The Most Anticipated Atlanta Restaurant Openings of Spring/Summer 2015

As the weather gets warmer, Atlanta's dining scene heats up. The city will see plenty of new restaurants in the coming months, and we're tracking their progress. Take a look at the most anticipated projects below, and be sure to check back often for opening updates.

Amer

Location: Inman Park
Major players: Brian Lewis, David Durnell

Brian Lewis and David Durnell of Bocado fame are opening a cocktail bar in Inman quarter. Serving "drinks that get your palate excited, and nicely composed dishes paired with the atmosphere and the drinks," Lewis says team is "building upon what they've established at Bocado."

Projected opening: Late May

American Cut

Location: Buckhead
Major players: Marc Forgione

The steakhouse from celebrity chef Marc Forgione will feature "urbane design with art deco accents culminating in a monumental space filled with fine food, spirits, a genuine touch in service, and culinary prowess."

Projected opening: Summer

HIMITSU

Location: Buckhead
Major players: Farshid Arshid, Fuyuhiko Ito

The Umi team is working on a semi-private, "swanky, and sexy" lounge a few doors down from the restaurant. Food from Umi chef Fuyuhiko Ito will be available, and co-owner Farshid Arshid hopes to bring in a well-respected industry veteran to create the cocktail program. 3050 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1.

Projected opening: Early May

Le Fat

Elizabeth Chai

Location: Westside
Major players: Guy Wong, T. Fable Jeon

Guy Wong's Vietnamese restaurant, which is replacing Yum Bunz in Westside, has been delayed for nearly a year, but Wong is planning to be in business soon. When it opens, the eatery will serve pho, banh mi, and more, and it will have its own bakery.

Projected opening: March 31

Little Trouble

Location: Westside
Major players: Ian Jones, Caleb Wheelus, Paul Calvert

Victory Brands is working on a Westside cocktail bar. Co-owner Ian Jones has said it will be "more bar scene than restaurant scene," and it's slated for a 3,000-foot-space below Abattoir/Marcel.

Projected opening: May

Marcel

Location: Westside
Major players: Ford Fry

Fry is taking over the Abattoir space and promptly opening a traditional steakhouse of his own. Look for classic fare and prices comparable with Kevin Rathbun Steak and Bones.

Projected opening: July

Noble Fin

Location: Peachtree Corners
Major players: Jay Swift, Jeb Aldrich

From 4th & Swift's Jay Swift, the Peachtree Corners restaurant will serve contemporary Mediterranean and American cuisine, with a focus on steaks and seafood. Swift's son Jeb Aldrich will run the kitchen as chef de cuisine.

Projected opening: Late summer

Ponce City Market

Location: Old Fourth Ward
Major players: Anne Quatrano, Sean Brock, Hector Santiago, Linton Hopkins

Among the development's dining options, there will be a few restaurants and food stalls from James Beard Award winners. Confirmed highlights include Minero, Sean Brock's Mexican concept, Dub's Fish Camp from Anne Quatrano, and H&F Burger and Hop's Chicken from Linton Hopkins.

Projected opening: Ongoing, late spring/early summer

Proof Bakeshop

Location: Inman Park
Major players: Billy and Kristin Allin, David Garcia, Abigail Quinn

The new bakery will take over the former Dough space off Dekalb Avenue and serve as the central kitchen for baked items served at Cakes & Ale and the forthcoming Bread & Butterfly. Look for plenty of baked goods, a selection of sandwiches, coffee, and tea.

Projected opening: April

RAY'S RIO BRAVO

Location: Sandy Springs
Major players: Ray Schoenbaum

The long-rumored return of Rio Bravo is finally happening. The Tex-Mex restaurant will take up residence in the former Tasty China II space in Sandy Springs.

Projected opening: Summer

Revival

Location: Decatur
Major players: Kevin Gillespie

It's Gunshow chef/owner Kevin Gillespie's take on the traditional meat-and-three. The menu will offer seasonal meats, fish, and fresh vegetables, with options that change daily. Lunch will be served a la carte, and Gillespie said dinner "will more closely resemble a classic Southern family-style spread served in your grandmother's home. Revival will be like going to your grandma's on Sunday — except every day."

Projected opening: Early June

STAPLEHOUSE

Staplehouse/Facebook

Location: Old Fourth Ward
Major players: Jen Hidinger, Ryan Smith, Ryan Turner, Chris Hall, Todd Mussman

The purpose-driven restaurant helmed by Ryan Smith, previously of Empire State South, and dreamed up by the chef, Jen Hidinger, and the team at Local Three — Ryan Turner, Chris Hall, and Todd Mussman — has been delayed by the permitting process. But, the team is now making progress on the space. Proceeds from the restaurant will go to The Giving Kitchen.

Projected opening: Summer

Victory Sandwich Bar

Location: Inman Park
Major players: Ian Jones, Caleb Wheelus

The second location for the local favorite, returning to its original neighborhood, has been delayed for some time by red tape. The process has left Ian Jones frustrated.

Projected opening: March/April