Parish Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for international cuisine in Atlanta with a distinctly New Orleans twist, Parish Restaurant (often known locally as The Brasserie & Neighborhood Café at Parish) is one of the names that comes up for the Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward area. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and practical tips for planning a visit.
Where Parish Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene
Atlanta’s restaurant landscape is packed with international and regional cuisines—from Korean BBQ in Duluth to Caribbean in the West End and upscale European spots in Buckhead. Parish stands out because it:
- Combines Southern and New Orleans–inspired dishes with broader international influences
- Sits in a historic building along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
- Functions as both a neighborhood café (often more casual) and a brasserie-style restaurant (more full-service dining)
If you’re staying near Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or the BeltLine, Parish is typically considered a convenient option for brunch, casual dates, or small groups that want something a bit more atmospheric than a basic café, but not as formal as white-tablecloth fine dining.
Location, Access, and Practical Details
Parish is commonly associated with the 679-699 North Highland Avenue NE / Highland Avenue at the BeltLine area in Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, GA 30306–30312. Exact suite numbers and tenants in this stretch can change over time, so it’s wise to:
- 🔍 Confirm the current address and hours through a recent local listing or a direct call
- 📞 Use a local directory or map service to pull the most up-to-date phone number
Getting There
By car:
- The restaurant area sits near North Highland Ave NE and Elizabeth St NE / Freedom Parkway, close to the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
- Parking in this part of Atlanta may include:
- Small surface lots attached to the complex
- Nearby paid decks or shared lots
- Limited neighborhood street parking (always check signs for time limits and permit rules)
By BeltLine / on foot:
- Parish’s building fronts or sits immediately off the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it walkable from:
- Inman Park
- Old Fourth Ward (near Ponce City Market)
- Parts of Virginia-Highland, if you don’t mind a longer stroll
By MARTA:
- Nearest rail station is typically Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (East/West line).
- From there, many diners:
- Take a quick rideshare
- Or walk/bike via neighborhood streets toward the BeltLine
What Kind of Food Does Parish Serve?
While menus can change, Parish is generally known for Southern and New Orleans–leaning dishes within a broader international comfort-food style. You can expect a mix of:
Appetizers / Small plates:
- Dishes inspired by French brasseries and Southern snacks
- Items with sauces or seasonings borrowed from European and Caribbean traditions
Main courses:
- Seafood-focused plates, often with Creole or Cajun touches
- Sandwiches and burgers with elevated ingredients
- Pasta or grain dishes with international flavors, depending on the season
Brunch options:
- Egg dishes with Southern spins
- Shrimp and grits or similar coastal-style options
- Sweet items like French toast or beignets-style offerings (availability varies)
Because the restaurant’s concept leans into New Orleans and French brasserie influences, it fits under “International Cuisine” within the broader Atlanta restaurants category, even though it stays firmly rooted in the American South.
Typical Atmosphere and When to Go
Parish is often described as:
- Casual but polished – not overly formal, but more atmospheric than a quick-service spot
- BeltLine-adjacent – you’ll see walkers, runners, and cyclists nearby, especially on weekends
- Date- and group-friendly – suitable for small gatherings, birthdays, and brunch catch-ups
Time-of-Day Experience
| Time | What to Expect at Parish (Typical Patterns) |
|---|---|
| Weekday Lunch | Quieter, neighborhood or remote-work crowd; easier to get a table |
| Weekday Dinner | After-work groups, date nights; can be busier on Thursdays |
| Weekend Brunch | Often one of the busier times; reservations or early arrival recommended |
| Weekend Dinner | Social, lively atmosphere; nearby BeltLine activity adds to the energy outside |
These patterns reflect general Atlanta dining habits around the BeltLine and may vary by season or special events.
Price Range and Budget Tips
Parish usually sits in the mid-range for Atlanta dining:
- Starters / small plates: Typically in the lower-to-mid double digits
- Entrees: Mid double digits, depending on protein and preparation
- Brunch: Often more affordable per person than a full dinner, especially if you limit drinks
Ways locals often manage costs:
- 💡 Go for brunch or lunch instead of dinner if you want the vibe at a slightly lower price point.
- 💡 Split appetizers or desserts for variety without doubling the bill.
- 💡 Factor in parking or rideshare costs, since BeltLine-area parking can add a few extra dollars.
Always assume tax and tip on top of menu prices when estimating your total.
Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility
Like many Atlanta restaurants in the international and Southern-fusion space, Parish generally offers some flexibility, but options can be limited for more restrictive diets. Common patterns:
Vegetarian:
- You may find a few dedicated vegetarian entrees or can request modifications.
- Sides and salads may be easier to customize.
Vegan:
- Options are typically more limited; verifying ingredients with your server is important.
Gluten-sensitive or other dietary needs:
- Some dishes may be naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted.
- Cross-contact is something you’ll need to ask about directly if it’s a medical concern.
If you have specific dietary needs, many Atlanta diners:
- Call ahead to ask about current vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options
- Mention restrictions clearly to the server on arrival
Reservations, Wait Times, and Group Visits
In this part of Atlanta, especially along the BeltLine, peak hours can get crowded.
Reservations:
- Commonly recommended for:
- Weekend brunch
- Friday and Saturday dinner
- Groups of 4+, especially during popular times
Walk-ins:
- More feasible:
- On weeknights
- Earlier in the evening
- For solo diners or couples
If you’re planning a larger group outing:
- Call ahead to ask about:
- Maximum group size they can seat comfortably
- Any special group menus or timing constraints
- Arrive on time; Atlanta restaurants often hold tables for a limited grace period.
How Parish Compares to Other International Cuisine in Atlanta
Atlanta’s international cuisine options cover nearly every region. Parish sits in a niche that’s helpful to understand:
Compared to traditional New Orleans–style spots:
- Parish leans more brasserie/modern than fully traditional Cajun or Creole.
Compared to pan-Asian, Latin American, or African restaurants:
- Parish stays closer to European and Southern fusion, rather than representing a specific non-European region.
Compared to fine dining:
- The atmosphere is more relaxed and usually more affordable than Atlanta’s top-tier tasting-menu restaurants.
- Still, you get a more curated environment than at most quick-service or fast-casual places.
If you’re planning an “international flavors” food tour in Atlanta, you might pair a visit to Parish with:
- A Korean BBQ or hotpot stop in Doraville or Duluth
- A Caribbean or West African restaurant in West End, East Atlanta, or Clarkston
- A Mediterranean or Middle Eastern spot in Decatur, Midtown, or Buckhead
This gives you a broader sense of the global dining landscape in and around the city.
Tips for Locals vs. Visitors
If You Live in Atlanta
- Use Parish as a go-to spot for visitors who want something distinctly Southern with an international feel, without leaving the BeltLine.
- Consider it for:
- Small celebrations
- Casual date nights
- A Brunch + BeltLine walk combo
If You’re Visiting Atlanta
- Staying in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park makes Parish particularly convenient.
- You can combine a meal with:
- A visit to Krog Street Market
- A walk up to Ponce City Market
- Exploring Inman Park’s historic residential streets
How to Confirm the Latest Details
Restaurant concepts, hours, and even names can change in Atlanta’s fast-moving food scene. Before you go to Parish:
- Check a current map or listing service for:
- Exact address on North Highland Ave NE / BeltLine area
- Updated hours and whether they’re serving brunch, lunch, and/or dinner that day
- Call the restaurant directly (number found via online search or local directory) if you:
- Have a larger group
- Need to ask about dietary accommodations
- Want to verify reservations and wait times
By doing a quick confirmation, you’ll avoid arriving to unexpected hours or menu changes and can enjoy Parish as part of a well-planned Atlanta dining experience.