The Most Anticipated Atlanta Restaurant Openings, Summer 2016

Memorial Day has come and gone, which means summertime is unofficially here. With the weather heating up, Atlanta's restaurant scene is sure to catch fire in the coming months. We saw a number of major openings last year, and several more have already come online in the first half of 2016. With the future in mind, it's time to take a look at the summer tracking guide, running through the most anticipated restaurants set to begin service before fall arrives. These are listed in alphabetical order, and we'll update statuses as they open. If you have a favorite not listed, do leave it in the comments below.

Ba Bellies

Nam Phuong owners David and Tina Nguyen are planning to open their next restaurant in Peachtree Corners. The duo is partnering with chef Mike Yang, previously of New York City's Per Se, Craft, and L'atelier, to serve Southern-Asian fusion and an extensive craft beer list. Some dishes to expect include shaking beef banh mi, crispy Brussels sprouts with puffed rice, Tonkotsu ramen, and bacon fried rice. Norcross: 6025 Peachtree Pkwy.

Projected opening: June.

CHAR KOREAN BAR & GRILL

From former Craft Izakaya partner and general manager, Char will serve "traditional stuff like bo ssam, sea snail, spicy noodles," along with kimchi-pork belly fried rice, sweet potato tempura, and more Korean barbecue staples. Craft Izakaya chef Jey Oh is consulting on the food, but he's not a partner in the project. The beverage program sounds ambitious: "I'm not saying we're going to go molecular, but we're going to go outside the box a little bit," Tang previously said. Inman Park: 280 Elizabeth St.

Projected opening: Late June/early July.

CITY WINERY

Michale Dorf's wine bar/restaurant/music venue concept has seen a couple of delays, but it should open its doors soon. It will open adjacent to Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, following locations in New York City, Chicago, Napa Valley, and Nashville. Dorf says the food has "a real Mediterranean core: Italian, French, Spanish, Greek, which all share their salty-ish ingredients." Jeffrey McGar, a veteran of Atlanta's corporate culinary scene, is on board as executive chef. Old Fourth Ward: 650 North Ave.

Projected opening: June 12.

[Fox Greenberg Public Relations]

Comet Pub & Lanes

The team behind Twain's Brewpub & Billiards is planning a new bowling-centric venture in the former Suburban Lanes space. The redesigned bowling alley will preserve "the classic feel of the iconic bowling alley," and the restaurant will use locally sourced ingredients. On the menu, look for hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, and shareable plates, and the bar will pour craft beers and custom cocktails. Decatur: 2619 North Decatur Rd.

Projected opening: Late June.

Nexto

Local ramen chef Mihoko Obunai is leaving the pop-up game to open her own restaurant. Considering Obunai's reputation, the forthcoming eatery's BeltLine-adjacent location, and partnership with successful hospitality group Concentrics Restaurants, it's bound to be a hit. Obunai has been hosting a series of preview dinners around town, and the next one is scheduled for June 25 at Tap. Poncey-Highland: 822 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE.

Projected opening: August.

Concentrics Restaurants

Mihoko Obunai at the Nexto space. [Concentrics Restaurants]

Nine Mile Station

Ponce City Market's Central Food Hall is mostly up and running, so the next big project for the development is a rooftop beer garden. Developer Jamestown is partnering with Slater Hospitality, from husband-and-wife team Kelvin and Mandy Slater, to bring Nine Mile Station to life. In addition to the suds, the adjacent Skyline Park will serve an "elevated concessions menu complete with snow cones, gourmet hot dogs, and more." Old Fourth Ward: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE.

Projected opening: June.

RICHARDS' SOUTHERN FRIED

Todd Richards, who left The Shed at Glenwood and The Pig & The Pearl for White Oak Kitchen last year, is getting in on the national hot chicken craze. At this Krog Street Market stall, fried yardbird will be available in three varieties: classic, hot, and "Richards' HOT." It'll be served in sandwich and plate form and accompanied by sides such as potato wedges; stewed okra and tomatoes; and broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole. Inman Park: 99 Krog St. NE.

Projected opening: Late June/early July.

Ton Ton

Ton Ton has been delayed for a while, but owner Guy Wong is in the process of hiring staff and should be in business soon. When it does open at Ponce City Market, the restaurant will serve Japanese ramen, yakitori, and sushi. Noodles, rice, and other Japanese ingredients will be available for retail purchase. Old Fourth Ward: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE.

Projected opening: June.

Also tracking: 101 Steak, 5Church, 8 Arm, Ama, Ammazza Decatur, Butcher & Brew, Georgia Beer Garden, Jinya Ramen Bar, Revolution Doughnuts Inman Park, Superica Buckhead, Taco Bell Cantina, Tupelo Honey Cafe.