In February 2023, the first Yeppa opened its doors in Buckhead Village and has quickly become a sought-after social destination. Known for its focaccia pizzas, espresso martini towers, and all-hours viewing parties for Formula 1 races, co-founder Pietro Gianni expressed the vision to infuse the essence of Italian hospitality into Atlanta’s culture.
The new location along the Beltline aims to celebrate vibrant flavors and lively conversation, embodying the charm of authentic Italian gatherings.
Address: 667 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. Website: yeppaco.com
In other food news, a viral sensation has made its permanent mark in downtown Atlanta. Phew’s Pies, renowned for its lemon pepper wet pizza, has opened a stall in the Municipal Market, also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market.
Created by Matthew “Phew” Foster during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business exploded after the pizza gained attention from Atlanta rapper Killer Mike, who shared it on social media.
Phew’s Pies has transitioned from a home-based takeout operation to a pop-up at several locations and now enjoys its permanent home. The grand opening took place on May 23, with the shop operating Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 209 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. Phone: 470-338-0658. Website: phewpies.com
The week was particularly exciting for Mexican cuisine lovers, as two new restaurants opened their doors within three days of each other. Uno Mas Taqueria and Cantina celebrated its debut in Buckhead on Thursday, while Rreal Tacos launched a new location in downtown Lawrenceville on Monday, marking its ninth establishment in the metro Atlanta area.
Located in the One Alliance Center office complex, Uno Mas Taqueria serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Address: 3500 Lenox Road NE, Atlanta. Phone: 404-237-8969. Website: unomas-atl.com
Additionally, the Dunwoody location of CT Cantina & Taqueria, which opened in March, has announced the introduction of weekend brunch service starting May 31. The new Azotea Cantina in Roswell also celebrated its grand opening soon after beginning operations on May 8.
Rreal Tacos – Lawrenceville: 30 S. Clayton St., Lawrenceville. Phone: 470-709-2704. Website: rrealtacos.com
CT Cantina & Taqueria: 244 Perimeter Center Parkway, Dunwoody. Phone: 770-765-6171. Website: cttacos.com
Azotea Cantina: 1025 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Phone: 404-902-6010. Website: azoteacantina.com
In a heartwarming news story, GPS Hospitality, a significant franchisee of Burger King restaurants, announced scholarships awarded to nearly 40 Georgia students. Recognized as Burger King’s second largest franchisee, operating over 400 locations across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, the company recently distributed $1,000 scholarships to more than 100 employees graduating from high school.
Among these, 41 scholarships were awarded to Georgia students, significantly outpacing other states. The scholarships focused on each student’s academic performance and their community impact.
GPS Hospitality has contributed over $2 million in scholarships since 2013, and the Burger King Foundation scholarship program boasts an impressive $64 million awarded over the last 25 years.
Mark your calendars for June 14, as it might be challenging to secure a reservation at Aria, one of Buckhead’s finest dining experiences. Chef Gerry Klaskala will be holding his last regular service in the kitchen on that date, coinciding with Aria’s 25th anniversary. The restaurant is currently in the running for a 2025 James Beard Foundation award for hospitality as Klaskala prepares to retire.
Address: 490 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta. Phone: 404-233-7673. Website: aria-atl.com
Willy’s Mexicana Grill is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer with exciting charitable initiatives and customer promotions. Customers can participate in the “Give $5 / Get $5” fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta from Saturday through June 22, donating $5 to receive a coupon for $5 off a future order. The chain aims to raise $30,000 within 30 days alongside various promotions featuring 30% discounts throughout June and July and social media giveaways.
Multiple locations. Website: willys.com
In renovation news, Nakato, an established Japanese restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road, will temporarily close for three months starting June 10. However, the kitchen remains open for takeout, delivery, and catering services. Nakato has also partnered with the Tara Theatre to offer themed bento boxes during the Studio Ghibli Film Festival taking place on June 8 and June 10.
Address: 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, Atlanta. Phone: 404-873-6582. Website: nakatorestaurant.com
As the local restaurant scene evolves, several new openings have emerged. Voagies, a vegan hoagie shop established by Pinky Cole, debuted recently in Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood. Taking over the Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard location of the original Slutty Vegan, the new sandwich spot had been in development for about six years.
Address: 1542 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. Instagram: voagies
Smash Burgers by Vice held its grand opening on May 17 in Milton. This burger joint, led by chef Nick Leahy, emphasizes pasture-to-plate dining by sourcing beef from the owner’s locally raised cattle.
Address: 3100 Heritage Walk, Milton. Phone: 404-764-9555. Website: smashbyvice.com
Brash Coffee has begun serving from its vintage coffee truck, named the Beast, at Halcyon, bringing a unique coffee experience to the area.
Location: 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta. Website: visithalcyon.com
Looking ahead, Gusto, the fast-casual chain known for bowls and wraps, is set to open its 13th location in Sharpsburg on May 29. The company plans to offer customers a free bowl or wrap from the drive-thru from 6-8 p.m. on May 27 prior to its opening. The upcoming site is at 100 Fischer Marketplace in Sharpsburg.
Chef Julio Delgado, along with his wife Zoribeth Delgado, announced plans to open Fogón and Lions’ second location in Johns Creek by late 2026 to expand their Latin dining experience, which began in Alpharetta in 2022.
Eclipse di Luna is set to take over the space previously occupied by Nina & Rafi along the Beltline, with its new location expected to launch sometime this summer, although an exact date remains pending.
An upscale Indian restaurant named Pataaka is in the works for Portman’s Spring Quarter development in Midtown. The restaurant will feature 113 seats and will be led by chef Anish Nair, housed on the ground floor of a luxury residential tower known as Sora.
Despite the robust openings, the Atlanta dining scene has seen some unfortunate closures recently. Notable closures include Bastone in West Midtown, which cited a simple math error for its closure, and Taco Mac, which closed its original Virginia-Highland location after nearly 50 years.
All operations were also shut down for Jekyll Brewing, popular for its Hop Dang Diggity IPA, on May 11. Char Korean Grill and Bar in Inman Park and Social Bites Food Hub in Sandy Springs both closed on May 12 without warning.
As the Atlanta food scene continues to thrive and evolve, residents can take comfort in numerous exciting restaurant openings while also remembering the places that have served the community for years.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/food-and-dining/2025/05/yeppa-brings-its-party-to-the-beltline-and-more-from-metro-atlantas-dining-scene/
