Join the chef team from Aria for an intimate and relaxing culinary experience in the Outdoor Kitchen.
Schedule: Select Tuesdays, April – October, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 per dinner; $840 for six dinners
Registration: Call 404-876-5859 ext. 2559
About Austin Goetzman
Austin Goetzman is the executive chef of Aria, one of Atlanta’s most enduring and respected dining destinations. His 2026 appointment marks a return to the restaurant where he began his career and a full-circle moment in a culinary journey that has taken him through some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens.
A graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta, Goetzman got his start in the Aria kitchen under founding chef-owner Gerry Klaskala, where he developed an early appreciation for the discipline, hospitality and attention to detail that continue to define the restaurant today. He later expanded his culinary perspective through experience at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley, EL Ideas and Acadia in Chicago, and Atlanta’s MICHELIN-starred Lazy Betty.
Raised in Alabama, Goetzman discovered his passion for cooking at an early age while spending time in the kitchen with his grandmother and later working in restaurants as a teenager. He also credits his early years at acclaimed chef Frank Stitt’s Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham with helping shape the work ethic and professional standards that continue to guide his approach to leadership.
At the core of Goetzman’s culinary philosophy is the idea of transformation. He is drawn to the process of taking exceptional ingredients and, through technique, attention and care, creating dishes that feel both refined and comforting. He believes great restaurants are built not only on food, but on culture, consistency and a shared commitment to excellence.
As executive chef, Goetzman is focused on preserving the essence of what has made Aria a beloved Atlanta institution while thoughtfully guiding its continued evolution.
“Aria has such a strong identity and sense of place,” says Goetzman. “I believe the best restaurants stay true to who they are while continuing to grow and evolve. That balance of consistency and curiosity is what keeps them meaningful to guests over time.”
His approach honors the restaurant’s longstanding identity and sense of place while embracing opportunities for growth, ensuring that Aria remains as meaningful to future generations of guests as it has been for the past two decades.
About ARIA
Aria is a Buckhead destination for modern American cuisine, known for seasonal ingredients, refined technique and an award-winning wine program. The restaurant pairs thoughtful craft with genuine hospitality to create memorable evenings in an inviting setting. Aria is located at 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-233-7673 or visit aria-atl.com.