"Back when Uptown Atlanta was only known as Lindberg, this complex had a pretty lively night scene. Then things got stale. Now, Madre Selva is helping to return that spark with occasional DJs, snazzy cocktails, and great seafood-focused Peruvian dishes that'll make you want to work your way through the menu. It's a good thing this dimly lit space is built for lingering. Tight tables keep conversations close, so you can still hear each other talk over upbeat Latin mixes coming from the DJ booth. Patio sofas and heat lamps on the terrace make it easier to sink in and order another foamy pisco sour. Every table feels like a prime spot for date night or a ceviche-fueled social outing. And the small plates-heavy menu makes ordering in rounds feel like the move. The eight-option ceviche section (most of the seafood is flown in from Peru) is where you should start. We like the refreshing Ceviche Carretillero—the day’s catch with shrimp, a fiery rocoto leche de tigre, chunks of sweet potato, Peruvian corn, and a pile of crispy fried calamari, which give it a nice crunch. video credit: Jacinta Howard And while the ceviche lineup is strong, the half chicken deserves just as much attention. The roasted meat pulls apart effortlessly, and the smoky seasoning sinks into the meat. The cocktails are just as compelling, especially the Echoes of Chavín, which might just bring you "healing and good fortune" if you trust the menu description. Plus, it's worth pulling out your phone since the smooth tequila and kombucha drink is finished with a smoke gun that traps in sage aromatics (did the prophecy just fulfill itself?). After a couple of drinks and a few mythical recitations, even renaming Lindbergh “Uptown Atlanta” starts to make sense. Food Rundown photo credit: Jacinta Howard Ceviche Carretillero This ceviche is a standout order. The catch of the day (likely arriving by plane from Peru) is sliced thin and soaks in a pool of spicy, citrusy marinade. It's all mixed with shrimp, Peruvian corn, sweet potatoes, and a layer of crispy fried calamari, which adds a nice crunch. Salmon Carretillero The grilled salmon is smoky and is served with tasty pepper sauce and chimichurri. This small plate is light, delicious, and should be on your table. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Josper Romaine You might not notice at first, but this charred romaine salad comes out looking like a fish, so take a minute to appreciate it because it’ll be hard to stop the fork blitz after someone goes in for the first bite. It's refreshing and full of flavor with crunchy praline, charred seasoning, a vinaigrette, and herby chimichurri. Octopus Tiradito The grilled octopus is slightly chewy, so skip this one if you're a lukewarm octopus fan. Inferno Half Chicken Roasted over a Josper flame, this Peruvian chicken is smoky and tender. Good luck if you were hoping for leftovers. video credit: Jacinta Howard Echoes Of Chavin Pull out your phone when this smooth tequila, kombucha, and sage cocktail arrives. Your glass is filled with smoke, bringing a smoky and woodsy taste to the herbal notes." - Jacinta Howard
