Aria
American restaurant · Atlanta
490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Highlights
Extensive wine list, contemporary decor, known for short ribs
Extensive wine list, contemporary decor, known for short ribs
"Aria is the place you think of when you hear fine dining, from the small, daily updated seasonal menu and enormous list of wines by the bottle to the carefully designed interior and artfully plated dishes. Bring a date to flex a bit or take your parents in an effort to convince them that all your life choices have worked out (…except for maybe that one cryptocurrency scheme). This elegant establishment is a safe space because no matter where you land on the menu (but do get the flavorful yellowtail sashimi) if it's available), it'll be good. Just try not to stain up the white tablecloths OK? Your parents will disapprove." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"A long-running Buckhead restaurant is entering a new chapter after owner Gerry Klaskala announced his retirement following 25 years, with his final service this Saturday. Longtime general manager and sommelier Andrés Loaiza, who has been with the restaurant since 2007, is taking ownership and plans a thoughtful evolution that refines details and elevates the dining experience without changing its core identity. The team has hired Joseph Harrison from Savannah’s Common Thread as executive chef (he begins June 18), promoted Remy Loet to Senior Sommelier to deepen the restaurant’s wine-focused service, and expects interior and exterior renovations. The operation is also a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Hospitality award — the only finalist from Georgia — and is headed to the award ceremony in Chicago on June 16; leadership emphasizes hospitality as making guests feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely cared for." - Henna Bakshi
"A fine-dining staple for 20-plus years, Buckhead’s Aria isn’t bothered by industry trends or incessant construction on nearby streets. The dining room with nary a napkin out of place merely goes about its business every night with the same astute service and daily-changing menu of proteins and pastas. Though the place has loosened its starched collar, when you’re enjoying expertly-prepared filet mignon with a pinot, tailored trousers just feel right. The same goes for bourbon salmon paired with an herbaceous vegetable medley. By the time you complete the spongy lemon pound cake, you will have spent nearly three hours and $300, but you’ll already be wondering which milestone you can celebrate next." - nina reeder, juli horsford, demarco williams
"Aria, a 2025 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Hospitality, is an old standby in Buckhead with great food and a deep wine list. Don’t forget about the desserts here, though. The lemon pound cake with lemon custard, vanilla roasted plums, and honey-lemon yogurt is the perfect way to end a meal. For a lighter option, go for the vanilla-cantaloupe panna cotta served with a scoop of cantaloupe sorbet, and pecan shortbread, which you should dunk in a glass of dessert wine. It made Eater Atlanta’s Best Dishes roundup. —Henna Bakshi" - Lia Picard
"Aria is this year’s James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Hospitality. This comes on the heels of the restaurant’s chef and owner, Gerry Klaskala, announcing his retirement after 25 years of opening the place, leaving longtime general manager Andrés Loaiza as the new owner. No matter the ownership, the kitchen consistently cranks out Aria favorites, like butter-braised lobster, slow-braised pork, and lump crab cakes. Aria continues to carry one of Atlanta’s most comprehensive wine lists, too. Dine al fresco on Aria’s covered and heated patio. Reservations are required. Aria made Eater Atlanta’s Best Dishes We Ate roundup in October. Best for: Wine list, hospitality, and classic European dishes." - Eater Staff
