Georgia Boy

The intimate experience is worth it for a special night out with friends, a partner or anyone else who enjoys a whimsical experience. Service was top notch beginning with a cocktail or mocktail on the main bar area. You wait for the full table before they move you to the pre-dinner area where you delight in 'snacks' - one/two bite courses in an intimate gathering. There was a variety of flavors and tastes that I imagine change seasonal (not confirmed, but assume).From there, you are escorted into the back kitchen to see the chefs in action. More courses, more beautiful plates, and more delightful tastes welcome you as you go through a journey of Georgia and Chef Joey's story. The service continues to shine throughout the evening. A great place to celebrate - thank you for the experience Georgia Boy!

Truly an amazing experience. Each dish was expertly prepared and so delicious. I cannot express in words really how much I loved the dinner. Starting from the beginning, they seat you in a cozy area and then almost a movie theater like space with starters. My favorite was the tiny dishes that represented different dishes (I loved the mini banh mi). In the main course, my favorite was hands down the hot dog ice cream - I had no idea it was possible to create the flavors of a hot dog in ice cream form and make it so... GOOD! Really all the dishes spoke for themselves, with the tomatoes and vegetables being some of the better ones. Of course, there were a few things in the meats that left something to be desired but nonetheless they were still delicious and I would not be able to pinpoint what else to change. It is truly a creative venture and one to try if you have not been yet.I have never been at a dinner before that was so intimate with primarily strangers who all convene together to enjoy gastronomy. The atmosphere created by Georgia is truly unique in that it create a safe space for people to talk about their lives and their love for food while enjoying each bite. I came with one friend and left after having gotten to know 8 more people from all different backgrounds. I would be surprised if Georgia Boy is not able to secure at least one Michelin star for the 2024 year.

There is food and then there is food from the heart. Georgia Boy is a place that is clearly Chef Joey Ward's expression from the heart. It's a symphony of memories, experiences and traditional comfort foods that one experiences growing up in Georgia. It is perhaps the purest gastronomic illustration of the state.No tasting menu is intended to be something where every dish is liked by a person, as we all have different preferences and desires. The team here takes some of this to the next step, with extremely bold dishes, combinations that the mind struggles to comprehend. Things like poached lobster underneath cereal with banana milk poured over it. Unexpected plays on classics like the Varsity hot dog transformed into an ice cream, served in the middle of the tasting courses. With bold moves like that, Chef Ward pushes boundaries in every way. Some of the creations end up amazing, others like the hot dog and the lobster cereal, let's say, for a very unique palette. If I had to take a guess, the crew here is likely completely fine with that. If there is one thing that is certain about Georgia Boy is that this will be a meal of entertainment and surprises. This not your typical Michelin tasting menu heavily reliant on French techniques with nuanced modifications, but rather an experience of plays on dishes, humor and extreme combinations. The wine selection is quite solid here, with some very unique bottles and some reasonable prices. The staff are very attentive and kind. While the menu changes constantly, a few highlights were the reinvented tomato sandwich, the chanterelle pastry and the baked Alaska dessert.To put simply, if one desires a night of smiles and fun with every dish, there is probably no better place than here.

What an interesting experience from Georgia Boy. I believe in Atlanta, Georgia Boy is trying to make a Michelin Star, so we wanted to check them out before it actually happened. I would definitely want to start off and say that during the night there were some experiences that were super unexpected. There were of course a few hiccups as far as the dishes that were served and bites that I had, but overall I think from the get go it was definitely interesting. I will also say that this review is spoiler free. The night started off with free bubbly at the bar and we were then taken to the back. We were introduced and then we were asked if we wanted to do wine pairings, and for those who don't drink alcohol, had non-alcoholic pairings. Our group did both (132, 82, respectively). The tasting was 219/person, but tip was also included. Here we got some beginner courses:1. A Study of Summer Corn - Huitlacoche churro, chips, salsa, guac2. Road Down Buford Highway - Scallion Pancake, Pork Belly in chili garlic sauce, and Vietnamese iced coffee3. Memories of Summer - Tomato Sandwich along with a palette cleanserDuring this time we got to know the history of Georgia Boy and also the Chef's childhood. He went over his inspiration in creating Georgia Boy and what he was aiming for on representing his childhood growing up here. The Road Down Buford Highway, was interesting. The execution of this dish didn't hit it for me though. The scallion pancake I thought was way too salty and missed the whole point of a scallion pancake...the scallions. It was too small of a bite but it was just overly salted. The pork belly was complex in flavoring, but it was just okay. However, the Vietnamese Coffee biter was the winner in my opinion of this set of three bites. The coffee was there and it mixed with the cream that was inside. Memories of Summer, the tomato sandwich ish like looks like a macron, but it wasn't. It was deceiving, but when I bit into it, the flavors of tomatoes wasn't there. I could see what they were going for, but I just couldn't taste the tomatoes. It was just a bite, but it was okay.Next we were then led to a new room with more seating. Here we got all of the rest of our tasting course. I won't go through dish by dish, but overall it was a great experience. Some dishes I thought were overly salty, which to me kind of let me down because I know that for the price that we were paying I don't think that should have happened. Name of dishes:4. Spicy Tuna - watermelon, shiso, soy, wasabi5. Maine Lobster - coffee, cauliflower, vanilla6. Heirloom Tomato Focaccia - Georgia olive oil, bruschetta butter7. Meat & Potatoes - dry-aged ribeye, caviar, local potato8. Sweet Potato - asher blue cheese, benton's bacon cotton candy, maple9. Southern Vegetable Thali - Chatel Farms beef cheek, Border Springs lamb, green peanut, tomato10. Marigold Sorbet - Ga olive oil, peach, grown and foraged herbs11. Lick the Beater - lemon pound cake12. Banana Ice Cream Cake - coffee, biscoff, chocolate, salted caramel13. A Gift to Remember Us By - assorted mignardiseThe wine pairing for the price we paid, I expected more per pour, but it was very minimal. The service was great, but I expected a bit more attention especially since the amount of servers there were. I do have to recognize that there is a space challenge as far as the restaurant and how that goes, however I thought it was very an intimate setting. You're also probably wondering if I really took down that detailed notes of what I had. No, I didn't. I do absolutely love that they printed off cards of what we experienced that evening and that it was personalized. Those who had the wine tastings, and those who didn't had different cards. I thought that was a very nice touch and makes my life easier writing reviews! You will also notice that I'm going to keep the name of the dishes off the pictures so you can experience it yourself and come to your own conclusions. Overall, I can see why Georgia Boy is trying to contend to get a Michelin Star. I have been to several in my lifetime, so I am excited to see if this restaurant does get a star. Would I come back here? I don't think so, but I wanted the experience of something that is in the backyard (so to speak) and also we loved the company that we went with. For the price that we paid, and what I have had before, I think they sort of just missed the mark for me in the category of fine dining. There was nothing wrong with the service, but the food just didn't hit the marks for me. However, I think with a revolving menu Georgia Boy will get better and if they do get a star I think it's definitely a possibility to come back to see what they changed.

Georgia Boy was a cool experience, with just a few flaws. When you're talking about an experiencial tasting menu, emphasis needs to be placed on the enjoyment of the food over and above the playfulness of the dish. In a few instances, it seemed like they were trying to fit a dish inside their concept rather than taking a good dish and turning it into a concept. I won't go dish-by-dish (see menu and pictures for the whole rundown)...but an example of the above was the tomato sandwich with garden hose granita. The chef introduced it as his childhood on a plate - his grandfather made them tomato sandwiches, and they would drink from their garden hose. The sandwich was a tomato macron, which tasted a lot like ketchup and the granita tasted a little like salty dishwater with lime. It seemed like they came up with a concept and played with the dish until they could get it to fit, rather than the other way around where they have a great dish and figure out a fun way to plate/present it.Other dishes were resounding successes - the simple peach brioche with herb butter and peach jam was one of the best bites of the night. The steak tartare with potatoes and potato foam was really delicious. The duck was perfectly cooked and seasoned and served over farro that had the texture of silky risotto.Another issue we had was what we got for the price. For $780 (2 people for dinner with optional wine pairing and gratuity), the portions of both food and wine were very small. And I'm not complaining about the price - I paid more for Alinea and have no regrets. We left a bit unsatisfied in terms of the volume of each course/glass.All on all, I don't regret going to GB and taking in the experience. I hate to compare them to the 3-Michelin Star Alinea, but they invite the comparison with the style and format of their service. GB is probably the most inventive and playful dining experience we've had in Atlanta, but it's not the best meal we've had here (see The Deer and Dove). And it's not the best meal we've had in this format (Alinea in Chicago, Taniere³ in Quebec). But it's a solid introduction for Atlanteans.

This may be a close contender for one of the first Michelin stars in Atlanta. However, I'm not 100% sure that it compares with others I have experienced. Overall I enjoyed my experience here. I like how there is a distinct part 1 and part of 2 feel to the whole experience. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. However, whenever we were talked to and the staff member was at the other side of the table, it was really hard to hear. I missed quite a lot since it is loud in the kitchen. I do think that the food was quite salty. I woke up super thirsty in the middle of the night. My favorite of the night was the heirloom tomato focaccia. That bread was perfect. A close second is the churro.At the end you get a small gift with an assortment of treats, including macaron and chocolate and a personalized menu. By personalized, I do mean that if you have a food restriction and items were substituted, it is reflected on the menu.

What an amazing experience! Have been to some other prix fixe spots in town but this is definitely the most unique. Lots of interaction with the chef, and a very fun, non-pretentious vibe. Playful and delicious meal. The sommelier was also beyond amazing. Recommend wine pairing also.

I've been to a lot of great places in Atlanta - but this is truly a different and amazing experience. The chef was so interactive with us - the thoughtfulness of the dishes - the fun and non pretentious yet elevated dining experience.... Truly unique and memorable. The sommelier and wine pairing perfect compliment!

If you are looking for more than a meal and more of an "experience" you have come to the right place. You go through Southern Bell to reach Georgia Boy. I will not say too much more as it could ruin your personal experience but just to say the food and service is excellent. The chef is involved in your experience as he personally comes out and talks about each "dish". I would put this one near the top of your list as far as trying different tasting menus in Atlanta. It's one of our favorites!

Georgia Boy really stood out for me in terms of creativity and experience after trying several noteworthy tasting menus in the past. Maybe it's because I'm a native Atlantan, but these guys truly understand how to blend literature, art, food, and culture into an unforgettable dining experience. The kitchen has a low-key vibe, and the service is awesome. If you're looking for a unique dining adventure, book a table at Georgia Boy now!