Divan Restaurant and Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for international cuisine in Atlanta with a lounge-style atmosphere, Divan Restaurant and Bar is a well-known Midtown option that regularly pops up on locals’ shortlists. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and practical details to help you decide if it’s right for your next night out.

Where Divan Restaurant and Bar Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta has a strong network of international and Mediterranean-influenced restaurants, and Divan sits comfortably in that group. It’s often described as:

• A Persian / Mediterranean–inspired restaurant with an international feel
• A lounge-style spot with a bar-forward setup
• A place people in Atlanta choose for date nights, small celebrations, and late dinners

If you spend time in Midtown, Buckhead, or along Peachtree, you’ll find similar upscale or semi-upscale international options, but Divan is known for combining:

• A hookah lounge atmosphere
• A menu with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and American-influenced dishes
• A bar program focused on cocktails and social drinking

This mix makes it especially appealing if you’re planning a night out that’s more than just dinner, but still want a proper sit-down meal.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Divan Restaurant and Bar is located in Atlanta’s Midtown area, a busy district known for nightlife, high-rise living, and easy access from many neighborhoods.

A typical visitor will care about three things:

1. Driving and Parking

   • Midtown streets can be busy in the evenings, especially on weekends.
   • Many guests rely on rideshare services to avoid parking challenges and driving after drinks.
   • If you drive, check for:
     • Nearby pay lots or decks
     • Posted signs on residential streets to avoid tickets or towing

2. Public Transit

   • Midtown is generally MARTA-accessible, especially from Midtown or Arts Center stations.
   • From there, most people either walk (if comfortable with the distance and time of day) or take a short rideshare.

3. Rideshare Tips

   • Commonly, Atlanta diners use Uber or Lyft to reach Midtown restaurants like Divan.
   • On busy weekend nights, build in a few extra minutes for pickup and traffic along major streets such as Peachtree Street NE and nearby connectors.

If you’re unfamiliar with Midtown, it’s helpful to look up the exact address in your maps app ahead of time, especially because some side streets can be easy to miss in the dark or in traffic.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Divan is structured less like a casual neighborhood eatery and more like a lounge-oriented restaurant. People in Atlanta often describe the vibe as:

• Dimly lit and intimate
• Music-forward, with a noticeable social energy
• Hookah-friendly, especially later in the evening
• More of a “night out” environment than a quick dinner stop

If you’re debating whether to take kids, older relatives, or business guests:

• Many locals treat Divan as adult-focused, largely due to the bar and hookah setting.
• For quiet, business-style dinners, you might find the atmosphere more energetic than you’d like, especially on weekends.
• For date nights, birthday gatherings, or pre-club evenings, the setting is often well-suited.

Cuisine Style: International with Persian and Mediterranean Influence

Divan falls under international cuisine but is strongly shaped by Persian and Mediterranean flavors. While menus can change over time, Atlantans typically encounter:

• Appetizers / Small plates
  • Hummus or dips with pita
  • Mediterranean-style salads
  • Grilled or skewered meats
• Entrées
  • Lamb, beef, chicken, and seafood dishes often marinated with Middle Eastern spices
  • Rice-based plates, often with saffron or aromatic herbs
  • Some dishes that blend American steakhouse elements with Persian seasonings
• Desserts
  • Various sweets that may include pistachio, honey, and cream-based flavors

If you’re familiar with other Atlanta spots serving Persian or Mediterranean food (for example, places in Buckhead, Decatur, or along Buford Highway), Divan’s menu will feel somewhat familiar, but with more of a lounge and bar orientation.

Drinks, Bar Program, and Hookah

Divan emphasizes both a full bar and a hookah lounge experience, which is a key draw for many Atlanta patrons.

Drinks

You can typically expect:

• Cocktails with fruit-forward or aromatic profiles
• Common spirits (vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, gin)
• Wine and beer options that vary over time

Since mixed drinks and social drinking are a big part of the experience, many Atlantans choose Divan when they want dinner plus drinks in one stop, rather than eating at one restaurant and then moving to a separate bar.

Hookah

Divan is also known for hookah service, which is central to its identity. Common patterns Atlanta guests should know:

• Hookah is typically an additional charge separate from food and drink.
• Flavors may include fruit-based and traditional options, though exact offerings change.
• Lighter crowds are often earlier in the evening; later hours can feel more like a hookah lounge with food, rather than a pure restaurant.

If hookah isn’t your thing, it’s useful to know that:

• The environment may feel smoke-heavy during busy hours.
• If you prefer smoke-free dining, you may want to call ahead to ask about seating options, ventilation, and typical crowd patterns.

Typical Price Range and Budgeting

Prices can change, but for Atlanta standards, Divan generally fits in the mid-to-upscale range for international dining. When planning:

• Appetizers / small plates: commonly moderate in price, especially if shared among a group.
• Entrées: often priced in line with other Midtown international or Mediterranean restaurants, typically higher than casual spots along Buford Highway but below fine-dining steakhouses.
• Cocktails and hookah: can significantly increase your total bill, especially on weekends or with larger groups.

💡 Budget tip for Atlanta diners:
If you’re cost-conscious but still want the experience, some locals:

• Share appetizers and one entrée between two people
• Limit the number of cocktails and skip hookah, or vice versa
• Visit on weeknights, when the pace is slower and it’s easier to monitor your tab

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

For popular Midtown restaurants like Divan, timing matters. General patterns Atlanta diners often notice:

• Weekends (Friday–Saturday):

  • Busier, with more of a party-lounge atmosphere
  • Higher likelihood of wait times, especially for larger groups
  • Stronger emphasis on drinks and hookah late in the night

• Weeknights (Sunday–Thursday):

  • Often more relaxed
  • Easier to hold conversations
  • More comfortable for people who want to focus on food first, lounge second

Because policies can change, it’s wise to:

1. Call ahead if you’re bringing a larger group or planning a special occasion.
2. Ask about:
   • Reservation options
   • Group minimums or set menus (if any)
   • Hookah availability and timing

Dress Code and Group Suitability

Divan generally leans toward a smart-casual to dressy-casual environment, similar to many other Midtown lounges. Atlanta diners often:

• Avoid very casual clothing like gym wear, sleepwear, or beachwear
• Opt for:
  • Nice jeans or slacks
  • Casual dresses or stylish tops
  • Closed-toe or dressy shoes for later-night visits

In terms of group suitability:

• Date nights: Common and well-suited
• Small friend groups or celebrations: A regular choice, especially with hookah and drinks
• Business dinners or formal meetings: Possible, but many locals prefer quieter, more traditional restaurants for that purpose
• Families with young children: Less typical, due to the bar and hookah focus

If your Atlanta group is mixed—some wanting a full meal, others focused on drinks and hookah—Divan can be a practical compromise.

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Atlanta diners increasingly look for dietary accommodations, and international restaurants often have some naturally flexible options. At Divan, it’s reasonable to ask about:

• Vegetarian options:

  • Mediterranean-style salads
  • Some dips, sides, and vegetable-based dishes

• Gluten-conscious choices:

  • Grilled meats and salads can sometimes be adjusted
  • Bread components may be optional on request

• Halal / kosher needs:

  • You should call the restaurant directly if these are requirements, as practices and sourcing vary and may change over time.

Whenever you have strict dietary needs, allergic concerns, or religious food requirements, it’s best to:

1. Call ahead during a less busy time of day.
2. Ask about current menu items, preparation methods, and any cross-contact risks.

Quick Reference: Is Divan Right for Your Atlanta Plan?

Below is a simple overview to help you decide whether Divan Restaurant and Bar fits your plans in Atlanta:

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Diners

If you’re thinking about trying Divan Restaurant and Bar in Atlanta, a straightforward plan is:

1. Look up the exact address and recent information in your maps or restaurant app, since hours, menus, and reservation systems can change.
2. Decide your priority:
   • Food-focused?
   • Drinks and hookah?
   • A mix of both?
3. Choose your timing:
   • Weeknights for a more relaxed experience
   • Weekends for a livelier lounge environment
4. Call ahead if you:
   • Have a group of 5+
   • Need dietary accommodations
   • Are sensitive to smoke or want specific seating

By matching your expectations—international cuisine, hookah lounge atmosphere, and Midtown nightlife energy—to what Divan typically offers, you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next Atlanta outing.