Fritti in Atlanta: What to Know About This Italian Favorite

If you spend any time exploring international cuisine in Atlanta, you’ll eventually run into the word “fritti” on Italian menus—especially in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Midtown, and Buckhead. Whether you’re planning a date night, putting together a food tour, or just want to understand what you’re ordering, knowing what fritti are (and how they’re served in Atlanta) can make your meal a lot more fun.

What Does “Fritti” Mean?

In Italian, “fritti” simply means “fried things” or “fried foods.” It’s the plural form of fritto (fried).

On Atlanta restaurant menus, “fritti” usually refers to:

• Small fried appetizers at Italian or Mediterranean spots
• Shared plates that come out before pizza or pasta
• Sometimes, a whole section of the menu labeled “Fritti” that groups several fried items together

You’ll most often see fritti at:

• Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzerias
• Modern Italian restaurants that highlight regional street food
• A few wine bars and tapas-style Italian spots that lean into small plates

Common Types of Fritti You’ll See in Atlanta

While every restaurant has its own spin, there are some classic fritti dishes that show up again and again across Atlanta’s Italian dining scene.

1. Arancini (Fried Risotto Balls)

One of the most recognizable fritti dishes:

• Made from risotto shaped into balls or cones
• Often filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables
• Coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy

In Atlanta, arancini might be filled with:

• Mozzarella and tomato sauce
• Sausage or beef ragù
• Seasonal ingredients like mushrooms or butternut squash

2. Fritto Misto (Mixed Fried Seafood or Vegetables)

“Fritto misto” translates to “mixed fry.” On Atlanta menus, it often appears as:

• A seafood mix: shrimp, calamari, sometimes small fish
• A vegetable mix: zucchini, eggplant, onions, or peppers
• A combo of both, served with aioli, lemon, or light tomato-based dips

You’ll see this especially at Italian restaurants that focus on coastal or southern Italian cooking.

3. Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

A standard on many Atlanta Italian and Mediterranean menus:

• Squid rings (and sometimes tentacles)
• Lightly breaded or battered
• Fried and served with marinara, garlic aioli, or lemon wedges

Some Atlanta kitchens add pepperoncini, fresh herbs, or a spicy dipping sauce to localize the flavor.

4. Supplì (Roman-Style Fried Rice Croquettes)

Supplì are similar to arancini but typically Roman in origin. When Atlanta restaurants emphasize Roman-style pizza or cuisine, you may see:

• Football-shaped croquettes
• Filled with rice, tomato, ground meat, and melting cheese in the center
• Served as a snack or starter before pizza

5. Fried Vegetables (Carciofi, Zucchini, and More)

Italian restaurants in Atlanta sometimes feature vegetable-based fritti:

• Carciofi fritti – fried artichokes, occasionally in the Roman-Jewish style (carciofi alla giudia)
• Zucchini fritti – thin julienned zucchini, lightly fried and salted
• Eggplant fritti – battered or breaded eggplant strips

These are popular as shared plates with drinks, especially at spots that have a strong aperitivo culture.

How Fritti Fit Into an Italian Meal in Atlanta

If you’re planning an Italian dinner in Atlanta, fritti usually appear in the antipasti or small plates section of the menu.

When are fritti typically ordered?

Most diners in Atlanta use fritti as:

• Starters to share with the table
• Snacks at the bar with a glass of wine, spritz, or beer
• Light bites at happy hour

At more casual spots—especially pizzerias—you might order:

1. A fritti plate to share
2. One or two pizzas or pastas
3. Dessert or coffee, if you’re lingering

Price Range and What to Expect

Prices vary by neighborhood and style, but you can expect roughly:

*These are general ranges and will vary depending on the restaurant, location, and portion size.

In higher-end Midtown or Buckhead Italian dining rooms, fritti will sit at the upper end of these ranges. In more casual Inman Park or Virginia-Highland spots, especially pizzerias, you’ll often find them in the middle of that range.

Where to Look for Fritti in Atlanta

You won’t always see “Fritti” in big letters on the menu, but fritti-style dishes are common at:

• Neapolitan or Roman pizzerias in areas like Inman Park, Buckhead, and West Midtown
• Italian trattorie and osterie in neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Sandy Springs
• Italian-focused wine bars and small-plates restaurants across the city

When scanning a menu in Atlanta:

• Look under Antipasti, Small Plates, or Snacks for fried items
• Look for Italian names: arancini, supplì, fritto misto, calamari fritti, carciofi fritti
• Ask your server which fritti-style dishes are house specialties or most commonly shared

Ordering Tips for Fritti in Atlanta

To get the best experience with fritti at an Atlanta restaurant:

1. Share with the Table

Most fritti are designed to share. For a group of 2–4:

• Order 1–2 fritti plates as a starter
• Choose one seafood and one vegetable or cheese-based option for balance

2. Pair with Drinks Thoughtfully

Atlanta’s Italian restaurants often build fritti menus to pair well with:

• Aperol or Campari spritzes
• Italian white wines (like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino)
• Light beer or local craft lagers

If you’re unsure, you can ask for a light, refreshing wine or a classic aperitivo—these are commonly recommended with fried foods.

3. Consider Timing and Crowd Levels

In busier areas like Midtown or along the BeltLine, fritti are popular happy-hour items. During peak times:

• Expect fritti to come out a bit faster than more complex mains
• Consider sitting at the bar if you just want fritti and a drink; many Atlantans do this before events, games, or concerts

Dietary and Preference Considerations

Atlanta diners are often ingredient-conscious, and most Italian spots are used to questions. Before ordering fritti, you can:

• Ask about the frying oil (vegetable, canola, or blends are common)
• Confirm if items are battered or breaded, especially if you’re watching gluten
• Ask whether seafood and non-seafood items are fried in the same oil, if that matters to you

If you prefer to go lighter:

• Choose vegetable fritti and share one seafood plate among several people
• Balance fritti with salads, grilled vegetables, or lighter mains

Making the Most of Fritti as a Visitor

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to add Italian fritti to your food itinerary:

• Check Italian-heavy neighborhoods like Inman Park, Midtown, and Buckhead when planning meals
• Look at menus in advance for antipasti and small plates sections
• Use fritti as a flexible option: they can be a quick snack between BeltLine walks, a pre-show bite before the Fox Theatre, or a starter before a longer dinner

Because fritti are small and shareable, they work especially well if you’re trying to sample multiple restaurants in one evening.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Diners

• “Fritti” = fried foods, usually Italian-style small plates or appetizers.
• In Atlanta, fritti often appear as arancini, calamari, fritto misto, and fried vegetables.
• You’ll most commonly find fritti at Italian restaurants and pizzerias in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• They’re typically shared plates, great with wine, spritzes, or beer, and fit naturally into happy hour or starter courses.
• Menus may not always use the word “fritti” as a heading, so check antipasti and small plates sections and ask your server for recommendations.

Understanding fritti helps you read Atlanta’s Italian menus with confidence—and makes it easier to build a meal that feels authentically Italian while still fitting the way Atlantans like to eat, share, and socialize.