Kitty Dare - dazzling Mediterranean restaurant in Inman Park

Interior of Kitty Dare in Inman ParkPhoto byMalika Bowling

Named after the owner's close friend, Kitty Dare is a refreshing change to the Inman Park restaurant scene. When I visited on a Saturday evening, small groups of excited diners were starting to arrive as owner and manager, Jamshad “Jaamy” Zarnegar, beamed with pride as he showed me around his latest venture, Kitty Dare. Hailing from Iran, Jaamy always had a passion for food and wine. Though he has been in the southeast US since coming to the US in the 70s, this is his first restaurant in Atlanta.

I'd visited the building's previous tenant, and the new decor feels much more warm and welcoming. Gone are any deer heads on the wall and the space has been warmed with bright blue colors to soften the stark walls. While the interior of the restaurant is inviting and cozy, fall enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the Kitty Dare's patio, whihc feels like an oasis. There's a giant mural that will make guests feel like they've been transported to Positano, if only for a couple hours at dinner.

Patio at Kitty Dare in Inman Park with Eli's G+TPhoto byMalika Bowling

Eli's G+T is the way to go - just look how big the drink is! I loved the splash of apricot that made it a bit different than your average G+T. It was light and refreshing, perfect to wash down our appetizers.

Orange and Fennel Salad (L) and Tunisi Eggplant appetizer (R)Photo byMalika Bowling

The orange and fennel salad is a unique dish, with fennel playing in the background but not overwhelming. It had the lightest vinaigrette dressing too. The Tunisi Eggplant is another sharable plate, in fact it was so big, we barely made a dent in our entrees. The eggplant dish was smoky, with a bit of char left on the skin and a spicy kick to it. Starters are filling - I'd recommend visiting KD with at least four people if you plant to try a bunch of dishes.

Steak Frits (Teres Major) at Kitty DarePhoto byMalika Bowling

A Gnocchi with lamb is a a bit reminiscent of Moussaka, with a noticeable Nutmeg spice. Though the dishes is a terrific choice anytime, I can imagine it is the ultimate comfort food in the cold winter months. The Teres Major (see above) is basically steak frites and so plentiful. It comes with a gremolata too for dipping.

The wine selection, seems to be a choosing of Jaamy's favorites, a Montepulciano (one of two by the glass) going nicely with my lamb. There's also a special selection of bottles around $40 that rotate out regularly. If you aren't sure, just ask your knowledgeable server, who might make a recommendation or flag down Jaamy to help you decide.

Kitty Dare owner, Jaamy ZarnegarsPhoto byKitty Dare

We ordered 2 desserts: the white chocolate Pistachio cheesecake and the Saffron and Dates panna cotta. The first was the better of the two but if you love panna cotta you can't go wrong with that choice either.

There is plenty of street parking to be found within a block or two of the restaurant and if you're like me and despise restaurants that crank up the music so loud you can't have a conversation, that's not the scene here. And no QR codes to scan for menus either which is a plus in my book! Staff works together to create an environment that is truly welcoming, pleasant and a fun experience.

The restaurant is open daily at 5 pm except for Mondays when they are closed. Brunch is 10 am to 2:30 on Sundays. Reservations are encouraged.

Website is here - Kittydare.com