Exploring Atlanta’s Fifth Group Restaurants: A Local’s Guide to Some of the City’s Favorite Spots

Fifth Group Restaurants is one of the most recognizable hospitality groups in Atlanta, Georgia, known for operating several well-loved restaurants across the city. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to understand how these restaurants fit into the local dining scene, it helps to know what each concept offers, where they are, and how Atlantans typically use them—date nights, business dinners, brunch, or special occasions.

Below is a practical, neighborhood-focused guide to Fifth Group’s core Atlanta restaurants and how they fit into daily life around the city.

What Is Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta?

Fifth Group Restaurants is an Atlanta-based restaurant group that operates multiple distinct concepts, mostly concentrated in intown neighborhoods. Instead of one big flagship, they run several restaurants, each with its own style and menu, but a shared focus on:

• Full-service, sit-down dining
• Cocktails and wine programs
• Atlanta neighborhood locations like Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highland
• Private and group dining options for events

If you’ve ever eaten at South City Kitchen, Ecco, La Tavola, Lure, or Alma Cocina in Atlanta, you’ve likely experienced a Fifth Group restaurant.

Quick Overview of Major Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta

Below is a simple snapshot of several well-known Fifth Group spots and how locals often use them:

*Neighborhoods listed are common Atlanta areas where these restaurants are located; individual locations may vary over time.

South City Kitchen: Elevated Southern for Locals and Visitors

South City Kitchen is often one of the first Fifth Group names Atlantans mention. It focuses on Southern-inspired cuisine in an upscale but relaxed setting—fried chicken, pimento cheese, shrimp and grits, and similar dishes prepared with a modern touch.

Where South City Kitchen Fits Into Atlanta Life

Many Atlantans use South City Kitchen for:

• Weekend brunch with family or visiting friends
• Business lunches with clients who want “something Atlanta”
• Pre-show dinners before the Fox Theatre or Midtown arts venues (especially the Midtown location)
• Special-occasion dinners without feeling overly formal

Typical Locations and Access

Common Atlanta locations have included:

• Midtown Atlanta – convenient to the Fox Theatre, Georgia Tech, and many office buildings
• Buckhead – useful for North Atlanta residents and hotel guests
• Vinings/Cumberland area – often used by Cobb County commuters and Braves game visitors

When planning, many locals reserve ahead for brunch and weekend evenings, especially in Midtown and Buckhead where demand runs high.

Ecco: European-Inspired Dining Near Atlanta’s Major Activity Hubs

Ecco is known for its European-style, contemporary menu, often featuring house-made pastas, charcuterie, cheeses, and a solid wine and cocktail selection. The atmosphere is typically modern and stylish.

How Atlantans Use Ecco

Ecco frequently serves as:

• A date-night spot for couples living or staying in Midtown or Buckhead
• A pre-theatre or pre-concert dinner choice near major venues
• A business dinner location when you want something polished but not overly formal

If you’re staying near Peachtree Street in Midtown, Ecco is often within short driving or rideshare distance of hotels, the Fox Theatre, Alliance Theatre, and Woodruff Arts Center.

Tips for Eating at Ecco in Atlanta

• Allow time for parking or rideshare in Midtown at peak evening hours.
• Check hours before late-night dining, as kitchens may close earlier on some weeknights.
• For larger groups, calling ahead to ask about group seating or set menus can streamline service.

La Tavola: Neighborhood Italian in Virginia-Highland

La Tavola is Fifth Group’s Italian trattoria-style concept. It’s set in Virginia-Highland, a walkable intown neighborhood between Midtown and Druid Hills.

Why Locals Like La Tavola

Atlanta residents often choose La Tavola for:

• Cozy date nights in a smaller, neighborhood setting
• Weeknight dinners with a focus on pastas and classic Italian dishes
• Dinner before or after strolling Virginia-Highland, with its bars, coffee shops, and boutiques

The restaurant is particularly attractive if you:

• Live in nearby Inman Park, Morningside, Druid Hills, or Midtown and want something close but not in a high-rise district.
• Are visiting and want a non-touristy feel while still being just a short drive from central Atlanta hotels.

Practical Considerations

• Street parking can be tight in Virginia-Highland during peak hours; give yourself a few extra minutes.
• Reservations are useful on Friday/Saturday nights and holiday weekends.
• Outdoor seating can be in demand during Atlanta’s milder months (spring and fall).

Lure: Seafood Dining in the Heart of Midtown

Lure is a seafood-focused Fifth Group restaurant in Midtown Atlanta. It caters to guests who want fresh fish, shellfish, and related coastal-style dishes without leaving the city center.

When Atlantans Pick Lure

Locals and visitors often use Lure for:

• Seafood dinners when staying or living in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or the BeltLine area
• Business or networking dinners thanks to its central location
• Dinner before or after Midtown events, performances, or nightlife

Being near major Midtown office towers and apartments, Lure is particularly convenient if you:

• Work in Midtown and want a walkable or short-drive spot for a client meal
• Are staying in a Midtown hotel along Peachtree Street and want seafood without driving to the suburbs

What to Keep in Mind

• Midtown traffic can back up during rush hour; plan travel time if you have a reservation.
• Outdoor dining, when available, can be popular during spring and fall evenings.
• For larger parties, calling ahead to confirm availability is helpful.

Alma Cocina: Latin-Inspired Dining in Downtown Atlanta

Alma Cocina is Fifth Group’s Latin/Mexican-inspired restaurant, commonly associated with Downtown Atlanta. It tends to attract a mix of office workers, convention attendees, and visitors staying in downtown hotels.

How People Use Alma Cocina in Downtown Atlanta

Common uses include:

• Workday lunches for employees in downtown office buildings or government centers
• Pre- or post-event dinners for people attending conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center or events near State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Cocktail meet-ups for colleagues or friends who live or work nearby

Because it’s downtown:

• It’s convenient if you’re staying near Peachtree Center, the Georgia State Capitol, or city and state government offices.
• It can be a practical choice when you don’t want to drive out of downtown after a long day of meetings or court sessions.

Practical Notes

• Parking options typically include paid decks and street parking; costs and availability vary by time of day and event schedules.
• On major conference or game days, downtown can be busy; reservations help secure a table at your preferred time.
• Lunchtime can be especially crowded with nearby office workers.

Private and Group Dining with Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta

Many Fifth Group locations offer private or semi-private dining, which is frequently used in Atlanta for:

• Corporate dinners and networking events
• Rehearsal dinners and small wedding-related gatherings
• Birthday, graduation, or anniversary celebrations
• Holiday parties for local businesses

How Atlantans Typically Arrange Events

If you’re planning an event, the general process often includes:

1. Choosing a concept and neighborhood

   • Midtown (Ecco, Lure, South City Kitchen) for central access and hotels
   • Buckhead or Vinings for guests based north of the city
   • Virginia-Highland (La Tavola) for a more intimate, neighborhood feel
   • Downtown (Alma Cocina) for events tied to conventions or government offices

2. Contacting the restaurant’s event or group dining coordinator

   • Most Fifth Group restaurants have a designated contact for private events.
   • You can typically discuss set menus, pricing, and capacity.

3. Considering transportation and parking for guests

   • Midtown and Downtown: plan for parking decks, MARTA, or rideshares.
   • Neighborhood locations: street parking and smaller lots, often with tighter capacity.

4. Confirming details ahead of time

   • Final headcount
   • Dietary preferences or restrictions
   • AV needs (if applicable) for corporate gatherings

Choosing the Right Fifth Group Restaurant for Your Atlanta Plans

When deciding which Fifth Group restaurant best fits your Atlanta outing, consider these local factors:

1. Neighborhood & Convenience

• Staying or working in Midtown?
  South City Kitchen, Ecco, and Lure are all strong options.
• Near Downtown hotels, courts, or state offices?
  Alma Cocina is often the most convenient.
• Living or staying in intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Morningside, or Inman Park?
  La Tavola offers a more residential, neighborhood experience.
• Based in Buckhead or close to North Atlanta suburbs?
  Buckhead-area locations of South City Kitchen or Ecco are often easier to reach.

2. Occasion Type

• Date night: Ecco, La Tavola, Lure
• Brunch with visitors: South City Kitchen, especially in Midtown or Buckhead
• Business meals: Alma Cocina (Downtown), Ecco (Midtown/Buckhead), Lure (Midtown), South City Kitchen (multiple areas)
• Large group or celebration: Any location with private dining—Midtown and Buckhead spots are common choices for easy access.

3. Transportation & Parking

Atlanta traffic and parking can strongly influence your experience:

• If you rely on MARTA, Midtown and Downtown locations are often easier.
• If you drive from the suburbs, Buckhead and Vinings may be more convenient than driving into central Midtown at rush hour.
• For intown locals using rideshare, Midtown and Virginia-Highland are popular, but travel time can still spike during events and weekend evenings.

Practical Planning Tips for Fifth Group Dining in Atlanta

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to make the most of your visit to any Fifth Group restaurant:

• Reserve ahead for peak times

  • Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Weekend brunch (especially South City Kitchen)
  • Downtown and Midtown spots during large conferences or major events

• Check event calendars

  • If there’s a major concert, Hawks game, Falcons game, or big event at the Georgia World Congress Center, Downtown and Midtown can experience heavier traffic and slower parking.

• Plan for Atlanta traffic patterns

  • If your reservation is around 5:30–7:00 p.m. on a weekday, give extra time for rush hour, particularly if you’re crossing I-75/85 or GA-400.

• Ask about dietary accommodations

  • Many Fifth Group menus can accommodate common dietary needs (vegetarian, some allergies, etc.). Calling ahead can help if you have specific concerns.

• Consider noise level if you need quiet

  • Popular Midtown and Buckhead locations can be lively at peak times.
  • For quieter business conversations, an earlier seating or a semi-private area (if available) may work better.

Fifth Group Restaurants has become deeply woven into Atlanta’s dining culture, with options that fit everyday dinners, business gatherings, and special occasions. By matching the neighborhood, style of cuisine, and type of outing you have in mind, you can usually find a Fifth Group spot that fits smoothly into your plans in and around Atlanta, Georgia.