Atrium Restaurant

  • area / size 5,200 sqft
  • Year 2022
  • Type Restaurant,
  • Located at Atlanta’s iconic and historic Ponce City Market, Atrium is eclectic and bright, with thoughtful design elements like bold florals, expansive tropical leaves and focal walls in a palette featuring pinks, greens and golds. The design is a celebration of local artisans and craftsmen; from woodwork throughout the space and hand-painted tiles on the bar to floral installations and an imaginative mural, each detail of the interior is made for and by the community.

    The restaurant welcomes guests to escape to a different time and place when they enter the cozy lounge ensconced by colorful curtains with comfortable seating. To the left is a 1,200-square-foot cocktail lounge, the “Parlor,” complete with a bar featuring hand-painted tile by local artisan Charlotte Smith and a mural by Savannah-based artist Kipper Millsap. Inside the 4,000-square-foot main dining room, the “Bistro,” diners are transported to an airy, serene wonderland with large factory windows, floral installations by Atlanta-based floral artist Pinker Times and large pink banquettes.

    The Parlor
    The Parlor envelops you with the feeling of a traditional Paris cafe. Handmade fluted tiles by local ceramicist Charlotte Smith are delicately installed around the entire bar front. Twinkling brass chandeliers by Smith Hanes Studio feel reminiscent of opulent Parisian homes full of magnificence and grandeur. The glowing arched Deco bar back holds everything needed for your favorite cocktail.

    The hand-painted mural in the bar lounge is inspired by the iridescent plumage of the Glossy Ibis bird. Smith Hanes Studio worked intensively with muralist Kipper Millsap to set the tone of the lounge and create a whimsical, enticing space. Imported Spanish fringe lights accent the mural, illuminating the large round tables below. Two-toned pink banquettes wrap the entire room creating a sensual and alluring lounge.

    The Bistro
    Stepping into the main dining room feels like walking in a Paris garden or conservatory where everything around you is lush and full of life. Custom installations by local florist Pinker Times drape from the ceiling with dried petals, leaves and vines suspended mid-air. The dining experience at Atrium is reminiscent of a garden party where you’re free to enjoy yourself among the unique natural beauty of each petal and branch.

    Massive hand-blown pink glass sconces with brass arms cantilever into the dining room giving off a warm pink glow. The soft blush-pink banquettes effortlessly divide the fern-green room into more intimate settings. Finished in plaster and walnut, and adorned with full height curtains, the space is completed with deeply rich finishes that complement the lusciousness all around you. It’s a fantastical space unlike any other, located in a corner of Ponce City Market.

    Design: Smith Hanes Studio
    Photography: Tim Lenz