10 Degrees South in Atlanta: What to Know About This South African Restaurant

If you’ve heard people in Atlanta talk about 10 Degrees South and wondered what it is, you’re not alone. This well-known South African restaurant in Buckhead has been a local favorite for years, especially among diners looking for something a little different from the usual steakhouse or Southern spot.

Below is a practical guide to 10 Degrees South Restaurant in Atlanta—what it offers, where it’s located, what the menu is like, how to plan a visit, and what Atlanta locals and visitors usually want to know before going.

Where 10 Degrees South Is in Atlanta

10 Degrees South is located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, a popular neighborhood for dining and nightlife.

Typical location details:

• Neighborhood: Buckhead
• Area vibe: Upscale, busy in the evenings, popular with locals and visitors
• Type of restaurant: Upscale-casual, sit-down, South African-inspired cuisine

If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near Lenox Square/Phipps Plaza, Buckhead is usually a short drive, ride-share, or MARTA/bus connection away. Most people in Atlanta reach it by car or ride-share, especially at night.

Because restaurant addresses and details can change over time, it’s smart to confirm the exact address and hours on a current map or listing before you head out, especially if you’re visiting from out of town.

What Kind of Restaurant Is 10 Degrees South?

10 Degrees South is often described as Atlanta’s original South African restaurant. It leans toward white-tablecloth dining with a relaxed, lounge-like feel, making it a go-to for:

• Date nights
• Business dinners
• Special occasions
• Groups looking for a more global dining experience

You can expect:

• Host/hostess seating at the entrance
• Full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer
• An atmosphere that’s more refined than casual, but not overly formal
• Indoor seating, with the possibility of patio or lounge-style areas depending on the current layout

Dress in Atlanta usually runs smart casual here—think nicer jeans, dresses, collared shirts, or business casual wear. Many locals treat it as an “evening out” spot.

South African Cuisine at 10 Degrees South: What’s on the Menu?

The menu at 10 Degrees South focuses on South African dishes and flavors, often blending influences from African, Dutch, Indian, and British culinary traditions. If you live in Atlanta and are used to American or Southern food, this will feel familiar in some ways (steaks, seafood, grilled meats) but with distinctive sauces, spices, and sides.

Common Types of Dishes You Might Find

While exact offerings can change, guests often see:

• Starters / Appetizers

  • Sausage-style dishes or skewers
  • Calamari or seafood starters
  • Dips and small plates with spices and sauces you don’t usually find in standard American restaurants

• Mains / Entrées

  • Grilled meats (like steak and lamb) with South African sauces
  • Chicken dishes with peri-peri (a spicy chili-based sauce)
  • Seafood with bold seasoning
  • Dishes served with pap (a traditional maize porridge) or other regional sides

• Desserts

  • Sweets with influences from British and Dutch-style puddings and cakes, sometimes using spices and syrups not commonly found in typical American desserts

• Drinks

  • Full bar with cocktails
  • Often features South African wines, which can be worth trying if you’re curious about wine from outside the standard California/European regions

If you’re new to South African food, staff may be able to recommend dishes based on what you usually enjoy (for example, recommending a certain steak cut or milder sauce if you don’t like much spice).

Price Range and What to Expect to Spend

10 Degrees South is generally considered a mid- to higher-priced restaurant by Atlanta standards—similar to other Buckhead spots geared toward special occasions or upscale nights out.

You can usually expect:

• Entrées: Priced in line with other Buckhead steakhouses and upscale bistros
• Starters and desserts: Additional cost per person if you add courses
• Drinks: Cocktail and wine pricing consistent with a full-service Buckhead bar

For locals, it’s often treated as a “nice dinner out” rather than an everyday casual meal. Visitors who are budgeting for their Atlanta trip may want to account for:

• Entrée plus tax and tip per person
• Extra for drinks, appetizers, or dessert

Checking a current online menu or calling ahead (if available) can help you get a more precise sense of cost before you go, especially for group outings.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

People often describe 10 Degrees South as having a warm, modern, and intimate atmosphere:

• Lighting: Typically dim or mood-lit in the evenings
• Music: Background music that supports a social but not overly loud environment
• Crowd: Mix of Buckhead locals, Atlanta professionals, and visitors

It’s the type of place many Atlantans choose when they want:

• A date night with candlelight-style ambiance
• A birthday or celebration dinner
• A space to introduce out-of-town guests to something unique in the city

If you’re bringing children, it’s best to call ahead and ask about family-friendliness and high-chair options, as the vibe leans more adult and evening-focused.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

At an Atlanta restaurant like 10 Degrees South, especially in Buckhead, planning ahead often makes the evening smoother.

Reservations

• Recommended for:
  • Friday and Saturday nights
  • Holidays and special occasions
  • Larger groups
• How to reserve:
  • Most diners use online reservation platforms or call the restaurant directly.
  • If you’re planning a group event or private gathering, ask if they have special arrangements or set menus.

Walk-Ins

Walk-ins may be possible on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but you might face a wait depending on:

• Time of night
• Day of the week
• Local events (concerts, games, conventions) that bring more people into the Buckhead area

When It’s Busiest

In Atlanta, upscale restaurants like this are commonly busiest:

• Thursday–Saturday evenings
• Around holidays and notable event weekends

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider:

• Early dinner hours
• Weeknights instead of Friday/Saturday

Parking and Getting There in Atlanta

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s busiest dining districts, so it’s useful to think through how you’ll get to 10 Degrees South.

Driving and Parking

Near 10 Degrees South, you may find:

• Valet parking (common at Buckhead restaurants; usually a fee plus tip)
• On-site or shared parking lots, depending on the building complex
• Limited street parking in some surrounding areas

Because parking arrangements can change based on property management and nearby businesses, many locals:

• Check recent info online for current valet or self-park options
• Build in extra time for parking on weekend nights

Ride-Share and Taxis

Many Atlanta diners use ride-share services to avoid dealing with Buckhead traffic and parking. This can be especially helpful if you plan to:

• Enjoy cocktails or wine
• Head to another Buckhead bar or lounge afterward
• Avoid driving late at night in a busy area

MARTA and Transit

If you’re comfortable with public transit:

• Buckhead is served by MARTA’s Red Line.
• From the Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center MARTA stations, you may still need a short ride-share or walk, depending on the restaurant’s exact location.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying at a nearby Buckhead hotel, some hotels also offer shuttles within a limited radius—worth asking your front desk.

Dietary Preferences and Food Considerations

10 Degrees South, like many Atlanta restaurants, may be able to accommodate certain preferences or restrictions, but it’s always best to ask directly.

Common points to consider:

• Spice level: Some South African dishes, especially those with peri-peri, can be spicy. If you’re sensitive, you can usually:
  • Ask which dishes are milder
  • Request sauces on the side
• Meat-focused menu: Many South African menus highlight beef, lamb, and chicken. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll want to:
  • Check if there are marked vegetarian dishes
  • Call ahead to ask what they can offer
• Allergies (gluten, nuts, dairy, shellfish):
  • Inform your server clearly
  • Ask whether dishes can be modified

Servers at Atlanta’s upscale venues are typically prepared to communicate with the kitchen about special needs, but it’s still important to speak up and double-check anything you’re unsure about.

Special Occasions and Groups

10 Degrees South is frequently used as a special-occasion spot in Atlanta.

You might consider it for:

• Anniversaries or birthdays
• Business dinners with clients or colleagues
• Small group celebrations with friends or family

If you’re planning something more elaborate:

• Ask if they offer set menus or group pricing
• Inquire about decor, cake policies, or outside dessert fees
• Confirm whether they can accommodate larger tables or semi-private areas

For very large or corporate events, you may want to call well in advance to find out about:

• Minimum spends
• Room capacities
• Audio/visual needs (if you’ll be doing presentations or speeches)

Comparing 10 Degrees South to Other Atlanta Dining Options

If you’re deciding whether 10 Degrees South fits into your Atlanta plans, it helps to understand where it sits in the local restaurant landscape.

In the context of Atlanta dining:

• It’s more unique in terms of cuisine compared with standard American, Southern, or Italian spots.
• It fits roughly in the same price and formality range as many Buckhead steakhouses and upscale bistros.
• It’s often chosen by locals who want to impress guests with something both polished and different, rather than the usual chain or familiar concept.

If you live in the city, 10 Degrees South can be a good option when you’ve already tried many Midtown and Inman Park favorites and want something globally inspired without leaving town. For visitors, it offers a taste of international flavor within an Atlanta neighborhood that’s known for high-end dining.

Quick Reference: 10 Degrees South at a Glance

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here are a few quick, actionable tips if you’re considering 10 Degrees South in Atlanta:

• ✅ Check current info: Confirm the address, hours, and menu before you go, since restaurant details can change.
• ✅ Reserve ahead on weekends: Buckhead fills up fast, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
• ✅ Plan your transport: Consider ride-share to avoid parking stress and to enjoy drinks more freely.
• ✅ Ask about spice and ingredients: If you’re new to South African flavors or have dietary needs, talk with your server.
• ✅ Use it for a “special” night: It’s well-suited for evenings when you want something more elevated and distinctive than everyday dining.

With a bit of advance planning, 10 Degrees South can be a memorable way to experience a global dining style right in Atlanta, particularly if you’re drawn to bold flavors and a refined Buckhead atmosphere.