Dinner and a show Midtown: Your complete guide to restaurants near theaters

Theater-goers seeking a bite to eat in Midtown Atlanta need not go far to find a variety of cuisines.

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It might feel like Midtown’s performing arts venues are clustered among corporate eateries — and, to a degree, that’s true. But it’s also unfair to say there aren’t any good, local restaurants in this mix. We’ve rounded up the best restaurants near five Midtown venues, offering a variety of cuisines and price points. All are within a 15-minute walk of the Fox Theatre, the Center for the Puppetry Arts, Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, Synchronicity Theatre and the Alliance Theatre inside Woodruff Arts Center. 

By the way, we don’t have to tell you driving and parking in Midtown is unpleasant to say the least. Negate parking stress by taking MARTA’s red or gold line to the Arts Center, Midtown or North Avenue stop, or consider carpooling or taking a ride share. 

Near the Alliance Theatre

Brasserie Margot ($$$)
If you’re looking for an immersive atmosphere, artful cocktails and solid French fare, opt for Brasserie Margot in the Four Seasons Atlanta. The brasserie sits opposite Bar Margot, which has a more relaxed menu (many of these dishes are available at Brasserie Margot for lunch) and a slightly lower price point. 

5 14th St. Northeast, Second floor

FarmBurger ($)
This local fast-casual chain is no-nonsense and affordable, making it a perfect post (or pre) matinee pit stop. Choose from a selection of better-for-you fast-food favorites, including burgers (impossible patties and chicken burgers are also available), salads, fried chicken and multiple types of fries. You can also build your own sandwich. 

22 14th St. Northwest, Suite D

Refuge Coffee Co. ($)
Grab a drink at Refuge’s Woodruff Arts Center location if you’re not feeling a meal yet or just need a jolt of caffeine. In addition to coffee, Refuge also serves tea, kombucha and seasonal takes on lattes and other classic caffeinated beverages.

1280 Peachtree St. Northeast, Suite 100-A

Near the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

Papi’s Authentic Cuban Cuisine ($)
There’s no shortage of flavor at Papi’s. The restaurant specializes in Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American dishes such as plantains, ropa vieja, masitas de puerco and jerk chicken. If you don’t have much experience with these, the tostones, empanadas, and Cuban sampler are all suited to sharing, while many of the regional favorite dishes also come in sandwich form. 

216 Ponce de Leon Ave. Northeast

Poor Calvin’s ($$)
Southeast Asia meets the American South at this Midtown fusion spot — think pairings like fried green tomatoes and Korean beef barbecue, frog legs and roti or seared scallops and lobster with Cajun-influenced pasta. While seafood is recommended, there’s also a strong selection of vegetarian curries, noodles and pasta and meat-based entrees. Save room for a slice of decadent cake or the chocolate-covered Fuji apple. 

510 Piedmont Ave. Northeast

Near Center for Puppetry Arts and Synchronicity Theatre

MetroFresh Uptown ($$)
While the premise may sound simple — sandwiches, soups and salads in a cafe-style setting — MetroFresh’s selections are inventive and a triple threat for an affordable, health-minded and tasty lunch. The Uptown location is open until 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Be sure to check MetroFresh’s website for daily menu updates. 

1360 Peachtree St. Northeast, Suite 150

Nan Thai Fine Dining ($$) 
Southeast Asian staples, a sophisticated setting and a veteran Thai chef intersect at Nan Thai Fine Dining. The menu isn’t overly expansive, instead sticking to perfected classics and specialties — you can literally taste chef Nan Niyomkul’s years of experience. Lunch is available on weekdays, while dinner runs all week long. Nan Thai’s sister restaurant, Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft, is also nearby, on Peachtree Road Northeast. 

1350 Spring St. Northwest, #1

R Thomas Deluxe Grill ($$)
With an eclectic atmosphere, well-rounded menu and consistent late-night hours (they’re open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and until 5 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday), R Thomas Deluxe offers a little of everything. Breakfast is never a bad idea, especially since it’s available all day, and there’s a wide variety of entrees and drinks, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, juice and yerba mate lattes. 

1812 Peachtree Road Northeast 

Sufi’s Kitchen ($$)
Right beside R Thomas Deluxe, Sufi’s specializes in Persian fare like kebabs, khoresh (aromatic stew), and, of course, tahdig: pan-fried rice with an unbelievably soft, saffron-infused interior. The koobideh (minced beef and lamb), barg (steak), and chicken kebabs can all be shared to please a crowd.

1814 Peachtree St. Northeast 

Xhibit Studio Kitchen
Located in Canopy by Hilton Atlanta Midtown, Xhibit Studio Kitchen utilizes local ingredients for regional, Southern-inspired dishes — let’s just say it’s hard to go wrong here. Xhibit is also one of the area’s best bets for brunch (Think chicken and waffles or a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich made with French toast) if you want to enjoy a meal pre-matinee. 

1414 W. Peachtree St. Northwest

Near the Fox Theatre

Lyla Lila ($$$)
Southern European cuisine and wine (think Spain, France and Italy in particular) are the focus at one of Midtown’s most impressive restaurants. Do yourself a favor and order at least one pasta, either as an individual meal or for the table. 

693 Peachtree St. Northeast, Unit 118

Aviva by Kameel ($)
Aviva by Kameel’s whole gist is healthy food you’ll genuinely enjoy eating. Their ingredients are halal, organic, plus antibiotic and hormone-free, and their menu is easily adaptable to special diets. Choose from a selection of mezes, salads, plates, soups and pita wraps.

756 W Peachtree St. Northwest, Suite G 

Mary Mac’s Tea Room ($)
You’ve likely encountered Mary Mac’s on your own, but, if not, just know they’ve had 80 years to hone their Southern specialties. All entrees are served meat-and-two style. Start by sharing some fried green tomatoes — the degree of crunch compliments the fried fruit’s acidity, while Parmesan-horseradish sauce finishes off with just a little bite.  

224 Ponce de Leon Ave. Northeast

Rreal Tacos ($)
Quick bites, vibrant cocktails and a kid-friendly atmosphere make Rreal Tacos’ Midtown location optimal pre-performance fuel no matter what kind of crowd you’ve got in tow. As the name suggests, tacos are the main draw here, but you’ll also find salads, quesadillas and nachos. 

100 6th St. Northeast,  #110

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Sarra Sedghi is a freelance writer and editor based in Atlanta. She mostly writes about food, but she likes writing about people best.