Murphy’s in Atlanta: What to Know About This International-Style Restaurant
If you search for “Murphy’s” in Atlanta, you’ll almost always land on Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland, a long-established neighborhood restaurant that blends American and international influences. While it’s often described as “New American,” the menu, wine program, and overall experience make it a good fit if you’re exploring international cuisine in Atlanta and want something approachable, not fussy.
This guide focuses on Murphy’s as an Atlanta diner would experience it: where it is, what it’s like, what to order, and how it fits into the city’s broader international dining scene.
Where Murphy’s Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene
Murphy’s is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, one of Atlanta’s most walkable areas, known for independent restaurants, pubs, and boutiques. For many locals, Murphy’s is a default choice for:
- Brunch with out-of-town guests
- Date nights and anniversaries
- Pre- or post-event dinners if you’re headed to nearby Midtown or Poncey-Highland
- Wine-focused dinners with globally inspired dishes
While Murphy’s isn’t a single-country “traditional” international restaurant (like a purely Italian or purely Indian spot), it pulls in flavors, techniques, and wines from Europe and beyond into a familiar, Atlanta-style dining experience.
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland, northeast of Midtown, near Ponce de Leon Ave and North Highland Ave.
Typical options for getting to Murphy’s:
- Driving: Street parking and nearby lots are common, but they can fill quickly on weekends and during prime dinner hours.
- Rideshare: Often the easiest choice on busy nights, especially if you’re planning to enjoy wine.
- From major areas:
- From Midtown: Generally a short drive east via Ponce de Leon Ave or North Ave.
- From Downtown: Plan extra time for traffic; surface streets can be slower at rush hour.
- From Buckhead: Usually a straight shot down Peachtree, then cutting east.
If you’re new to Atlanta, it’s helpful to know that Virginia-Highland is pedestrian-friendly but not directly on MARTA rail. Most visitors use rideshare or drive.
The Experience: Atmosphere and Crowd
Murphy’s has a warm, neighborhood-restaurant feel with a slightly upscale but relaxed vibe. Common patterns Atlanta diners notice:
- Brunch: Often lively and busy, lots of locals, plus visitors staying in nearby Midtown or along the BeltLine.
- Weeknight dinner: Comfortable and less hectic, popular for dates and casual business dinners.
- Weekend dinner: Higher energy, reservations strongly recommended.
Expect:
- Casual-but-polished dress (nice jeans and a shirt are common)
- A mix of families, couples, and small groups
- A setting that works for both special occasions and “just because” meals
Menu Overview: International Flavors in an Atlanta-Friendly Way
Murphy’s menu changes over time, but it usually follows a pattern that blends American comfort food with international techniques and ingredients. You’ll often find:
Starters and Small Plates
Typical themes might include:
- European touches – e.g., cheese plates, dishes with goat cheese, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean herbs.
- Soup and salad options – sometimes with French or Italian-style dressings and preparations.
- Shared plates – things you can split at the table, good for groups exploring multiple flavors.
Main Dishes (Entrées)
Murphy’s usually leans into upscale comfort food with international inspiration, such as:
- Pasta dishes with Italian-style sauces or seasonal vegetables
- Seafood with Mediterranean or coastal European flavors
- Steak or braised meats with classic French-style sides (potatoes, rich sauces, roasted vegetables)
- Globally influenced chicken or vegetarian plates, using spices or preparations drawn from multiple regions
You’ll see familiar ingredients presented in restaurant-quality formats, which is ideal if you want to explore international flavors without leaving your comfort zone.
Brunch
Brunch is one of the biggest draws for Atlanta locals. Expect:
- Egg dishes with rich sauces or European-style sides
- Breads and pastries with a café-style feel
- International touches like smoked salmon, hollandaise, and seasonal produce
For many Atlantans, brunch at Murphy’s is a way to get a slightly international, bakery-and-bistro vibe without going fully into fine dining.
Wine, Drinks, and International Pairings
One of the reasons Murphy’s fits well in an “International Cuisine” discussion is its emphasis on wine. The restaurant is known locally for:
- A well-curated wine list featuring bottles from France, Italy, Spain, California, and other regions
- Staff who can often suggest pairings for your entrée
- A wine program that encourages guests to explore styles and grapes they might not usually try
If you’re interested in learning about international wines in a low-pressure setting, Murphy’s can be a comfortable place to start. You can:
- Ask for pairing suggestions with your meal
- Try by-the-glass options before committing to a bottle
- Use the experience to get a feel for how French, Italian, or Spanish wines play with the flavors on your plate
Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go
In Atlanta, Murphy’s is known to be especially busy during:
- Weekend brunch
- Friday and Saturday nights
- Holiday seasons and special-event weekends (e.g., graduations, big concerts, festivals)
General guidance:
- ✅ Make reservations for weekend brunch or dinner, especially if you’re on a schedule.
- ✅ Plan for a wait if you walk in during peak times.
- ✅ Consider earlier or later seatings (before 6 pm or after 8:30 pm) if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and only have one chance to try Murphy’s, booking ahead is recommended to avoid long waits.
Dietary Needs and Menu Flexibility
Most Atlanta restaurants at Murphy’s level are accustomed to common dietary requests, and Murphy’s is generally no exception. Typical possibilities (always confirm on-site):
- Vegetarian options – often in appetizers, salads, and at least one main dish
- Gluten-conscious choices – you may find naturally gluten-free dishes, but cross-contact can vary by kitchen
- Lighter preparations – grilling, simple sauces, and seasonal vegetables
If you have significant dietary restrictions, it’s wise to:
- Call ahead to ask about accommodation
- Mention your needs to your server when you arrive
- Focus on simple grilled proteins, salads, and vegetable sides, which are often easier to adapt
How Murphy’s Compares to Other International Restaurants in Atlanta
Atlanta has a wide and very diverse international dining scene. Murphy’s sits in a specific niche:
| Type of International Dining in Atlanta | What It’s Like | Where Murphy’s Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional single-country spots (e.g., Ethiopian, Korean, Indian, Mexican) | Deep focus on one region’s flavors and techniques | Murphy’s is less traditional, more blended and American-leaning |
| Upscale European restaurants | Formal atmosphere, focused on French, Italian, or Spanish cuisine | Murphy’s is more casual, but borrows techniques and wine traditions |
| Global fusion restaurants | Mix flavors from multiple cuisines in one menu | Murphy’s is fusion-lite, adding international touches to familiar dishes |
| Neighborhood bistros and cafés | Relaxed, all-day menus with international flair | Murphy’s lands closest to this group, especially for brunch and dinner |
If you’re exploring international cuisine in Atlanta, Murphy’s works well when you want:
- A reliable, easy-to-like restaurant in a popular in-town neighborhood
- Internationally influenced flavors without going fully into unfamiliar territory
- A strong wine program alongside approachable food
For a deeper dive into specific cuisines, many Atlantans will pair a visit to Murphy’s with other nearby experiences, such as:
- Buford Highway for broad Asian and Latin American cuisines
- Decatur for additional global options in a walkable setting
- Midtown and Inman Park for more modern, chef-driven international restaurants
Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Visit
A few practical suggestions to make the most of Murphy’s:
- 🕒 Time your visit: Aim for a reservation at non-peak times if you dislike crowds.
- 🚗 Plan parking or rideshare: Virginia-Highland can be crowded; rideshare often reduces stress.
- 🍷 Explore the wine list: Ask for pairing guidance, especially if you’re curious about international wines.
- 👨👩👧👦 Consider your group: It works well for families, dates, and small groups; very large parties should plan ahead and confirm accommodations.
- 📍 Make it part of a neighborhood day: Combine your meal with a walk around Virginia-Highland or a short trip to nearby attractions in Midtown or along the BeltLine.
By understanding how Murphy’s fits into Atlanta’s international-leaning dining landscape, you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your brunch, date night, or neighborhood dinner—and plan your visit with realistic expectations about the food, atmosphere, and overall experience.