Auburn Angel
Fine dining restaurant · Atlanta ·
Innovative New American cuisine, local ingredients, craft cocktails
Innovative New American cuisine, local ingredients, craft cocktails
"On historic Auburn Ave in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, Auburn Angel honors the legacy of the area and the former Auburn Avenue Rib Shack space, and I appreciated that founder Asa Fain and co-owner/chef Robert Butts spent years developing a menu rooted in the neighborhood’s history. The restaurant highlights flavors and ingredients from across the South, and I sampled regional dishes like Potliker and Hoe Cakes as well as Fumée Chicken, a preparation popular in Southern Louisiana with Creole and Cajun influences." - Tori Allen
"After years of development and stumbling blocks (including chef departure and temporary closure), this angel finally has its wings. Robert Butts shined as executive chef of Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, but as he comes into his own here with Food Network Star winner chef Tregaye Fraser, he dazzles. Bold flavors that balance comfort and refreshment pop in seasonal mains like smoked lamb (using the historic smoker up front) with charred sweet potato, hot pepper jam, and collar chimichurri. Small plates pop with surprises, like the spicy finish in the foie-gras-roasted cauliflower with succotash emulsion, while pastry chef Megan Brent impresses with back-and-forth flavor plays of savory and sweet. Charcuterie lovers won’t want to miss the Thursday Grazing Hour, the city’s most impressive meat and cheese board." - Beth McKibben
"Auburn Angel brings sophisticated New American food and a really good playlist to a historic neighborhood. When the house-cured salmon arrived looking like a Jacob Lawrence piece with colorful beets, crisp daikon, and a watermelon radish crown. The chopped kale and fruit salad and the crispy-skinned corvina. Fancy plating set to a soul-jazz soundtrack." - jacinta howard, juli horsford, nina reeder, nina reeder, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, nina reeder, juli horsford, juli horsford, juli horsford, jacinta howard, jacinta howard
"Auburn Angel’s thoughtful plating, delicious food, and elegant interior elevates the dining experience in the Auburn Avenue neighborhood, which was once a center of African American prosperity in the city. There's exposed brick walls, green leather booths, and soft lighting, and the soft easy-listening R&B and jazz playlist serve as a reminder of what grown-up Atlanta is supposed to feel like. And the fine dining menu matches the setting. Their fatty house-cured salmon comes artfully plated with vibrant watermelon radish, balled cucumber gelée, and edible flowers." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"Auburn Angel is a sophisticated spot for a relaxed dinner with friends or a date night. Located in the former Auburn Avenue Rib Shack built in 1940, the New American restaurant breathes renewed life into a space rooted in one of Atlanta’s most historically significant communities. The Sweet Auburn district, once a thriving hub for Black business and culture, carries a deep sense of history. And the spirit of that once-prestigious Downtown neighborhood is reflected in Auburn Angel's thoughtful design. Exposed brick walls, bright green booths, and gold accents throughout exude modern elegance while the sounds of soul and jazz fill the space. The fancy plating elevates the experience further. The house-cured salmon is both delicious and stunning, as it's adorned with bright watermelon radishes, balled cucumber, and vibrant, earthy beets. For your entrée, get the tender duck confit that sits atop creamy potatoes or the corvina with a nice crispy skin and sweet, flaky interior that pairs perfectly with the clean, light-bodied pinot grigio. It all comes together to make a shining reflection of the street’s legacy. Food Rundown Lamb Burger The juicy lamb burger is huge, so it's great for splitting. It's rich and meaty without tasting gamey, and it sits between two thick slices of buttery toasted bread with melty havarti cheese. It's also served with crunchy yuka chips, which we like. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Cured Salmon This dish is almost too pretty to eat, but it would be a crime to let it go untouched. The house-cured salmon settles among vibrant beets and crisp daikon, all crowned by a thinly sliced watermelon radish rose. The fish is velvety with zingy cucumber gelée balls and nutty sesame oil. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Duck Confit The dish combines tender, savory duck with truffle-infused, creamy potatoes. It's all brightened (visually and, well, gustatorily) by tangy cabbage and cherry sauce. photo credit: Courtesy of Auburn Angel Corvina Even if fish isn't normally your favorite, this dish works because this dish is light and springy, with crispy-skinned, mild corvina fish. It sits on top of a smooth, sweet kohlrabi puree. Peppery greens add freshness, while the airy lemon-ginger froth brings a zesty pop. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Chopped Kale & Fruit Salad The salad has a springy mix of pickled manzano, Korean melon, dragon fruit, and cucumber. It's topped with scallions and toasted almonds for added depth, and is brought together by a zesty citrus honey vinaigrette. photo credit: Courtesy of Auburn Angel" - Jacinta Howard
