Exploring Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Global Flavors
If you’re looking for international cuisine in Atlanta, Fifth Group Restaurants is one of the city’s most recognizable restaurant groups. They operate several concepts across Atlanta, each with a different style, price point, and atmosphere—but all generally known for thoughtful menus and strong service.
This guide breaks down what Fifth Group Restaurants is, where you’ll find their spots in Atlanta, what kind of food to expect, and how to choose the right restaurant for your occasion.
What Is Fifth Group Restaurants?
Fifth Group Restaurants is an Atlanta-based hospitality group that runs a collection of restaurants and a catering arm. While each restaurant has its own personality, many Atlanta diners know the group for:
- Global and regional influences (Mediterranean, coastal, Mexican, Southern, and more)
- Chef-driven menus with seasonal ingredients
- Locations in key Atlanta neighborhoods that are easy to pair with shopping, nightlife, or sightseeing
- A range of casual to upscale experiences
For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, this means you’re likely to encounter one of their concepts in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, or near major attractions.
Fifth Group Concepts Around Atlanta
Below is a simple overview of some of the better-known Fifth Group concepts and how they fit into Atlanta’s dining scene.
| Concept (Brand) | General Style | Typical Cuisine Focus | Typical Vibe / Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecco | Upscale | European / Mediterranean-inspired | Date night, business dinners, pre-theater |
| South City Kitchen | Upscale-casual | Modern Southern | Brunch, out-of-town guests, celebrations |
| El Taco & Related Mexican Concepts | Casual | Mexican / Tex-Mex | Weeknight dinners, groups, families |
| La Tavola (if operating) | Upscale-casual | Italian | Cozy date night, neighborhood dinner |
| Alma Cocina (if operating at your visit) | Upscale-casual | Latin / Mexican-inspired | Downtown / business lunch, dinner with friends |
Note: Specific concepts, locations, and hours can shift over time. It’s always a good idea to check directly with the restaurant before heading out.
Where You’ll Find Fifth Group Restaurants in Atlanta
Fifth Group tends to cluster its restaurants in high-traffic, destination neighborhoods that Atlantans already frequent:
Midtown
Midtown often features some of the group’s more upscale and globally influenced spots. It’s convenient if you’re:
- Going to the Fox Theatre
- Visiting the High Museum of Art or the Woodruff Arts Center
- Staying in one of the larger Midtown hotels
Midtown locations are popular for:
- Business dinners
- Pre- and post-theater meals
- Date nights within walking distance of entertainment
Buckhead
In Buckhead, Fifth Group concepts often lean a bit more polished and special-occasion friendly, while still approachable.
People in Buckhead use these restaurants for:
- Celebratory dinners
- Weekend date nights
- Meeting friends before or after shopping in Buckhead Village or near Lenox Square
Inman Park / Virginia-Highland / Intown Areas
In the intown neighborhoods east of Downtown and Midtown, Fifth Group restaurants fit well with:
- Walkable, neighborhood-style dining
- Casual-but-stylish meals before or after a BeltLine stroll
- Meeting up with friends who live around Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia-Highland
These locations are especially convenient if you’re already exploring the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
Types of International Cuisine You’ll Find
While each concept is distinct, many Fifth Group restaurants flow into the international cuisine category because they draw on flavors and dishes from different parts of the world.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
European & Mediterranean-Influenced Menus
Some concepts showcase:
- Italian-inspired dishes like pastas, risottos, and antipasti
- Mediterranean flavors such as seafood, olives, citrus, and fresh herbs
- European-style wine lists, with bottles and by-the-glass options
These spots are popular with Atlantans who want a refined but not stiff dinner—think pre-theater, special date, or a nicer night out with friends.
Latin and Mexican-Inspired Cuisine
Other concepts in the Fifth Group family focus on bold Latin or Mexican flavors:
- Tacos, enchiladas, and sharable starters
- Salsas, guacamoles, and fresh, citrus-forward dishes
- Cocktails built around tequila and mezcal
These restaurants are often used by locals as:
- Casual weeknight go-tos
- Happy hour and margarita meetups
- Fun options when hosting visitors who want something lively and flavorful
Modern Southern with a Global Twist
Some Fifth Group spots are rooted in Southern cooking but often incorporate:
- Elevated takes on classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or pimento cheese
- Seasonal vegetables and locally inspired dishes with broader influences
- Brunch menus that mix traditional Southern items with more modern options
These restaurants are especially common choices for:
- Brunch with friends or family
- Hosting out-of-town guests who want to “taste Atlanta”
- Pre- or post-event meals near central city attractions
How to Choose the Right Fifth Group Restaurant for Your Plan
When you’re looking at Fifth Group options in Atlanta, think about:
1. Occasion and Budget
Ask yourself:
- Are you planning a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, graduation)?
- Do you need something mid-range and relaxed for a weeknight?
- Is this a business meal where atmosphere and noise level matter?
Upscale or European/Mediterranean-inspired concepts generally sit at a higher price point, while casual Mexican or neighborhood spots can feel more budget-flexible, especially for groups.
2. Neighborhood and Transportation
In Atlanta, location and traffic are major planning factors. Consider:
- If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown, a nearby Fifth Group spot can save you from long rides in traffic.
- If you live in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park, one of the intown locations may be more convenient.
- If you’re in Buckhead or the northern suburbs, a Buckhead restaurant may be easier to reach and park at.
Parking options can vary by location—some sites offer valet or deck parking, while others rely more on street or shared lot parking.
3. Reservations vs. Walk-Ins
For many Fifth Group restaurants:
- Weekend evenings and prime brunch hours often benefit from reservations.
- Weeknights and late lunches can be friendlier to walk-ins, depending on location and season.
If you’re going before a big event (like a show at the Fox Theatre or a concert), reserving a table is usually safer to avoid long waits and rushing through your meal.
What Locals Commonly Use Fifth Group Restaurants For
People in Atlanta often turn to Fifth Group restaurants for:
Showing off Atlanta to visitors
Many locals choose these spots because the food and atmosphere feel representative of the city’s dining scene.Date nights and anniversaries
Upscale concepts are common choices for a polished but warm evening, often with good wine and cocktail programs.Pre-theater and event dining
Midtown and Downtown restaurants are convenient when you have tickets to a show, concert, or game.Work lunches and business dinners
Central locations, professional service, and approachable menus make them suitable for meeting clients or colleagues.Group outings and celebrations
Bigger tables, sharable dishes, and flexible menus can work well for birthdays, graduations, and other gatherings.
Tips for Dining at a Fifth Group Restaurant in Atlanta
Here are practical ways to make the most of your visit:
Check the specific menu first
Even within the same group, menus can be very different. Look at the current options if you need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-conscious choices.Plan around traffic ⏱️
In Atlanta, travel time can be unpredictable. Build in extra time if you’re coming from the suburbs or crossing town during rush hour.Time your reservation strategically
- Earlier evening (around 5:30–6:30 p.m.) can be quieter and easier to park.
- Prime slots (7–8 p.m.) and weekend brunches often fill quickly.
Mention dietary needs when you arrive
Many chef-driven restaurants are used to adapting dishes where feasible, but it helps to give clear, early notice if you have restrictions.Consider proximity to your plans
If you’re going to a Hawks game, a concert, or a Midtown show, pick the closest Fifth Group concept to reduce stress and travel time.
How Fifth Group Fits into Atlanta’s Restaurant Landscape
Atlanta’s dining scene is broad and constantly changing. Fifth Group Restaurants sits in a space that many locals experience as:
- Reliable for quality and service across multiple concepts
- Approachable for a wide range of diners, including those newer to the city
- Well-integrated into neighborhoods that visitors are likely to explore, like Midtown and Buckhead
If you’re in Atlanta and want international or globally influenced cuisine with a relatively polished feel, choosing one of the Fifth Group concepts can be a practical, straightforward option—especially when you’re planning around events, visitors, or special occasions.