Culinary News & Notes BY: Sarah Gleim
Everyone knows that Buckhead has been the place for business in Atlanta for years. So it just makes sense that restaurants here cater to the business crowd. In fact, on any given weekday, most restaurants in Buckhead are packed with business people making deals over breakfast, lunch and dinner. And who wouldn’t rather enjoy happy hour with a few coworkers instead of battling Atlanta rush hour? We’ve zeroed in on four of our favorite restaurants where you can go at different times of the day, depending on your business needs.
Impress the Boss:
St. Cecilia
If you need a restaurant to wow the boss, Ford Fry’s St. Cecilia should do the trick. The massive 11,000-squarefoot space is stunning and features a wall of windows overlooking Peachtree Road, reclaimed hardwood flooring and a white marble crudo bar that looks into the open kitchen. The food makes its own impression as well. The Mediterranean-influenced menu changes daily but includes simple homemade pastas, fresh fish and crudo. Music plays a prominent role here (St. Cecilia was the patroness of musicians) and is reflected in the names of the cocktails, such as Wooden Ships (Solerno, Aperol, ruby red grapefruit, Prosecco, soda and blood orange) and the non-alcoholic Rickey Don’t Lose That Number (housemade lime cordial and soda with a twist).
Business Breakfast:
White House Restaurant
This nondescript diner in a shopping center on Peachtree may not seem like anything special, but it’s been a Buckhead institution since opening in 1948. Current owner Tasso Costarides purchased the diner, which is known for its Southern-meets-Greek food, from Demosthenes Galaktiadis in 2008, and he has continued to uphold its standard as a breakfast spot where Buckhead business people get things done. Political campaigns have been launched here as well, although they’ve never been by anyone with ambitions of landing in the actual White House. So why has this tiny diner been so popular for so long? Because the food (think gyro omelet with tzatziki sauce) is excellent and the service is stellar. And when you need to get in and out in less than 30 minutes before heading to the office, this is the spot.
Close the Deal:
Bone’s
Atlanta’s business people have flocked to Bone’s for years to host important lunch meetings. We’re pretty sure there have been as many deals cut as there have been steaks. The power lunch crowd is a big part of what’s kept this part of Atlanta’s dining scene for more than 30 years. Of course, the massive steaks and other signature dishes—think lobster bisque and hot steak salad— certainly don’t hurt. But the food’s not the only thing at Bone’s that keeps the power lunchers coming back. The restaurant’s staff and service are known as some of the best in the city. Many of the waitstaff have been part of the team for years and still serve in a very professional, old-school steakhouse way (knowing diners’ names, favorite dishes and cocktails).
Unwind with Coworkers:
Imperial Fez
You’ll have a hard time finding anything in Buckhead like Imperial Fez. Owners Rafih and Rita Benjelloun opened the restaurant after moving here from Morocco in 1991. In traditional Moroccan style, guests sit on the floor (don’t worry, seating includes tons of comfortable pillows!) and use their fingers to feast on the North African cuisine, including dishes such as lamb couscous, grilled chicken kabobs and baked salmon couscous. But the evening really gets going at around 7:30 p.m. when belly dancers—some with flaming candelabras on their heads—take over the main dining room. Even the stuffiest of coworkers can’t help but loosen up at this place.
Bone’s
3130 Piedmont Road
Atlanta 30305
404.237.2663
bonesrestaurant.com
Imperial Fez
2285 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30309
404.351.0870
imperialfez.com
St. Cecilia
3455 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.554.9995
stceciliaatl.com
White House Restaurant
3172 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30305
404.237.7601
