Mineral Water Connoisseurs Flock to High Museum Restaurant

Elise, a new restaurant by chef Craig Richards, offers a refined dining experience for art lovers in Atlanta.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Elise, a new restaurant located within the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, is attracting a discerning crowd of mineral water enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Helmed by acclaimed chef Craig Richards, formerly of Lyla Lila, the restaurant features a bold, vibrant design that complements the nearby High Museum's artwork. The menu offers a range of elevated dishes, from fresh anchovies on toast to rich rabbit ragu tagliatelle, as well as a carefully curated mineral water list that allows diners to appreciate the nuanced flavors of these unique waters.

Why it matters

The opening of Elise fills a gap in the Woodruff Arts Center's offerings, providing a fantastic on-site dining option for museum-goers and art enthusiasts. By showcasing a refined menu and an extensive mineral water selection, the restaurant caters to a discerning clientele, elevating the overall experience for visitors to the High Museum and the surrounding cultural district.

The details

Elise's design features bold, vibrant colors that echo the artwork on display at the nearby High Museum. The restaurant's two large dining rooms offer ample space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. The menu highlights the kitchen's expertise, with standout dishes like fresh anchovies on toast with a sherry reduction and tomato powder, as well as a rich rabbit ragu tagliatelle. The drinks menu features a carefully curated selection of mineral waters, including the Wossa mineral water from Austria, which is described as having a distinctive wet stone flavor profile.

  • Elise opened in February 2026 within the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

The players

Craig Richards

The chef at Elise, previously of the acclaimed restaurant Lyla Lila.

Woodruff Arts Center

The cultural hub in Atlanta that houses the High Museum and now the new Elise restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“The Master of Light cocktail ($16) with arak (a refreshing Levantine spirit made with anise seed) and saffron-infused vermouth tastes like a cardamom barfi. The saffron adds rich yellow color and deep floral notes, and the arak lifts with herbs.”

— Henna Bakshi, Regional and Audience Editor at Eater (eater.com)

“Order the anchovies at Elise with a side of rosé.”

— Henna Bakshi, Regional and Audience Editor at Eater (eater.com)

What’s next

As Elise continues to attract a discerning clientele, the restaurant may explore expanding its mineral water selection or hosting special tasting events to further engage with its mineral water enthusiast customers.

The takeaway

Elise's opening within the Woodruff Arts Center demonstrates the growing demand for elevated dining experiences that cater to the interests of art and culture enthusiasts. By offering a refined menu, a carefully curated mineral water selection, and a design that complements the nearby museum, Elise has positioned itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and immersive dining experience.