Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody breaks down the local hot spots, from live music at Parkwoods and Louisiana Bistro to murder mystery dinner theater at the Marriott. Plus: what’s holding back burger chains from moving to Dunwoody—and why locals are leaning into the no-drive-through lifestyle. Cuddlefish is now rolling sushi and brewing specialty coffee at High Street, while Steak & Grace brings a fresh take on upscale dining to the Village. CT Taqueria lights up Campus 244 with bold Tex-Mex and a clever coffee concept. Whether you’re living in Dunwoody or just hungry for something new, this episode has you covered.
Dunwoody’s Dining Scene Levels Up with Bold New Concepts
Dunwoody, Georgia continues to evolve, and if you’re living in Dunwoody—or thinking about moving to Dunwoody—this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody is your culinary roadmap. Matthew Weber is joined by Mark Galvin of Discover Dunwoody to explore the latest additions to the local food and entertainment scene. From sushi hand rolls to upscale steaks and Latin street food, Dunwoody is now serving up more flavors, more vibes, and more places to explore than ever.
This episode offers a full plate of hyperlocal insight—new restaurants, live music venues, and insider tips you won’t hear anywhere else. If it’s happening in Dunwoody, Mark Galvin is probably already Instagramming it.
High Street’s Star Player: Cuddlefish
It’s not every day a Michelin-starred chef brings sushi hand rolls to Dunwoody. But that’s exactly what’s happening at Cuddlefish, one of the most buzzed-about new restaurants at High Street. Spearheaded by Chef Jason Liang and partner John Chen (known for the critically acclaimed Brush in Buckhead), Cuddlefish specializes in handcrafted temaki-style hand rolls made fresh and rolled to order.
Located at 290 High Street, this spot isn’t just about sushi—it’s an immersive experience. Guests can grab a seat at the chef’s counter for an interactive temaki tasting menu, or pick up market-grade seafood and gourmet snacks to go. And it doesn’t stop there. Cuddlefish also features a coffee and bakery program led by pastry expert ChingYao Wang, offering artisanal baked goods, teas, and house-brewed specialty coffee.
With sleek interiors and a beverage list featuring sake pairings and curated wines, this restaurant is raising the bar for what it means to dine in Dunwoody. Whether you’re a sushi purist or a coffee connoisseur, Cuddlefish delivers a multilayered dining experience in the heart of the city’s hottest new development.
CT Cantina & Taqueria Brings Bold Tex-Mex to Campus 244
One of the most exciting restaurant openings in recent months is CT Cantina & Taqueria, now open in the redeveloped Campus 244, formerly home to the Gold Kist headquarters and tucked behind the State Farm buildings. This location might still be flying under the radar for some Dunwoody residents, but CT is sure to change that.
The menu is a modern take on Tex-Mex, but with a strong creative streak that sets it apart. Expect inventive tacos, flavorful rice bowls, and vibrant shareable plates that go beyond your typical chain fare. Add to that a stylish yet casual atmosphere and you've got a spot that’s perfect for office lunches, casual dinners, or group gatherings.
And here's something smart: they've also launched Tierra Coffee, a daytime café concept designed to fuel the local workforce. It’s a clever complement to the taqueria and one more reason to visit Campus 244—even if you’re just passing through for a quick caffeine hit.
Steak & Grace Redefines the Neighborhood Steakhouse
In the heart of Dunwoody Village, where First Watch once stood, a new chapter is being written for elevated dining. Steak & Grace has taken over the space at 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway and is reimagining the steakhouse concept for a more diverse, modern crowd.
Forget the dark leather booths and stuffy menus. This is a light-filled, vibrant space with an open layout and an expansive bar and patio area. While steak is certainly still a centerpiece, the menu also features lighter fare, vegetable-forward dishes, and options that appeal to a wider range of dietary preferences. It's upscale without being exclusive.
The team behind Steak & Grace is focused on building a restaurant you can visit multiple times a week, whether for a business lunch, a date night, or a family dinner. The concept hits a sweet spot—refined but approachable, elegant but not pretentious. And yes, it’s cashless, so be ready to tap your card or phone to pay.
Vino Venue Refreshes with New Ownership and Old Favorites
Over in the Georgetown area, Vino Venue has been a go-to for wine lovers and date-night diners alike. Now under new management, the beloved wine bar and restaurant is entering a fresh phase. While its core concept remains—try-before-you-buy wine stations, globally inspired menu, and in-house cooking classes—the new leadership is bringing new energy.
Known for their wine and cooking school, Vino Venue regularly hosts tastings, classes, and private events. Whether you're new to wine or know your way around a Bordeaux, this spot continues to deliver approachable education and exceptional dining.
According to Matt and Mark, the food still holds up—and it’s not just for wine drinkers. Vino Venue has become a popular destination for ladies’ nights, group outings, and even corporate events. If you haven’t been in a while, now’s the time to revisit.
Hidden Gems for Live Music in Dunwoody
One of the recurring questions locals ask: where can I find live music in Dunwoody? Mark Galvin breaks down some of the top spots that are mixing great food with live tunes.
Parkwoods at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia hosts live music every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Nestled behind the Ravinia complex near Perimeter Mall, the restaurant’s wooded trails and private green space make it an unexpected urban retreat. After dinner and drinks, guests can stroll through the forest-like setting—a rare pairing in metro Atlanta.
Just down the road, the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center is doing its own Wednesday night live music series from 6 to 9 PM. With a pollen-free outdoor terrace and a laid-back vibe, it’s a midweek option for those who don’t want to clean their own patio furniture. The hotel also hosts monthly murder mystery dinner theater events—a fun twist for those looking for entertainment beyond dinner and drinks.
If your Friday night needs a rhythm section, head over to Louisiana Bistro. Tucked into the State Farm complex near Hammond Drive, this hidden gem features live music from 7 to 10 PM, often with the Milkshake Mayfield Band. Known for authentic Louisiana-style food and easy covered parking, it’s the kind of place you stumble upon once and keep coming back to.
The Power of Discover Dunwoody’s Platform
Beyond restaurant recommendations and event tips, Mark Galvin shares how Discover Dunwoody continues to grow as the city’s go-to resource. With over 60,000 visitors each month, the website plays a critical role in helping residents and visitors figure out what’s happening around town. It’s where to find hotels, submit events, and browse through everything from wine tastings to kid-friendly fun.
They’re even launching a new version of the website in June, which will make it easier to navigate their packed events calendar. Pro tip: when it looks like there are no more events to scroll through, click to the next page—there are always more listings beyond what first appears.
Restaurant Trends and What’s Next
The episode wraps with a look at the bigger picture: what’s next for dining and development in Dunwoody. One theme that keeps coming up is zoning. National chains want drive-throughs, but Dunwoody’s zoning doesn’t allow them. Instead, future burger joints and fast-casual restaurants will need to pivot to pickup lanes or walk-in concepts. It’s a move that preserves the pedestrian-friendly nature of the city while still welcoming popular food brands.
Mark also mentions a Chicago-style hot dog spot in the works across from Perimeter Mall—on the opposite side of Ashford Dunwoody. And Matt drops his own local bombshell: East 48th Street Market, he says, has the best pizza in Dunwoody. Whether you agree or not, it’s just one more reason to get out and try something new in a city that’s quickly becoming a destination for food lovers and families alike.
Whether you're living in Dunwoody or moving to Dunwoody soon, this episode offers a slice of everything that’s making the city more flavorful, more fun, and more connected than ever before.
