Exploring CO in Atlanta: Where Global Flavors Meet Southern Style

When people in Atlanta mention “CO” in the context of international cuisine, they are usually talking about CO Restaurant, a sleek, modern spot known for pan-Asian dishes like pho, dumplings, sushi, and noodle bowls. While Atlanta’s international restaurant scene is huge and constantly changing, CO has become part of the city’s broader Asian dining landscape, especially for those who like a stylish, casual setting with a global feel.

This guide walks you through what CO-style dining is like in Atlanta, how it fits into the city’s international food scene, and how to get the most out of similar restaurants around town.

What “CO” Typically Means in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

In an Atlanta restaurant context, CO usually refers to:

• A contemporary, Asian-inspired restaurant concept
• A menu built around Vietnamese, Japanese, and broader Southeast Asian flavors
• An emphasis on noodles, small plates, sushi, and cocktails
• A lounge-like, urban atmosphere rather than a traditional mom-and-pop setting

Even if you’re not focused on that specific brand, people often use “CO-style” to mean:

• Modern Asian fusion
• Globally influenced plates (for example, bao buns with Southern twists)
• A place that’s easy for groups, dates, or after-work dinners

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, GA, this style of restaurant is one piece of the city’s wider international cuisine puzzle, especially clustered in neighborhoods with strong dining traffic like Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of the Eastside.

What to Expect From a CO-Style International Restaurant in Atlanta

Menu Highlights

A CO-style menu in Atlanta generally leans into:

• Pho and ramen – Brothy noodle soups that can be customized with proteins and spice levels
• Dumplings & buns – Steamed or pan-fried dumplings, bao buns, gyoza
• Sushi & rolls – Classic rolls plus some creative, house-specialty combinations
• Noodle & rice bowls – Stir-fried noodles, curry bowls, and rice plates with tofu, chicken, beef, or seafood
• Shareable small plates – Edamame, crispy spring rolls, tempura, and Asian-style wings

Most Atlanta diners find these restaurants approachable even if they’re new to Asian cuisine, because menus are usually clearly labeled, with familiar items like fried rice and sushi rolls alongside more traditional dishes.

Atmosphere & Experience

In Atlanta, a CO-type restaurant typically feels:

• Casual but polished – Think dim lighting, modern décor, and upbeat music
• Social – Good for groups, birthdays, or meeting friends before heading out
• Drink-friendly – Full bar with cocktails, sake, Asian beers, and sometimes mocktails

You’ll see a mix of local residents, office workers, and visitors—especially in areas with hotels, shopping, or nightlife nearby.

How CO-Style Dining Fits Into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta is known for having one of the most diverse food scenes in the Southeast, and Asian and international flavors are a major part of that. CO-style restaurants fit into a spectrum that ranges from trendy fusion in-town to deeply traditional spots in the suburbs.

Here’s how these pieces fit together for an Atlanta diner:

In-Town: Trendy, Accessible, and Social

Inside the city—especially near places like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead—you’ll find:

• Contemporary Asian restaurants with craft cocktails and modern interiors
• Menus that balance authentic flavors with dishes tailored to a broad audience
• Easy access via MARTA, rideshare, and walkable streets in certain districts

CO-style restaurants sit comfortably here, appealing to people who want a one-stop spot for sushi, noodles, and small plates without getting too niche or specialized.

Suburbs & Buford Highway: Deep-Dive International Dining

If dining at CO sparks your interest in Asian food more broadly, Atlanta offers:

• Buford Highway (Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven) – A major hub for Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, and Central American restaurants. This is where you’ll find many family-run spots with more focused menus (like only pho or only Korean barbecue).
• Parts of Duluth and Johns Creek – Known for Korean, Chinese, and other Asian cuisines, with large plazas filled with specialty restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.

Many Atlanta locals use CO-style restaurants as a comfortable starting point, then explore Buford Highway and the northern suburbs for a wider range of international flavors.

Practical Tips for Enjoying CO-Style International Restaurants in Atlanta

1. When to Go

• Weeknights are usually smoother if you want a quieter meal.
• Weekend evenings can be lively and busier; expect more of a social scene.
• For large groups, it’s often helpful to call ahead to ask about wait times or table sizes.

2. What to Order if You’re New to Asian Cuisine

If you’re just getting started with international flavors:

• ✅ Try chicken or veggie dumplings – Mild, shareable, and familiar in texture
• ✅ Order a noodle bowl with a protein you already like (chicken, shrimp, tofu)
• ✅ Consider a California roll or other basic sushi roll before moving to raw fish
• ✅ Add one “stretch” dish—something you haven’t tried before, like bao buns or a curry

Most servers at CO-style restaurants in Atlanta are used to helping guests navigate spice levels and ingredients, so you can ask for milder or simpler recommendations.

3. Dietary Considerations

Atlanta’s international restaurants, including CO-style spots, often accommodate:

• Vegetarian and vegan diners with tofu, vegetable-based broths, and plant-based rolls
• Gluten-conscious guests with rice-based dishes and certain noodle types
• Nut or shellfish sensitivities, depending on the kitchen setup

Because every restaurant handles allergies differently, it’s always best to:

• Clearly tell your server about any allergies
• Ask whether dishes can be modified or prepared separately

Quick Comparison: CO-Style vs. Other International Options in Atlanta

Use this simple table to decide what type of Atlanta international restaurant might work best for your plans:

⭐ = relative strength, not a rating of quality

How Atlanta Locals Typically Use CO-Style Spots

If you’re new to the city or just visiting, it helps to know how people in Atlanta often work CO-style restaurants into their routine:

• After work: Many people stop by for small plates and cocktails before heading home or to another event.
• Pre-show or pre-game: Locations near theaters, music venues, or arenas work well for a quick dinner before a concert or game.
• Weekend meet-ups: Groups of friends often pick these restaurants because the menus are broad enough to please mixed tastes.
• Gateway to more adventurous dining: Once people get comfortable with basic sushi, pho, or ramen here, they often branch out to Buford Highway, Duluth, or Doraville for more specialized spots.

Getting Around Atlanta for International Cuisine

Whether you’re aiming specifically for CO-style dining or exploring the broader scene, consider:

• Driving & Parking

  • Many in-town centers offer garage or lot parking, sometimes validated.
  • Traffic can be heavy during rush hour and weekend evenings; plan extra travel time.

• MARTA (Public Transit)

  • Stations like Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, and Lindbergh Center get you close to several restaurant-heavy areas.
  • From there, short walks or rideshares connect you to main dining corridors.

• Rideshare

  • A common choice for nights out, especially if you plan to have drinks.

How to Choose the Right International Spot in Atlanta

If you’re debating whether to go to a CO-style restaurant or elsewhere in Atlanta’s international food scene, ask yourself:

1. Who am I eating with?
   • Mixed group of tastes or picky eaters? CO-style menus with lots of options are usually a safe bet.
2. Do I want familiar or adventurous?
   • If you want an easy landing, start with CO-style.
   • If you want to dive deep into a specific culture’s food, look toward Buford Highway or the northern suburbs.
3. What’s my budget and time frame?
   • For a mid-range night out with a full bar and a flexible menu, CO-style spots are often well-balanced.
4. Do I need a specific dietary setup?
   • Call ahead and ask about vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly options wherever you’re going.

Atlanta’s international cuisine scene is broad, and CO-style restaurants are one approachable, modern piece of it—especially convenient for people who want a stylish environment, familiar service style, and a mix of Asian-inspired dishes in one place. Whether you’re a local building your go-to list or a visitor planning a few meals in the city, understanding how CO fits into Atlanta’s dining landscape will help you pick the right spot for your night out.