As we settle into the new year, we have an eye firmly on the latest additions to the South’s culinary scene. From classic Thai dishes to reimagined omakase experiences, Atlanta has no shortage of hot new options. Today, we’re focusing on seven new restaurants making waves around town.
Avize Modern Alpine
Neighborhood: West Midtown
More info: avizeatlanta.com
Chef Karl Gorline, formerly of Watershed and Atlas, opened his highly anticipated Alpine-inspired restaurant, Avize, in October. A fusion of classic European flavors, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients with influences from Swiss, German, French, and Italian cuisine. Expect unique plates like venison tartare with blueberries, buckwheat, and walnuts or striped bass with turnips, salsa verde, and anchovy emulsification.
Delbar
Neighborhood: Buckhead
More info: delbaratl.com
Atlanta is familiar with the Michelin-recommended Delbar, a Persian favorite that has recently expanded to Atlanta’s bustling Buckhead neighborhood. The Instagrammable menu features selections such as refreshing dill labneh served with seasonal cruditĂ© and sabzi polo, a basmati rice dish flavored with scallions and herbs and topped with crispy onions.
Il Premio
Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
More info: ilpremioatlanta.com
Il Premio, an upscale Italian steakhouse and cocktail lounge, is the third restaurant to open at the newly launched FORTH Hotel. It joins the hotel’s other recent openings — Elektra, a poolside Mediterranean eatery, and Moonlight, a ’70s-inspired rooftop cocktail lounge. Inspired by Italian luxury, dine on decadent pasta studded with King Crab, Uni, cherry tomatoes, and basil, or experience the exclusive Ă la carte prime cuts of meat.
Mothers Best Fried Chicken
Neighborhood: Decatur
More info: mothersbestchicken.com
Mothers Best Chicken in Decatur, from the team behind Smileys Burger Club, serves up herby, crispy fried chicken in a nostalgic, diner-inspired setting. Grab a friend (or two) and dive into the eight-piece bucket, served with sides like tangy collard green coleslaw and velvety mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. Be sure to finish your meal with one of the boozy and delicious frozen Irish coffees.
Nan Thai Buckhead
Neighborhood: Buckhead
More info: nanthai.com
From the family that introduced Thai fine dining to Atlanta over 20 years ago, with Nan’s on Spring Street and 17th, comes another gem. Nan Thai brought its beloved namesake to Buckhead this past October. The new location introduces a more relaxed environment and modern menu.
Guests can enjoy the original location’s iconic signature dishes, including the crispy whole red snapper with Chef Nan’s three-flavored chili sauce. Other can’t-miss menu items include the creamy and fragrant Tom Kha studded with lobster morsels.
Tiger Sun
Neighborhood: Reynoldstown
More info: tigersunatl.com
From the team behind Atlanta staples like Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall and Muchacho comes Tiger Sun, a cocktail omakase experience set inside a refurbished vintage tour bus. The bus features only 18 seats, with themed courses of cocktails and light bites. The opening theme is inspired by the ’80s cult classic Karate Kid.
Menu options include “Wax On,” which boasts lighter and brighter offerings, and “Wax Off,” which features bolder flavors. Favorite pairings include the California-roll-inspired martini made with cream-cheese-washed gin and the sesame butter snow crab over crispy rice.
Ryokou
Neighborhood: Reynoldstown
More info: ryokouatl.com
Michelin award-winning Chef Leonard Yu’s newest venture takes diners on a culinary journey of Japan. Ryokou features a multicourse tasting menu of small plates with dishes and ingredients from some of Japan’s most renowned culinary regions. From the fresh seafood of Hokkaido to the famed wagyu of Kyushu, each dish reflects the diverse flavors of Japan’s rich culinary heritage. Additionally, Ryokou’s 10-seat space promises an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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Written by Anne Henley Walker
As we settle into fall, with its ideal patio weather and vibrant foliage, we’re celebrating the newest additions to the South’s booming culinary scene. From inventive Southern small plates to reimagined Scottish dishes, there’s no shortage of exciting new options. Today we’re honing in on the ATL — check out these nine new Atlanta restaurants!
Auburn Angel
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: auburnangel.com
Named after the street it calls home, Auburn Angel brings a fresh vibrancy to Downtown Atlanta. With a dynamic menu that changes frequently, the dishes at Auburn Angel are crafted to highlight seasonal and market-fresh ingredients.
You can find refined dishes such as steak tartare and oxtails, but be sure to try the decadent lamb burger, which is ground in-house and served with Havarti cheese, ramp aioli, red cabbage, and a side of yucca chips.
Floridaman
Neighborhood: Beltline
More info: breakerbreakeratl.com
Seafood destination Breaker Breaker launched its second-story lounge, Floridaman, earlier this summer. The lively locale is open only on the weekends and serves up tropical cocktails and beach-centric dishes like Cajun-style shrimp and smoked fish dip.
The name “Floridaman” playfully references the popular “Florida man” headline phenomenon that has become a staple of meme culture.
Genes
Neighborhood: East Lake
More info: genesgenesgenes.com
Previously a pop-up, Gene’s recently opened a brick-and-mortar location in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a 20-foot faux alligator and a colorful bar reminiscent of Flora-Bama, serving up frozen Bushwackers and Hurricanes.
Meats are cooked Texas-style, with zesty riffs on flavor. Favorites include the smoked brisket and sticky ribs covered in fish sauce caramel and topped with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs. Round out your meal with the Banana Biscoff Pudding, which is not to be missed.
Miss Conduck
Neighborhood: Edgewood
More info: missconduck.com
Miss Conduck, a Trinidadian and Caribbean restaurant from mother-daughter duo Emily James and LaToya Franklyn, opened on Edgewood Avenue this May. The menu boasts a collection of cherished family recipes like Doubles — a Trinidadian street food of flatbread filled with spiced chickpeas, chutney, and tamarind sauce.
The eatery’s roomy outdoor patio is ideal for larger parties, complete with a water-spouting duck perched atop a fountain.
NĂ dair
Neighborhood: Woodland Hills
More info: nadairatl.com
Top Chef alum Kevin Gillespie’s latest venture, NĂ dair, pays tribute to his Scottish heritage and draws inspiration from his time at the now-closed Woodfire Grill. Meaning “way of nature,” NĂ dair showcases dishes primarily cooked over an open fire, emphasizing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
The intimate 70-seat dining room operates by reservation only, offering guests the choice between a four-course prix fixe menu and a six-course tasting menu. Try the Banoffee Pie, inspired by his Grandmother Coylene’s recipe.
Painted Pickle
Neighborhood: Armour Yards
More info: paintedpickle.com
The latest pickleball venue to open in Atlanta, Painted Pickle offers much more than just the game. Created by Justin Amick and William Stallworth — the duo behind the Painted Pin and Painted Duck — Painted Pickle is coined a “compeatery,” blending dining with competitive fun.
The menu is extensive, with options including sandwiches, bowls, charcuterie boards, small plates, and sushi. Complement your meal with a frozen Transfusion or the signature pickle martini, “License to Dill.”
Pendolino
Neighborhood: Sandy Springs
More info: pendolinoatl.com
Named after a variety of olive trees, Pendolino is an Italian-inspired bistro nestled in Chastain Market. The menu showcases classic Italian-American dishes alongside inventive pasta creations and wood-fired pizzettes. While deeply influenced by Italian cuisine, the food also highlights Southern roots, featuring seasonal ingredients in antipasti, salads, vegetables, roasted meats, and seafood.
Pom Court at Hotel Granada
Neighborhood: Midtown
More info: granadaatlanta.com
Pom Court, the signature all-day bar and restaurant on the ground floor of Midtown’s newly opened Hotel Granada, is perfect for enjoying a cocktail and bites with friends. Guests can enjoy Spanish-Southern small plates in the hotel’s immaculately designed open-air courtyard, shaded by large cocktail umbrellas.
Highlights include fried green tomatoes with avocado-jalapeño ranch and the decadent empanada trio, featuring beef short rib, confit chicken, and seasonal veggies.
The Argonaut
Neighborhood: Kirkwood
More info: theargonautatl.com
At The Argonaut, find fresh seafood complemented by nautical-inspired decor. Flavorful dishes include crudo prepared with your choice of fresh salmon, tuna, or hamachi, and crab claws with Aji Amarillo aioli, avocado, and leche de tigre. The restaurant’s main cocktail list includes fun, floral options with tequila and rum, while the upstairs bar area focuses on specialty bourbons and other spirits.
Enjoy your dining adventures!
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For more dining ideas, check out all of our restaurant coverage HERE.
