The June Hit List: Baffi, 8ARM, Casa Tropicale, and More

Adding yet another Italian restaurant to the running list of great ones in Atlanta, Baffi in West Midtown is the new offering from the legendary Jonathan Waxman and executive chef Andrew Cacioppo. Menu standouts include the grilled romaine salad served alongside lemon caper salsa verde, and of course the Waxman signatures: the kale salad and the roast chicken.

Step into Havana at Casa Tropicale in Midtown. This new restaurant takes diners on an experience, including alfresco cabana-style outpost dining. Tables are gathered around colorful umbrellas while diners feast on Cuban dishes. Think lobster ceviche and grilled shrimp sea salt skewers. Don’t forget cocktails. Pro tip: the Cuba Libre and Agua de Coco can be served inside a coconut shell. 

Come to 8ARM for the sushi, and stay for the drinks. Located on Ponce, 8ARM is a combination Japanese-inspired lounge and a natural wine bar. That means a menu of seaweed salad, grilled squid skewers, chicken karaage, tonkotsu ramen, and matcha milkshakes. Sushi picks to not miss are the Watermelon Dealer (tuna, cucumber, watermelon kimchi) and Ray of Sunshine (salmon, avocado, granny smith, mint). 

Iranian chef Fares Kargar opened Delbar nearly a year ago as a tribute to the countryside of his home country. In that time, it has become a beloved Atlanta favorite. Diners will find a sampling of Middle Eastern dishes, such as hummus, falafel, za’atar fries, and lamb shawarma. For enjoying warmer weather and those beautiful Atlanta sunsets, opt to dine in the restaurant’s sunroom — ventilated in the warmer months and heated in the fall and winter. 

One of Atlanta’s renowned delicatessens, The General Muir continues to offer the charm of a New York deli with Southern flair. Choose from the lox bagel, the ever-popular reuben sandwich, and the tuna melt. Do know that dinners Wednesday through Sunday feature a standout spaghetti and meatballs.

Want a little history with a sampling of your Southern cuisine favorites? Look no further than Swan Coach House, located on the campus of Atlanta History Center: pimento cheese grit fritters, chicken pot pie, and country ham biscuits alongside whipped sorghum butter and peach preserves. And once your belly is full and your appetite sufficiently whet, wander over to see one of Atlanta History Center’s revolving exhibitions. 

The brainchild of Kevin Gillespie of “Top Chef” fame, Gunshow in Glenwood Park is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Like that of dim sum restaurants, food is ushered through the dining room on roving carts to be eaten tapas style — but with a Southern twist. Think smoked chicken egg rolls, old fashioned banana pudding. and royal red shrimp with milk bread. Menu options change daily. 

German eats and cold beers are the hallmark of Der Biergarten, making it a fine choice for patio dining as summer revs up. Located downtown, Der Biergarten is the place for warm pretzels served alongside three types of mustard; veal schnitzel; charcuterie, done German-style; and  of course bratwurst and knackwurst. Der Biergarten is only open Friday through Sunday with limited hours. Note: first-come, first-serve.

Kona Grill in Alpharetta is all about seafood. Choose from a number of seafood entrees— sweet chili glazed salmon and miso sake sea bass as a few examples. The avocado egg rolls served with the honey cilantro dipping sauce is a favorite. Patio diners will delight in the shaded patio available.