Yalda will open its first of two locations early fall 2022 in Sandy Springs, with a West Midtown location following, according to a recent press release. An exact opening timeline was not disclosed.
“Inspired to look like a villa in Lavasan, which is located in northern Tehran, Iran, Yalda is sure to stand out in the bustling Aria Village center,” the release notes. “Every design aspect of Yalda pays a form of tribute to the ancient land, starting with the patio, which is built of large cedar lumber and beam with accents of nostalgic Ferforje (or Egyptian) style iron work comprising the front gate and railings.”
Yalda’s name pays homage to Yalda, the longest night of the year celebrated by Persians around the world for centuries. The menu at Yalda focuses on Persian dishes, with some additional favorites from Turkey and Lebanon. A few menu items will include: Quail meze that is charred on the open grill and served with “Anar” sauce (a house made sweet and sour pomegranate molasses); Sea Bream from the Mediterranean Sea stuffed with Turkish-style spinach, rice finishes and a Lemon Saffron vinaigrette.
“I chose the name Yalda because of my childhood memories of Yalda nights with my family being together, sharing food, poetry and stories,” Ashkan Famili, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Yalda, said in the release. “My grandfather was a butcher, so cooking and presentation has always been in my blood. Our menu is inspired by ‘meze’ because of my many memories sharing small plates on Yalda night with my family. And, our guests will notice several items featuring Pomegranate, the symbol of night. We use the ingredient in both our kitchen and bar aspects at Yalda.”
Famili worked nearly a decade with the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, specifically at Kyma. The restauranteur also assisted in the opening of Sufi’s in 2011 and has been responsible for developing middle eastern and Persian concepts for chefs and restaurants since 2014. Famili’s partner is longtime friend, Farhan Kheraj.
Yalda in Aria Village, at at 6500 Aria Boulevard, suite 500, will be open for both lunch and dinner. Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 am until 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am until 10:30 pm; Sunday from 11:30 am until 9 pm, and closed on Monday.
