Atlanta loves new restaurants, and has a habit of forgetting them just as quickly. When La Semilla (the seed) opened in Reynoldstown in early 2023, it was the hottest ticket. Sophia Marchese and Reid Trapani turned a successful pop-up into a Latin vegan restaurant with a core focus on Mexican and Cuban flavors. Two years in, it’s cemented its place on Eater Atlanta’s 38. Creamy corn chochoyotes and mushroom al pastor tacos, with innovative cocktails using aged Oaxacan rum, are worth revisiting over and over again.
What to order
- The chochoyotes ($26), corn-flour dumplings served in a coconut-corn broth with pumpkin seeds, are a staple here. The fluffy dumplings are earthy, with the broth offering sweetness. It’s many iterations of corn on one plate.
- The al pastor tacos ($15), two per order, are filled with meaty mushrooms and topped with grilled pineapple. Ask for extra salsa verde. The burrito ($16) delivers some of the city’s best beans, plus sweet plantain.
- Don’t sleep on Marchese’s cocktails. The Mole Fashioned ($17) is an Old Fashioned riff using mezcal, aged Oaxacan rum, and mole. It’s smoky, savory, and finished with a charred cinnamon stick for aromatics.
- The Cubano ($19) with jackfruit rivals the best Cuban sandwich with pork and ham in town.
The vibe
Lush green plants line the walls at this airy restaurant, and tropical cabana seating makes you feel like you’re on vacation. A sense of freshness ties the space and the food. Trapani can be seen running dishes, as diners on dates sink into oohs and aahs over the guava flan.
Insider tip
La Semilla has weekly specials that switch out every Wednesday. A recent one included swoon-worthy sopes with coconut braised beans, jerk mushrooms, slaw, and edible flowers. Always say yes to the special.
