Heated Patios and Hearty Dishes in Awesome Alpharetta

Winter is here, and hearty meals are what we’re craving! Soups, savory roasts, winter vegetables cooked to perfection, and, of course, delicious sips to accompany your meals… Alpharetta’s dining scene has it all! If you’re searching for something a little heartier and heavier to fill your bellies, winter weather is the perfect excuse to embrace all that is gooey, cheesy, and warm.

With some of Alpharetta’s eateries even offering cozy outdoor seating in addition to their indoor seating selections, you can snuggle up next to a fire or on a heated patio while enjoying your delicious dishes!

Here are a few of our coziest places to have a tasty midwinter meal:

Citizen Soul

Citizen Soul brings a taste of the West Coast to the Peach State with chef-driven, seasonally focused concepts and vibes so cool they’ll give you an extra shiver in the midst of winter. Nestle into the fireside Adirondack chairs on Citizen Soul’s chic patio for a shareable plate plus a boozy sipper to keep your spirits bright.

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: Braised Angus Short Ribs with roasted garlic potato puree and sorghum heirloom root veggies topped with a tongue-tingling Calabrian chili chimichurri. Be sure to keep the fire burning with a Fig & Vanilla Revelry, tantalizing your tongue with this Henry Mckenna Old Fashioned infused with fig, vanilla and pecan.

Minnie Olivia Pizzeria

Equal parts Deep South and Southern Italy, neighborhood pizzeria Minnie Olivia delivers big on wood-fired pies featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Locals love the homey vibes and vast array of pizzas, Italian sandwiches, and homemade pastas. Enjoy your meal from the patio at Minnie Olivia to take in the sights and sounds of Downtown Alpharetta!

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: “Have Meat Dreams,” a meat-lover’s delight featuring Bacon, Fennel Sausage, Prosciutto, Pepperoni, San Marzano Tomato Sauce on a perfectly charred crust along with a bowl of the oh-so-slurpable Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with fennel and pistachio marshmallow.

Branch & Barrel

Scratch-made menu items with a big emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, and craft cocktails you never knew you always needed all within the cool confines of a modern-day speakeasy—that’s the energy served up at Branch & Barrel (and we are here for it, honey!). While their propane heated patio is certain to keep you comfy on a cold, winter night, it’s the fire bourbon selection that really heats things up at this Avalon epicenter of good time gathering.

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: Kick things off with the fan favorite golden-fried Brussel sprouts tossed with Grindstone sea salt and tangy vinegar seasonings. Don’t miss the Braised Brisket Poutine, serving up hand-cut fries, bleu cheese, fresh tomatoes, & green onions. When it comes to your main dish, don’t miss the Apple Butter Center Cut Pork Chop with gingered mashed sweet potatoes and collard greens.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Branch and Barrel experience without bourbon, so don’t miss a glass of Whistle Pig served neat or treat yourself to the Southern Dusk, made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Murrell’s Row Eno Amaro, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, & Peychaud’s Bitters for a tasty sip with a bit of burn!

The Cape Restaurant & Beach Bar

The Cape brings Cape Town, South Africa vibes to Alpharetta, offering a variety of dishes and drinks inspired by the coast. Through January 1, 2026, you can enjoy their Ski Haus Pop-Up, including fondue, holiday cocktails, and cozy igloos! They also have a fabulous rooftop dining area that overlooks Avalon’s boulevard, giving you a prime view to plan your shopping excursion once you’ve enjoyed an array of menu selections!

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: The Lamb Chops offer a rich and filling serving of rosemary-garlic-marinated lamb accompanied by roasted beets, baby carrots, and mint chutney. For a hearty serving of pasta, opt for the Bolognese, composed of a flavor-packed ostrich ragù, wild mushroom, spinach, manchego, and tagliatelle.

Rumi’s Kitchen

With its swanky, lively atmosphere and hints of modern exotic savvy, Rumi’s Kitchen is a staple among foodies in Alpharetta. This Persian restaurant is well known for offering a feast for the senses, and the stylish, angular pergola outside is warmed to perfection during the chilly winter months so you can revel in the wonders of Rumi’s complex layering of savory, sour, and sweet flavors.

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: Start with an order of Roasted Mushroom Hummusiya, an authentic Persian hummus containing porcini broth, green onion, and pine nuts. Then, move into main course territory with the Ghormeh Sabzi, a hearty herb and kidney bean beef stew flecked with dried lime and served with a golden saffron basmati rice.

Shodo Ramen & Sushi

Shodo may not offer outdoor seating, but nothing says cozy winter comfort food quite like a steaming hot bowl of ramen! This recent addition to Alpharetta’s dining scene offers handcrafted ramen, sushi, and small plates with bold flavors, variety, and authentic Japanese spirit.

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: For a great “entry-level” ramen for those who may not have tried ramen yet, opt for the Shoyu Ramen with chashu pork, half-marinated egg, bamboo shoots, nori, scallions, garlic oil dousing thin noodles. For spice lovers, order the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen with chashu pork, half-marinated egg, kikurage, bamboo shoots, corn, nori, scallions, black garlic oil, and spicy sauce. Order the Beef Ramen for an extra-hearty meal, combining sliced braised beef, cilantro, scallions, red onions, and lime.

Smokejack BBQ

Tucked in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta in a 180-year-old building, Smokejack BBQ is the solution for any winter woes thanks to their superb service and soulful selection of smoked delicacies. Their covered, heated outdoor patio is the perfect setting to get a little sauce on your face as you fill up on one of the area’s most adored spots for BBQ made with love.

Winter Must-Have Menu Picks: Burnt Ends, baby. If you’re unfamiliar with the regional delight, “burnt ends” consist of brisket that has been smoked overnight, cubed, wood grill charred and then sauteed in Smokejack’s KC sauce. To round out the kind of yum that’ll make you think of your momma, do not miss the life-changing macaroni and cheese and the simply magical sweet potato casserole.

You can’t do a truly cozy experience in Alpharetta without settling into one of our luxe, lounge-worthy hotels! After you’ve had your fill of delicious food and drink to keep the frost at bay, retire to a cushy home-away-from-home with one of our over 31 lush lodging options scattered throughout the city. All of our accommodations are beautifully appointed and situated in convenient locations to shopping, dining, and unforgettable entertainment options. Click here to book your stay in Awesome Alpharetta today