Café Intermezzo Midtown

Café Intermezzo calls itself "Das Europaische Kaffeehaus," and the idea behind that phrase goes back to 1971, when founder Brian Olson traveled to Germany and visited a Konditorei, a bakery-café, in Berlin. After seeing more in Germany and Austria, he became convinced that the European coffeehouse, a place where people linger over cake and conversation, could work in America. The first Café Intermezzo opened in Dunwoody in 1979.

The Midtown coffeehouse

The Midtown restaurant sits on Peachtree Street across from the Federal Reserve's Atlanta headquarters, in a chocolate-brown building with Corinthian-style columns on each side of the door and gold lettering above. The room feels elegant but comfortable, and it has been a fixture on this stretch of Peachtree since 1988. The concept takes its inspiration from a Vienna coffeehouse tradition said to trace back to 1683.

The dessert case

The dessert case is the main draw: more than 100 tortes, tarts, cakes, pies and cheesecakes, with crepes on the menu as well. Any of the cakes or cheesecakes is a good pick, and the coffee list is long. Beyond sweets, there are full European-style lunch and dinner menus and hundreds of alcoholic beverages, so it works as a late dinner as well as a coffee stop.

Late hours

Hours run late, with Friday and Saturday service until 1 AM.

Common Questions

What are the hours?
Typically Monday to Thursday 11 AM to midnight, Friday 11 AM to 1 AM, Saturday 10 AM to 1 AM and Sunday 10 AM to midnight.

How many desserts are there?
Over 100 tortes, tarts, cakes, pies and cheesecakes.

Does it serve full meals?
Yes, it has complete European-style lunch and dinner menus.

Who founded it?
Brian Olson, who opened the first Café Intermezzo in Dunwoody in 1979.

Are there other locations?
Yes, in Dunwoody and near the Atlanta airport.