Carpe Diem Bistro
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 687-9696
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri-Sun 11am-2am
Editorial Review for Carpe Diem Bistro – by Florence Byrd
The Scene
This elegant, industrial space makes a dramatic statement. From the entryway, stairs lead down to a striking dining room with soaring ceilings and lots of glass. Banquettes line the walls, while sleek mahogany-stained tables fill the room. In contrast, low-slung couches cluster around coffee tables in the intimate bar area. Service is friendly, if somewhat flaky.
The Food
The well-rounded menu works for sampling. Fried calamari is well executed: tender, not chewy, with light breading and a piquant marinara for dipping. A mound of crispy shoestring fries, served with garlic-parsley sour cream, is perfect for sharing. Entrees are hit-or-miss. Wood-grilled chicken breast is dry, but nicely sauced in a rosemary au jus. Grilled sashimi tuna steak delights; served rare, it's topped with a spicy Thai-influenced sauce. For dessert, order the molten chocolate cake.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list is easy to navigate, with bottles priced at $22, $26, $32 and $40. Everything on the list is also available by the glass.
Where to SitThe round corner booths comfortably seat six.
The ExtrasMidtown's Apres Diem and Cabbagetown's Carroll Street Cafe share ownership with Carpe Diem. You'll find the same solid cuisine served in a laid-back but sophisticated setting.
User Reviews for Carpe Diem Bistro
11/28/2008 Posted by ohfairatlanta
I had two very different experiences here. Came in on a Monday night in the early evening for drinks and appetizers in the restaurant's lounge area. The place seemed pretty slow when we arrived, although by the time we left the place seemed to be filling up. Our server was helpful, friendly, and accomodating. Make sure to try the grapefruit martini and the stuffed squash blossoms. However, a few days later I returned with a party of 6 for Sunday brunch and had quite another experience. Our party was seated promptly, without a reservation, and the service was equally great. However, after we ordered our food took more than forty minutes (this is too long to wait for brunch, even though it was fairly busy) to arrive and when it did, half our food was cold/room temperature. We were forced to send some of the food back. I also noticed a table next to us complaining that their food was also too cold. In short, brunch was disappointed after the great experience I'd had the first time.
Pros: Great drinks, service, beautiful interior
Cons: Brunch
08/25/2008 Posted by cvphillips
I just had dinner at Carpe Diem for the first time and I thought it was excellent. The food was delicious and very flavorful (especially the mussels) and the ambiance was great. There are comfortable couches for coffee or an informal meal and a more traditional restaurant (plus outdoor seating). We had absolutely no complaints about the service...our waitress was helpful, attentive, and very friendly.
Pros: Great food, excellent ambience, very good service
Cons: Honestly, there weren't any.
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