Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
The Intercontinental Buckhead shines a little brighter as Buckhead’s first Italian steakhouse, The Americano, reopens with a revamped menu that takes a more inspired, rooted, and soulful approach to celebrity chef Scott Conant’s cuisine.
After the restaurant was forced to shut down due to a kitchen fire in March 2025, Conant and the team at The Americano took the incident as an opportunity to press reset. The Americano blends bold and contemporary well, with sophisticated gold wire light fixtures, modern art, and a sleek design that creates an elevated atmosphere. From rich pastas to hearty steaks and savory fish, The Americano leads with flair and quality. But Conant said he knew it was time for a refresh when it came to the menu. With help from their partners, LT Hospitality, they were able to rise from the ashes and emerge renewed.
“I think you could make a case that it may have been the best thing that ever happened, truly,” Conant said. “I think we took that opportunity and morphed it into something that we’re evolving into, and everyone is embracing. From ownership to the GM of the hotel to the marketing team, to the entire front-of-house team, as well as the back-of-house team, it’s something that we’re really excited about.”
Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
The two-time James Beard Award-winning chef is known for his passion for Italian cuisine, but he said he isn’t beholden to one region or technique. When curating the menu, Conant knew he wanted the dishes served to guests and locals to deeply reflect his nearly 40-year culinary career.
“I wanted to do something that’s personal and heartfelt and something that makes sense for my style of food rather than a steakhouse.”
The relaunched menu merges the new with the old, emphasizing local produce and taking dishes such as the focaccia ripiena and turning it into a focaccia barese with heirloom tomatoes, broccoli rabe presto, and garden herbs served in a cast-iron skillet. Chilli-spiced shrimp and tuna crudo are new additions, and caesar salads are out in favor of a fresh and comforting fagiolini salad with warm lentils, purple potatoes, “sweet grass” cheese, and truffle vinaigrette.
Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
Southern influences come into play throughout the menu, but especially with dishes such as the frito misto, which adds green tomatoes and pickled okra to the deep-fried seafood appetizer; the Georgia peach crostata, an addictive tart with vanilla gelato drizzled with aged balsamic; and the iberico pork chop topped with molasses and a balsamic glaze.
The menu also features dishes such as the foie gras triangoli with a marsala reduction, Conant’s popular gnocchi al pomodoro with his signature sauce, and a fennel-spiced coastal grouper with smoked potato puree. The bar program still boasts creative drinks such as the newly added la pomodoro cocktail, a mix of limoncello, citrus vodka, rosemary, Roma tomato, and lemon with a basil garnish.
“I want to make sure the guests are happier when they leave out the door.”
The Americano is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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