Exploring Atlanta’s Hotel Dining
Six Great Spots Worth Checking Out
By Hope S. Philbrick and Michelle Bourg
One of the first things you’re likely to want to investigate about your
new city is its cuisine. And no tour of Atlanta’s restaurant scene is complete without a stop at these six destinations, each situated in an upscale hotel. Whether you’re just checking out the menu or checking in for an overnight stay (so you can follow up a calorie splurge with a quick elevator commute to a guestroom or suite), each of these spots offers the makings for a delicious memory.The Palm at The Westin Buckhead Hotel Atlanta
Classic is the word that comes to mind when you think of the Palm, and the Atlanta establishment of the iconic chain does not disappoint. Traditional steakhouse specialties, including a 32-ounce double cut New York strip for two, are prepared to exacting standards in a club-like ambience that includes the famed Palm caricatures on the walls. Other choices include Nova Scotia lobster and Italian dishes made from family recipes, like linguine in clam sauce and the famous chicken parm. A wine list both broad and deep, signature cocktails and indulgent desserts make this the perfect place for a special evening or business lunch. 404-814-1955, thepalm.com/atlanta
Saltwood Charcuterie and Bar, Loews Atlanta Hotel
The centerpiece of this casual Midtown eatery is the charcuterie station, where diners can sit and sip a microbrew while watching the chef carve a mouth-watering array of fine meats and artisanal cheeses served on wooden blocks. Saltwood produces approximately half of its charcuterie in house, including paté and its signature duck sausage. Small plates with local ingredients underpin the menu, which also features more substantial fare such as beer-braised pork osso bucco and steak and fries. Executive chef Olivier Gaupin is one of only four chefs in Georgia distinguished as a Maitres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chef of France). 404-745-5000, saltwoodatlanta.com
Savor Bar & Kitchen at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North
Not every hotel eatery is located inside the Perimeter. Savor Bar and Kitchen, located just outside the Perimeter in Sandy Springs, brings fresh and imaginative New Southern cuisine to Atlanta’s northern communities. The wall of windows overlooking the lake at Concourse Center provides a light-filled backdrop to locally sourced menu offerings influenced by the Bayou, Low Country and Gulf Coast. Favorites include she-crab soup, blackened chicken carbonara and grass-fed rib eye with Tabasco™ onion. Bite-sized banana pudding for dessert is a delightful Southern-style touch. The bar features a wide selection of bourbon and scotch choices and a compact but thoughtfully chosen wine list. (770) 280-9877, savorbarkitchen.com
Southern Art and Bourbon Bar at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
For 10 years, Chef Art Smith was Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, and he continues to coordinate and cook for the headline-grabbing events she hosts around the world. In 2011, he opened Southern Art, where Chef Joseph Trevino serves up a menu showcasing such Southern classics as chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, braised pork belly with bourbon jus and 12-layer red velvet cake. Next door, Bourbon Bar is a stylish meeting place for after-work and pre- or post-dinner gatherings, serving more than 70 distinct bourbons plus an array of cocktails. 404-946-9070, southernart.com.
Trader Vic’s at the Hilton Atlanta
Step into Trader Vic’s and escape to an island of exotic delights. The Atlanta outpost of the iconic Polynesian-style chain is world-renowned as a prime representative of the Tiki aesthetic, where ambience and flavor combine for an unforgettable experience. Sip a signature Mai Tai as you take in the hand-carved tikis, globe lanterns and thatched ceilings—the dramatic setting for America’s original fusion cuisine, including Chinese specialties, curries, and the famous barbeque spare ribs. The main attractions are the delicacies from the wood-fired Chinese ovens, especially the Angus beef and Indonesian rack of lamb. (404) 221-6339, tradervicsatl.com
Nikolai’s Roof at the Hilton Atlanta
Thirty floors above Trader Vic’s is the iconic Nikolai’s Roof, where you’ll find sophisticated cuisine with a touch of Russian flair, served in an atmosphere of understated elegance. The Lounge at Nikolai’s sets the tone with Russian coffees, Moscow Mules, and infused vodkas, available as a flight of three for a perfect foil to a spoon of Osetra caviar. Offerings such as braised beef piroshki, magret duck breast with tart cherry glaze and sorbet with vodka are offered a la carte or as part of a three-, four, or six-course chef’s menu, accompanied by a 900-label wine list honored by Wine Spectator. Both lounge and dining room present one of the city’s best views through floor-to-ceiling windows. (404) 221-6362, nikolaisroof.com
Atlanta Hotel Bars
Bar Margot at the Four Seasons Hilton Atlanta: This “funky community lounge” features curated cocktails, small batch spirits and wine from an expansive list. On weekend nights a DJ spins tracks from a 10,000-volume LP library. (404) 881-5913, barmargotatl.com
Skylounge Atlanta at the Glenn Hotel: Take in a glittering view of downtown Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park from this rooftop space. (404) 521-2250, glennsskylounge.com
Tosca Blu Bar at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly: Get a taste of Atlanta at this elegant but relaxed spot in Vinings; their Waverly Mule features vodka from Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery. (770) 953-4515, marriott.com
Whiskey Blue at the W Atlanta Buckhead: Palm Springs meets Buckhead in this trendy space high above Atlanta’s most exclusive shopping district. (678) 500-3190, watlantabuckhead.com
