Atlanta’s historic Virginia Highland neighborhood is a popular destination for dining, shopping and nightlife. Located five minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta, this vibrant and trendy area is filled with outdoor cafes and an eclectic mix of retail stores. The heart of Virginia Highland is the intersection of Virginia and Highland avenues. Many homes and commercial buildings in the neighborhood date from the early 20th century, when a streetcar line served the area. Here are some popular restaurants to try in Virginia Highland.
Located in the heart of Virginia Highland at 997 Virginia Avenue NE, Murphy’s has been an Atlanta favorite for over 30 years. The menu features contemporary American cuisine that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Some of Executive Chef Ian Winslade’s popular offerings include Braised Brisket, Pork Thigh, Shrimp and Grits, and Murphy Burger. Brunch is served on weekends from 8 am to 4 pm. Murphy’s Bakery offers delicious cookies, cakes and pies created by their pastry chef. Murphy’s has an award-winning wine list and their retail wine shop offers weekly wine tastings on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy small plates, tapas and margaritas at Noche Tequila & Tapas Bar, located at 1000 Virginia Avenue. Evening favorites include carne asada, seafood paella, and grilled chicken quesadillas. Every Monday tacos are $2 each. The shrimp taco and crispy fish taco are great options.
For authentic Italian cuisine, try La Tavola Trattoria at 992 Virginia Avenue NE. This is a cozy restaurant with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and an open kitchen. Favorite pastas are black linguine with squid and baked manicotti stuffed with beef, pork and spinach. Seafood lovers may want to try zuppa di pesce, a dish with clams, shrimp, lobster, and calamari. Enjoy Italian ice cream or sorbetto for dessert. La Tavola Trattoria is open daily for dinner and brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Osteria 832 is another Italian restaurant in Virginia Highland. Favorite entrees include Chicken Marsala and Eggplant Parmesan. Another tasty option is one of their thin-crust wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant is located at 832 N. Highland Avenue and patio seating is available. Creative Loafing magazine named Osteria 832 the best restaurant to take the kids in 2011.
Fontaine’s Oyster House is located at 1026-1/2 N. Highland Avenue. The menu includes fresh oysters, peel and eat shrimp, crab legs, Po’Boys and Remoulade crab cake. Free overnight valet parking is available at the rear entrance.
Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar, at 794 N. Highland Avenue, is Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern. They offer family dinners, and entrees include Southern Fried Chicken and Cornbread Crusted North Georgia Trout. They also serve burgers and sandwiches. Food is served until 2:30 am.
