
Photo by Ben Rollins
Every year around this time, Atlantans vacillate between “false fall” and “summer 2.0.” It's a reality that drives our dining choices, especially when it comes to eating outdoors. When the time is right and the weather is somewhere between steamy and stormy, an al fresco meal is one of the best ways to enjoy this short, fascinating season.
When the leaves start to turn Fellows Cafe Make room for the panoramic fall scenery with a seasonal menu in Roswell. This historic home-turned-restaurant is cozy inside, with hanging planters, antique light fixtures, and beadboard walls that mimic a lived-in dining room. The outdoor areas exude a completely different charm. The front patio seating is surrounded by a white picket fence, while the rear garden area is surrounded by rustic brick walls. There are even a few water oaks on the property, which (from the looks of it) may predate Roswell's founding.
Experience the feeling of fall with a powerful order of a sweet and savory Fellows Board: coffee-cured salmon gravlax, a jammy egg, Spanish chorizo, Manchego, blue cheese, pumpkin hummus, apple butter, seasonal fruit, spiced candied pecans, chocolate-covered cranberries and sourdough soldiers. A Pecan Pie Cortado is made to order with homemade pecan butter, vanilla and raw sugar, with Biscoff cookie crumbles lining the rim of the cup. For lunch, try the seasonal turkey sandwich with spreads like cranberry tapenade, served on the restaurant's famous sourdough bread.

Photo by Ben Rollins
Italian restaurant La Grotta in Buckhead is an Atlanta treasure for many reasons, but one of the most compelling is its manicured courtyard. It's a retreat just meters from busy Peachtree Road, but somehow the space seems far away. Outdoor seating at La Grotta overlooks lush greenery, rustic planters filled with colorful blooms, and a single tree that serves as a botanical centerpiece. An added benefit of dining at La Grotta is the opportunity to enjoy the classic Sacchetti di Formaggio e Tartufi Neri. The pasta is filled with four cheeses (Fontina, Parmesan, Mozzarella and Ricotta) and black truffles and dressed with a creamy Marsala wine sauce, garnished with white truffle essence and toasted walnuts. The final course must include tiramisu, a decadent ending. Marsala is used sweetly for this dish, paired with espresso, mascarpone and a touch of cocoa.

Photo by Ben Rollins

Photo by Ben Rollins
Another challenging destination with great views is the two-story building Palo Santo in West Midtown. Seeing our “City of Trees” in all its glory is a must at some point this season. With views of the orange-flecked canopy, Palo Santo's rooftop is the ultimate observation point. Skyline views include the iconic Pencil Building (Bank of America Plaza) and 191 Peachtree Tower. To get to the roof, you'll find bright yellow-orange signage inside Palo Santo. Follow the glowing emblem on the stairs and enter an area reminiscent of a posh Miami hotspot. The seating is super plush, with dusty pink cushions and overhead heaters that turn on when the chilly temperatures require it. This modern Mexican restaurant with Japanese and Southern influences offers a full menu in the main dining room on the ground floor, but on the rooftop, guests can order small plates from an ever-changing menu. Here you'll find items like steamed bao buns (pork belly or shrimp), rib-eye or vegetable gyozas, crispy chicken with teriyaki sauce and homemade mayonnaise, and spicy crispy salmon rice. Order the Sunkissed cocktail (tequila, watermelon, cilantro and lime) to pair with spectacular sunsets and a club playlist.

Photo by Ben Rollins

Photo by Ben Rollins
Golden Hour has a unique vantage point 3 parks wine in the old fourth district. The patio may look industrial, with newly constructed buildings towering nearby, but the seating on the landscaped edge of Historic Fourth Ward Park gives customers a front-row view of this tree-lined location. Located in close proximity to the Ponce City Market, 3 Parks Wine is an ideal spot for people watching in the busy area. It's also the most convenient place to meet up with a friend (or five) and have a drink during your stay on the Beltline. The wine shop occasionally hosts food pop-ups, but for the most part, this is the place to enjoy a curated vino experience. Wine flights are available daily.

Photo by Ben Rollins
To secure a spot on the terrace Kitty Dare Reservations are strongly recommended in Inman Park. Tucked behind the enclosed rear dining room is an outdoor patio adorned with custom murals depicting tiered homes on a bluff of a sprawling coastline. The space features industrial-style floor fans, bright orange table shades and plenty of planters. Limited outdoor seating is available for dinner or weekend brunch. Be sure to indicate this preference when bookingPlease send us your reservation.
For dinner, savor the comforting flavors of fall when you choose Kitty Dare's gnocchi, often made with black garlic lamb ragout, mint yogurt, and charred cherry tomatoes. The White Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake is a must for your dessert course. For brunch, order the labneh (savoury yogurt spread), garnished with seasonal fruits and served with the restaurant's homemade Barbari bread. The historic space (former home of One Eared Stag and Shaun's) offers access to the bustling city around it and transports you to an alfresco restaurant on the Mediterranean.
That's the beauty of Atlanta this time of year: the city offers a variety of eclectic dining options to enjoy the many colors and flavors of fall.
This article appears in our October 2025 edition.
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