Fresh Treats Gourmet Bistro — Restaurant in Candler-McAfee

This place was highly recommended so I wanted to try it out. It's a little on the hood side but not overwhelming. I was greeted upon entry which was really nice. The menu doesn't explain how to order your food or the process in which the meal is prepared. But the staff will explain it. I ordered my food, PAID and waited for my name to be called. Of course once you pay, they get a receipt and the customer gets a receipt. During my 25 min wait, I was asked 3 times, what did I order and what was the name on my order. Upon the 2nd time, I showed my receipt, so they can track the progress of my order. The 3rd time I showed my receipt again so they can double check on my order, no problem. Finally, my food is ready. The staff member called my name and I went up to grab my food. She didn't hand it to me. She asked did I pay for it....I said, yes I paid (I thought protocol was when you order food you pay right then and there. Every customer that I saw paid soon as they ordered). Then she said, let me see your receipt. I'm like, why would you ask me if I paid, I reply, yes I paid, then you proceed to ask me for my receipt, smh. Makes absolutely no sense on any level. Especially since you have a copy of my receipt when I ordered and I showed the staff my receipt 2 times prior so they could track the progress of my order. I felt offended. Basically because I come to support your business, then you treat me like a thief. I even gave a tip when I ordered. To add insult to injury, the food wasn't that good and they missed 4 of the veggies I asked for in my meal. The 2 they did include wasn't even enough for a spoon full! This place is highly unorganized in my opinion and they need customer relations training. Even the manager on duty couldn't resolve the issue. Also when I called in to speak with the manager the staff member didn't greet me and just said, and I quote...we not taken no mo orders. I'm like, hello ma'am, I'm not trying to place an order. She proceeds to say the same thing again. I said ma'am, may I speak with your manager please. All in all, I think if they were more organized, understood the importance of customer service and cooked what you order, this place maybe alright. Seems like others had a pretty good experience. For me, I didn't. I do not recommended this place and I will...

From the outside, you might not guess that this unassuming storefront is actually a restaurant. Tucked away in a modest, unmarked corner, it could easily be mistaken for just another small business. But step inside, and you’ll find a cozy, hole-in-the-wall eatery, bustling with activity as locals pick up their orders. Seating is limited, catering primarily to the grab-and-go crowd, yet the food here warrants a moment of pause.

I discovered this spot based on its glowing reviews and the sight of a fellow diner enjoying a vibrant, inviting bowl that immediately piqued my interest. I ordered the “Fresh Bowl” with grilled shrimp, opting for all the vegetable additions and a drizzle of onion vinaigrette. To put it simply, the dish was a delight. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender texture and grilled char that complemented the crisp, fresh vegetables. The flavors melded seamlessly—nothing overwhelmed the palate, and the onion vinaigrette brought a light, tangy brightness that tied the ingredients together beautifully.

Midway through my meal, the owner approached with a special offering—a salmon dish he was experimenting with. A thick, succulent fillet of salmon, topped with a sweet and zesty pico de gallo made from apples, danced with layers of flavor. The sweetness of the apples balanced the dish’s subtle heat, accentuating the rich, buttery notes of the salmon without overshadowing its natural taste. It was an unexpected, yet wholly satisfying addition that elevated the dining experience.

True to its name, this restaurant delivers “A Fresh Treat.” Beyond the delicious food, the service is warm and welcoming. As I stepped in, I was greeted with a heartfelt, “Welcome home,” which initially felt out of place but soon made perfect sense. By the time I finished my meal, I felt as though I was indeed at home, savoring a lovingly prepared dish.

Don’t be fooled by its unpretentious exterior. Take a chance on this hidden gem—it’s a place where fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality come together to create a truly memorable meal.

update The name of the salmon dish was “Chef Norm’s...

A hidden gem in the heart of South DeKalb! This review will provide a summary in the following areas: location, establishment, food quality, pricing, and customer service. LOCATION: located at the corner of Candler and Glenwood off of I-20....it is in South DeKalb; right at the Atlanta/Decatur city limits. It is in a good location to downtown and close to areas that have undergone revitalization in neighboring communities. ESTABLISHMENT: one word...CLEAN! The restrooms were fully stocked and sanitized. Dining area was clean, TV provided and the temperature was perfect for dining in. The dining area is small, however most customers took their food to go. FOOD QUALITY: the most important component to a restaurant review along side cleanliness. Two words... Indescribably Delectable! All food is made to order with fresh ingredients. The chef has taken considerable time in developing a truly customizable menu (yes...I asked a lot of questions and basically you can have anything exactly the way you want it). Sidenote: the napkins were of thick quality; not the usual paper thin napkins that come with most establishments that you have to use a million of to keep your hands clean. The finishing touch to my meal was the super smooth and creamy Italian ice....sooo good! PRICING: reasonably priced for the menu selections. The prices are commensurate with portion sizes, freshness, and quality. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Superior! I was formally greeted by the owners and all employees. The owners and staff offered suggestions to the menu (my first visit) and engaged in delightful conversations. My observations concluded that the genuineness of customer service and professionalism is extended to each customer (some customers were greeted by name). The owners Norm and Keena have set the bar for small minority owned businesses in the community. Hands down, Fresh Treats is an establishment that will continue to provide quality food and service in a transforming community and at a...