Atlanta Dominates America's Culinary Landscape

Bottom Line: Atlanta has emerged as America's most voracious dining city, with residents spending a nation-leading $1,175.43 monthly on dining out - nearly 40% more than the national average. From pizza parlors to fine dining establishments, Atlanta's appetite for restaurant experiences is unmatched.

Quick Atlanta Food Facts

💰 Dining Capital: #1 in monthly restaurant spending ($1,175.43) 

🍕 Pizza Champion: Most pizza-obsessed city (7.47 orders/month, $181.55 spending) 

🌶️ Heat Seekers: #2 nationally for spicy food consumption (2.74 spicy meals/week)

 🏠 Balanced Lifestyle: 6.45 home-cooked meals weekly despite dining dominance 

⭐ Quality Standards: 6.62/10 average restaurant rating from locals

 🍽️ Frequency Leaders: Atlantans dine out more than residents of NYC, LA, or Chicago

Atlanta Pizza Culture

Pizza Ordering Habits

• Monthly pizza orders: 7.47 (#1 nationwide)

• Average cost per pizza: $24.29 (#5 most expensive)

• Monthly pizza spending: $181.55 (highest in America)

• Local pizza rating: 6.62/10 (#11 nationally)

• Frozen pizza consumption: 1.49 per week (#1 nationwide)

Atlanta's Favorite Pizza Toppings

1. Pepperoni (most popular)

2. Mushrooms

3. Sausage/Extra Cheese (tie)

4. Onions

5. Bacon

Unique Atlanta Pizza Preferences

• Unusual favorites: Ground beef, spinach

• Unusual dislikes: Basil, tomatoes

• Preferred style: New York-style pizza

• Favorite non-red sauce: White pizza/Alfredo

Atlanta Pizza Crimes

• City "Ordinance": Stuffed crust pizza

• City "Allowance": Undercooked/undersauced pizza

Atlanta Dining Scene

Restaurant Habits

• Restaurant meals per month: 12.48 (#1 most frequent)

• Average restaurant meal cost: $64.31 (#9 nationally)

• Monthly restaurant spending: $802.79 (#2 highest)

• Local restaurant rating: 6.55/10 (#8 nationally)

Takeout & Delivery

• Takeout orders per month: 10.83 (#1 nationwide)

• Average takeout cost: $34.40 (#6 nationally)

• Monthly takeout spending: $372.64 (#1 highest)

• Takeout quality rating: 6.49/10 (#5 nationally)

Total Food Spending

• Monthly dining out total: $1,175.43 (highest in America)

• Annual dining out total: $14,105.20

Atlanta Home Cooking Culture

Cooking Frequency

• Meals cooked at home: 6.45 per week (#8 nationally)

• Weekly grocery bill: $144.31 (#11 nationally)

• Cost per home meal: $22.39 (#17 nationally)

• Home cook self-rating: 6.60/10 (#4 nationally)

Atlanta Cooking Preferences

• Meals with vegetables: 5.70 per week (#17 nationally)

• Plant-based protein meals: 1.90 per week (#3 nationally)

• Seafood meals: 1.75 per week (#5 nationally)

• Spicy meals: 2.74 per week (#2 nationally)

• Red meat meals: 3.03 per week (#3 nationally)

• Outdoor cooking: 1.40 per week (#1 nationwide)

Community Cooking

• Meals cooked by others in household: 2.70 per week (#15)

• Meals cooked for others outside household: 1.281 per week (#1 nationwide)

Atlanta Food Preferences by Demographics

Generation Differences

• Gen Z Atlantans: Higher takeout frequency, more plant-based options

• Millennial Atlantans: Balance of dining out and home cooking

• Gen X Atlantans: More home cooking, traditional preferences

• Boomer Atlantans: Lowest dining out frequency, highest home cooking

Urban vs Suburban

• City dwellers: Higher restaurant frequency, more diverse cuisines

• Suburban residents: More family-style dining, outdoor cooking

Why Atlanta Leads in Food Consumption

Cultural Factors

1. Southern hospitality: Strong food-sharing culture

2. Diverse population: Wide variety of cuisine preferences

3. Growing food scene: Expanding restaurant options

4. Entertainment culture: Food as social activity

Economic Factors

1. Disposable income: Above-average spending power

2. Convenience culture: Busy lifestyles driving takeout demand

3. Food as investment: Atlantans prioritize quality dining experiences

Atlanta Food Scene Rankings

National Rankings

• Pizza consumption: #1

• Total food spending: #1

• Takeout frequency: #1

• Outdoor cooking: #1

• Community cooking: #1

• Spicy food preference: #2

• Restaurant frequency: #1

Regional Comparisons

Atlanta significantly outpaces other major Southern cities in:

• Pizza ordering frequency

• Total dining expenditure

• Takeout/delivery usage

• Outdoor cooking frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do Atlantans order so much pizza?

A: Atlanta's combination of busy lifestyles, strong social culture, and diverse population creates high demand for convenient, shareable food options like pizza.

Q: How does Atlanta compare to other major cities for food spending?

A: Atlanta leads all major U.S. cities in total monthly food spending at $1,175.43, ahead of Houston ($1,134.01) and New York ($1,164.79).

Q: What makes Atlanta's food scene unique?

A: Atlanta combines Southern comfort food traditions with international influences, plus the highest frequency of outdoor cooking and community meal sharing in the nation.

Q: Are Atlanta restaurants expensive?

A: Atlanta restaurant prices rank 9th nationally at $64.31 per meal - more expensive than many cities but still below premium markets like New York and San Francisco.

About This Data

This analysis is based on Current Backyard's comprehensive 2025 survey of dining and cooking habits across 25 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The study surveyed thousands of residents about their food preferences, spending habits, and cooking behaviors to create the most detailed picture of American food culture by city.

Methodology: Survey data collected from representative samples in each metropolitan area, with responses weighted by age, income, and geographic distribution within each market.

Data source: Current Backyard 2025 City Food Culture Study Last updated: 2025