Restaurants & Bars

Burgers And Brew: 5 New GA Restaurants Opening In 2026

Patch has compiled details of new restaurants that will open in 2026 in Georgia, including one set to dish out Japanese cuisine.

New restaurants are constantly arising in the Peach State, and next year will be no different.

While one eatery will stay true to southern roots, another is planning fine-dining Japanese a-la-carte.

Those wishing to venture to Europe will be able to satisfy their taste buds in Atlanta's Poncey-Highland community, and another eatery will serve the favored smashburger.

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Patch has compiled details of new restaurants that will open in Georgia.

Yava Kitchen and Brewhouse, Cumming

Where: 3001 Market Place Blvd.

Find out what's happening in Atlantafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Product or Service: Dishes crafted with wood-fire cooking. (specific type of cuisine not immediately available)

Amenities: Founder's Club loyalty program.

Hours of operation: Opens early 2026.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be part of a team that’s bringing chef-created menu favorites prepared in a wood-fired kitchen, paired with seasonal small batch brews and handcrafted cocktails to this growing area,” General Manager Patrick Padilla said in a news release. “I can’t wait to meet and serve our new guests in early 2026.”

At Arbeta, Atlanta

Where: 579 N. Highland Ave. NE

Product or Service: European breakfast and lunch.

Hours of operation: Not immediately available.

"Renovations are currently underway to create an all-day modern Scandinavian space for work-from-home residents. It is expected to open next year," Eater reported.

Koshu Club, Buckhead

Where: 99 W. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta

Product or Service: Charcoal-grilled seafood and meats, small plates, sashimi, wine, sake and Japanese cocktails.

Hours of operation: Set to open in February 2026.

“Jordan [Harris] has this incredibly deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine and culture,” Castellucci Hospitality Group CEO Fred Castellucci said in an Atlanta Magazine report. “We wanted to do an a-la-carte restaurant that was still fine dining—still elegant, still elevated, that allowed us to showcase different elements of Japanese cuisine and make it a little more approachable.”

Smash Hit Burgers, Kennesaw

Where: 2921 Cherokee St. NW

Product or Service: Smashed burgers including: Cuban smashes, pimento cheese smashes, brisket burnt ends smashes and cheesesteak smashes. Chicken fingers. Vegan and gluten-free options.

Amenities: The Pay It Forward program benefits on-duty first responders and others. Catering. Online ordering.

Hours of operation: Brick-and-mortar slated to open in February 2026 (currently operating a food truck).

"Smash Hit Burgers was created by chefs who believe a great burger starts with great ingredients and attention to detail. What began as a food-truck concept quickly became a destination for burger lovers looking for bold flavors, thoughtful execution and something beyond the ordinary," read the company website.

Mule Train, Atlanta

Where: 87 Broad St.

Product or Service: Southern cuisine.

Hours of operation: Not immediately available.

“We’ve always believed in food that does more than fill a plate,” co-owner Shyretha Sheats said in a news release. “Mule Train will be a place where you walk in and feel connected — to the land, to the ingredient, to each other. We’re excited to plant roots in South Downtown Atlanta and invite people in.”

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