Virginia-Highland (often called VaHi) is one of Atlanta’s most walkable, food-obsessed neighborhoods. Centered around the intersection of Virginia Avenue NE and North Highland Avenue NE, it blends historic bungalows with some of the city’s most beloved restaurants, bars, and brunch spots.
Whether you live nearby, you’re staying in an intown hotel, or you’re planning a night out from the suburbs, this guide walks you through the best restaurants in Virginia-Highland and how to choose the right spot for any occasion.
| Restaurant | Best For | General Vibe | Typical Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy’s | Brunch, date night, wine | Classic, cozy | $$–$$$ |
| La Tavola Trattoria | Pasta, romantic Italian | Intimate, neighborhood | $$–$$$ |
| Atkins Park | Late-night eats, pub fare | Casual, lively | $–$$ |
| Highland Tap | Steaks, martinis, basement bar | Old-school, low-lit | $$–$$$ |
| Surin of Thailand | Thai favorites, groups | Relaxed, family-friendly | $–$$ |
| Fontaine’s Oyster House | Oysters, seafood, patio | Laid-back, bar + patio | $–$$ |
| Press & Grind | Coffee, light bites | Bright, casual | $ |
| El Taco (nearby) | Tex-Mex, margaritas | Fun, colorful | $–$$ |
*Price range is a general sense for an individual meal without drinks.
Virginia-Highland is compact but packed with options. Most restaurants cluster along North Highland Avenue NE, particularly near:
From this intersection, you can easily walk between brunch spots, wine-focused restaurants, and casual pubs. Street parking is common, and there are a few small lots behind buildings. If you’re coming from other parts of Atlanta, rideshare is usually the easiest option on busy evenings and weekends.
Why locals go:
Murphy’s has been a Virginia-Highland staple for decades, especially known for its weekend brunch, baked goods, and strong wine program. Many Atlantans treat Murphy’s as a go-to for visiting family, low-key celebrations, or a reliable date night.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why it stands out:
For many intown diners, La Tavola is one of Atlanta’s most trusted neighborhood Italian restaurants. It’s small, intimate, and known for house-made pasta and thoughtful, seasonal dishes.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why locals rely on it:
Atkins Park is often described as Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern, and it functions as a neighborhood living room. It works equally well for a casual family meal, late-night bites, or watching a game with friends.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why steak lovers go:
Tucked slightly below street level, Highland Tap has an old-school, speakeasy-like feel. It’s popular with locals who want steaks, martinis, and a darker, quieter room than more modern Midtown steakhouses.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why it’s popular:
For a casual seafood fix in Virginia-Highland, Fontaine’s is a neighborhood go-to. It blends a bar atmosphere with a New Orleans-inspired seafood menu, and the patio is especially busy when the weather is nice.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why it’s a staple:
Surin of Thailand has been serving Atlanta for many years and sits comfortably in the category of reliable, neighborhood Thai. It’s frequently used for casual dinners, group meals, and takeout.
What to expect:
Good to know:
Why it’s fun:
Located just off the heart of Virginia-Highland’s main drag, El Taco leans into Tex-Mex comfort: tacos, queso, margaritas, and a colorful, family-friendly setting.
What to expect:
Good to know:
While already mentioned, Murphy’s deserves a special callout for brunch. If you’re trying to plan a “classic Atlanta brunch in Virginia-Highland”, this is usually one of the first names to come up.
Tips for brunching at Murphy’s:
Why it’s useful:
If you want something lighter than a full restaurant meal, Press & Grind functions as a coffee shop and juice bar with pastries and simple bites. It’s handy for locals working remotely and visitors looking for a quick breakfast near the BeltLine.
What to expect:
When you’re deciding where to eat in Virginia-Highland, think about:
Date night:
Group dinner or casual meetup:
Family-friendly meal:
More budget-conscious:
Mid-range with a bit of splurge potential:
Parking:
Peak times:
Pairing with other Atlanta activities:
Reservations:
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Virginia-Highland, you’re well positioned:
But you don’t have to go far. With Murphy’s, La Tavola, Atkins Park, Highland Tap, Surin of Thailand, Fontaine’s, El Taco, and Press & Grind all within walking distance of one another, you can easily spend an entire weekend eating and drinking in Virginia-Highland without leaving the neighborhood.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Virginia-Highland remains one of the city’s most reliably delicious, walkable restaurant districts—perfect for everything from a casual taco night to a special-occasion Italian dinner.
