Atlanta Welcomes New Eatery La Moon to Charming Virginia-Highland

With an ornate hand-painted mural, wood wall detailing, and moody bar, the sultry ambience of the restaurant is suited for any occasion.

An assortment of shareable small plates are perfect for large groups or those wanting to try a bite of everything.

La Moon Wings with sweet chili garlic and onions.

Ginger Fish with ginger sauce, mushrooms, and onions.

Yellowtail Carpaccio with truffle ponzu sauce

Seafood Hot Pot with coconut lemongrass soup.

The Lilac cocktail with taro.

Ginger Fish with ginger sauce, mushrooms, and onions.

A New Virginia-Highland eatery proves change can be a good thing after all. At La Moon, experience a melody of traditional Asian flavors from Thailand and Vietnam to Japan, with a touch of French influence.

No stranger to running successful Atlanta hot spots, industry veteran Bell Chabchit co-operates Tiki Thai on Howell Mill Road. With this beloved Atlanta venture to dot his resume, it’s no wonder that owners of Mai Kitchen approached Chabchit to ask for help transforming their struggling restaurant into a fresh, successful concept.      

Partnering with the owners and taking over Mai Thai’s previous location, La Moon is Virginia-Highland’s new not-so-hidden gem. Situated on the main drag and featuring large windows that open up to the street for alfresco dining, the new neighbor is in the heart of it all. “What I like about the area is its unique culture of people,” says Chabchit. “We fit in and mix well in that environment.”

Rooted in history, the restaurant reflects on a time when France occupied Asian land resulting in French influence found in their culture and food. Inside, a wall of red-painted brick—reminiscent of French-style homes in old towns of Thailand and Vietnam—spans the length of the space, and a meticulously hand-painted mural by the bar depicts a Vietnamese scene with merchant ships arriving at port, trading foreign goods.   

Continuing the historical narrative, retro French and Asian photographs create lively gallery walls. Deep reds and golds threaded throughout offer a bold atmosphere mirrored in the daring menu chock-full of beloved Asian dishes with surprising twists.

Inspired to pursue a career in the culinary field by the women in his family—including his sister and mother, who operate a restaurant in London—Chabchit incorporates memorable dishes from his childhood like the Shrimp Cray Pot with glass noodles, Gulf shrimp, and pork belly. And the Pad Thai is a must-try, featuring a secret sauce straight from Thailand. “My aunt used to own a restaurant in Bangkok, and I asked her if I could have her amazing sauce recipe,” says Chabchit. “I’m happy to say we now have that sauce at La Moon.”

Fit for an upscale evening or simply drinks with friends, the Asian fusion menu offers a range of small, shareable dishes from delightful dumplings to crispy calamari. For a showstopping moment and taste of Japan, order the Yellowtail Carpaccio served in-house with truffle ponzu sauce and tobiko. Top off the night with a playful cocktail like the lychee martini donning a festive feather to finish the look.

La Moon fits into the Virginia-Highland scene with ease, quickly establishing itself as a local staple. “I love this neighborhood,” says Chabchit. “Everyone has been friendly and supportive, so it already feels like one big family.” lamoonatl.com