OpenTable recently released its list of The Best 100 Restaurants in America. Three prominent Buckhead dining establishments, La Grotta, Bones and Umi all made the coveted list. The list is generated through an analysis of over 12 million OpenTable reviews of more than 26,000 restaurants.
1. La Grotta Ristorante Italiano:
La Grotta serves authentic Italian cuisine & offers upscale dining in an intimate and warm environment.
The menu features true Northern Italian cuisine with seasonal changes to reflect the freshness of ingredients with a focus on locally grown produce. La Grotta’s décor and atmosphere showcase its Italian origins with brick archways and an outdoor patio with fountains and lush greenery.
La Grotta’s influence comes from founder Sergio Favalli who is from a small town in Northern Italy. Despite being from a prominent region, Favalli did not come from wealth. He left his hometown at age 15 to bartend and put himself through hotel school and help support his family.
After living in Germany, France, London and Bermuda, Sergio eventually put down roots in Atlanta. In 1978, he opened La Grotta in Buckhead and it has been thriving ever since.
As a family owned and operated business since 1978, many of its wait staff, chefs and partners have been with the restaurant for nearly 40 years. Sergio’s son Christian, who now runs the business, has been washing dishing and hanging coats at La Grotta since the age of six.
2. Bones:
Opened since 1979, Bones is a Buckhead steakhouse offering premium steaks and seafood. Its menu includes prime beef, fresh seafood, and Maine lobster served along regional specialties from its Southern heritage. It also boasts an extensive wine list.
As a Buckhead staple, it’s known as an ideal restaurant for business lunches and dinners. The restaurant includes private party rooms and personally-tailored menus to host special occasions and corporate events.
The wood-paneled décor, attentive service and high-quality cuisine creates the ambiance of old-school charm and a true American steakhouse.
3. Umi:
Dubbed “the best sushi in the South” by the NY Times, Umi serves up fresh sushi in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. Its cuisine brings together classic along with modern Japanese flavors in a contemporary venue. The elegant interior was designed by Atlanta artist and designer Todd Murphy and highlights organic elements closely reflecting the pure and clean qualities of Asian fare.
Its menu incorporates the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets and the highest quality ingredients. Its hot items include baked lobster tempura, sautéed foie gras and black cod miso and a selection of “aburi” or slightly cooked sushi-grade fish accompany an assortment of starters, soups, salads, sashimi, nigiri and specialty house and traditional rolls.
Umi’s beverage selection includes exclusive craft sake, handmade cocktails, premium wine and beer and pressed, artisan roasted Lamill coffee.
Are any of these on your favorites list? Which one(s) have you been to? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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