Exploring Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta: What Locals and Visitors Should Know

If you spend any time around Atlanta’s dining scene, you’ll run into the name Fifth Group Restaurants. This Atlanta-based restaurant group is behind several of the city’s most recognizable fine dining and chef-driven restaurants, from upscale Italian to modern Mexican and polished Southern cuisine.

This guide walks through what Fifth Group Restaurants is, the concepts they operate in Atlanta, what kind of experience you can expect, typical price points, and practical tips on reservations, dress codes, and special occasions.

What Is Fifth Group Restaurants?

Fifth Group Restaurants is an Atlanta-based hospitality group that operates multiple chef-driven, full-service restaurants and bars, plus a catering arm, primarily in the Intown Atlanta area.

Across their concepts, you’ll see common themes:

• Emphasis on scratch-made dishes and seasonal ingredients
• Well-developed cocktail, wine, and spirits programs
• Locations in high-traffic Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and around major landmarks (such as the Fox Theatre and Piedmont Park)
• A style that typically falls between upscale casual and fine dining

If you’re planning meals around Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, or near major venues, there’s a good chance a Fifth Group restaurant is nearby.

Fifth Group Concepts in Atlanta: Overview

Fifth Group’s portfolio changes over time, but Atlanta diners often encounter these core concepts:

Names, locations, or concepts may evolve, but this gives a realistic snapshot of the kinds of restaurants the group runs in Atlanta, Georgia.

South City Kitchen: Modern Southern in Atlanta

What to Expect

South City Kitchen is often one of the first places locals recommend when someone asks where to get “elevated Southern food” in Atlanta. The menu usually features:

• Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and pimento cheese as staples
• Seasonal takes on catfish, pork chops, and vegetable sides
• Well-known brunch with biscuits, pancakes, and egg dishes

The atmosphere is usually:

• Upscale casual – white tablecloth feel without being stiff
• Popular with out-of-town guests, business diners, and locals celebrating birthdays or graduations

Where You’ll Find It

You’ll typically see South City Kitchen in:

• Midtown Atlanta – convenient to the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, and Midtown hotels
• Buckhead – close to office towers and shopping
• Vinings – useful if you’re near the Cobb side of town or coming from the suburbs

If you’re booked at a Midtown hotel or heading to a show at the Fox Theatre, South City Kitchen Midtown is often within a short walk or ride.

La Tavola: Neighborhood Italian in Virginia-Highland

What to Expect

La Tavola is Fifth Group’s Italian concept, often described as:

• Cozy and intimate – smaller dining room, warm lighting
• Pasta-focused, with options like house-made pastas, classic sauces, and seasonal specials
• A go-to date night spot for nearby neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Morningside, and Inman Park

Pacing tends to be relaxed, and it’s common for diners to order:

• Shared antipasti
• A pasta course or main entrées
• A glass or bottle from a focused Italian-leaning wine list

Local Context

La Tavola fits well into Virginia-Highland’s walkable, bungalow-lined streets. If you’re strolling the neighborhood or meeting friends in the area, it’s one of the more polished sit-down Italian options nearby.

Ecco: European-Inspired Dining in Midtown and Buckhead

What to Expect

Ecco is often described as European-inspired, wine-forward, and modern. It’s a popular choice for:

• Pre-theatre dinners before a show at the Fox Theatre or events at the Woodruff Arts Center
• Business dinners in Midtown and Buckhead
• Date nights where a strong wine list is a priority

The menu tends to feature:

• A mix of shared plates, pastas, meats, and seafood
• European influences, especially from Italy, Spain, and France
• A curated selection of Old World and New World wines

Neighborhood Fit

In Midtown, Ecco is surrounded by offices, condos, and cultural institutions, making it convenient if you’re staying at a Midtown hotel or in town for a conference. In Buckhead, it aligns with the area’s mix of upscale retail and corporate offices, serving both locals and business travelers.

Lure: Seafood-Focused Dining in Midtown

What to Expect

Lure is Fifth Group’s seafood-focused restaurant in Midtown Atlanta. Diners typically find:

• Fish and shellfish dishes with both classic and creative preparations
• A cocktail program that pairs well with seafood, like light, citrusy drinks
• An atmosphere that’s polished but relaxed enough for after-work dinners or special-occasion meals

If you’re staying near Peachtree Street in Midtown and craving seafood without leaving the Intown core, Lure is one of the better-known options.

Alma Cocina: Modern Latin/Mexican in Downtown and Buckhead

What to Expect

Alma Cocina offers Latin-inspired and modern Mexican dishes, standing out from more casual taquerias by focusing on:

• Plated entrées and composed dishes
• House-made salsas, tortillas, and garnishes
• A full bar with an emphasis on tequila, mezcal, and creative cocktails

Why Locals Use It

• Downtown: Useful if you’re attending events at the Georgia World Congress Center, staying near Peachtree Center, or looking for a nicer sit-down option close to hotels and offices.
• Buckhead: Fits the area’s mix of shoppers, business travelers, and residents who want upscale but lively dining.

Bold Catering & Design: Fifth Group’s Catering Arm

In addition to restaurants, Fifth Group runs Bold Catering & Design, which provides:

• Catering for weddings, galas, and corporate events
• Food and bar service at event venues around metro Atlanta
• Event planning support such as menu design and logistics

If you attend a larger event at a major Atlanta venue or corporate function, there’s a chance the catering team behind the scenes is Bold, even if you never step into one of the group’s standalone restaurants.

Price Ranges and Budget Planning

While exact pricing varies by location and menu changes, Fifth Group restaurants generally fall into the mid-to-upper price range for Atlanta:

• Starters / small plates: Often in the low-to-mid teens
• Entrées: Commonly in the $20s to $40s at dinner
• Brunch/lunch entrées: Typically a bit less than dinner, with some crossover items
• Cocktails: Usually in line with other Intown Atlanta cocktail programs

Ways Atlanta diners often manage cost:

• Choosing lunch or brunch instead of dinner to sample a restaurant more affordably
• Sharing a few small plates and a dessert instead of full individual entrées
• Skipping cocktails and focusing on water or non-alcoholic options if budget is tight

Reservations, Walk-Ins, and Timing in Atlanta

Do You Need a Reservation?

At most Fifth Group restaurants in Atlanta:

• Reservations are recommended, especially:
  • Thursday–Saturday evenings
  • For brunch at South City Kitchen
  • Before or after major events (Fox Theatre performances, big concerts, sports games)
• Walk-ins are sometimes possible, particularly:
  • Early in the evening on weekdays
  • At the bar, which often seats guests on a first-come, first-served basis

If you’re planning a special occasion, it’s wise to reserve as far ahead as practical, particularly for popular dates like Mother’s Day, graduation weekends, and major holidays.

Dress Codes: What Atlanta Diners Actually Wear

Most Fifth Group restaurants in Atlanta follow an upscale casual dress expectation. In real terms, locals tend to wear:

• For most dinners:
  • Nice jeans or slacks with a button-down, blouse, or dressy top
  • Casual dresses or skirts that are not overly formal
• Items that may feel out of place at busier times:
  • Workout wear, very casual shorts, or pool attire
  • Oversized team jerseys, particularly in the evening

Formalwear (suits, cocktail dresses) is usually not required, though you will see it sometimes, especially when guests come from events like the theatre, concerts, or weddings.

Parking, MARTA, and Getting There

Because these restaurants cluster in Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, and nearby Intown areas, transportation is a real consideration.

Parking

Depending on location, you may find:

• Validated parking in attached decks or nearby garages
• Paid surface lots within walking distance
• Limited street parking, especially in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland

Locals often:

• Use rideshare on weekend nights to avoid circling for a spot
• Build in extra time for parking when dining near big venues (Fox Theatre, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or downtown hotels)

MARTA and Transit

If you prefer transit:

• Restaurants in Midtown and Downtown are often reachable via the MARTA rail (North-South line).
• From Midtown Station or Arts Center Station, several Fifth Group locations are a short walk or quick rideshare.

This can be helpful if you’re staying along Peachtree Street, near MARTA, and want to avoid driving entirely.

Using Fifth Group Restaurants for Special Occasions

Many Atlanta residents use Fifth Group restaurants for:

• Anniversaries and birthdays (especially South City Kitchen, La Tavola, and Ecco)
• Graduation dinners for Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, and nearby colleges
• Business dinners when hosting colleagues from out of town
• Pre-theatre or pre-concert meals around Midtown and Downtown

Common practical tips:

• 🎉 Note your celebration in the reservation comments so the staff is aware.
• 🕒 For shows at the Fox Theatre, allow at least 2 hours before curtain time for a relaxed meal in Midtown.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 For larger family groups, ask about banquette or semi-private seating when reserving.

Accessibility and Dietary Considerations

While specifics vary by location, many Atlanta diners with dietary preferences or restrictions report being able to find workable options at Fifth Group concepts, such as:

• Vegetarian dishes and some vegan-friendly selections
• Options that can be prepared without nuts, dairy, or gluten-containing ingredients, when requested

If you have allergies or strict dietary needs:

• Mention them clearly when you make the reservation.
• Remind your server when seated so they can check with the kitchen.

Most Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown locations are in modern buildings that typically include ramp or elevator access, but if accessibility is critical, it’s wise to call ahead and confirm specific needs such as:

• Step-free entry
• Accessible restrooms
• Space for wheelchairs or mobility devices at the table

How Fifth Group Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Landscape

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Fifth Group Restaurants represent:

• A reliable, mid-to-upscale option across several cuisines (Southern, Italian, seafood, Latin-inspired, European)
• A network of locations concentrated in core city neighborhoods, making them convenient if you’re staying near Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown
• A common choice for special occasions, business meals, and pre-event dining

If you’re planning where to eat around a Midtown hotel, a conference downtown, or an evening at the Fox Theatre or Piedmont Park, looking for a Fifth Group concept nearby is a practical way to narrow your options to restaurants that aim for a polished, chef-driven Atlanta experience.