The Defoor Centre in Atlanta: International Cuisine in a Historic Westside Setting

The Defoor Centre is a multi-use event venue on Atlanta’s Westside that often surprises people with its internationally inspired cuisine. While it’s not a traditional walk-in restaurant with daily public hours, it plays a major role in Atlanta’s dining and events scene as a place where guests experience carefully curated global menus at weddings, corporate functions, banquets, nonprofit galas, and private celebrations.

If you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit and you’re curious about what to expect from The Defoor Centre’s food, atmosphere, and location, this guide breaks it down from a local’s perspective.

Where The Defoor Centre Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant & Dining Scene

Located in the Upper Westside / West Midtown area near Underwood Hills, The Defoor Centre sits just off Howell Mill Road and close to I‑75, making it relatively easy to reach from most parts of the city.

Key points about its role in Atlanta dining:

• It’s primarily an event venue, not a standard restaurant you can walk into for a random Tuesday dinner.
• Guests usually experience the food as part of:
  • Weddings and receptions
  • Corporate meetings and conferences
  • Fundraisers and galas
  • Social events like birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday parties
• The cuisine leans heavily on international and globally inspired dishes, often blending familiar Southern favorites with flavors from around the world.

If you’re browsing Atlanta restaurants in the International Cuisine category and see The Defoor Centre listed, think of it as an international catering and event dining destination rather than a stand-alone restaurant with regular reservations.

Location, Access, and Contact Details

For planning purposes, it helps to know where the venue sits relative to Atlanta’s major neighborhoods.

The Defoor Centre – Basic Info

• Area: Westside / Upper Westside, Atlanta, GA
• Nearby neighborhoods: Underwood Hills, Berkeley Park, Midtown (a short drive), Buckhead (just across I‑75)
• Driving access: Convenient to I‑75 and Howell Mill Rd NW
• Typical parking: On-site parking lot or designated event parking areas (policies can vary by event)

If you’re attending an event, the organizer usually shares exact address, parking, and arrival instructions with your invitation. It’s a good idea to allow extra time during rush hour, as the Westside can back up, especially near Howell Mill and Northside Drive.

Atmosphere: Historic Character Meets Modern Events

The Defoor Centre is known for its historic, slightly industrial feel, which blends well with the Westside’s mix of old warehouses, loft spaces, and modern development.

Expect:

• Exposed brick and high ceilings in some event spaces
• Flexible rooms that can host both intimate dinners and large banquets
• Decor that works well with a wide range of themes, including international and cultural events

For food-focused gatherings, this setting makes international menus feel less formal and more warm and social, which matches Atlanta’s overall dining culture.

International Cuisine at The Defoor Centre: What to Expect

While the exact menu depends on the event or host’s choices, The Defoor Centre is typically associated with catered menus that draw on multiple world cuisines. Many Atlanta hosts use it specifically because they can build menus that reflect different cultures, family traditions, or corporate guest preferences.

Common International Themes You Might See

Depending on the event, you might encounter:

• Mediterranean-inspired stations

  • Hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, grilled vegetables
  • Chicken or lamb skewers, seasoned rice, salads with fresh herbs

• Latin and Caribbean flavors

  • Tacos or fajita-style bars
  • Plantains, rice and beans, seasoned meats, bright salsas

• Asian-influenced dishes

  • Stir-fry or noodle-style dishes
  • Dumplings, spring rolls, or small bites for cocktail hours

• Indian or South Asian touches

  • Spiced rice dishes, vegetarian curries, and flatbreads
  • Appetizers like samosas or pakoras at receptions

• Fusion and modern global cuisine

  • Sliders with international seasonings
  • Bowls combining grains, roasted veggies, and globally inspired sauces

Atlanta event hosts often work with the venue’s catering team to customize menus, especially when they want to showcase specific traditions or accommodate a diverse guest list.

How Food Service Typically Works at The Defoor Centre

Because The Defoor Centre is an event-driven space, the style of food service usually depends on the type of gathering being held.

Common Formats

1. Plated Dinners
Often seen at weddings, galas, or formal corporate events. Guests are seated and served individually. This format works well for:

• Multi-course international menus
• Wine-paired dinners
• Carefully timed programs with speeches or presentations

2. Buffet-Style Service
Very common for larger events, conferences, or social gatherings. Buffets are useful when:

• Hosts want multiple international cuisine options available at once
• Guests prefer flexibility in portion sizes and combinations
• Timelines are more relaxed and social

3. Food Stations and Action Stations
A favorite for cocktail-style receptions and upscale events, where guests mingle and move around.

You might see:

• A pasta or noodle station where dishes are finished to order
• A taco or street food station with build-your-own elements
• A carving station that adds a traditional touch alongside international sides

4. Hors d’Oeuvres and Cocktail Receptions
Standing events often feature passes trays plus a small buffet or station, with bite-sized foods that draw from different cuisines.

Dietary Needs and Special Requests

In Atlanta’s event market, it’s increasingly standard for venues to handle a range of dietary preferences and restrictions. The Defoor Centre typically works through the event organizer or host to plan for:

• Vegetarian and vegan options
• Dairy-free or gluten-conscious choices
• Religious or cultural dietary preferences (for example, avoiding pork or providing alcohol-free zones)
• Allergy-aware menu planning, such as nut-free selections for large groups

If you have specific dietary concerns and you’re attending an event there:

• Reach out to the event host directly (not usually the venue)
• Ask if they have submitted any special dietary requests to the caterer
• Arrive a bit early if you expect to need clarification on what’s being served

How The Defoor Centre Compares to Traditional International Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta has many international restaurants that operate with standard hours and open reservations—places where you can walk in or book a table for lunch or dinner. The Defoor Centre is different in key ways:

If you’re simply looking for international cuisine tonight, you’ll want to explore open restaurants in neighborhoods like Buford Highway, Midtown, West Midtown, Decatur, or Duluth.

If you’re planning an event in Atlanta and want a space where international menus can be a centerpiece, The Defoor Centre becomes a strong option.

When The Defoor Centre Is a Good Fit for Your Atlanta Event

People in Atlanta often choose The Defoor Centre when they want:

• A central-ish location that’s reachable from Midtown, Buckhead, and the northern suburbs
• A venue that can support global or multicultural themes
• Enough space for both a seated meal and programming (dancing, live music, presentations)
• A setting that is neither overly formal nor too casual

It’s especially useful if:

• You’re hosting guests from out of town and want a space that’s easy to explain and find.
• Your event involves international guests or families blending different cultural traditions at one gathering.
• You want to combine business and social components, like a conference followed by an international buffet reception.

Tips if You’re Attending an Event at The Defoor Centre

If you’re on the guest side, here are a few practical pointers:

• Check your invitation

  • Confirm the dress code (some galas and weddings are more formal).
  • Note whether it’s a plated meal or a reception-style event.

• Plan your route

  • Look up the exact address and parking instructions provided by your host.
  • Build in extra time if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Sandy Springs during evening rush hour.

• Ask about food in advance if needed

  • If you have significant dietary restrictions, contact the organizer a few days before the event.
  • They can often coordinate with the caterer for a suitable option.

• Bring a light jacket or layer

  • Like many Atlanta event venues, temperatures can vary depending on the room and crowd size.

Tips if You’re Planning an International-Themed Event There

If you’re an Atlanta-based planner, couple, or organization considering The Defoor Centre:

1. Clarify your vision for “international cuisine.”

   • Decide whether you want one region (for example, Mediterranean) or a mix (for example, a blend of Latin, Asian, and Southern fusion).

2. Consider your guest mix.

   • Include at least one familiar, comfort-oriented option for guests who may be less adventurous eaters.

3. Balance seated time and mingling.

   • For very global menus, stations and buffets can make it easier for guests to try new flavors at their own pace.

4. Plan for signage or printed menus.

   • Clear labels help guests understand what dishes are and what ingredients might matter for allergies or preferences.

5. Coordinate with audio/visual needs.

   • If your event includes cultural performances, multimedia, or presentations, build your catering flow around those moments.

For Atlantans and visitors alike, The Defoor Centre is best understood as a flexible, centrally located event venue where international cuisine takes the spotlight through catered menus, rather than as a typical restaurant. If you’re invited to an event there, you can expect a group-focused dining experience shaped by the host’s vision—and often, a chance to sample flavors from around the world in a distinctly Atlanta setting.