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Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition

Josh Green

Wed, 04/23/2025 – 16:16

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Photos: ‘Avatar’-inspired space marks latest Underground Atlanta addition

Josh Green

Wed, 04/23/2025 – 16:16

The latest addition to Underground Atlanta’s roster of restaurants, nightspots, event spaces, and galleries isn’t technically underground, but project leaders hope it adds oomph (and visibility) to the district as next year’s FIFA World Cup hoopla draws closer.Atlanta real estate company Lalani Ventures officially cut the ribbon Saturday on Utopia, an otherworldly Latin fusion restaurant, during an event attended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other dignitaries. With its patio-lined, standalone space overlooking Underground’s fountains, Utopia now anchors the district’s Upper Alabama Street section and helps boost its daytime offerings, according to Lalani Ventures reps. 

How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps

Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

The eatery and lounge will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to “late,” serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. It carries a futuristic theme throughout—a nod to the “lush, bioluminescent world of Pandora in ‘Avatar.’” Expect an elevated menu (sample dish: Wagyu beef served on a hot stone for interactive guest experiences) alongside vegan options, hookahs, and cocktails and mocktails, as Underground officials relayed this week. Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures, said Utopia marks the beginning of a new push to activate Upper Alabama Street and draw more pedestrian traffic to Underground all day and night. “We are transforming the experience here,” Lalani noted in a concept announcement, “and we’ll be ready and excited for the World Cup and other exciting events coming to our city.”

Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Underground made waves earlier this year with the opening of legendary, relocated Atlanta nightclub MJQ in what had been Dante’s Down the Hatch’s space a quarter-century ago. A new art gallery featuring the works of George F. Baker III (aka, GFB3) is also scheduled to open soon at Underground, serving as the brick-and-mortar location for Baker’s brand FOSTER, a goods shop and event space. Underground in 2024 tallied more than one million visitors and is on pace to eclipse that this year; meanwhile, Lalani Ventures is in talks with additional dining concepts to keep bringing life to the district’s above-ground area, per officials. For now, head up to the gallery for a quick photo tour of Utopia’s intergalactic downtown space. …Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  • Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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50 Upper Alabama Street
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Images

Remade exteriors of the Utopia space at Underground Atlanta’s Upper Alabama Street. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

How Utopia’s standalone building on Upper Alabama Street looked while vacant in September. Google Maps

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens leads Saturday’s grand opening at Utopia. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Futuristic signage helps set the tone for the downtown concept. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Social spaces extend outdoors at Utopia, overlooking Underground’s fountains. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Utopia’s distinctive interiors today. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Atlanta’s mayor hobnobs with attendees at Saturday’s event. Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Courtesy of Underground Atlanta

Subtitle
Above-ground Utopia Latin fusion restaurant, lounge now anchors district’s Upper Alabama Street

Neighborhood
Downtown

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Underground Atlanta

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