Staplehouse Is ‘Bon Appetit’s’ Best New Restaurant in America

Another ranking of America’s best new restaurants, more high praise for Staplehouse. This time, it’s Bon Appetit magazine with a top-10 list, and the Old Fourth Ward dining room comes in at No. 1. BA restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton notes the heartbreaking and bittersweet story of Staplehouse’s creation, but his praise has nothing to do with sympathy.

“Let me make one thing clear: Staplehouse didn’t become my restaurant of the year because of a heart-wrenching story,” Knowlton writes. “It became my restaurant of the year because of the smart, innovative cooking of Ryan Smith and the warm, welcoming, unwavering hospitality of Kara, Jen, and the entire team. In every way imaginable, it floored me. It’s the best restaurant experience I had this year. Hands down.”

Such an honor is nothing new for Staplehouse. Since opening on Edgewood Avenue last September, the restaurant has received a four-star rating from Atlanta Magazine, and it’s been named to best-new-restaurant lists from GQ, and Eater’s own Bill Addison. It was one of five nominees for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award, which eventually went to Shaya in New Orleans.

In addition to Staplehouse’s No. 1 ranking, Bread & Butterfly, the French-inspired Inman Park cafe from the team behind Cakes & Ale, was named among 50 nominees for BA’s best-new list.

• No. 01 - Staplehouse - Atlanta [BA]

• All Staplehouse Coverage [E]