Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Every Concept

Fifth Group Restaurants is one of the most recognizable restaurant groups in Atlanta, Georgia, with a collection of spots that many locals treat as go‑to choices for celebrations, business dinners, and date nights. If you live in Atlanta or you are planning a visit, understanding what each Fifth Group Atlanta restaurant offers can help you pick the right place for your mood, neighborhood, and budget.

Below is a practical, restaurant‑by‑restaurant guide tailored to how people actually dine in Atlanta—where they are, what to expect, and how each concept fits into the city’s dining scene.

Quick Overview of Fifth Group’s Atlanta Restaurants

Use this at‑a‑glance guide to match a restaurant to your plans.

Names and locations can change over time. Always confirm hours and the exact address before you go, especially for holidays and major events.

South City Kitchen: Elevated Southern Comfort

South City Kitchen is often the first Fifth Group name Atlanta residents think of. It’s known for Southern classics with a polished, modern feel, and it’s a common choice when you want to show visitors what “Atlanta food” can look like beyond basic fried chicken.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, she‑crab soup, biscuits, deviled eggs, plus seasonal specials.
• Vibe: Upscale but not stuffy; people dress anywhere from business casual to smart casual.
• Good for:
  • Weekend brunch in Midtown or Buckhead
  • Business lunches that feel local, not generic
  • Taking parents or guests who want “real Southern food”

Atlanta Locations & Typical Context

You’ll usually find South City Kitchen in or near:

• Midtown Atlanta – Popular with people who live in town or stay near Peachtree Street and the cultural district.
• Buckhead – Convenient for North Atlanta residents and hotel guests along Peachtree Road.
• Vinings / Cumberland area – Handy if you’re near Truist Park or the I‑285/I‑75 interchange.
• Alpharetta / Avalon area – Useful if you live or work on the north side but want a familiar Fifth Group option.

Local Tips

• Brunch reservations are strongly recommended, especially on Sundays and during big event weekends (festivals, SEC Championship, etc.).
• If you are bringing out‑of‑town guests, Midtown is centrally located and easy to pair with a walk through Piedmont Park or a visit to the High Museum of Art.

La Tavola: Neighborhood Italian in Virginia‑Highland

La Tavola feels like a cozy neighborhood trattoria tucked into Virginia‑Highland, one of Atlanta’s most walkable historic areas.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Pastas, risotto, Italian appetizers, seasonal specials, and a solid wine list.
• Vibe: Intimate and warm; good for date nights and small, relaxed gatherings.
• Good for:
  • Date nights in town
  • Dinner before or after walking around Virginia‑Highland
  • Residents inside the Perimeter looking for dependable Italian without going to a big chain

Local Tips

• Parking in Virginia‑Highland can be tight. Plan a few extra minutes to find street parking or paid lots.
• This is a popular weekend spot; reservations are wise, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings.
• It’s easy to pair dinner here with dessert or drinks at another Virginia‑Highland spot if you want to extend the night.

Ecco: European‑Inspired, Stylish Dining

Ecco is Fifth Group’s European‑inspired concept, with a reputation for being stylish and slightly more formal than some of the group’s other restaurants.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Mediterranean and European flavors—think cured meats and cheeses, pastas, roasted meats, and seasonal small plates.
• Vibe: Modern, energetic, with a city feel.
• Good for:
  • Pre‑show dinners near Alliance Theatre or the Fox Theatre (depending on which location you pick)
  • Business dinners with clients who appreciate a polished environment
  • Special occasions when you want something a bit more elevated

Atlanta Locations & Use Cases

Ecco commonly appears in:

• Midtown area – Convenient if you’re near Peachtree Street, theaters, or the arts district.
• Buckhead area – Practical for meetings or dinners close to the Buckhead business and shopping corridors.

Local Tips

• Ahead of major events (concerts, theater premieres, sports championships), Midtown can be congested—build in travel time if you have a reservation tied to a show time.
• This is a good pick if you’re staying in one of the major Midtown or Buckhead hotels and want a restaurant that feels destination‑worthy but still very “Atlanta.”

Lure: Seafood in the Heart of Midtown

If you are staying or living around Midtown Atlanta and craving seafood, Lure is Fifth Group’s answer.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Seafood‑centric—fish, shellfish, oysters (when available), plus a few land‑based options and seasonal sides.
• Vibe: Relaxed, with a coastal influence; upscale but approachable.
• Good for:
  • Business dinners where you want seafood without leaving Midtown
  • Date nights or meetups after work in the city
  • Travelers in Midtown hotels who prefer to walk to dinner

Local Tips

• The Midtown location means you can usually walk from many offices, condos, and hotels near Peachtree Street.
• If you drive, be prepared for garage or paid parking, common in this part of the city.
• Before or after dinner, it’s easy to stroll through Midtown’s main corridors or nearby cultural spots if you have time.

El Taco: Casual Tex‑Mex in Virginia‑Highland

El Taco is Fifth Group’s casual Tex‑Mex concept, also based in Virginia‑Highland.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Tacos, nachos, fajitas, dips, and margaritas with a playful, laid‑back attitude.
• Vibe: Family‑friendly and casual, with a neighborhood feel.
• Good for:
  • Weeknight dinners with kids
  • Group outings where people want something relaxed and shareable
  • A lower‑key option before heading to other bars or dessert spots in Virginia‑Highland

Local Tips

• If you’re already in Virginia‑Highland, El Taco works well as a last‑minute, walk‑in choice, though peak weekend times can get busy.
• This is often a comfortable pick after a day at Piedmont Park or an informal meetup with friends if you’re near intown neighborhoods like Morningside, Inman Park, or Decatur.

Alma Cocina: Modern Latin in Downtown and Buckhead

Alma Cocina offers a modern Latin / Mexican‑influenced menu that fits well into both downtown and north Atlanta office corridors.

What to Expect

• Cuisine: Latin flavors, tacos, ceviche, creative entrées, and a strong focus on cocktails and tequila‑based drinks.
• Vibe: Stylish but relaxed; popular with downtown professionals and hotel guests.
• Good for:
  • Downtown work lunches or happy hours
  • Dinner before or after events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center (depending on how far you are willing to walk or drive)
  • Buckhead‑area diners wanting a modern Latin spot with a polished feel

Atlanta Locations & Timing

• Downtown Atlanta – Useful if you work in or near Peachtree Center or you’re staying in a downtown hotel.
• Buckhead area – Convenient for office buildings, hotels, and shopping districts in north Atlanta.

Local Tips

• If you are attending a concert or game downtown, traffic and parking can be challenging. Many locals aim for an earlier dinner time to avoid being rushed.
• This is a strong option for business travelers who want to stay close to their hotel and still feel like they’re experiencing Atlanta’s restaurant scene.

Bold Catering & Design: Events Across Metro Atlanta

While not a restaurant you walk into for dinner, Bold Catering & Design is Fifth Group’s event and catering arm.

What to Expect

• Services: Catering for weddings, corporate events, galas, and private parties around Atlanta.
• Good for:
  • Couples planning weddings in or near Atlanta who want restaurant‑level food at their venue
  • Corporate planners organizing meetings, conferences, or celebrations in the metro area
  • Residents hosting milestone events who want a coordinated food and design approach

Local Tips

• Fifth Group’s restaurants can sometimes be booked for private events or semi‑private gatherings, coordinated alongside Bold’s event planning.
• If your event is in a popular area like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, or Westside, ask venues which caterers they commonly work with—Bold is often on those lists.

Choosing the Right Fifth Group Restaurant for Your Atlanta Plans

If you are still deciding where to go, think about:

• Neighborhood:
  • Midtown: South City Kitchen, Lure, Ecco
  • Virginia‑Highland: La Tavola, El Taco
  • Downtown: Alma Cocina
  • Buckhead / North Atlanta: South City Kitchen, Alma Cocina, Ecco
• Occasion:
  • Casual / family: El Taco
  • Classic “Atlanta” Southern: South City Kitchen
  • Date night: La Tavola, Ecco, Lure
  • Business meals: Ecco, South City Kitchen, Alma Cocina, Lure
• Transportation:
  • If you rely on MARTA or rideshare, Midtown and Downtown locations tend to be easiest.
  • If you prefer easier parking and live north of the city, Buckhead, Vinings, or Alpharetta locations may be more convenient.

Whatever you choose, planning around Atlanta traffic, parking, and event schedules will make the experience smoother—especially on weekends and during major games, concerts, or conventions.