Southern Belle is chef Joey Ward’s critically acclaimed restaurant located in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood. After opening in the fall of 2019 and then temporarily closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, Chef Joey and his team have evolved and adapted throughout the ever-changing journey that was the year of Coronavirus. Having now made it to the other side, Chef Joey is very proud to present the latest evolution of Southern Belle, a place for friends to gather and celebrate safely together and for everyone to experience true southern hospitality once more.
Southern Belle now features a 4-course tasting menu comprised of locally sourced ingredients presented with Chef Joey’s trademark culinary whimsy. The menu celebrates the community of people & farms who produce the amazing ingredients as well as the multi-cultural culinary influences of modern Atlanta. Southern Belle also offers and a limited à la carte menu, seasonally inspired craft cocktails, and expertly composed wine pairings by our resident Sommelier. All of Southern Belle’s offerings are available indoors or seated on its beautiful garden-inspired patio (weather permitting).
Southern Belle’s interior evokes a Southern, homey feel with exposed brick walls, tufted furniture, and the historic building’s original stamped tin ceiling. The walls are adorned with eclectic salon-style art representing the rich cultural evolution of Atlanta. Affectionately named as a nod to the inspirational Southern women Chef Joey knows and loves — including his wife and restaurant co-owner Emily — the name Southern Belle represents “Today’s South,” an inclusive place that celebrates the diverse people and cultures that make up the modern city that Chef Joey calls home.
Southern Belle is connected through a secret passageway to Chef Joey’s second restaurant, Georgia Boy, a multi-course chef’s table experience.
As for the rest of the team, Ward has pulled in a talented crew of well-known names in the Atlanta culinary landscape, including General Manager/Beverage Director Kevin Bragg and Sommelier Cate Hatch.