Organic Atlanta: Restaurants, Lifestyle, Beauty

July 23, 2018 (updated February 9, 2023) — Written by

The best Atlanta has to offer for organic restaurants, beauty and lifestyle. Sure there are a bunch of healthier options but these are the best of the best!

true food kitchen guac and gluten free pita

If you are into organics and looking to visit the A – I’ve got your back! I’ve been living in Atlanta for about a year and a half and me and my hubs love exploring the city for clean eats and organics. One thing that Atlanta does not lack is a bustling food scene. We literally have it all. From James Beard to Bon Appetite award-winning chefs and restaurants…from hidden speakeasies to towering roof decks, alfresco patios, pop-ups and more. And best of all, we’ve got organics. These are my faves. Let’s dish.

Best Organic Restaurants In Atlanta – The A List

If you are only in town for a couple of days…go off my A list. The A list is a compilation of restaurants that source organic but also TASTE AMAZING. If you have more time to explore then followup with my B list. The B list is also heavily organic and worth a mention.

FANCY

Miller Union

With seasonal menus, Miller Union sources local, clean meats + veg – always sustainable and mostly organic. They also pay to recycle (because Atlanta doesn’t recycle) and they also run their own compost and compost most everything. Plus they have a beautiful selection of organic and biodynamic wines. This place is the real deal.

StapleHouse

Good luck getting a reservation here. This nonprofit restaurant supports the restaurant community, you can read more about their story here. All locally sourced including their foraged flowers and edibles with the exception of the occasional Halibut they may fly in. Organic, local, sustainable, delicious. Everything done right. Show up at 5pm and wait at the garage door to try and get a seat at the 8 person bar – first come first serve. Dairy-free + gluten-free friendly. The beef tartar is the best I’ve ever had.

Kimball House

Want fresh oysters in Atlanta!? This is it. Kimball House literally flies in oysters from all over the US (Alaska, Florida, Rhode Island..) every day – they pick them up at the airport DAILY. Half off during happy hour 5-7pm M-F. They also have several gardens that surround the property which is an old train depot. I went mid summer when their figs were proliferating and they were even picking the fig leaves and steeping them to make fig leaf ice cream. I had oysters and veggies and it was heaven on Earth.

Bacchanalia

I haven’t eaten here yet but I can’t wait! Maybe Christmas 2019!? A four-course prefixed menu. Here is a quote from their website: “Bacchanalia’s seasonal menu relies entirely on organic ingredients, many sourced from the [owners] farm.”

Floataway Cafe

A sister restaurant to Bacchanalia with a parallel philosophy. I haven’t eaten here yet either but it’s on my list!

Atlas Wine Bar

Pours several options for organic and biodynamic wines. Read my interview with Sommelier Sam Gamble here 502.

Hazel Janes Wine Bar

Dedicated to serving over 100 organic and biodynamic wines. Opening March 2019!

FAST CASUAL//JUICE BARS

Cafe West Express

House-made soups + bone broths, next-level plant-based burgers and air fried potatoes with house-made veggie ketchup. Their vegan turmeric Caesar is a MUST-TRY. And you gotta get their strawberry beet shake that puts a McD shake to shame. 95% organic.

Cultivate Food

Um. Organic and local is where it’s at at Cultivate with a heavy focus on gluten free options. I’m talking GF fried goat cheese, Eggs Benedict, french toast….the works. They also have a beet latte.

Bamboo

A FREE delivery service bringing cold-pressed, certified organic, raw juices and almond milks right to your door. Fantastic to call ahead and have them ready for you at the hotel! Get the lemon, ginger + green apple. Also a must is their Almond Reishi Mushroom Coffee. And in the summer you have to try their local Strawberry Mylk! Ah-mazing!

Upbeet

Salads, grain bowls, smoothies, acai bowls and toast. Most everything is organic and gluten free including their LONG list of house made dressings (Thai peanut…curry coconut…cashew lime..). I love their Guac It Out bowl. This place is legit.

True Food Kitchen

Full restaurant. Caters to almost every food preference including gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and vegan. They usually source the dirty dozen organic but they are not fully organic. Organic booze/wine. Try their Kale Guac with grapefruit, Ginger Margarita and I always get their chicken wrap on GF pita!

yeah burger organic food
Love taking my kids to YEAH BURGER! Grassfed burgers and organic (and gluten free) sweet potato fries!

Yeah Burger

A great place for kids and adults – dine in or order out. Organic to the max + gluten-free and vegan options and the best kids menu around. Get the grassfed bison burger with bacon and fig jam in a collard wrap and a side of the crazy cauliflower. TDF. (To die for!). PS, GF onion rings anyone!? Yeah, I said it.

Dtox Juice

100% organic + cold-pressed smoothies and juices. House made nut-milks including a killer Brazil Nut Milk. Hands down, the thickest smoothie in Atlanta. Acai Smoothie is my fave!

Flower Child

New as of summer 2018 with paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Their meals are so tasty. Some things are organic like the wine and they try to source the dirty dozen organic but not all. Also, their meats are what I would call tier two meats. The chicken is natural (not organic or pastured), the fish is “sustainable” (not wild caught), the beef is “grassfed” (not grass finished) – you get it. PS they have gluten-free mac and cheese.

Star Provisions

Butcher shop, coffee, pottery…provisions. Their meat is legit. I got a grass and berries fed beef tenderloin for Christmas at $52/lb. Haha! #yougetwhatyoupayfor #sometimesioverpay

Karma Farm

Just opened early 2019 and it’s Atlanta’s first certified gluten free restaurant and bakery! (Actually it’s the first in the US!) My faves are the brisket, spicy noodles, dinner rolls, Asian chicken slaw and the juices. Committed to organics (they will never serve conventional dirty dozen) and free of some of the top allergens like gluten + nuts.

COFFEE//TREATS

morning dove coffee buckhead shops

XOCOLATL

Small batch chocolate micro-factory at Krogg Street Market. Single source cacao + dairy free chocolate bars. Order online but if you can get to Krogg St. Market you have to try their frozen drinking chocolate with dairy-free coconut cream whip. NEXT LEVEL!

Cultured South

Kombucha tap room and market place. Local + organic. AND they have a delicious dairy-free cheese plate. AND a dairy-free, mostly organic cashew gelato booch floats. You’re welcome!

MORE – The B List

These are some other restaurants I’ve tried that are also organic and worth a mention!

  • Sama: 100% organic which I love. They have some amazing gluten free toasts too. And they even have a meditation room!
  • Roots Juices: 100% organic. Their juices have 3 lbs of veggies in each one.
  • Juice Heads: They actually squeeze fresh produce in front of you to make juices.
  • Kale Me Crazy: They say they are 100% organic.
  • L’Thai: Organic, non-GMO, no MSG, gluten-free Thai Food. Holla! Great when you are craving takeout.
  • Erawan Organic Thai: On my list of places to try.
  • Mediterranea – Certified gluten-free kitchen and bakery. Where you can come and get a sit down dinner and wine. HOLLA! Love their house-made potato flour sandwich wraps and their pizza is pretty good too! (Not specifically focused on organics).

FOOD STORES

FARMERS MARKETS

These seem to be the busiest farmers markets in the city with the most to offer.

BEAUTY

a mirror selfie at Aillea Beauty in atlanta
Aillea Beauty, Buckhead’s green beauty destination!

Aillea

Top shelf natural green beauty shop located in Buckhead with luxe nontoxic skincare and makeup. Brand new as of 2017!

Lark & Sparrow

Atlanta’s less toxic nail salon. House made scrubs, honey foot masks, individual soaking bowls. A real treat. Cute nail art too! Two locations; one in Grant Park and one in Inman.

Creature Studio

A less toxic hair salon. They carry the Oway color line and styling products. Founder/owner Jenn has helped me so much with my gray hair grow-out/cuts!

Iwi Fresh

I went here once for an event and it was super eclectic! Their motto is “Farm to Skin” and they make all of their own products in-house without using any preservatives. The day I was there, they had a DIY bar where you could make/customize your own product to bring home.

Modern Holistic

Seriously the best facial I’ve ever had. Owner Jamie offers Laurel Skin 502 facials and organic everything (towels, linens, tea…smudging). And she has the best touch and her work is super intentional. You are in for a real treat here.

LIFESTYLE/SHOPS

The Beltline

Open but still being built this walking/bike path will circle the city lined with shops, restaurants, bars and markets.

Serenbe

An organic utopia where you can enjoy a meal, culinary workshops, festivals, music events, films, lectures, boutique shopping, art galleries, the spa, trail riding and more. We went for breakfast one day and had to drag ourselves out at 6:30 pm! Make reservations in advance to eat at The Hill and hit The Blue Eyed Daisy for breakfast or a coffee.

Relay Bike Share

There are docks all over the city to help you get from here to there emissions-free! BYOH.

Skyline Park

Okay not organic but this mini amusement park on top of Ponce City Market has the best views in the city! They also have an ice skating rink in the winter and a restaurant open year round.

playing mini golf at skyline park atlanta
Amusements at Skyline Park – a must for the view and the fun!

The Water Room

Meet the nail salon with a clean conscience: The Water Room! I love this nail salon because the products they use are as nontoxic and clean as possible without sacrificing performance, they only use polishes that are free of the 8 most common ingredients of concern and it has a unique twist – waterless manicures & pedicures. They have locations in Atlanta and Charleston.

holding up a green nail polish at the water room atlanta
MORE TO COME

Will update this list with more faves as they come along. Seems like there is something new opening up DAILY here! What would you add!

P.S. Check out the best organic wine!

xo, lisa in cursive

Common questions about organic restaurants, beauty, and lifestyle in Atlanta:

What are the best organic & upscale restaurants in Atlanta?

My top picks are Miller Union, StapleHouse, Bacchanalia, Atlas Wine Bar and more! Click here for the full list.

What are the best juice bars in Atlanta?

The best juice bar in Atlanta is a toss up between Bamboo and Dtox Juice. Both are 100% organic, cold-pressed, packaged in glass.

What are the best farmers markets in Atlanta?

My 3 fave farmers markets are Peachtree Road Farmers Market, 
Piedmont Park Green Market and Grant Park Farmers Market.

Where to shop clean beauty in Atlanta?

My favorite place to shop for clean beauty is Aillea but you can also find better beauty curations at Fig + Flower, Neiman Marcus and Indie Fragrance House. Click through for a full list!

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

2 Comments

  1. Reply

    ez1019

    Hey, woman! Just getting around to reading this post! Awesome! I’ve been in metro ATL since 2000, and though I currently live in Dunwoody, your list is a good showcase of what’s all around town! I’ve been to a handful of these, but generally, with a 2.5yo, I don’t get to venture into the more in-town areas that used to be my stompin’ grounds. This list gives me new reasons to get out of my bubble! You’re the best!

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      This is awesome! I know, it’s so easy to stay in the hood we live in. When I first moved down last year we lived for almost a year in Midtown and now we are going on a year in Buckhead so I’ve gotten to see a good bit of the city! Let me know if you find a new fave!

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