Antico Expansion is Eccellente on the Westside

The news keeps getting better this summer for on the westside.

As previously reported by Patch in recent weeks, the popular Home Park restaurant located at 1093 Hemphill Avenue scored a near-perfect score Zagat rating and also announced plans to open a traditional Italian gelateria and caffe this fall.

Now, as the Atlanta Business Chronicle recently reported, Antico owner Giovanni Di Palma is looking to expand even more. Di Palma recently closed on property next door to Antico, including the Fava Mezze café, and Rafeedie’s, a long-time catering company.

Read more from the ABC about this budding “Italian village” near the Georgia Tech campus.

On the heels of being honored with the highest score in Zagat’s first-ever pizza survey of “Best Pizza in 23 U.S. Cities” – even beating out those located in New York City, Di Palma is ready to extend the award-winning, fast-paced artisan-quality dining experience with Bar Antico, a traditional Italian gelateria and caffe. It is a natural extension of Antico located in a nearly 2,000 square-foot space across the street. The two locations combined will provide all-day dining complete with a piazza in a family-friendly, casual environment.

“I am very thankful to Atlanta for supporting my dreams of becoming one of the highest-rated pizza places in America,” Di Palma said in a news release. “The opening of the Bar Antico and the Piazza, along with the additional Italian products that we will offer, is my cultural gift to Atlanta and all of our loyal patrons.”

Bar Antico will specialize in eight original, handcrafted gelato concoctions, coffees and alcoholic offerings from the limoncello bar. With al fresco seating for 100 and traditional Neapolitan street food available all day, Bar Antico could become the quintessential gathering place at the core of the Italian lifestyle.