Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Where to celebrate
  3. 9 Atlanta restaurants perfect for special occasions
Restaurant list

9 Atlanta restaurants perfect for special occasions

A photo of Red logo
by Su-Jit Lin
Updated December 18, 2023

The best special-occasion restaurants in Atlanta take Southern hospitality to the next level. But zeroing in on the right spot—whether that means a hushed omakase experience or a steakhouse where the staff breaks out actual confetti—can be overwhelming.

These city faithfuls are sure things for unforgettable meals and experiences worthy of your blockbuster night. Read on for a guide to 9 Atlanta restaurants perfect for special occasions.

4.9 (10777)
$50 and over
Steak
Buckhead

This fine-dining legend has aced the special-occasion test since it opened in 1979. Yes, there are world-class steaks and chops (including the iconic 34-ounce bone-in ribeye)—but Bones offers more than just exemplary meat. Case in point: the staff celebrates with diners and sprinkles confetti on tables to mark your big night. Anniversaries mean on-the-house Champagne toasts and birthdays feature a complimentary slice of Mile-High Pie, Bones’s meringue-covered dessert made with slabs of vanilla, chocolate chip, and rum raisin ice cream. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll go home with a box of bone-shaped shortbread cookies.

Top review
GregVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Bones was a phenomenal experience, food and vibe were amazing.

This fine-dining legend has aced the special-occasion test since it opened in 1979. Yes, there are world-class steaks and chops (including the iconic 34-ounce bone-in ribeye)—but Bones offers more than just exemplary meat. Case in point: the staff celebrates with diners and sprinkles confetti on tables to mark your big night. Anniversaries mean on-the-house Champagne toasts and birthdays feature a complimentary slice of Mile-High Pie, Bones’s meringue-covered dessert made with slabs of vanilla, chocolate chip, and rum raisin ice cream. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll go home with a box of bone-shaped shortbread cookies.

Top review
GregVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Bones was a phenomenal experience, food and vibe were amazing.
4.5 (2063)
$31 to $50
French American
Poncey-Highland

Hotel Clermont, which used to be a motor lodge, wasn’t always the place to go for a celebration. Today, Atlantans flock here for fine French food in the revamped basement—the renovation was so dramatic that it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come for the crispy boar terrine or flawless grilled cheese sandwich—a shaved black truffle, tomato conserva, and Comte combo that’s as special as your occasion. Or go all-out with the more traditional prix fixe. Whatever you do, don’t end your celebration without slices of celebratory crêpe cake.

Top review
Martin
Dined 1 day ago
Great evening at Tiny Lou’s. Food was excellent, service impeccable. Highly recommended.

Hotel Clermont, which used to be a motor lodge, wasn’t always the place to go for a celebration. Today, Atlantans flock here for fine French food in the revamped basement—the renovation was so dramatic that it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come for the crispy boar terrine or flawless grilled cheese sandwich—a shaved black truffle, tomato conserva, and Comte combo that’s as special as your occasion. Or go all-out with the more traditional prix fixe. Whatever you do, don’t end your celebration without slices of celebratory crêpe cake.

Top review
Martin
Dined 1 day ago
Great evening at Tiny Lou’s. Food was excellent, service impeccable. Highly recommended.
4.8 (4396)
$31 to $50
Thai
Midtown

The fact that this Midtown gem got props from the Thai government is reason enough to celebrate. But you’re likely here for an anniversary, birthday, or midweek pick-me-up. Toast with one of Nan Thai’s popular cocktails like the Thai chile-forward Nan Spice, then gear up for one seriously photogenic meal by Bangkok-born chef Nan Niyomkul. The rose-shaped dumplings make the prettiest Instagram shot, but the menu is filled with other high-drama dishes like a whole-fried red snapper curled around Brussels sprouts. Niyomkul and her fam are known to run one of the few area restaurants open on Christmas Day—just one of the many reasons Nan Thai has stayed a celebratory Atlanta go-to for over two decades.

Top review
Laura LaneVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We had such a wonderful experience — the food was absolutely perfect and the staff are truly exceptional. Everything about the restaurant is so thoughtfully considered and incredibly well executed. I would wholeheartedly recommend for any special occasion or if looking for a delicious, authentic Thai meal.

The fact that this Midtown gem got props from the Thai government is reason enough to celebrate. But you’re likely here for an anniversary, birthday, or midweek pick-me-up. Toast with one of Nan Thai’s popular cocktails like the Thai chile-forward Nan Spice, then gear up for one seriously photogenic meal by Bangkok-born chef Nan Niyomkul. The rose-shaped dumplings make the prettiest Instagram shot, but the menu is filled with other high-drama dishes like a whole-fried red snapper curled around Brussels sprouts. Niyomkul and her fam are known to run one of the few area restaurants open on Christmas Day—just one of the many reasons Nan Thai has stayed a celebratory Atlanta go-to for over two decades.

Top review
Laura LaneVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We had such a wonderful experience — the food was absolutely perfect and the staff are truly exceptional. Everything about the restaurant is so thoughtfully considered and incredibly well executed. I would wholeheartedly recommend for any special occasion or if looking for a delicious, authentic Thai meal.
4.8 (1082)
$30 and under
American
Buckhead

This sultry Mediterranean-inspired place lives in the artsy Burgess Hotel and is sought after for intimate celebrations. Dig into excellent wood-fired meats or get a taste of chef Burges Jokhi’s Indian heritage in dishes like giant prawn coconut curry with saffron orange basmati rice. Keep your special night going with a post-dinner martini at the lobbyside library—then make your celebration a staycation and book a room at the hotel.

Top review
Welby
Dined 2 days ago
Fia is such a delight. Our waiter, John, was super attentive and we LOVED our food selections! I never expected to be wowed by a wedge salad but here I am to rave about it! My husband could’ve eaten several of the branzinos and the woodfired salmon was incredible! Not to mention the lovely cocktails. DEFINITELY check out Fia if you haven’t already! ❤️❤️❤️

This sultry Mediterranean-inspired place lives in the artsy Burgess Hotel and is sought after for intimate celebrations. Dig into excellent wood-fired meats or get a taste of chef Burges Jokhi’s Indian heritage in dishes like giant prawn coconut curry with saffron orange basmati rice. Keep your special night going with a post-dinner martini at the lobbyside library—then make your celebration a staycation and book a room at the hotel.

Top review
Welby
Dined 2 days ago
Fia is such a delight. Our waiter, John, was super attentive and we LOVED our food selections! I never expected to be wowed by a wedge salad but here I am to rave about it! My husband could’ve eaten several of the branzinos and the woodfired salmon was incredible! Not to mention the lovely cocktails. DEFINITELY check out Fia if you haven’t already! ❤️❤️❤️
4.7 (9310)
$31 to $50
Seafood
West Midtown

Seafood—especially this far inland—screams special occasion. You’ll find lots of it at this West Midtown giant, ranging from duck-fat poached swordfish to George Bank scallops. The Optimist’s semi-private areas were tailor-made for gatherings (the restaurant has even hosted weddings). Let the staff know you’re celebrating and they’ll woo you with complimentary Champagne, dessert, and a menu scrawled with warm wishes from the team. Add a seafood-friendly wine list and nautical-chic touches—the wood strips that separate its floor-to-ceiling windows are meant to look like lobster traps—and you’ve got a stunning backdrop for a sensational meal.

Top review
ShamoniqueVIP
Dined 3 days ago
I had a great experience for my birthday dinner. The food and drinks were delicious and my birthday treat was presented very nicely. The fresh oysters and lobster rolls were my favorite.

Seafood—especially this far inland—screams special occasion. You’ll find lots of it at this West Midtown giant, ranging from duck-fat poached swordfish to George Bank scallops. The Optimist’s semi-private areas were tailor-made for gatherings (the restaurant has even hosted weddings). Let the staff know you’re celebrating and they’ll woo you with complimentary Champagne, dessert, and a menu scrawled with warm wishes from the team. Add a seafood-friendly wine list and nautical-chic touches—the wood strips that separate its floor-to-ceiling windows are meant to look like lobster traps—and you’ve got a stunning backdrop for a sensational meal.

Top review
ShamoniqueVIP
Dined 3 days ago
I had a great experience for my birthday dinner. The food and drinks were delicious and my birthday treat was presented very nicely. The fresh oysters and lobster rolls were my favorite.
4.6 (1792)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
Sandy Springs

Under The Cork Tree is just as great for an early-in-the-game date as it is for a cozy tapas party with your crew. If you’re coupled up—or trying to be—tufted leather loveseats and banquettes encourage snuggling. Chef Branden Holte’s chicken and housemade chorizo paella, which uses Calasparra rice from southeastern Spain, was made for sharing (and is worth the 30-minute wait), as is the larger-than-life barbecue platter. Toast with a glass from the global wine list, which is so huge that it’s presented on an iPad. A pretty patio with heat lamps means you can celebrate outdoors all year round at this eclectic Mediterranean charmer.

Top review
Moni
Dined 2 days ago
My friends and I visited for a mid week dinner outing, and we were not disappointed. The ambiance was very nice and the restaurant was clean and upscale. Our server Dre was attentive and personable. Last but not least, all of our meals were delicious! They came out quick and hot. Excellent burger and fries, lemonade was a little weak. Overall great experience, and would recommend to anyone looking for a classy date night or outing with friends.

Under The Cork Tree is just as great for an early-in-the-game date as it is for a cozy tapas party with your crew. If you’re coupled up—or trying to be—tufted leather loveseats and banquettes encourage snuggling. Chef Branden Holte’s chicken and housemade chorizo paella, which uses Calasparra rice from southeastern Spain, was made for sharing (and is worth the 30-minute wait), as is the larger-than-life barbecue platter. Toast with a glass from the global wine list, which is so huge that it’s presented on an iPad. A pretty patio with heat lamps means you can celebrate outdoors all year round at this eclectic Mediterranean charmer.

Top review
Moni
Dined 2 days ago
My friends and I visited for a mid week dinner outing, and we were not disappointed. The ambiance was very nice and the restaurant was clean and upscale. Our server Dre was attentive and personable. Last but not least, all of our meals were delicious! They came out quick and hot. Excellent burger and fries, lemonade was a little weak. Overall great experience, and would recommend to anyone looking for a classy date night or outing with friends.
4.8 (2924)
$31 to $50
Vietnamese
Buckhead

Time travel to 1920s Saigon at this romantic French Vietnamese restaurant. Your special night starts on a private elevator, which shuttles you to a breathtaking space that includes a breezy patio, a palm-lined dining room, and a mahogany bar. But it’s the food that does the heavy lifting here: Southeast Asian influences and French haute cuisine team up in winning dishes like caramelized filet mignon (aka “shaking beef”) and spicy yellowfin tuna tartare. Dial up the escapism by booking a celebration in the private chef’s dining room, which seats up to 14 and comes complete with a striking lotus flower mural and its own tasting menu.

Top review
ShardaeVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Did dinner early afternoon, great ambience and Lee our server was the best! Mocktails and wine were amazing - had the Branzino and it was delicious

Time travel to 1920s Saigon at this romantic French Vietnamese restaurant. Your special night starts on a private elevator, which shuttles you to a breathtaking space that includes a breezy patio, a palm-lined dining room, and a mahogany bar. But it’s the food that does the heavy lifting here: Southeast Asian influences and French haute cuisine team up in winning dishes like caramelized filet mignon (aka “shaking beef”) and spicy yellowfin tuna tartare. Dial up the escapism by booking a celebration in the private chef’s dining room, which seats up to 14 and comes complete with a striking lotus flower mural and its own tasting menu.

Top review
ShardaeVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Did dinner early afternoon, great ambience and Lee our server was the best! Mocktails and wine were amazing - had the Branzino and it was delicious
4.7 (2165)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Midtown

When you can’t take an actual vacay to celebrate a marquee moment, head to this stylish restaurant instead. Every 90 days, the Consulate’s chef and co-owner Mei Lin lets a diner spin the restaurant’s globe and choose the country that influences its menu for the next three months. October is all about Japan, but rest assured that faves from past globe spins (Korean duck confit, Greenland-inspired lamb chops) claim full-time status on the menu. If the staff knows you’re here for an anniversary, expect to kick off your culinary flight like they do in first class: with a complimentary Champagne toast.

Top review
Todd
Dined 4 days ago
A very different dining experience. Great place if you have several food allergies. The drinks were gourmet as is the signature items on the menu. The decor emulates the vibe you would get in the downtown Atlanta area. We are going to start going every time they change the menu to another country, so we can have different experiences every time we visit. They have a great thing happening.

When you can’t take an actual vacay to celebrate a marquee moment, head to this stylish restaurant instead. Every 90 days, the Consulate’s chef and co-owner Mei Lin lets a diner spin the restaurant’s globe and choose the country that influences its menu for the next three months. October is all about Japan, but rest assured that faves from past globe spins (Korean duck confit, Greenland-inspired lamb chops) claim full-time status on the menu. If the staff knows you’re here for an anniversary, expect to kick off your culinary flight like they do in first class: with a complimentary Champagne toast.

Top review
Todd
Dined 4 days ago
A very different dining experience. Great place if you have several food allergies. The drinks were gourmet as is the signature items on the menu. The decor emulates the vibe you would get in the downtown Atlanta area. We are going to start going every time they change the menu to another country, so we can have different experiences every time we visit. They have a great thing happening.
4.7 (11732)
$31 to $50
American
Vinings

A big night at Canoe begins with an al fresco cocktail on the Chattahoochee’s scenic banks. It’ll feel like a fresh new celebration whenever you’re here, thanks to the restaurant’s near-weekly evolving modern American menu. Luxe ingredients like crab, kangaroo, and rabbit make regular appearances, but they’re prepped differently every time, keeping returning diners—and there are many—on their toes. Mention you’re celebrating an occasion, and the staff will make sure your dessert course includes a message in chocolate. In case you want to keep your occasion especially exclusive, Canoe has multiple private dining spaces.

Top review
Jette
Dined 2 days ago
Best experience ever, the food is just amazing, the taste experience is phenomenal :)

A big night at Canoe begins with an al fresco cocktail on the Chattahoochee’s scenic banks. It’ll feel like a fresh new celebration whenever you’re here, thanks to the restaurant’s near-weekly evolving modern American menu. Luxe ingredients like crab, kangaroo, and rabbit make regular appearances, but they’re prepped differently every time, keeping returning diners—and there are many—on their toes. Mention you’re celebrating an occasion, and the staff will make sure your dessert course includes a message in chocolate. In case you want to keep your occasion especially exclusive, Canoe has multiple private dining spaces.

Top review
Jette
Dined 2 days ago
Best experience ever, the food is just amazing, the taste experience is phenomenal :)
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo