BEST NEW RESTAURANTS TO TRY IN ATLANTA THIS SUMMER

BY LAURA SCHOLZ

Marcus Bar & Grille

Decorated with roller skates and records to reflect the city’s vibrant entertainment scene, Marcus Samuelsson’s first Atlanta concept in Old Fourth Ward focuses on elevated comfort fare. Choose from indoor seating around an open kitchen, the intimate bar or an airy 40-seat patio to dine on shareables like oysters on the half shell and chicken wings. Find main dishes like fried chicken and cornbread waffles and a wood-grilled ribeye.

www.marcusbarandgrille.com

R3 Rosendale Concepts

Located in the iconic 200 Peachtree Place building Downtown, the new restaurant from award-winning chef Rich Rosendale features a rotating seasonal menu of flavorful soups, seafood appetizers, oven-roasted pizzas, salads and main dishes like a 48-hour pot roast. Come for the signature cocktail, 200 Peachtree, a refreshing spritz with peach-orange blossom vodka and a splash of prosecco. www.r3atlanta.com

Recess Buckhead

Local fast-casual chain Recess specializes in light, healthy fare – perfect for enjoying on the brightly colored patio of the new Buckhead location. Build your own bowl or salad, or opt for a house specialty like the hearty Don Diego made with Spanish rice, black beans, corn and avocado with chipotle-ranch dressing. www.eatrecess.com

Carmel www.carmelatl.com

The latest concept from Tal Baum, founder of Oliva Restaurant Group and proprietor of Aziza, Rina and Atrium, brings relaxed, coastal vibes to Buckhead Village. Designed by Smith Hanes Studio, the interior dining room and exterior patio are airy and bright while the seasonal menu of fresh fish and seafood, produce and unique cuts of meat are inspired by the California and Yucatan shores.

TydeTate Kitchen

Fans of the popular food stall at Chattahoochee Food Works can now dine on Thai-inspired comfort food at a new brick-and-mortar restaurant on Mitchell Street downtown. Named for co-owner Sai Untachantr’s two young boys, Tyde and Tate, the menu includes favorites like a Thai beef salad with chili lime dressing, crispy spring rolls, house Thai tea and savory curry puffs.

www.tydetatekitchen.com

Citizens Food Hall

This isn’t your childhood food court. The new, 25,000-square-foot luxury food hall at Phipps Plaza features eight

Continued on page 24 restaurant stalls from notable culinary names like Iron Chef alum Masaharu Morimoto and acclaimed butcher Dario Cecchini. Stalls serve everything from fried chicken and tacos to sushi, burgers and Mediterranean fare from concepts like Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, El Pollo Verde and all-day coffee shop Ella Mia. www.phippsplaza.com

Westside Motor Lounge

The three-acre, indoor-outdoor entertainment complex at Echo Street features several concepts including a sit-down bar and restaurant with outdoor patio, a listening room stocked with games like Ping-Pong and an outdoor beer garden with Adirondack chairs, cabanas, picnic tables and a large screen television. Sip on original cocktails like the rum and citrus-based Endless Summer while snacking on Southerninspired shareable plates like pimento cheese dip and fried chicken bites. www.westsidemotorlounge.com

Rooftop L.O.A.

Escape from city life at this adults-only restaurant and bar perched atop the Interlock on Howell Mill Road. Rooftop L.O.A., which stands for Leave of Absence, features $5 happy hour mini martinis and bar snacks on weekdays, oyster specials on Tuesdays and live music on the weekends. Dive into a regular dinner menu of coastal European fare or book a private cabana to lounge by the resortstyle pool with panoramic city views, bottle service and house cocktails like the Leave of Absinthe, a fruit-forward sipper with blue gin, amaro, lemon, mint, pineapple and absinthe. www.rooftoploa.com

The Daily Inman Park

Coffees, smoothies, pastries, bowls, pita sandwiches and other flavorful fare are on the menu at the second outpost of The Daily, now open in Inman Park. Taste one of the standout dishes like the grain bowl or try a seasonal drink like the sweet yet earthy Israeli Upside Down Latte with rose-cardamom syrup, Onyx espresso cold foam, vanilla bean, dried roses and steamed milk. www.shopthedaily.com

Sunshine Alchemy

Look for a brick-and-mortar restaurant from the popular plant-based food truck on Presidential Parkway later this year. The cafe will serve dishes like vegan burgers and barbecue jackfruit as well as beer, wine and cocktails on tap. www.sunshinealchemy.com

Taste of Atlanta, Grand Tasting Westside

The city’s ultimate tasting tour makes a stop on the Westside on July 20. The one-night-only tour at The Foundry at Puritan Mill features food and drinks as well as cooking demonstrations from more than 25 area restaurants and chefs. Tickets are all-inclusive and include unlimited bites, beer, wine and craft cocktail tastings.

www.tasteofatlanta.com