Ten years ago, Dresden Drive lacked the substantial mixed-use development that lines the street now near HAVEN Restaurant & Bar, according to the restaurant’s owner Michel Arnette.

“When we opened HAVEN, there was nothing on this street except for Mom and Pops, which was an old convenience store,” said Arnette.

And while he does not singularly take credit for the developmental change in the neighborhood — an area of Brookhaven he referred to as Brookhaven Fields — Arnette said HAVEN was one of catalysts for the onslaught of development that now encompasses Dresden Drive.

Arnette describes the restaurant as a friendly neighborhood eatery, with a sophisticated flair. Having worked extensively through the years with The Buckhead Life Group, Arnette received much experience in dealing with the business end of things, while also knowing that the atmosphere is what keeps customers returning.

“We’re a neighborhood place, that’s something that was very important in terms of inspiration,” said Arnette. “It is set with rustic, antique pieces and we try to invite people to have dinner in a place that feels like an industrial modern home.”

With the food, Executive Chef Stephen Herman said it was more of southern American cuisine. Herman, who has a background in French cooking added they feature a seasonal menu utilizing local farmers and ranchers as much as they can.

“It [the menu] kind of adapts all year long,” he said. “Generally with the big seasonal changes we’ll get a broader change but we kind of change a couple of things a week.”

There are a selection of menu items that have stayed with the restaurant throughout its 10-year run including a salmon dish and pork chop item. The salmon dish, complete with pine nuts, couscous and a feta tomato salad has not changed at all since its inception, said Herman.

In the spring, he will introduce more light fish, different vegetables and grilled items.

Both Arnette and Herman agree that HAVEN’s atmosphere is what drives the customers each week, for the dinner-only eatery.

“I’m gonna give you the best, freshest stuff I can come up with, you’ll have a great experience and we’ll take good care of you,” said Herman.

HAVEN is open Monday through Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 5 to 11 p.m. and for brunch on Sunday. Arnette said he is looking to bring more restaurant concepts to Brookhaven to help continue to build the community.

A closer look:
HAVEN Restaurant & Bar
1441 Dresden Dr., Brookhaven
www.havenrestaurant.com
(404) 969-0700