Best Intentions
I’ve now experienced Best In Thyme in Lawrenceville four times, and with each visit, my conviction grows stronger: owners Nigel and Denise have created something truly extraordinary. This isn’t just one of Atlanta’s best Guyanese restaurants, to me, it stands among the finest Caribbean dining experiences in the city.
What sets Best In Thyme apart is the marriage of authentic comfort and culinary artistry. These aren’t just good home cooks, this is talent elevated to art form. Take Back in Thyme’s jerk chicken: while traditionally Jamaican rather than Guyanese, theirs transcends convention with a complexity of spices that reveals serious culinary training behind every bite. The curry duck delivers that same magic, and their doubles, the beloved Guyanese chickpea dish, achieves the sublime. Each element is perfectly calibrated: spicy yet sweet, cradled in pillowy roti that seems to embrace your palate.
The menu ventures into rare territory with dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find outside Guyana itself or your own auntie’s kitchen: white and black sausage, the finest dhal puri this side of the Caribbean Sea (hand-milled by Denise’s mother, Bibi), and souse that’s as visually vibrant as it is flavorful. Our culinary journey has taken us from jerk chicken and curry goat with roti to black sausage, souse, and chow mein, with doubles stealing our hearts on visit three. The verdict? Back In Thyme will be catering our Annual Christmas Bashment this year.
The beverage program matches the kitchen’s ambition: homemade ginger beer and sorrel arrived with Back In Thyme’s signature nutmeg and ginger twist, while cocktails like their inventive rum punch refresh and delight.
But here’s what elevates Best In Thyme from excellent to unforgettable: Nigel and Denise have somehow bottled the warmth of a family gathering. On our second visit, we stumbled into karaoke and dancing. Great music filled the air. It felt like home.
Best In Thyme doesn’t just serve exceptional food, it delivers an experience that lingers long after the last bite. It’s clear to me that this is a restaurant that just cannot disappoint!!
… moreHeather Fraser
Ate at thyme this evening , food was excellent . Had the sous and black eye peas cook up rice and I must say it felt like home again. Oh and my hubby had the curry duck and dhal puri . The spices was just right . Very flavorful and I will certainly recommend going and try this new Guyanese spot in lawrenceville. Denise and Nigel the owners were so welcoming and pleasant .
… moreThea N (Natalie P)
I was very disappointed. I expected to get guyanese chiney type chicken and friend rice instead I got grilled chicken and the rice wasnt even close to guyanse chiney fried rice. I drove over an hr to give them a try. Never again. The service was slow and they didnt really seem to know how to operate the register. I ordered ahead of time and still spent 10 mins minimum in there because the chicken wasnt ready. Not sure how long in business. The chowmein was inedible and the chicken wasnt cooked through. The worse curry goa I’ve ever had. No taste. I ended up tossing out everything I ordered. I had to eat something so i kept the goat. Waste of 43.00. Never again. If i could give 0 stars i would. But they were at least nice. Im going back to caribbean roti shop in McDonough where I get good tasting gt food. Another place is international roti house on covington. the fried rice and chiney style chicken is the truth at caribbean roti shop. The cook at this place needs to get someone who knows how to cook. Ive never thrown away food before until now.
… morelizabeth surillo
Delicious Caribbean food with a comfy atmosphere. Enough space to have an intimate dining experience or if you prefer to congregate around the bar you have options. Great place for groups. Easily accommodated. Traveled from NYC for this and it didn’t disappoint. Check it out.
… moreAlana Brassington
So happy to find an authentic Guyanese restaurant here in L/ville. I have been a couple times now and I love the food! The fish stew was great! Just the right level of spicy. We especially enjoyed the duck curry. I cant wait to go back and try all the other options. They have so many! I also really liked the black and white pudding and egg and cassava balls. The staff were really friendly and atmosphere cozy and welcoming. Guyanese food is generally spicier but I like that it isnt very spicy but they provide a nice home made pepper sauce for those that like more spice.
… moreDerek R
I really wanted to support this Guyanese restaurant, especially since there aren’t many Guyanese spots in this area. I gave the place a fair chance and visited twice, but unfortunately both experiences were disappointing..The first time I came, there was no food ready and no pastries available. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and returned a second time but ran into the exact same issue. Nothing was prepared, and there were still very limited options.
To be honest, it was a bit embarrassing because I had brought some Jamaican friends with me after speaking highly about Guyanese food and our culture. We ended up leaving and going down the street to Spice Hill, where the food was hot and ready
Word of advice , employees should be there hours prior to open to have food ready before opening not showing up at opening hours smh
I truly hope this restaurant improves its consistency and preparation because the community would really benefit from a reliable Guyanese spot in the area. I’d be willing to give them another try if operations become more dependable in the future .
… morePatrice Rhymer
Back in Thyme is a true gem! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is friendly, attentive, and professional.
The food is phenomenal—fresh ingredients, rich flavor, and beautiful presentation. Every dish tastes homemade with a gourmet twist. Portions are generous, prices are inexpensive and the menu offers something for everyone. Even the drinks are thoughtfully crafted.
✅ Excellent service
✅ Amazing, flavorful food
✅ Cozy atmosphere
If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. Highly recommended!
… moreMatt Beauregard
I have only had the pleasure of visiting this establishment a couple of times. But both times it was a positive experience. The first time I had the goat curry. And the second time I had the duck curry. Both were delicious! I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.
… moreIshri Sankar
I would love to support my Guyanese people, I really would, but the food here is not good. I waited over 45 minutes for my order. The food tasted stale and was served cold – even though I waited for so long. Save yourself the time and money. They also somehow charged someone else’s $72 order to my card. I was happy they told me about that, but then the cook had to stop to come reverse the charges. It was an experience that I’d rather not relive.
… moreMe tebone68
I ordered the curry duck, one of my favorites, and it was excellent. The food was well prepared and tasteful and the service was warm and friendly. I will be going back to sample more food on their menu.
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