For Creative Loafing Atlanta. February 2017. 

Sandwiching the northwestern corner of I-285 are the city of Smyrna and the unincorporated town of Vinings, fondly known together by some locals as Smynings. Until the 1990s, one of the only iconic structures here was the historic Vinings Jubilee, a town center with brick buildings, a clock tower, street lanterns and a train track running through. The Jubilee still exists, but the neighborhood has since expanded to include a number of mixed use developments, luxury homes, craftsman style condominiums, corporate offices and chef-driven restaurants.

In preparation for the 2017 opening of SunTrust Park, new home of the Atlanta Braves, the area is seeing another rapid hike in development. What used to be mostly farmland and car dealerships now offers all manner of bars and restaurants within a couple of miles’ radius.

“You can see the diversity in the dining scene as a representation of the residents in the area,” says Andre Gomez, chef and owner of Porch Light Latin Kitchen (300 Village Green Circle S.E., Smyrna, 678-309-9858, www.porchlightlatinkitchen.com). “I was born in Puerto Rico, have traveled all over the world, and decided to live in Smyrna because it offers a strong community feeling where people know each other and welcome you to their establishments.”

Gomez, former chef de cuisine at Kevin Rathbun Steak, opened Porch Light in November 2015 and has been garnering five-star reviews ever since. “The restaurant is an extension of my home’s porch which is down the street from here,” he says. Indeed, Gomez has become known for personally greeting each guest that enters his restaurant, circling the room to socialize before running back into the open kitchen to add finishing touches to his famous slow-cooked meats. But when he’s not at Porch Light, you can find the jovial foodie exploring the neighborhood’s many eateries with his family and friends. Here are a few of his favorite spots.

Canoe

Farm-to-table restaurant overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

AG says: “Everything at Canoe is top notch, from the brunch to the service, and you can’t beat the ambiance.”

4199 Paces Ferry Road S.E. 770-432-2663. www.canoeatl.com.

DOWN BY THE RIVER: Canoe serves up farm to table cusine on the banks of the Chattahoochee. Photo by JAMES CAMP/CL FILE

Orient Express

A renovated railroad car converted into a Chinese/Japanese restaurant. 

AG says: “It is fun to sit in the train’s car, eat hibachi and watch the koi fish pond.”

2921 Paces Ferry Road. 770-438-9090. www.orientexpressatl.com.

 

Locanda Firenze

Traditional family-owned Italian café serving breakfast, lunch and snacks.

AG says: “I always feel welcomed and their gelato is awesome!”

1260 W. Spring St., Smyrna. 678-424-8000. www.locandafirenze.com.

McEntyre’s Bakery

Fourth generation family-run bakery and deli, open since 1947.

AG says: “Every time we drive past, my kids have to stop to get a cookie or a cupcake.”

1184 Concord Road S.E., Suite1, Smyrna. 770-434-3115. www.mcentyresbakery.com.

 

Muss and Turner’s

Trendy bistro with a secret speakeasy bar and gourmet sandwiches.

AG says: “On Monday nights, we go as a family and sit at the counter.”

#309, 1675 Cumberland Parkway S.E., Smyrna. 770-434-1114. www.mussandturners.com.

THICK AND JUICY: Muss & Turner’s famous burger. Photo by JOEFF DAVIS/CL FILE

SOHO

New American tapas restaurant in historic Vinings Jubilee.

AG says: “This is where my wife and I like to go for date nights.”

4300 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 107. 770-801-0069. www.sohoatlanta.com.

Atkins Park

One of Atlanta’s oldest taverns, established in 1922, now has a location in Smyrna.

AG says: “After a day of cooking, the crew and I head over for beer and chicken wings. It is the best way to unwind.”

2840 Atlanta Road S.E., Smyrna. 770-435-1887. www.atkinspark.com.

 

Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood

Italian family-owned restaurant specializing in Lazio regional cuisine.

AG says: “Seeing how Tony and Luigi at Mezza Luna treat customers and get the support of the community motivated me to open Porch Light in Smyrna.”

1669 Spring Road S.E., Smyrna. 770-319-0333. www.mezza–luna.net.

Rev Coffee

Funky and causal coffeehouse in a converted garage space.

AG says: “This is a place where one can sit for hours, work, chit-chat or hang out and not be bothered.”

1680 Spring Road S.E., Suite B, Smyrna. 770-573-4434. www.revcoffee.com.

 

Steak 101

Contemporary steakhouse, seafood restaurant and raw bar from 101 Concepts.

AG says: “I was so glad when we got a good steakhouse in the area.”

3621 Vinings Slope S.W., Atlanta. 770-805-8855. www.101steakatl.com.

~ Written for Creative Loafing Atlanta. February 2017.