Nestled in downtown Alpharetta, Foundation Social Eatery serves vibrant New American dishes with a twist and a cozy patio vibe that feels just like home.
"In a giant pool of great metro Atlanta restaurants, Alpharetta's Foundation Social Eatery is an easy standout. That’s thanks to excellent signatures like their crispy fried octopus with smoky chorizo and a fancy-adjacent setting that works well for all occasions. On weekends, the upscale American gastropub is hopping with dates and long-overdue friend catch-ups. Of course, it’s also Alpharetta-sceney (corporate types who feel cool in their waxed cotton vests and celebrating suburbanites who don't know the world outside SR-400). But whether you're an OTPer or ITPer, everyone is here for the same reason—to experience some of the best food in the metro. Of course, you'll want to get the octopus. Other standouts include the flaky halibut and the FSE Burger, stacked with buttery, grill-marked bread, a juicy, perfectly seasoned patty, melty white american cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy pickled red onions. photo credit: Sarah Newman photo credit: Sarah Newman photo credit: Sarah Newman Food Rundown photo credit: Sarah Newman FSE Burger This is a simple burger—it comes between buttery bread and is topped with melty white american cheese and tangy caramelized and pickled onions. Yet, it all comes together with precision, which is why it's on our Best Burgers guide. photo credit: Sarah Newman Crisp Spanish Octopus The octopus is braised then pan-seared, and it comes with smoky chorizo, lemon, fresh cilantro, tender fingerling potatoes, and chicken sausage. It's worth an hour-long standstill in 400 traffic. photo credit: Sarah Newman Endive & Apple Salad This is a great salad. Thin slices of snappy green apple, fresh endive, and chopped walnuts give this salad a pleasing balance of sweet, bitter, and crunchy. photo credit: Sarah Newman Phony Negroni If earthy-citrus is your thing, this has all the flavors of a bittersweet negroni without the alcohol. photo credit: Sarah Newman Corn Mousse Topped with crispy caramel popcorn, the corn mousse is velvety and sweet, with the salted caramel sauce adding a sharp kick. Get this." - Jacinta Howard
"The beverage menu at the Alpharetta reincarnation of Mel Toledo’s beloved restaurant and Eater Atlanta’s Best Comeback Story of 2023 includes thoughtful spirit-free options like a non-alcoholic Negroni and The Grey Fox, a citrusy, herbaceous sour with Earl Grey, blood orange oleo saccharum, egg white, tonic, and thyme." - Laura Scholz, Molly Harris
"Foundation Social Eatery is an Alpharetta staple 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. The menu changes seasonally and includes dishes like yellowfin tuna tartare, housemade pasta like braised beef agnolotti with black truffle, and fresh fish." - Eater Staff
"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." - Alex Leo-Guerra
"Foundation Social Eatery is a chef-driven restaurant focused on New American cuisine. Located in East Roswell, Foundation Social Eatery is a fitting addition to Roswell's thriving dining scene. Open for both lunch and dinner, Foundation serves up a great mix of wonderfully seasonal selections and classic staples (the FSE burger = go, now.) to enjoy. And we must comment on their interior - inspirational and consistent, design focus is on texture and material (which we love)." - Nimble. Design Co.
