This Rough Draft dining series highlights restaurants in cities and neighborhoods within easy walking distance or a short bus ride from MARTA rail stations. Check out other MARTA dining guides to Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, and Lenox on the Gold Line, Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs on the Red Line, and Lindbergh Station on the Gold and Red lines.
Hit the arrow tab on the top left of the map to view each station guide.
Located on West Peachtree Street in Midtown, Arts Center Station sits directly behind one of Atlanta’s top cultural attractions: The Woodruff Arts Center, home to the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Alliance Theater. Meanwhile, sandwiched between Peachtree Place and 10th Street a few blocks south, Midtown Station drops passengers within walking distance to Georgia Tech, the Margaret Mitchell House, the Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park.
Both MARTA rail stations are stops on the Red and Gold Lines and offer direct access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Together these stations also anchor one of Atlanta’s most walkable and transit-friendly neighborhoods.
This MARTA dining guide to Midtown spotlights two dozen restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and a food hall easily walkable from the Arts Center and Midtown stations. Don’t want to walk? You’ll also find e-scooters and e-bikes available for use all over Midtown and buses regularly running up and down Peachtree.
Arts Center Station is accessible via the 27, 37, 40, 94, and 110 bus lines, CobbLinc, Ride Gwinnett, the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, and Atlantic Station shuttle. Midtown Station connects to the 12, 27, 36, and 99 buses and the Tech Trolley.
* This guide only includes restaurants and bars on the western side of Piedmont Park and is not meant to be an exhaustive dining guide to the Midtown neighborhood. Check back for updates.
Arts Center station
Refuge Coffee Co. ($-$$)
1280 Peachtree St., Woodruff Arts Center campus
- Coffee shop serving pastries and sandwiches, conducive for working, reading
- Walking from Arts Center station: 1 minute or less
Founded in Clarkston, Refuge Coffee Co. is a nonprofit coffee shop that offers job-training programs and barista training to refugees. The Midtown location, located on the Woodruff Arts Center campus, is part of a fading breed: coffee shops with quiet environments that encourage focus, even on busy days at the High.
What to eat: Almond croissant
What to drink: Coffee, chai; lavender iced latte
Elise ($$$-$$$$)
1280 Peachtree St., Woodruff Arts Center campus
- French-leaning, full bar, spritz bar, extensive wine list; shady courtyard patio
- Walking from Arts Center station: 1 minute or less
Chef Craig Richards follows up on the success of his Midtown Italian restaurant, Lyla Lila, with this French-leaning darling smack-dab in the middle of the Woodruff Arts Center campus. A meal here makes a nice precursor to a High Museum trip during lunch, or a low-key, yet elegant dinner before the symphony or a show at the Alliance. Opt for dinner in the red salon. It boasts a superior vibe and soundtrack and includes floor-to-ceiling windows with views onto the courtyard.
What to eat: At lunch: smoked fish chopped salad or burger and fries. At dinner: sourdough and cornbread; crispy tempura vegetables; steelhead trout; cavatelli with lamb ragu.
What to drink: Wine; martini; vermouth cocktails
Nan Thai Fine Dining ($$$-$$$$)
1350 Spring St.
- Traditional and original Thai dishes with cocktails
- Walking from Arts Center station: 6 to 7 minutes, or 3 blocks
This elegant Thai restaurant from award-winning Atlanta chef Nan Niyomkul has been a staple in Midtown for nearly 25 years. Expect Thai classics like stir-fries and elevated main courses ranging from lobster pad Thai to pan-fried sea bass, tiger prawns, and calamari Panang curry. You’ll find cocktails here incorporating ingredients like Thai basil, Cynar, and Japanese whisky.
What to eat: Crispy whole red snapper; kai yang massaman; lobster pad Thai; Nan’s tasting tree (sampler platter)
What to drink: Grey Lady; King’s Hourglass; Nan’s Spice
MetroFresh Uptown ($-$$)
1360 Peachtree St.
- Fast-casual spot for breakfast and lunch, soups, sandwiches, salads
- Walking from Arts Center station: 5 minutes, or 2 blocks
MetroFresh makes meals simple: glance into the glass cabinet and declare your preferred combination of fresh-made sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Stop by for a quick meal at lunch, or stick around for trivia and DJ sets on Thursdays until 7:30 p.m. One thing to note: this location isn’t open on weekends.
What to eat: Smoked gouda grits and eggs; breakfast burrito; chicken noodle soup or seasonal soup; crunchy caulilfower and chickpea salad; vegan focaccia sandwich with hummus
What to drink: Check the cooler
Colony Square ($-$$$$)
1197 Peachtree St.
- Shopping center with green space, multiple restaurants and bars, food hall
- Walking from Arts Center station: 7 to 10 minutes, or 3 blocks
Need to exit a decision paralysis rut? There’s no shortage of dining options at Colony Square, where you’ll find everything from fast-casual chains like Sweetgreen to tacos and naan pizzas at the food hall to a hidden-away bar with a creative cocktail selection. Full-service restaurants here include Cuevacia for Oaxacan dishes, Rumi’s Kitchen for Persian fare, Boqueria for tapas, Saints + Council for brunch and dinner, Serena Pastificio for Italian, and Holeman and Finch for Southern comfort foods. For more cocktails, music, and vibes, check out Establishment.
The Silver Skillet ($-$$)
- Southern diner, breakfast and lunch
- Walking from Arts Center station: 13 minutes, or .5 miles
This legendary Atlanta diner has been serving Southern breakfast and lunch favorites for 70 years. Dripping in nostalgia, Silver Skillet offers breakfast and burgers all day and heartier diner classics like pot roast, chicken breast, and fried catfish.
What to eat: Ham and gravy plate; lemon icebox pie; fried catfish
What to drink: Coffee; vanilla milkshake
More Arts Center station options:
Amistad Coffee (West Peachtree; coffee, conchas); Toast on Lenox (14th Street; breakfast/brunch); and Larakin (12 Street, accessible via Arts Center and Midtown stations; coffee/espresso bar, wine bar, charcuterie and cheese)
Midtown station
The Consulate ($$$)
10 10th St.
- Casual fine dining; global menu that changes every 90 days
- Walking from Midtown station: 1 minute, or less than 1 block
Chef Mei Lin and Douglas Hines opened this Midtown staple in 2016 as an ambitious testament to international cuisine that completely nails its mission. In addition to a static selection of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, The Consulate updates its “visa” menu every 90 days to shine the spotlight on the foods of a specific country. Think dishes from Jamaica one quarter, while the next quarter highlights cuisine from Singapore. No need for a passport here. Just book a reservation and dine.
What to eat: You’re meant to explore, but popular dishes on the permanent menu include the Cote d’Ivoire jollof rice, sautéed Thai okra, and lamb tibs. Don’t skip dessert.
What to drink: Rum or whiskey cocktails
Xi’an Gourmet House ($-$$)
955 Spring St.
- Xi’an-style Chinese; hand-pulled noodles
- Walking from Midtown station: 3 minutes, or 1 block
Xi’an Gourmet House brings Midtown a taste of the Xian-style dishes found in the Shaanxi province of China. The Michelin-recommended restaurant features specialties like cold skin noodles and biang biang noodles, along with dumplings and soups.
What to eat: Cold skin noodle salad; biang biang noodles; spicy cumin lamb noodles; purple rice taro cheesecake; Earl Grey tiramisu
What to drink: Sour plum tea; yogurt
Lazy Betty ($$$$)
999 Peachtree St.
- Michelin-starred fine dining, tasting menu
- Walking from Midtown station: 4 to 5 minutes, or 1 block
Lazy Betty, a Michelin one-star restaurant in Midtown, culminates Ron Hsu’s experiences as a chef: growing up in the restaurant industry in metro Atlanta, working in restaurant kitchens in Atlanta and Athens, and training in some of New York City’s most distinguished restaurants. Lazy Betty was ahead of its time when it opened in 2019 and continues to push the boundaries of Atlanta’s fine dining scene. Indulge in an eight-course tasting menu in the dining room, a four-course tasting menu at the bar, or a dessert tasting menu in the lounge.
What to eat: Tasting menu; dessert tasting menu; bar tasting and a la carte menus
What to drink: Wine; martini
Spiller Park Coffee ($-$$)
999 Peachtree St.
- Coffee shop with bagels and toasts, conducive for working, reading
- Walking from Midtown station: 4 minutes, or two blocks
Opening the Midtown location of homegrown coffee brand Spiller Park Coffee at 999 Peachtree was a full-circle moment for founder Dale Donchey. Donchey used to work in the building at the former Empire State South restaurant, owned by Chef Hugh Acheson. In addition to some of Atlanta’s most potent coffee, the Midtown location also offers tea, matcha, baked goods, and light bites like toasts. But people regularly come here for Spiller Park’s fresh-baked bagels.
What to eat: Avocado toast; bagels
What to drink: Coffee; espresso drinks
MidCity ($$)
850 W. Peachtree St.
- Cocktail bar and lounge, light snacks
- Walking from Midtown station: 7 to 10 minutes, or 3 blocks
Look no farther than MidCity for a cocktail, especially those leaning classic or into spirits like mezcal. The bar, which frequently hosts live DJ sets, maintains a balance between upscale and approachable. Pair cocktails with sharable appetizers like charcuterie and cheese or a selection of paninis. Try the Venezuelan hot dog here, too.
What to eat: Cheese board; Cubano panini; Venezuelan hot dog
What to drink: Freezer martini; seasonal sour; seasonal cocktails like tomato-tini
Cafe Intermezzo ($$)
1065 Peachtree St.
- European-style cafe featuring sandwiches, pastas, cakes by the slice, sidewalk seating, great for date nights, brunch
- Walking from Midtown station: 6 to 7 minutes, or 2 blocks
It’s difficult not to please every palate at Cafe Intermezzo. There may literally be something for everyone on this menu. Brunch and dinner portions are generous, as are the thick slices of cake and cheesecake for dessert. You’ll often find couples enjoying dinner here, or partaking in dessert and coffee in the evening. Make sure to take a peek at the cake display before you’re seated to check out the dessert selections.
What to eat: Burger Americana; Belgian waffles; Caesar salad; slice of cake
What to drink: Coffee drinks; wine
Zocalo ($$)
187 10th St.
- Mexican, margaritas, lively outdoor patio
- Walking from Midtown station: 6 to 7 minutes, or 3 blocks
Family-owned Zocalo is beloved in Midtown, and for good reason. The Mexican restaurant has delivered on food, vibes, and seriously strong margaritas since 1995. It’s a lively local hangout spot for visitors and residents alike, especially on warm days when the patio fills with patrons sipping on margaritas, both frozen and on the rocks.
What to eat: Enchiladas Jalisco; torta CubaMex; queso a la parrilla; quesabirria
What to drink: House margarita; frozen margarita; sangria swirl; cucumber-mint NA cocktail
Blake’s on the Park ($$)
- LGBTQ+, straight-friendly, neighborhood hangout, near Piedmont Park
- Walking from Midtown station: 8 to 10 minutes, or 4 blocks
Blake’s has been one of Midtown’s quintessential and inclusive gay bars since 1988. It’s a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ nightlife in the heart of Atlanta’s “gayborhood,” drawing crowds daily for drag shows, dance nights, album release celebrations, and watch parties for cult and reality TV shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Stop by on Tuesdays for Latino Night, which offers discounted margaritas and food from Las Margaritas.
More Midtown station options:
Momonoki/Momo Cafe (coffee, matcha, soft serve, ramen); Haraz Coffee House (Yemeni coffee, pastries); Cypress St. Pint and Plate (beer, wine, bar fare); Eleventh Street Pub (beer, cocktails, bar food); The Steamhouse Lounge (oysters, seafood, beer, cocktails); MSR My Sister’s Room (Lesbian bar, dancing); The Sparrow (Chinese hot pot, dumplings, noodles); The Nook (sports bar, brunch); Tutti Gelati (gelato); Agora (Greek/Mediterranean)
