The most anticipated Atlanta restaurant openings for 2016

Inman Quarter and Ponce City Market round out their roster
1625
Inspiration from the Mercury

Courtesy of Justen Clay

Can Atlanta one-up a landmark year in 2015 that included Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, and Staplehouse? Unlikely, based on what’s been announced, though there will be plenty that’s new to eat and drink in the coming months. Hot openings include more stalls in Ponce City Market’s food hall, as well as Tom Catherall’s triumphant return to Atlanta dining.

Just Opened

Beetlecat
Described as the “little sister to the Optimist,” Ford Fry’s Inman Park oyster bar will have Andrew Isabella at the helm.

JP Atlanta
JP Atlanta in the Hotel Indigo Downtown marks the return of renowned architect John C. Portman Jr. Julio Delgado will lead the kitchen.

January 2016

Amer

The cocktail bar by Bocado’s David Durnell and Brian Lewis will open in Inman Park, serving drinks inspired by bitters and Italian Amari, and light fare like cheese plates, oysters, and crudo.

Biltong Bar
After opening Cape Dutch in the old Woodfire Grill location, owner Justin Anthony will open this South African jerky and cocktail stall in Ponce City Market.

Botiwalla
Chai Pani founder Meherwan Irani will open his Indian-inspired street grill food stall, Botiwalla (formerly called Boti), in Ponce City Market. Expect marinated, grilled, and skewered meat, pickled vegetables, and more.

Char
The man behind Krog Street Market sushi spot Craft Izakaya, Richard Tang, is opening a Korean barbecue restaurant nearby with cocktails to boot.

Hampton & Hudson
Billy and Jenn Streck (Grain, Cypress Street) have chosen JCT. Kitchen’s Cooper Miller to design the menu at their Inman Quarter pub. Expect games like foosball and darts and 22 beers on tap.

The Mercury
This “cocktail-focused classic American eatery” by Decatur’s Pinewood Tippling Room will open on the second floor of Ponce City Market’s food hall.

February

Drift
Doug Turbush, the Marietta-based restauranteur behind Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar, is opening a fish house and oyster bar at the Avenue, featuring influences from Boston, San Francisco, and Thailand.

Tom Tom Tapas & Tequilas
The abrupt closing of all 11 of Here to Serve’s restaurants ultimately brought the group’s founder, Tom Catherall, out of retirement and back into the kitchen. His first project will be reopening the original Noche location in Virginia-Highland as a Spanish tapas spot.

Ton Ton
Guy Wong, who opened Westside’s Le Fat last year, will launch his long-awaited ramen, yakitori, and sushi bar in Ponce City Market.

March

5Church
This Charlotte-based restaurant takes over the prime Midtown location previously home to Shout! Early intel promises a 200-bottle wine list.

Noble Fin
Jay Swift of 4th & Swift will expand OTP with this seafood restaurant led by his son, Jeb Aldrich. With Mediterranean and American influences, Noble Fin serve pasta, crudo, ceviche, and more.

Richards’ Southern Fried
With Asha Gomez’s Kerala-style fried chicken stall in Krog Street Market off the table, chef Todd Richards now has the bird covered. Richards’ Southern Fried will serve regular fried chicken and two hot varieties, along with potato wedges, stewed okra and tomatoes, broccoli rice, and cheese casserole.

April

Big Boss Chinese
One restaurant opening—Ton Ton Ramen—won’t be enough for Guy Wong in 2016. The long-delayed Big Boss Chinese is slated to open in April in Decatur, serving Cantonese food alongside a Chinese barbecue station and private karaoke rooms.

The Royal
Michel Arnette of Haven and Valenza is opening a diner in a former gas station in Chamblee. Expect garage doors, patio seating, and classic eats.

Timing Unknown

Tom Murphy’s Morningside restaurant
Details about Tom Murphy’s Morningside restaurant are limited, but Virginia-Highland neighbors are curious to see what he has in store for the former Rosebud location.

Advertisement