Marcello's to Emory Point; Mexican and Middle Eastern in Buckhead

EMORY POINT — Brothers Julian and Marcello Najm are close to opening a second outpost for Marcello's Pizzeria & Trattoria, reports Atlanta Magazine. The original restaurant opened in Buckhead 32 years ago, and the new location will take up residence in the former La Tagliatella space at 1540 Avenue Place. Julian Najm told Atlanta the menu will be familiar to fans of Marcello's: "If you like the pizza in Buckhead, you're going to like it at Emory."

BUCKHEAD — Istanblue owner Okan Ozyurteri will open two new restaurants in the neighborhood this year, according to What Now Atlanta. Ozyurteri is planning Lavish, a fast food Middle Eastern concept, at 345 Pharr Road NE. He's also working on a Mexican restaurant in the former Buckhead Tavern space at 264 Pharr Road NE. Further details on Lavish weren't available, but the Mexican restaurant will reportedly have a "fun, cool West Coast vibe."

MORNINGSIDE — Calle Latina owner Michael Condon is working to open a second location in the former Timone's space, per Tomorrow's News Today. A lease hasn't been signed, according to TNT, but details could be finalized in the coming weeks. Timone's was one of three neighborhood restaurants shuttered by angry chef Ron Eyester last year.