Chef Craig Richards and Restaurateur Billy Streck’s Southern-European restaurant Lyla Lila opens December 6 on the ground level of the Lilli Midtown apartment tower at 3rd and Peachtree Streets.
It was, in fact, during the process of finding this very location, that Richards and Streck discovered a deep personal connection: their daughters shared the same name.
“My daughter’s name is Lyla and Billy’s daughter’s middle name is Lila,” Richards said in a press release.
“Both girls were named after their grandmothers, and by using both names it felt like a personal expression of ourselves and our families to the restaurant.”
Having overseen the kitchens of highly regarded Atlanta restaurants for more than a decade (La Tavola, Ecco, St. Cecilia, The Optimist and Marcel) Richards’ menu will incorporate his culinary background, highlighting the cuisine of southern Italy and Spain with an expanded global pantry.
Think starters like Cold Smoked Scallop, Cider Aioli, Green Harissa, and Sardinian Crackers ahead of a signature pasta program to anchor main courses like Crispy Lasagna with Duck, Heirloom Carrots and Cocoa Béchamel; Spaghetti with Sicilian Pork Ragu.
The 4,000 square-foot space designed by Smith Hanes Studio took form with a focus on “the return to analog,” drawing inspiration from Richards’ interests in literature, art, and jazz with finishes reminiscent of Mediterranean climates.
The Barroom will serve as a living room, where bartenders helmed by beverage manager Angela Guthmiller craft cocktails and play a selection of LP’s, surrounding an inner-lit bar.
Lyla Lila will initially open for dinner seven nights a week, with plans to extend meal services to lunch and brunch in 2020.
Have a look at some of the signature dishes you can expect on opening night:
*Editor’s Note: This post was updated at 5:03 p.m. with pictures of Lyla Lila’s signature dishes
One Response
Excited for this place to open. It looks very chic and is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. The name……a little difficult.