The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW: A Local Guide to This Atlanta Spot for International-Inspired Morning Meals
If you’re in Atlanta and searching for a breakfast place with international flair, a spot like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW fits into a growing local trend: casual restaurants serving globally inspired breakfast bowls, often in fast-casual, neighborhood-friendly settings.
This guide walks you through what to expect from an international-cuisine breakfast bowl spot in Atlanta, how to fit it into your day, and how to get there and enjoy it like a local.
Where Forrest St NW Fits Into Atlanta’s Food Map
Forrest St NW runs through part of Atlanta’s Westside area, not far from neighborhoods like:
- English Avenue
- Vine City
- Parts of the Georgia Tech and Midtown fringe
- Easy access to Downtown via Northside Dr NW and nearby corridors
If you’re staying or living near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Tech, or the Downtown convention hotels, Forrest St NW is usually a short drive or rideshare away. Many breakfast and brunch spots in this part of Atlanta lean into:
- Casual, counter-service formats
- Takeout- and delivery-friendly menus
- Street parking or small lots, with some walkable access depending on the exact block
Because the Westside is still developing in pockets, it’s smart to check the exact address and current hours of The Breakfast Bowl (Forrest St NW) before heading over, especially early mornings or on Sundays.
What “International Cuisine” Breakfast Bowls Usually Mean in Atlanta
A restaurant categorized under International Cuisine in Atlanta, especially with “Breakfast Bowl” in the name, typically combines:
- Classic breakfast bases (eggs, potatoes, grits, rice, oats, or greens)
- Global seasonings and toppings (salsas, curries, chutneys, pickled veggies, Mediterranean herbs, or East Asian-style sauces)
- Customizable bowl options, often with vegetarian or lighter choices
Common styles you might see at a place like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW include:
- Latin-inspired bowls
Think scrambled eggs or tofu with black beans, plantains, salsa, queso fresco, and rice. - Mediterranean-style bowls
Maybe eggs, spinach, roasted tomatoes, olives, feta, and a grain like farro or quinoa. - Asian-influenced bowls
Rice or noodle bases, soft eggs, scallions, sesame, and a savory soy- or miso-style sauce. - Southern-with-a-twist bowls
Grits or breakfast potatoes with collards, peppers, a protein, and international spices layered in.
You may not find all of these on one menu, but Atlanta’s international breakfast spots often blend Southern comfort with global flavors in exactly this way.
Typical Menu Layout at a Breakfast Bowl Restaurant
While each restaurant is different, a place like The Breakfast Bowl (Forrest St NW) generally follows a familiar Atlanta fast-casual structure:
1. Build-Your-Own Bowls
You pick:
- Base – rice, potatoes, grits, oats, mixed greens, quinoa, or a grain blend
- Protein – eggs, tofu, chicken sausage, turkey bacon, beans, or another main
- Veggies – sautéed peppers and onions, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, or seasonal mixes
- Sauce or seasoning – salsa, aioli, herb sauces, spicy or tangy dressings
- Toppings – cheese, avocado, pickled veggies, seeds, or herbs
This setup works well if you’re:
- Trying to eat lighter before a long day in the city
- Managing food preferences, like vegetarian or dairy-light choices
- Grabbing something quick on the way to Georgia Tech, Downtown offices, or a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center
2. House Specialty Bowls
Most international-style breakfast spots in Atlanta also feature pre-designed bowls with names that hint at their regional inspiration, such as:
- A Mexican-style breakfast bowl with chorizo-style flavors, beans, salsa, and eggs
- A Mediterranean bowl with olives, roasted veggies, and a tangy sauce
- An Asian-inspired bowl with soy-seasoned veggies, rice, and a soft egg
These are useful if you don’t want to think too hard at 8 a.m. and just want a ready-to-go flavor combination.
3. Sides, Drinks, and Add-Ons
You can usually round out your meal with:
- Fruit cups or yogurt
- Pastry or toast options
- Coffee and tea, sometimes with local or regional roasters
- Juices or smoothies
For many Atlantans, this makes a place like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW a workable everyday breakfast stop, not just a novelty.
When to Go: Timing, Parking, and Crowds
Typical Hours and Peak Times
International breakfast spots in Atlanta often operate:
- Early morning through early afternoon, such as 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (exact hours vary)
- Weekday mornings cater more to commuters and nearby residents
- Weekends tend to be busier with brunch traffic
On Forrest St NW and nearby streets, breakfast crowds depend on:
- Proximity to offices and campuses
Early rushes often come from Georgia Tech students, hospital staff, and Downtown workers. - Event days
If there’s a major event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, expect more traffic in the broader area.
✅ Local tip: Aim for mid-morning (9:30–11:00 a.m.) if you want to avoid a potential early rush but still have full menu availability.
Parking and Access
On or around Forrest St NW, you’re likely dealing with:
- Street parking (check signs carefully; some areas are time-limited or paid)
- Small surface lots, if the restaurant shares space with other businesses
- Rideshare drop-offs along side streets
If you’re coming from:
- Downtown or Midtown – Expect a 5–15 minute drive in light traffic.
- Buckhead – More like 15–25 minutes, depending on the time of day.
- Eastside neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Kirkwood) – Plan for 15–25 minutes via Downtown connectors.
How The Breakfast Bowl Fits into Atlanta’s International Food Scene
Atlanta’s restaurant scene is known for global variety, and breakfast bowls are one area where those influences show up in a casual, approachable way.
In the context of International Cuisine, a place like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW:
- Provides an alternative to traditional Southern breakfast plates like biscuits, pancakes, or heavy combo platters.
- Makes it easier to try different flavors (spicy salsas, tangy sauces, Mediterranean herbs) without committing to a full, elaborate dish.
- Often aligns with on-the-go lifestyles, especially for:
- Students around Georgia Tech
- Office workers heading to Downtown or Midtown
- Visitors staying near the Westside or Downtown
For Atlanta residents, this can become a reliable weekday spot. For visitors, it’s a simple way to experience Atlanta’s global food influences before a day of sightseeing.
What to Consider If You Have Food Preferences or Restrictions
Many bowl-style restaurants in Atlanta try to accommodate different preferences, but menus vary. At an international breakfast bowl place on Forrest St NW, you can often:
- Avoid pork – by choosing chicken, turkey, beans, or tofu instead
- Go vegetarian-friendly – with egg-based or plant-based protein and plenty of veggies
- Aim for gluten-light options – by choosing rice, potatoes, or greens as the base and checking sauces
To make ordering smoother:
- Ask directly which items are cooked on shared surfaces if this is important to you.
- Clarify ingredients in sauces or marinades, since global flavor bases can include soy, dairy, or certain seasonings.
Atlanta staff in fast-casual restaurants are typically used to these questions, especially near university and office areas.
Sample Visit Plan: Breakfast Bowl + Atlanta Morning
Here’s how you might fit The Breakfast Bowl (Forrest St NW area) into a wider Atlanta plan:
| If You’re… | How The Breakfast Bowl Fits In | Nearby Atlanta Ideas After Eating |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting for a weekend | Grab a quick international-style breakfast bowl before sightseeing. | Head Downtown to explore Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, or the Georgia Aquarium. |
| Working or attending a conference | Stop in early morning or between sessions for a fast, customizable bowl. | Walk or rideshare to the Georgia World Congress Center or nearby offices. |
| Living nearby or in Midtown/Westside | Use it as a regular breakfast or brunch option for variety beyond standard diners. | Combine it with a grocery run, gym stop, or errands in the Westside and Midtown corridors. |
| Going to a game or concert | Eat beforehand to avoid stadium prices and heavier foods. | Continue on to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena via Northside Dr NW or MARTA connections. |
Practical Tips for an Easy Experience
To make your visit to a place like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW smoother:
- Check hours the same day you go. Breakfast spots in Atlanta sometimes adjust hours seasonally or around major events.
- Look up the menu in advance so you know your base, protein, and general flavor direction (Latin, Mediterranean, Asian-inspired, etc.).
- If you’re driving, give yourself a buffer for parking and navigating side streets, especially during weekday rush hours.
- If you rely on public transit, use MARTA to reach Downtown or Midtown first, then short rideshare the rest of the way to Forrest St NW.
How to Confirm Details Before You Go
Because restaurant details can change, it’s wise to:
- Verify the exact street number on Forrest St NW before you head out.
- Check their most current hours and whether they offer:
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery through common Atlanta services
- Confirm any payment preferences, such as whether they’re cashless.
If you’re new to the neighborhood, you can also:
- Use local mapping apps to see real-time busy periods.
- Combine your visit with nearby errands or attractions to make the most of your time in the area.
For Atlantans and visitors alike, a restaurant like The Breakfast Bowl on Forrest St NW offers a convenient way to start the day with internationally inspired flavors, flexible bowl combinations, and an easy fit into the city’s Westside and Downtown routines.