Polaris — Restaurant in Atlanta

*Disclaimer: My actual rating is 4/5. The only reason I am giving it a because of our server Antionette who was beyond amazing. * After 4 months of advance booking, I finally had a chance to celebrate my first anniversary at the coveted OG revolving restaurant, Polaris (on the top floor of Hyatt Regency in Downtown Atlanta)

Here is the summary of my experience and why am I giving it a 5-star even though I was not mesmerized by it.

--- Few things: --- This place is not open on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday so make sure you take that into account --- Make sure you make a reservation 2-3 months in advance because you will not get a reservation most likely even a month in advance as this place is always booked --- Now that you have reserved the place, please make sure that you do not reach here before 30 minutes of your reservation unless you want to pay for valet parking. The reason is that they do not let you upstairs 10 minutes before your reserved time and they validate your parking for 3 hours from the time you reach there. So unless you want to be in a rush, make sure you a just a little earlier than your reserved time. --- When I visited the place, there were NO chicken dishes. So if you are allergic to fish and do not eat beef, you will have to be content with limited vegetarian dish :(

Now coming to my experience: -- Ambiance 4/5: Please hear me out. This place has an amazing decor and ambiance. There is a live chef that you can see working on your dishes. The reason I gave it a 4/5 rating is because I missed the USP of this place. The revolving restaurant has a slow movement and you truly do not witness it unless you are making a hyperlapse video. Plus this place is now surrounded by taller buildings so the view is kind of hidden and scattered which leaves you wanting for more. If this was just a regular restaurant, I would give it a 5 for decor but since it is a revolving rooftop and I kind of didn't find it that way hence giving it a 4/5

--- Service 6/5: Our server Antionette was beyond amazing. She made sure that we were comfortable, brought out helpful suggestions, and even took our pictures with ideas on the way we should pose. She even complemented us with a free dessert for our anniversary. Also, the chef gave us complimentary bread just because he did not like the presentation which was a pleasant surprise! She would be a major reason for us to be back :)

--- Food 4/5: The food for me was a mixed bag and I definitely want to highlight the absence of chicken dishes from the menu. We started with the drinks:

Drinks: a) Sober Mo - A hibiscus mocktail that was not my favorite as I am not a fan of hibiscus. Also, it was very sweet. b) The Dauntless: This is a pineapple-based mocktail that we both liked.

Shareable plates:

a) Bread is good cheddar + herb Sourdough: The bread was soft and fresh and the side of herb dip with fresh butter with sea salt went well with it (the butter tasted like ghee to me). In addition to this, the chef gave us complimentary bread just because he did not like the presentation which was a pleasant surprise!

b) Pistachio-crusted GA quail breast: My wife loved it and completely devoured it.

Main Course:

a) Roasted Bone-in Monkfish: My wife did not like it. It was spicy (listen to your server when they tell you this :) ). I was not a fan of the gravy either. So if you like monkfish and spicy food, try it on your own accord. We didn't even like the Japanese eggplant in it

b) Lentil Falafel + Spiced Couscous: This one is only for the brave who loves couscous. We only liked the lentil falafel was great and finished it quickly. Recommended from my side.

Dessert: a) The Polaris blue dome: We went for the famous dome. Make sure you have some space for this because we loved this. The dessert was delicious and instragrammable

--- Value for money 5/5:The bill here is not going to be light on the wallet but given the overall service and experience, we were happy with the overall...

Review: Polaris Rooftop Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Atlanta

By Christian Frazier, Food Photographer and Restaurant Reviewer

Rating: ★★★★☆

It was with great anticipation that I visited the Polaris Rooftop Restaurant, perched atop the iconic Hyatt Regency Atlanta. After being closed for nearly three years, its reopening was a welcome occasion for both locals and visitors alike. As a food photographer and restaurant reviewer, I couldn't wait to experience the revitalized ambiance and sample the culinary delights this rooftop gem had to offer.

From the moment I stepped into the glass-enclosed elevator that whisked me to the top, I knew I was in for a treat. The breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape greeted me as I emerged onto the rooftop terrace. The elegant and contemporary design of the restaurant perfectly complemented the stunning vistas, creating an enchanting atmosphere that instantly set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The Polaris Rooftop Restaurant boasts a diverse menu, expertly crafted to cater to a range of palates. The fusion of global flavors with a Southern twist was a delightful surprise. The culinary team truly showcased their talent by infusing traditional dishes with innovative ingredients and techniques, resulting in a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds.

One standout dish was the Grilled Georgia Peach Salad, a refreshing blend of locally sourced greens, tangy goat cheese, and candied pecans, all topped with a vibrant peach vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavors perfectly captured the essence of summer, leaving me longing for more.

For the main course, I opted for the Seared Scallops with Truffle Risotto. The beautifully seared scallops were perfectly cooked, with a delicate caramelized crust that yielded a tender and succulent interior. The creamy truffle risotto served as a decadent bed for the scallops, elevating the dish to new heights of indulgence.

The service at Polaris was impeccable. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensured that every detail was attended to, enhancing the overall dining experience. From offering insightful recommendations to promptly refilling water glasses, their professionalism and warmth contributed to the restaurant's inviting ambiance.

One aspect that stood out to me was the extensive drink menu, featuring an array of creative cocktails and an impressive selection of wines. The Polaris signature cocktail, The Smoked Honey Old Fashioned. Served with honey made from bees the chef raises.

Overall, the Polaris Rooftop Restaurant is a true gem in the heart of Atlanta. Its revival after being closed for almost three years is a testament to the dedication of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta to deliver exceptional dining experiences. From the breathtaking views to the expertly crafted dishes and attentive service, Polaris promises an evening of elegance and culinary delights that is well worth experiencing.

As a food photographer and restaurant reviewer, I am excited to see Polaris reclaim its place as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. I would love to come back and take some professional...

For years I've waiting to come to this astabilishment, and I'm more then proud to have come here to celebrate the birthday of my future wife. To start off this place has a wonderful atmosphere, and only gets better the closer you are to your seat. The vibes of all the host were amazing. Great smiles and wonderful attitudes. Our server was informed and educated of not only the menu, but also of the area and the drinks. Which is a major plus. She took her time checking in on us, and had a great calm about us enjoying our meals and scenery. Can't explain enough on how much I love that. The scenery was amazing. We went during the night and the city lights were nice, but I'm sure going during the sunset would have been much more pretty. You could see most of downtown from there and yes only the dinning area rotates. So you can see the chefs cook one minute and the next see the host and elevator. As well as see the Westin one minute then the Hall of Fame the next. And it's not rotating at a crazy speed. Took a little over an hour to go in full circle. Now the food. OMG....THE MF FOOD. (Excuse my language) I've never had food like this before in my life, and tbh the portions were small, but so satisfying. My future had a Poached Halibut w/ Charred Tomato Butter, and I had the Braised Pork Cheeks. When I say there was a tenderness of straight flavor partying in our mouths (pause). I mean the food was worth every year I've waiting to come here. The fish came cooked to perfection on a beautiful three roll bed of baked potatoes and a gorgeous helping of charred tomatoe butter. The fish had very little seasoning, but the moment you place the fish in that Butter.....it's like your placed in an episode of "FOOD WARS" and my goodness, everything just fell into place. The pork cheeks came in four nice size pieces lightly dancing in its braised sauce ruffed by a bundle of string beans wrapped by a tender thin piece of bacon. The pork was fall off the knife tender. Felt like I was cutting warm Butter. And placing the food in my mouth was an even better experience. The meat melted and the flavors throw a party and made sure it would be one to remember. The chew was effortless and the sauce...THE SAUCE ...definitely a must have. The fat was hiding in the sauce gathering flavors as it selfishly should have, cause when I say the fat melted like a river of flavor across every palet...I was in my own world with this master piece. We had dessert, but we're not much sweet people. I will say the lemon morang was nice. Well balanced in flavor, and it you have a palet for tangy and tart with a side of creamy coconut ice cream, that just might be for you. All in all, I can't wait to visit this restaurant again. Please keep up...