Nestled in Decatur, The Deer and The Dove serves up a vibrant menu of seasonal, hearth-cooked dishes alongside expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, rustic setting.
"Use this place to stump pessimistic in-laws and discerning friends who try to find fault in everything. The Deer And The Dove’s menu is packed with gamey proteins that you’re more likely to find in a North Georgia restaurant than in ATL. But no one does these meats as well as this Decatur spot. Juicy venison is served rare with a light, coffee-dusted char. Dry-aged duck topped with duck bone jus and foie gras is so rich we've almost lost our train of thought mid-chew. And the unfussy dining room works nicely with the artistry of each dish." - nina reeder, jacinta howard, juli horsford
"The Deer and the Dove on the Square should be your first consideration if you want to try wild game. The juicy venison, dry-aged duck with duck bone jus, and rich foie gras are prime examples of how seriously they take their meats (it made our Best 25 Restaurants list). But they do everything well, including their delicious burger and vegetable plate with silky pesto hummus. Come for a date night when you want snuggly cabin energy, with black and white deer art and carefully placed mason jars." - juli horsford, jacinta howard, nina reeder
"James Beard award-winning chef Terry Koval opened his Decatur restaurant in 2019 and it’s become a destination restaurant for Atlantans. Expect skillfully composed dishes of in-season vegetables, beef and pork from local cattle and pig farms, and game meat entrees, like crispy rabbit legs fried in fermented buttermilk, duck sausage roulade, and plates of venison. The restaurant’s bar offers a handful of classic cocktails, beer, and cider, as well as a selection of mainly French and Italian wines. In the mornings, head next door to Koval’s B-Side Cafe for Montreal-style bagels and coffee. Reservations are encouraged and outdoor seating is available." - Eater Staff
"Chef Terry Koval opened this Decatur restaurant in 2019. The Deer and the Dove has become a destination restaurant for Atlantans and it’s also a great spot to partake in a casual yet sophisticated meal with the family — it includes a kids menu, too. Expect dishes of in-season vegetables, beef and pork from nearby cattle and pig farms, and game meat entrees, like crispy rabbit legs fried in fermented buttermilk, duck sausage roulade, and plates of venison. The bar offers a handful of classic cocktails, beer, and cider, as well as a selection of mainly French and Italian wines." - Beth McKibben, Lia Picard
"James Beard Award-winning Chef Terry Koval’s burger is one of the most decadent that you can get in Atlanta. With Bear Creek Farms dry-aged beef, thyme mayo, maitake mushrooms, truffle cheese, caramelized onion, bordelaise, and a housemade milk-potato bun, it’s one of the heftiest burgers that you can get around Atlanta — and one of the most awe-inspiring. Use the duck fat potatoes on the side to soak up the bordelaise, and add some foie gras or black truffle if you’re feeling luxurious." - Beth McKibben, Alex Leo-Guerra
