It was impossible for Calavino Donati to know in 1997 just how popular the stretch of Highland her restaurant Roman Lily was located on would eventually become.
When it opened at 668 Highland Ave. late in the year, Roman Lily was embraced by Old Fourth Ward residents who, at the time, didn't have a lot of other options when it came to eating out.
The spot -- which featured seating for 30 inside and 30 more on the patio -- overlooked the Freedom Parkway biking and jogging trail, and featured a view of Atlanta's downtown skyline.
The crowds remained until 2006, when Donati decided to close the restaurant due to rising rent (it is now home to Mexican restaurant Across the Street).
Since then, Donati, along with her wife, Doria Roberts , has gone on to open the successful popular Urban Cannibals Bodega and Bites, which moved from East Atlanta Village to Midtown last year, the Latin-inspired Southern restaurant Madre + Mason and the tea parlor Tipple +Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary .
Scroll down to take a look back at Roman Lily Cafe.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
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