Imperial Fez Restaurant in Atlanta: What To Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for international cuisine in Atlanta that feels like an experience, not just a meal, Imperial Fez Restaurant is one of the city’s most distinctive options. Known for its Moroccan-inspired menu, theatrical atmosphere, and multi-course dinners, it’s the kind of place Atlantans recommend for birthdays, date nights, and out-of-town guests who want something memorable.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to help you decide if Imperial Fez is right for you, understand how it works, and plan your visit in Atlanta.

Where Imperial Fez Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of international restaurants, but Imperial Fez stands out because it combines:

• Moroccan and North African–inspired cuisine
• A set-course dining format (often multi-course meals rather than à la carte)
• A themed interior with low lighting, rich fabrics, and decor meant to evoke a traditional Moroccan setting
• Entertainment on select nights, such as music or dance performances

For residents in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown, it’s considered a “special occasion” spot rather than an everyday dinner stop. Visitors staying near major hotels often add it to itineraries when they want a unique Atlanta dining memory that’s different from Southern or barbecue options.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Imperial Fez has long been associated with the Buckhead area of Atlanta, a part of town known for its cluster of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. If you’re planning a visit:

• Driving:
  Many diners arrive by car. Buckhead can be busy during peak dining hours, so it’s smart to build in a little extra time for traffic and parking.

• Parking options:
  Depending on the current setup, you may find:

  • On-site or nearby parking lots or decks
  • Possible valet service on busier nights
  • Street parking on surrounding roads where permitted
    Because parking arrangements can change, it’s wise to call ahead on the day of your reservation to confirm the best option.

• MARTA access:
  If you prefer public transit:

  • The MARTA Red Line stops at Buckhead Station, Lenox Station, and Lindbergh Center, which can put you within a short ride of the restaurant by rideshare or local bus.
  • Using MARTA plus a rideshare often avoids the stress of parking on weekends and event nights.

What Type of Food Does Imperial Fez Serve?

Imperial Fez focuses on Moroccan and North African–style dishes, often presented in a multi-course format. Expect bold spices, slow-cooked meats, and aromatic sauces, with an emphasis on shared platters.

Typical Menu Elements

Offerings can vary, but guests commonly encounter:

• Appetizers (Mezze-style)

  • Spiced dips with bread
  • Salads with cumin, lemon, and olive oil
  • Lightly seasoned vegetables

• Main Courses

  • Tagines (slow-cooked stews) with chicken, lamb, or vegetables
  • Dishes with couscous, dried fruits, and nuts
  • Options that highlight sweet-savory combinations, such as meats paired with apricots or prunes

• Desserts

  • Pastries with honey, nuts, and flaky dough
  • Citrus or spice–infused sweets
  • Tea service, often featuring mint tea

Many Atlantans note that the flavors lean fragrant rather than fiery—you’ll taste spices like cinnamon, cumin, and saffron more than intense heat. If you’re sensitive to spice or have dietary restrictions, you can usually talk with your server about milder options, vegetarian choices, or ingredient details.

The Dining Experience: More Than Just a Meal

What sets Imperial Fez apart in Atlanta is not only the food but the immersive experience.

Atmosphere

Inside, you’ll usually find:

• Low lighting and a warm color palette
• Cushions or plush seating
• Decor influenced by Moroccan design, such as lanterns and patterned fabrics
• A layout that encourages lingering and conversation

It’s not a fast in-and-out spot; people often plan to be there for several hours, especially if they’re doing a full-course experience with entertainment.

Entertainment and Performances

On certain nights, Imperial Fez includes live entertainment as part of the evening, which may feature:

• Traditional or fusion-style music
• Dance performances, often integrated into the dining flow

Not every night is the same, and performance times can shift, so many locals:

• Call ahead to confirm if entertainment is scheduled
• Time reservations to overlap with showtimes when they want the full experience

If you’re sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter meal, ask what the atmosphere is like for your chosen night and time.

Reservations, Pricing, and What to Expect

Given its popularity for special occasions, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for:

• Weekend evenings
• Holiday periods
• Large groups or celebrations

How the Meal Is Structured

Imperial Fez often uses a set-course or prix fixe style where you select from options within each course or enjoy a predetermined progression. This may include:

1. Starter(s)
2. Main course
3. Dessert
4. Sometimes tea or additional small bites

This structure affects both the length of your visit and the pricing.

Price Expectations

While exact prices can change, most Atlanta diners think of Imperial Fez as:

• Mid-to-higher priced compared with everyday casual dining
• Comparable to other special occasion international restaurants in Buckhead

To avoid surprises:

• Ask when you reserve whether a set menu is in place for your date
• Confirm approximate per-person cost and whether entertainment or service fees are included

Dress Code and Etiquette

The restaurant’s ambiance is a little more theatrical and upscale than a typical neighborhood spot, so many Atlanta guests choose to:

• Wear smart casual or dressy casual attire
  (e.g., nice jeans with a button-down, casual dresses, or slacks and blouses)
• Skip overly casual items like gym clothes or beachwear

Families, couples, and groups celebrating birthdays or anniversaries are common. If you’re planning something special:

• Ask if they can note the occasion on your reservation
• Inquire whether they allow decor, cakes, or candles, and if there are any related fees or restrictions

Dietary Considerations and Special Requests

If you’re in Atlanta and managing specific dietary needs, it helps to plan ahead.

Common questions include:

• Vegetarian options:
  Many Moroccan-style dishes can be prepared without meat, featuring couscous, vegetables, and legumes. Ask what vegetarian or plant-forward dishes are available.

• Gluten sensitivity:
  Some dishes are naturally lower in gluten (such as tagines without bread), but others rely heavily on wheat-based breads and pastries. Calling the restaurant ahead of time to discuss your needs is the safest approach.

• Allergies (nuts, dairy, etc.):
  Because Moroccan cuisine often includes nuts, dried fruit, and dairy, clearly communicate any allergies:

  • When you make the reservation
  • Again with your server when you’re seated

Most Atlanta diners find that staff can help navigate the menu when they understand your restrictions in advance.

When Imperial Fez Works Best

Based on common local experiences, Imperial Fez tends to be a good fit for:

• 🎉 Celebrations
  Birthdays, anniversaries, and group dinners where guests want something memorable.
• 💑 Date nights
  Especially when you’re looking to impress with a unique international dining experience.
• 🌍 Out-of-town guests
  Visitors who have already tried classics like fried chicken, barbecue, and Southern food and now want something different.
• 🍽️ Food explorers
  Atlantans who like trying global flavors and are comfortable with a longer, multi-course meal.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re in a rush and need a quick, 30-minute dinner.
• You prefer very quiet or minimal-interaction dining.
• You’re seeking budget-friendly everyday meals.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

To get the most out of your Imperial Fez visit in Atlanta:

1. Reserve early for peak nights.
Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays fill quickly, especially during major events in Buckhead or Midtown.

2. Ask about the evening format.
When you call:

• Confirm entertainment times
• Ask if there is a set menu or special event menu
• Check whether a deposit or credit card hold is required

3. Plan transportation.
Weekend nights in Buckhead can be busy:

• Consider MARTA + rideshare if you want to avoid parking stress.
• If driving, allow extra time for traffic and parking.

4. Build in enough time.
Multi-course experiences with performances often take 2–3 hours, so avoid tight post-dinner plans.

5. Clarify costs up front.
If you’re attending with a group:

• Ask about per-person estimates
• Clarify how gratuity and any service fees work for larger parties

Quick At-a-Glance Summary

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Imperial Fez offers an opportunity to step out of the usual Southern and American menus and spend an evening immersed in international cuisine and atmosphere. With a bit of planning—especially around reservations, timing, and transportation—you can make it a smooth, memorable part of your Atlanta dining lineup.