Restaurant Review :: Nikolai’s Roof

Opening in 1976, for years Nikolai’s Roof was one of just a handful of truly upscale dining options in Atlanta. Noteworthy for the quality of its food and service with a Russian theme, it earned a reputation for experience dining. With Atlanta’s explosion of high-end dining options in the last 10 to 15 years, some may think Nikolai’s Roof has gone out of fashion. Think again.

Its consistency regarding the quality of food and service as well as the restaurant’s ambiance, makes it, in my opinion, among the best options in Atlanta for a truly special meal. Topping the downtown Hilton Atlanta, the restaurant and lounge offer panoramic views of the city, with the restaurant side facing Stone Mountain.

I personally first experienced Nikolai’s Roof in the early 2000s. It was exceptional, and the uniform presentation of dinner plated under domes and revealed with coordinated gongs made quite the impression. I returned a few years ago when my husband and I treated our twin nieces, a tradition for us to gift an experiential dinner when our nieces and nephews turn 16.

We recently returned with the twins – now 21 – and again with good friends who had never dined at Nikolai’s Roof.

The waitstaff are polite and knowledgeable professionals who are attentive without being annoying. They know how to pace a meal that is meant to be savored.

Nikolai’s Roof three and four-course prix fix dinners are appropriately priced for superb quality and presentation. As a first course, I can personally recommend the beef tartare or French white asparagus soup but know that the piroshki and sweet potato & lump crab are also good choices.

For a main, I’ve enjoyed duck, lamb, and scallops – all equally delicious and special. They are known for the beef tenderloin, and if I were to return soon, I’d likely order the halibut. One of our friends had it and raved.

If selecting the three-course meal, I prefer a cheese selection instead of dessert, but with our most recent dinner, we all indulged in four courses so I also had the tiramisu, which was chilled – not quite frozen – and divine. Again, I might also follow the example of my friend who ordered the Grand Mariner Soufflé with Orange Chantilly. He said that while the presentation was outstanding, it tasted even better.

In short, if you’ve never been to Nikolai’s Roof, please go. It is perfect for a romantic evening, commemorating a milestone, or catching up with good friends. Regardless of the reason, it will be wonderfully memorable.