Imperial Fez Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for Mediterranean food in Atlanta with a strong North African flair and a full-on dining “experience,” Imperial Fez Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge is one of the city’s most recognizable names. It combines Moroccan-inspired décor, belly dancing, and a multi-course dinner format that feels very different from a quick gyro spot or casual mezze bar.

Below is a clear, practical guide to how Imperial Fez typically works, what kind of food and atmosphere to expect, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta Mediterranean dining landscape.

Where Imperial Fez Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

In Atlanta, “Mediterranean restaurant” can mean anything from Greek gyros and Lebanese shawarma to upscale coastal menus. Imperial Fez sits in a more specific niche:

• Focus on Moroccan / North African–style dishes within the broader Mediterranean category
• Emphasis on a set-course, experience-driven dinner rather than a fast-casual meal
• Lounge-style atmosphere with dim lighting, low seating, and theatrical elements like belly dancing on many nights

For Atlanta diners, that means Imperial Fez is typically chosen for:

• Birthdays, anniversaries, and special events
• Visitors who want a “destination” restaurant that feels different from usual Midtown or Buckhead spots
• Groups looking for a long, leisurely dinner with entertainment

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Historically, Imperial Fez has operated in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, a neighborhood known for its cluster of restaurants, lounges, and hotels. Because locations and suites can shift over time, it’s wise to:

• ✅ Confirm the current address before driving over
• ✅ Check current parking guidance (validated deck, valet, or nearby paid lots)
• ✅ Factor in Buckhead traffic, especially on weekends and during evening rush hours

If you are staying in a nearby Buckhead hotel, Imperial Fez is often a short rideshare away. For Atlanta locals coming from other neighborhoods:

• From Midtown or Downtown: Expect a relatively quick drive outside of peak rush hour, but give yourself extra time on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• From the suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, etc.): Plan for heavier traffic on GA-400 and I-285 during early evening and around special events.

Atmosphere: What the “Lounge” Experience Is Like

Imperial Fez aims for an immersive, Moroccan-inspired environment, which often includes:

• Low or cushion-style seating and richly decorated interiors
• Dim, warm lighting
• Belly dancing performances on many weekend evenings and sometimes special events
• Background music consistent with the North African/Middle Eastern theme

For many Atlanta diners, it feels less like a standard dinner out and more like a themed evening. A few things to keep in mind:

• The experience is often multi-hour, especially on busy nights.
• It tends to be lively and sometimes loud, so it may not be ideal for very quiet conversations or those sensitive to noise.
• Some diners enjoy dressing slightly up (business casual or “going out” attire), though dress codes can vary; checking before you go can help.

Food Style: Moroccan & Mediterranean Influences

While Imperial Fez is categorized under Mediterranean, its menu is typically rooted in Moroccan and North African cooking, which may include:

• Tagines – slow-cooked stews, often made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables, flavored with spices like saffron, cumin, and preserved lemon
• Couscous-based dishes – steamed semolina grain served with vegetables and meats
• Harira – a tomato-based soup, sometimes with lentils and chickpeas
• Pastilla (b’stilla) – a savory-sweet pastry traditionally made with poultry, eggs, and almonds wrapped in phyllo
• Mezze-style starters – such as hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, and salads with herbs and citrus

Many Atlantans find the flavors:

• Warm and aromatic rather than aggressively spicy
• Heavy on cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, and saffron
• Accompanied by bread for dipping and sharing, which encourages a communal style of eating

Common Dietary Considerations

As with most Atlanta restaurants, you can typically ask staff about:

• Vegetarian and vegan options – often built around vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, and couscous
• Gluten concerns – couscous and some pastries contain gluten, but rice- and vegetable-based dishes may be available
• Nut use – dishes like pastilla traditionally use almonds

If you have strong dietary restrictions or allergies, calling ahead to discuss ingredient flexibility is usually the safest approach.

Typical Dining Format: Courses, Timing, and What to Expect

One of the main things that sets Imperial Fez apart from other Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta is its structured, multi-course style. While current formats can change, many diners experience something like:

1. Starters / Appetizers
   • Shared dips, salads, and small bites brought to the table
2. Soup or Intermediate Course
   • Often a warm soup or second starter
3. Main Courses
   • Choice of tagines, couscous-based dishes, or other house specialties
4. Dessert and Tea
   • Often with Moroccan mint tea and sweets

Because of this format, the total time at the table can be longer than a typical à la carte dinner. For Atlanta locals making plans:

• Allow at least 2–3 hours if you want to relax and enjoy entertainment.
• Factor in show times (like belly dancing) if that’s important to your group, and ask when performances usually start.

Price Range and Budgeting

Imperial Fez is usually positioned as a mid- to higher-priced evening out compared with casual Mediterranean grills in Atlanta. The combination of:

• Multi-course dining
• Specialized décor
• Live entertainment

…often means the total cost per person is higher than a quick Mediterranean lunch or simple dinner.

To avoid surprises:

• 🔹 Ask whether there is a set menu price or if items are à la carte.
• 🔹 Confirm any entertainment fees, service charges, or large-party policies.
• 🔹 Consider costs for drinks, tax, and tip when planning your budget.

Reservations, Groups, and Special Occasions

Because of the experience-focused setup, Imperial Fez often draws large groups and celebration parties. For Atlantans planning a night out:

Reservations

• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially:
  • Friday and Saturday nights
  • Holidays
  • When bringing a group of 6 or more
• Phone reservations are often best if you need to:
  • Ask about birthdays or special setups
  • Discuss dietary restrictions
  • Confirm entertainment times

Groups and Events

Many people in Atlanta use Imperial Fez for:

• Birthday parties
• Office gatherings
• Bachelor / bachelorette outings
• Visiting family and friends who want something “different”

If you are organizing an event:

• Ask about group menus or fixed pricing.
• Clarify cancellation and deposit policies for larger reservations.
• Check whether cake, decorations, or outside desserts are allowed and whether there are fees.

How Imperial Fez Compares to Other Mediterranean Options in Atlanta

Imperial Fez represents one end of the Mediterranean spectrum in Atlanta: immersive and theatrical. The city also has:

• Casual gyro and shawarma spots – good for quick lunches or takeout
• Greek and Turkish restaurants – with grilled meats, seafood, and mezze
• Modern Mediterranean bistros – more wine-bar or small-plate oriented

If you’re choosing where to go:

Think Imperial Fez If You Want:

• A themed, experience-driven evening with belly dancing and multiple courses
• A long, sit-down dinner where the environment is as important as the food
• Strong Moroccan / North African flavors within the broader Mediterranean category

Consider Other Mediterranean Spots If You Prefer:

• A fast, casual meal (like grabbing a quick plate of falafel or a gyro)
• A quiet, minimalist setting with little or no entertainment
• Primarily Greek, Turkish, or Levantine flavors without the North African emphasis

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Diners

To make your Imperial Fez visit smoother:

Before You Go

• 📞 Call ahead to confirm:
  • Current address and hours
  • Whether belly dancing or entertainment is scheduled that night
  • Any holiday or special event pricing
• 📅 Make a reservation if:
  • It’s a weekend or holiday
  • Your group is larger than four

What to Bring or Consider

• A little extra time for Buckhead traffic and parking
• A plan for rideshare if you expect to drink
• Awareness that the evening is more of a leisurely event than a quick bite

Quick Snapshot: Imperial Fez at a Glance

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Imperial Fez Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge is best thought of as an event-style Mediterranean dinner rather than an everyday neighborhood spot. If you go in expecting a leisurely, theatrical evening with Moroccan-inspired food and entertainment, it can be a distinctive addition to your Atlanta dining plans.