With the FIFA World Cup bringing visitors from around the globe to Atlanta, we thought it would be fun to spend a full day eating our way through Alpharetta by visiting restaurants inspired by different cultures and cuisines from countries that will be part of the excitement. One of the best parts about the Taste of Alpharetta event is getting to sample flavors from all over the world without ever leaving North Georgia, and honestly, Alpharetta’s food scene makes it incredibly easy to do exactly that.
From French pastries to Italian comfort food, Tex-Mex margaritas, and authentic Japanese cuisine, this itinerary turned into the perfect foodie day trip for anyone wanting to experience a little international flavor before the World Cup crowds officially arrive in Atlanta.
Breakfast at One Day in Paris
We started the morning in Downtown Alpharetta at one of the prettiest little cafés around. Walking into One Day in Paris honestly feels like you’ve been transported straight into a French bakery. Between the pastries lined up in the cases, the espresso drinks, and the cozy atmosphere, this was the perfect slow start to the day.
If you’re planning your own stop here, definitely come hungry because narrowing down what to order is nearly impossible. Their pastries are the kind that make you immediately start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished the first bite. Pair that with a latte and suddenly Alpharetta feels a whole lot more like Paris.
It also felt fitting to kick off this international-inspired food tour with French cuisine since France remains one of the most iconic countries tied to global soccer culture and World Cup history.
Lunch at Ippolito's
For lunch, we headed over to Windward Parkway for Italian food at Ippolito’s. There is just something comforting about a classic Italian lunch in the middle of a busy day, and this spot absolutely delivered that cozy family-style energy.
The portions here are huge, the pasta tastes homemade, and it’s the type of restaurant that makes you want to stay awhile and order “just one more thing” for the table. It reminded me so much of the kinds of meals that bring people together during big sporting events. Loud conversations, sharing plates, lots of carbs, and everybody happy.
Italy may not always need an introduction when it comes to food, but there’s a reason Italian cuisine is one of the most universally loved across the world. Whether you’re visiting Alpharetta for the World Cup or you’re local and looking for a reliable comfort meal, this is one worth adding to your list.
Drinks at Superica
Next stop was Avalon for drinks at Superica, and honestly this may have been the most fun stop of the day. The energy here always feels lively, which made it the perfect representation of the kind of atmosphere we expect Atlanta to have during the World Cup.
Superica brings Tex-Mex flavors inspired by regions throughout Mexico and the American Southwest, and their margaritas are easily some of my favorites. Sitting on the patio with chips, salsa, and drinks in hand felt like the ideal mid-day reset before dinner.
Avalon itself also makes such a good stop if you’re planning a full day around Alpharetta because you can walk around, shop, and people watch between meals. Once the World Cup arrives, I already know spots like this are going to be packed with fans gathering before and after matches.
Dinner at Edo Japanese Restaurant
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Edo near North Point Mall, and this was honestly the perfect finale. Edo has been a longtime favorite for authentic Japanese cuisine, and after a full day of eating, this meal still completely impressed us.
From sushi to warm comforting dishes, everything tasted fresh and intentional. The atmosphere also felt a little calmer and more intimate compared to the earlier stops, which made it a great place to slow down and end the night.
Japan’s food culture is one of the most celebrated in the world, and it felt special including a Japanese restaurant in this World Cup-inspired itinerary. One of my favorite things about Alpharetta is how easy it is to experience so many different cultures through food without needing to drive all over Metro Atlanta.
Why Alpharetta Is Perfect for a World Cup Food Tour
One thing the Taste of Alpharetta event always reminds me is just how diverse the Alpharetta dining scene really is. Within a few miles, you can experience flavors and cuisines from all over the world, making it the perfect place to create your own international foodie adventure leading up to the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.
Whether you’re visiting from out of town for matches or you’re local looking for a fun themed day out, this itinerary is such a fun way to celebrate the global cultures that make soccer and food so exciting in the first place.
Comfortable shoes, stretchy pants, and an open mind are highly recommended because this day turned into one of my favorite Alpharetta food adventures yet.