New restaurant Delbar brings people together in an Atlanta suburb

In a city reputed for its suburban sprawl, Atlanta’s Middle Eastern restaurant Delbar is a salve — a folksy, buzzing meeting place where closely placed tables encourage camaraderie among diners. The latest location, launched this week in upscale, uptown Buckhead, hopes to reach even more people with a 550-square-metre dining room, party space and private room leading onto a terrace for live entertainment.

The restaurateur and chef Fares Kargar collaborated with a design team from Archie Bolden and Atlanta-based Fathom Architecture on the interiors. Like his two previous locations (both Michelin-recommended), they prepared the space with natural-toned plaster, earthen tilework and exposed beams, adding plenty of rustic wood and cascading greenery to promote relaxation. The difference here is the intimacy of the main room.

Inspired by the Iran countryside, Fathom sectioned it off with a series of archways and long banks of plantings. Archie Bolden provided organic-shaped ceiling lights handcrafted by Iranian artist Marjan Rad, hanging over banquette seating with vibrant velvet upholsteries by Iranian designer Natasha Baradaran and Zak & Fox.

Like the lighting, artwork by Turkey’s Lori Ceramic has an amorphous, living, breathing quality to it. An authentic Moroccan fountain sits at the entrance to the glass-topped sunroom.

‘The main goal was to create a space that feels both intimate and luxurious while showcasing the rich cultural elements that define Delbar’s brand’, says Kargar. ‘We wanted the design to transport guests to a timeless setting inspired by Middle Eastern architecture and hospitality, with a modern, approachable touch.’

The highlight is the expansive bar adjacent to the open kitchen, backed in blush-toned plaster and faced in textural pink tilework.

‘We worked with local artisans and international craftsmen to source and create many of the decorative elements,’ says Kargar. ‘The intricate tilework and custom light fixtures are examples of their incredible craftsmanship.’

A love letter to the influential mezze and grills that shaped Kargar’s youth, Delbar translates to ‘heart, captured’ in his native tongue, Farsi. The transportive design is inspired by his hometown of Gorgan, Iran.

www.delbaratl.com