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15 Must-Try Midtown Atlanta Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat Between Downtown and Buckhead

From icons to buzzy newcomers, these are the essential restaurants to know in Midtown
Written By: author avatar Andrea Janise
author avatar Andrea Janise
Andrea Janise is the voice behind @ATLFoodWriter, covering Atlanta’s food and drink scene one bite and sip at a time. She spotlights restaurants, neighborhood gems, and dope experiences actually worth the hype, blending deep local expertise with a national point of view.
The dramatic dining room and bar at Rumi's Kitchen. | Photo by Rumi's Kitchen
The dramatic dining room and bar at Rumi's Kitchen. | Photo by Rumi's Kitchen

Tucked between Downtown and Buckhead, Midtown Atlanta might be small, but it’s packed with flavor. In just 3.8 square miles surrounding Midtown’s numbered streets, you’ll find more than 150 spots to eat, sip, and snack—from classic landmarks to high-end restaurants and bustling food halls. If you’re wondering where to start, here are 15 must-try Midtown restaurants you absolutely should not miss.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft

For Thai street food with Midtown viewsand free parking, head to Tuk Tuk. The dining room is attractive, perfect for date night or a business meal, and you can expect flavor-packed dishes like satay chicken skewers, crispy roti with green curry, tom yum soup, seafood drunken noodles, and salmon panang with crispy eggplant. Located along the busy Peachtree stretch, this place stands out in the best way. 1745 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. Y, Atlanta, tuktukatl.com

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Fried catfish at Mary Mac's Tea Room. | Photo by Mary Mac's Tea Room
Fried catfish at Mary Macs Tea Room | Photo by Mary Macs Tea Room

Everyone in Atlanta knows Mary Mac’s. It’s the go-to spot for classic Southern comfort like fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, plus they have the sweetest tea in the city. The menu is scratch-made, the dining room is timeless, and the experience is exactly the same every time you go (in the best way). Celebrating 80 years, it’s still an Atlanta staple. 224 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, marymacs.com

South City Kitchen Midtown

Fried chicken atop a bed of mashed potatoes and collard greens at South City Kitchen. | Photo by Fifth Group Restaurants
Fried chicken atop a bed of mashed potatoes and collard greens at South City Kitchen | Photo by Fifth Group Restaurants

One visit and South City Kitchen will easily become a favorite. The upscale Southern restaurant has been serving Atlanta for more than 30 years with a menu that evolves seasonally but keeps the classics, including perfectly grilled shrimp over savory grits, crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes and greens, and silky banana pudding for dessert. Parking can be tricky, so plan accordingly. 1144 Crescent Ave. NE, Atlanta, southcitykitchen.com/midtown

Nan Thai Fine Dining

Jumbo tiger prawns with rice noodles at Nan Thai Fine Dining. | Photo by Nan Thai Fine Dining
Jumbo tiger prawns with rice noodles at Nan Thai Fine Dining | Photo by Nan Thai Fine Dining

Nan Thai is the kind ofdining destination that makes you want to dress up a little. The beautifully decorated dining room, top-tier service, and generous portions make it ideal for a celebratory night out. Standouts include the crispy whole red snapper with three flavor chili sauce, the Siam Ruby scallops in red curry, and the grilled lamb chops with coconut sticky rice. Don’t skip the daily specials, which is a showcase of how the kitchen really shines. 1350 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, nanfinedining.com

Colony Square

Movies in the plaza at Colony Square. | Photo by Colony Square
Movies in the plaza at Colony Square | Photo by Colony Square

Located in Midtown’s art district, Colony Square is the perfect place to hang before or after a visit to the High Museum, and it’s become its own live, work, play, dining destination with more than 10 restaurants onsite. Serena Pastificio delivers Northern Italian comfort with fresh pastas and coastal seafood. Saints & Council brings rustic modern American dishes, strong cocktails, and weekend brunch. 5Church anchors the plaza with an artsy, modern dining room perfect for large groups; while Holeman & Finch serves up serious steaks and its famous cheeseburger. Atlanta has watched Colony Square evolve, and it keeps getting better and better. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, colonysquare.com

Lazy Betty

Vegan coffee and amaretto dessert at Lazy Betty. | Photo by Lazy Betty
Vegan coffee and amaretto dessert at Lazy Betty | Photo by Lazy Betty

Despite the name, Lazy Betty is anything but lazy. This Michelin-recognized restaurant works hard, bringing national attention to Atlanta’s dining scene with elevated tasting menus and exceptional hospitality. Expect dishes like poached Alaskan sablefish with calamari beurre blanc and thoughtful vegetarian tastings. There’s even a dessert tasting menu. It’s a splurge at more than $200 per person before wine. 999 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, lazybettyatl.com

Ecco 

Smoked Duck Breast with basquaise sauce at Ecco. | Photo by Ecco
Smoked Duck Breast with basquaise sauce at Ecco | Photo by Ecco

Ecco feels like a neighborhood European escape. It’s rustic, warm, and anchored by a wood-fired kitchen. Start with an amazing selection of cured meats and cheeses, or the pillowy fried goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey and black pepper. From wood-oven roasted redfish, smoked pork tenderloin, and spicy Calabrese pizza, everything pairs beautifully with the expertly curated wine list. Go once and you’ll understand why locals are obsessed. 40 7th St. NE, Atlanta, ecco-atlanta.com

Rumi’s Kitchen

Roasted mushroom hummus at Rumi's Kitchen. | Photo by Rumi's Kitchen
Roasted mushroom hummus at Rumis Kitchen | Photo by Rumis Kitchen

One step inside Rumi’s stunning space,and you’re transported with open flames, intoxicating spices, chefs working in full view, and a dining room buzzing with energy. Start with the hummus (mushroom-topped is unbeatable), or sticky lamb ribs, then move on to grilled sea bass, braised lamb neck, or salmon kabobs. Whatever you order, pair it with adas rice or sabzi for the perfect bite. It can get busy, but it’s worth the wait. 1175 Peachtree St. NE Ste. 130, Atlanta, rumiskitchen.com

Zócalo

Chicken flautas at Zócalo. | Photo by Zócalo
Chicken flautas at Zócalo | Photo by Zócalo

You can’t mention Midtown and not think of this icon. This Mexican restaurant has been buzzing with energy on the corner of Piedmont and 10th for more than 30 years. Come for tacos (al pastor, shrimp, and crispy fish are favorites), quesadillas, fajitas, and margaritas. It’s loud, it’s festive, and if you’ve ever walked past the rainbow crosswalks, you know exactly where it is. 187 10th St. NE, Atlanta, eatzocalo.com

Brasserie Margot

Located inside of the Four Seasons Hotel, Brasserie Margot is where you go to treat yourself. The French-inspired menu and top-notch hospitality delivers from start to finish. The menu is full of standouts like boeuf bourguignon, wagyu steak au poivre, and pillowy Parisian gnocchi. Don’t think of skipping dessert—the peach and chamomile crème brûlée is unforgettable. After dinner, slide across the hall to Bar Margot for a nightcap. You’re only a short walk from everything else Midtown has to offer, so make a night of it. 75 14th St. NE, Atlanta, brasseriemargot.com

Publik Draft House 

Chicken salad sandwich at Publik Draft House. | Photo by Publik Draft House
Chicken salad sandwich at Publik Draft House | Photo by Publik Draft House

Right next to the historic Fox Theatre, Publik Draft House is the perfect pre-show stop that is casual, reliable, and most certainly packed on performance nights. The menu has something for everyone: wings, calamari, hearty salads, and a lineup of burgers like the lamb burger or taproom pretzel-bun classic. Plus, a rotating list of local craft beers keeps things interesting. With the Fox Theatre just down the block, this spot is practically a pre-show tradition. 654 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, publikatl.com

Politan Row Food Hall at Colony Square

Midtown finally has its own food hall. Located inside Colony Square, it’s perfect for groups where everyone can try something different, and the vibes are right from the moment you walk in. Bar Politan anchors the space, with food vendors like Delilah’s Everyday Soul, Pretty Little Tacos, Luca’s Brooklyn Pizza, 26 Thai, Zaddy’s, and Unbeliebubble boba tea. The real gem? JoJo’s Beloved, the hidden speakeasy behind the bathrooms. Make reservations. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, colonysquare.politanrow.com

Lyla Lila

Duck lasagna at Lyla Lila. | Photo by Lyla Lila
Duck lasagna at Lyla Lila | Photo by Lyla Lila

Down the street from the Fox Theatre, Lyla Lila is the move when you want a slower, more luxurious dining experience. The restaurant is only open for dinner, and while most guests aren’t headed to a show, locals flock here for chef-driven dishes. Named after both of the owners’ daughters—same name, different spellings—the restaurant blends Southern European flavors with fresh herbs, seafood, and handmade pastas. The sweet potato ravioli is delicate and rich, the squid ink spaghetti with rock shrimp is a standout, and the crispy duck lasagna is pure comfort. 693 Peachtree St. NE, Unit 118, Atlanta, lylalilaatl.com

Cypress Street Pint & Plate

The Philly cheesesteak at Cypress Street Pint & Plate. | Photo by Cypress Street Pint & Plate
The Philly cheesesteak at Cypress Street Pint Plate | Photo by Cypress Street Pint Plate

Cypress Street is your classic neighborhood bar. It’s close to Georgia Tech, busy on game nights, and beloved for its friendly, laid back vibe. Tucked between busy streets and high-rise apartments, this Midtown favorite stays packed for a reason. The menu boasts upgraded pub food like wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and salads; plenty of TVs; a wraparound bar; and an outdoor patio with heat lamps in winter. The beer list is extensive, with more than 15 rotating taps and even more options in cans and bottles. 817 W Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, cypressatl.com

Bon Ton

Fried crawfish po'boy at Bon Ton. | Photo by Bon Ton
Fried crawfish poboy at Bon Ton | Photo by Bon Ton

Bon Ton is high-energy, fun, and unapologetically weird. This Cajun-Vietnamese fusion spot serves strong cocktails and even stronger vibes. Come for chargrilled oysters, banh mi, seafood étouffée, po’boys, crab legs, and crawfish when it’s in season. Bon Ton is open for lunch and dinner, and the themed drinks are festive and potent—think hurricanes, sazeracs, and mai tais. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” Midtown spots, but now you do. 674 Myrtle St. NE, Atlanta, bontonatl.com

author avatar
Andrea Janise
Andrea Janise is the voice behind @ATLFoodWriter, covering Atlanta’s food and drink scene one bite and sip at a time. She spotlights restaurants, neighborhood gems, and dope experiences actually worth the hype, blending deep local expertise with a national point of view.

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