ATLGuide
Atlanta’s New Restaurant Openings
photo credit: Courtesy of Bar Blanc
If you tried to keep track of every new restaurant and bar in Atlanta, your head might spin. So just read this list instead. These are the openings that seem like they have the most potential. Although, keep in mind, we make no promises about the places we haven't visited yet. Go forth and be a pioneer—or just keep up with our Hit List to see which new restaurants we checked out and loved.
November 2023
This steak friterie sits atop another newly opened restaurant, Little Sparrow, in West Midtown. A $49.50 prix fixe menu with steak as the main attraction means there's no struggle when deciding what to order. But we're most looking forward to the full bar and assorted desserts like the gateaux basque.
This chain bills itself as the perfect spot for anyone who “loves damn good food and drinks” (we’re raising our hands aggressively). The new West Midtown location, which is the first in Georgia, serves up takes on American classics, including meatloaf, burgers, and fried chicken. Plus they have games, live music, and plenty of beer too.
It's been a long time coming for El Malo, the new rum and agave bar in Reynoldstown. After what seemed like years of delays, it's finally open and ready for business. And by business, we mean people who love rum drinks.
October 2023
Little Sparrow is the latest concept from the team behind Marcel and Little Rey. It’s the much-anticipated replacement for the hospitality group’s popular JCT Kitchen spot in West Midtown. Named after Edith Piaf, this French bistro has things like roasted chicken, a massive burger, and unlimited warm baguettes with lots of saucy and cheesy appetizers to dunk them into.
Some interesting pizza and pasta options make this new Italian spot alluring to carboholics (eyes on you, duck ragu agnolotti). The location sits off the BeltLine near Ponce City Market. So if your meal turns out to be more Chef Boyardee than buono, you can hit the food hall for a second meal.
This new stall at Ponce City Market features a rotating roster of four pop-up chefs every month. There's also a themed dinner every Monday night (like their Chicago-style one). Their goal is to help elevate up-and-coming chefs in the Atlanta area. Meanwhile we’ll be elevating the food from the plate to our mouths.
photo credit: Emily Andrews
M by Tasuku Murakami
It’s omakase. And everyone is doing it, including Umi, which has been a reliable sushi hotspot in Buckhead for almost a decade. So adding an omakase table to their offerings makes sense for this celeb-infested spot. But with just eight seats available per night and reservations booked solid for months, you might need to actually be a celeb to get in.
September 2023
The team behind Kinjo Room and Mai Kitchen opened this Virginia Highlands spot in September. Expect a variety of proteins on skewers, a whole squid, and lobster shishito from this Japanese-inspired menu.
photo credit: Amy Sinclair
Brush relocated from Decatur to Buckhead in September. The dining aesthetics have been upgraded and the tasty sushi is still spot-on, which is why they made our Hit List.
Expanding from their Sandy Springs location, this Persian eatery has a new spot on the Westside. Now anyone who won’t venture OTP can taste test their kabobs and stew of the day.
