Dining at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta: Where to Eat, What to Expect, and Local Tips
Lenox Square in Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s busiest shopping destinations—and it also has a surprisingly wide range of places to eat. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, grabbing a quick bite while shopping, or looking for a sit-down dinner before heading back into the city, the restaurants at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta cover a lot of tastes and budgets.
Below is a practical guide to the main dining options, how they fit into a visit to Lenox, and a few local tips to make eating there easier and more enjoyable.
Quick Overview: Types of Restaurants at Lenox Square
Lenox Square offers:
- Casual sit-down restaurants (American, Southern-inspired, and more)
- Upscale and date-night spots
- Fast-casual and food-court favorites
- Coffee, dessert, and snack options
- Nearby walkable restaurants just outside the mall in Buckhead
Most restaurants are located inside the mall or around the Peachtree Road NE side of the property. Lenox Square itself is at:
Hours and restaurant lineups can change, so it’s a good idea to double-check a specific restaurant’s hours before you go, especially in the evening or on holidays.
Sit-Down Restaurants Inside and Around Lenox Square
These spots work well when you want to sit down, relax, and make a meal part of your shopping trip or Buckhead plans.
American & Contemporary Dining
1. The Cheesecake Factory (inside Lenox Square)
A go-to for many Atlanta shoppers:
- Why locals pick it: Huge menu, lots of options for families and groups.
- Typical offerings: Burgers, salads, pasta, shareable appetizers, and a long list of cheesecakes.
- Good for: Mixed-diet groups, pre-movie or post-shopping meals, large parties.
2. True Food Kitchen (near Lenox, Buckhead area)
While not inside the mall itself, True Food Kitchen is a short drive or rideshare away and often paired with a Lenox visit:
- Focus: Veggie-forward dishes, bowls, pizzas, and lighter options.
- Good for: Diners looking for more produce, gluten-conscious eating, or a lighter lunch before heading back to shop.
Upscale & Occasion Dining Near Lenox
Lenox is surrounded by Buckhead’s higher-end dining scene. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel or planning a full Buckhead evening, these can pair well with a mall visit:
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy (Buckhead area, often visited with Lenox)
- Style: Classic Italian-American—pastas, baked dishes, and family-style platters.
- Good for: Group dinners, family celebrations, and comfort food near the mall.
4. Buckhead-area steakhouses (short drive from Lenox)
You’ll find several well-known steakhouses within a few minutes of Lenox Square. Many Atlanta locals plan a day of shopping at Lenox and then drive a couple of minutes to a steakhouse for dinner.
Fast-Casual and Food Court Options
If you’re in the middle of a shopping day or trying to eat quickly between errands, the Lenox Square food court and fast-casual spots are your best bet.
These restaurants typically offer:
- Counter service
- Relatively quick prep times
- Seating areas shared with other food-court spots
- Portable meals you can take on the go
Common types of food you’re likely to find in or near the food court include:
- Burgers and fries
- Chicken tenders and wings
- Sandwiches and subs
- Pizza and flatbreads
- Asian-inspired bowls or stir-fries
- Tex-Mex or burrito-style meals
Because food-court lineups can change more often than full-service restaurants, it’s smart to:
- Check the Lenox Square directory when you arrive.
- Look at the digital maps typically posted near main entrances.
- Walk the entire food court once if you’re with a group, then pick a central table.
Coffee, Snacks, and Desserts at Lenox Square
Lenox is a convenient place to refuel between stores or wait while someone finishes shopping.
Coffee & Tea
You’ll usually find at least one national coffee chain plus smaller kiosks:
- Espresso drinks, drip coffee, and cold brew for a quick caffeine fix
- Tea, refreshers, and iced drinks that are easier to sip while walking
Common strategies locals use:
- Grab coffee near an entrance to meet up with friends.
- Plan a “coffee break” mid-shopping to recharge phones and rest feet.
- Use quieter corners of the mall seating areas during slower hours (weekday mornings, for example).
Dessert & Sweet Treats
Inside Lenox Square, you’re likely to see:
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt counters
- Cookie or pretzel stands
- Bakery-style kiosks with cupcakes or pastries
🍦 Tip: The dessert and snack spots are popular with kids and teens; lines can get longer in the afternoons, especially on weekends and during school breaks.
Typical Price Ranges at Lenox Square Restaurants
The prices at Lenox Square restaurants vary quite a bit. Here is a general guide to help you plan:
| Type of Spot | Typical Spend (Per Person, Food Only) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Food court / fast-casual | $10–$18 | Quick meals, counter service, shared seating |
| Casual sit-down | $18–$30 | Full meals, servers, broader menus |
| Upscale / nearby Buckhead | $35+ | Higher-end ingredients, cocktails, date-night |
| Coffee / snacks / dessert | $5–$12 | Drinks, small bites, sweet treats |
Actual totals depend on what you order, whether you add drinks or dessert, and group size.
When to Eat at Lenox: Timing and Crowd Tips
Lenox Square is one of the busiest shopping areas in metro Atlanta, especially during:
- Weekend afternoons (Saturday and Sunday)
- Holiday seasons (November–December)
- Major sale weekends and back-to-school periods
This affects restaurant lines and wait times.
For Shorter Waits
- Weekdays before 12 p.m. or after 2 p.m. are usually calmer for lunch.
- For dinner, early evenings (around 5–6 p.m.) are often easier than 7–8 p.m.
- Food-court lines move fastest outside of peak weekend hours.
For Groups and Families
- Consider calling ahead to sit-down restaurants if you’re a large group.
- Food-court seating can be scarce at peak times; sending one person to find a table while others order can help.
Getting to Lenox Square Restaurants
By Car
Lenox Square is located in Buckhead, a major commercial district in north Atlanta:
Parking options typically include:
- Parking decks and surface lots around the mall
- Multiple entrances near restaurant-heavy sides of the property
Traffic in Buckhead can be slow during rush hour, especially on Peachtree Road NE and around the Lenox/Lenox Park area. Allow extra time if you have restaurant reservations.
By MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)
Many Atlanta residents and visitors use MARTA to reach Lenox:
- Lenox Station (Gold Line) – usually the closest for walking to Lenox Square.
- Buckhead Station (Red Line) – also nearby, though you may prefer a short walk or rideshare depending on your route.
From MARTA, plan for a brief walk through Buckhead’s commercial streets. This is often faster than trying to park during peak shopping times.
How Lenox Square Dining Fits Into an Atlanta Visit
For Atlanta locals, Lenox restaurants are often:
- A convenient option when you’re already shopping in Buckhead
- A central spot to meet up with friends who live in different parts of the metro area
- A backup plan if other Buckhead restaurants are fully booked
For visitors, the restaurants at or near Lenox Square can:
- Serve as an easy lunch stop between sightseeing in Buckhead and Midtown
- Offer familiar chain options if you’re traveling with kids or picky eaters
- Provide a comfortable place to sit and regroup during a day of shopping or hotel check-out
Many people pair Lenox dining with:
- Phipps Plaza (another nearby mall with its own dining options)
- Buckhead Village (boutiques and additional restaurants a short drive away)
Practical Tips for Eating at Lenox Square in Atlanta
A few local-minded pointers:
- Check restaurant hours: Some close earlier than the mall, especially on Sundays.
- Plan for weekends: If you’re heading to a popular chain like The Cheesecake Factory on a Saturday night, expect a wait or call ahead.
- Use mall entrances strategically: Park or get dropped off near the side closest to your restaurant to avoid long indoor walks.
- Consider off-peak meals: Eating lunch a bit early or dinner a bit late can save time and hassle.
- Watch for seasonal changes: Holiday events, extended hours, and pop-up kiosks can change where you’ll want to eat and how crowded it feels.
If you’re in Atlanta and planning time in Buckhead, Lenox Square’s restaurants give you plenty of ways to fuel your shopping, meet up with friends, or enjoy a convenient meal without leaving one of the city’s best-known retail hubs.