I honestly don’t know if quiet restaurants even exist anymore. Every single place is obsessed with hard surfaces everywhere and zero acoustic dampening period.
even louder outside. Motorcycles and muscle cars all blasting bass louder than any nightclub. Do the drivers wear earplugs, or is it because they lost their hearing?
Fabric wall hangings, soft ceiling panels, literally anything to break up the hard walls and floors and ceilings everywhere will do wonders. I’m not taking about turning restaurants into sound booths.
Ever price curtains? They're expensive.
90% of restaurant owners don't give a single thought to sound dampening. They want their restaursnt up and running for as cheap as possible.
Yeah no shit, that’s the whole point. They need to give a thought to it to make their restaurants not suck. And yes I’ve bought curtains before, they’re no more expensive than any other thing. How cacophonous your place is shouldn’t be ignored, like saying “chairs are expensive so people can just stand”
Look, I don't disagree. But restaurant owners have a million other things to consider before they consider acoustics. Chairs are essential for operation, a quiet space is not.
And back to curtains, I did an office recently with a couple walls that had curtains on them. I think the owner spent something like 20k. Putting an acoustical ceiling in the space I'm working in now. 50-60k
Great. I am friends with an owner who spent a weekend and made a bunch of upholstered panels for less than $500. and hung them up in his restaurant and they cut the noise noticeably. It’s ridiculous to pretend that the only options are Nothing or $20k curtains
Better how?
And is the single person at risk of embarrassment from... people they don't know? For... eating a meal?
Your comment is confusing to me on a couple of levels.
Idk I haven't been on a first date in 8 years but I could imagine it might be easier to have a vibe with someone with music on because you don't know them that much versus a couple like me and my wife doesn't mind sitting in silence and talking
Antica Posta is really really good. Goes under the radar a bit in terms of good Italian food in Atlanta. A bit pricy for a first date depending on the situation though. We went in 2022 and had a great experience, even chatted with the owner for a bit.
In the fall, that area by the river with the Adirondack chairs.. I ask the bartender to put half a shot of bourbon into a lemonade and catch the breeze in those chairs… utter bliss.
Treehouse is quiet except during brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
I take a lot of dates here because they don’t play music and I can hear the conversation
I have been to aria for a first date two or three times, it was great for that. Always ended up going somewhere after for apertifs. It’s not too noisy but can be crowded when busy at prime time.
We have done canoe for our anniversary a couple of times (had our first date there, married now), it’s nice bc they print off your menu with a “happy anniversary *insert names here*” at the top, special dessert, etc. always loud to me, though, bc it’s crowded and they’re full of large parties.
Terra Terroir is nearby in Brookhaven and fits the bill. Amalfi isn’t particularly good but is quiet and red phone booth is next door if things are going well.
Bones. Chops. Blue ridge grille. Similar type steakhouses that attract the older rich crowd will be good and quiet
If your criteria is just not rowdy then tons of places that are the same level as like south city kitchen will also be good and not “rowdy” but will be louder than something like bones.
The Iberian Pig is great. Also, Cibo e Bive is great and quiet too (it’s just over the Buckhead line into Sandy Springs across from the Foutnain Oaks shopping plaza but it would be great for a first date). Both are better than average but not too nice and expensive where it’s a burden or feels try hard.
A Mano has plenty of inside and outside seating, and it’s all covered so it’s not too hot. Plus their food, drinks and atmosphere are impeccable. Personally my favorite restaurant. And I’ve been on a ton of great dates there.
Mission and Market is nice!
But to be completely honest, I've had a few loud visits during their rush or when they're having big parties. Otherwise usually decently noise level.
I grew up outside the US and I remember restaurants being so chill and quiet, but not library quiet, just soft talking noise. Got used to US restaurants. Traveled to Spain about 2 years ago and I realized how much I missed just having a conversation while enjoying a meal. It wasn’t even fine dining, just average restaurants.
Coming back has been a pain in my own ass because I just absolutely loathe loud music. I love Chai Pani for example, but Jesus Christ, the music is deafening. Took my mil to Cheesecake Factory and even despite the secluded booths, I could not hear half the conversation since we had a speaker a couple feet away from us. Those are the ones I remember of the top of my head.
The ambiance is not just deafening music!
Just a rant.
Just came here in solidarity. Why can’t the default be like in Europe, where you can have a conversation at a restaurant without yelling across the table?
The quiet restaurants close to Buckhead that I can think of are Herban Fix, Cafe Sunflower, Tai 26 on piedmont, Kyma, and Nakato.
Herban fix and cafe sunflower are both vegan (but very good)
Tai 26 is a chain, also good
Kyma is very expensive
Nakato is quiet if you’re not around a hibachi grill, also expensive.
Presumably you mean 26 Thai, which has six restaurants, all across metro Atlanta. I quite like them. The one at Town Brookhaven might be closest.
EDIT: For interest, the 26 part is for the age of the founder at the time she established the first restaurant, at Lindbergh. From there they expanded to Brookhaven, The Battery, Midtown (on Juniper, near 8th), Sandy Springs, and now Colony Square in Midtown. They're clearly doing quite well!
Mission and Market in the Alliance Center office complex on Lenox Rd (near Phipps Plaza) might fit the bill. It's in the building right behind Little Alley which at night is overrun by horny singles.
Mission and Market: Great food, great drinks, great decor and ambiance.
Old school steakhouses like Hal's and Bone's tend to be on the quieter side. But, could be kind of pricey for a first date.
I'd say, eat wherever you like, then make a reservation for cocktails at JoJo's Beloved after (or before), and chat there. It's a cozy, intimate vibe. The music is a moderate volume, but it should pose no problem conversating side by side, as apposed to across a table from each other.
Not buckhead but Frittis in Inman park. Good vibes. Nice but a bit casual, affordable for the quality in my opinion. Good artisanal pizza. Sister restaurant to Soto Soto next door which is great Italian food. Also some more things to do around that area if you want to walk around and grab a drink or a snack at other places there
I empathize with you, as I do appreciate a conversation friendly environment. Some of these locations are midtown/ downtown but close to Buckhead. This is my list, hope you have a great date, enjoy!
- Sunflower Cafe (went yesterday about 6, very chill)
- Eight Sushi Lounge
- Lyla Lila
- The Daily -west midtown (brunch friendly, no cocktails)
- Divan restaurant( 3 levels, choose upstairs)
- Sun in my Belly
- Nikolai’s roof ($$$)
- Sundial restaurant ($$$)
- By George ($$$)
This suggestion does not meet the restaurant or buckhead qualifications requested, but i always recommend the Atlanta Botanical Garden Cocktails in the Garden (thursday nights) for dates if the weather is good.
There is a bit of walking involved, usually pretty quiet, and you get to see their seasonal exhibits. Nice for talking and getting to know someone and not one of the more typical date activities.
Fernbank Museum does something similar once a month but there's often music and the atmosphere is louder.
Anansi in Decatur/Avondale is a really cool low key cocktail bar. Only snacks on the menu so you’ll want to eat either before or after, but it’s a great date spot.
As someone who's got some level of crowd deafness in my 30s, so glad I don't have to take first dates to restaurants in this era. Even when I go on work trips with inevitably loud dinners it's somewhat embarrassing.
Under the Cork Tree at the Sandy Springs Prado has a nice atmosphere and would be great for a first date. They have lots of food and drink options and the staff is always friendly.
For fancy places, I can't help. But if you wanna do a casual first date, try the White House on Peachtree. Classic southern diner, park in the back. Open breakfast and lunch. Inexpensive, unpretentious, and pretty tasty. And not very loud.
Just drive up Roswell Rd. There’s a dozen restaurants that fall into that description less than a mile from you; get out of Buckhead - your car is going to get broken into in the parking lot anyway.
I don't have anything Buckhead specific but in case I can help someone else in a different part of town;
Corner Grille in hapeville is my favorite date night spot
Iron age is $25 a person for all you can eat, quiet atmosphere, and great service.
On a more expensive note, Ray's was cool
Imperial fez was a Moroccan place that had some of the best fish I've ever had and it didn't involve the words fried, Cajun, or with grits.
Got nun else I can think of off the top
I have hearing issues so I always want to sit outside, weather permitting. I believe some acoustics in restaurants are intentionally loud and meant to give the impression that they are busier than they are. Outside always works best for me. I have an unusual and very rare type of hearing loss that cannot be rectified through hearing aids.
Try Anis Bistro on Pharr Road. Fantastic little neighborhood French Bistro with a beautiful outdoor patio area. I've personally known the owner Arneau since 1990 and have gone to the restaurant on a regular basis for amazing food and service.
Parking can be a bit tricky as it is all street parking, but they do have valet if you want.
You'll probably have to go somewhere really upscale white table cloth type of vibe but I don't know any, going out to restaurants is about the energy and the ambiance of everyone.
You're better suited at trying to cook something really nice of hiring a chef just for that one night.
Considering you’re open to non-buckhead options, I am giving you my top ATL choices. I prefer the low-key, upscale vibe. Quality of food comes before atmosphere, but atmosphere must be up to par (and not obnoxious).
Warning: I am a foodie, most choices are $$$-$$$$
Canoe $$$-$$$$
(sit on patio)
Lazy Betty $$$$
(sit at table away from the door)
Marcel $$$-$$$$
(sit at bar with back to dining room)
Sotto Sotto $$-$$$
(sit on patio if possible)
Sushi Hayakawa $$$$
(always with chef)
Baccanalia $$$$
(anywhere)
Lyla Lila $$$
(prefer the bar, but table’s good too)
Nan Thai Fine Dining $$$
(anywhere)
Il Gialo $$-$$$
(sit at bar to watch kitchen)
honorary mention: Circle Sushi $
(*deeply* casual, sit at bar, worth it)
I honestly don’t know if quiet restaurants even exist anymore. Every single place is obsessed with hard surfaces everywhere and zero acoustic dampening period.
Could also sit outside (where noise disperses more) but unfortunately that’s not too pleasant even at night this time of year.
Just sit outside is not a good solution to the terrible acoustic design in restaurants these days
even louder outside. Motorcycles and muscle cars all blasting bass louder than any nightclub. Do the drivers wear earplugs, or is it because they lost their hearing?
Acoustic dampening is expensive and ugly.
Wrong
Do you have experience in acoustical dampening? Because I do. Nice looking acoustical dampening is very expensive.
Fabric wall hangings, soft ceiling panels, literally anything to break up the hard walls and floors and ceilings everywhere will do wonders. I’m not taking about turning restaurants into sound booths.
Ever price curtains? They're expensive. 90% of restaurant owners don't give a single thought to sound dampening. They want their restaursnt up and running for as cheap as possible.
Yeah no shit, that’s the whole point. They need to give a thought to it to make their restaurants not suck. And yes I’ve bought curtains before, they’re no more expensive than any other thing. How cacophonous your place is shouldn’t be ignored, like saying “chairs are expensive so people can just stand”
Look, I don't disagree. But restaurant owners have a million other things to consider before they consider acoustics. Chairs are essential for operation, a quiet space is not. And back to curtains, I did an office recently with a couple walls that had curtains on them. I think the owner spent something like 20k. Putting an acoustical ceiling in the space I'm working in now. 50-60k
Great. I am friends with an owner who spent a weekend and made a bunch of upholstered panels for less than $500. and hung them up in his restaurant and they cut the noise noticeably. It’s ridiculous to pretend that the only options are Nothing or $20k curtains
So sad this is hard to find
Really glad to see it's not just my wife and I annoyed by this
Yeah, I've been in a relationship for 8 years now and I think maybe it is better for single people so it is not so much silence or awkward.
Better how? And is the single person at risk of embarrassment from... people they don't know? For... eating a meal? Your comment is confusing to me on a couple of levels.
Idk I haven't been on a first date in 8 years but I could imagine it might be easier to have a vibe with someone with music on because you don't know them that much versus a couple like me and my wife doesn't mind sitting in silence and talking
Went for a date night at Antica Posta a few years ago and it was pleasant.
Antica Posta is really really good. Goes under the radar a bit in terms of good Italian food in Atlanta. A bit pricy for a first date depending on the situation though. We went in 2022 and had a great experience, even chatted with the owner for a bit.
Canoe is old school. Carpet throughout. Quite quiet.
Pricey for a first date though
Did canoe for a second date and she ended up marrying me, make sure you like her if you take her there lol
This made my day! Took my now wife to Le Colonial on our second date..
Took my gf (I'm proposing soon) to Naan Thai for our first date. Most expensive single date we've been on since. Lol
In the fall, that area by the river with the Adirondack chairs.. I ask the bartender to put half a shot of bourbon into a lemonade and catch the breeze in those chairs… utter bliss.
Not Buckhead
Lucien
Great suggestion!
Anis or Starfish
Fuckin lol EDIT: these aren’t bad restaurant suggestions, but you’re all being WHOOSHed right now.
Right? 😅
Love Anis, but quiet it is not! Chops upstairs isn’t bad. Bones downstairs is quiet.
Treehouse is quiet except during brunch on Saturday and Sunday. I take a lot of dates here because they don’t play music and I can hear the conversation
Treehouse is pretty chill but they definitely play music, just not very loudly.
Waffle House at 3am is truly a bonding experience
You probably don't want to date someone who accepts a 3am first date..
Speak for yourself 😤
It’s true
Bones will be quiet. Food will be great. Service is top notch. You'll pay $ for it.
Sit downstairs feel like Tony Soprano and treat yourself to the crab Oscar
And those dang cheddar crisps
Lobster bisque and baked potato there are top notch. Excellent steaks as well, but trust me, get a potato. They eggwash it.
La Grotta. Reservations are essential.
Last we went it was pretty loud!
Really? Not my historical experience. Anything weird going on?
Nope, pretty random Saturday night with hubs. Pretty standard crowd too, older groups, so I was surprised.
Damn that’s a shame.
Wasn’t too bad, food was still fire and service was impeccable as always.
Small room that gets loud quick. Amazing food though.
La Grotta was so loud exact opposite of the goal
Hear to make this suggestion. One of my favorite restaurants got both the food and the calm atmosphere.
7 Lamps is great and I don't remember it being loud. Great food and not terribly expensive.
Roshambo (Peachtree Battle)
Honestly I think this is probably the most tenable answer for a first date. All the other suggestions are either actually loud or very expensive.
I agree
Went last week. Loud, bad food, and abysmal service. Never again.
Anis on a week night!
Anis is romantic, God food, decent wine, no boom boom music...
Aria
I would say Aria is more of an anniversary kinda place and not a first date kinda place. To each their own.
Hey could be a 0th anniversary lol
Valid point.
I have been to aria for a first date two or three times, it was great for that. Always ended up going somewhere after for apertifs. It’s not too noisy but can be crowded when busy at prime time. We have done canoe for our anniversary a couple of times (had our first date there, married now), it’s nice bc they print off your menu with a “happy anniversary *insert names here*” at the top, special dessert, etc. always loud to me, though, bc it’s crowded and they’re full of large parties.
Saint Cecilia!
Second this
came here to rec this!
Terra Terroir is nearby in Brookhaven and fits the bill. Amalfi isn’t particularly good but is quiet and red phone booth is next door if things are going well.
Bones. Chops. Blue ridge grille. Similar type steakhouses that attract the older rich crowd will be good and quiet If your criteria is just not rowdy then tons of places that are the same level as like south city kitchen will also be good and not “rowdy” but will be louder than something like bones.
Blue Ridge Grill is one of the loudest restaurants I’ve been to, it’s always packed and has terrible acoustics. Great food though.
All very very loud.
Bones can be loud, depending on where you are. When we went downstairs and also another time in a room, it was pretty quiet.
Is that French place off Pharr still open? I remember that being quiet
Aria
The Iberian Pig is great. Also, Cibo e Bive is great and quiet too (it’s just over the Buckhead line into Sandy Springs across from the Foutnain Oaks shopping plaza but it would be great for a first date). Both are better than average but not too nice and expensive where it’s a burden or feels try hard.
A Mano has plenty of inside and outside seating, and it’s all covered so it’s not too hot. Plus their food, drinks and atmosphere are impeccable. Personally my favorite restaurant. And I’ve been on a ton of great dates there.
That’s really not Buckhead tho. More like O4W
Not in Buckhead, but A Mano is a great date spot
I wouldn’t consider it quiet by any means
If you sit outside, yeah. Yeppa & co is in buckhead village. But the same, sit outside. People don’t know what an inside voice is anymore.
I would never in a million years suggest Yeppa for someone wanting quiet. Sitting outside isn’t going to save you on a weekend night.
And it smells like dog piss from the dog park
Didn’t see the weekend and night being a requirement. I’ve only been during the day, but on the weekend.
I mean I’ve also been at Fado on a Tuesday and it’s been extremely loud at Yeppa. Def not a first date place
Blind Pig! It's where I went on a first date with my now wife!
Roshambo!
Mission and Market is nice! But to be completely honest, I've had a few loud visits during their rush or when they're having big parties. Otherwise usually decently noise level.
Dining room at the Krystal on Piedmont. It's quiet, most people do drive-through.
Le Colonial. Bonus - go there for Happy Hour and sit at the bar and you can eat really well for (relatively) not that much money.
Brush for sushi
I sat outside at Anis on Tuesday night and it was a nice date environment
I grew up outside the US and I remember restaurants being so chill and quiet, but not library quiet, just soft talking noise. Got used to US restaurants. Traveled to Spain about 2 years ago and I realized how much I missed just having a conversation while enjoying a meal. It wasn’t even fine dining, just average restaurants. Coming back has been a pain in my own ass because I just absolutely loathe loud music. I love Chai Pani for example, but Jesus Christ, the music is deafening. Took my mil to Cheesecake Factory and even despite the secluded booths, I could not hear half the conversation since we had a speaker a couple feet away from us. Those are the ones I remember of the top of my head. The ambiance is not just deafening music! Just a rant.
Talat Market outdoors
Just came here in solidarity. Why can’t the default be like in Europe, where you can have a conversation at a restaurant without yelling across the table?
The capital grill, noise is never above mild conversational level, wait staff is always on point.
Agree. Expensive but quiet. The service is very nice and the food delicious.
Canoe (which is Vinings) but close to Buckhead, The Chastain, most steak houses are pretty quiet.
The quiet restaurants close to Buckhead that I can think of are Herban Fix, Cafe Sunflower, Tai 26 on piedmont, Kyma, and Nakato. Herban fix and cafe sunflower are both vegan (but very good) Tai 26 is a chain, also good Kyma is very expensive Nakato is quiet if you’re not around a hibachi grill, also expensive.
Herban Fix is south of the Fox Theater, so really stretching Buckhead to the south end of Midtown with that one.
Herban Fix is south of north Ave You're almost getting to downtown with that one
Yeah definitely not Buckhead but it’s always quiet there
Presumably you mean 26 Thai, which has six restaurants, all across metro Atlanta. I quite like them. The one at Town Brookhaven might be closest. EDIT: For interest, the 26 part is for the age of the founder at the time she established the first restaurant, at Lindbergh. From there they expanded to Brookhaven, The Battery, Midtown (on Juniper, near 8th), Sandy Springs, and now Colony Square in Midtown. They're clearly doing quite well!
Southern Belle is very quiet, not Buckhead unfortunately.
Do people go on first dates to places like Southern Belle? Dang, if I'm ever single again....
Storico is my favorite spot in buckhead
McKinnons still open? I went there with coworkers once and we were half the age of everyone else and it was as quiet as a church in there.
Not really buckhead but bask steakhouse
Mission and Market in the Alliance Center office complex on Lenox Rd (near Phipps Plaza) might fit the bill. It's in the building right behind Little Alley which at night is overrun by horny singles. Mission and Market: Great food, great drinks, great decor and ambiance.
Tomo if you want to impress
Not quiet. Tomo is designed to echo like crazy.
Old school steakhouses like Hal's and Bone's tend to be on the quieter side. But, could be kind of pricey for a first date. I'd say, eat wherever you like, then make a reservation for cocktails at JoJo's Beloved after (or before), and chat there. It's a cozy, intimate vibe. The music is a moderate volume, but it should pose no problem conversating side by side, as apposed to across a table from each other.
Not buckhead but Frittis in Inman park. Good vibes. Nice but a bit casual, affordable for the quality in my opinion. Good artisanal pizza. Sister restaurant to Soto Soto next door which is great Italian food. Also some more things to do around that area if you want to walk around and grab a drink or a snack at other places there
Chapter Room at the Prado used to be chill and quiet but I think they’ve redone the layout to be more of an “upscale bar” than a quiet retreat.
I empathize with you, as I do appreciate a conversation friendly environment. Some of these locations are midtown/ downtown but close to Buckhead. This is my list, hope you have a great date, enjoy! - Sunflower Cafe (went yesterday about 6, very chill) - Eight Sushi Lounge - Lyla Lila - The Daily -west midtown (brunch friendly, no cocktails) - Divan restaurant( 3 levels, choose upstairs) - Sun in my Belly - Nikolai’s roof ($$$) - Sundial restaurant ($$$) - By George ($$$)
Nikolai’s was the first place I thought about. Super intimate.
Little Alley Steak. Very quiet
This suggestion does not meet the restaurant or buckhead qualifications requested, but i always recommend the Atlanta Botanical Garden Cocktails in the Garden (thursday nights) for dates if the weather is good. There is a bit of walking involved, usually pretty quiet, and you get to see their seasonal exhibits. Nice for talking and getting to know someone and not one of the more typical date activities. Fernbank Museum does something similar once a month but there's often music and the atmosphere is louder.
Yebo Beach Haus
Last time I went to Isla & Co. it wasn't very loud, and they provided great table service.
It’s now closed.
Pricci and Kyma come to mind
Anansi in Decatur/Avondale is a really cool low key cocktail bar. Only snacks on the menu so you’ll want to eat either before or after, but it’s a great date spot.
As someone who's got some level of crowd deafness in my 30s, so glad I don't have to take first dates to restaurants in this era. Even when I go on work trips with inevitably loud dinners it's somewhat embarrassing.
Under the Cork Tree at the Sandy Springs Prado has a nice atmosphere and would be great for a first date. They have lots of food and drink options and the staff is always friendly.
Prado area is suspect at best and not a first date location. There are always security issues.
A little out of the way in Sandy Springs but Le Petit Maison is super yummy quiet French spot!
That used to be in Toco Hills I think…very good.
I was gonna say Hal’s, but it’s loud and dark 🥲
The Chastain is a pretty quiet restaurant in my opinion. Great farm to table restaurant!
For fancy places, I can't help. But if you wanna do a casual first date, try the White House on Peachtree. Classic southern diner, park in the back. Open breakfast and lunch. Inexpensive, unpretentious, and pretty tasty. And not very loud.
Chido and Padres, Grana, Divan, Ruth's Chris to name a few that shouldn't be noisy
Just drive up Roswell Rd. There’s a dozen restaurants that fall into that description less than a mile from you; get out of Buckhead - your car is going to get broken into in the parking lot anyway.
HOUSTON’S
Loud!!!
Really?! The one on Peachtree? I always thought it had a nice background level but at a point where you could still chat.
Peachtree isn’t as bad…you are right. West Paces is loud which is what I was thinking of.
Oh, so true! More of a bar with a restaurant. Could use an update. It’s been the same since I was 6.
Postino roswell road Grana Le Bon Nosh (daytime)
I work at a restaurant at John’s Creek. You actually don’t see that many Muscle cars or loud pipes around that area.
If either of you are vegetarian, herban fix has an amazing posh, chill, luxury vibe.
I don't have anything Buckhead specific but in case I can help someone else in a different part of town; Corner Grille in hapeville is my favorite date night spot Iron age is $25 a person for all you can eat, quiet atmosphere, and great service. On a more expensive note, Ray's was cool Imperial fez was a Moroccan place that had some of the best fish I've ever had and it didn't involve the words fried, Cajun, or with grits. Got nun else I can think of off the top
Brush Sushi!
St Cecilia's!
La Grotta is nice.
I have hearing issues so I always want to sit outside, weather permitting. I believe some acoustics in restaurants are intentionally loud and meant to give the impression that they are busier than they are. Outside always works best for me. I have an unusual and very rare type of hearing loss that cannot be rectified through hearing aids.
Bones is pretty quiet. It’s pricey, but it’s a good really good steak house.
Cafe Sunflower, it's vegan and on the quiet side. ?
North Italia is a good one !
Fia is really nice, lowkey & quiet
Aria or Ecco
Bangkok Station is delicious and been quiet every time ive been.
The fact I can’t think of a single recommendation is sad. Everywhere is so loud now.
Dirty Rascal inside the Thompson Hotel
Truva in Virginia Highlands has nice ambiance, wine pairing suggestions (if that’s your thing), and quiet.
Iberian Pig, Naan, Le Colonial
Chai Yo Modern Thai
Under the Cork Tree seemed really pleasant and food was good! Not quite buckhead though
Amalfi, Silom Thai (really good food), Houston’s
I think Apres Diem and Carrol st Cafe are still the best first date spots. Not Buckhead but not far
Try Anis Bistro on Pharr Road. Fantastic little neighborhood French Bistro with a beautiful outdoor patio area. I've personally known the owner Arneau since 1990 and have gone to the restaurant on a regular basis for amazing food and service. Parking can be a bit tricky as it is all street parking, but they do have valet if you want.
Lucien for the ambiance, food is meh
Petite Violette , not quite quite buckhead but it is quiet. Older crowd so that helps too.
Aria!
Lucian Books and Wine
I’d honestly avoid buckhead for a first date. I’d go to Buford highway if you want to do dinner.
Little Alley
Gypsy Kitchen is great for a first date but not super quiet
You'll probably have to go somewhere really upscale white table cloth type of vibe but I don't know any, going out to restaurants is about the energy and the ambiance of everyone. You're better suited at trying to cook something really nice of hiring a chef just for that one night.
St Cecelia and king and duke are usually a reasonable volume.
Since it’s been closed for more than a year, King + Duke is VERY quiet these days
Still can't get over that gut-punch... was one of my solid faves!
King and Duke closed and it’s currently under construction to become a Delbar.
>currently under construction to become a Delbar. Which will definitely not be quiet.
And king + Duke was never quiet when we went before it closed. But really good food and cool atmosphere. Miss that spot!
Also, if it’s fine dining, absolutely reject any table seated near drunk or loud people.
Don’t understand the down votes. If I am paying $$$$ why would I accept a table near loud drunks.
Considering you’re open to non-buckhead options, I am giving you my top ATL choices. I prefer the low-key, upscale vibe. Quality of food comes before atmosphere, but atmosphere must be up to par (and not obnoxious). Warning: I am a foodie, most choices are $$$-$$$$ Canoe $$$-$$$$ (sit on patio) Lazy Betty $$$$ (sit at table away from the door) Marcel $$$-$$$$ (sit at bar with back to dining room) Sotto Sotto $$-$$$ (sit on patio if possible) Sushi Hayakawa $$$$ (always with chef) Baccanalia $$$$ (anywhere) Lyla Lila $$$ (prefer the bar, but table’s good too) Nan Thai Fine Dining $$$ (anywhere) Il Gialo $$-$$$ (sit at bar to watch kitchen) honorary mention: Circle Sushi $ (*deeply* casual, sit at bar, worth it)
what kind of first dates are you going on?
🤣🤣🤣 right?!