Casi Cielo — Restaurant in Sandy Springs

Last time we ate at Casi Cielo, they did not have a chef’s tasting menu. When you look at the very top of the menu, it is there subtly at the top. It’s not advertised or pushed by the servers. Our group of friends love tasting menus (e.g. Lazy Betty, Bacchanalia, etc.). As far as tasting menus go, the price for this one is very reasonable at $100 for a 7 course menu or $150 with alcohol. But their alcohol is not just wine. Uniquely, Casi Cielo pairs a variety of drinks including, wine, tequila, and Mezcal, a great testament to the bespoke experience.

Tonight my wife and I started at the bar. The atmosphere was vibrant. The bartenders were busy, but never too busy to answer our questions or elaborate on the handmade ingredients and the thoughtfulness of each cocktail. My wife had the Paloma, I started with the pineapple and switched to the rosemary lemon, while our friend had the chilerita. We all loved our drinks and kept ordering them.

For the tasting menu, we had handmade blue corn tostadas with 2 sauce options. One was a chili lime avocado mix and the 3nd was a 4 pepper blend. All were clearly made in house and tasty. The pepper sauce had a nice kick.

Other items on our tasting menu were: -Butternut squash shooter in a cool handmade cup (like an espresso cup) -Halibut crudo (amazing sauce that was similar to Guamanian BBQ) -Pork belly tostada for our non-fish guests (They raved about these!). -Octopus (great charcoal flavor and SO tender) -Suckling pig taco. They called it a compressed pork taco. (Juicy and amazing flavor with the blue corn, sauce, and shaved chicharon) -Duck mole (amazing flavor and also very tender) -Wagyu steak (the charcoal flavor was distinct and amazing) -Frozen mango slices with granita (This was the Amuse bush the chef presented to us in the kitchen. That’s right! He came out and thanked us for choosing the tasting menu and invited us into the kitchen for a private tour. Despite the hum of the ever busy work still in progress, the staff were friendly and tolerant of us. The chef showed us their charcoal only oven from Barcelona, the tostada making station, the meats, and everything else in the kitchen. He also dropped the hint of a possible new location coming on the Beltline soon) -Dessert was a light crème with flowers and some crushed meringue. Perfect end to a very substantial tasting menu.

All the staff, including the chef were friendly, gracious, knowledgeable about their menu, and proud of their work. I had an absolutely amazing experience, much more then the appetizer and entree approach I had thought would occur. We left very full and very fulfilled.

I look forward to another trip. The chef promised to curate something completely new for us next time. Did you know Casi Cielo was voted Best Mexican Food in Atlanta. I didn’t, but am not surprised they did. And btw,...

Every business owner needs to come to Casi Cielo Upscale Mexican Restaurant to see what superior customer service looks like. From the moment we arrived, 3 Moms celebrating a birthday, friendship and lots to talk about, we were pampered. We wanted for nothing. The VIBE here is amazing, loud and hip enough for the younger generation but we didn't need to shout to talk. It's beautiful in a rustic kind of way. The beverage manager delivered our drinks proudly, explaining how each one took months of testing before being added to the menu. He stopped by occasionally to check on us and deliver more suggestions. The manager, as well as the waitstaff, were helpful, friendly and caring, it was truly a magical evening for us. We ordered 3 different drinks, each one delicious and different. I can't remember the names but one had fresh basil & berries, perfect if you want something light and refreshing! The glassware is gorgeous and compliments each drink with different shapes, colors and designs. We ordered the Tartare, raw tuna, shaped into a circle with fresh mango and avocado and a ponzu sauce. When the server delivered it they explain in detail everything in each dish, an extra special touch! The chips here large, round blue corn tortillas that are baked for 10 minutes when you arrive/ request more, so worth the wait! The Guacamole was also explained in detail, unique, super fresh and flavorful in a classic way. We shared the DUCK (A MUST!) crispy skin topped the tender and flavorful meat below, served with a mole sauce (bland) beans (bland) and rice (deelish!) My only criticism for the evening would be to elevate the flavors of the mole & the beans to truly compliment the amazing duck! We had fish tacos but I didn't taste them. We had wanted their eggplant side dish but they ran out. As a kind gesture, they made us a version of eggplant rollatini but the eggplant was tough and not seasoned well at all. Finally, we were off to coffee and birthday dessert. I ordered decaf and the foam on top was a nice touch! My friends had espresso and espresso macchiato, very yummy. We ordered the bread pudding for the candle and were told it would take 20 minutes to arrive. We said ok but less than 10 minutes later the pudding arrived. The flavors were nice but it was mushy, maybe they should have let it bake for the full 20 minutes? This concept is owned by La Parilla and is their first try at upscale Mexican after opening 22 La Parillas! I want to reiterate that this place is AMAZING, well worth a few tries but don't expect typical Mexican fare, this is elevated to a higher standard than what we are used...

Visited Casi Cielo for the first time last night for dinner!

Food/Drinks: As a drink, I ordered the La Piñata cocktail, and my friend got the Racilla Punch. Both drinks were awesome, but I felt that they tasted quite similar (maybe it was just me though LOL). The Racilla Punch is much sweeter than La Piñata, but both are great options and mine was definitely strong- just how I like it!

For our appetizer, we got the Pulpo Al Carbón, an octopus dish with aioli chile caribe, veracruzana sauce, chicharrón, and rustic potatoes. This appetizer was absolutely delicious and the sauce complemented both the potatoes and octopus beautifully. The presentation of the dish was also something I really appreciated.

For my entrée, I ordered the Mixteco Poblano, a poblano pepper that is filled with duck, prawn, and cheese with a poblano cream sauce and chicharrón garnish. I was obsessed with my dish! So full of flavor and was very filling. The green sauce mixed perfectly with the duck and prawns and I just remember having to slow down my pace with eating because I enjoyed the food so much! The portion size was impressive as well. My friend ordered the Langostinos Al Carbón, and I had a taste of it as well- also phenomenal.

For dessert, we ordered the Volcano dessert, and another one that I cannot remember the name of, but it had a whipped cream-like consistency with blackberries, and a lime garnish. Both desserts were a miss for the both of us, and this is truthfully why I took off one star from my food rating. I preferred the whipped cream dish over the Volcano, but was not really a big fan of either.

Service: Our server was very sweet and checked up on us frequently! I have no complaints about him at all, he made our night very enjoyable. The only reason I bumped off a star for service was because we ended up waiting about 15 minutes past our reservation time to get seated. It was not too bothersome, but timeliness and organization is something that I personally consider very heavily. The staff was very very kind though.

Atmosphere: Gorgeous, romantic, interior. The energy in this restaurant is very homey and cozy and it seemed like everyone working and dining there also carried the same energy. This place is definitely a gem!

TLDR: Phenomenal entrées, great drinks, beautiful interior. Service is wonderful but they did not honor our reservation time. I would skip dessert and maybe get a sweet coffee or second drink instead. Would love to...