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Atlanta Food Writers Share Their 2020 Dining Headline Predictions

From more “plant-based” restaurants to even more food halls

Beth McKibben is the editor and staff reporter for Eater Atlanta and has been covering food and cocktails locally and regionally for 12 years.

For the last few days, we’ve been discussing the 2019 dining scene with several Atlanta food writers and restaurant critics. The experts have already given their restaurant standbys, named the best new Atlanta restaurants, included insights into the year’s biggest food trends, described the 2019 Atlanta restaurant scene in one word, explained their biggest dining surprises and biggest dining grievances, and provided details on their best meals in 2019.

In this final installment, Atlanta’s food authorities share their thoughts on the future of the city’s food scene in 2020 with some headline predictions.

What food trends, cuisine, or dining stories will make headlines in 2020? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter.


Mara Davis — Radio and TV personality for WABE, the Bert Show, and Atlanta Eats

More plant-based dishes/restaurants, open kitchen concepts, smaller menu concepts

Mara Shalhoup — Deputy editor for Atlanta Magazine

Reiterating the (hopeful) prediction I issued for 2019: “2020 Is a Record Year for Women and People of Color Opening Restaurants”

Jennifer Zyman — Contributing writer and restaurant critic for Atlanta Magazine, Thrillist, Eater Atlanta, AJC

“Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene Is More Diverse Than Ever, and It’s About Time”

Mike Jordan — Thrillist Atlanta editor and contributing writer for Eater Atlanta, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Atlanta Magazine

“Is Atlanta Getting Close to Peak Tasting Menu?”

“When Did the $30 Atlanta Breakfast Become OK?”

Beth McKibben — Eater Atlanta editor

“More Dining Pop-Ups Become Permanent Restaurants Bringing Even More Diversity to Atlanta’s Food Scene”

“Sigh — Another Food Hall Is Opening”

“Food Becomes Big Business for Atlanta’s Bustling Brewery Scene”

“Restaurant and Bar Owners Finally Storm City of Atlanta’s Permitting Office to Demand They Speed Up the Process”

“Chef Philanthropist José Andrés Teams Up With Giving Kitchen to Open an Atlanta Restaurant” (Perhaps wishful thinking, but it could happen, y’all)

Food Halls

Expect Al Pastor Roasted on a Spit From This Food Hall Taco Stall in Peoplestown

Atlanta Restaurant Openings

You Can Now Get Filipino Street Food Seven Days a Week at Pullman Yards in Kirkwood

Atlanta Restaurant Openings

Two Atlanta Pitmasters Team Up in Smyrna to Open a New Barbecue Restaurant