Andiamo: Where to Find Great Italian and International Cuisine in Atlanta
If you’re searching for “Andiamo” because you’re craving Italian food or looking for a restaurant with a European vibe in Atlanta, Georgia, you’re not alone. Many people use “andiamo” (Italian for “let’s go!”) as a shorthand for looking up Italian or international restaurants, even when that exact name doesn’t match a specific well-known spot.
In Atlanta, Italian and broader international cuisine is spread across several neighborhoods, price points, and styles—from casual pizza and pasta to multi-course tasting menus. This guide walks you through how to navigate Atlanta’s international dining scene, with a special focus on finding Italian-inspired “Andiamo-style” experiences around the city.
What “Andiamo” Usually Means for Atlanta Diners
When Atlantans search for “Andiamo,” they’re typically looking for:
- Italian restaurants (pasta, pizza, regional Italian dishes)
- Date-night or special-occasion spots with a European or Mediterranean feel
- Neighborhood trattorias where you can grab a relaxed meal with wine
- International cuisine more broadly—especially in areas known for global food
Even if there isn’t a major, city-famous restaurant called “Andiamo” at the moment, the idea behind your search—Italian and international dining—is easy to satisfy in Atlanta if you know where to look.
Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for Italian & International Cuisine
Midtown & Downtown: Central and Date-Night Friendly
If you’re staying near Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, you’ll find a dense cluster of Italian and international restaurants within a short drive or rideshare.
Typical options in this area include:
- Upscale Italian with handmade pasta and curated wine lists
- Modern European or Mediterranean restaurants
- Hotel-based restaurants that offer globally inspired menus for travelers
This is a good area if you want:
- Pre-theater dinner near the Fox Theatre
- A polished date-night setting
- Walkable options close to major hotels and offices
Buckhead: Classic, Upscale, and Business-Friendly
Buckhead is known for higher-end shopping and dining. If your “andiamo” search is leading you to:
- White tablecloth service
- Steak and seafood with Italian or continental touches
- Business lunches with international menus
…Buckhead is a natural fit. This is also where you’ll see wine-focused menus and more formal atmospheres, often with Italian dishes mixed into broader international offerings.
Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward: Neighborhood Charm
On the east side of Atlanta, neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward have:
- Cozy Italian-inspired bistros
- Rustic pizza spots with wood-fired ovens
- Wine bars that serve small plates and seasonal pastas
These areas work well if you want a walkable, neighborhood feel rather than a big “destination” restaurant. Locals often come here for:
- Casual date nights
- Weekend brunch with a European flair
- Group dinners where everyone can find something they like
West Midtown & Howell Mill: Trendy and Modern
West Midtown has become a go-to area for modern, design-forward restaurants. Here, you can find:
- Contemporary Italian or Mediterranean with open kitchens
- Chef-driven international menus that change seasonally
- Places that emphasize shareable plates and creative cocktails
If “andiamo” to you means, “let’s try something new and stylish,” this area has plenty of options.
OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Family-Friendly and Relaxed
Outside I-285, in suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Roswell, you’ll find:
- Family-friendly Italian spots with big portions of pasta and pizza
- International restaurants in shopping centers and along major roads
- Neighborhood places where staff gets to know regulars
These can be especially convenient if you live in Metro Atlanta and don’t want to drive into the city for a good Italian or international meal.
Types of “Andiamo-Style” Italian Experiences in Atlanta
1. Classic Red-Sauce Italian
Think: lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, garlic bread, and generous portions.
You’re likely to find these:
- Along major corridors like Peachtree Road, Roswell Road, or Ponce de Leon
- In mixed-use developments that serve both residents and office workers
- In older, established neighborhoods where restaurants have been around for years
These spots are great for:
- Family dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Simple, familiar Italian-American dishes
2. Regional & Modern Italian
Some Atlanta chefs lean into specific Italian regions or more modern takes:
- Handmade pastas like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or gnocchi
- Dishes featuring seasonal Georgia produce with Italian techniques
- Menus divided into antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci, similar to what you’d see in Italy
You’ll often see these in:
- Midtown and West Midtown
- Trendy intown neighborhoods with a strong restaurant culture
- Areas near arts districts or major office hubs
These restaurants tend to suit:
- Food enthusiasts
- Longer, multi-course dinners
- Celebrations where you want something a bit special
3. Pizza-Focused Spots
Within the umbrella of “Andiamo” Italian dining, pizza is a major category in Atlanta:
- Neapolitan-style: Soft, chewy crust, cooked quickly in very hot ovens
- New York-style: Large, foldable slices, popular with late-night crowds
- Pan or Roman-style: Thicker, airy crust sold in squares or rectangles
You’ll see good pizza options in:
- Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, and similar artsy neighborhoods
- Busy intersections and shopping centers
- Mixed-use developments around the BeltLine and the suburbs
Pizza-centric places are ideal for:
- Quick meals before or after events
- Group outings where everyone can share
- More budget-conscious dining
Beyond Italian: Broader International Cuisine in Atlanta
“Andiamo” also signals a spirit of going out for global flavors, and Atlanta has a strong reputation for international dining beyond Italian.
Buford Highway: Atlanta’s International Food Corridor
Buford Highway (running through parts of Brookhaven, Doraville, and Chamblee) is often considered the heart of Atlanta’s international restaurant scene. Along this stretch, you’ll find:
- Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, and Malaysian
- Mexican, Central American, and other Latin American cuisines
- Bakeries, bubble tea shops, and global grocery stores
If you’re open to exploring beyond Italian, Buford Highway is one of the best areas to experience how internationally diverse Atlanta really is.
Decatur and East Atlanta
Downtown Decatur and the nearby neighborhoods often feature:
- Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and European-inspired menus
- Pubs and bistros that weave in global flavors
- Casual, walkable streets with multiple international options close together
This is especially convenient if you’re staying or living on the east side of the city.
How to Choose the Right Atlanta Restaurant for Your “Andiamo” Night
Use the table below as a quick guide to narrow down your options based on what you’re after.
| What You Want | Best Atlanta Areas to Consider | Typical Vibe | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic pasta & pizza | Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, suburbs (Sandy Springs, Marietta) | Casual to semi-formal | Family dinners, comfort food |
| Upscale Italian date night | Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown | Elegant, slower-paced | Anniversaries, celebrations |
| Trendy, chef-driven Italian | West Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward | Modern, creative | Food enthusiasts, group nights out |
| Late-night slices or quick pizza | Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points | Casual, counter service | Fast meals, after concerts |
| Broader international options | Buford Highway, Decatur, West Midtown | Diverse, adventurous | Food tours, exploring new cuisines |
Practical Tips for Dining Out in Atlanta
Reservations and Timing
- Weekend evenings (especially Friday and Saturday) can book up quickly at popular Italian and international restaurants.
- For nicer places, it’s smart to reserve in advance, especially around holidays and big city events.
- If you’re flexible, early dinners (5–6 p.m.) or late seatings (after 8:30 p.m.) may be easier to get without much notice.
Getting Around
- Intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, and the BeltLine area are more walkable, but parking can still be tight.
- In Buckhead and many suburbs, most restaurants assume guests will drive, and parking lots or decks are common.
- For nightlife-heavy areas with limited parking, many locals use rideshare services to avoid circling for spots or dealing with tight garages.
Dietary Needs
Most Italian and international restaurants in Atlanta are familiar with:
- Vegetarian or vegan requests
- Gluten-conscious options (such as gluten-free pasta or pizza crust at some places)
- Adjusting dishes to be less spicy or dairy-free where possible
If you have specific needs, it helps to:
- Call ahead during non-peak hours
- Ask about menu flexibility and ingredient details
- Mention your needs clearly when you arrive
Using “Andiamo” as a Starting Point for Exploring Atlanta Food
If you typed “Andiamo Atlanta” because you’re simply in the mood to say “let’s go” to a good Italian or international meal, you’re in a city where that’s easy to make happen:
- Look first at Midtown, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown for strong Italian choices.
- Consider Buford Highway and Decatur when you’re ready to broaden out into other international cuisines.
- Match the neighborhood, price point, and style (casual vs. upscale) to the kind of night you want—family dinner, romantic date, or group outing.
With a little neighborhood awareness and a clear sense of the experience you’re after, “andiamo” in Atlanta can lead you to just the right Italian or international restaurant for your plans.