BRING THE KIDS

There are plenty of casual kid-friendly eateries around, but when you need to step it up a notch for a special occasion with the family in tow, you want a place that feels a little more upscale. Lucky for you, our community has several options, including some you may not expect, where little ones are more than welcome.

HOPE S. PHILBRICK

Chicken barg with Shirin polo at Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy Springs

“Juicy meat is laced with exotic flavors thanks to a saffron marinade and paired with what must be the world’s fluffiest rice with a joyful combination of orange zest, red barberry, pistachio, almond and rosewater. Sweet yet savory, packed with interesting textures and almost too good-looking to believe, it’s simply great.”

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Rabbit & Grits at Miller Union

ANGELA HANSBERGER

Polenta Cremosa at The Americano

“It is such an elevated take on humble ingredients. Scott Conant magically turns ground bits of corn into velvety rich polenta topped with a fricassee of mushrooms in an earthy gravy. It’s as if you can taste time in a spoonful: the careful stirring over low

LOCAL THREE KITCHEN AND BAR: Known for its seasonal New American fare and inventive cocktails, this Buckhead restaurant at The Forum on West Paces also has a kids’ menu. Adults can dine on a dryaged pork chop or panko-crusted flounder while kiddos enjoy a Georgia beef hamburger on a brioche bun with sides of seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit. localthree.com

NAKATO ATLANTA: Watch the kids take in the hibachi action from a front row seat at this Japanese mainstay on Cheshire Bridge Road. In addition to seating at the teppanyaki grill, there is also a sushi bar and main dining room. Wherever you choose to sit, the kids’ menu offers teriyaki chicken or steak as well as hibachi shrimp and a petite filet mignon. nakatorestaurant.com temperature, the deglazing of the pan, the subtle addition of truffle. Luxury often comes by way of the simplest ingredients. If someone had trouble understanding the word ‘umami,’ I would share this dish.”

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Akimono Ponzu at Nakato

JENNIFER BRADLEY FRANKLIN

Hummus No. 1 at Aziza

“Ordering a bunch of dishes to share is one of the best ways to experience dinner with friends since you get to sample so many more flavors. You can’t do better for something shareable and delicious than the simply titled Hummus No. 1. The impossibly silky chickpea mixture forms a nest for fall-apart-tender braised duck, pomegranate seeds, nutty tahini and pecans. Scoop your perfect bite with still-steaming laffa bread.”

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San Gennaro Pizza at Antico Pizza Napoletana

NOVO CUCINA: This underthe-radar Dunwoody restaurant offers Italian dishes you know and love in a sunroom that opens to the outdoors. Hand-made pasta and artisanal pizza will be a hit with all ages, then walk the kids over to the gelato bar where they can select a flavor made by hand and spun in-house every day. novocucina.com

THE CHASTAIN: Located on the edge of Chastain Park, this new American bistro has become a favorite local spot. Visit during the day for croissants and cappuccino or in the evening for cocktails and Georges Banks scallops. The “Little Ones” menu highlights kid favorites (garlic bread grilled cheese and chicken nuggets) alongside a crudité with carrots, celery and buttermilk ranch. It also comes with a food-themed coloring sheet to keep little hands busy. thechastainatl.com