Pulling up to St. Cecilia, you would have no clue that it’s Atlanta’s hottest new restaurant as of Spring 2014. From the front entrance, the eatery appears to be a mundane office building, blending in with the corporate Buckhead backdrop. Once you’re inside, the floor to ceiling glass windows make you forget entirely how unimpressed you were only five minutes before. That is the magic of St. Cecilia: unassuming yet flawless in every way.
I’ve been to St. Cecilia on multiple occasions, but my first time was with my mom on Mother’s Day. We had no reservation and were treated like royalty when we walked in. I explained how I had not made a brunch reservation, but had been dying to try this place because I had heard only the best things, and what do you know—table for two right next to those glass windows, two glasses of Spanish wine, and a menu from which I wanted to order one of everything.
Speaking of the menu, that’s what’s going to win you over. A few highlights: the Maine lobster pan roast. Don’t just take it from me, because it’s the general consensus that this dish is either “divine” or “beyond.” I’ve even heard people say: “I just can’t,” in reference to how incredibly insane this dish is. Two claws, two tails, perfect for sharing. Make sure you get extra bread on the side to dip—worth it. By the way, the bread is no regular bread basket. St. Cecilia makes their bread in-house and serves it focaccia style with whipped ricotta cheese, olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Of course, everything is elevated just a notch, so what else would you expect?
Photo by Sara Kotcher
If you’re going for lunch you must get the fontina “melt.” Mushroom, frisee, fried egg and prosciutto. This dish is a crowd pleaser and a good starter. Other notable small dishes to share are the charred octopus, the farro salad, the chilled oysters and the burrata (served with caviar on top).
For entrees there are two things you must decide: first, pasta or main course. Second, which pasta to choose? There are two clear winners for the primi course and those would be the red wine braised beef short rib agnolotti and the lobster-filled corn ravioli (if you are starting to sense a trend, yes I do have a weakness for lobster, but then again who doesn’t). The lump crab squid ink spaghetti is a solid choice as well. Keep in mind the pastas are small portions and you would be well suited to get an entrée of any fresh fish they serve. You can always share the entrée depending on your appetite, but honestly I would skip it and get two pastas instead.
All in all, I have been to over 100 restaurants in this city and St. Cecilia is #1 on my list. It may be a splurge, but it’s one worth trying at least once and a no brainer when your parents are in town. I’m already making graduation reservations here for May because I forgot to mention, reservations here must be made well in advance. So find a friend who likes to eat and choose a date for the next week or two. You can thank me later!
Location: 3455 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326
Hours of Operation: Lunch, Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner, Sun-Thurs 5pm-10m Friday-Sat 5pm-11pm