An Atlanta eatery was named one of America’s 50 most vibrant and delicious restaurants by The New York Times on Tuesday.
Midtown’s Lyla Lila was highlighted in the unranked NYT 2021 Restaurant List compiled from critics, reporters and editors around the country. The restaurant list also includes Chai Pani, which has Decatur and Asheville, NC locations.
Southern National in Mobile, Ala. also has an Atlanta connection; Executive Chef Duane Nutter previously served in the same role for One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Lyla Lila opened just before the pandemic hit at a Peachtree Street location one block from The Fox Theatre, making it a popular stop for show-goers and foodies alike. It’s named after the daughters of co-owner Billy Streck and Chef Craig Richards and boasts a southern European menu that evolves seasonally.
Here is The New York Time’s description of the emerging Midtown restaurant:
“Lyla Lila opened just before the pandemic, and has emerged this year as exactly the diverse, sophisticated and comfortable restaurant Atlanta's booming Midtown neighborhood needed. The name comes from the daughters of a co-owner, Billy Streck (Lila), and the chef, Craig Richards (Lyla). A pasta magician, Mr. Richards makes great use of the region's Sapelo Island clams, fresh Atlantic shrimp and produce like okra and peaches on a menu that reads more Italian than Southern. Snapper crudo comes dressed in cucumber juice and caviar, with a kick of chile oil. He stacks thin sheets of pasta into a crispy duck lasagna with cocoa béchamel, or rolls it into pappardelle specked with flowers and herbs to hold a ragù of beef cheeks and figs."
Lyla Lila is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:00 p.m.
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