Brian Nagele
As Georgia’s capital city, Atlanta offers plenty of things for locals and tourists to do. So, after visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, or the World of Coca-Cola, you deserve to unwind and enjoy The Big Peach’s warm climate.
Thankfully, several restaurants in the city offer outdoor dining for anyone who loves eating quality dishes and fresh air.
Although many places offer Southern-inspired cuisine, you can find several international options if you want to try something new.
I compiled this list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Atlanta and other nearby cities to help you decide where to eat during your stay in the city.
Canoe
4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: 770-432-2663
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First up on my list of local eateries offering the best outdoor dining in Atlanta is Canoe, located near the Lemons Ridge and Cochise neighborhoods.
This upscale New American restaurant has a tranquil vibe and a private covered patio with a lovely view of the Chattahoochee River and a lush garden.
Consider starting with their Creamy Vidalia Soup or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Then, try their Slow-Braised Rabbit, Duck N’ Beef Burger, or Gulf Red Snapper.
These entrees taste great with a Tom Riddle or Canoe Mountain cocktail. If you’re in the mood for dessert, order their Spiced Cookie Cheesecake or Strawberry Chocolate Mousse.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-458-6838
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The next place on this list that I recommend for the best outdoor dining in Atlanta is Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, located in the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.
It has cozy outdoor seating on a semi-private patio, live music, and a fire pit for an authentic campfire experience.
Their menu offers plenty of tasty sandwiches and smoked meats. I love starting with their Smoked Chicken Fritter and ordering a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Cheddarwurst, or Half Rack Ribs with a side of fries or potato salad.
They also serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, so don’t miss out on their Fried Chicken Biscuit.
THE CHASTAIN – New American Bistro
4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: 404-257-6416
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THE CHASTAIN – New American Bistro is your best option for quality comfort food prepared by Executive Chef Christopher Grossmanwest of Chastain Memorial Park.
This cozy eatery offers semi-private outdoor seating at their Old Oak Terrace and South Terrace.
They serve the best Faroe Island Salmon, Georgia Mountain Trout, Ribeye Cap Steak, and Pan-Seared Grouper in the neighborhood.
I prefer ordering these dishes with a chicken biscuit pot pie or fingerling sweet potatoes on the side.
They have an extensive list of wine, spirits, beer, and cocktails to pair with any meal. I usually order an Apple Negroni or 95 Keto Spritz.
A Mano
587 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-549-7727
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If you’re in the mood for classic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting, consider stopping by A Mano after spending your afternoon at Historic Fourth Ward Park Playground.
This restaurant offers outdoor dining on a spacious patio. I consider it a great setting to enjoy handmade pasta.
Their menu offers some gluten-free and vegan-friendly dishes for guests with specific dietary preferences.
Don’t miss out on their Bucatini Alla Bolognese, Eggplant Parmesan, Flank Steak Frites, or Fusilli E Scallops.
They taste best with a side of fried potatoes or charred cabbage. Their menu offers plenty of wine, cocktail, and zero-proof beverage options.
Be sure to pair your pasta with a Honeysuckle Blue or Frozen Limonata.
Anis Cafe & Bistro
2974 Grandview Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-233-9889
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Standing blocks away from Frankie Allen Park, Anis Cafe & Bistro is your best option for enjoying French cuisine in an immersive outdoor dining setting.
Their outdoor patio has plenty of tables to enjoy Chef Arnaud Michel’s signature seasonal dishes.
Their Tortellini et Boeuf Braisé, Croque Monsieur, Poulet Rôt, and Truite Meunière offer some of the city’s best flavors.
They also serve brunch every Sunday and offer a kid’s menu for guests treating their families to dinner.
Ask your server for their red or white wine list if you want something to enhance your meal. Then, finish with their Brioche Bread Pudding, Profiteroles, or Gâteau Au Chocolat.
Biggerstaff Brewing Company
537 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-796-9919
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You can find Biggerstaff Brewing Company minutes away from the Martin Luther King, Jr. national Historical Park.
This laid-back eatery offers New American cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
You can also enjoy their classic or contemporary craft beer or coffee brews throughout the day on their outdoor patio.
If you’re dining out with your friends, start with their shareable Honey-Sambal Wings or House-Cut Fries.
My go-to dinner options are their Fried Egg Sandwich, Shrimp & Grits, Pan-Fried Chicken Breast, and Mussels.
They offer $5 pints of select beers on Thirsty Thursdays. I love ordering their Vodka Soda with my dinner.
If you stop by earlier in the day for coffee, try their Flat White Espresso and enhance it with caramel, chocolate, or honey.
Forza Storico
1198 Howell Mill Rd #020, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-464-8096
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Another excellent option for enjoying quality Italian food that offers the best outdoor dining in Atlanta is Forza Storico.
You can find it in the Westside Provisions District. This hip dining destination has plenty of outdoor seating on its patio.
Their menu offers delicious Roman-inspired entrees and pasta to indulge on after a day of sightseeing.
Their best dishes are Pollo Alla Diavola, Saltimbocca Alla Roma, Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese, and Cappelletti Spinaci.
If you stop by for lunch, don’t forget to visit their Spritz and Bloody Mary bar. My favorite cocktail options are their Negroni Bianco, Grapefruit Frappe, Andiamo Banana, and Garibaldi.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 404-577-4030
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Don’t know where to find restaurants serving smoked BBQ meats and offering outdoor dining? Then, consider visiting the Little Five Points neighborhood and stop by for a quick bite at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q.
This laid-back eatery offers a casual patio where you can unwind and indulge in Texas-style BBQ entrees and hearty sides.
Start your night with their Texas Fries, Chicken Fried Ribs, or Fried Pickles. After that, try their Big Tex Sandwich, Hickory-Smoked Jumbo Wings, Chopped Angus Beef Brisket, or Spare Ribs with a side of tater tots, chili-mac, or spicy green beans.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with a Silver Coin Margarita, Atlanta Mule, or Foxy Paloma cocktail. They also have a kid’s menu.
Monkey 68
1073 Green St, Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 770-587-3277
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If you take a drive 22 miles north of the heart of Atlanta, you can visit Monkey 68 and enjoy tasty Pan-Asian delicacies.
This contemporary restaurant is a few minutes from the Archibald Smith Plantation Home. They have a patio for open-air dining and an immersive sushi bar.
Monkey 68’s menu offers plenty of tasty options for anyone interested in trying Japanese or Korean fare.
I’m a fan of their Beef Tartare with Bone Marrow, Korean Fried Chicken, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Bulgogi Cheesesteak.
If you can’t decide what to eat, you can try their Chef’s Choice Omakase or Chirashi Sushi Assortment.
Their drink menu offers a wide selection of wine and craft zodiac-inspired cocktails for guests interested in enhancing their meal’s flavors.
I prefer ordering their Charming Snake, Rooster That Rocks, or Rabbit on Green St.
Nina & Rafi
661 Auburn Ave NE STE 220, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-549-8997
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Nina & Rafi is a rustic Italian restaurant found inside the SPX Alley Shopping Mall, minutes away from Krog Street Tunnel.
It has a cozy, casual atmosphere that’s perfect for families looking for lunch or dinner. In addition, this restaurant offers outdoor seating on a cozy patio, a full bar, catering, and delivery services.
I recommend starting with Cheesy Bread or Roasted Wings and ordering their Chicken Parmesan, Caramelized Square Pizza, Meatball Parmesan Hero, or Super Margherita Pizza.
You can also order a gluten-free thin-crust or Detroit-style pie or customize a pizza with your favorite toppings.
Their best cocktails are Sangria Bianco, Aperol Spritz, and Bloody Italian. Don’t miss out on their Detroit-Style French Toast Pizza if you stop by for their weekend brunch from 11 AM to 4PM.
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-900-7900
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If you’re looking for a place to eat minutes away from Midtown Atlanta, Ponce City Market might be your best nearby option.
This lively destination, converted from a historic Sears building, offers a wide selection of dining options for avid food lovers.
Their rooftop dining area offers a scenic view of Atlanta’s urban skyline on warm, clear days.
Ponce City Market has plenty of local and international cuisine you can sample, from Indian street food and pizza to chicken and pancakes.
During my last few visits to Atlanta, I had a Smoked Salmon Bagel, Masala Tri-Tip Rol, Chicken Schnitzel, and Turkey Burger.
Whiskey Bird
1409 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: 762-218-2801
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Nestled within Morningside Village Shopping Mall, Whiskey Bird is your best option for yakitori, tacos, and Asian fusion cuisine in the Morningside-Lenox Park neighborhood.
It has a laid-back atmosphere ideal for families, outdoor seating, and an open kitchen.
Their menu frequently changes, so I recommend stopping by often if you want to try everything.
You can start with their grilled yakitori skewers with the protein and veggies of your liking, like chimichurri shrimp, sticky chicken, and stuffed peppers.
Then, consider ordering their Bourbon Glazed Grilled Salmon, Seared Ahi, Thai Steak & Noodle Salad, or Veggie Burger with a Brown Derby or Rose 75 cocktail.
I also recommend their Bao Benedict if you stop by for brunch. If you have room for dessert, try their Hummingbird Cake or Warm Brownie Sundae.
The Optimist
914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-477-6260
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If you can’t find any seafood restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Atlanta, consider stopping by The Optimist for contemporary digs and hickory-smoked fish.
It’s half a mile west of the Georgia Institute of Technology. You can enjoy this restaurant’s dishes in its country-modern dining room or on the outdoor patio.
Their Roasted Maine Lobster, Georges Banks Scallops, Prime NY Strip Steak, and Redfish offer some of the city’s best flavors.
Don’t forget to order a side of sweet potatoes or corn milk hush puppies and browse their wine and cocktail list to give your meal an enhanced flavor kick.
I love ordering their Apple Pudding Cake or Salted Caramel Ice Cream with a refreshing dessert wine if I want to treat myself to something sweet.
Ecco Midtown
40 7th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-347-9555
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Located within walking distance from Piedmont Park and Tech Square, Ecco Midtown is a popular dining destination for seasonal Continental European and Mediterranean cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Alan Chandonia.
This stylish and elegant restaurant has a large, open-air patio as the perfect backdrop for private parties.
Many of Ecco Midtown’s menu options are gluten-free. Their best dishes are Black Pepper Rigatoni, Speck Flatbread, Pork Loin Roulade, and Agnolotti.
If you’re extra hungry, start with their Pork Belly or Grilled Octopus. Don’t forget to check out their drink menu for spirits, cocktails, or wines that can give your meal extra class.
Their best cocktail options are Haute Preuve and Miner’s Daughter. Treat yourself to their Olive Oil Gelato if you want dessert.
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
817 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-815-9243
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Cypress Street Pint & Plate is a laid-back bar and grill in Atlanna’s Midtown District that serves rotating beers and American pub fare on tap at their lively bar and dog-friendly patio.
I consider it a great place for a fun night out with friends after a busy week.
During my last visit to this restaurant, I started with their Sweet Potato Nachos and ordered their Smoked BBQ Salmon with a side of Chipotle Cheese Grits for dinner.
They also have plenty of salads, burgers, and sandwiches if you prefer taking your food to go.
Don’t miss out on their Krispy Kreme Burger or Huevos Rancheros with a refreshing mimosa during their weekend brunch.
Bone Garden Cantina
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-418-9072
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For over ten years, Bone Garden Cantina has served delicious Mexican cuisine to locals and tourists passing through the Blandtown neighborhood.
It has a hip atmosphere emphasized by its colorful Day of the Dead decor. I love sampling their mezcal and tequila on their outdoor patio.
Bone Garden Cantina’s menu offers a wide selection of spicy dishes that will give your taste buds a bold flavor kick.
You can’t go wrong with their Citrus Shrimp Empanada, Beef Brisket Quesadilla, or Cauliflower Tacos. They taste amazing with black beans or fried yuca on the side.
Don’t miss out on their Chief’s Texas Margarita, Oaxacan Sunset, or Spiritual Sangria if you need something to wash down your meal’s spiciness.
BeetleCat
299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 678-732-0360
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Last but not least on this list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Atlanta is BeetleCat, nestled within the Inman Park neighborhood.
This upscale oyster bar has two patio areas to enjoy fresh seafood and comfort fare: an upstairs patio with full sunlight and a downstairs one with shade.
My favorite dishes are their Steelhead Trout, Spicy Shrimp Noodles, Whole Roasted Flounder, and Lobster Roll, especially when paired with a Mai Tai.
I also recommend checking out their happy hour oyster menu for unique briny flavors. If you’re interested in dessert, consider sampling their tempting S’mores or Apple Toffee Cake.
As you can see, plenty of restaurants across the neighborhoods offer the best outdoor dining in Atlanta for enjoying the fresh air and the sun’s warmth.
If you’re interested in sampling Atlanta’s most refreshing craft beer, cocktails, and small plates after a long week, check out this list of the city’s best bars.
Did I leave out any restaurants off this list? Leave a comment below about your favorite open-air dining destinations, and I’ll check them out.
