By Lauren Townsend for The Aha! Connection
It’s no secret that I love Mexican food…authentic Mexican food, street tacos, tex-mex from Buford Highway or the gas station, if you have tacos, I’m in. Casi Cielo is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum, located in a beautifully designed space in the heart of Sandy Springs, on Roswell road in between Hammond and Hilderbrand. My most adventurous and OG Lunch with Lauren friend, Amanda, agreed to meet me for lunch at this new spot and we both agreed it was worth it and we’d return for dinner. Casi Cielo touts chef-driven Oaxacan inspired dishes, which they follow through on. You can tell that each dish is well thought out and the ingredients are intentional.
We were gifted an amuse bouche of mini corn tamales with fresh corn and crema. Both Amanda and I were eyeing the Pulpo al Carbon, which is octopus with olive puree, salsa veracruzana and mashed potatoes. The dish is not big enough to be your meal, but even for its size, we devoured it before our server could come back to check on us. I would definitely recommend it.
We both ordered tacos. I ordered the tacos de cochinillo, which is sucking pig with aguacatada and crispy chicharron. Amanda ordered tempura mahi-mahi tacos and both our meals came on hand made, soft, blue corn tortillas with rice and pureed black beans. You should not lower your expectations at Casi Cielo because it’s a taco because I will tell you, that the pork was perfect. Mahi tacos were also delicious and the ingredients were well balanced.
I’m certain to return to try duck carnitas with mole negro or my favorite, skirt steak with chimichurri. I’m also excited to try their extensive collection of Mezcals (apparently the largest in Atlanta). Mezcal is one of my favorites and I need to try their version of a Paloma Negra, with grapefruit and lime juice, piloncillo syrup and volcanic salt rim.
Casi Cielo is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. I didn’t see a kid’s menu, but I didn’t ask. I would consider this more of a date night or adult lunch place. Some side street parking is available, but it’s easier to park in the garage behind the building.
Casi Cielo
6125 Roswell Rd #200
Atlanta, GA 30328