This Isn't Your Parents' Aria: Inside the Revamped Buckhead Icon

When chef Gerry Klaskala opened Aria in 2000, it was a perfect fit as a fine dining destination in Atlanta. Guests arrived in business attire, and the decor was straight-laced and perhaps a bit stuffy — because that's what fine dining was at the turn of the century. Times have changed, and now Aria has changed as well, serving Klaskala's cuisine with a new ambiance in the space.

"The redesign is an opportunity for us to reintroduce Aria," Klaskala said when he announced the changes. "When we opened in 2000, our guests wore coats and ties and came in for a special occasion. These days, dining out is a part of our daily routine and restaurants can be the family table, the business desk, or just a place to unwind. We're reacting to that, providing somewhere new for our existing guests to enjoy and reaching out to a younger diner. What once was conservative will now be more playful."

Stacey Kirby of local firm Seiber Design was in charge of the project, which was meant "to recreate Aria as a restaurant that will be as relevant in 2032 as it is today." After taking a week off while the redesign was underway, Aria is once again open for its normal business hours: Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to close. Look around the new space via the photos below.

Jonathan Phillips

Aria's new bar area, which has been opened up for to provide reservation-free seating.

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The reservation-free lounge across from the bar inside Aria.

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Aria may have a new look, but it's still a white tablecloth restaurant.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

New white oak tabletops and leather banquettes in the upstairs dining room.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

The upstairs dining room now features an oversized mirror.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

Aria's main dining room, with new canary yellow curtains and mounted mirrors on the walls.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

White walls have been been painted gray.

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Mirrors in the main dining room make Aria feel more spacious.

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Aria's iconic chandelier remains.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

Aria's new dining room is much more colorful compared to the previous incarnation.

Jonathan Phillips/Eater Atlanta

White oak and leather appear in the main dining room too.

Jonathan Phillips

The main dining room inside the revamped Aria in Buckhead.