Novo Cucina - Dunwoody — Restaurant in Dunwoody

Novo Cucina sits squarely as on the best neighborhood spots for Dunwoody. Having recently moved to the area it was easy to see why this spot seems to be the local watering hole and all things that can bring a community together. The restaurant is doing many things great and because of that has also become a magnate to patrons from surrounding cities willing to drive after hearing the good word. Novo is good for Dunwoody and is helping lead the forefront of the downtown (village area) restructuring and facelift similar to Alpharetta/Roswell into a more pedestrian and social atmosphere. They opened in 2015 under leadership by Riccardo Ullio and Mike Di Paolo, both of which have ties to the Old Country and have earned their stripes in various Italian style restaurants in Atlanta. Their success led to branding of URestaurants which remains a small group while maintaining thankfully more independent functioning. Novo centers around favorite Italian dishes with modern flare and ingredients. This has led to a menu that is fun and different every meal. Pre Covid the space is open and entices a social environment with all customers becoming one party. A favorite is a ravioli dish that is savory beyond belief and becomes a challenge to not order at every visit. Cocktails and wine are king here. The mixed drinks are appropriate for the season and complement the menu well. Novo Cucina is fun, progressing Dunwoody forward and plating respectable dishes that will make you think twice before driving down...

Allison made my first time at Novo Cucina a great experience: she was friendly, attentive, and on top of her game! Before I got to meet Allison though, I had an awesome experience also.

I wanted to check this place out for a while but they were closed when I called. Today, after work, I just drove here, parked (plenty of free parking BTW), walked in, was greeted in a friendly manner, and the gorgeous ladies upfront gave me exactly the table I wanted!

I sat partly inside, partly outside, it’s their new space. I loved loved loved that space!!! I felt serene surrounded by soft white lights, candles, FIRE, and fresh air while also being heated to feel comfortable. The chair was ergonomic and sooooo comfortable for my scoliosis!

The food I had was divine.

I just loved everything!!!!

Coming back for sure!

P.s: for all sophisticated single ladies who love solo dining - I came solo, wore a dress, was treated like family, no creeps here, no weird looks from staff, I was treated with respect and made friends with Melissa and Allison, so it’s a good place to eat solo and spend quality time with your SELF.

UPDATE 5/8/2021 in the last two weeks, I went to Novo Cucina 8 times and brought friends with me. It is my favorite restaurant in ATL by far! I absolutely love Kim! For my friend’s birthday, I got a $100 Novo Cucina gift card. Ice cream? Novo Cucina. Pizza? Novo Cucina. Pasta, steak, coffee...? Novo Cucina for...

I stopped here for a takeout pizza. This is exactly like the pizza I had in Italy. I love NY style pizza, but this is Naples style (Neapolitan). It's delicious and it's done very well here. There are basic items I look for in good Neapolatin pizza. First, the crust should be crispy and airy. Second, the dough bottom should be stretched thin and cooked slightly browned with a thin crisp on the bite. Next, the sauce and cheese should be thin but savory, with a touch of olive oil and full of flavor. All of these things require skill in making and shaping the dough as well as a good oven that crisps the bottom while the cheese bubbles on top. I make pizza from scratch at home, and I've learned how important each of these factors are and the difficulty in perfection them. I personally don't respect a pizza covered with multiple toppings that distract from these primary flavors. I had the Margherita pizza and the fresh basil added a wonderful aroma and flavor that came together perfectly with the other ingredients. I remembered myself enjoying a pizza in Italy with every bite. Novo is the best Neapolatin pizza I've had anywhere in GA. Sorry, there are no photos, but the ROTP (Rule of Takeout Pizza) states you must have a slice before leaving the parking lot. Novo would be best enjoyed on premise. This wasn't an option for me this time, but a future trip will allow for pictures and more...