Exploring “White House” Restaurants in Atlanta’s International Dining Scene
If you search for “The White House restaurants” in Atlanta, you’re not looking for the one on Pennsylvania Avenue—you’re usually looking for local restaurants whose names or vibes play off “White House” and what they offer in the context of Atlanta’s international cuisine scene.
Atlanta doesn’t have a single, famous, universally recognized “White House Restaurant” that defines the city. Instead, you’ll find:
- A few individual restaurants that use “White House” (or something very close) in their name.
- International cuisine spots in and around Atlanta that sometimes brand themselves with stately, mansion-like or “white house” imagery.
- Neighborhood favorites that locals casually refer to in ways that can be confusing to visitors.
This guide walks you through how to find and understand “White House”-style restaurants in Atlanta, how they typically fit into the international cuisine category, and what to expect when you visit.
What People Usually Mean by “The White House Restaurants” in Atlanta
When someone in metro Atlanta mentions “the White House restaurant”, they may be talking about:
- A specific sit-down restaurant whose name includes “White House” (or sounds very similar).
- A Mediterranean, European, or Middle Eastern spot using “white house” branding to suggest elegance or classic architecture.
- A local landmark building that’s been converted into a restaurant and is nicknamed the “white house” because of its appearance.
Because names and ownership can change over time, it’s common for locals to say something like:
If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting, it helps to know how to locate these places and understand what they typically serve.
How “White House” Fits into Atlanta’s International Cuisine
Atlanta is known for its global food scene, and the term “White House” is usually less about politics and more about ambiance and branding. In the International Cuisine category, a “White House” restaurant in Atlanta is likely to fall into one of these styles:
1. Mediterranean & Middle Eastern
Many “White House”-branded or mansion-style restaurants in metro areas lean toward:
- Greek dishes – gyros, souvlaki, grilled lamb, dolmades, and fresh salads.
- Turkish or Levantine specialties – kebabs, shawarma, hummus, baba ghanoush, and flatbreads.
- Mixed Mediterranean menus – combining Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavors.
These restaurants often emphasize:
- Grilled meats and seafood
- Olive oil–based dishes
- Vegetarian-friendly options like falafel, lentil soups, and mezze plates
2. European & “Continental” Menus
Some “White House”–style restaurants in and around Atlanta may offer:
- French-inspired preparations (creamy sauces, steak frites, crêpes)
- Italian classics (pasta, risotto, veal dishes)
- More general European “continental” cuisine, often with a focus on ambiance—white tablecloths, chandeliers, and a stately, mansion-like feel.
These spots sometimes position themselves as special-occasion restaurants: anniversaries, graduations, or business dinners.
3. Fusion & Upscale International
In a few cases, a “White House” restaurant concept may blend:
- American steakhouse staples with
- Asian, Latin American, or Mediterranean flavors, or
- A global tapas-style menu meant for sharing.
This is less standardized but fits Atlanta’s broader trend of mixing Southern and international influences—think fried chicken alongside Korean-style sauces or Latin-influenced sides.
What to Expect at an Atlanta “White House”–Style Restaurant
Even though individual restaurants differ, there are a few common patterns you’ll usually see.
Atmosphere
- Exterior: Often a white or light-colored building, sometimes resembling a house, villa, or small mansion.
- Interior:
- White or neutral décor
- Tablecloths or polished tabletops
- A mix of families, couples, and small groups
- Noise level: Typically moderate; some places may have soft background music or live music on weekends.
Menu Basics
Many international “White House” restaurants in Atlanta offer:
- Appetizers (mezze/tapas style):
- Hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush
- Cheese plates, bruschetta, or calamari
- Main courses:
- Grilled fish, roasted chicken, lamb, or beef
- Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or pasta
- Vegetarian entrées like stuffed peppers, eggplant dishes, or hearty salads
- Desserts:
- Baklava or other Middle Eastern sweets
- Cheesecake, tiramisu, or European-style pastries
- Drinks:
- Coffee and tea (sometimes Turkish or Greek-style coffee)
- Soft drinks, juices, and sometimes a wine and beer selection, depending on licensing and concept.
Neighborhood Context: Where “White House”–Type Spots Tend to Appear
Atlanta’s restaurant landscape is spread across the city and suburbs, and “White House”-named or styled restaurants often show up in or near:
Buford Highway corridor (Doraville/Chamblee)
- Known for its dense international restaurant scene—Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Central American, Middle Eastern, and more.
- A likely area for Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurants with mansion-like or “white house” branding.
North Atlanta / Perimeter area (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Perimeter Center)
- Home to numerous upscale and international restaurants.
- You may find European-influenced or Mediterranean “house” concepts around here.
Midtown & Buckhead
- More likely to have upscale, white-tablecloth, internationally influenced restaurants that might use stately house imagery in branding or building design.
Because specific restaurant names and addresses can change, it’s a good idea to verify locations with:
- A GPS or mapping app
- Local tourist information centers, such as those near Centennial Olympic Park or in Midtown
- Hotel front desks or concierge staff, who often keep running lists of popular nearby restaurants
How to Choose the Right “White House” Restaurant for You
When you come across a restaurant in Atlanta named something like “White House [Cuisine]” or see a big white building offering international fare, ask yourself:
1. What kind of cuisine am I actually in the mood for?
- Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: Look for menus featuring kebabs, shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh, and pita.
- European/Continental: Look for steaks, fish, pastas, and French or Italian-leaning dishes.
- Fusion/Modern International: Look for shorter, creative menus and dishes with combined influences (for example, miso-glazed salmon with Southern sides).
2. Do I want casual, family-friendly, or special-occasion dining?
- Casual:
- Often offers counter service or simple table service.
- Good for weekday dinners or quick lunches.
- Family-friendly sit-down:
- High chairs, kids’ menus, or obviously welcoming to children.
- Reasonably priced mains and large portions.
- Special-occasion/upscale:
- Reservations recommended, especially weekends and holidays.
- Longer meals, multi-course options, and a more formal setting.
3. What practical details matter?
- Parking:
- Many metro Atlanta restaurants offer surface lot parking.
- In denser areas (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown), check for garages or valet services.
- Transit access:
- Some restaurants are near MARTA rail stations (Peachtree Center, Midtown, Buckhead, Doraville, Chamblee).
- If you are staying in-town without a car, choosing a location near MARTA can save time.
Simple Comparison Guide for Atlanta “White House”–Style International Restaurants
Use this general guide to narrow down what kind of “White House” restaurant is likely to fit your plans:
| Type of Experience | Typical Cuisine Focus | Best For | What You’ll Often Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Mediterranean “House” | Greek / Middle Eastern / Turkish | Weeknight dinners, quick outings | Kebabs, gyros, hummus, salads, simple desserts |
| European/Continental “White House” | French / Italian / general European | Date nights, business dinners | Steaks, seafood, pastas, wine list, more formal service |
| Mansion-style Fusion Spot | Mixed international & American | Celebrations, groups, brunch | Creative entrées, global flavors, modern décor |
This is not an exhaustive list of actual restaurants but a practical framework to help you interpret what a “White House”–type restaurant in Atlanta is likely to offer.
Tips for Visiting “White House” Restaurants in Atlanta
A few simple steps can make your visit smoother:
Call ahead 📞
- Ask about hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.
- Confirm whether you need a reservation.
Check the menu in advance
- Most established restaurants in Atlanta share sample menus or at least a basic listing of dishes and price ranges.
- This is especially helpful for dietary needs (vegetarian, halal, gluten-conscious, etc.).
Ask locals for clarification
- If someone recommends “that White House place near [area],” ask:
- “What kind of food is it?”
- “Do you remember the full name?” or
- “Is it closer to [landmark/station]?”
- This makes it easier to locate the exact restaurant they mean rather than guessing.
- If someone recommends “that White House place near [area],” ask:
Plan around traffic
- Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on weekday evenings between 4–7 p.m.
- If you have a reservation at a popular “White House”–style restaurant, consider extra travel time or using MARTA or rideshare where practical.
If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting from Out of Town
To get oriented quickly:
Downtown & Midtown Atlanta
- Good if you’re staying near Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, or Midtown hotels.
- Ask hotel staff or information desks for nearby international restaurants that fit the “stately house” or “white house” vibe if that’s important to you.
Using MARTA
- If a restaurant is near a MARTA station (like Doraville, Chamblee, Buckhead, or Midtown), you can avoid parking stress.
- MARTA’s main rail lines run north–south and east–west through central Atlanta.
Tourist information sources
- Visitor information counters within major attractions often keep current restaurant recommendation lists filtered by cuisine and neighborhood.
- You can ask specifically for Mediterranean, European, or fusion restaurants in buildings that look like big houses or villas—staff will often know exactly what you mean, even if you don’t recall the name.
Key Takeaways for “The White House Restaurants” in Atlanta
- Atlanta does not have one single, iconic restaurant officially known as “The White House Restaurant” that defines the city.
- Instead, you’ll find a handful of restaurants using “White House”–style names or imagery, often serving Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, European, or fusion international cuisine.
- These restaurants are typically sit-down spots with a house-like or villa-style exterior and a focus on grilled meats, seafood, salads, and classic international dishes.
- To find the right one for your visit or night out, focus on:
- The cuisine style (Mediterranean, European, fusion)
- The level of formality (casual vs. special-occasion)
- Location and transit/parking convenience
By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently navigate Atlanta’s international dining scene—even when recommendations come in the form of “Let’s meet at that White House restaurant over on the north side.”