I mean the ability to list all files recursively in a buffer and then search that buffer, something Emacs got right.
Ah yes - I find that really useful too!
Do you know how Emacs handles too many recursive listings? Howl just truncates the search after 3 seconds and I'm wondering if there's something better we can do.
Do you mean the normal file browser or the recursive search (`ctrl_s`)? I did find Atom a bit lacking for general quick file browsing as well as previewing and usability of things like replace commands.