Cosmopolitan Cool
Ecco’s new stand-alone concept in Buckhead combines cultured cuisine with urbane style
When conceptualizing the third location of its European-influenced concept Ecco—which already had iterations in Midtown and at the Atlanta airport—Fifth Group Restaurants sought to create an evolution, not a copy, of the restaurant’s existing brand. While guests will find a few favorite dishes (namely the goat cheese balls) and familiar design aspects, the new Ecco Buckhead—which opened next to Phipps Plaza in November 2018—offers a largely unique menu and feel than its predecessors.
“One of my goals as we worked on the opening menu was to present Atlantans with dishes we believe haven’t really been explored or perfected elsewhere in the city,” says executive chef Andrea Mobtobbio, who also drew inspiration from a trip he took to Spain and Italy with fellow Fifth Group chefs. “The concept isn’t boxed in by only Italian, Spanish or other country-specific influences, which allows us to get really creative with the menu.” Expect dishes such as parsnip risotto cacio e pepe, wood-grilled skirt steak, as well as shareable options including wood-fired focaccia and yellowtail tartare.
Conceptualized by The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, the design “was initially inspired by the aesthetic of Ecco Midtown, but specific design elements differ in an effort to evolve the restaurant concept,” says Vajra Stratigos, Fifth Group Restaurants partner and director of food & beverage standards. Circular chandeliers echo the Midtown location, as does a racetrack-style bar, which is larger “to accommodate the after-work crowds in the neighborhood,” Stratigos says.