07/16/09

Amazing food

by sonap09

My husband and I decided to try Aria as a wedding anniversary treat, since it was rated by Citysearch as one of the best restaurants in 2008. I read the reviews and was uncertain how the experience would be. On one hand, this restaurant was rated as having the best food, and we really appreciate good food. And yet, there were a fair number of unpleasant experiences, such as some of the customers who had rude waitors, or were seated in an excessively noisy location, etc.

I have to say that we had a great time. The food was amazing, particularly the bread and appetizers. Very unique and simple but elegant presentation. I wasn't as excited by the entre (the trout - cooked well, but a bit mild in flavor compared to the crab cakes and prawns for appetizers), but after 2 appetizers, bread, and a glass of champagne, I wasn't too hungry. The wine list was extensive. Given this, there were drinks at every table, which probably resulted in the boisterous atmosphere, but we were able to have a nice conversation (of course, you may want alternative seating if you have known problems understanding speech in noisy rooms).

Every person we met was courteous, and the waitor was most accommodating. I had planned on an hour and 30 minutes for dinner, but it seems like they take time between serving the appetizers (each one individually) and mains. This is usually enjoyable in my opinion, but we had a plane to catch. After notifying the waitor of our time constraint after the 1st appetizer, and suggesting that we take the dessert to go, he simply told us, "that is not a problem, we'll make sure you're out of here by [the said time]." Very nice. I would definitely eat here again. Unforetunately, I will have to wait for another occassion because $100 for 2 is a bit steep for me to be a regular.

Nevertheless, the food was great - our compliments to the chef!

• Pros: Great food (esp. bread and appetizers), extensive wine list
• Cons: The price

03/09/09

Off the beaten path, but worth the trip

by sh21

Off of Peachtree street in Atlanta's Buckhead Neighborhood is this little gem, if you blink you may miss it.

Went here last week for the first time in anticipation to try something new after dining at all the buckhead and midtown restaurants in atlanta, so tried Aria.

Nestled between some sort of mixed use almost motel looking thing and trees on the other, can make this unappealing. But when you pull in the parking lot and are greeted by the valet, you can almost forget the low lit questionably sketchy parking lot that you pulled into.

After getting inside, it was not busy at all for a Thursday evening. When you come in, they ask you to take a seat at the bar/lounge area set aside with beads (need to upgrade that). Then they pretty much make you get a drink at the bar to entertain yourself while you wait for a table (not sure why the wait if over half the dining room was empty).

The main dining room reminded me of miami or some rendition of scarface. With white overpowering most of the room and art deco feel definitely set it apart from all the other restaurants in buckhead area.

The food was good, the server was very friendly and responsive. Ordered the filet mignon with crabcakes, both spectacular.

Would definitely suggest trying it out, its very intimate and you probably wont have to wait for a table, especially in this economy. Being in a strange location with no extreme pizzaz makes me think that this place might not be around forever.

• Pros: Good Service, Good quality food
• Cons: Forced waiting area before seating

01/21/09

Excellent food and service

by patriotsandredsox

Overall a very good experience. We were seated within 10 to 15 minutes of our reservation. The bar was crowded but the waiters took the drink order promtly. The food was very good, and the service was excellent.