February 9, 2023
Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
THE SECRET INGREDIENT
These restaurants, from fast-casual to five-star, have what it takes to wow Atlantans. Here, we rounded up the best of the best new openings that are worth a reservation.
PHOTO: BY BARBARA KRAFT
COURTESY OF KIMPTON RESTAURANTS
Nobu Atlanta
We’ve all been waiting for the brand’s 15th location to find a home in Atlanta. Nobu Hospitality has taken over 10,000 square feet of Phipps Plaza to showcase not just the popular new-style Japanese cuisine but also a Nobu Hotel to hone a luxury dining experience we never knew existed. The new location highlights Simon Property Group’s vision for Phipps, and bigger and just as exciting plans become reality. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the accommodations are nothing short of sophistication with 152 rooms, a rooftop pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. This hospitality synthesis elevates the impressive food scene in Atlanta and is only the beginning of what the future has in store. 3520 Peachtree Road NE, atlanta. nobuhotels.com
Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails and Aveline
The Kimpton Shane Hotel boasts not one, but two restaurants ready for all of the dinners and celebrations the year will hold. Adding to the bustling culinary scene and vibrant atmosphere of Midtown, guests can choose to stay at the boutique hotel and dine at its new destination American restaurant, Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails. The casual yet refined location is founded on simplicity and meticulous attention to ingredients. The hotel’s cocktail lounge, Aveline, is the perfect place to grab a drink before dining, or indulge in a nightcap from the selection of exotically named beverages. These two unique experiences are led by executive chef Mark Alba, who delivers your weekend plans on a silver platter. 1340 W. Peachtree St. NW, hartleykitchenatl.com; shanehotelatlanta.com
PHOTO BY: HEIDI HARRIS
Foundation Social Eatery
Reintroducing itself in a brand-new neighborhood, Foundation Social Eatery officially opened in downtown Alpharetta. Chef Mel Toledo promised to find a new location for his popular eatery after closing in Roswell in 2020. With a similar layout to the original location, the new restaurant features seating for 160 guests and two patios. The menu is similar as well, featuring regular favorites like the crispy Spanish octopus, pate, PEI mussels, the burger and the chicken Bolognese. Taking it to the next level, Toledo has incorporated a caviar service, crudos and escargot to the menu options. Toledo hopes to open Petite FSE, a grab-and-go market for coffee, fresh breads and charcuterie in early 2023. 55 Roswell St., Ste. 100, foundationatl.com
PHOTO BY: MATT WONG
Humble Pie
Humble Pie is bringing a neighborhood feel to The Interlock. Chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips, the team behind Atlanta’s acclaimed Lazy Betty, have teamed up to give the community locally sourced and seasonal vegetable-focused fare. Executive chef Evelyn Ling, Hsu’s cousin, and chef de cuisine Lorien Vilchez approach the menu with creativity and intentionality with decisions to use homemade grains and serve beverages such as organic wine. Pizzas will take traditional and nontraditional forms, such as a cheese and broccoli option for a pie. Not to mention, the masterminds intend to alleviate the wage gap between front and back of house. Come enjoy the new spot that embodies Atlanta’s surroundings with hanging greenery and high ceilings and quality food. 1168 Howell Mill Road NW, humblepieatl.com
PHOTO BY: ANDREW THOMAS LEE
Alici
Meaning anchovy in Italian, Alici opened late last year in the newly revamped Midtown Promenade thanks to Pat Pascarella, the chef behind Italian favorites The White Bull and Grana. With a design and menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast, expect a variety of imported oysters and a plethora of other seafood-centric dishes, pastas, risottos, wood-fired veggies and more. 931 Monroe Drive NE, alicioysterbar.com
PHOTO: BY CAMRYN POP
Bibi Eatery
Who knew that Ponce City Market would do well with some Persian flair. Bibi, the newest addition to the market’s food hall, is defined as a powerful, healing female. From the brain behind Delbar, Fares Kargar recalls his childhood and the gatherings of up to 30 people, waiting for his grandmother to take the bread right out of the oven. This inspiration became myriad menu options to choose from within a neutral and calming design by Archie Bolden. Grab-and-go bowls with kabobs, dips, fresh pastries and sandwiches can be paired with a unique selection of beverages. You can introduce yourself to new juices, teas and floral waters. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Ste. N 141, bibieatery.com
PHOTO: BY BY RYAN AARON PHOTO
Dorian Gray
Inspired by coastal European flair, new fine dining resto Dorian Gray has opened in the old Yebo Beach Haus location from the hands and minds of Bo Kvrgic and Nem Filipovic. Best friends and businessmen, the pair aimed to create an experience reminiscent of the south of France, combined with their cultural heritage and a love of deep house music. “Dorian Gray was designed to express our personalities through food, wine, music and people,” says Kvrgic. Executive chef Christian Evans’ menu features a caviar flight, Maine lobster salad, duck ravioli, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, whole Mediterranean branzino and more. 111 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, doriangrayatlanta.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALICI
Isla Co.
Australian dining culture is making itself comfortable in our city with Isla Co., an all-day concept cafe. Apart from dining on a Brekkie roll and fish and chips, the cultural immersion comes through the greenery-laden walls and an expansive design of the space alludes to the Land Down Under. Co-owner and Parched Hospitality CEO David Orr and corporate executive chef Matthew Foley have curated an authentic Australian coffee list that they hope invites you to stay for their espresso martinis and mezcal Smoke Show, which comes with a kick. And don’t worry if you sleep in on the weekend; Isla Co. serves brunch until 3PM. 56 E. Andrews Drive NW, Ste. 17, isla-co.com
PHOTO: BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
Roshambo
The team behind Local Three, Muss & Turner’s and MTH Pizza have opened new concept Roshambo, coined “the diner’s diner,” in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. The 21st century diner plays up the nostalgia from everything on the menu to the decor to its name: the childhood game Rock, Paper, Scissors. Expect the same menu presented three times a day, featuring diner classics like grilled cheese, smash burger, eggs Benedict as well as plate specials of prime rib, spaghetti and meatballs, and more. The interiors are filled with curated memorabilia from the community including timeline photography of the Jackson Street Bridge lookout and art installations inspired by previous local haunt Turtles Records & Tapes. Top of mind? $35 pitchers of martinis served all day long. 2355 Peachtree St. NE, roshamboatl.com
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