Whether you’re seeking Neapolitan pizza or the comfort of a freshly made cannoli as a treat, Alpine can satisfy any craving, from sweet to savory and anywhere in between. It’s hard not to swoon over the available pastries and desserts in the packed display case, and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll love anything you order.

Perhaps this city’s most definitive restaurant, Milton’s is a quaint establishment from Southern Proper Hospitality. Nestled in the Crabapple district and specializing in Southern cuisine, the group’s focus on sourcing ingredients from local farmers and fishermen make Milton’s a great place to support Georgia’s agriculture workers and get a fine meal. Don’t miss the Kentuckyaki pork tenderloin for dinner or the many egg dishes served during weekend brunch.

Housed in a nearly century-old former general store, 7 Acre serves seasonal comfort food and cocktails that bring a unique energy to the quiet Milton crossroads it calls home. Come here for cocktails, comforting mains like shrimp and grits or slow-cooked brisket, and an unbeatable charming vibe.

Recently relocated after its closure at the beginning of the pandemic, Foundation Social Eatery is a chef-driven restaurant with a menu of house-made pasta, meaty mains, and crafty appetizers. Chef Mel Toledo’s resume includes Michelin-starred restaurants in France, and his restaurant reflects this distinct approach that’s hard to find anywhere else in the area. For lunch, don’t miss Petite FSE, a bistro-style market and cafe in front of the restaurant. Weekend brunch is also available.

Tapas and cocktails and paella. As one of the few Spanish restaurants OTP, Made fills an important void for those seeking small plates to share. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, try the albondigas (a stewy meatball and vegetable soup).

Louisiana never felt so close to Atlanta. With a menu of Creole classics like gumbo and po’boys, Flatlands makes an excellent case for being the one OTP restaurant that can get you closest to New Orleans without ever leaving Alpharetta. The adventurous soul will love the alligator bites, and the seafood enthusiast will adore the catfish Pontchartrain. Finish the meal with some beignets.

You’re craving smoked meats, but you’re neither in the countryside where the allure of smoke in the air leads you to the goods, nor in the city where renowned pitmasters run the streets. Enter Smokejack, Alpharetta’s OG barbecue joint, preparing classics with an all-encompassing approach to regional styles. Beef lovers shouldn’t skip the burnt ends.

Prime cuts of beef and fish flown in from the Gulf and East Coast help define Lapeer as one of the nicest places to dine in downtown Alpharetta, both in terms of food and ambiance. Come here for a meal to splurge on some of the finest steaks and seafood in the area, or opt for a double-stack, chuck blend smashburger for a more affordable option. Start with some oysters, salt and pepper calamari, or wagyu beef tartare, before moving on to scallops and risotto or prime New York strip served with all the accouterments.

Burgers and doughnuts were once an unconventional combination. Now both complement one another at this quaint little shop at the intersection of Hopewell and Thompson Roads. Bloom Roadside rolls and cuts doughnuts daily and make burgers fresh each day served on buns baked right on site. Yes, you can get your burger on a doughnut.

Indian dishes like curries, dosas, and a variety of chaat are all served from this welcoming spot on North Main Street in Alpharetta. The owners are often greeting patrons at the door and taking orders, too. Make sure to check out the daily specials board at Aunty’s Kitchen.

The fast-casual experience has reached near perfection at Local Expedition. Rather than serving the typical composed bowls, people are instead presented with a formulaic approach to compiling their plate. Chicken breast, wings, pulled pork, portobello mushrooms, or falafel act as entree selections, and the seasonal sides always seem to be different with each visit. Real ones know to never miss the opportunity for a side of LA street corn, and the sauce lover will want to hoard the sweet and spicy barbecue, garlic, and cilantro sauce options.

Classic country establishments are found all over Georgia, and Midway may be the best place to get a taste of homey Southern comfort food in Alpharetta. Located in a charming old house along Highway 9, this restaurant is just like eating at your Southern grandmother’s home on Sunday afternoon. There’s even a meat and two option with cornbread (Think country fried steak or fried chicken with sides like squash casserole, turnip greens, and broccoli salad.) Breakfast is also served, starting at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends.

Mediterranean fare doesn’t get much better OTP than the dishes and baked goods from this longtime favorite. A restaurant-grocery hybrid, Jerusalem Bakery and Grill features plates of hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush served with fresh-baked pita. The shawarma, kabab, or lamb shank platters are heartier options on the menu. Jerusalem Bakery also includes locations in Roswell and Marietta.