Atlanta Restaurants: Persian-Mediterranean Restaurant Yalda Is Opening in Sandy Springs and City of Atlanta on Howell Mill Road | Eater Atlanta

"Opening next spring in Aria Village off Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs, Yalda is a Persian-Mediterranean restaurant from chef and co-owner Ashkan Familli that he describes as a “Persian concept with Mediterranean emphases.” I expect a menu of Persian-style tapas (meze) alongside a variety of meat and seafood entrees, plus wines and cocktails influenced by Persian flavors and using Mediterranean ingredients and spirits; pomegranate will be used both in culinary and mixology aspects. The interior design and all-weather patios are themed after the northern Tehran countryside of Darband to evoke relaxed gatherings, and Familli says, “I chose Yalda because of my childhood memories of Yalda nights with my family being together, sharing food, poetry and stories.” Named for the Iranian winter solstice festival celebrated on December 21 (the “longest and darkest night of the year”) and referencing the birth of the mythological goddess of light Mirtra, the concept emphasizes sharing small plates and the holiday’s traditional fruits and nuts, particularly pomegranates and watermelons." - Beth McKibben