New Restaurant Coming to Atlanta from a Michelin-Recognized Chef

There's a new restaurant coming to a surprising location in Atlanta, which is music to our ears. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Craig Richards, who's acclaimed Midtown Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila comes with it's own Michelin recommendation.

You may be surprised at the location planned for Chef Richards' new venture, which surely adds a touch of culture and class.

Photo byPhoto from CatMax Photography/Woodruff Arts Center

Chef Craig Richards is opening his next restaurant, Elise, at Atlanta's own Woodruff Arts Center in the Spring of 2025. Known for his trademark Italian approach, Richards' Elise will offer an elevated menu of French and Italian cooking, enhancing the campus for arts patrons and the surrounding community.

“We’re delighted to highlight and recognize the culinary arts as part of our diverse offerings across the Woodruff Arts Center, and Craig is an excellent partner for us to embark on this journey,” says Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art. “Craig and his vision for the restaurant will be a wonderful extension of our dedication to providing patrons the opportunity to experience the arts in new and personal ways. We’re so grateful to our broker Kristie Abney at Full Plate Real Estate for their partnership in helping to connect the dots and make this restaurant a reality on our campus.”

Chef Richards selected the name Elise as a nod to Beethoven’s piano composition, Für Elise, and has drawn inspiration from the fine art-energy that Woodruff and The High Museum offer.

“I am excited to begin this second restaurant venture, especially one which helps connect my vision for Elise and the culinary arts with the Woodruff Arts Center. I find a lot of inspiration in music and design and I want Elise to be an extension of the energy guests experience when hearing the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, seeing a performance in the Alliance Theatre, or experiencing art in the High Museum of Art."

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