Atlanta’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Get ready for incredible Mexican food in beautiful surroundings (acres of natural wood, hanging basket lights, sea-blue concrete floors) at this tribute to the rich cuisine of Oaxaca from restaurant veterans Cesar Hernandez and Luis Damian.

Say hello to this festive New Orleans-flavored place in Milton’s Crabapple Market, from restaurant team Leonardo Moura and Jamie Adams of Il Giallo, G’s Pizza, and the original Lagarde in Chamblee. You’ll find almost any NOLA essential on the menu, from oysters and po’ boys to beignets.

Come with friends to this convivial establishment in Sandy Springs and crowd the table with eminently shareable plates and platters of Persian and Middle Eastern spreads, mezze, kabobs, and more. Don’t miss the variations on tahdig rice, a Persian classic known for its irresistible golden crust.

Culinary lightning struck again when chef Linton Hopkins and his wife, Gina, opened this Midtown offshoot of the revered original Holeman & Finch, famed for its legendary double cheeseburger and the rest of its Southern-accented gastropub fare.

“Alici” may be the Italian word for anchovies, but the focus at this suave seafood-themed ristorante from Pat Pascarella (of Bastone and Grana) is on oysters — eight or nine varieties a day — and on a variety of fish with sauces ranging from lemon vinaigrette to caviar cream.

Come to this airy Howell Mill Road newcomer from Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips (of Lazy Betty and Juniper Café fame) for pizza, savory pot pies, a range of vegetable specialties, and custom-made beers from some of the best area breweries.

Here’s a must for sushi-lovers: Atsushi “Art” Hayakawa’s little jewel box of a place, relocated from Buford Highway to the Star Metals district and downsized to just eight seats but still serving Hayakawa’s exquisite two-and-a-half hour omakase menu.

Fans of chef Mel Toledo’s popular Foundation Social in Roswell have had to do without his crisp Spanish octopus and other signature dishes since he closed in 2020 — but now he’s brought the place back, in nearby Alpharetta, with all the old favorites plus some upscale newcomers (Osetra caviar, anyone?) and it’s better than ever.

You’ll find any steakhouse (or chophouse) classic you could wish for at this Lawrenceville standout in the Richard Meier Towers from the owner of McCray’s Tavern — oysters, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, eight different steaks, creamed spinach, and more — all done just right.

Expect Australian-style hospitality, food full of vivid flavors, and serious cocktail and coffee programs at this pioneering Atlanta outpost of the ever-growing Isla mini-chain — two more are planned in the area — from Parched Hospitality Group (known for New York’s Hole in the Wall restaurants, among others). 

It’s always Sunday morning six days a week into the late afternoon at this Duluth bright spot, where chef-owner Keith Kash (of the Who’s Got Soul restaurants) expands the definition of brunch.

Its name might be Spanish for “serenity” or “calm,” but the menu at this bright “Latin soul” establishment from chef Deborah VanTrece (of Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours) is as vibrant and exciting as can be. Among the appetite-stirring specialties: duck fat tamales and paella grits.

Expect Korean comfort food alongside sushi and ramen at this sleek Peachtree Corners sibling to Yakitori Jinbei in Smyrna, opened by chef Jae Choi and cookbook author and TV personality G. Garvin. Essential dish: Choi’s famous Korean fried chicken.

If appetite-rousing American fare with Caribbean accents (short rib jerk burger, anyone?) in a laid-back atmosphere sounds good to you, look no further than this Brookhaven destination from Lemont Bradley, well-known for his restaurant/carwash Auto Spa Bistro.

This spacious, light-filled restaurant in the luxury MAA Riverside complex in Vinings makes its mark with a modern American/Southern menu (think bourbon-glazed meatballs and Georgia fried chicken), a wraparound bar, and a verdant private dining space dubbed the Secret Garden.

If you wanted to experience this local institution’s inspired mix of sushi and casual Southern fare, you used to have to brave the city’s international airport — the busiest in the world. Three cheers, then, for its second location on the Eastside Beltline, with an expanded menu and a seductive umbrella-shaded patio.

Chef Arnaldo Castillo (of Minero), who won fans for the savory Peruvian fare at his La Chingana pop-up, has partnered with Howard Hsu of Sweet Auburn Barbecue for this brick-and-mortar tribute to Peru’s coastal cuisine. Expect ceviches, tiraditos, and more.