treat if you visit this North Fulton restaurants. See more pictures and read everything about my visit to this underrated Alpharetta spot here.
***You might also want to check out the Best Restaurants in Sandy Springs***
Barleygarden – Avalon Alpharetta
It kinda goes without saying that if you are a craft beer lover, this is a great spot for you. With 60 rotating beers on tap, you are bound to find something you like. But don’t spend all your time perusing the list. Describe your preferences to the awesome staff, and they’ll pick out something amazing for you.
A charcuterie spread is a lovely start and a nice choice to pair with a variety of different beers. For mains they have a variety of grilled cheese and hot dogs. They have cutesy names like The Best Day Chevre and You Can’t Put it Pastrami.
Read about my lunch at Barleygarden here.
Colletta (Avalon Alpharetta)
Another standout restaurant in Avalon is Colletta. The Italian restaurant serves up delicious pizzas and pastas. They definitely have unique toppings.
Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails
If you drove to Milton a handful of years ago, there wasn’t much there, but all that’s changed. One of the most special restaurants in this North Atlanta suburb is Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails. At least one person in your gang needs to order a steak at this Alpharetta hot spot. Oh and definitely click through to my full writeup on MIlton’s to see the shrimp and sweet potato fritters!
Besides the charming and cozy feel of the restaurant (it feels like you’ve just entered someone’s home rather than being in a restaurant), is the fantastic grounds they have. Here, they grow many of their own vegetables they use in their dishes.
***You might also want to check out the Best Restaurants in Sandy Springs****
Salt Factory (locations in Roswell, Alpharetta and Woodstock)
I’ve been patronizing Salt Factory for many years and have never had a bad experience there. Some of my favorite things to get there are the burger (you can’t go wrong with any of them) as well as the London Broil. You don’t see this often on restaurant menus, so it is kind of my go to dish here. Also, it’s great to order anything beef here as the restaurant has access to special cuts and a vendor out of Chicago that delivers some of the best quality meats. Pictured above is their million dollar burger, but you need to see the London broil, which is on my full review of Salt Factory in Alpharetta. Protip: They have a huge selection of whiskey and beer.
Superica – Multiple locations (one in Alpharetta’s Avalon)
If you like Tex-Mex, in a fun and festive atmosphere you have to pay a visit to Superica! The restaurant from restaurateur, Ford Fry is quite affordable. I like to get the mole chicken and of course wash it down with a blood orange margarita.
Ray’s Killer Creek – Alpharetta
This upscale restaurant is the best for a date night or a celebration. The seafood dishes are impressive, but I love it for Sunday brunch the best. I mean, just look at this setup above at this fantastic Alpharetta restaurant? Read more about Ray’s Killer Creek in Alpharetta.
The Whistle Stop Cafe has moved