Better Half Executive Chef Zach Meloy's Guide to Atlanta

After graduating college with degrees in both ceramics and Spanish, Zachary Meloy decided to shift gears and pursue a culinary career instead, spending five years studying in Central America before returning to his Atlanta roots. Today he's executive chef of the beloved Home Park eatery Better Half, which he co-owns with his wife Cristina (hence the restaurant's name).

Chef Meloy's beautifully-plated cuisine blurs the lines between cultures, incorporating both Southern ingredients and Central American influences. His creative menu and unique cooking style, which reflect his upbringing and travels, have introduced bold flavor to Atlanta's bustling food scene.

If you're looking to experience the city in a similarly flavorful fashion, you might just want to take a page out of Meloy's (cook) book. Whether it's grabbing noodles and playing foosball at Pijiu Belly or shopping for fresh ingredients at The Buford Highway Farmer's Market, this chef is full of recommendations for what to do around town. Here are the Atlanta spots at the top of his list:

How long have you lived in Atlanta? I lived here from when I was eight months old until I graduated from high school in 1996. I moved away, went to college, then culinary school, followed by life and travel in Central America. I moved back to Atlanta in the summer of 2010.

What neighborhood do you live in? I grew up in the mean streets of East Cobb. My folks are still in the same house so that will always be home base for me. I've lived in Virginia-Highland and over on the Westside at the Goat Farm. Recently, my wife and I bought a house off of West Marietta Street.

What’s your occupation? Chef and owner of Better Half restaurant

Describe Atlanta in three words: On the rise

What’s your favorite overall Atlanta restaurant? Ticonderoga Club

Best sushi: I always love walking to Mali Restaurant.

Best Italian food: BoccaLupo

Best dessert: Paris Baguette

Best pizza: Fellini's on Ponce

Best spot for a quick lunch: Lee's Bakery for Banh Mi

Best spot for a romantic date: The wife and I like foosball and noodles at Pijiu Belly.

Best glass of wine: Ecco Midtown for wine and a charcuterie board

Best Sunday brunch: The Canteen for bagels and coffee

Best cup of coffee: Brash Westside for espresso

Best steak: The hanger steak at Floataway Cafe

Best craft cocktail: Ticonderoga Club

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? The Artmore Hotel

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: I think I'll be a Little Five Points guy forever.

Best gym or fitness studio: I have a family now, so you can find all of us at the Moore's Mill YMCA.

Favorite charity event or organization: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Festival

Favorite cultural event: Living Walls

Favorite cultural institution: Waffle House

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Atlanta? Forward Warrior

Best historic or iconic Atlanta landmark to see or explore: The Fox Theater

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Atlanta? The Buford Highway Farmer's Market

The best aspect of Atlanta is: Its growing diversity

Image Credit: Zach Meloy