FIRST LOOK

 This Italian Steakhouse From a ‘Chopped’ Judge Just Opened at the InterContinental Buckhead

Get a reservation ASAP at celebrity chef Scott Conant’s new Italian-inspired steakhouse in the InterContinental Buckhead.

Published on 5/26/2022 at 3:30 PM

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Interior view of The Americano Atlanta | Photo by Ken Goodman Photography

Just in case you missed the memo, Atlanta’s hotel restaurants are where it’s at. Over the past year or so, must-hit spots at both boutique hotels and nationwide chains have really stepped up their game and completely altered the reputation of the city’s hotel eateries, and this month, the local hotel restaurant scene is about to get even better. On Monday, May 23, The Americano — which has set up shop at the luxurious and newly renovated InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta — is opening its doors to Atlantans, and here is everything that you need to know about the Italian-inspired steakhouse.

Helmed by acclaimed, ​​two-time James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Scott Conant (who fans will undoubtedly recognize from the Food Network’s Chopped), The Americano Atlanta is the latest addition to his acclaimed portfolio of restaurants, which also includes Mora Italian in Phoenix, Arizona and Cellaio in Monticello, New York. The forthcoming Buckhead restaurant actually originated in Scottsdale, Arizona, but given its success, Chef Conant has decided to bring its second location to Atlanta. Following in its predecessor’s footsteps, The Americano Atlanta—helmed by Executive Chef Connor Butler and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Jay—aims to win over InterContinental guests and locals by being modern in approach and Italian in spirit.


“The Americano bridges the gap between the deliberate touch of alta cucina and the soul of cucina rustica,” Conant explains. “In other words, guests will experience the top quality, distinctive flavor profiles, stunning presentation, and superior level of service of a high-end restaurant, but with more approachability.”

Left: Ryan Jay, Right: Scott Conant | Photo by Ken Goodman Photography

True to Chef Conant’s description, The Americano Atlanta’s menu is anything but intimidating. The wide array of food options ranges from luxurious shareable bites—like the stracchino cheese, potato, and pesto-stuffed Focaccia Ripiena or the Crème Fraîche Caviar Fries—to extravagant steak cuts. The Americano also takes its organic salads seriously. In addition to a classic yet elevated Caesar, guests can also enjoy the Burrata (a quaint pea salad with toasted ciabatta and almond truffle froth) and the Americano Wedge (a loaded salad with ​​butter bibb lettuce, marinated tomatoes, and crispy lardons that comes with buttermilk blue cheese dressing).


Standout appetizers include the Olive Oil Poached Octopus and Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks, and seafood lovers can indulge in the likes of Hamachi Crudo, Tuna Tartare, and market fresh oysters served with prosecco mignonette sauce. The entree menu features Spiced Duck Breast, Roasted Black Cod, and Roasted Half Chicken, and more, with sides like the Charred Broccolini, Macaroni Tre Formaggi, and a medley of heirloom carrots, truffle honey, and toasted hazelnuts. As this is an Italian-inspired steakhouse, the main attractions at The Americano are the house-made pasta and the prime and American Wagyu beef steaks. But don’t leave without trying the Tiramisu Cheesecake.

While The Americano doesn’t actually have any caffè Americanos listed on the menu, it does have drinks on lock, courtesy of the talented sommelier and beverage maker, Christopher Manship. There’s a solid list of sweet dessert wines and thoughtfully curated dinner wines from iconic, established, and emerging Italian and American winemakers. If you’re in the mood for something heavier, there are also gorgeously presented cocktails like the All Gucci and Versace On The Floor. Sophisticated decor from KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group yields a surprisingly inviting ambiance, including eye-catching golden wire light fixtures that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Versace On The Floor | Photo by Ken Goodman Photography

The Americano Atlanta is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm and from 5 pm to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and you can make a reservation online via OpenTable. The bar remains open until midnight Sundays through Thursdays and until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.


Joshua Robinson is an Atlanta-based contributor for Thrillist.