With the World Cup bringing waves of visitors to Atlanta, three new hotel restaurants have opened their doors. AJC restaurant critic Henri Hollis found the results decidedly mixed in his June 2026 roundup.
Ikara at The Twelve Midtown (361 17th St. NW) emerged as the standout, praised as "a pleasant surprise, with a beautiful space and, more importantly, powerhouse cooking." Chef Yugal Sharma delivers bold North Indian flavors without dilution, with dishes like subz ikara seek and malai broccoli demonstrating harmony amid copious spices.
Jagger Suite at the Moxy Atlanta Downtown (329 Marietta St. NW) takes a different approach entirely. The tenth-floor rooftop lounge prioritizes atmosphere over comprehensive dining, with a 12-foot disco unicorn serving as the room's centerpiece. Hollis notes that "Jagger Suite's purposeful campiness and congenial service make it easy for nearly anyone to have a good time," though cocktails outperform the food. For World Cup visitors, its proximity to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and skyline views make it a natural gathering spot.
Ashland at the Loews Hotel Atlanta (1065 Peachtree St. NE) drew the critic's sharpest words. Despite quality touches like Georges Bank sea scallops, the meal felt "drawn-out and expensive at nearly $200 before tip" — emblematic of stereotypical hotel dining that looks polished but rings hollow.
The takeaway: Ikara represents the model hotel restaurants should follow by centering a chef's vision, while Ashland shows what happens when aesthetics outpace substance.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
