Though it’s not online or in mailboxes yet, we’ve received word that Atlanta Magazine has ranked Decatur’s Cakes & Ale as the #1 restaurant in the Atlanta metro area in their “50 Best Restaurants” January issue. Here’s the blurb…
Any number of restaurants on this list could have opened in another city, but not Cakes & Ale, which effortlessly captures the scope of metro Atlanta’s complex culinary makeup. We’d cross county lines for a bowl of Billy Allin’s fried okra or his stunning North Carolina trout glossed with bacon mayonnaise. Nor is Allin’s boundless curiosity limited to the South: Brilliant, melting pillows of gnocchi tossed in a hearty lamb and pork ragu evoke Italy, while a smooth squash dip dotted with pomegranate seeds and served with blistered naan calls India to mind. Equal to Allin’s creativity is his consistency. Walk in for a quick weeknight dinner or dress up for an anniversary, and you can trust that the food will be reliably elegant night after night. Although he and his wife, Kristin, recently opened Proof Bakeshop in Inman Park and will soon launch Bread & Butterfly, a cafe in Inman Quarter, Allin will continue to lead the kitchen at his warm, welcoming flagship. As for what to drink: Jordan Smelt’s passion for obscure French wines complements Allin’s singular cooking.
Last year, Cakes & Ale ranked #2 in the city, trailing only long-time Atlanta restaurant juggernaut Bacchanalia, but this year it seems it’s the east side’s turn to wear the crown!
On this occasion, C&A wanted to thank their Decatur neighbors, who “are a huge reason why we stay in business.”.
Congrats to Billy & Kristin Allin and the entire Cakes & Ale team!
Since I no longer live in Decatur, but Cakes and Ale still has my favorite food, I’m particularly glad they are so close to the MARTA station. Twice since moving to Midtown in the summer we’ve rode the train for dinner there. Congrats to C & A!
Wow. C&A is good but I don’t even think it’s in the top 5 in Atlanta. But what do I know. I’m just a cartoon mouse.
How is kimball house not in the top 10??
Where do you see the top 10 list?
I have the magazine at home. Kimball is in the thirties
Have not been to every one of the top-ranked restaurants in ATL, but C&A is my personal fav.
I haven’t been to C & A yet. What are some of your favorite dishes there?