Atmosphere

Slow, inexperienced but pleasant service. Cheap shot cocktails @ $2.50 per sip. Mediocre, uninspired recipes. @ over $50.00 per person (one cocktail each, no wine, no dessert) there are dozens of places with better value.

Pros: Romantic setting

Cons: Price, Quality

Posted 09/06/09

i heard nothing but great things about atmosphere, and i love french cuisine. and the food isnt terrible, in fact everyone else i had dinner with loved their food. i had the salmon, which was paired with a cream sauce and personally i dont care for cream sauces with fish, but thats personal and not atmoshpheres fault by any means. my experience with atmosphere was poor due to one thing: THE SERVICE. our waiter was very pleasent, but had no clue what was going on. from the moment he brought us our first round of cocktails 15 minutes after they were ordered ( and the restaurant was dead btw), to the cold soup in the first course ( he acted suprised when we asked to heat it up ) and not refilling our wine glasses after buying three bottles!! i guess i feel if im spending good money on good food, the service should be up to par

Pros: romantic, great location, good food and great wine list

Cons: wacky service

Posted 01/05/09

The food is not terrible, but it's not too good either. I ordered the Ravioli, which came with a tomato sauce that tasted like watered down Campbell's tomato soup. There are some French staples missing, such as the ability to enjoy cheese. It would be better served if it kept better track of seasonal produce as the menu was a bit stale and does not seem to change much. Wine prices are too high for what they are serving. Service generally is either French or has knowledge of French food, but our server was not French and did not know what the names of the dishes on the menu, at which point we had to refer to them in English. I wonder if the Restaurant is attempting to cater to Atlantan tastes, which is too bad because when it comes to food, the French generally know what they are doing and have been doing it well for a long time.

Pros: Nice atmosphere

Cons: Food, not French enough, overpriced wine list, unimpressive wine list for a French restaurant.

Posted 09/01/08

My husband and I enjoyed our meal overall. His duck was a little on the greasy side. Our first time eating escargot was a great experience. The space was a little tight and we were seated by the kitchen area, which was a little noisy. Atmosphere also had a pretty good wine selection.

Pros: Escargot

Cons: Seating

Posted 06/10/08

The food here is consistently outstanding! My partner and I come several times a month and everytime I try a new place, my first thought is, "Why didn't I go to Atmosphere"? Best dishes: French Toast, and the Eggs Benedict. The French Toast is perfectly sweet and melts in your mouth. It's a great dish on it's own, or why not try it for dessert? The hollandaise sauce served with the eggs Benedict has a uniqeness and balance that I dream about. I also appreciate the french fries served as a side with this dish. They are crisp and perfectly done; a great alternative to the cold, soggy, and greasy potatoes most restaurants serve for brunch. Service is very warm and attentive. On another note, we have had dinner here a few times with equally positive experiences. The food is very authentic.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: none

Posted 04/24/08

My wife and I have eaten here numerous times. We've never had a bad experience. We've taken many friends there and they've all loved it as well.

For the food, I have my favorites. For starters, the Escargot and the Carapaccio are excellent. I could eat the escargot for lunch every day with some bread. My wife typically gets one of the salads and a cup of the soup of the day.

For entree, I typically get the short rib stew but lately i've branched out to the Hanger steak. The stew is not your typical stew. It's braised ribs on top of a braised leaks, with portabello pasta and some really rich sauce. The hanger steak is really good and is served with fries. Goes great with a beer.

My wife usually gets the goat cheese raviolis or a fish dish.

You can bring your own bottle for a corkage fee. If we go with a group, I usually bring a few bottles. But they have some nice French wines as well.

Service is always good for us. We always ask for the french woman as our waitress. She is super sweet and is very professional...plus her accent will completely relax you. The bartender (the owners son) is always very nice as well and is good for recommendations on wine and cocktails.

One nice thing, but it's been missing during the drought, is the valet will clean your car for $15. It's the best car cleaning service I've ever had...I really miss it.

I think most of the reviews will speak to how good this place is. I really can't say enough about this place.

Pros: Great food, nice atmosphere, great service.

Cons: No fras grois (sp?)

Posted 03/17/08

The best word I can use to describe the food was competent. Yep. Competent. Sad thing to say about a french restaurant. Had a pork loin that was beautifully done but bland. What??????? The mushroom tart was butter and puff pastry. Not a whole lot of mushroomy flavor. The salad, once again, competent. Apple Tart dessert was......yep, you guessed it, competent. Me thinks the chef needs a time-out to take a trip back to the motherland for a little inspiration. Service you ask???? Lots of it and a bit on the hovering side. Nothing we'd ever feel the need to go back for. Been there....won't do again but then it looks like a lot of people agree since at prime dining time on a Friday the place was only 1/2 full. Bottom line....I've eaten at some pretty fine french restaurants and this ain't one of them.

Pros: Nothing Comes to Mind

Cons: Competent Execution but food was bland

Posted 03/14/08

As I always expect a lot for french food and I was a little bit disappointed to this one. The appretizers are fine but cocktail is not good. The main course is a little bit too salty and dessert is just ok. Parking is a problem for peak time. We felt they did not provide a good velvet serice.

Pros: food is ok

Cons: parking, cocktails

Posted 07/14/07

My husband and I live way over in Smyrna so this represented a bit of a trek on a stormy Saturday night but we were glad we ventured out and landed at Atmosphere. We arrived early and sat at the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. There were several featured cocktails however after trying the "blue martini" I decided it was better to stick with the traditional. My husband declared his top shelf margarita on the rocks "one of the best he's ever had." For dinner we started with the beef carpaccio and crab salad. Both were excellent and easy to share. Our waiter was very helpful with wine pairings. For a main course I enjoyed the scallops and my husband went for the filet special. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender and cooked to perfection. My scallops were extremely tastly but not as big as I would have liked. For dessert we decided to forego our usual sharing of one and went for the special bread pudding and sorbet with fresh fruits. As I snuck repeated bites of my husband's bread pudding I reminded myself that even the best sorbet isn't that exciting and wished I'd gone for the lava cake instead! All in all, the food was great and there was an excellent assortment on the menu from lamb to fish so something for everyone. The only negative would be the quaint surroundings when only filled to half capacity. Had all the tables been filled, it probably wouldn't have been an issue, but with only three of the six tables in our room filled, it was very easy to hear entire conversations (and conversely for them to hear ours!). Did it put a damper on our evening- not at all! We look forward to making the trek across town again in the near future.

Pros: menu selection, great food

Cons: a little too cozy with your neighbors on a quiet night

Posted 04/14/07

This past weekend, we decided to celebrate Valentine's Day early, with a cozy meal for two, at Atmosphere. On bustling Piedmont Rd., just north of the intersection of Monroe Dr., sits a former private residence, proudly snuggled into the busy landscape. This former cottage, has a fireplace in almost every room, lit by warm, glowing candlelight. Tables were not overly crowded. Thank goodness. Our waiter was very kind, and made several reccommendations. We both started with a warming French Onion Consomme with Melted Cheese Croutons. A different take on the classic French Onion Soup. Next for us both, was the delightful Roquefort Salad w/Anjou Pear, Roquefort Cheese, Walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette. It was a wonderful balance of flavors. Upon our waiters reccommendation, I had Sauteed Sea Scallops w/Wild Mushroom Ravioli and asparagus. Again, excellent. My dining companion had the Roasted Duck Leg Confit w/Green Beans, Mushrooms and Truffle Essence. There was nothing left. Deserts for the both of us was the Classic Creme Brule. Wine pairings were great, as the attention we received from the whole staff. Until next Valentine's Day, or sooner.

Pros: Cozy French Dining, By The Fireplace!

Cons: Parking can be a little confusing at first, Safe!

Posted 01/29/07

I came here for the first time for a Sunday brunch. I was blown away. The place is so cute and the food was delicious. Service was excellent. I will definitely be going back and recommending it. There is a great patio, I'm shocked there was no one eating on it. If you want a nice relaxing brunch and you don't like crowds and long waits you've got to try this place. AND the valet will wash your car while you're eating for a very reasonable price.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 07/24/06

Atmosphere is an outsanding French bistro, the best in the city. The food is delicious and the service very warm and informal. When the weather is nice, the front patio is one of the best in Atlanta.

Posted 07/05/06

The authentic French food and romantic atmosphere make this a very special place. The glow of the woodburning fire during cold weather makes Atmosphere even more romantic, but it is still wonderful in the warm weather, especially with the outdoor seating. The food and service are consistently excellent, complemented by a well thought out wine list with reasonable pricing.

Pros: Romantic atmosphere; attentive service; excellent food

Posted 07/05/06

Atmosphere is our weekly Sunday brunch destination. Each week the chef prepares a different Sunday soup special. Wild mushroom, carrot/ginger, lobster bisque--whatever--it is dependably rich, flavorful and deeply satisfying. Their mussels and broth, often a Sunday brunch special, rank among the best in Atlanta. Flavorful generous hangar steak has a rich garlic sauce complementing their excellent fries. My wife invariably orders the chicken crepes, well-stuffed with cream sauce, mushrooms, and tender chicken. We have only eaten dinner there on a few occasions (often holiday menus), and it is always special and delicious. Looking for fancy presentation or attitude? Wrong place! However, if you want fabulous French comfort food made by people who care about both the food and you, then give Atmosphere a try. Varied wine list; best deals are on French wines. Nice little bar in front room with a wood-burning fireplace.

Pros: small private rooms, eat outside spr/fall, valet

Cons: only 2 high chairs

Posted 01/03/06

I really enjoyed my first dining experience at Atmoshere. The food was great and the service was attentive, but it is a little pricy so for my budget it can only be a special night type of place.

Pros: food, service

Cons: pricy

Posted 07/19/05

for years now I have been on a quest for true homemade fries...none of this frozen crinkly stuff...I travel all over, especially to France and even there now it seems the "congeler" is in vogue...however the fries at Atmosphere are divine! Ask your server for some "garlic butter" from the escargots sauce .... what can I say?!
YUM!

Pros: valet parking staff, great music, always friendly

Posted 06/05/05

I've been to Atmosphere 3 times. The first time with my boyfriend. I went tonight (Sunday) by myself and decided to have dinner at the bar. I ordered the carrot soup and the grilled scallops with porcini truffle cream sauce and spinach ravioli.

Each time I go there it seems the food gets better. So rich and so delicious. The bread came out with the soup and it was a wonderful hot french roll. The accompanying butter (margarine?) was at room temperature (nothing worse than cold cold butter), but it tasted more like a high grade margarine than butter. But I can assure you the rest of the food contained all butter.

I will be back with my next boyfriend (the first trip bf is now an ex) I can assure you. I should send the first one an invoice....

Kevin

Posted 12/04/04

I'm French and i tested Atmosphere Restaurant and My personal answer is SO GOOOOOODDDD, really perfect, service, food, wine, I Recommended this restaurant.

Posted 06/12/04

Atmosphere is one of the best restaurant i've been to this year!
The seating is very pleasant, the food and the service are excellent.

I highly recommend this restaurant.
Bravo!

Pros: inexpensive, great prices

Posted 03/05/03

Attractive space. I had the french onion soup and the skate. Very tasty crusty bread but entree, while tot awful, was not really exceptional in any way. I found everything either underseasoned/boring/lacking in flavor. I never went to Le Saint Amour so I can't really compare this to the previous occupant of this space.

Pros: attractive space, friendly service

Cons: unexciting/bland food

Posted 11/08/02

The dining experience at Atmosphere was incredible. The dining rooms are modern and artsy. The food was prepared, presented with the expertise of any 5 Star restaurant. The wine list is extensve and impresive. A must try restuarant before everyone finds out!

Posted 10/17/02

The place is nice, moe moderately priced that it's predecessor (St. Amore), and it has great service and the owner is the best. Food is consistent, although I'd like to see more traditional French food there (crepes, sauces, cheeses) and they need to be open for brunch! I can't believe they're not. A good choice! Next time you've been told you have to wait an hour for Cowtippers fast food fare, wander right next door and have great food!

Posted 10/10/02

I came to Atmosphere with a good friend. When we arrived it was very slow, almost empty. When this happens in restaurants, it is very easy to be forgotten. On the contrary, the service was prompt and knowledgable, our only complaint was that there were too many of them. The food was great, I highly recommend the escargot, it was delicious. Try the beautiful bar, handmade by the owner, and well stocked with a great selection of wine. I asked for server recommendations for dinner and was guided to the filet, which was perfectly medium rare. Great food, solicitous staff, and good wine. I can't wait to go back.

Pros: great food, great management, good location

Cons: none

Posted 09/22/02

This is simply one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The restaurant itself is warm and inviting, all done in warm honey tones and unobtrusive but charming artwork. The music is french, but soft and modern, no grating accordions here. The service was superb, attentive, but not fussy. And the food...I hardly have words. One can tell that the chef has taken time to balance the flavors of each dish. It is a pleasure to search for each element. One tastes everything - nothing too strong, but not a bland hodgepodge of ingredients, either. From beginning to end, four courses, I was continually impressed. Thank you!

Pros: Food, Food, Food

Posted 09/18/02

I really just love this place. Drove by a few times and finally decided to make a reservation. It's delicious and I highly recommend it. Romantic and fun and not too expensive.

Pros: Good Food, Good Service, Great Wine

Cons: Difficult to turn Lef, Can be very busy

Posted 08/21/02

I visited Atmosphere about a month and a half ago and it was Fantastic! We enjoyed it so much that we thought this could become our "regular, standby" French restaurant, and happily went back two weeks ago. It was THE most DISAPPOINTING experience. Firstly, we were served margarine with our bread, something we could excuse if this were not a French restaurant. The bourride was also made with margarine instead of butter--Talk about an emulsion breaking? Ugh! The beef carpaccio had been previously plated and refrigerated, then seemingly spritzed with water to keep it moist--it was tasteless and unpalatable. Service was average, but certainly not as friendly nor as efficient as our prior visit. We won't be making this mistake again.

Posted 08/15/02

I am not from Atl and had looked up restaurants on city search for my friends birthday. Upon reading the great reviews for Atmosphere, I made reservations to give it a chance. We fell in love with everything from the ambiance to the owners who were more than hospitable. The food was excellent as well as the presentation of the food and wine. We felt like we had escaped to France for a romantic weekend. Atmosphere is perfect for a dinner party with friends or a romantic dinner for 2. Either way I am in love and highly recommend. If I lived in Atlanta I would be a regular here.

Pros: reasonably priced, excellent ambiance, very posh

Posted 08/11/02

Great food, friendly people, reasonably priced. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in town.

Posted 08/09/02

We didn't have to wait for our reservation. Seating was prompt. We like the atmosphere, forgive the pun and the menu had several items that looked delicious. Unfortunatley, our waiter knew very little about wine and even the food. We ordered the tuna special which was above average, but not great; however, the escargot were fantastic as was our wine. I liked the dessert, but my girlfriend didn't.

Pros: Ambience, Wine List, Prompt service

Cons: Waiter knowledge, Food wasn't excellent

Posted 07/24/02

I recently took my girlfriend to Atmosphere for dinner and the food was incredible. The "atmosphere" was also delightful, set in a large, previously residential home adapted into a restaurant. The service was prompt, knowledgeable, and friendly, and it was nice to see the owners mingling with the guests. I would definately recommend Atmosphere to anyone looking for excellent French cuisine, or just a hell of a good dinner.

Posted 07/11/02

I've recently read some mixed reviews of Atmosphere and let me tell you that the reviewers were simply clueless. This is a great place. If you go there expecting americanized service and americanized food, sorry but you'll be disappointed. If, however, you go expecting true French cuisine served in a great "atmostphere" and with a very friendly and personal staff you will absolutely love this place! The owners may seem a bit excitable to some but hey, when was the last time you saw an owner personally visit every table just to make sure everything's ok? The first time we went there we had a great dinner, talked to the owner, and then proceeded to bring our whole family (15 people) to a very nice dinner a few weeks later in which we got our own room and had a great time. Go check Atmosphere out for yourself!

Posted 06/15/02

After being 2 times at atmosphere, i want to give my opinion. The first time I did take the Rack of Lamb that was perfect and for less than $20 a bargain! My girl friend had the curry mussles and the fish special that was Grouper. Both were excellent! The second time we went for Halibut with lemon fennel salad and the Scallops. Very good again. Each time we had the same waitress who was very nice, smiley and efficient. Another thing I would like to say is about the quality of the table setting. Double table clothes, nice heavy silverwares, and very confortable chairs. You didn't see this kind of confort in so many restaurants of this price range. I will go back to atmosphere C.Pignoli

Pros: Good food, Inexpensive, Ambiance

Cons: Parking, Music too loud

Posted 06/01/02

I love france
I love Food
I love Wine
It was a fantastic experience in a very nice Atmosphere
Finaly...Atlanta needed it,...
Thank you for making my dining experience a wonderful "Souvenires"
Regards...One of your best custumer.
L.B.
Wish you the best....see you sooooonnnnnn.

Pros: superbe Atmosphere, Great Prices, Orgasmic Food !!!

Posted 05/30/02

BEEN AT ATMOSPHERE SEVERAL TIME ,YOU REALLY NEED TO TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE NAME. IT IS A REALLY NICE PLACE WITH A GREAT FOOD ,SIMPLE BUT GOOD. TRY FOR BRUNCH THE PATIO!!

Pros: ATMOSPHERE

Posted 05/25/02