There was a quiet kind of pride in the air at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. As the 2025 James Beard Awards unfolded, Atlanta had one strong representative in the room: Aria, the beloved Buckhead institution, nominated for Outstanding Hospitality — and the only finalist from Georgia this year.

For 25 years, Aria has set the standard for elevated dining in Atlanta — not just because of its seasonal menus or intimate interior (complete with that iconic chandelier), but because of how it makes you feel. Eating at Aria isn’t pretentious or intimidating; it feels like being invited to an intimate dinner party at a friend’s house.

Reservation no-shows can cost restaurants a good chunk of change.