Unless the weather is sweltering, choose to sit outside on the patio. On my last visit, there was a terrific storm, and the thunder and lightning were quite dramatic. The rain poured from the canvas awnings, but we were snug and protected from the weather on the patio. The teak chairs and stone flooring of the patio are contrasts to the summer green and colors of the flowers surrounding the restaurant. The river is a short walk away, and it easy to watch the geese that float on the river and roam around the shore. As the sky pales, candles are lit on the patio and the atmosphere is very romantic. Even though there were a number of diners on the patio, there wasn’t a lot of noise. There happened to be some well-behaved children at the table behind me, but as a general rule, this is not a restaurant for children. I have always found the wait staff here to be excellent. They can explain the menu in great detail and are usually quite eager to do so. They know the sauces and the special ingredients and can help if you are having a difficult time choosing.
The dishes change often, but I have never found a dish here that I did not like. I had a steak with a wonderful Vidalia onion sauce on my last visit, as well as raw oysters with a tangy mignonette.
The thing I find odd about this place is that it is in a shopping center-type environment. There is valet parking, and it is necessary to deal with the limited parking in the small lot. The attendants are quick to retrieve your car if they have boxed it in, though. The first appearances are deceiving, because once you are inside the restaurant, you realize that the Chattahoochee is flowing just outside the wall of glass windows that go along one side of the dining area. Again, I would highly recommend choosing to dine on the patio. I have seem people here in blue jeans, but for the most part it is a dressier crowd and quite easy for two people to spend $120 or more with appetizers, dessert, and a glass of wine. The food is worth the price paid. This restaurant remains one of my favorite places in the Atlanta area. Reservations are not always required if you dine early, but if you plan to have dinner at 7pm or later, reservations are a good idea.