I last visited Wisteria Restaurant in Inman Park during the beginning of this year, taking a friend from out of town and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. So, I was thrilled when the folks at Wisteria invited me back to sample their goods. Oh as an aside, if you do have out-of-town guests, Wisteria is a gem. The service, food and atmosphere (see pics below) are wonderful. You can’t miss with this choice. My friend, Mike, still tells me how much he enjoyed our meal at Wisteria – 10 months later.

I loved that Wisteria offered to pick out small portions of their best-selling apps / entrees and pair these with their most popular wines. We sampled a Spanish wine which we heard the staff loves, but it was the Cote du Rhone blend that stole my heart.

We started with Wisteria’s Black-Eyed Pea Hummus served up with home made sweet potato chips. Bear in mind, these pictures show smaller portions then what you’ll get when you visit Wisteria as these were only sample portions. Loved, Loved, Loved the hummus. Just the right amount of garlic and lemon juice. Sometimes the lemon juice quotient can be overdone, but not this time. And the sweet chips were a perfect pairing to go with this hummus.

Next up were the Pimento cheese Deviled Eggs, which seem to make an appearance on just about every Atlanta menu these days. The presentation was beautiful and in true southern fashion there was pickled okra on the plate. The pimento cheese was detectable but not overpowering. It was a good dish, but didn’t stand out as being overly special.

Last visit, I wanted to try the Seared Sea Scallops, but having ordered the mussels and tuna on flatbread, we skipped these, fearing seafood overload. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to try them this time. This is a twist on bacon-wrapped scallops using pork belly instead. Perfectly cooked – just slightly overdone scallops lose all appeal with me, but these were just right. The mussels were delicious this time around too. Garlicky and those tomatoes served up with them just absorbed that juice – don’t let them go to waste.

Wow! That was a lot of food and it just kept coming. Good thing we both brought our appetites. Next we were treated to a sampling of the Shrimp and Grits, Molasses-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. Pasta with Arugula Pesto, along with some sides.

Just like the scallops before them, the large shrimps were cooked perfectly and paired with creamy grits that practically melted in my mouth. I’m really pleased they chose to offer me the Pasta with Arugula Pesto, as it is a vegetarian entree, I’d tend to overlook such an option the menu, but it was truly amazing. Tossed up with corn and shavings of Grana Padano (tastes like parmasen) cheese I was happily enjoying it the next day as part of my leftovers.

One of their most popular dishes is the Molasses-rubbed pork tenderloin. I was taken aback in January when my server asked me how I wanted it cooked. Um…well done…please. Isn’t that how pork is always done? Not anymore according to experts. This time I wasn’t asked how I wanted it prepared, it was just brought out prepared medium. I took a bite dipped in the sweet potato souffle and it was yummy. So much better the the well-done version I had previously. Trust me, this one tasty dish. Just go with it and order your pork medium – it’s so much more tender that way.

We also got some sides – Braised Mac and Cheese with Greens, Sweet Corn Pudding and I wanted to try the Arugula Pesto green beans. Had I realized that I already was having the Arugula in the pasta I would have skipped this but whatevs, it was a nice healthier side.

While the presentation of the Mac and Cheese was beautiful, with it’s cylindrical shape and browning on top, I didn’t care for the greens mixed in. Maybe it’s an attempt to make something so lacking in nutritional value, a little less sinful, but I just want to be a complete glutton when I’m having mac ‘n cheese (bring on the bacon and cheesy goodness)! The Sweet Corn pudding, served in a small brick form, is like cutting into a creamed corn cake. Sweet and delicious. I could’ve just eaten this for dessert and been completely satisfied, but instead I took most of it home.

While we’re talking about the sides at Wisteria, I would highly recommend going this route for a vegetarian. Hell, even a carnivore could enjoy three or four choice sides. Of course, they have the Vegetable Platter for $16, but, quite honestly, it doesn’t really get me excited. What does are the Green Tomato with Okra Ragout, mashed potatoes with Shallot Gravy, and Sweet Potato Souffle with Candied Pecans. Would love to see Wisteria offer a pick 3 for $12 deal or something like that.

Wisteria Restaurant
471 North Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA. 30307
404 525 3363
Website

Extras: Wisteria has a ton of Gluten-free menu options!