The July Hit List: Nagomiya, Negril, Politan Row, A-Street, and More

Meaning “House of Tranquility” in Japanese, this Midtown newcomer is set in an airy, garden-inspired space within the Tens on West complex. Another venture from Takashi Otsuka (Wagaya and Chirori), Nagomiya is a restaurant where chef Ryotarou Yamamoto provides both lunch and dinner options, with highlights such as sushi, panko-breaded prawns and lobster ramen. 

Taste Jamaican flavors at Negril ATL in Midtown, which is soon to become one of Atlanta’s premier Caribbean restaurants. Situated in what used to be an old firehouse, Negril is a brand new offshoot of the original restaurant in New York. Only two minutes away from Fox Theatre, menu highlights at Negril include jerk wings, oxtail empanadas, jerk chicken, curry chicken, and other Jamaican favorites. 

Hailing from the Windy City, Brown Bag Seafood recently opened a second Atlanta location in Midtown. Renowned restaurateur Donna Lee specializes in seafood and choices, so diners are able to taste their way through a build-your-own-adventure menu: pick and choose your seafood and then do the sides (don’t miss the truffle parm tater tots), vegetables, salads or grains. 

1201 Peachtree St. NE Colony Square. 404-883-2175.  www.brownbagseafood.com

Atlanta’s newest food hall Politan Row splashes onto the scene at Colony Square in Midtown. A total of 11 restaurants can be found in Politan Row, alongside a patio bar, a hidden cocktail lounge and a private event space spanning over 20,000 square feet. Expect appearances from restaurants such as Gekko Sushi, Federal Burger, Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co., and many others. 

Finding its home in Historic Roswell, A-Street serves up New American eats daily starting at 5 p.m. Under the helm of chef Kevin Nelson, menu must-haves include chorizo-stuffed dates, a dirty ranch wedge salad, potato-crusted grouper and Sardinian-style linguine. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Newly opened in Marietta, Modena Ristorante Vinoteca is all things Italian food. You’ll find some familiar Italian dishes on their menu — Caesar salad, pasta puttanesca, pappardelle bolognese, and more — along with lobster-stuffed ravioli and wood-fired pizzas prepared Neapolitan-style. 

Southern eats in a chill atmosphere is the ethos of BlaqHaus ATL, located on Marietta Square.  In addition to Southern specialities on the menu — think short rib, collard greens and mac and cheese stuffed in an egg roll, honey butter salmon, kale and artichoke dip — this venue is also a hot spot for its hookah lounge and weekend brunch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

A new companion to Colony Square’s iPic Theater, Serena Pastificio is the theater’s in-house restaurant serving up moviegoers more than simply popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs. Serena Pastificio describes itself as a “chic Italian eatery”—that means linguine with clams, mushroom risotto, and more. And the best part? iPic moviegoers get 10 percent off their meal. 

Known for being a late-night hangout, CRU Hookah Lounge has also food on the menu worth a visit. All menu items at CRU are served via small plates — such as crab mac-and-cheese, lollipop lamb chops, and crab cakes among other selections. Word to the wise: the Peter Street location is only one of several locations of this lounge and restaurant throughout Atlanta. 

Though STK has found residence in Atlanta for years now, it’s still a choice for good vibes, great cocktails, and a steak grilled to perfection. This Buckhead location, found on Peachtree, has all three things. Be sure to look out for lump crab cake, tuna tartare, and oysters on the half shell. Pro tip: Head there for happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m.