Lucky for Marietta residents, you never need to head to the big city for a beautiful meal. Featuring every type of cuisine imaginable, Marietta has no shortage of petite cafes, alluring bistros and locally inspired kitchens available. As we near one of the most romantic days of the year—Valentine’s Day—some of the county’s best restaurants are getting ready for menu specials, prix fixe meals and lots of reservations. While a home-cooked dinner for two always makes for a great night in, here are some snapshots of some of the area’s most romantic eateries to check out.
Common Quarter
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, #101
Marietta, GA 30068
(678) 809-4040; commonquarter.com
If you’re looking for a gorgeous bar with inventive drinks and modern American comfort food, look no further than east Cobb’s own Common Quarter. Beyond the gorgeous interior, the menu at Common Quarter is inspired by all things Cobb: Locally supported and seasonally driven, Executive Chef Jeffrey Gardner focuses on comfort and savory. Their menu details that they are in the business of saying “yes;” any dietary or allergy restrictions are happily accommodated.
On the restaurant’s back wall is a giant map of the Georgia coast, inspired by owner Chris Talley’s childhood. Growing up in Georgia and planning trips along the Georgia coast, Southern comforts and culture were part of his heritage, and ultimately inspired Common Quarters simple, delicious focus: Food inspired by the Southeastern coast, farms and travel. The atmosphere is invitingly unpretentious; designed for comfort instead of speed, every corner of the restaurant has its own feel, from the marble bar to the rustic-chic patio filled with light.
On Valentine’s Day, a prix fixe menu will be available. More information will be available closer to the date at commonquarter.com or at facebook.com/commonquarter. Their day-to-day menu includes classic foods like crispy chicken livers, “loaded” tater tots, collard greens and creamy mac and cheese, as well as some unique and seasonal specials like butternut squash risotto with kale, pecans, apples, pomegranate and lemon; Scottish salmon tartare with truffle aioli, capers and house potato chips; or their “Look West” grass-fed burger complete with their “secret” sauce.
Seed Kitchen & Bar and
Stem Wine Bar
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 504
Marietta, GA 30068
(678) 214-6888; eatatseed.com
What first hits you walking into Seed Kitchen & Bar is the amount of natural light that floods the space. White accents and natural wood surfaces lend to the elegant atmosphere that’s homey, modern and inviting. The booths feature comfortable loveseat-like cushions, large art featuring natural subjects decorate the walls and floor-to-ceiling curtains and bookshelves make the space feel like you could be in someone’s very stylish (and very large) dining room. Seed features all-things boutique and modern American, from the setting to the mixology. Chef-driven by chef/owner Doug Turbush, the expansive wine program, vintage and modern cocktails and American and international craft beers on tap welcome all tastes.
Seed is ideal for both dining couples and large groups alike—their private dining area accommodates up to 25 guests, while their semi-private dining is available for 10–25 guests and the patio comfortably seats 30. This year may be the one to try out a couples’ outing with all your friends and family to see what their group menus are all about. The attached Stem Wine Bar inspires dinners with its interpretation of travels to wine and tapas bars in Spain, Italy, France, San Francisco and New York. From boards of artisan cheeses and charcuterie to tapas plates and some truly great wines, food and drink pairing is considered an art here.
On Valentine’s Day, Seed goes all out: Chairs are decorated and Turbush’s wife Pranee completes beautiful flower displays on every table. A prix fixe menu will be available at both Seed and Stem, and diners will leave accompanied by chocolate covered strawberries. Their regular dinner menu features inspired dishes for all types of diners, so whether you’re craving oysters or mussels, a veggie grinder or sweet potato ravioli, the fresh flavor innovations crafted by Turbush and chef du cuisine Brendan Keenan are sure to fit the bill.
Douceur de France
French Baker and Café
277 South Marietta Parkway SW
Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 425-5050; douceurdefrance.com
The art of true French patisserie is alive and well in Marietta, and Douceur de France French Bakery and Café is a fine romantic dining destination if you’re looking for something sweet to share over a cup of coffee. Highlighting recipes from all of the regions of France, the level of sophistication these delectable treats are elevated to are sure to delight any palette. Combining local ingredients and a passion for French pastries, chef Luc Beaudet learned his cooking skills and interest in dessert-making from his mother, leading him to train formally at the Art of Patisserie. After cooking in France, Japan and Texas, Beaudet settled down in Marietta with the opening of Douceur de France in 2000.
The full menu is available until 3:30 p.m. and features brunch favorites that are truly decadent, both savory and sweet. Panini breakfasts include the panini benedict and the panini salmon, both with poached eggs. The eggs ratatouille is a true chef signature and their Le Pain Perdu (French toast) is made with brioche dipped in crème brûlée. In true café style, hot and cold sandwiches, as well as soups and salads, are featured with lots of fresh ingredients, as well as open-faced sandwiches (Les Tartines) with tuna, chicken and vegetarian options. With specialties like chicken pot pie and beef bourguignon and desserts galore (including crêpes, of course) you and your sweetheart have the world of French cuisine at your fingertips.
Valentine’s Day at Douceur de France is complete with heart-decorated macarons with fresh raspberries, heart-shaped cakes, cookies and mousse and, of course, their confiture de l’amour—apple, raspberry and rose petal jam.
