The first thing you notice sitting inside Elise is the bold artwork, vibrant with pinks, greens, and velvety red hues filling the space. Its setting feels like a natural transition from the art in the nearby High Museum, only improved by a grounding vermouth and tonic. The Woodruff Arts Center desperately needed a fantastic on-premise restaurant, and Elise, by chef Craig Richards of Lyla Lila, elegantly fills that gap.
What to order
- The Master of Light cocktail ($16) with arak (a refreshing Levantine spirit made with anise seed) and saffron-infused vermouth tastes like a cardamom barfi. The saffron adds rich yellow color and deep floral notes, and the arak lifts with herbs.
- The fresh anchovies ($24) on toast with a sherry reduction and tomato powder are a must-order with a glass of sparkling wine. Notice that the colors in the plating match the colors of the artwork and design in the restaurant.
- The tagliatelle with rabbit ragu ($39) is rich and showcases the kitchen’s fresh pasta.
The vibe
People dressed in black turtle necks and dark-rimmed glasses speak in hushed voices in the gorgeous dining room. A woman with coiffed grey hair and a long, leopard-print coat takes her seat by the window. The two large dining rooms offer plenty of space for groups and intimate seatings alike. With an espresso and yuzu tonic in hand, who wouldn’t like people-watching here?
Insider tip
There is a mineral water list on the drinks menu — the Wossa mineral water from Austria ($24) tastes like wet stones. Give it a swirl and sniff, just as you would with wine, and see if you pick up on floral and mineral aromas.
