Goin’ Coastal in Atlanta: Where to Find Great Coastal & International Flavors

Atlanta might be landlocked, but the city has fully embraced a “goin’ coastal” mindset when it comes to food. If you’re craving seafood with a coastal vibe, international flavors that remind you of the shore, or a relaxed beach-town atmosphere without leaving the metro, Atlanta has plenty of options.

This guide explains what “goin’ coastal” means in an Atlanta dining context, where to find it, how to order smart, and what locals and visitors should know before they go.

What “Goin’ Coastal” Means in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

In Atlanta, “goin’ coastal” usually implies:

• Fresh, seafood-focused menus – fish, shrimp, oysters, crab, and other shellfish.
• Beach-town or dockside vibes – casual interiors, wood accents, nautical decor, or patio seating.
• International coastal influences – dishes inspired by the Gulf Coast, Lowcountry, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Latin American, or Asian coasts.
• Relaxed but ingredient-focused dining – not fine dining, but still serious about quality and sustainability.

Many Atlanta restaurants blend Southern coastal traditions with global coastal cuisines, so you can easily find shrimp and grits on the same menu as ceviche or grilled whole fish with Mediterranean herbs.

Key Coastal & International Cuisine Areas Around Atlanta

If you’re “goin’ coastal” in Atlanta, you’ll see certain neighborhoods and corridors come up again and again.

H2: Intown Neighborhoods With Strong Coastal & International Options

1. Midtown & West Midtown

Midtown and West Midtown often feature:

• Modern seafood restaurants with rotating fresh fish.
• International spots with coastal twists (Mediterranean, Japanese, Latin American).
• Patio-focused places that lean into the chilled, coastal feel.

These areas are convenient if you’re staying near Peachtree Street, Howell Mill Road, or working in the Midtown business district.

2. Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside

Along and near the Eastside BeltLine, you’ll find:

• Trendy restaurants doing creative seafood small plates.
• International concepts (like coastal Italian or Spanish-influenced menus).
• Brunch spots that feature crab cakes, smoked salmon, or seafood omelets.

This area works well if you want to walk, eat, and explore in one outing.

3. Buckhead

Buckhead has long been home to:

• Upscale seafood and steak restaurants.
• Hotel-based restaurants with global coastal inspirations.
• Sushi and Japanese restaurants with strong fish programs.

It’s a good fit if you’re looking for business dinners, special occasions, or more polished service.

International Coastal Flavors You’ll Commonly Find in Atlanta

When Atlantans say they’re in the mood for something coastal, they often end up at places that draw heavily from international seaside cultures. You’ll see patterns like these:

H3: Mediterranean & European Coastal-Style Menus

Expect:

• Grilled whole fish with lemon, olive oil, and herbs.
• Octopus, calamari, or branzino.
• Tomato and olive-based sauces, bright citrus, and fresh herbs.

These spots often have lighter dishes that work well with Atlanta’s hot weather, especially if there’s patio seating.

H3: Latin American & Caribbean Coastal Influences

Common features:

• Ceviche or marinated seafood with lime and cilantro.
• Grilled shrimp and fish tacos with fresh salsas.
• Plantains, rice, and beans alongside seafood mains.
• Dishes influenced by the Caribbean, coastal Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.

Look for these along major corridors like Buford Highway, as well as intown neighborhoods.

H3: Asian Coastal & Sushi-Focused Restaurants

These restaurants may highlight:

• Sushi and sashimi using fresh fish.
• Seafood ramen, miso cod, or grilled eel.
• Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean dishes centered on shrimp, clams, or fish.

Many are clustered in:

• Doraville / Chamblee (Buford Highway) – a hub for global cuisine.
• Midtown / Buckhead – for sushi bars and contemporary Asian concepts.

Typical “Goin’ Coastal” Dishes You’ll See in Atlanta

If you’re not sure what to order, start with dishes that Atlantans frequently associate with a modern coastal experience.

Common coastal-style menu items:

• Shrimp & grits – a Southern classic, sometimes with international twists.
• Oysters on the half shell – raw, grilled, or baked.
• Crab cakes or crab-stuffed dishes – often as appetizers or brunch items.
• Grilled or blackened fish – served with seasonal sides.
• Seafood pasta – often Italian or Mediterranean influenced.
• Fish tacos – Baja-style, grilled, or fried.
• Seafood boils or Lowcountry boils – more casual, sometimes seasonal.

If you see a section on the menu labeled “market fish,” “catch of the day,” or “raw bar,” that’s usually where the most coastal-focused offerings live.

How Atlantans Typically Use Coastal & International Restaurants

Different diners use these restaurants in different ways. Knowing the common patterns can help you pick the right spot.

H3: For Date Night or Special Occasions

Coastal-inspired restaurants with international menus are popular for:

• Anniversaries or birthdays.
• Business dinners.
• Celebratory nights out before shows or games.

Look for places that highlight sustainably sourced seafood, multi-course options, or a curated wine list.

H3: For Casual Meetups, Happy Hour, or Brunch

Atlantans often choose “goin’ coastal” spots when they want:

• Raw bar specials (oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp).
• Light bites like crudo, ceviche, or seafood small plates.
• Seafood brunch – smoked salmon, crab benedicts, or shrimp-and-grits.

Patios and covered outdoor seating are especially popular from spring through fall.

H3: For Takeout or Delivery

Some international seafood-focused places offer:

• Family-style platters (grilled fish, shrimp, rice, and sides).
• Sushi and poke bowls for quick meals.
• Seafood tacos and sandwiches that travel reasonably well.

If you’re ordering delivery in Atlanta’s hotter months, grilled or sauced dishes tend to hold up better than crispy-fried items.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Coastal or International Seafood Spot in Atlanta

H3: Check Location vs. Traffic

Metro Atlanta traffic can change a simple dinner into a full evening. When deciding where to go coastal:

• Factor in rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m. on weekdays).
• Consider how close the restaurant is to MARTA stations if you prefer transit.
• If you’re staying downtown or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, planning ahead will help you avoid long drives for dinner.

H3: Reservation and Wait-Time Expectations

In popular neighborhoods, coastal and international spots may:

• Accept reservations for peak times (weekend evenings, holidays).
• Have walk-up waits, especially at places with raw bars or patios.
• Use waitlist apps or call-ahead lists.

If you’re dining on a Friday or Saturday, consider reserving in advance or arriving early for happy hour.

H3: Seasonal & Market-Driven Menus

Many coastal-style restaurants in Atlanta:

• Rotate fish species based on what’s available and fresh.
• Update menus seasonally (especially spring and summer).
• Offer limited-time specials tied to coastal ingredients (soft-shell crab, seasonal oysters, etc.).

If you’re particular about what you want to eat, you can call ahead and ask what seafood they’re currently featuring.

Dietary & Allergen Considerations for Seafood in Atlanta

Seafood-heavy, international menus can be incredibly appealing, but they also raise common questions.

H3: Shellfish & Fish Allergies

For diners with allergies:

• Let your server know clearly and early about any fish or shellfish allergies.
• Ask whether the kitchen uses shared fryers, grills, or prep areas.
• Look for dishes that can be prepared separately or ask about non-seafood items if needed (many coastal spots offer chicken, steak, or vegetarian options).

Restaurants in Atlanta are generally familiar with these requests, but the level of separation can vary.

H3: Dietary Preferences (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Aware)

Even at seafood-focused, international restaurants, you’ll often find:

• Vegetable-forward small plates (Mediterranean mezze, grilled vegetables, salads).
• Rice or grain bowls that can sometimes be made vegetarian.
• Gluten-aware options, like grilled fish without breading and naturally gluten-free sides.

If you have specific needs, consider calling the restaurant ahead of your visit so you’re not limited to just one or two options.

Price Ranges and What to Expect on the Bill

Pricing for coastal and international restaurants in Atlanta can vary widely depending on location, concept, and sourcing.

Here’s a simple overview:

*Actual prices differ by restaurant and menu choices. This table is only a general guide to help set expectations.

To manage your budget:

• Check if the restaurant offers lunch menus or early-evening specials.
• Focus on shared plates (like oysters, ceviche, or small plates) if you want to sample without committing to multiple large entrées.
• Ask about the market price on any items that are listed as “MP” on the menu.

How to Get Local Help or Information

While coastal and international cuisine is mostly a private business matter, a few local resources can help you orient yourself if you’re new to the area or planning a visit:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 521-6600
  They can provide general guidance on dining districts, transportation, and event-related crowds that might affect restaurant availability.

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 546-6815
  Useful if you’re interested in food festivals or cultural events that often highlight international and coastal cuisines across the city.

Neither office will recommend specific restaurants, but both can help you understand where crowds will be, what events are happening, and how best to navigate the city while you explore coastal and international food.

Quick Planning Checklist for “Goin’ Coastal” in Atlanta 🌊

Use this to organize a night out or a weekend of eating:

• Decide your vibe: casual coastal, raw bar, sushi, or upscale international seafood.
• Pick a neighborhood that suits your plans (Midtown, Buckhead, BeltLine area, Buford Highway, etc.).
• Check reservations or waitlist options if you’re going at peak times.
• Think through traffic and parking or MARTA access.
• If needed, call ahead about allergies or dietary preferences.
• Ask what’s seasonal or fresh that week to get the best “coastal” experience.

With a bit of planning, it’s easy to “go coastal” in Atlanta—even without an ocean in sight—by tapping into the city’s rich mix of international, seafood-forward restaurants and coastal-inspired menus.