Midtown's soon-to-open Alta Toro offers Atlantans a one-way ticket south of the equator—No passport required.
Rendering of Alta Toro PHOTO: COURTESY OF 5CHURCH
To no surprise, Atlanta’s restaurant scene has made a serious comeback post-2020. The city’s cuisine connoisseurs have been treated to a slew of highly rated haunts that have popped up from the Westside to Alpharetta and (literally) everywhere in between.
It’s a lot to keep up with—but that’s where JEZ comes in. We don’t gatekeep here, which is why we’ll be the first to tell you about the newest concept from K5 Hospitality (think: 5Church and Virtue Rooftop) that’s slated to roll out the welcome mat in Midtown this spring.
Alta Toro’s paella. PHOTO: BY SCOT GRAY
Named Alta Toro (@altatoro.atl) as a nod to traditional Spanish-style bullfighting, the modern Latin American restaurant is where food, art and culture collide. And we’d bet our last Dior Lip Glow Oil that the upcoming grand opening is about to stir major buzz.
Atlantans can expect lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus curated by the culinary team led by chef Rodney Smith Jr., whose dishes you know and love from 5Church’s Buckhead and Midtown outposts. “I am beyond thrilled to work hand in hand with our new executive chef,” says Smith. “From traditional Argentinian asado to fresh Peruvian ceviche, we’re creating a dining experience that will transport Atlantans on a culinary journey.”
The Alta Toro team PHOTO BY SARAH IQBAL
To wash down the palatable plates, expert mixologists behind the bar can concoct a bracing or bold beverage from Alta Toro’s Latin American-inspired cocktail menu, or let sommelier Billy Turner suggest the perfect pairing from the resto’s impressive wine list.
“We were inspired to bring a new concept unlike anything else in Atlanta that showcases traditional dishes from all over Latin America with a refined flair,” says Ayman Kamel, principal of K5 Hospitality and operating partner of 5Church Buckhead and Midtown. “We’re committed to bringing Atlantans the authentic flavors of these regions by using traditional ingredients and techniques while adding a touch of refinement to create an unforgettable dining experience.”
Their raspberry take on the margarita PHOTO BY BRANDON AMATO
Of course, what’s an Instagram-worthy menu without an equally photogenic interior? Designed by plexus r+d (@plexus_rd), Alta Toro offers a vibrant, energetic and inviting space to gather with your group. Artwork commissioned by Kamel from Latin American and Atlanta-based artists adorns the walls and elevates the overall experience, while a massive tree sculpture takes center stage as the restaurant’s focal point. (Long story short: Charge your phone—you’ll want to snap pics here.)
Alta Toro’s opening is sure to send ATL’s foodies into a frenzy, but the hot spot’s unveiling also marks a significant milestone in Kamel’s career in hospitality. “Each restaurant I have had the opportunity to open has been a unique and distinct experience. My approach has always been to focus on the vision for the space and create an ambiance and experience that will leave a lasting impression,” he says. “My team’s unwavering passion has been the driving force behind our success. I know Atlantans hold restaurants to a high standard and are always looking for something new and exciting, and we are confident that Alta Toro will exceed their expectations."
A melon dish. PHOTO BY BRANDON AMATO
Photography by: Scot Gray
Sarah Iqbal
Brandon Amato
