Best Restaurants in Marietta, GA: Where to Eat on the Square and Beyond

When clients ask us what makes Marietta special, the dining scene is always near the top of the list. Over our years serving families across Cobb County, we have watched Marietta's restaurant landscape grow from a handful of dependable spots into a destination that draws food lovers from all over metro Atlanta. The historic Square anchors it all, but the best food in Marietta reaches far beyond those four blocks.

We eat out a lot. Between client dinners, date nights, team celebrations, and grabbing a quick bite between showings, we have worked through a serious portion of Marietta's menu. This guide is our honest take on where to eat right now. These are the places we actually go, the dishes we actually order, and the spots we recommend to everyone moving to the area.

Whether you are house hunting from out of town and want a great meal after a day of showings, or you just moved to Marietta and need to build your go-to list, this guide covers everything from anniversary dinners to Saturday morning coffee runs.

Fine Dining and Special Occasions on the Square

Marietta punches well above its weight when it comes to elevated dining. The Square alone holds several restaurants that would hold their own in any major city. For date nights, anniversary dinners, or impressing out-of-town guests, these are our top picks.

Spring Restaurant

Tucked just off the Square at 36 Mill Street, Spring is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why farm-to-table matters. The menu rotates with the seasons, drawing from local farms and producers across Georgia. The space is intimate and warm, with exposed brick and soft lighting that sets the mood for a slow, thoughtful dinner. The tasting menu is the way to go if you want the full experience, but the à la carte options are equally impressive. The chef's commitment to sourcing locally means whatever is on the plate is at its peak. Expect to spend around $40 to $70 per person for dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

Mac's Chop House

Right on the Square at 19 N Park Square, Mac's Chop House is the place for a classic steakhouse experience. The dry-aged steaks are the draw here, and they deliver. The bone-in ribeye is our go-to, but the lamb chops and the fresh seafood selections are also excellent. The bar program is serious, with a strong bourbon selection and well-crafted cocktails. The service is polished without being stuffy, which fits Marietta's overall vibe perfectly. Dinner runs $50 to $80 per person. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the patio overlooking the Square.

Hamp & Harry's

At 168 Roswell Street, Hamp & Harry's describes itself as a neighborhood steakhouse, and that is exactly what it feels like. The space is warm and inviting, with a long bar that is always humming and a dining room that feels both special and comfortable. The menu leans into New American steakhouse territory, with standout dishes like the roasted bone marrow starter, the dry-aged burger at lunch, and the filet at dinner. The wine list is thoughtfully curated and reasonably priced. It is the kind of place where you can celebrate a birthday or close a deal without feeling like you need to wear a jacket. Expect $40 to $65 per person.

Kiosco Marietta Square

Kiosco, at 48 Powder Springs Street, brings Mediterranean-inspired small plates and craft cocktails to a beautifully designed space just off the Square. With a 4.7-star rating and nearly 300 reviews, it has quickly become a local favorite. The menu focuses on shareable plates grilled kebabs, hummus, roasted vegetables, and seasonal specials. The cocktail menu is creative and changes regularly. It is a great option for a lighter but still elevated dinner, and the patio is one of the nicer spots on the Square when the weather cooperates. Expect $30 to $50 per person.

Casual Dining and Family Favorites

Most of our dinners are not fancy steakhouse affairs. They are pizza nights with the family, tacos after a soccer game, or a burger on a random Tuesday. Marietta excels at this category. Here is where we take our own families and where we send clients looking for great food without the fuss.

Marietta Pizza Company

Right on the corner of the Square, Marietta Pizza Company is our default recommendation for families with kids. The pizza is hand-tossed and cooked in a brick oven, the salads are fresh and generous, and the atmosphere is loud and happy in the best way. The patio overlooks the Square, which makes it perfect for people-watching while the kids color on the paper tablecloths. The "Marietta" pizza with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers is our standard order, and the truffle fries are a must. Pizzas run $14 to $22, and the lunch special is an excellent value.

Big Pie in the Sky

If you have teenagers or a big appetite, Big Pie in the Sky is a rite of passage. Famous for their massive 28-inch pizza (yes, twenty-eight inches), this spot on the Square is all about big portions, cold beer, and a lively atmosphere. The giant slice is the move for lunch cheap, fast, and satisfying. For the full experience, bring a group and tackle the 28-inch "Big Pie." It is a challenge, but a delicious one. Slices start around $6, and whole pies range from $18 to $35.

Marietta Melt Yard

At 800 Whitlock Avenue, just a few minutes from the Square, Marietta Melt Yard is the ultimate comfort food destination. The menu is built around gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and creative melts, but do not let the simplicity fool you. The "Buffalo Chicken Melt" and the "Macon Melt" with pimento cheese are standouts. The tater tots are crispy and perfect. It is a casual, order-at-the-counter spot with indoor and outdoor seating, and it is especially popular with families on weekends. Most sandwiches are $10 to $14.

Taqueria Tsunami

At 70 South Park Square, Taqueria Tsunami has become a Marietta institution. The concept is Latin-Asian fusion tacos, and it works beautifully. The "Shorty" short rib taco and the "Ahi Tuna" taco are the most popular items, but the Korean BBQ quesadilla and the nachos are also excellent. The margaritas are strong and fresh, and the patio is one of the most popular on the Square. It is casual enough for a family dinner but lively enough for a night out with friends. Expect $15 to $25 per person.

La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant

Also on the Square, La Parrilla is the reliable, family-friendly Mexican spot that has been serving Marietta for years. The margaritas are generous, the salsa is fresh, and the menu covers all the classics. The fajitas are the star, and the "Parrillada" platter is enough for two. It is the kind of place where the service is fast, the prices are fair, and everyone leaves full and happy. Entrees range from $13 to $25.

Quick Bites, Coffee, and Breakfast

Marietta's morning and lunch scene is strong. Whether you need a coffee before house hunting, a working lunch spot, or a weekend brunch that hits the spot, these are the places locals actually frequent.

Australian Bakery Cafe

At 48 S Park Square, the Australian Bakery Cafe is our favorite coffee and pastry spot on the Square. The meat pies are the real deal flaky, savory, and satisfying. The sausage rolls, the vanilla slice, and the Lamingtons are all excellent. The coffee is strong and well-made. It is a great spot for a quick breakfast before a day of showings or a casual working lunch. Most items are under $12.

Douceur de France

At 277 S Marietta Parkway, this French bakery and brunch spot is worth the short drive from the Square. The croissants are buttery and flaky, the quiche is classic, and the brunch menu is excellent. The space feels like a Parisian cafe, and on a Saturday morning it is packed with locals who know the drill. The "Croque Monsieur" and the "Nutella Crepe" are our go-to orders. Expect $10 to $18 per person.

Phyllis

Located at 732 Cherokee Street, just off the Square, Phyllis has quickly become one of the most popular brunch spots in Marietta. The menu is creative and seasonal, with dishes like the "Green Eggs and Ham" and the "Phyllis Breakfast Bowl." The space is bright and airy, and the wait on weekends can be long, which tells you everything you need to know. Go early or on a weekday. Brunch runs $12 to $20 per person.

Crooked Tree Cafe

At 915 Cobb Parkway, Crooked Tree Cafe is a Marietta classic for breakfast and lunch. The menu is classic American fare done right. The pancakes are fluffy, the omelets are packed, and the service is fast and friendly. It is the kind of no-frills breakfast spot that every great town needs. Most items are $8 to $14.

The Eating Spot

At 301 Lemon Street, The Eating Spot is a hidden gem for lunch. The menu leans Mediterranean with wraps, salads, and bowls, but they also do excellent sandwiches and burgers. It is a favorite among the lunch crowd from nearby offices, and the portions are generous for the price. Most items are $9 to $14.

International Cuisine

One of the best things about Marietta's growth is the diversity of its dining scene. You can travel the world through this city's restaurants, and we love that our clients never have to drive far for authentic cuisine from just about anywhere. Here is how we break it down by cuisine type.

Italian

Gianni and Mac's Ristorante at 85 Church Street is our top Italian recommendation on the Square. The wood-fired pizzas are excellent, the handmade pasta is the real deal, and the charcuterie bar is a great way to start a meal. It also boasts one of the largest patios on the Square, making it a perfect choice for warm-weather dining. The "Cacio e Pepe" and the "Margherita Pizza" are our standbys. Expect $18 to $35 per person.

Bottega Italian Market-Pizza at 136 S Park Square is a more casual option with excellent pizza by the slice, Italian sandwiches, and a market section where you can grab imported pasta and olive oil. It is perfect for a quick lunch or grabbing supplies for dinner at home. Slices are $4 to $6.

For a classic red-sauce experience, Hoboken Cafe on Whitlock at 688 Whitlock Avenue is a local favorite with a 4.6-star rating. The portions are generous, the atmosphere is cozy, and the veal parmesan is a standout. Entrees range from $15 to $28.

Asian

Thaicoon and Sushi Bar on South Park Square offers solid sushi and Thai classics in a casual setting. The pad thai is reliable, and the sushi rolls are fresh and reasonably priced. Lunch specials are a great value at $12 to $16.

WEI Authentic Chinese Cuisine at 35 S Marietta Parkway, just a couple of blocks from the Square, is our pick for authentic Chinese food. The dumplings are handmade, the mapo tofu is legit, and the Peking duck is excellent. It is a favorite among the local Asian community, which is always a good sign. Entrees are $12 to $25.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern

PITA Mediterranean Street Food inside the Marietta Square Market at 68 North Marietta Parkway is our go-to for a quick, healthy Mediterranean lunch. The gyros are excellent, the bowls are customizable, and the falafel is crispy and well-seasoned. Most items are $10 to $14.

As mentioned above, Kiosco Marietta Square also covers Mediterranean territory beautifully with its small plates and grilled offerings. For a sit-down Mediterranean dinner with cocktails, it is the best option on the Square.

Latin

Beyond the Square, Marietta has excellent Latin American options. El Rey del Taco on Cobb Parkway is our pick for authentic Mexican street tacos. The al pastor and the lengua are outstanding, and the salsa bar has seven options ranging from mild to blazing. Tacos are $2.50 to $4 each, making it one of the best values in town. For Cuban, D'Cuban Cafe inside the Marietta Square Market serves excellent Cuban sandwiches, pressed to perfection, and strong cafe con leche.

Breweries, Bars, and the Social Scene

Marietta's social scene has grown up significantly over the past few years. The craft beer movement has arrived in force, and the bar scene on and around the Square offers something for every mood.

Glover Park Brewery

At 65 Atlanta Street, right on the Square, Glover Park Brewery is our go-to for local craft beer. The taproom is spacious and welcoming, with a rotating selection of house-made beers. The "Marietta Square Ale" is a solid, drinkable blonde ale, and the IPA lineup is well-executed. They have a spacious outdoor beer garden that is perfect for sunny afternoons and live music nights. Flights are available so you can sample before you commit. It is a great spot to meet friends after work or to kick off a night on the Square.

Contrast Artisan Ales

At 101 Church Street, Contrast Artisan Ales brings a more experimental approach to brewing. The taproom has a modern, industrial feel, and the beer list rotates frequently with hazy IPAs, sours, and stouts. It is a smaller, more focused operation than Glover Park, and the quality is excellent. If you are a beer geek, this is your spot.

Two Birds Taphouse

Located on the Square, Two Birds Taphouse is a gastropub with an excellent rotating tap list and a solid food menu. The beer selection is curated and always changing, with a good mix of local, regional, and national craft beers. The food goes beyond standard pub fare, with standout items like the "Blackened Chicken Sandwich" and the "Pimento Cheese Burger." It is a great spot for a casual dinner with good beer.

Schoolhouse Brewing

At 840 Franklin Court, a short drive from the Square, Schoolhouse Brewing occupies a converted school building (hence the name) and produces some of the best beer in Cobb County. The taproom is family-friendly during the day and often hosts food trucks and events on weekends. The "Headmaster's IPA" is the flagship, and the seasonal releases are worth watching for.

The Battery at Truist Park

Just a 10-minute drive from central Marietta, The Battery Atlanta at Truist Park is a dining and entertainment district in its own right. On game days, the energy is electric. But even on non-game days, the restaurants, bars, and live music venues make it worth the trip. El Felix (upscale Mexican), Gather (American gastropub), and The Sports & Social (two-level sports bar) are our usual stops. The rooftop bars at Moxie and Live! at The Battery offer great views and a lively atmosphere.

Outdoor Dining and Patio Spots

Marietta has gorgeous weather from March through May and again from October through November, and patios become prime real estate during those months. Here is where we go when we want to eat outside.

Gianni and Mac's Ristorante has the largest outdoor patio on the Square, with views of Glover Park and the passing scene. It is our top pick for a leisurely Italian dinner outdoors. Taqueria Tsunami's patio is always lively and is one of the most popular people-watching spots on the Square. Mac's Raw Bar and Market at 23 N Park Square offers a more intimate patio experience with excellent seafood and craft cocktails.

Marietta Proper at 9 W Park Square has a sophisticated patio that is perfect for a cocktail at sunset. The food is upscale American, and the outdoor seating feels elevated without being pretentious. Marietta Square Market has a large communal outdoor seating area where you can grab food from any of the vendors inside and eat outside. It is a great option for groups where everyone wants something different.

Glover Park Brewery's beer garden is one of the best outdoor spaces in Marietta, with picnic tables, string lights, and a relaxed vibe. And Kiosco's patio is a quieter, more refined option that is perfect for a date night conversation.

The Marietta Square Experience

A meal on Marietta Square is more than just dinner. It is an experience. Here is how to make the most of it.

Parking is easier than you think. The Square has several free parking lots, including a large lot on Cherokee Street and another on Powder Springs Street. There is also a deck on Haynes Street. On busy weekend evenings, you may have to circle once, but we have never had trouble finding a spot within a block or two. If you are willing to walk five minutes, the lots on the outer edges of the Square are almost always open.

The Square is wonderfully walkable. Once you park, you can hit a brewery for a pre-dinner drink, walk two blocks to your restaurant, then stroll through Glover Park after your meal. The park has benches, a fountain, and the iconic gazebo that hosts live music during warmer months. In the summer, the Music on the Square concert series draws crowds for free outdoor performances.

Combine dinner with an event. The Strand Theatre books shows year-round and is a perfect cap to a date night dinner. The Marietta Square Farmers Market runs Saturdays from April through December, and grabbing breakfast at the Australian Bakery and then walking the market is one of our favorite Saturday morning routines. The Taste of Marietta and the annual Christmas tree lighting are can't-miss events that showcase everything great about the Square.

The Square is safe and family-friendly. We see families with strollers, couples on dates, and groups of friends out for a night, all sharing the same space comfortably. Police presence is visible and reassuring, and the atmosphere is welcoming at all hours.

Team Haigh's Personal Picks

We promised you local knowledge that visitors do not have. So here are our honest, personal favorites. These are the places we find ourselves returning to again and again.

Campbell's go-to: When I am celebrating a closed deal or taking clients out to thank them, I head to Mac's Chop House for the bone-in ribeye and a good bourbon. But for a random weeknight dinner, I am at Taqueria Tsunami ordering the short rib tacos and a spicy margarita. It is consistent, it is fast, and it never disappoints. For a working lunch, you will find me at the Australian Bakery Cafe with a meat pie and a flat white.

Beth's go-to: I love Spring Restaurant for a special occasion dinner. The tasting menu with the wine pairing is an experience worth savoring. For a relaxed weekend brunch, Phyllis is my current favorite. The seasonal menu changes often enough that I never get bored, and the atmosphere is bright and happy. And honestly, on a random Tuesday when neither of us wants to cook, we end up at Marietta Pizza Company on the patio with the kids, sharing a pizza and watching the Square come alive.

The hidden gem nobody talks about: The Eating Spot on Lemon Street. It is easy to miss tucked away on a side street, but the Mediterranean wraps and salads are excellent, the prices are fair, and it is never crowded. It is our secret weapon for a quick, healthy lunch between appointments.

The best bang for your buck: El Rey del Taco for street tacos. You can eat like a king for under $15, and the quality is outstanding. It is not fancy, but it is honest, delicious food, and that counts for a lot.

Where we take out-of-town guests: We start at Glover Park Brewery for a beer on the patio, walk over to Spring Restaurant for dinner, and finish with a walk through Glover Park and a stop at The Strand if there is a show. It is the perfect Marietta evening, and it never fails to impress visitors who did not expect this level of quality in a suburb of Atlanta.