Have you ever returned to a city that feels like home, only to find yourself falling in love with it all over again? That is how I feel whenever I return to Atlanta, Georgia. This city holds many memories for me. It was my first home base in the United States many years ago, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Atlanta is more than a city I once called home. It is also a wonderful place for food lovers. From Southern comfort food to global flavors, there is always something new to discover. Yet, among the many places I have enjoyed here, one old favorite keeps calling me back: Café Intermezzo.
My most recent visit was all about dessert. After an amazing dinner at Holeman and Finch, we decided to end the evening at this beloved European-style coffeehouse. And honestly, could there be a better way to finish a great meal?
Atlanta: A City That Will Always Feel Like Home
Atlanta was my first home base in America many years ago. It was one of the first places where I built memories, explored new experiences, and started my journey in this country.
Over the years, I have grown to love this city even more. Atlanta has a special mix of Southern charm, big-city energy, and a growing food scene. You can find everything from classic Southern cooking to international dishes, creative cocktails, and cozy cafés.
For someone like me who loves food and travel, Atlanta is a foodie town worth exploring. There are places for a special dinner, a casual lunch, or a simple cup of coffee with friends.
And when I think about my favorite Atlanta food memories, Café Intermezzo is always near the top of my list.
Café Intermezzo: A Favorite Through the Years
My introduction to Café Intermezzo came through my friend Cha. I am glad she introduced me to this place because it became part of my culinary indulgence ever since.
I have visited this café so many times that I have lost count. It has been my spot for afternoon coffee, Sunday tea, brunch, lunch, and dinner. I have also stopped by for pre-party cocktails, late-night drinks, and a nightcap before heading home.
That is one of the things I love about Café Intermezzo. It is not limited to one time of day or one kind of occasion. You can visit for a quick coffee, meet a friend for a long chat, enjoy a meal, or make dessert the highlight of your evening.
The café opened in Atlanta in 1979, inspired by the traditional European coffeehouses that its founder discovered during his travels. The idea was simple: create a place where people could slow down, enjoy good food and drinks, and take a break from their busy lives.
That idea still feels right today.
Step Inside and Enjoy the Ambiance
What makes Café Intermezzo different from an ordinary coffee shop?
For me, it starts with the atmosphere. The interior has a classic European feel, with rich wood, warm lighting, decorative details, and cozy seating. It feels elegant without making you feel that you need a special reason to visit.
There is something about the space that encourages you to stay a little longer. You can sit with a cup of coffee, talk about life, or simply enjoy the moment.
The pastry display is another big attraction. Before you even look at the menu, you will likely notice the beautiful cakes and desserts on display. There are so many choices that picking just one can be a challenge.
This is not the kind of café where you need to finish your drink and leave right away. It is a place to relax, enjoy the setting, and make time for yourself or the people around you.
What Should You Order at Café Intermezzo?
The menu offers much more than coffee and cake. Depending on the time of day, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, pasta, other meals, and a range of drinks.
If you are visiting for the first time, here are some ideas.
Coffee and espresso drinks: If you enjoy coffee, try a cappuccino or another espresso-based drink. It is a lovely way to enjoy the café’s European coffeehouse style.
Tea: A visit for Sunday tea is one of the simple pleasures I have enjoyed here. Pair your tea with a pastry and give yourself time to unwind.
Hot chocolate: If you prefer something rich and comforting, the hot chocolate options are worth exploring. They are especially tempting when you want a sweet drink instead of coffee.
Cakes, tortes, and fruit tarts: This is where the café truly shines for me. The dessert selection offers something for chocolate lovers, fruit lovers, and anyone who enjoys a beautiful sweet treat.
My advice? Take a moment to look at the display before deciding. You might discover something you did not plan to order.
My Latest Visit: Dessert After Holeman and Finch
This last visit was a little different from many of my earlier trips. We had just enjoyed an amazing dinner at Holeman and Finch, so we were not looking for another full meal.
Instead, we wanted something sweet to end the evening.
Of course, Café Intermezzo came to mind.
There is something special about saving room for dessert at a place you already love. Even after a wonderful dinner, the sight of all those cakes and pastries makes it hard to resist ordering something.
And that is one of the reasons I keep returning. Café Intermezzo gives you an excuse to enjoy one more little indulgence before calling it a night.
Three Sweet Favorites I Love
1. White Hot Chocolate Deluxe
If you love rich, sweet drinks, the white hot chocolate is one to consider. White chocolate brings a creamy sweetness that feels like a treat in a cup.
It is a lovely choice for a relaxed evening, especially when you want something warm to sip while catching up with friends.
Café Intermezzo also offers different hot chocolate styles, so check the current menu if you want to try something new.
2. Fruit Tart
The fruit tart is another favorite of mine. I love the combination of a crisp pastry shell, smooth filling, and colorful fruit.
It offers a nice change from heavier chocolate desserts. The fruit adds freshness, while the pastry and filling make every bite feel special.
It is also one of those desserts that looks beautiful on the table. If you enjoy desserts that are both pretty and satisfying, this is a great choice.
3. Oreo Cheesecake
For chocolate lovers, Oreo Chocolate is hard to ignore. Chocolate and Oreo cookies make a fun combination, especially if you enjoy desserts with a rich flavor and a familiar cookie taste.
This is the kind of sweet treat I would recommend when you want something more indulgent. It is a good reminder that sometimes the best way to end a meal is with a dessert you truly enjoy.
Of course, the best choice depends on your mood. That is part of the fun of visiting Café Intermezzo: there is always another dessert to discover.
Tips for Visiting Café Intermezzo in Atlanta
Planning a visit? Here are a few things worth knowing.
- Go with time to spare. This is a place to relax, not rush. Give yourself time to enjoy your drink and dessert.
- Look at the pastry display first. The choices can be overwhelming, so take a moment before ordering.
- Visit at different times. Try an afternoon coffee, a weekend brunch, or a late-night dessert. Each visit can feel different.
- Check the menu ahead of time. If you have a particular drink or dessert in mind, check the current menu or call the café.
- Know the location. Café Intermezzo has several locations, so make sure you choose the Atlanta branch you want to visit.
- Check parking and hours. The Midtown location offers two hours of free parking in its building when you bring your ticket for validation. Confirm current hours before heading out.
A Sweet Ending to an Atlanta Favorite
Some restaurants are special because of the food. Others become special because of the memories we make there.
For me, Café Intermezzo is both.
It reminds me of my early years in America, my friendship with Cha, and the many afternoons and evenings I have spent enjoying good drinks, sweet treats, and great company. From Sunday tea to late-night cocktails, this café has been part of my Atlanta story for years.
My latest visit, after dinner at Holeman and Finch, was another lovely reminder of why I keep coming back. Sometimes, you do not need a new restaurant or a grand occasion. You just need a favorite place, a good dessert, and a little time to enjoy life.
If you find yourself in Atlanta, make time for Café Intermezzo. Order a drink, choose a dessert, and enjoy your own little European coffeehouse moment.
After all, life is sweeter when we slow down and savor it, one cup and one dessert at a time.
Café Intermezzo
European coffeehouse · Desserts · Coffee · Brunch
1065 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 355-0411
