ATLReview
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We’ve got a whole section of restaurants that we recommend for people dining alone, but Zakia isn’t one of ‘em. Taking in the grandiose views and as many delicious plates as possible is best enjoyed with a group, even if that group happens to be family who don’t all necessarily jive.
Now, the food at Zakia won’t result in the type of healing miracles we learned about in Sunday school. But we’re pretty convinced a family-style Lebanese meal here could help mend even the deepest of family feuds when the table nods in quiet agreement after the first pleasing bite of lamb shank, a standout in a city full of lamb dishes.
The menu is stuffed with small plates, mostly traditional Lebanese dishes based on recipes the co-owners grew up eating (in fact, the Buckhead spot is named after their grandmother). And if their grandmother was regularly cooking up labneh and batata harra this good, we get why there's a glowing portrait of her above the dining space.
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Family-style dining can feel messy. But Zakia feels polished and grand while still providing space that feels intimate for a small group. Three separate dining areas, each more impressive than the last, bring this 6,000 square-foot space to life. The main room has a four-tiered chandelier and is bordered by a series of ornate pillars that has us Googling the breadth of ancient Rome imperialism (yes to Tyre, but et tu, Buckhead?). And the back room is lined with windows spilling natural light onto a ceiling dotted with dangling white floral strings for a more ethereal dining environment. We know Buckhead tends to lean bougie, but even your well-to-do in-laws will be dazzled by this space.
Once you’ve absorbed the beautiful setting, it’s time to break bread, folks—the warm, fresh-baked, fluffy pita kind. Which also happens to make the perfect vehicle for the creamy hummus topped with ground lamb that should be everyone’s first order. And you might marvel at how well the cod sayadieh can make dinner with your actual family copacetic. But even if sharing thirteen plates of delicious takes on Lebanese standards doesn’t mend fractured family ties, you can at least have a dinner you’ll actually enjoy.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Lamb Ragu Hummus
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Labneh
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Charred Octopus
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Batata Harra
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Cod Sayadieh
photo credit: Cameren Rogers
Baba Ghanoush
photo credit: Cameren Rogers