- Attraction: Kitty Dare
- Location: 1029 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Industry: Mediterranean Restaurant
- Website: https://www.kittydare.com
Step into a culinary time capsule where every dish tells a story of friendship, heritage, and Mediterranean passion.
Kitty Dare occupies one of Atlanta’s most storied restaurant spaces, transforming what was once the beloved One Eared Stag into a warm homage to a dear friend and a celebration of flavors from across the Mediterranean Sea.
Owner Jaamy Zarnegar, a restaurant industry veteran who spent three decades managing Athens’ legendary Last Resort Grill, opened Kitty Dare in 2021 as a tribute to his late friend Kitty Dare Ethridge, who shared his love for food and wine.
The restaurant represents the perfect marriage of Zarnegar’s Iranian heritage and Executive Chef Giuseppe Esposito’s Italian roots, creating a dining experience that feels both worldly and wonderfully personal.
Mediterranean Delights That Transport You
The Famous Labneh: You’ll discover why this creamy Middle Eastern cheese spread has become the restaurant’s calling card. Topped with aromatic za’atar, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and olives, it arrives with house-made barbari bread that’s so exceptional you’ll want to order extra loaves to take home.
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Keep Exploring →Tunisian Eggplant Dip: This cumin-spiced treasure delivers earthy, complex flavors with sweet tomatoes adding the perfect tangy contrast. The rich, smoky depth makes it an absolute must-try that pairs beautifully with the fresh-baked bread.
Mezze Dip Trio: You’ll get to sample three distinct Mediterranean flavors in one gorgeous spread. The creamy whipped feta bursts with sweet roasted garlic and zingy preserved lemon, while paprika and sumac add layers of smoky sophistication. Each dip offers its own personality while creating a harmonious tasting journey.
House-Made Arancini: These baseball-sized Italian rice balls are sliced in half and nestled on a bed of rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. The crispy exterior gives way to creamy risotto inside, creating textural magic in every bite.
Pillowy Gnocchi: Chef Esposito’s handmade gnocchi practically floats on your fork, draped in a sensational lamb ragu that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The tender pasta absorbs the robust sauce beautifully, making this dish absolutely worth the wait.
Fresh Catch of the Day: The salmon arrives perfectly flaky and tender, served alongside lemon zest risotto that brightens every forkful. You’ll taste the Mediterranean influence in the herb preparations and citrus notes that make this dish truly memorable.
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Discover MoreCharcuterie Board Extravaganza: This massive board could easily serve as dinner for two. The standout feature is the tempura-style fried olives with their impossibly crispy coating and briny centers that pop with flavor.
Wine Program & Cocktail Experience
Impressive Wine Selection: You’ll find one of Atlanta’s most thoughtful wine programs here, with 31 wines available by the glass. Zarnegar’s passion shines through selections that span French, Italian, and Spanish classics alongside more adventurous choices like Lebanese sauvignon blanc and Israeli whites from Golan Heights.
Signature Cocktails: The Hommas gin cocktail combines gin and Aperol with pear cordial, creating an herbal, citrusy refresher that’s perfect for patio sipping. The refreshing gin and tonic features aromatic botanicals that enhance the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Special Wine Dinners: The restaurant regularly hosts intimate wine dinners featuring guest vintners and carefully paired menus, offering you the chance to explore unique selections alongside Chef Esposito’s seasonal creations.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Stunning Patio: You’ll feel transported to a Mediterranean courtyard on the plant-filled outdoor patio. String lights create magical ambiance in the evenings, while the lush greenery and comfortable seating make it perfect for long, leisurely meals with friends.
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Keep Exploring →Historic Interior: The bright, airy dining room features Mediterranean-inspired tile work and thoughtful design elements that honor the building’s storied past. A vintage Burton’s Grill sign discovered during renovations hangs as a tribute to the space’s rich restaurant history.
Perfect Jazz Soundtrack: The carefully curated jazz playlist creates an intimate backdrop without overwhelming conversation. You’ll notice how the music volume is perfectly calibrated to enhance the dining experience rather than compete with it.
Spacious Layout: The restaurant easily accommodates both intimate date nights and large group celebrations. The open floor plan and generous table spacing create a comfortable environment that never feels crowded or rushed.
Other Considerations
Thoughtful Pricing: You’ll find the portions extremely generous for the price point, with most dishes large enough to share. The value becomes especially apparent when you see the quality of ingredients and careful preparation that goes into each plate.
Family-Friendly Options: The Little Kitty menu features American classics like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and chicken fingers, making it easy to bring children without compromising the sophisticated atmosphere.
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Discover MoreParking Reality: Street parking is your only option, which can be challenging during peak hours. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to find a spot within reasonable walking distance.
Reservation Recommendations: You’ll want to book through Resy, especially for weekend dinners and patio seating. The restaurant’s popularity has grown steadily, making walk-ins increasingly difficult to accommodate.
Group Dining Excellence: Large parties will find the family-style service options and private dining room perfectly accommodate their needs. The kitchen handles groups exceptionally well, with coordinated timing that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
Neighborhood Connection: Zarnegar’s genuine investment in the Inman Park community shows through the restaurant’s local partnerships and neighborhood events. You’ll sense the authentic connection between the restaurant and its surroundings.
Kitty Dare
📍 1029 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
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