When you walk into Lucian Books and Wine, the emphasis on curation is unequivocal. Co-owners Katie Barringer and Jordan Smelt have created a space in Atlanta’s Buckhead district that celebrates the intersection of creativity between food, wine, and books and welcomes enriching indulgence in each. Deep mauve walls are met by sleek slate flooring, and the flow of the space is guided by curved booths, arched floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a bar that basks in natural light. The space exudes congenial luxury, balancing mid-century modern sculptural lighting fixtures with rich jewel tones. Thoughtfully poised against this backdrop are rows of vibrant books, all nonfiction. Barringer heads the curation of the books and gravitates toward titles that center on art, design, poetry, and cooking. This mingling of art, design, wine, and the culinary expertise of chef Jason Paolini creates a culture of intentional exchange, be that dishes across a table or an interchange of inspirations.
Even if patrons are able to resist walking away with an armload of books, there is one book every guest receives as they are seated: the wine list. Presented as a long-form periodical, the list of over 450 bottles is organized by grape varietal rather than by region. The wine program is helmed by Jordan Smelt and centralizes on making wine approachable, poised for discovery over snobbery. Regulars can expect dazzling bottles from across the globe to be featured in each new volume of the wine list in addition to an extensive selection of wines by the glass, apéritifs, and digestifs.
Lucian’s menu is decidedly wine-centric, meaning Smelt’s wine curations are inherently tethered to Paolini’s dishes. The chef’s seasonal menus are versatile, tailored, and come with a cult following. The menu bridges the gap between traditional wine bar fare and a more substantial, sophisticated dinner. Patrons can begin with olives or oysters but will find their evening shifting toward larger plates like roast duck with foie gras or a wagyu New York strip. The unexpected crowd-pleaser is their French-style omelet, an opulently fluffy omelet served with velvety crème fraîche and topped with caviar.
