Best Restaurants in Virginia-Highland, Atlanta: Where to Eat Now

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.

Quick Snapshot: Top Virginia-Highland Restaurants by Vibe

*Price range is a general sense for an individual meal without drinks.

Understanding the Virginia-Highland Dining Scene

Virginia-Highland is compact but packed with options. Most restaurants cluster along North Highland Avenue NE, particularly near:

• Virginia Ave NE & N Highland Ave NE
• Los Angeles Ave NE & N Highland Ave NE

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.

Can’t-Miss Classics in Virginia-Highland

Murphy’s

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:

• Brunch standbys like eggs Benedict, French toast, and hearty potato dishes
• Comfort-food entrées for dinner (think roasted chicken, seasonal pastas, and seafood)
• A bakery case with desserts and breads
• A well-curated wine list, often with bottles available to take home

Good to know:

• Brunch hours are very popular—wait times can build during peak weekend mornings.
• Street parking along N Highland Ave NE and nearby residential streets is common; watch resident-only and permit signs.

La Tavola Trattoria

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:

• Classic Italian pastas (carbonara, tagliatelle, gnocchi) with refined execution
• Starters like calamari, arancini, or burrata
• A cozy, brick-lined interior plus a small patio that feels very “VaHi”
• Solid wine list with Italian and European selections

Good to know:

• Space is limited, and evenings can fill quickly, especially on weekends or holidays.
• It’s a strong choice for date nights or small celebratory dinners.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

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:

• Pub-style menu: burgers, wings, sandwiches, and Southern-influenced entrées
• Rotating daily specials, especially around comfort food
• Full bar with local beers and classic cocktails
• A lively, social atmosphere most nights

Good to know:

• Kitchen hours often extend later than many nearby restaurants, making it a go-to after a show, game, or concert elsewhere in Atlanta.
• It sits right along N Highland Ave NE, easy to pair with a walk around the neighborhood.

Steaks, Seafood, and Elevated Comfort

Highland Tap

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:

• Grilled steaks, burgers, and hearty sides
• Classic cocktail bar, especially martinis and whiskey
• Brick and wood interior, low lighting, and a slightly retro vibe
• A good option when you want “special but not stuffy”

Good to know:

• It’s walkable from the main Virginia-Highland intersection and often easier to get into than large chain steakhouses elsewhere in Atlanta.

Fontaine’s Oyster House

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:

• Oysters (often raw and baked preparations)
• Shrimp dishes, po’boys, and seafood platters
• A busy bar scene with beer, cocktails, and frozen drinks
• Indoor and patio seating that fills up during peak hours

Good to know:

• It’s a solid stop if you’re bar-hopping along N Highland Ave and want a seafood-heavy round of snacks or dinner.

Global Flavors in Virginia-Highland

Surin of Thailand

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:

• Familiar Thai favorites: pad thai, curries, stir-fries, noodle dishes
• Plenty of vegetarian-friendly options
• Interior large enough for small groups and families
• Moderate price point for sit-down dining in this part of town

Good to know:

• It’s a convenient option if you’re spending the day nearby at the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or Piedmont Park and want a satisfying but not overly formal dinner.

El Taco (nearby in VaHi area)

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:

• Tacos, enchiladas, bowls, and chips-and-dips spreads
• Margaritas and other tequila-based drinks
• A playful, casual feel that works well for families and groups
• Indoor and patio-style seating

Good to know:

• This is a good “meet in the middle” choice for friends coming in from different parts of Atlanta who want something informal and easy.

Brunch, Coffee, and Light Bites

Murphy’s (Brunch Highlight)

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:

• 🕒 Arrive early on weekends or be prepared for a wait, especially between late morning and early afternoon.
• ☕ Expect coffee drinks, brunch cocktails, and a bakery counter that can help pass time if you arrive early.
• 👥 Good option for small groups or out-of-town guests looking for a quintessential VaHi experience.

Press & Grind

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:

• Espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and juices
• Grab-and-go pastries and light fare
• A bright, casual space to sit with a laptop or meet a friend
• Easy to pair with a walk through the VaHi residential streets

How to Choose the Best Virginia-Highland Restaurant for You

When you’re deciding where to eat in Virginia-Highland, think about:

1. Occasion

• Date night:

  • La Tavola Trattoria for Italian and cozy ambience
  • Highland Tap for steaks and martinis
  • Murphy’s for wine and comfort food

• Group dinner or casual meetup:

  • Atkins Park for pub fare and a lively vibe
  • Surin of Thailand for shareable Thai dishes
  • El Taco for Tex-Mex and margaritas

• Family-friendly meal:

  • El Taco, Surin of Thailand, and Atkins Park all work well
  • Murphy’s is also popular with families, especially at brunch

2. Budget

• More budget-conscious:

  • Atkins Park, Surin of Thailand, El Taco, Press & Grind

• Mid-range with a bit of splurge potential:

  • Murphy’s, La Tavola, Highland Tap, Fontaine’s

3. What You’re Craving

• Seafood & oysters:Fontaine’s Oyster House
• Steaks & red-meat-heavy meals:Highland Tap
• Italian & pasta:La Tavola Trattoria
• Brunch & baked goods:Murphy’s
• Thai:Surin of Thailand
• Tex-Mex & margaritas:El Taco
• Pub food & late-night:Atkins Park

Practical Tips for Dining in Virginia-Highland

• Parking:

  • Expect mostly street parking along N Highland Ave NE and side streets.
  • Pay attention to time limits, meters, and resident-only zones. Tickets and towing can be an issue in popular intown neighborhoods, especially on weekend nights and during events.

• Peak times:

  • Thursday–Saturday evenings are the busiest for dinner.
  • Weekend brunch (especially at Murphy’s) can draw lines.
  • If you’re coming from Midtown, Inman Park, or Decatur, leaving a bit early helps avoid stress.

• Pairing with other Atlanta activities:

  • Virginia-Highland is close to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market, and Freedom Park.
  • It’s easy to plan a day of walking or biking around these areas and finish with dinner in VaHi.

• Reservations:

  • Many sit-down spots in Virginia-Highland either accept or strongly recommend reservations, especially La Tavola and Murphy’s for peak times.
  • Casual spots (Atkins Park, Fontaine’s, El Taco) are more flexible but can still get crowded.

Using Virginia-Highland as a Home Base for Eating in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Virginia-Highland, you’re well positioned:

• To the north and east, you can reach Morningside, Emory, and Decatur for more neighborhood restaurants.
• To the south, you’re close to Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park, each with its own cluster of well-known dining options.
• To the west, Midtown and Piedmont Park are just a short drive or rideshare away.

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.