Pendolino

"Kevin Maxey’s recently opened Italian restaurant in Chastain Park, Pendolino, has quickly garnered attention for its delicious plates. But don’t bypass the bar so readily. Anyone who appreciates a honed cocktail list will be happy. From an Italian spin on the Paloma to a classic Negroni, the drinks are well-made and punchy. While you might not find the most creative cocktails here, the updated classics will always satisfy — and cut through the richness of any Italian dish you may order." - Molly Harris, Eater Staff

"Pendolino is Chastain Park's newest restaurant, featuring an Italian menu with mini pizzas, meatballs, and ravioli. We've already been, and we like it." - nina reeder, juli horsford

"Industry veteran Kevin Maxey’s first independent restaurant, Pendolino, is a neighborhood Italian spot in Chastain Park. The maxim here blends Italian cuisine with Southern ethos. Expect a rotating selection of miniature pizzas in flavors like fennel sausage with spring onions and green olives, and vegetarian with garlic, crema, mushrooms, and spinach in addition to antipasti plates like pink snapper crudo with Meyer lemon, toasted nuts, and lightly pickled sea fennel. The dinner menu is heavy on pastas and classic Italian entrees, but several dishes, like the New York Strip steak Marsala, have an identity of their own." - Eater Staff, Henna Bakshi

"If you’re looking for the Italian restaurant equivalent of easy-listening radio, Pendolino near Chastain Park is it. It serves up all the usual hits in a polished, chill setting where you’d want to spend your whole evening (think plush booths inside and resort-esque sun umbrellas on the patio). For those who hate choosing between a pasta and pizza course, Pendolino’s 4-inch wood-fired pizzettes make it an easy call to do both, but the pies are so good you could be tempted to order another. There’s also chicken parmigiano and other red-sauce restaurant favorites, but just make sure the tender, fired-roasted octopus with crispy pepperoni is on your table. " - nina reeder, juli horsford

"Pendolino’s sidewalk patio overlooks a busy Roswell Road shopping center. But it’s easy to pretend their giant beige umbrellas are actually blocking out the Tuscan sun while you sip spritzes and snack on marinated olives. Plus, olive green subway tiles around the bar and comfy plush high-back booths make a classy-cool interior. So if you’re in the mood for one of those easygoing, endlessly long dinners, then this Italian restaurant near Chastain Park is the move. Their multi-course menu gives you plenty of time to finish off a bottle of wine. Start with the grilled octopus, which is nicely charred but still tender, and a 4-inch wood-fired pizzette, which is so good you might order another." - Nina Reeder