Chef Craig Richards (Lyla Lila) opens his second restaurant, Elise, at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta today, August 19. Elise features a seafood-forward menu inspired by French and Italian flavors.
Highlights
- Elise by Chef Craig Richards debuts today at the Woodruff Arts Center.
- Elise launches with an à la carte dinner service.
- The opening marks the first restaurant partnership for the Woodruff Arts Center.
Chef Craig Richards Brings Elise to Midtown Atlanta
Richards reimagines Elise with lighter wood floors and a warm white palette accented by soft color tones. The new elements complement the restaurant’s theme while also playing off the campus and courtyard views.
Key artworks on display include a piece by Tommy Taylor, influenced by 1960s and ’70s American modernism; Athens-based artist Chrissy Reed’s Blobbiesseries in the bar; and a sculptural installation by Sonya Yong James.
“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Elise this summer,” says Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center.
“Craig is a thoughtful and visionary chef, and his team is creating a concept that enhances the guest experience across our campus, offering a new way for visitors to engage with the arts.”
Elise marks the first restaurant partnership for the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, and High Museum of Art.
Elaborate Dinner and Drinks Menu
The menu at Elise focuses on Chef Richards’ culinary style, which strikes a balance between technique and personal expression. Some of the highlights on the menu are French dishes cooked with an Italian influence. The restaurant also offers prime-grade Midwestern steaks, inspired by the chef’s Nebraska roots.
“I’ve always been drawn to cooking seafood,” says Richards. “It’s an evolution that began at St. Cecilia and continues here. Elise is a chance to showcase that growth and explore new expressions of technique and flavor,” he added.
Elise opens with an à la carte dinner menu, alongside a five-course tasting option priced at $95. The restaurant will also offer optional wine pairings at $45 in the forthcoming weeks. Desserts include housemade gelati and sorbetti, a lemon tart, and a chocolate mousse finished with za’atar, sea salt, and olive oil.
With 100 selections from renowned winemakers, the wine list will focus on French producers and will bring a fresh take to traditional styles. The beverage and cocktail program will have unique ingredients and elements made in-house for seasonal tastes.
Located at the Woodruff Arts Center, Elise connects Atlanta’s dining scene with the city’s arts and culture hub.
