Tonight’s occasion was uncertain: It could just as easily have been a birthday celebration as an ordinary Saturday night out. Whatever the reason, a giddy, smartly dressed couple approached the hostess at Eno by Zaza to request a table for two. After a warm greeting, the young lady could only muster, “We’re actually all full in the dining room until about 9 o’clock.”

It was only 6:30 p.m. Needless to say, the man’s smile faded like the faint aroma of mountain chicken breasts a few tables over. Sure, the pair had grand intentions for the evening, but one has to understand that as it pertains to Eno by Zaza, reservations are always the wisest option.

While a number of reasons may explain the bustling lobby–its proximity to The Fox Theatre and extensive wine list immediately come to mind–two things truly stand out: the famed names behind the restaurant, and the sublime dishes coming from the kitchen. Regarding the former, beloved Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia purchased the 10-year-old Eno in early August. “I’m a fan of dining,” explains the Tbilisi-born restaurateur, who currently shares headlines at the establishment with executive chef Eli Kirshtein, who competed on the sixth season of the hit Bravo reality show “Top Chef.”

“I’m a big fan of Mediterranean and Italian food,” Pachulia says. “After signing a four-year contract with the Hawks, I decided to get my own restaurant. Especially with the support of my family and the experience my family has in the restaurant business, I thought this was the best way to go into business. It also gives me an opportunity to give something to the Atlanta people.”

With wrought iron adornments, dark woods and soft music, Eno’s ambiance delivers a modern take on the European villa. As for the fare, vibrant small plates range from the lush green Caesar salad to the golden brown Plantation Farms Georgia quail. The seasonal menu’s entrée selections are equally diverse, including the Virginia flounder, Eden Farms pork chop and a boneless lamb rib. The whole-roasted snapper with charred potatoes and black olives proved exceptional–to call the dish a find would be putting it mildly.

After the main course, the attentive server teases with two additional menus, one with desserts–hope to the heavens the hibiscus and lemon balm sorbets are available–and another with an impressive cheese selection from the neighboring Barrelman Wine and Cheese Shop. On most Wednesdays and Saturdays, the quaint stop offers a wine tasting–perfect for those unfortunate evenings when you don’t have reservations at Eno.

The dejected couple conceivably could have made their way over to Barrelman for cabecou and chardonnay. But hopefully they also made reservations the following week to ensure a complete Eno experience.

Eno by Zaza

800 Peachtree St.

404.685.3191

enobyzaza.com