Must-Visit Restaurants to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

Atlanta’s dining scene is known to be one to indulge in, and in the summertime it’s no different. The city of Atlanta has grown immensely over the last decade, and with that, so has its culture, boding extraordinarily well for our dining scene. When considering diversity and rich culture in key markets across the Americas, Atlanta is at the peak of that list. The culinary experience you can find here is just one mere example of that.

It can be difficult to navigate your way through Atlanta’s wide selection of culinary delights because of its constantly expanding nature — with restaurants opening every week across metro Atlanta — so, we have compiled a list of our top picks for restaurants that would enhance your summer bucket list even further.

1. Oreatha’s At The Point

If you are looking for a taste of what the locals are eating, chef Deborah Vantrece can speak to that through her dishes inspired by mothers across different regions. Here you will find a range of comfort food that will remind you of a mother’s love and home cooked meals. You can expect to find smoked duck pot pie, Moroccan chicken tagine, fried duck ravioli with aglio e olio and bechamel sauce — all in tribute to Vantrece’s mother whom the restaurant was named after.

2. D Boca N Boca

Helio Bernal began serving up tacos and tamales in his first culinary venture, a mobile kitchen called the Real Mexican Vittles in 2017, and has now launched his first 1,800 square-foot restaurant in the heart of Summerhill — D Boca N Boca.  The menu offers a range of dishes inspired by his native Mexican roots and his family located in Veracruz. From street tacos to ceviches and aguachiles from Sinaloa and Monterrey on the Pacific coast, you can be sure to “feel and taste all of Mexico.” Be sure to try their guacamole made with smoked pepitas and topped with pomegranate, an EVA favorite.

3. L.O.A. (Leave of Absence)

Leave of Absence is turning heads left and right. The first of its kind in the West Midtown neighborhood, you can find a sprawling Mediterranean resort-style pool, bar, and restaurant trio that will leave you speechless. Located on the rooftop of the Interlock, savor in the coastal cuisine inspired by European flavors by chef Matt Marcus. L.O.A. has executed an emphasis on seafood, a caviar program, and fresh pastas such as shrimp ripieni, spring pea agnolotti, and more. In the mood for a cocktail? Stop by their bar, The Grove, for a sip from their roving mezcal cart.

4. Lantana

Located at the lobby of the Starling hotel, Chef Cole Pate and his team of culinary creatives present an elevated dining experience just for you at Lantana. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner at select hours of the day, live music, and Night Shade Bingo every Wednesday. You can expect pan seared scallops with a grenobloise sauce, herb-roasted joyce farms chicken with marcona almond gremolata, and shareables for sampling much more.

5. El Valle

Located on Peachtree St. in Midtown you can find El Valle showcasing a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Their menu serves up a diverse selection of appetizers so if you dare to limit yourself to one, we suggest the pulpo a las brasas, next up you can indulge in their version of seared scallops with a chorizo risotto. Be sure to NOT skip dessert when you give them try. Their horchata panna cotta will have you begging for seconds.

6. The Office Bar

Located at 1105 West Peachtree, The Office Bar is serving up your bar fare favorites, serviced exclusively by the Epicurean Hotel. Be sure to try their Cantonese bbq pork belly “bao buns” or delicious bacon wrapped dates next time you stop in for an evening nightcap or Saturday afternoon pre-game. Enjoy an evocative atmosphere of sophistication and warmth while sipping on a fun seasonal cocktail or reveling in their extensive whiskey selection.

We hope this list inspires you this summer and encourages you to explore culinary tastes outside of your own backyard. And remember, to keep up with the latest trends, visit www.evatlanta.com or follow us on Instagram @engelvolkersatlanta.