Best Restaurants Near the High Museum of Art in Atlanta

If you are planning a visit to the High Museum of Art in Midtown Atlanta and wondering where to eat before or after your visit, you’re in luck. The area around the museum is one of the city’s most walkable dining clusters, packed with everything from quick bites to special-occasion spots.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to restaurants near the High Museum of Art Atlanta, with options you can walk to, plus a few worth a short drive or quick MARTA ride.

Quick Overview: Where to Eat Near the High Museum

The High Museum of Art is located at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, right in Midtown’s Arts District. Most nearby restaurants cluster along:

• Peachtree St NE
• 14th St NE
• Crescent Ave NE
• West Peachtree St NE

Here is a simple snapshot of restaurant types within about a 10–15 minute walk:

Walkable Restaurants Right by the High Museum

These are options that many visitors consider “High Museum adjacent” — generally within a 5–10 minute walk of the museum entrance.

1. Casual & Fast-Casual Spots

If you only have an hour between exhibits, these quick, no-fuss restaurants near the High Museum of Art are practical choices.

General types you’ll find nearby:

• Salad and grain-bowl spots – Build-your-own bowls with greens, grains, and proteins are common along Peachtree and 14th, ideal if you want something light before heading back to the galleries.
• Sandwich and soup cafés – Several local cafés in Midtown serve paninis, soups, and coffee; handy for a simple lunch or remote-work session before your museum time.
• Pizza-by-the-slice & counter-service Italian – Good for families or groups who don’t want a long sit-down meal.
• Burgers and fries – Midtown has several burger-focused eateries within walking distance that offer both dine‑in and takeaway.

👍 Tip: If you’re visiting on a busy weekend (especially during special exhibitions), consider grabbing lunch a bit earlier than normal, around 11:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m., to avoid lines at the most popular fast‑casual counters.

2. Coffee Shops & Light Bites

The area around the High is also rich in coffee shops, useful if you:

• Need a caffeine boost before an afternoon tour
• Want a quiet corner to look over the museum map
• Are meeting friends before heading in together

Nearby coffee spots typically offer:

• Espresso drinks and drip coffee
• Pastries and small baked goods
• Light breakfast items like yogurt, bagels, or breakfast sandwiches

These are usually within a few blocks along Peachtree, West Peachtree, or 14th Street. Many locals pair a morning coffee run with a late morning museum visit, especially on weekends.

Sit-Down Restaurants in Midtown’s Arts District

If you’re planning a longer lunch or a proper dinner near the High Museum, Midtown offers a wide range of full-service restaurants a short walk away.

1. American, Southern, and New American

Around the High Museum, you’ll find several American and New American restaurants that range from laid‑back to upscale. Typical menus often include:

• Starters: roasted vegetables, charcuterie boards, seasonal salads
• Mains: burgers, steaks, roasted chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options
• Sides: Southern‑leaning items like stone-ground grits, collard greens, or cornbread, depending on the restaurant

These spots are popular for:

• Pre-show dinners before a performance at the nearby Woodruff Arts Center
• Business lunches with clients in Midtown offices
• Weekend brunch with easy access to MARTA

If you want a classic “night out in Midtown” experience after the museum, these sit‑down American restaurants are often the most straightforward choice.

2. International Cuisine Near the High Museum

The Midtown area around the High includes a mix of international restaurants within walking distance or a short rideshare trip:

Common options you can expect nearby:

• Italian: pasta, risotto, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasti
• Mexican and Latin-inspired: tacos, enchiladas, rice bowls, and margaritas
• Mediterranean: hummus, kebabs, salads, pita wraps
• Asian: sushi, ramen, stir-fry, or pan‑Asian menus depending on the specific restaurant

Many of these spots are situated along Crescent Ave NE and 14th St NE, areas that also have a lively evening scene.

👍 Local tip: If your museum visit ends around 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., you can often walk straight into nearby international restaurants without a long wait on weekdays. Friday and Saturday nights, however, can get busy; consider calling ahead to ask about peak times or wait lists.

Restaurants a Short Drive or MARTA Ride Away

If you’re open to a short ride beyond the immediate blocks around the High Museum of Art, you’ll find even more choices in nearby Atlanta neighborhoods.

1. Midtown (Beyond the Immediate Arts District)

Even just a bit farther into Midtown, you’ll encounter:

• Upscale dining rooms suited for anniversaries or special occasions
• Trendy small-plates restaurants with seasonal menus
• Gastropubs and beer-focused spots with elevated bar food

Many visitors pair a High Museum visit with a dinner on Peachtree Street deeper into Midtown, then walk along Peachtree or catch MARTA back to their hotel.

2. West Midtown / Howell Mill Area

A quick drive or rideshare west from the High Museum takes you to West Midtown, a major dining area known for its creative restaurants and renovated industrial spaces.

In West Midtown you can typically find:

• Chef-driven Southern-inspired restaurants
• Popular brunch spots
• Modern barbecue and smoked-meat concepts
• Trendy dessert and ice cream shops

This can be a good option if you want to make a half-day food-and-art outing: visit the museum, then head to West Midtown for a leisurely meal.

3. Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward (via BeltLine or Short Drive)

While not walkable from the High Museum, Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward are reachable via a short drive or rideshare. These neighborhoods feature:

• Neighborhood bistros and wine bars
• Well-known local pizza and pasta places
• Global street food-style restaurants

Many Atlantans will spend a weekend day starting at the High Museum, then heading to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and grabbing dinner in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward.

Family-Friendly Options Near the High Museum

If you’re visiting the High Museum with kids, you’ll want spots that are:

• Casual and quick to serve
• Used to families and strollers
• Offering familiar kid-friendly menus

Common family-friendly choices around the museum include:

• Pizza and pasta restaurants
• Burger and sandwich joints
• Fast-casual bowl or burrito places
• Ice cream and frozen dessert shops

Practical tips for families:

• ✅ Look for counter-service spots along Peachtree and nearby side streets, where you can order quickly and sit anywhere.
• ✅ If you’re visiting on Free Admission or other special event days, consider eating either well before noon or after 1:30 p.m. to avoid the heaviest family crowds.
• ✅ Many nearby restaurants can accommodate high chairs and have flexible seating, but calling ahead can help if you’re a larger group.

Date Nights and Special Occasions Around the High Museum

The Arts District is one of Atlanta’s favorite areas for a culture + dinner date. A typical local “date night” near the High might look like:

1. Afternoon or early evening museum visit
2. A short walk to a nearby upscale or New American restaurant
3. Optional drinks or dessert on Crescent Ave or along Peachtree

What to look for in nearby date-night spots:

• Reservations: Many sit‑down restaurants near the High accept reservations, especially for weekend evenings.
• Ambiance: Dim lighting, comfortable seating, and quieter sections if you want to talk about the art you just saw.
• Location: Staying within a 5–10 minute walk lets you avoid parking twice and makes the evening feel more seamless.

If you’re already driving to the area, you might also consider special-occasion restaurants a bit farther into Midtown or in West Midtown, depending on how elaborate you want the evening to be.

Planning Your Meal Around Your Museum Visit

To make the most of your day, it helps to time your meals with the High Museum’s operating hours and Midtown’s typical traffic patterns.

1. When to Eat

• Before a morning visit:

  • Grab coffee and a light breakfast at a nearby café.
  • Optionally, eat a late breakfast or early lunch around 11 a.m., then head into the museum.

• Midday museum break:

  • If you’re spending several hours at the High, consider a midday lunch at a nearby restaurant, then return for more galleries.

• After an afternoon visit:

  • Plan on 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. for dinner to beat the later evening rush in Midtown.
  • This timing works well if you’re also attending an evening performance at the Woodruff Arts Center.

2. Getting Around (Parking & Transit)

Driving and Parking near the High Museum:

• The High Museum and the Woodruff Arts Center typically offer garage parking with multiple entrances off Arts Center Way and nearby streets.
• Nearby restaurants often do not have their own large lots, so many visitors:
  • Park once in the High Museum/Woodruff Arts Center garage
  • Walk to a restaurant in the surrounding blocks
  • Return to their car when they’re done for the day

Using MARTA:

• The closest station is Arts Center MARTA Station (N5), located at:
  • 1255 West Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• From Arts Center Station, it’s usually a short walk to:
  • The High Museum
  • Many restaurants along Peachtree St NE, 14th St NE, and adjacent streets

MARTA can be especially convenient if you’re staying in Downtown, Buckhead, or near another MARTA line, since it lets you avoid Midtown traffic and parking costs.

Dietary Needs and Preferences Near the High Museum

Midtown restaurants near the High Museum often cater to a variety of dietary preferences. When checking menus (or calling ahead), you can frequently find:

• Vegetarian and vegan options – grain bowls, salads, veggie burgers, plant-based entrées
• Gluten-conscious choices – some places offer gluten-free buns, pasta alternatives, or clearly marked menu items
• Lighter fare – grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and salad-based mains at many sit‑down American and Mediterranean spots

If you have strict dietary needs or allergies, it’s wise to:

• Review menus online before your visit when possible
• Call the restaurant ahead to ask about cross-contact or specific ingredients
• Choose full-service restaurants over fast‑casual if you need more detailed guidance from staff

How to Decide Where to Eat Near the High (In 60 Seconds)

If you’re standing at the museum exit and need to make a quick decision, use this simple guide:

1. In a hurry or on a tight budget?
   → Choose a fast-casual spot on or near Peachtree or 14th (bowls, burritos, burgers, or pizza).

2. Want a relaxing meal with table service?
   → Walk to a sit-down American or international restaurant within about 5–10 minutes of the museum.

3. With kids or a group?
   → Pick casual, family-friendly places with simple menus and flexible seating; pizza, burgers, and counter-service spots are safest.

4. Looking for a date-night experience?
   → Make a reservation at an upscale or New American restaurant in Midtown, then stroll from the museum.

5. Already using MARTA or staying elsewhere in the city?
   → Consider a short train or rideshare ride to West Midtown, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward if you want to turn your museum visit into a broader food tour of Atlanta.

The area around the High Museum of Art Atlanta is one of the city’s best combinations of art, culture, and dining. With so many restaurants near the High Museum, you can easily tailor your choice to your schedule, budget, and the kind of Atlanta experience you want—whether that’s a quick bite before your next gallery or a full evening out in Midtown.