Fogon and Lions — Restaurant in Alpharetta

From the moment you enter Fogón & Lions in downtown Alpharetta, you’re enveloped by an atmosphere that intertwines rustic warmth with vibrant flair. The flicker of wood-fired embers gleams on the open kitchen—home to their signature fogón—while the soft hum of conversation tells you that this isn’t just dinner; it’s an event.

Service here is outstanding—attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about each dish, and professional in pace.

Cocktail program? A triumph. Sipping their Avocado Margarita or the refreshing White Sangria (white wine and seasonal fruits) is akin to sipping sunshine—zesty, well-balanced, and artfully presented .

But the food—oh, the food. Drawing from Spanish, Puerto Rican, and Latin traditions, the small plates invite exploration and delight: • Corn Meal Sorullos: Puerto Rican fried corn fritters with buttery interiors, served with chipotle aioli and buttermilk syrup—a starter that teases your tastebuds into full alert. • Pulpo al Fogón: Octopus charred over wood fire, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with pimentón, and pressed against fennel purée—smoky, tender, utterly transcendent. • Delgado’s Beef Empanadas: A treasured family recipe; crisp pastry envelopes rich beef, finished with pickled aji pepper—it’s an intimate, explosive taste of heritage. • Bacon Wrapped Dates: Sweet dates kissed by smoky bacon and sherry glaze—a short but blissful intermission on your palate. • Spanish Mussels: Juicy mussels stewed with chorizo and smoked sofrito—a briny, piquant hug for seafood lovers.

For something heartier, don’t miss their Parrillada—a wood-grilled medley of churrasco, chicken, pork belly, chorizo, served with two sides—perfect for sharing. And that Chicken & Seafood Paella—steaming, saffron-laced rice layered with chicken and seafood—arrives in a pan-packed, flavor-rich crescendo requiring just under 45 min prep time .

Desserts are served with flourish: the Churro Waffle at brunch is a playful twist—crispy churro texture atop a waffle base, dusted with cinnamon sugar and paired with dipping sauces. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and inventive

Ambience sums it up: casual elegance, wood-fired glow, intimate and energetic all at once. Fire pits on the patio add a cozy charm on cooler evenings .

In summary, Fogón & Lions isn’t just another Alpharetta restaurant—it’s a curated voyage, led by fire and passion. From Avocado Margaritas to Pulpo al Fogón, Delgado’s Empanadas to sizzling paella, every bite is vibrant, every sip refined. It’s Spanish‑Latin artistry at its best—bold, communal, and unforgettable.

A resounding ten stars—don’t walk, run...

A Birthday Ritual Worth Remembering

I came to Fogón and Lions not just for a meal, but for a birthday experience rooted in presence, intention, and joy. I followed a planned progression—dishes, drinks, and even a playlist—to mark the day with meaning, and Fogón delivered beautifully at every turn.

I began with the bacon-wrapped dates, perfectly sweet and smoky, paired with the Skye Eclipse Gin and Tonic, a citrus-forward, layered cocktail that set the tone for what was to come.

The chorizo hash was the grounding moment of the meal—spiced, hearty, and full of bold, savory balance. I paired it with a glass of Pinot Noir, which complemented it beautifully.

The lemon ricotta pancakes came next—light, joyful, and exactly what I needed as a soft turning point in the meal.

To close, the team brought out a thoughtful flan for my birthday—elegant and quietly sweet—and I finished with an espresso and orange wedge, the perfect final sip to settle the moment with clarity and warmth.

Even the talented musician singing favorites flawlessly mirrored the arc of the meal—gentle acoustic tones giving way to grounded soul and closing in soft, clear light.

This wasn’t just a brunch—it was a ritual of return. I left feeling full, present, and deeply grateful for the space Fogón created. Highly recommend this restaurant not just for the food (which is fantastic), but for its ability to hold meaning and experience.

Only what honors me. That’s what...

The food was definitely good. We ate all of it. The Fresh-Catch Coconut Ceviche was delicious, and probably the best item out of the six items we ordered.

I went there with one other person, and we ordered six tapas plates and just water to drink. It's little tapas plates, so it was a good amount of food, but not a lot of food. We ate it all without really getting overly full. We went to a different place for dessert.

When I chose the restaurant on Google Maps, it had a "$20-$30" label and "$$" on its listing. I'm not sure what that's about. The lunch for two, without drinks, was $145.64. They didn't charge for the water. I travel to California often, and the prices in this Alpharetta restaurant are on par with the very best that Beverly Hills has to offer. Maybe higher.

Interestingly, many Alpharetta restaurants charge on par with what some of the best places in Los Angeles charge, even though it's a small town in Georgia. Just posting this as a heads up for people who see the "$20-$30" label and the 2 out of 4 dollar signs, and believe they're going to spend less than $120-$150 for a two-person lunch.

The service was great, but nothing extraordinary. Our server was polite and attentive. The ambiance was nice as well. They had one-man guitar band playing on the patio outside, with the music piped into the main restaurant interior. The location is close to the downtown area of Alpharetta with all that it...