Who's in, out on Atlanta 50

A total of 17 restaurants — or more than a third of this list — are new from last year's Atlanta 50. This realignment reflects, in part, our new, democratic system reflecting the judgment of three critics, not just one (See how we chose restaurants for this list). But it also reflects the volatility and energy of Atlanta-area dining over the past year. With so many exciting new restaurants and wonderful new chefs, we found it hard to keep this list to 50.

Restaurants such as the General Muir, Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano, Antebellum, Alma Cocina, Gu’s Bistro, the Optimist, Octopus Bar and KR Steakbar have added considerably to the definition of what this city is about and deserve a place in the Atlanta 50 despite their still-young lives.

Others have been around longer — more than two decades in the case of Hal’s Old Ivy — and we find they have worked through early inconsistencies, gotten through rough patches or stealthily emerged as destination-worthy classics. This group includes Fox Brothers BBQ, Greenwood’s on Green Street, Leon’s Full Service, Muss & Turner’s, the Shed at Glenwood and Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft.

Watershed on Peachtree — an energetic reboot of a local classic — brings the best of both worlds, proving emblematic of Atlanta’s dining culture and (dare we say it?) the city itself. Everything old is new again.

Unfortunately, 17 spaces had to open up on the list. So, for now, we’re saying goodbye to Abattoir, Bistro VG, Community Q BBQ, Desta, Ecco, Golden House, Kevin Rathbun Steak, McKendrick Steak House, Sound Table, Three Blind Mice, Tofu Village, Umaido, Varasano’s, Viande Rouge, Vingenzo’s and World Peace Cafe. Pura Vida Tapas has closed since last year; we can’t wait to see where chef Hector Santiago shows up next.