ATL Midtown Restaurants

This place is great if you need some heavier Italian fare and a fun atmosphere, especially if you're pairing it with a night out in Midtown. Lots of seating both indoors and out, with an attentive (and attractive, if I can say that) staff. For an app, try the beef and pork meatballs (though keep in mind they are a small meal on their own). For mains I like the lasagna or orecchiette. If you want extra points fitting in, order a classic martini to start.

This is our seafood favorite and an amazing place for happy hour (especially if you like raw oysters). The bartenders are top notch and will make you some of the most aesthetic cocktails in the neighborhood. There's a lot of outdoor seating for good weather, and the darker interior is perfect for staying cozy in the winter. This is a little bit of a classier venue, and while there's no strict dress code we find it more fun to put in a little more effort and hobnob with the other elegant people sitting at the bar. The menu changes often, so I won't drop recs, but it won't disappoint.

This one is rough around the edges and I love it. The decor is dark and fun, the menu has attitude, and the deluxe bar food is fire. For apps I like the cheese balls. Mains? Too many to choose, they've all been good. But if you have a death wish, eating the entire ATL Chopped Cheese is a great way to go.

Serena is our favorite spot at Colony Square. It's great for dinner or a lazy weekend afternoon with some wine and apps. If the weather is nice they have outdoor seating and you'll find the main dining room bar area opened up to the outdoors. And if you're having a special group dinner they also have semi-private tables. For apps I'm a fan of the meatballs or the substantial charcuterie board. For dinner it's gotta be the gnocchetti.

★★★★★ · Ramen restaurant We're admittedly a little partial to this one after spending many, many nights getting to know the staff while eating and drinking at the bar. But they legit have some of the better ramen in ATL. For an app I like the Gyoza. My favorite main dish is Miso-Hot cause I like it spicy, but if you want to treat yourself to something special you gotta try the Wagyu Ramen.

This is a fantastic casual, mainly outdoor venue especially popular with the Georgia Tech crowd (that's not me unfortunately but good for them!) If I had to pick one spot to eat outdoors on a nice day in Midtown, this is it. Come as you are, bring some friends, and sit a while. For apps the black bean hummus (healthy) and pizza egg rolls (not as healthy) are to die for. For mains I like the marinated chicken & rice bowl or fish & chips, but their burgers are also really popular.

This is a great Chinese place with a super experienced chef and loyal patrons. For an app I like the Grandma's Noodles, which could be a small meal on its own since it's designed to be shared. My favorite main is the Singapore Rice Noodles but pretty much everything is good. If you partake, have some soju with your meal. You're warned, though, that it goes down smoother than wine and you may not realize until the next day that it's a lot stronger!