
When 10 Degrees South, Cape Dutch, and Biltong Bar restaurateur Justin Anthony announced he was moving Yebo from Phipps Plaza to West Paces Ferry, he promised a more sophisticated vibe with an expanded menu. But after careful consideration, he’s decided to scrap the Yebo concept altogether, changing it from South African-Southern to a South African and American fusion spot focusing on coastal influences from the Hamptons and California. “The Yebo that was there didn’t fit the [former Coast] space,” he says. “This is more Capetown meets Venice Beach meets the Hamptons. It’s more sophisticated beachy as opposed to beach shack.”
With Yebo officially closed at Phipps Plaza and set to open to the public at 111 West Paces Ferry Road April 19, Anthony and his team are busy redesigning everything—from the restaurant’s interior and patio to the food and drink menus, down to the servers’ uniforms.
Select Yebo staples will still be available, including lamb chops, ostrich Bolognese, and lobster cous cous with caviar, but the majority of the menu will be comprised of new small plates, such as tomato and watermelon bruschetta, shrimp peri peri tacos, and possibly bunny chow sliders. Lunch will include lighter fare like swordfish sandwich and gazpacho, while the weekend brunch menu features waffles with peri peri maple syrup, as well as a selection of oysters.
There will be 55 wines by the bottle and about 25 by the glass. The majority of beers will be local, while the cocktail program will take hints from that at Biltong Bar. (Think margaritas with peri peri spice instead of jalapeno.)
The old Coast patio has been torn down and in its place, Anthony’s team is creating an “elegantly casual” outdoor area with low seating, umbrellas, and a bar. Inside, expect dark cherry wood-stained floors, white walls, and elements of zinc and driftwood. There will be three private dining areas—two lofted and one downstairs. “It’s a very affluent area that we’re moving to so we really want to appeal to that mindset and crowd,” Anthony says.
Although he contemplated changing the restaurant’s name completely, ultimately he decided just to amend it to Yebo Beach Haus. “Yebo means ‘yes!’ It’s an affirmation in South Africa, and it has a special place in my heart,” he says. “It’s a concept I always looked at doing around the country, but if I ever wanted to open in Decatur or Los Angeles, the Beach Haus concept has more legs.”