Photograph by Emily Schultz
Linton’s
Linton Hopkins has closed his quiet cafe and opened an expansive, full-service restaurant at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Wrapped in glass and stone, the modern space is led by executive chef Jason Paolini. He delivers colorful, locally sourced dishes like chilled pea soup, Georgia trout with dandelion greens, and johnnycakes topped with a poached egg, frisée, and fried shallots. Don’t skip dessert, like the madeleines with chocolate sauce or the lemon curd and strawberry tart. To make the most of your meal (and the garden admission price—you have to buy a ticket to dine), stroll through the Chihuly exhibition afterward. 1345 Piedmont Avenue, 404-585-2061
Photograph by Emily Schultz
Botiwalla
Ponce City Market adds Indian street fare to its food hall with this lively cafe by Chai Pani’s Meherwan Irani. The counter service restaurant serves mostly grilled meats and kati rolls—India’s version of a wrap—on naan so thick the rolls might as well be called naanwiches. Go for the grilled marinated lamb bolstered by slaw, cilantro, and chutney. Puffed flour crisps filled with potatoes and sodas flavored with pineapple and turmeric round out the menu. 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-378-4030
Photograph by Emily Schultz
Morningside Kitchen
In the 35 years since he opened Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland, Tom Murphy has become the neighborhood’s most trusted restaurateur. His newest establishment, just up the road in the space that formerly housed Rosebud, will likely become another local favorite. The menu is full of comforts like rotisserie chicken, hanger steak, and burgers. Highlights include whiskey shrimp on toast with bourbon butter sauce and loaded baked potatoes. Interested in a special? Ask for the price in advance. On one night, grouper, though cooked well, rang up at a shocking $34. 1397 North Highland Avenue, 404-347-9747
Photograph by Emily Schultz
Brush Sushi Izakaya
Sushi restaurants have been opening in Atlanta so frequently that we’re surprised it took Decatur this long to land a serious one. Jason Liang, Craft Izakaya’s former sous chef, offers ritzy omakase menus as well as sushi, robata, ramen, and various other snacks. Early standouts include ocean-fresh fish and chicken yakitori charred over binchotan charcoal. 316 Church Street, Decatur, 678-949-9412
New look: Sushi House Hayakawa
Atlantans crave Japanese food in glamorous settings, but true sushi fanatics will happily trade looks for taste. At the newly remodeled Sushi House Hayakawa, Atsushi “Art” Hayakawa reduced the number of seats and ditched the television to focus on a limited (and impressive) array of sushi and sashimi. Reservations required. 5979 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-986-0010
