87 15th Street Atlanta GA 30309
Valet
Reservations through Resy
I love trying new places to eat, but like everyone else I have my favorites. For me, Divan is near the top of the list.
I had never really eaten Persian cuisine before coming here and I was a little uncomfortable with the names on my first visit. I kind of feel like an idiot when I have to point or when the server corrects my pronunciation. I have passed that point - thank god.
They valet for $10 - it is worth it. Unfortunately your only other options are walking a couple blocks in whatever weather Georgia has that week, or paying much more.
The restaurant has been an Atlanta staple for years and moved a couple years ago to the Midtown “Castle”. Its right next to the Woodruff Arts Center - so, perfect idea if you are looking for a little dinner before checking out the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I love the feel of the building constructed in 1910. I think it's additive to the ambiance, and in this case, Divan’s interior motif seems to play off the older building quite well.
The interior is split across several floors. The main floor is the reception room with a dedicated bar, for those that want to unwind while waiting for their party. The second floor is the main restaurant dining area and is elegant and tasteful - it screams fine dining. The attire is conservative - somewhere between business casual to dress-to-impress date night. The room has been laid out to accommodate larger table sizes and have seen tables of 10 there once or twice.
The third floor is the hookah floor - a popular Persian past-time dating back to long before I was born. The floor is laid out a little more intimately with sofas and low tables for eating. The floor is divided into several large rooms and they seem to do a good job spreading out the groups. The floor seems more dedicated to couples on a date than the dining floor.
On the roof level, there is a private dining room that is available and outdoor dining. On nice nights, this is where I like to sit. The outdoor area has a nice view of the Woodruff Art Center – for the people watchers like me. It is the perfect place to catch the sunset while the overhead light strings turn on. Awesome view.
I have done the main entrees’, and all have been incredible. Lately, I have switched to the small plates. I have 2 words - duck confit. OMG – and I swore that I would never use that phase, but it fits. The legs are seared for a crispy skin, served with cherries and a small green salad. The vinegar from the salad and the cherries really help cut the fat of the duck making it an incredible bite of food.
The humus duo with naan is a great snack, and honestly, this small plate always feels like a full meal to me, especially paired up with their local goat cheese plate. The beet salad is another great small plate to try with an assortment of beats. It is large enough for 2 to share.
The contail menu feels inspired, common bar favorites with a persian twist. I personally love the Dragon’s Tower, looking for a cocktail that is not overly sweet - I guess that’s a relative term. Its garnished with a slice of dried dragon fruit that I ALWAYS eat when no one is looking.
The is a great night restaurant for those wishing to dine in the midtown area of Atlanta. Great atmosphere, incredible food, and attentive service. If you are looking for a great dating location, this is it. It has earned its place as one of my personal favorites.