Buckhead needed a casual, French-inspired café and Atlanta’s legendary Buckhead Life Group answered the call with Bistro Niko.

Housed in the luxurious Sovereign, home to both residential and commercial tenants, Bistro Niko is an elegant and easygoing affair. The swanky bar is located on the Peachtree Street side of things but there’s plenty of room for dining on the other side of the clock which centers the beautifully tiled restaurant. The bold splashes of red throughout, not to mention the fancy ceiling, are definitely eye-catching but a restaurant cannot thrive on style alone.

A tin of Icelandic caviar over brioche is totally recommended and surprisingly affordable. For lunch, the Croque “Monsieur,” grilled ham with gruyere cheese, is a popular selection while the Tartare De Boeuf (classic steak tartare) plays well at any meal. The ample selection of more than 50 beers, many from Belgium, is surprisingly refreshing. For more delicate palates, there is the signature Specialite Le St. Germain (St. Germain with champagne) as well as an extensive wine list.

For those who can’t rendezvous in Paris, Bistro Niko is a Southern interpretation fully worthy of the “ooh la la(s)” and “oui, oui(s)” it has received.