The April Hit List: The Deer & The Dove, Kitty Dare, Revival, and More

Opened in late 2021, this Mediterranean restaurant takes over a storied Edgewood Avenue space that’s housed several popular restaurants, most recently Robert Phalen’s eclectic One Eared Stag (which had great burgers). The space employs the familiar white and blue aesthetic, with ornate black and white floor tile and wooden tables to add a balance of elegance and comfort. The menu is split into four courses, with starters like arancini and Spanish mussels, charcuterie boards layered with locally sourced meats and cheeses, French onion soup, roasted cauliflower and salads on third, and entrees like bucatini and shrimp. And of course they knew that a burger would be expected, so they’ve got one that’s sure to draw attention: a blend of ground chuck, brisket, and short rib under provolone, with Bibb lettuce, roma tomato, caramelized onions, and grilled pancetta on a brioche bun from Proof Bakery. We dare you not to be hungry.

Chef and restaurateur Mimmo Alboumeh’s track record of consistently giving Atlanta great restaurants like Red Pepper Taqueria and Maya Seafood & Steaks is sometimes overlooked when accolades are given out, but Botica has once again proven that he knows what people want and how to give it to them. The Mexican restaurant took over what used to be Watershed, and has given the building new energy with a lively crowd, drop-ins by notable locals (you’re sure to see Kiss 104.1 morning show host Frank Ski there with a celebrity friend or two now and again). If you ever had a margarita at any of Mimmo’s restaurants you know they’re delicious but not to be underestimated, and Botica continues that tradition, even with now-legal carryout ‘ritas in watermelon and other flavors. Food-wise, you’ll do well with wagyu meatballs or halibut ceviche, and the wild salmon entree in tximitxurri (Basque-style chimichurri) over quinoa is also impressive, but you also won’t regret sticking to tacos like the lamb birria. And if you’re around on weekends check out brunch, where pork burgers, chilaquiles, and shrimp and grits are available, but every once in a while Mimmo himself will fire up the patio’s Big Green Egg and make some of the best paella you’ve had in ATL.

The southern European restaurant on Peachtree Street that Craig Richards and Billy Streck named after their daughters has fantastic pasta and other food that’s won them big recent accolades, and is pretty busy these days. With all that going on, it wouldn’t make much sense to not include them on April’s Hit List, would it? You might even still have time to score a seat at an upcoming wine dinner on Tuesday, March 29, which they recently announced on Instagram. Email them ASAP at info@lylalilaatl.com to try to secure a seat as part of “an intimate group” that’ll dine from a special menu with Franciacorta wine pairings.

Find more intel about how to score a table and what to order at Lyla Lila here.

Here’s the story: Yumbii and The Queso Truck got together and turned their love into new life (ah, springtime), at this very-recently-opened walk-up taco and queso window. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Queso Shop sports an eye-popping pink and white brick storefront that’s hard to miss, but look right next to Yumbii if you need a landmark (and perhaps some extra fries). And queso’s not the only standout; you can also pick up tacos or quesadillas (crispy chicken and kale, carne asada, carnitas), 24-hour-marinated rib eye burritos, rotisserie chicken, and bite-sized churros as a finishing sweetener. Order online for faster pickup.

Every day is itself a reason to eat with Deborah Vantrece, chef Robert Butts, and the rest of the crew at Twisted Soul. But more people should be aware that the brilliant soul fool restaurant has always had an equally stellar cocktail program. Thanks to guidance from veteran craft cocktailers like Tiffanie Barriere and the adventurous mind of Vantrece’s talented daughter Kursten Berry, the bar is a secret star at Twisted Soul, especially if you like a good whiskey cocktail. Also notable: the Twisted Soul family is welcoming its super-new sister restaurant Oreatha’s at The Point in the Cascade Heights neighborhood. Now would be a great time to get reacquainted with the restaurant that started the growing Vantrece empire.

Chef Nick Leahy is back on his casual comfort wave at this new tavern, where Southern food goes laid-back American. The Usual is set in an approachable space with blue booths propped against walls that feature arching white subway tile and cherry wood paneling — it’s backlit to allow light to shine through in the shape of “V” for “Victory” in Morse code. Drop in for a fancy grilled cheese on brioche toast with housemade pimento cheese and both farmhouse Tomme and Green Hill cheeses from Georgia-based Sweetgrass Dairy. You may want to go even fancier with a smoked grass-fed short rib and pimento cheese grit cake with Vidalia onion jam, until you remember that this is fancy for regular types. Who said you can’t eat like elite everyday people?

Kevin Gillespie survived the James Beard semifinals and is now a finalist to win the 2022 Outstanding Restaurateur award. Seems like a good time to visit a Kevin Gillespie restaurant, yes? Well, since we mentioned Gunshow last month, we’re mentioning Revival now, because spring is a time of renewal, and we could always use some good Southern cuisine from a Georgia native who knows how to cook a spirited meal. The cornbread basket is always a great place to start, and all your Southern favorites (bacon-wrapped meatloaf, fried chicken, and catfish) are still as delicious as ever, but maybe give the vegan Creole tomato gumbo with smoked mushrooms a try if you haven’t yet.

Don’t let the term “brewpub” fool you. From The Earth was founded by an alum of Kevin Rathbun and Buckhead Life restaurants, so even if you’re not in the immediate area of Roswell it’s still a bit different than the food truck or basic kitchen that’s standard among neighborhood breweries. That certified Angus double stack burger with tobacco onions, bacon jam, and pimento cheese is mighty; so is the pork osso buco in red wine gravy, and the duck confit with roasted heirloom carrots, asparagus, and Champagne gastrique. And yes, they have beers to pair, whether you’re the New Zealand pale ale kind or a fan of 6.4% ABV German ales. They’ve even got house seltzers, unfiltered ciders, cocktails, and more. But it’s still a brewery, so be sure to hit music bingo every other Sunday for brewery gift cards and regular fun beery times.

The James Beard Award-winning pitmaster has been in Atlanta for over a year now, and in that time Rodney Scott BBQ has steadily attracted more and more barbecue fans to his gorgeous blue and white building between Ralph David Abernathy and Metropolitan Parkway. The whole hog is clearly a must-have, but don’t let the Netflix specials and numerous other recognitions Scott has received keep you from trying other things, like the bombastic thin-sliced steak sandwich. One bite and you’ll know you can trust this man with any meat fit for human consumption. It’s also got a fantastic patio for the pollen-immune, and a surprisingly solid selection of local craft beer and ciders.

“Rustic new American” is served at chef Terry Koval’s Decatur Square dining destination. The restaurant’s nature-centric appeal is evident in its farmhouse-chic interior decor, which includes elegant wood furnishings, a chalkboard deer and dove mural and bright natural lighting from full-length front windows. The seasonal menu keeps it there with locally and regionally farmed goodness, whether you’re in the mood for the indulgent wood-grilled Bear Creek Farms burger (topped with, among other things, Gruyere, black truffle cheese, chanterelles, and shaved salt-cured egg yolks), or a smoked half duck from White Oak Pastures, sided with beef fat potatoes or novelties like braised sweetbreads and seared foie gras with blackberry jam. Pairings from the thoughtfully curated wine list, almost-all-local craft beer selection, or cocktail menu — which currently features a winter gin and tonic made with hibiscus tea — are highly recommended.