At Vela Park Food Works, everyone can order what sounds good. Kids can grab pizza or tacos while adults try seafood or barbecue, and drinks or dessert can be destinations, too. Good Times Bar adds indoor and outdoor seating, along with specialty cocktails and mocktails. From lunch to family dinners, six kitchens and a bar make it easy to mix things up.
Flora D’Italia
Handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and Italian favorites anchor Flora D’Italia’s menu. Chef Matthew Rainey wants the food to feel familiar while still offering something unexpected, with bold flavors and quality ingredients at the center. “Ultimately, I want people to leave feeling like they had a great meal—not just something to eat,” he says. floraditalia.com
Southern Belle Chicken Co.
James Beard semifinalist Chef Joey Ward brings fine-dining techniques to fried chicken with what he calls “serious technique with no ceremony.” Southern-style chicken travels the globe through flavors like gochujang hot honey and tangy jerk. “The chicken stays Southern—the flavors get to wander,” Ward says. southernbellechickenco.com
Fuzzy’s
Fuzzy’s is a coastal kitchen and raw bar serving seafood favorites ranging from fried grouper sandwiches and fish and chips to red snapper and lobster rolls. With a menu built around fresh seafood, it brings an easygoing coastal feel to Vela Park and adds another distinctly different option to the mix. instagram.com/fuzzysrawbaratl
La Tropical + MiMi Taqueria
Executive Chef Minelly Amador Díaz draws inspiration from her Grandma Maria, who taught her that food can carry memories and make people feel cared for. La Tropical serves Puerto Rican- and Cuban-inspired dishes, while MiMi Taquería focuses on Mexican favorites. “Cooking with care changes everything,” Díaz says. mimitaqueria.com
Doug’s NC BBQ
Vinegar-based sauces and smoked turkey help set Doug’s NC BBQ apart. The Vela Park kitchen leans into North Carolina-style barbecue, offering a tangier take on classic smoked meats and a different flavor profile from many of the barbecue spots around Atlanta. dougsncbbq.com
DessertBox
Inspired by classic French pâtisserie, DessertBox serves cupcakes, cookies, cheesecakes, and other sweets alongside breads and savory bites. Led by Chef Matthew Rainey, the concept brings a pastry-shop feel to Vela Park, with plenty for dessert lovers and a few options for those craving something savory. dessertboxatl.com