38 Essential Restaurants Around Atlanta, Summer 2024

"Chamblee’s international spectrum shines ever-brighter with Oaxaca. Helmed by the owners of El Valle in Midtown, and the newest addition of Casa Balam in Decatur, Oaxaca brings the southwestern Mexican state’s ingredients and techniques (think smoke, moles, and fresh masas from ground corn for all tortillas and adjacent breads) to Metro Atlanta’s forefront. Standouts include the tetela de pato (duck confit and Oaxaca cheese), seasonal vegetable tlayuda (a group-friendly flatbread in the vein of a Mexican-style pizza), the flor de calabaza (squash blossom, Oaxaca cheese, sauteed mushroom, and roasted onion quesadilla), and the whole wood-fired branzino with black garlic. The restaurant also carries one of the largest selections of Mexican wines. Snag a reservation here." - Eater Staff