NEW EATS & TREATS

A roundup of recently-opened restaurants around Intown

By Collin Kelley INtown Editor

The holiday season is in full swing, which means hectic shopping sprees and guests from out of town. It’s the perfect time to eat out, and there are a number of newly-opened restaurants worth check out around Intown.

The Café at Linton’s

While you’re visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the gorgeous holiday lights, be sure to stop Chef Linton Hopkins’ placeholder while the new full-service Linton’s in the Garden is under construction (expected to open in late 2015). The café offers a menu based on natural meats and fresh, local produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs grown at the Garden. For more information, visit atlantabontanicalgarden.org.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

521 Kitchen & Que

Drew and Roma Kirkland have opened their new restaurant at 4365 Roswell Road, Suite 4367, in Buckhead serving up freshly smoked barbecue and homemade sides. For more information, visit 521kitchenandque. com.

Ribalta

A touch of Naples in Midtown from this new pizzeria that offers both Neapolitan pies and a twice-baked extra crispy style called “pala.” There are also gluten-free options. The restaurant is located at 1080 Peachtree St. For more information, visit ribaltapizzarestaurant. com.

The Southern Gentleman

Asante Restaurant & Lounge

The fast-casual, Pan Asian sushi and juice bar is open at the Pencil Factory Flats & Shops at 349 Decatur St. near Downtown. Menu items include rice bowls and a classic bento box with beef yakiniku and chicken katsu. Also at the juice bar: smoothies and bubble tea. For more information, visit thebentohut.com.

Condesa Coffee

Celebrity chef Marvin Woods brings his “coastal soul” cuisine to this new spot in Downtown’s Luckie Marietta District at 250 Park Ave. Woods has developed a signature style that blends ingredients and techniques of South America, the Caribbean, the Low Country and Southern United States and Africa. For more information, visit asanteatl.com.

Illegal Foods

Illegal Food’s first full-service restaurant is scheduled to open this month in the former Bar Meatball space at 1044 Greenwood Ave. Illegal Food will serve its critically acclaimed burgers in addition to a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, entrées, desserts and a custom cocktail program. For more information, visit illegalfoodatlanta.com.

Bento Hut

The artisan ice cream company has opened a new location at 545 N. McDonough St. in Decatur. The shop features grass-grazed ice creams, frozen yogurts and sorbets. This is the third Jeni’s to open in the past year, with locations in Westside Provisions and a new location coming to Krog Street Market soon. For more information, visit jenis.com.

One of Buckhead Atlanta’s most anticipated openings, the new restaurant from the creators of Gypsy Kitchen, Smokebelly BBQ and The Big Ketch, The Southern Gentleman offers a modern, regional spin on chef-created, locally sourced gastropub fare and classic cocktails. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page at

Here’s something to watch out for in January: the second out post of awardwinning Condesa Coffee 145 Auburn Ave. in the Atlanta Daily World Building. Condesa, which offers fair trade coffee and cocktails, was named one of the 10 Best Coffee Shops in the country by The Daily Meal. Find out more about the opening at condesacoffee.com.

Le Bilboquet

The French eatery is now serving lunch and dinner at the Buckhead Atlanta development. The bistro and bar, which opened its first outpost in New York City in 1986, is the only freestanding restaurant on the property. Signature dishes include Cajun chicken, steak au poivre, salmon tartare and chocolate mousse. For more information, visit buckhead-atl.com.