There's a new restaurant in downtown Atlanta featuring "coastal soul" cuisine

250 Park Ave. West N.W., Atlanta. 404-893-0022. asanteatl.com.

Originally set to open in early November, celebrity chef Marvin Woods’ Asante Restaurant and Lounge debuted in early December in the two-story downtown Atlanta space formerly occupied by Peasant Bistro. The concept features “coastal soul cuisine,” blending dishes from regions around the world with Woods’ experiences as a TV host, cookbook author and lead chef for first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign.

The look: Woods had a hand in the redesign, which is airy and glamorous, with soaring ceilings, mirrors and windows, white glazed brick walls and wrought iron railings. The downstairs lounge features a dangling light sculpture swimming with crystal fish. Upstairs, the mezzanine-like dining room is arranged around intimate nooks.

The scene: One wintery evening, the streets around Centennial Olympic Park were bustling with tourists, while the scene inside Asante was convivial and cool, with a mix of classic soul and Caribbean music bubbling from the sound system. Woods, General Manager David Espin, and assistant General Manager Ellen Woods were on the scene, greeting guests and checking on tables.

The food: Woods' brightly plated dishes include starters such as cashew cheese and capari tomatoes ($9), creole baked eggplant ($8) and spiced crispy okra ($6). Entrees and specialties range from piri piri Nigerian king prawn ($21) and Puerto Rican pork shoulder ($17) to Creole-braised yellowtail snapper ($23) and pimento-grilled culot steak ($23). Signature dumplings ($9-$21) are served as appetizers or entrees in Southern, Caribbean or gluten-free variations.

The drinks: At the bar, look for house cocktails, such as the Pisco Con Awin, with pisco, Cointreau, tamarind and agave pepper syrup ($12), and the Asante Sour with Bulleit rye, amaro, honey ginger and merlot drizzle ($13). The wine list ranges from a $9 glass of Viognier to a $279 bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée champagne.

The extras: The weekday lunch menu offers po' boy sandwiches with catfish, shrimp, chicken or roast pork ($9-$12). On Sundays, brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.