6 restaurants to keep things light

Early summer in Atlanta can be a confusing time. On one hand, you finally get to shed layers and go on vacation and hang out by the pool! But on the other hand, you have that pesky malevolent mugginess to deal with that just wasn’t there a month ago. It’s, like, jarring. But you get used to it. By Independence Day everyone’s accepted that the blistering-hot steering wheels and the inescapable perma-sweat are not cruel forms of infernal punishment, but plain old, everyday life things. “They do call it Hotlanta,” you say to yourself — but not aloud. Never aloud.

Summer in the city is not the time for rich osso bucco or hot chili. Here are six Atlanta restaurants that (for the most part) make it easy to keep things light.

Dish Dive (permanently closed) Business

Expect gussied-up dishes with local ingredients from this intimate eatery. The menu is rotating, but mainstays include foods like duck confit fries and slow-roasted hen pot pies. | more...

Lottafrutta Business

CL: As the name suggests, LottaFrutta is totally adorable. Located in the heart of the Old Fourth Ward, LottaFrutta occupies a tidy row house at the corner of Auburn Avenue and Randolph Street. A cheeky mural of Carmen Miranda beckons to passers-by. The place bills itself as a "gourmet fruit house and market," specializing in heavenly fruit cups with fanciful names like dolce vitta and cremolatta. Besides the fruit cups, LottaFrutta whips up fresh fruit juices and smoothies, and stocks a freezer case with homemade tropical fruit pops.

Lottafrutta offers the Old Fourth Ward smoothies, fruit cups, popsicles, breakfast, sandwiches, and more. Build your own salad with its variety of choices from protein, cheese, fruits, seeds, and dressings. | more...

Miso Izakaya - Permanently Closed (permanently closed) Business

MISO IZAKAYA CLOSED PERMANENTLY ON JULY 28, 2018: The menu of small plates at this Japanese pub, almost all $5-$10, begs exploration and encourages sharing among friends. Miso's menu spans a variety of mini-genres: Japanese standards, Mantou-style steamed buns, fusion-y salads, Chinese veggie dishes... | more...

True Food Kitchen Business

Healthy – but tasty – cuisine in the heart of Buckhead at Lenox Square Mall. True Food offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options while remaining diverse in their menu and experimental with their food and cocktails. | more...

facebook: @True Food Kitchen

Victory Sandwich Bar Business

Victory Sandwich is a hip bar known for its Jack and Coke slushies and a selection of cheap-but-tasty little sandwiches. The menu changes somewhat regularly, but you can usually count on favorites like the Beast on Yeast (roast beef with horseradish sauce) and the Han Cholo (chorizo, feta, tomatillo... | more...

facebook: @Victory Sandwich Bar

Yalla Business

From chef Todd Ginsburg and the team behind The General Muir, Yalla specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, including shawarma, kebabs, and more. | more...

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallaatl/