No. 246 – Decatur
I first visited No. 246 in September before the restaurant took reservations. While the food and ambience are fantastic, few daters want to wait an hour or longer for a seat, so we’re happy to report that on a second visit in October reservations were and are currently accepted.
Opened by Ford Fry, owner/executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, and Drew Belline, former chef de cuisine at Floataway Café, No. 246 features Italian-inspired cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The 100-seat space is designed in a simple, elegant style (not unlike JCT) with contrasting white and dark hues. Low lights and close tables create an intimate, romantic atmosphere; however, hearing your date speak can be challenging in the dining room on a busy weekend evening. No. 246 also features outdoor seating on the backyard patio, as well as four seats at the Chef’s Counter, which includes a five-course menu for $50, served up close and personal to the kitchen, Chef Belline and his culinary team.
For the first dining experience, my date and I started by sharing three Toasts: cannellini beans, braised cavolo nero, chilies and olive oil; house-made ricotta, preserved wild mushrooms, parsley and lemon; and wood oven roasted eggplant, chilies and mint. Delicious!
For entrees, I chose hanger steak served with braised beets and greens, and L., a vegetarian, ordered fish. We shared a decadent dessert: Chocolate tart with sea salt and olive oil. The combination joins the best of both worlds, creating a zesty sweet blend.
On our second trip, we munched on an assortment of cheese and charcuterie recommended by our discerning waitress. Observing the orders of those around us, while trying not to drool, we selected spaghetti with Georgia white shrimp and snapper, the fish special for the evening, for our entrees. The snapper was prepared bone-in; however, the kitchen graciously deboned the fish upon request.
Our waitress provided another excellent suggestion in the form of dessert – zeppole with espresso ganache. The donut-esque, fried dough pastry tastes exquisite dipped in rich chocolaty ganache.
No item on No. 246’s menu skimps on flavor, including libations. An offering of handmade cocktails accompanies the wine list. We suggest Fields of Gold, made with No. 209 Gin, chamomile-infused vermouth, honey, lemon and fennel pollen.
Go For: On the weekend, third dates and beyond, and first and second dates during the week. Drinks and dessert at the bar anytime.
What to Know: Street parking is limited. Look for pay lots and a parking deck one block from the restaurant.
Price: $15+/entrees
Contact: 129 E Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur | www.no246.com | (678) 399-8246
