Alere Atlanta: What We Know About the New Morningside Village Restaurant next to Whiskey Bird
We're getting a new neighbor, and it's a pretty exciting one. Alere, a new restaurant from Chef Christopher Grossman and the team behind The Chastain in Buckhead, is opening at 1397 North Highland Avenue in Morningside Village in 2027. That's right next door to us.
If you know anything about The Chastain, you already know this is a big deal for our little stretch of North Highland. And if you don't, let us fill you in. This article was last updated August 20, 2026.
The team behind Alere
Chef Christopher Grossman trained under Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, served as Executive Chef at Atlas inside the St. Regis Atlanta, and spent several years as Chef de Cuisine at Aria. In 2020, he opened The Chastain in the former Horseradish Grill space adjacent to Chastain Park in Buckhead, and it quickly became one of the most respected restaurants in the city. The Chastain earned a Michelin Green Star in 2023 for its commitment to seasonal, garden-driven cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
Alere will be Grossman's second concept, and he's bringing it to our block. We couldn't be happier about that.
What we know so far
Details are still coming together, but here's what's been reported. Alere will offer a seasonal menu drawing from Southern European cuisine, with dishes built around locally sourced ingredients and classical cooking techniques. The restaurant is being described as a more casual, neighborhood-focused version of The Chastain's ingredient-driven approach. Think high-quality seasonal cooking in a relaxed, approachable setting.
The design team is impressive too. Grossman and his partners are working with Summerour Architects and Smith Hanes Design on the space, which was most recently home to Nowak's Cantina and, before that, Morningside Kitchen. With a team of this caliber investing in the space, it's an exciting addition to the next chapter of Morningside Village.
The full menu, hours, and opening date haven't been announced yet, but the restaurant is slated to open sometime in 2027.
Why this is great for the neighborhood
We'll be honest: we love it when talented restaurant people choose to open in our neighborhood. It's good for the whole corridor. When someone like Grossman looks at all the places he could put a second restaurant and picks the space next door to us on North Highland Avenue, that says something about Morningside Village and the Virginia Highland dining scene.
Good restaurants attract more people. More people walking North Highland means more energy, more foot traffic, and more reasons for folks from other parts of Atlanta to make the trip up here. We've always believed that our stretch of the city has something special going on, and Alere is another sign that other people feel that way too.
The neighborhood is building something real. Between Whiskey Bird, Ela, Highland Tap, Atkins Park, Bar.Bacoa, So. Fox, and now Alere, North Highland Avenue and Virginia Avenue are building one of Atlanta's most interesting collections of independent neighborhood restaurants. The strength of the corridor is its mix of local operators doing creative, high-quality work in a walkable neighborhood that people actually want to spend time in.
Alere and Whiskey Bird in Morningside Village
Alere will be located at 1397 North Highland Avenue NE, literally steps from our front door at 1409 North Highland. The two restaurants will be different in style and cuisine, which is exactly what makes a good dining neighborhood work. Whiskey Bird's Pacific Rim flavors and Alere's Southern European approach will give guests two distinct reasons to visit the block.
Having the team behind a Michelin Green Star restaurant setting up shop next door should add even more energy to the corridor, and we're excited to see what they bring to Morningside Village.
Stay tuned
We'll keep you updated as more details about Alere are announced, including the menu, opening date, and how to make reservations. Until then, there's plenty happening on North Highland. Stop by Whiskey Bird for brunch, dinner, happy hour, or a drink on the patio, and we'll be looking forward to welcoming our new neighbors when they arrive.
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Frequently asked questions about Alere Atlanta
What is Alere restaurant in Atlanta?
Alere is an upcoming neighborhood restaurant from Chef Christopher Grossman and the team behind The Chastain in Buckhead. It will serve seasonal Southern European cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients at 1397 North Highland Avenue NE in Atlanta's Morningside Village.
When does Alere open in Atlanta?
Alere is expected to open in 2027. An exact opening date has not been announced yet.
Where is Alere located?
Alere will be located at 1397 North Highland Avenue NE in Morningside Village, in the Virginia Highland corridor of Atlanta. It is next door to Whiskey Bird restaurant.
Who is the chef at Alere?
Chef Christopher Grossman, chef and owner of The Chastain in Buckhead. His previous experience includes The French Laundry, Atlas at the St. Regis Atlanta, and Aria.
What kind of food will Alere serve?
Alere will offer a seasonal menu with Southern European influences, featuring locally sourced ingredients and classical cooking techniques in a casual, neighborhood setting.
What is The Chastain restaurant?
The Chastain is Chef Christopher Grossman's first restaurant, located in Buckhead adjacent to Chastain Park. It earned a Michelin Green Star in 2023 and is known for its seasonal, ingredient-driven New American menu.
What restaurants are near Alere in Morningside Village?
Alere will be next door to Whiskey Bird, a Pacific Rim-inspired restaurant at 1409 North Highland Avenue. The surrounding Virginia Highland corridor also includes Ela, Highland Tap, Atkins Park, Bar.Bacoa, and So. Fox, all within walking distance.