The Ultimate Virginia Highland Dining Guide

Virginia Highland is a remarkable neighborhood.

Nestled snugly between Piedmont Park, the Beltline, and Midtown, it has the small-town feel of a suburban neighborhood with the action of a slick city. It rose to prominence as an early 20th century street car suburb, which shows with its retro vibe, yet the restaurants and bars have never felt fresher. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the finest eateries and drinkeries that Va-Hi has to offer.

La Tavola

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

One moment you’re in Virginia Highland, and the next you’re transported to a rustic Italian trattoria. La Tavola offers all your favorite dishes, from veal meatballs to tiramisu, not to mention an extensive wine list which you’ll find has something that pairs perfectly with anything. While you’ll find something to enjoy no matter what evening you go, you’ll be extra tickled by Molto Monday, during which you can get three drool-worthy pastas (Bucatini Carbonara, Rigatoni al Forno, and Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe) for only ten bucks. And no matter what you get, don’t forget to add some extra parmesan cheese.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits

1004 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

If you’re looking for biscuits that are cold and large, Callie’s is not your spot. (That’s a joke, they actually have normal-sized biscuits) Simply put, these are some of the best biscuits in Atlanta: flaky and buttery, but with plenty of structural integrity (the words nobody wants to admit they want to hear to describe a biscuit) so they aren’t falling apart under the weight of your toppings. Get yourself a sausage, egg, and pimento cheese biscuit sandwich or be the hero of your office and bring in a baker’s dozen of the namesake hot little biscuits, available in flavors ranging from cheese & chive to black pepper bacon.

Moe’s and Joe’s

1033 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

This Virginia Highland staple has been in business since the Truman Administration and not much has changed since 1947. There’s an understanding among every patron that you’re getting simple and delicious bar food with plenty of cheap and refreshing (two adjectives that don’t go together nearly enough) Pabst Blue Ribbon. Moe’s and Joe’s is known nationwide for slinging endless quantities of PBR. If you’re hungry, get the go-to Moe’s and Joe’s order: a Mo Jo Burger and fries with a 16-oz PBR and your bill will come in under $10. No joke. 

Murphy’s

997 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

I have my own (largely untested) theory that a restaurant named after a person (i.e. Ippolito’s, Lloyd’s) will never let you down. Murphy’s has been proving that for over 40 years. When you’re at Murphy’s, you immediately feel at home with the charming staff and neighborhood camaraderie, but it’s the food that will make you feel the warmest inside. Dive into their Guinness-braised brisket with horseradish mashed potatoes, or maybe indulge in the crab cake benedict with jalapeno hollandaise. And if you’ve still got room afterwards, sink your teeth into the Tollhouse pie, made of dark and white chocolate Tollhouse cookie batter with a cookies-and-cream crust, walnuts, and vanilla ice cream. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling!

Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar

794 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Since its genesis as The Atkins Park Delicatessen in 1922, this restaurant has been a staple of the Va-Hi community. Their food is the perfect marriage between classic bar food and something a bit more elevated. On one hand, you’ve got chicken tenders with honey mustard and ranch; on the other, there’s confit chicken wings slow-fried in duck fat and tossed with either sweet chili garlic sauce or buffalo. This balance is even truer for brunch: you can get a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with gruyere, avocado, and bacon aioli on sourdough or opt for a fried green tomato Benedict with Sriracha hollandaise.

Bar.bacoa

1000 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Every neighborhood needs a reliable and delicious Mexican spot, and Bar.bacoa goes above and beyond in filling that role for Va-Hi. Their chic Spanish vibe is appropriate for any occasion that might bring you in, and the tacos, tapas, cocktails, and namesake barbacoa will ensure you’re leaving with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. Plus, when you order their margaritas, don’t expect the usual artificial, teeth-stinging sweetness of a bottom-shelf sour mix like most places serve. Bar.bacoa owners Scott and James ensured that all of their mixers were made with only the realest and freshest ingredients in order to pair with their premium tequilas. I’ll drink to that.

Highland Tap

1026 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

There’s nothing quite like a steakhouse. The ambience, the decor, the drinks, the food…Highland Tap has it all and it’s been the pride of Va-Hi since 1989. You’ll love the speakeasy vibes, but you’ll love the martinis even more. And Highland Tap more than earns its prestige as a steakhouse with a wide variety of delicious options. Start out strong with an order of Oysters Rockefeller. Then for your steak, go either wood-fired (and you simply can’t miss with the 32-oz tomahawk bone-in ribeye) or slow-roasted (prime rib all the way). You can also redefine surf-and-turf and get the lobster burger: their steak burger topped with garlic-chive butter poached lobster.

Kinship Butcher & Sundry

1019 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta may not be a bodega city, but Kinship whips up bodega-style sandwiches better than any you’ll find in New York. Owners Myles Moody (Holeman & Finch) and Rachael Pack have brought a whole animal butchery to Va-Hi where you can scoop local produce, prepackaged goods, a wide wine selection, and, oh yeah, about those sandwiches…

Start your day off right with some of the freshest and heartiest breakfast sandwiches in town: bacon or housemade sausage with a fluffy folded egg, cheese, Duke’s mayo, and arugula on a brioche roll (this pairs perfectly with their Academy Coffee coffee bar’s many fresh selections). They have a few mighty lunch options as well, like the Porchetta (griddled pork belly, onion, cheese, Dueling Pepper Relish, and Drunken Mustard) and the Gator Belt (their take on a patty melt).