Short stretch of Atlanta Beltline is witnessing a restaurant boom

The Howell Mill Road corridor and other sections of West Midtown have taken lumps this year for a wave of unfortunate restaurant closures, but on the flipside of town, it’s recently been a different story. 

Within the span of a few months, high-profile patios along the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail between Irwin Street and Edgewood Avenue have sprung to life with diners and springtime revelers. And more is on the way soon. 

Each of the new eateries is operating (or will soon operate) at the base of buildings with other uses above, ranging from upscale apartments to sprawling townhomes and terrace-heavy office space. A stream of nearby foot traffic, especially on weekends and evenings, is constant. And the patio spaces, even by Atlanta’s big standards, are roomy. 

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s popping on these very active couple of Old Fourth Ward blocks: 

Back in February, developer Portman lifted the veil on its first Beltline-adjacent restaurant space—a concept from the creator of MF Sushi, Kinjo Room, and other restaurants—at the Junction Krog District mixed-use project. (Coffee and cocktail purveyor Brash Coffee Roasters had opened in a kiosk-style space next door last fall.) 

Yuji, a Japanese-modern restaurant by Kinjo Enterprises, offers a Kaiseki-inspired menu in an upscale buildout along the Eastside Trail, just west of Krog Street Market. It’s situated on the building’s ground floor and connected with what Portman calls the “expansive public porch” of its contemporary, black-painted building. The restaurant includes two outdoor bars, along with a 1,700-square-foot patio for quaffing sake, cocktails, and beer on draft.

More recently, Chiringa opened it Beltline outpost two months ago at the base of the Citizen Old Fourth Ward apartments. 

Beneath its can’t-miss signage, the laidback, lively hangout dishes “elevated beach food” alongside margaritas and Frosé. 

The most recent Eastside Trail entrant—and most noticeable for passersby—is the second location of Italian concept Yeppa & Co., which opened last week, also at the base of Junction Krog District. 

Yeppa & Co. debuted in Buckhead Village in early 2023, and its breezy Beltline digs are meant to evoke the Italian coastal town, Rimini, that inspired the concept. (Furnishings and décor were directly sourced from Italy, per the Yeppa Studios restaurant group.) Outdoor components include a large bar, sidewalk tables, and covered and heated year-round seating. 

In coming months, expected lunch service and a grab-and-go window with offerings that include espresso, gelato, paninis, and other items. 

The Beltline strip in question hasn’t been immune to food-and-beverage closures (Butter and Cream in 2023; Nina & Rafi pizza in April) but a familiar food concept will quickly step in to fill the pizza void.  

Last but not least, Krog District developers Asana Partners revealed last week that Atlanta tapas staple Eclipse di Luna will take the former Nina & Rafi space next to Pour Taproom. 

Scheduled to open sometime this summer, the SPX Alley location will mark the fourth for Eclipse di Luna (outside of Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta), and it’s being opened in partnership with Damian Otero Reggiori, CEO of Rreal Tacos. 

According to Asana officials, The Krog District now counts more than 40 businesses, restaurants, and retail spaces. 

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