Take Flight
Ponce City Market’s food destination ATRIUM offers delightful dishes in a photo-worthy setting
Oliva Restaurant Group is the team behind Ponce City Market’s latest restaurant Atrium. Already familiar with the famous Atlanta food market via her first restaurant, Bellina Alimentari, owner Tal Baum was determined to create a fanciful oasis inside the bustling environment. “Atrium is eclectic and bright with thoughtful design elements like bold florals, expansive tropical leaves and focal walls in a palette of pinks, greens and golds,” says Baum. “A lot of the inspiration comes from my travels and particularly leans on colorful French cafes and Art Deco buildings.”
Baum, with a background in architecture and design, collaborated with Smith Hanes Studio to create a blossoming atmosphere complete with pieces from local artisans and craftsmen. Draping arrangements by local floral studio Pinker Times and a wall mural of herons by Savannah-based artist Kipper Millsap are just two examples of unique artistry that occupy the space. “From woodwork throughout the space and hand-painted tiles on the bar to floral installations and an imaginative mural inspired by the iridescent plumage of the glossy ibis, each detail of the interior is made for, and by, the community,” says Baum.
As for the fare, Atrium focuses on a modern American menu with European influences. “We wanted to create dishes that would captivate our guests just as the ambience does,” says executive culinary director Brandon Hughes. “The menu features seasonally driven, vegetable-forward appetizers, crudo, light pastas and larger entrees for sharing.”
While dining at this establishment, a colorful cocktail in hand is a necessity. Atrium’s beverage director Demario Wallace has declared their Polibbean Punch the drink of the summer. “It’s bright, full of flavor and a tropical explosion with fresh fruit and spice,” says Wallace.
Needless to say, it’s evident that the restaurant’s interior and cuisine go hand in hand to create a meaningful dining experience. Says Baum, “We’re transporting guests to another world that’s calming and enchanting.”