I have been stalking this swank restaurant on Peachtree and 3rd for weeks. Actually ever since it opened on December 8th to be exact. I was promised an invite to the soft opening but December’s tricky and ugh, didn’t happen.

Anyway, Lyla Lila has been on my list of Atl new restaurants to experience! I was intrigued with aSouthern + European fusion and a focus on Italian cuisine. Helllllooo freshly made pasta.

Part of why I didn’t go in January was because I was having dry month after a fun-filled holiday in Aspen. My body prefers high-vibe food and living. Drinking booze every night, even one glass of champagne, just doesn’t FEEL great for me.

So I just didn’t feel like drinking at the start of the 2020. That being said, I wanted to fully experience dining at LL with a glass of good champagne or one of their biodynamic wines – bummer, I forgot to order. So make sure to check out the wines, I will next visit.

The restaurant is located right down the street from The Fabulous Fox and is the perf spot to grab a bite before a show. We were seated at the corner table in the bar with the great window view (always my fave). Really helped take good photos of the food if that’s what you’re going for. Even if you sit at the bar, it’s a beautiful horseshoe shape with comfy, plush bar stools and a lively scene.

We came hungry and ordered the Bread with House Butter and Wildflower Honey. I wanted to try the Wood Grilled Lettuce or other Lettuce with Herbs but like the biodynamic wine, next time.

Truth be told, my belly wanted the Kabocha Squash Tortellli with sorrel, pumpkin oil and smoked ricotta. If you follow me on insta, you know I’ma freak for kabocha. This dish is in a nutshell… scrumptious! Enough to share but you might want all to yourself.

The owner sent over the Cold Smoked Scallops and my GAWD I would say make sure to order one, if not more. You get 3 scallops pieces and you won’t want to share. The other appie that is a show-stopper is the cauliflower soup. I regretted not ordering that when I watched someone seated at the bar have it presented to her (trust me, just order it). Immediately the woman seated to her right leaned over and whispered, “what is that?” But I already memorized the menu and knew exactly what it was…

We also ordered the Grouper with fennel and a citrus honey sauce (below) + the Whole Wood Grilled Fish (it was red snapper) with roasted broccolini and a mild red sauce – they were both incredible. I’ve been craving protein, and since I don’t eat many animals (I gave up red meat, chicken and pork over 20 years ago and have zero interest in going back), I’m limited to fish and seafood. These dishes absolutely hit the spot.

The exterior of the grouper was crunchy but the fish was buttery and topped with a large disc of fried parmesan. I can’t describe it adequately but it was perhaps the best grouper I’ve had in a long time. Yes, I’d order it again… that was my fave. Tim loved the snapper and it was a very generous serving that could easily be split with your dinner guest. We tend to order a lot of food and share everything so we get to taste a little of everything that we’re in the mood for or strikes our fancy.

The non-negotiable: I absolutely had to order the Cauliflower veggie side (below) after spotting pictures on social. It did HNAT disappoint. In fact we couldn’t finish everything and I for sure had our server, Chris, pack up the leftover cauli. No way was that going in the garbage or being part of any food waste. No way, no way, no way!

And since I practice mindful eating, I stopped when I was pleasantly full. More than I typically like to eat, but the food was soooo good I made the conscious decision to eat and enjoy it in the moment. ZERO GUILT! This is a major departure from my past diet days where feeling full would leave me with immense guilt, only to “get back on track with a diet” come Monday. Do HNAT miss those restrictive diet behaviors at ALL.

That being said, we didn’t have room for dessert. Raincheck!

Next visit I think it we might grab a glass of wine or champagne at the bar with a sweet treat. But there is SO MUCH MORE interesting combinations of food to try so it’s doubtful that will happen.

Let me know if you head over there. They don’t have valet just yet so don’t try driving if you live in town, just uber. Apparently they’re working on a new valet company so call the restaurant if you’re in need and request a table by the window!

xx,

Jennifer