Opened in 1984, Ray's on the River has earned its reputation as a fine dining establishment in north Atlanta. A favorite with business executives, Ray's provides two separate dining experiences. You can sit in the main dining room that has floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the river. This is the more formal section of the restaurant, and you'll probably need reservations here. However, my husband and I like the more casual bar area (and deck) where live music is performed nightly. In July 2004 we listened to a trio of soulful musicians play Jazz/R&B fusion while we ate our meals. So what's on the menu?
Ray's is all about seafood. Order a lobster tail from Australia or fresh salmon from Canada. Seafood is flown in daily. I had an absolutely delicious shrimp fettuccine after whetting my appetite with a calamari appetizer. My husband enjoyed the seared tuna tataki dish before his Salmon Oscar entree. Angus steak is another alternative if you're just not in the mood for fish. Leave room for dessert. We had vanilla ice cream in a crunchy praline shell. Yum!
Tip:
If you don't want a full meal, stop by the restaurant for an early happy hour. The coconut shrimp appetizer they serve at this time is scrumptious. The bar is known for the Ray's martini, served dirty. As expected of any fine dining establishment in Atlanta, there is a very extensive wine list.
Anything else?
I actually don't know if they are ducks or geese or what, but there are some... um... turkey-like birds that live on the river and walk around Ray's. They are so funny because they are obviously used to people. One waddled up to us, and I swear it wagged its little tail feathers like it was a dog! Hilarious! Save some crackers to give to one of these quackers... It's impossible not to smile when you see them.