Named for the Iranian Winter Solstice Festival, Yalda Opens for Mezze and Kebabs in Sandy Springs

The first of two locations of Persian restaurant Yalda opens Tuesday, December 27, in Sandy Springs. The restaurant is currently open for takeout only at Aria Village, just off of Abernathy Road, with dine-in service beginning next Tuesday.

Named for the Iranian winter solstice festival celebrated on December 21 (the “longest and darkest night of the year,”) Yalda serves a variety of Persian and Mediterranean mezze plates, spreads like za’atar labneh and mirza ghasemi served with flatbread, kebabs, wraps, and grilled meat and seafood entrees. Dessert includes baklava with a choice of coffee or Persian ice cream, faloodeh, and a Persian ice cream sandwich made with ice cream infused with saffron, rose water, and pistachios. Wine and cocktails are available from the bar.

Chef and co-owner Ashkan Familli, who previously worked at Kyma and was born and raised in Iran, chose the name based on his childhood memories of Yalda nights with his family who would gather together to share food and stories. The design for the restaurant takes further inspiration from the northern Tehran countryside of Darband, where people living in the city often visit on vacation.

A second location of Yalda should open at the Osprey complex on the corner of Howell Mill Road and 10th Street early next year. The Osprey also includes a location of all-day breakfast chain Snooze an A.M. Eatery. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken opened its second Atlanta location across the street in August.

Yalda

6500 Aria Boulevard, Sandy Springs. yaldaatl.com.

Currently open Tuesday - Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lunch begins soon. Takeout available.