Taste of Atlanta is marking its 25th anniversary this year, a major milestone for what is widely recognized as the city’s premier food and drink festival. The landmark celebration will take place on Thursday, April 16 at The Works on 300 Chattahoochee Row with an event honoring some of the iconic chefs, restaurants and culinary innovators who have helped define Atlanta as one of the Southeast’s top food destinations.
“Taste of Atlanta has always been about more than food—it’s about community, creativity, and celebrating the people who make this city’s culinary scene so vibrant,” says Dale DeSena, Founder of Taste of Atlanta. “The 25th anniversary is an extraordinary opportunity to honor the chefs, kitchen teams, restaurants, mixologists and loyal guests who have made Taste of Atlanta a defining experience for Atlanta’s food lovers.”
Since its debut in 2001, Taste of Atlanta has been more than a festival—it has been a launchpad for culinary talent and a gathering place for food enthusiasts. Over the past quarter-century, the festival has showcased a number of legendary Atlanta chefs along with emerging talents who have gone on to shape the city’s food scene. From innovative tasting experiences to immersive chef demos, craft cocktails and live entertainment, Taste of Atlanta has continually evolved while staying true to its mission: turning tasters into diners while celebrating the people, flavors and creativity that make Atlanta’s food culture extraordinary.
The celebration will include a reunion of some of the culinary legends that have graced TOA’s festivals over the years. Among those being honored are Hector Santiago of El Super Pan, known for bringing bold Latin flavors and creativity to Atlanta kitchens; Jamie Adams, owner of il Giallo Osteria and Bar, a respected culinary leader whose restaurants and mentorship have influenced countless chefs; and the legendary barbecue duo Jonathan Fox and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, whose Texas-style barbecue helped put Atlanta on the national BBQ map.
The celebration will also recognize Pano Karatassos Jr. of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, a driving force behind Atlanta’s iconic Greek dining legacy; Giovanni DiPalma of Antico Pizza Napoletana, one of the best pizzerias in the United States; Archna Becker of Bhojanic, who helped introduce Atlanta diners to modern Indian cuisine through her pioneering restaurants; and the beloved local institution Woody’s CheeseSteaks, a gathering place that has fed generations of Atlantans.
“Creating Taste of Atlanta has been incredibly rewarding because it’s become a stage for our city’s chefs and restaurants to shine,” says DeSena. “Over 25 years, we’ve helped connect people to the incredible talent and diversity of Atlanta’s culinary scene. I hope the legacy is that Taste of Atlanta has played a role in helping Atlanta become the vibrant food city it is today.”
Participating restaurants for the tasting portion of the event will include Bistro Niko, Bold Monk Brewing, Chicheria Mexican Kitchen, DAS BBQ, Delilah’s Everyday Soul, El Super Pan, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Il Giallo, Hattie B’s, Kyma, Mission + Market, Morelli’s Ice Cream, NFA Burger, Nine Mile Station, Pricci, Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co, Three Dollar Cafe, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Tiny Lou’s, Woody’s Cheesesteaks, Your Third Spot and more.
Tickets for the event, which will feature live music by Bogey and the Viceroy, are available through Taste of Atlanta. Ticket holders will receive complimentary entry to the after party at Your 3rd Spot, also located at The Works, which will include such sponsors as Savannah Distributing, Coca-Cola, Grand Marnier, Jezebel Magazine and more.
“Taste of Atlanta’s 25th anniversary belongs on a stage that celebrates food, and that’s exactly what The Works does every day,” said Mindy Selig, CEO of Selig Enterprises, owner and developer of The Works. “We’re honored to host this event that’s deeply rooted in the city, as culinary legends and the community come together to celebrate something we all love – gathering around great food.”
