Ten Degrees South in Atlanta: What to Know About This South African Dining Landmark

If you’re exploring Southern and soul food in Atlanta and keep hearing about Ten Degrees South, you might wonder how this Buckhead restaurant fits into the city’s food scene. It isn’t a traditional Southern spot, but it has become a long‑time favorite for Atlantans who want something different while still feeling warm, familiar, and comfort‑driven.

This guide walks you through what Ten Degrees South is, what to expect on the menu, how it compares to classic Atlanta soul and Southern restaurants, and practical details for planning a visit.

What Is Ten Degrees South?

Ten Degrees South is widely known as one of the first South African restaurants in Atlanta, located in the Buckhead area. While it doesn’t serve traditional Atlanta soul food, it appeals to many of the same diners because:

• The food is comforting, hearty, and sauce-forward
• The flavors are bold but approachable for most palates
• The atmosphere leans upscale yet relaxed, making it good for date nights, business dinners, or special occasions

It’s a sit‑down, full-service restaurant with a bar, dining room, and often a lively evening scene. Locals in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Midtown often treat it as a go‑to spot when they’re craving something beyond the usual Southern staples.

Where It Fits in Atlanta’s Southern & Soul Food Scene

Even though Ten Degrees South is South African, not Southern American, it intersects with Atlanta’s Southern and soul food category in a few ways:

• Comfort food focus: Slow-cooked meats, stews, and rich sauces echo the comfort of smothered chicken, oxtails, or pot roast.
• Grilling tradition: South African braai (grilling) parallels Atlanta’s culture of barbecue and backyard cookouts.
• Spice and seasoning: Dishes are well-seasoned and flavorful, much like the spice-forward cooking found in many Atlanta soul food kitchens.
• Shared dining culture: Both cuisines place emphasis on family, hospitality, and gathering around the table.

So, Ten Degrees South won’t replace your favorite meat-and-three or Westside soul food joint, but it offers a familiar sense of comfort through a different regional lens.

Location, Parking, and Contact Info

Ten Degrees South is in Buckhead, a central spot for many Atlanta diners.

Typical details to know:

• Neighborhood: Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
• General area landmarks: Not far from Peachtree Road corridors, Buckhead’s shopping and nightlife, and easily reached from Midtown or I‑85/I‑75 connectors.
• Transportation:
  • By car, many diners come via Piedmont Rd, Roswell Rd, or Peachtree Rd depending on direction.
  • Rideshare is a popular choice for evening visits, especially on weekends.
• Parking:
  • Often a mix of valet and limited lot or street parking, depending on current arrangements.
  • Buckhead can be busy at night, so plan a few extra minutes for parking or drop‑off.

Because specific addresses and phone numbers can occasionally change with expansions, renovations, or management updates, it’s wise to verify current hours, address, and reservation options through a recent search or by calling ahead on the day you plan to go.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

People who visit Ten Degrees South often describe it as:

• Upscale casual – dressy jeans and a nice top are usually fine, though many guests dress up more for dinner.
• Dimly lit and intimate in the evenings – good for dates and special occasions.
• Lively but not chaotic – depending on the night and time, you may find a more social, energetic atmosphere around the bar while the dining room feels more relaxed.

If you’re used to homey, cafeteria-style soul food spots with trays and counter ordering, this will feel different. If you’re comfortable at Atlanta’s nicer Southern restaurants—like those in Midtown, Inman Park, or upscale hotel lounges—Ten Degrees South will feel familiar in format, just with a different regional cuisine.

Menu Overview: How South African Food Relates to Southern Comfort

Core Flavors and Ingredients

Many dishes at Ten Degrees South include:

• Grilled meats – often marinated and charred, reminiscent of Atlanta’s love of barbecue and grilled chicken.
• Stews and slow-cooked dishes – similar in spirit to collard greens simmered for hours or slow‑braised short ribs.
• Rich sauces and gravies – another overlap with soul food traditions.
• Spices like peri‑peri (piri‑piri) – a zesty chili‑based seasoning that can be mild to moderate in heat.

Dishes That Might Appeal to Southern & Soul Food Fans

While exact offerings can change, you can generally expect items in categories like:

• Starters / Small plates
  • Sausages or skewers with dipping sauces
  • Appetizers featuring peri‑peri chicken or spiced beef
• Mains
  • Grilled steak or lamb with South African-style seasonings
  • Chicken dishes with peri‑peri or creamy, savory sauces
  • Seafood entrees featuring grilled or pan‑seared fish
  • Hearty stews or pot-style dishes
• Sides
  • Items that echo familiar comfort sides: rice, potatoes, veggies, and sometimes more regionally specific South African starches

If you’re coming from a background of fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread, you’ll notice that:

• Cooking styles are often grilled or stewed, not fried.
• Flavors can be smokier, tangier, and spicier than classic Southern fare.
• The plating and portions tend to be more restaurant-style than cafeteria-style.

Sample Experience at Ten Degrees South (At a Glance)

Use this simple breakdown to compare Ten Degrees South with a typical Atlanta Southern or soul food restaurant:

Reservations, Timing, and When to Go

Atlanta’s dining rhythm matters, and Ten Degrees South follows that pattern:

• Reservations:

  • Strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights, as Buckhead can get very busy.
  • For early weeknights, walk‑ins might be possible but calling ahead is still wise.

• Best times to go:

  • Earlier evening (around 6:00–7:00 p.m.) for a quieter vibe and more relaxed pacing.
  • Later evening (after 8:00 p.m.) if you prefer a livelier atmosphere and possibly a fuller bar scene.

• Special occasions:

  • Frequently chosen for birthdays, anniversaries, and visiting guests who want something memorable but not overly formal.

Always double‑check current hours and any holiday or event‑specific changes before heading out, as restaurants in Buckhead sometimes adjust opening times for major events, holidays, or private buyouts.

Dietary Considerations and Flexibility

Like many full‑service Atlanta restaurants, Ten Degrees South generally aims to be flexible, but there are limits based on its style of cooking.

If you have specific dietary needs:

• Allergies or strict restrictions:
  • Call ahead during off‑peak hours to ask about ingredients and whether accommodations are realistic.
• Spice sensitivity:
  • Many dishes can be made milder, or staff can steer you toward less spicy options.
• Gluten or dairy concerns:
  • Some grilled meats and vegetable dishes may work with adjustments, but always confirm with your server.

For very strict or medical dietary needs, it’s important to speak directly with the restaurant so you can decide if the menu aligns with your comfort level.

How to Decide if Ten Degrees South Is Right for You

Ten Degrees South is likely a good fit if you:

• Enjoy Southern and soul food but want to explore new flavors without losing that cozy, comforting feeling.
• Like grilled meats, bold sauces, and moderate spice.
• Are looking for a date-night‑appropriate or special-occasion restaurant in Buckhead.
• Have guests in town and want to show them a side of Atlanta that’s global yet grounded in hospitality and warmth.

You might prefer a different Atlanta Southern or soul food restaurant if you’re specifically craving:

• Classic fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese
• A casual cafeteria line, takeout counter, or meat‑and‑three
• A traditional Georgia or Deep South heritage meal rather than international cuisine

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners Visiting Ten Degrees South

Here are simple, Atlanta‑specific tips to make your visit smoother:

• Plan for traffic:
  • Buckhead traffic can be heavy around evening rush hours and on weekends. Add 15–20 minutes beyond what your GPS suggests, especially if you’re coming from Downtown, West Midtown, or Decatur.
• Use rideshare if you’re unsure about parking:
  • This is common practice in Buckhead, particularly for evening outings or when you plan to enjoy drinks.
• Call ahead for large groups:
  • If you’re planning a birthday dinner, work outing, or family celebration, call in advance to ask about group seating and any timing recommendations.
• Check for event nights:
  • On major Atlanta event days (concerts, big games, Buckhead festivals), surrounding traffic and restaurant volume may spike.

By understanding where Ten Degrees South sits within Atlanta’s broader Southern and soul food landscape, you can decide whether it matches the kind of meal and atmosphere you’re looking for—and plan your visit with realistic expectations about flavor, style, and experience.