Imperial Fez: Atlanta’s Immersive Moroccan Dining Experience

If you’re searching Atlanta for international cuisine that feels like an experience, not just a meal, Imperial Fez is one of the city’s most recognizable names. Known for its Moroccan-inspired menu and theatrical atmosphere, it offers Atlantans and visitors a night out that blends food, décor, and entertainment.

Below is a practical guide to what Imperial Fez is, how it works for diners in Atlanta, and what to know before you go.

What Is Imperial Fez?

Imperial Fez is a Moroccan-themed restaurant and lounge in Atlanta that focuses on:

• North African and Middle Eastern–inspired dishes
• Multi-course dining (often prix fixe or set menus)
• Theatrical décor with low lighting, lanterns, and rich textiles
• Entertainment, such as belly dancing or themed performances on select nights

Rather than a quick bite, it’s designed as a leisurely evening out—the kind of place people choose for birthdays, group gatherings, or a special night in the city.

Location, Atmosphere, and What to Expect

Where You’ll Find It

Imperial Fez has historically operated in the Atlanta metro area, serving locals from neighborhoods such as Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown, as well as visitors staying near Peachtree Street or around the Perimeter. Because restaurants can relocate or adjust hours, it’s wise to:

• Check the current street address and hours before you go
• Confirm whether they’re open for dinner only or also for special events

Many diners pair a visit with other in-town activities—like a show at the Fox Theatre, a game at State Farm Arena, or an evening in Buckhead Village.

The Dining Room Experience

Imperial Fez is known for creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from standard Atlanta restaurants. Expect:

• Low tables and plush seating (often with cushions or banquettes)
• Dim lighting with lanterns and warm tones
• Moroccan décor such as tapestries, arches, and patterned textiles
• Calm early evenings, with the energy building as entertainment begins

Some nights feel more like a show with dinner; others are quieter and more focused on the meal. If you prefer one over the other, ask when you make a reservation.

The Food: Moroccan and International Flavors

Although the exact menu can change, Imperial Fez typically serves Moroccan and broader international cuisine with:

• Tagines – Slow-cooked stews, often with lamb, chicken, or vegetables, traditionally cooked in a conical clay pot.
• Couscous dishes – Semolina-based grains served with vegetables, meats, and aromatic broth.
• Grilled meats and kebabs – Chicken, lamb, or beef seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
• Vegetarian options – Vegetable tagines, couscous, and mezze-style plates, which can work well for plant-forward diners.

Atlanta diners often appreciate that the menu offers familiar elements (grilled meats, rice, salads) alongside more adventurous flavors and spices. If you’re new to Moroccan cuisine, staff can usually guide you toward dishes that are milder or more traditional, depending on your comfort level.

Set Menus, Courses, and Timing

Many guests experience Imperial Fez through a multi-course or prix fixe format, especially on busier nights or special events.

A typical structure might include:

1. Appetizer/Mezze – Hummus, salads, or small bites
2. Soup or Salad Course – Light starter to prepare for main dishes
3. Main Course – Tagine, couscous, grilled meats, or a vegetarian entrée
4. Dessert – Often something sweet and aromatic, sometimes with nuts or honey
5. Tea or Coffee – Mint tea is a common traditional touch

Because of the multi-course style:

• Plan for a longer dining window (often 1.5–2.5 hours).
• Consider making reservations, especially on weekends or for larger groups.
• Ask in advance how the courses work if you’re on a tight schedule (for a show, game, or event elsewhere in Atlanta).

Entertainment: Belly Dancing and Themed Nights

One of the major draws of Imperial Fez in Atlanta is the live entertainment, which can include:

• Belly dancing performances
• Music and themed shows on select evenings
• Audience participation moments, especially for celebrations

If entertainment is important to your visit, it’s helpful to:

• Call ahead and ask which nights feature belly dancing
• Check approximate show times so you can arrive on time
• Let them know if you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or group event

Some Atlantans prefer to go on quieter weeknights for a more food-focused experience, while others choose weekends for the full show.

Dress Code and Etiquette

Imperial Fez leans toward a festive and slightly upscale feel compared with casual neighborhood spots, but it usually isn’t formal.

Common expectations:

• Smart casual works well (nice jeans or slacks, dresses, or blouses).
• Avoid overly casual items like gym wear, very worn sneakers, or beachwear.
• If you plan to take photos of the performances, it’s courteous to:
  • Turn off the flash
  • Be mindful of other guests’ privacy

Atlanta groups often coordinate outfits—especially for birthdays or bachelorette gatherings—but there’s no requirement to dress in theme.

Reservations, Groups, and Events

Reservations

Due to its reputation as a destination for special occasions, reservations are often recommended, especially if you:

• Are dining Thursday–Sunday
• Have a group larger than four
• Want to ensure entertainment on a specific night

When you book:

• Ask about fixed-price menus vs. à la carte
• Confirm whether there are any minimums or deposits for large parties
• Share any dietary restrictions in advance

Group and Event Use

Atlantans often consider Imperial Fez for:

• Birthday parties
• Anniversaries or date nights
• Corporate dinners or small team celebrations
• Tourist groups looking for a unique Atlanta evening

If you’re planning a larger event:

• Ask whether they offer group packages or set menus
• Confirm capacity, private or semi-private areas, and entertainment timing

Dietary Needs: What Atlanta Diners Should Know

With a menu based on vegetables, grains, legumes, and meats, Imperial Fez can often accommodate a range of needs, but it’s important to clarify:

• Vegetarian and vegan – Many Moroccan-style side dishes are plant-based; ask whether broths or sauces contain animal products.
• Gluten considerations – Couscous contains wheat; ask about rice-based or potato-based alternatives if needed.
• Nut and dairy sensitivities – Some dishes and desserts may include nuts or dairy; request guidance when ordering.

In Atlanta, restaurants that specialize in international cuisine vary in how they handle substitutions, so:

• Mention any restrictions when making the reservation.
• Reconfirm with your server when you arrive to ensure they can safely accommodate you.

Cost and Budgeting for a Night Out

Imperial Fez typically falls into the mid- to upper-range for Atlanta dining, largely due to:

• Multi-course formats
• Entertainment
• Atmosphere and décor

Consider the total outing cost:

• Dinner price per person (especially if prix fixe)
• Drinks, including specialty mocktails or cocktails
• Transportation, such as rideshare, MARTA connections, or parking
• Gratuity, which may be automatically added for large groups

If budget is a concern, you can:

• Ask about weeknight pricing vs. weekends
• See if there are simpler à la carte options
• Plan your visit around a special occasion when you expect to spend more

Getting There: Transportation and Parking in Atlanta

How you get to Imperial Fez will depend on its current location and your starting point in Atlanta. Typical options include:

• 🚗 Driving

  • Many Atlantans drive; ask about on-site parking, valet, or nearby paid lots.
  • Allow extra time on weekend evenings due to traffic in busy nightlife areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown.

• 🚆 MARTA

  • If the restaurant is near a MARTA rail station (for example, Buckhead, Midtown, Arts Center, or Peachtree Center), this can be a practical option to avoid parking and traffic.
  • Check how far you’ll need to walk from the station and the area’s lighting and foot traffic at night.

• 🚕 Rideshare and taxis

  • Popular for visitors staying in Midtown or Downtown hotels.
  • Helpful if you plan to enjoy drinks and don’t want to drive.

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s layout, allowing extra time for traffic, navigation, and parking can make the evening smoother.

Quick Reference: Planning Your Visit to Imperial Fez

For Atlantans and visitors alike, Imperial Fez offers a way to experience international cuisine that goes beyond the plate. With its Moroccan-inspired menu, theatrical décor, and evenings that often feel like a show, it’s a distinctive option when you want dinner in Atlanta to feel like an event.