As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta's vibrant culinary scene is poised to dazzle guests with unforgettable event dining experiences. From intimate gatherings to extravagant galas, the city's top restaurants have prepared a feast for the senses.

5Church Buckhead’s quintessential interior design and ambiance make for an ideal setting for seasonal celebrations. From an intimate dinner party to an extravagant gala for 200 guests, 5Church’s staff is ready to create an unforgettable night. The private dining menus are based on seasonal availability and are subject to change. Contact the 5Church Buckhead sales team at 404-400-3669 for more information or inquire online. 

5Church Midtown, with cutting-edge interior design and sophisticated ambiance, is a perfect spot for festive holiday gatherings. Whether an intimate dinner party or an extravagant gala for 250 or more, 5Church can create a truly memorable experience. Its private dining menus are based on seasonal availability and subject to change. Virtue, 5Church Midtown’s rooftop and lounge, provides additional space and a unique atmosphere for private gatherings overlooking bustling Peachtree Street. Planners can view 5Church’s event guide and inquire for more information online.

AltaToro is the newest addition to the Midtown scene, with a tapas-style Modern Latin menu in a colorful dramatic space. The eatery offers private dining experiences for corporate, social and charitable events of all sizes—from intimate dinner parties to grand celebrations for up to 140 guests. AltaToro’s team works closely with guests to tailor private dining menus to their specific needs and preferences, based on seasonal availability. Planners can contact the sales team at 470-995-8676 or by emailing [email protected].

For an elegant holiday affair, Aria serves modern American cuisine for both private and semi-private events. The classic Buckhead restaurant can accommodate standing receptions of up to 120 guests and seated dinners for up to 65 guests. View all of Aria’s group dining options online.

For those looking for an upscale, festive setting in the Forsyth County/Alpharetta area for a holiday get-together, Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar is ideal for a jolly lunch or dinner with friends and family. Contact Jason Storm for details.

Chido & Padre’s adds some olé to holiday gatherings. With private dining rooms, two open bars and a large dining room, the eatery whisks groups away to Mexico’s most celebrated food regions—Oaxaca, Puebla, and Sinaloa. Submit an event request online.

Community Burger serves a catering menu that boasts both traditional and non-traditional burger options that are sure to please an assortment of palates at any holiday gathering. For non-meat eaters, vegan and vegetarian options are available, as well as salads, sandwiches, and starters that can accommodate all dietary restrictions. Plus, all catering orders give back directly to the community through Community Burger’s My Community Matters program.

Gunshow, Kevin Gillespie’s eclectic, bold restaurant in Glenwood Park can host groups of up to 75 for a seated dinner or 125 for a standing/cocktail-style affair. Planners can visit the private party page for more info and contact Ryan Rosenberry at [email protected] to start planning.

Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead Village is the ideal gathering place for group dinners and events from three to 300. The eatery offers a menu of Spanish cuisine inspired by the spice trade of India, Morocco, and other countries. Options include cocktail-style receptions on its expansive patio (weather permitting), stunning indoor dining areas and a memorable chef’s table experience. Submit an event request online.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern takes care of holiday parties so planners can relax. Options include rooftop patios, cozy rooms, and total buyouts. All five locations—Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Atlantic Station, Vinings, and Halcyon—bring something different yet merry to the table. Visit HOBNOB’s website for private party info and early-bird booking promotions; contact Jason Storm for details

For laidback gatherings, Marlow’s Tavern is the perfect place to get jolly during the holidays. With convenient locations throughout metro Atlanta, there’s a friendly neighborhood tavern nearby serving classic tavern fare for gatherings of all sizes. Planners can submit an event request form online. 

Vintage charm meets Southern sophistication at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails. Housed in a 155-year-old farmhouse, the restaurant provides a perfect backdrop for all types of events—from corporate and holiday events to luncheons, wedding ceremonies, and birthday parties. Milton’s in-house professionals can customize a timeless experience to meet guests’ needs. View event package options online.

Ocean & Acre, the dining destination combining the majesty and freshness of the land and sea, delivers memorable and unique group experiences for guests in its private dining room, semi-private room, or on the two large patios. For more information and to check availability with Ocean & Acre’s events team, submit an event request online. 

Postino WineCafé—with locations in Buckhead and West Midtown—lures guests with countless tasty bites to share with friends. Partygoers can lounge around the roaring fire in the patio area, which also can be reserved as weather permits. For gatherings at home or office, Postino WineCafé’s catering menu features platters of starters, boxed lunches, salads, and more for delivery or pickup. Postino also offers a holiday catering bundle for those looking to take the guesswork out of holiday planning and corporate gatherings. Available Nov.9-Jan. 24, guests can choose two full-size catering portions of chef’s charcuterie, skewers, table cheese, meatballs, and goat cheese or crudite; one full bruschetta platter of choice and a full-size salad. Catering bundles cost $300 and feed 20 people. Add-ons such as a cookie platter and gallons of lemonade or iced tea are extra.   

For over 30 years, Ray's Restaurants have been the premier private event venues. Each of its three locations features a variety of spaces and menus. Award-winning chefs, trained service pros, and dedicated event managers make for a memorable event. Customized menus and special requests are their specialty. For more info and to book an event, visit Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City or Ray's at Killer Creek. 

Sorella Vicina is a celebrated destination for authentic Italian cuisine nestled in the heart of Alpharetta, offering many options for holiday and catering events. Visit Sorella’s private event request page to learn more.  

With Sankranti Fine Dining in Johns Creek, Sankranti Indian Kitchen with several in-town locations and Sankranti Indian Kitchen’s new food truck rollout, there are multiple ways to bring the holiday spirit and Indian cuisine to any event. Party planners can spice up the holidays at Sankranti in Johns Creek with the restaurant’s spacious and lavish event space. The vast catering menu ranges from Indo-Chinese and Thai to intercontinental and other multicultural food while also offering fine-dining options. Planners can visit the website for information on private events and catering options for the holidays. The new food truck program brings Sankranti to an even broader audience, providing an unforgettable “live catering” experience.

Recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, Storico Fresco invites guests to gather for a festive, Italian-style holiday dining experience. Groups can choose between prix-fixe menus with up to five courses for a complete culinary adventure. Curated wine pairings are also available to complement the dishes. Guests can gather in the semi-private Il Monaco Room, available during dinner hours for holiday gatherings. For more information, visit Storico’s large parties page.

For a holiday gathering that feels like a beach getaway, event planners should look no further than The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. The Buckhead eatery serves coastal-inspired fare using fresh seafood that is delivered daily along with hand-crafted cocktails and a relaxed beach vibe. Event requests can be submitted online. 

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar has once again transformed into The Blind Elf—a festive gathering spot brimming with loads of merriment throughout the holidays. Guests enter a wonderland of over-the-top décor and twinkling lights to discover a variety of warm and chilly holiday-themed drinks, candy cane shots, beer, wine, and bubbles to ensure a spirited mood. The Blind Elf may be reserved for small holiday parties and special events. 

The Southern Gentleman invites guests to experience genuine Southern hospitality, locally sourced cuisine and handcrafted cocktails for private events and group gatherings. Offering a relaxed, yet polished atmosphere, the Buckhead Village eatery can accommodate up to 150 guests. Event requests can be submitted online. 

Taco lovers are invited to gather and be merry at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Each location offers a unique taqueria experience for a festive holiday event. Party planners can bring the fun home or to the office with Tin Lizzy’s flavorful and affordable catering menu ranging from full-service taco bars to burrito and wrap boxes and more. The customer-favorite dip bar boasts salsa, guac, queso and fresh, seasoned tortilla chips.

Twisted Kitchen's makes the holidays extraordinary. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, the eatery’s culinary team brings their expertise and passion to home and office events. Twisted Kitchen’s diverse menu, including signature items and build-your-own options, caters to a range of dietary preferences with gluten-free and vegetarian options. And with hassle-free delivery, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience. For smaller gatherings, Twisted Kitchen’s new family meals feed four people and include individually packed Caesar salads and four individual packed entrees such as shrimp Alfredo, vegetarian lasagna, and pepperoni classic. 

Your 3rd Spot, the technology-driven dining and gaming concept in West Midtown, blends the elements of a restaurant, bar, beer garden, and social club in a revitalized historic industrial building. The 27,000-square-foot venue boasts capacity for groups of up to 2,000 with more than 75 activities and a 50-foot bar along with semi-private bowling suites and cabanas and a mezzanine with seating and games. Full buyouts are available. Planners can visit Your 3^rd Spot’s event page for more information.