How long has it been since you enjoyed a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant? For a while, Atlanta residents couldn’t dine in at restaurants or bars. But recently, restaurants and bars in Atlanta have started to open up again with increased safety precautions.
Guests can now rest assured that restaurants and bars are following cleaning and sanitation guidelines. If you’re itching to go out for a meal, we recommend heading to Midtown Atlanta. This bustling area of Atlanta offers a wide variety of exciting restaurants and bars. Here are our top 7.
Looking for the perfect gift to surprise your best friend or family member with? Purchase a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants in Atlanta, including the 7 we featured below. Whether your loved one is in the mood for soul food or is craving a poke bowl, they can use your GiftYa card so that their next meal is on you.
1144 Crescent Ave NE | Midtown Atlanta | southcitykitchen.com
Since 1993, South City Kitchen has served as a top destination for classic Southern cuisine in Midtown Atlanta. At this popular eatery, you can find savory dishes such as the Carolina Trout and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served on a regular basis. If you have a sweet tooth that won’t stop bugging you, satisfy it with a slice of Double Chocolate Cream Pie or Banana Pudding Trifle.
A wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails is also available. If you’re planning ahead for the Holidays, make sure you stop by on Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve for a special dinner.
“We got the fried green tomatoes and without asking the appetizer came split in two beautiful servings. I could have eaten a full meal of these! We also got the pork belly which is my favorite. It's paired nicely with the cabbage-fennel chow chow (kinda like a slaw). For my entree I got the pork chop and it was highly recommended by the waitress. It was BOMB.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for South City Kitchen.
40 7th St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | midtown.ecco-atlanta.com
At Ecco, you can find a wide variety of modern European dishes. As you peruse the bar’s extensive dinner menu, you can sip on a glass of Pinot Noir or try a Smoke & Mirrors cocktail. Ecco also offers a fine selection of appetizers and shareables to start your night.
As for the main dish, you have sophisticated options such as the Roasted Halibut and Crispy Duck Breast to choose from. Pommes frites, roasted brussels sprouts, and sauteed kale are available as sides. Ready for dessert? We recommend the Chocolate Layer Cake and Seasonal Sorbet.
“This was my first experience at Ecco. I LOVED IT! We had a birthday party for my 30th and our waitress was great. She was the tall blonde with a grey mask. Every menu item we ordered was amazing. The friend goat cheese. Flatbread, frites, and Blonde beer were all amazing.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Ecco.
1197 Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | 5church-atlanta.com
Looking for a sophisticated venue to enjoy fresh seafood and fine cocktails with friends? Head to 5Church! 5Church offers delicious entrees such as the Canadian Halibut, Maine Sea Scallops, and Scottish Salmon to its hungry guests. If you need something to tide you over, you’ll love the Ahi Tuna Tartare and Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels. If you come for brunch, you’ll also have delicious breakfast options like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles and Seafood Omelette to choose from.
“Came to 5Church for brunch with a good friend on a sunny Saturday. There's a sweet patio area that is perfect for some COVID-friendly outdoor dining. My brunch buddy and I got a carafe of grapefruit mimosas and split the crab cake Benedict and the chicken and waffles. Obviously, to get some sweet and savory in! Both were quite delicious!” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for 5Church.
60 11th St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | bullagastrobar.com
Known for its imaginative cocktails and elevated Spanish fare, Bulla Gastrobar is a top destination for enjoying a fine meal inside an elegant atmosphere. Bulla Gastrobar is open for lunch on the weekdays, brunch on the weekends, and dinner nightly, making it easy to stop by whenever your schedule allows. On the menu, you’ll find authentic Spanish appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. An extensive wine, beer, and cocktail list is also available.
“This might become my new go-to restaurant this year. I was super impressed by the variety of tapas, super friendly and fast staff, covid protocols and overall ambience. There's tons of yummy small plate options and some entrees for people who'd rather have that.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Bulla Gastrobar.
878 Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | thevortexatl.com
It’s been a while since we enjoyed a late night out in Atlanta. While we can’t go to clubs or crowd at bars into the late hours of the night, we can still enjoy a semblance of Atlanta’s old nightlife at the Vortex. Inside this contemporary restaurant, you will find a vibrant interior filled with bold and creative artwork.
Vortex is also known for its burgers. In fact, some people consider Vortex to be the Godfather of Atlanta burger joints. Vortex’s burger selection is broken down into numerous categories: basic burgers, signature burgers, old-school burgers, and coronary bypass burgers. The double, triple, and quadruple bypass burgers are offered on a limited basis.
“I've been to the vortex four times and the food has been consistently great each time, even during COVID for takeout. The portions are huge and enough for two meals. The beer selection is excellent, I highly recommend their beer cocktails (apple cobbler is my favorite). Love the unique decor as well.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for The Vortex Bar & Grill.
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Midtown, Old Fourth Ward | marymacs.com
Looking for a casual place to enjoy some delicious soul food? Head to Mary Mac’s Tea Room! Known as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” Mary Mac’s offers an appetizing menu full of classic Southern fare. Fried chicken tenders, slow-cooked beef pot roast, and more await you at this laidback dining spot in Midtown Atlanta! If you are a vegetarian or gluten-free, Mary Mac’s offers numerous meal options that cater to your unique diet.
“This is a solid option for soul food during the week. I say during the week because on the weekends, it becomes a tourist hot spot with lines down the block.All of the food I've had here to date was good! I typically ordered the fried catfish, with mac and cheese and collards. I also typically order the Arnold Palmer!” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Mary Mac's Tea Room.
817 W Peachtree St. NE | Midtown Atlanta | cypressatl.com
If you’re on the hunt for a new outdoor dining space, you’ll love Cypress Street Pint & Plate. Thanks to its late hours, Cypress is also a great destination for people looking to spend a long night out on the town. As for the food, you’ll find delicious options like the Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, Crab Crusted Salmon Filet, and Shrimp & Grits to satisfy your appetite.
“Food here is terrific pub grub. Chicken fingers had some sort of special spice that gave them a little kick and set them far apart from the usual. Fried green tomatoes were exactly right: crispy outside, almost gooey soft inside.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Cypress Street Pint & Plate.
Midtown Atlanta has a wide variety of restaurants and bars to visit on your next night out. Which ones on the list caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
