Atlanta’s restaurant openings this summer are unusually strong and unusually varied. After a sluggish stretch in 2024 and early 2025, the scene is back.
Here are the six openings I think are worth a booking — and one I’d skip.
Worth booking
1. Phở Bằng — West Midtown
The first dedicated Vietnamese omakase in Atlanta is also the first restaurant from chef Khánh Lê, who spent four years at NYC’s Di An Di. It’s an 8-seat counter, $145 a head, six courses that lean hard on regional Vietnamese flavors but skip the usual phở-and-bánh-mì hits. Bookings opened last week; the next available Saturday is August 16.
2. So. Fox — Virginia-Highland
Finally, a serious restaurant in the old Fox Brothers space. So. Fox is from the team behind S.O.S. in Decatur and has the same Southern-leaning menu with a much bigger bar program. Opens July 2.
3. The Pink Cod — Decatur
A seafood house from the team that ran the now-closed The Anchored Oar. The whole fish for two ($78) is the move. The wine list is small and tightly chosen. Reservations open Monday.
4. Càphê Ông — Buford Highway
The second outpost of the cult Vietnamese coffee shop. Same menu, more seating, drive-through window. Don’t miss the egg-coffee flight.
5. Lola’s at The Works — Westside
A rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar above the Atlanta Westside’s already-bustling food hall. Best for a late dinner; the cocktail list is the strongest thing about it.
6. Dough Boyz ATL — Pittsburgh Yards
Pop-up turned brick-and-mortar. The garlic knots are worth the line. Cash only.
Skip
The Salt Vault
The newest from the team that brought us the now-shuttered Hotlanta Steakhouse. The conceit — every dish finished with a different finishing salt — sounds interesting on Instagram. In person it’s gimmicky. Skip.
Kira Tomlinson covers Atlanta’s food and arts scene for WACN 21. Reach her at ktomlinson@wacn21.com.
