
Photograph by Martha Williams
Named after a cherished friend of the owner, Natalie Bianca joins a cluster of culinary gems nestled in Cascade Heights, near the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and the Adams Park neighborhood.
You might have driven down the area’s main thoroughfare, Cascade Road, bound for nearby hiking trails or big-box stores off I-285. But for many Atlantans, the historic Cascade Heights neighborhood remains relatively unexplored, including its dining scene. Thankfully, like most secrets, word gets out.
When seasoned restaurateur Jamshad “Jaamy” Zarnegar heard there was an opportunity to open a new spot in the neighborhood’s space on Cascade formerly home to restaurants Serenidad and La Panarda, he was intrigued but hesitant. In his late 60s, Zarnegar says he had no intention of opening another restaurant. Now settled in Midtown, the former manager and co-owner of the critically acclaimed Last Resort Grill in Athens was impressed with Cascade Heights’ burgeoning culinary status. And, to his surprise, as he became more familiar with the area, he realized it was only a mile from where his longtime bestie, Natalie Bianca Coward, had grown up.

Photograph by Martha Williams
This new opportunity felt like kismet and a way to honor his friend, who had passed away from a heart attack just a couple of years before. “We met in a nightclub—Backstreet, to be exact—at 3 a.m.,” says Zarnegar. “I was just standing there having a drink, and this woman walked up and started talking. We hit it off and began what became a lifelong friendship.”
From party days to work life and tougher times, which included caring for ailing parents, these two, along with their friend Kitty Dare Ethridge, stuck together. Zarnegar named a restaurant for that departed friend as well: the Mediterranean-inspired Kitty Dare in Inman Park. He has fond memories of both women, especially in their younger years. “We spent many nights in the basement of Natalie’s father’s house—her sanctuary—getting ready for a night out.”

Photograph by Martha Williams
Natalie Bianca, the restaurant, opened last September in good company, surrounded by several noteworthy eateries within shouting distance: Cafe Bartique, Aiskrimu Ice Cream Bar, Barrio ATL, and Oreatha’s at the Point from chef Deborah VanTrece.
Natalie Bianca stands out among them. The exterior is painted a super-sunny yellow and has a small front patio and large street-facing windows. Inside, the open dining room, with its dozen or so tables, includes an inviting bar along one wall. The room is a touch romantic, featuring stone tiles, wood accents, dark and light rattan pendants, mounted ceramic plates with Mexican floral motifs, votive candles, and colorful, beaded hobnail glassware.
In the back hangs a portrait of a woman with a warm, wide smile and a mischievous glint in her eyes. Our server confirms she is the one and only Natalie Bianca Coward. “I hear she was quite the diva back in the day,” the server offers before sharing top picks from the cocktail list.
I start with the Jules, a spicy margarita on the rocks with a jalapeño-slice garnish. Sassy, it’s right up my alley. My dining companion begins with the For Marti, an espresso martini that went down so smooth he had to order another. The menu, described as New Southern with Mexican flavors, has several options—from small and big plates to burgers and sandwiches, chimichanga and quesadilla dishes, a vegan plate, and more.

Photograph by Martha Williams
Among the small plates are fried green tomatoes with a creamy sweet onion and bacon sauce; crab cakes with roasted caper aioli; and black bean crepes served over tomato sauce and topped with dill sour cream. Salads include a lovely Caesar with fried capers, parmesan, and sourdough croutons, and a colorful “harvest” salad with house-made dressings, including Green Goddess. Entrees lean toward familiar and comforting, with satisfying selections such as short ribs on mashed potatoes with green beans; salmon on creamy Southern grits with roasted garlic cream sauce; Natalie’s shrimp pasta; and Bruno’s steak, a skirt steak marinated in Mexican herbs and spices.

Photograph by Martha Williams
For dessert, there’s a chocolate walnut pie that Zarnegar insists on making himself; the recipe is from the now-shuttered Southern Lights Bistro in Greensboro, North Carolina, an influential stepping stone in his early culinary career. The kitchen crew, led by two Superica alums, handles the rest, including the knockout churros. Served in a silver cup, the cinnamon-coated, frites-length pieces are warm and crunchy and come with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for dunking.
The restaurant hosts wine dinners and plans to start Sunday brunch in January, but Zarnegar admits they struggle to fill the dining room during the week. It’s a familiar story lately, especially for newcomers. But this is exactly the kind of place Atlanta needs more of: relaxed, inclusive spaces where you can drop in for an after-work drink or bite at the bar or settle into a cozy dining room that works for a date night, a weeknight respite, or small celebrations. It’s worthy of your support. Bring your friends—especially the divas.
This article appears in our January 2025 issue.