Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar: Mediterranean Small Plates in the Heart of Atlanta

If you’re searching for Mediterranean food in Atlanta with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe, Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar is one of the names that often comes up—especially for people who spend time around Buckhead and Lindbergh. This guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and how to decide if it’s a good fit for your next night out.

Where Basil’s Fits Into Atlanta’s Mediterranean Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of Mediterranean and tapas-style restaurants, from casual gyro spots to white-tablecloth dining. Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar sits in the middle:

  • Style: Mediterranean-inspired small plates and entrees, with a tapas-style approach.
  • Vibe: Relaxed and social, often appealing to locals meeting friends after work or before a night out.
  • Location context: Convenient to Buckhead, Lindbergh, and nearby intown neighborhoods, making it easy to reach from Midtown, Morningside, and Brookhaven.

If you live or stay near Peachtree Road, Cheshire Bridge, or Lindbergh Center, Basil’s is the kind of place people consider for date nights, casual birthdays, or pre-event dinners before heading to Buckhead bars, the Fox Theatre, or a show in Midtown.

What to Expect on the Menu

While menus can change over time, Basil’s is generally known for a mix of:

  • Mediterranean tapas / small plates
  • Pastas and grilled proteins
  • Fresh salads and bread-based starters

Typical categories you might see:

Tapas & Small Plates

These are usually the highlight for many Atlanta diners because they work well for groups and sharing. Common Mediterranean-style options at places like Basil’s include:

  • Spreads and dips – hummus, tzatziki, roasted red pepper spreads, served with warm pita or crusty bread
  • Seafood-focused bites – shrimp dishes, calamari, or mussels in wine or tomato-based sauces
  • Vegetable tapas – grilled or roasted veggies, stuffed grape leaves, or baked cheese dishes

For Atlanta groups, this setup is helpful when:

  • You’re meeting coworkers and want something lighter than a heavy entrée.
  • You’re splitting the bill, and shared plates make portions easier to control.
  • You want to sample different Mediterranean flavors without committing to just one dish.

Entrées & Mains

In addition to tapas, you can usually expect:

  • Pastas with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs
  • Grilled chicken, lamb, or seafood
  • Classic salads with feta, olives, cucumbers, and vinaigrettes

For many Atlanta residents, Basil’s is more of a “small plates and wine” place than a “big entrée” restaurant, but having full plates on the menu makes it flexible for mixed groups.

Drinks, Tapas, and Social Atmosphere

As the name suggests, Tapas Bar usually means:

  • A wine list with options that pair well with Mediterranean flavors
  • A cocktail selection suited for slow, social evenings
  • A bar area where some people sit just for drinks and a couple of plates

On weeknights, especially, locals in Buckhead and Lindbergh often use places like Basil’s as:

  • A low-pressure first date spot
  • A meetup spot before heading to larger Buckhead nightlife
  • A comfortable choice for out-of-town visitors staying nearby

If you prefer a quieter experience, going earlier in the evening or on a weeknight can often be calmer than peak weekend hours.

Indoor Dining, Patio Vibes, and Parking

For Atlantans, the question is often less “what’s on the menu?” and more “what’s the parking and seating like?”

Seating & Ambiance

Restaurants like Basil’s in this part of Atlanta often offer:

  • Indoor dining with a warm, bistro-style feel
  • Outdoor seating or patio areas when weather allows

Patio-style seating is particularly popular in Atlanta from early spring through late fall, and many people specifically choose spots like Basil’s for:

  • After-work drinks on the patio
  • Group dinners when they don’t want a formal atmosphere
  • Casual celebrations where people can linger and talk

Parking & Access

Around Buckhead and Lindbergh, you can generally expect:

  • A mix of on-site parking lots, shared lots, or street parking depending on the exact building.
  • Heavy traffic during rush hour along Peachtree Road and connecting streets.

If you are:

  • Driving from Midtown or Downtown – budget extra time for rush-hour traffic, especially on weekdays.
  • Using MARTA – many diners take the Red or Gold Line to Lindbergh Center Station and use a short ride-share or walk if distance permits. This can be simpler than dealing with Buckhead traffic and parking.

When Basil’s Works Best for Atlanta Diners

Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar is most appealing when you’re looking for:

  • Mediterranean food in a casual, social setting
  • Tapas and drinks with friends or coworkers
  • A spot convenient to Buckhead, Lindbergh, or north Midtown
  • A place where sharing plates is encouraged and you don’t have to rush

It may be less ideal if you’re seeking:

  • Very fast, grab-and-go Mediterranean food
  • Ultra-quiet, formal fine dining
  • A strictly traditional Greek or Middle Eastern menu without fusion-style dishes

Tips for Atlantans Planning a Visit

To make the most of a visit to a Mediterranean tapas restaurant like Basil’s:

  • Check current hours: Many Atlanta restaurants adjust hours seasonally or by day of week.
  • Look at the latest menu: Items can change, and some dishes may be seasonal.
  • Consider reservations for peak times: Thursday through Saturday evenings near Buckhead can get busy.
  • Plan your route: If you’re coming from areas like Decatur, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park, think through traffic patterns and whether MARTA plus rideshare might be easier than parking.

📝 Pro tip: If you’re hosting out-of-town guests staying in Buckhead hotels, Basil’s-style tapas gives them a relaxed introduction to Atlanta’s blend of Southern hospitality and international cuisine without requiring a long drive across town.

How Basil’s Fits Into an Atlanta Night Out

Because of its location and style, Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar often becomes:

  • The starting point before going to Buckhead bars, lounges, or events.
  • The main event for a laid-back evening with friends or a date.
  • A comfortable choice if you’re meeting halfway between intown neighborhoods and northside suburbs.

If you’re planning a night out in Atlanta that includes:

  • Catching a show in Midtown
  • Meeting friends who live in Brookhaven or Sandy Springs
  • Entertaining colleagues staying near Buckhead

Basil’s style of Mediterranean tapas and drinks can slot in smoothly as the dinner portion of your plans.

In short, for Atlanta residents and visitors who want Mediterranean flavors, sharable plates, and a relaxed Buckhead-adjacent setting, Basil’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar is a logical option to consider as you map out where to eat in the city.