Ruscello at Nordstrom: A Relaxed Mediterranean Lunch Spot in Atlanta

If you spend time at Nordstrom in Atlanta and want something nicer than a food court but more relaxed than a white-tablecloth restaurant, Ruscello at Nordstrom is one of the main in-store dining options to know. While Nordstrom restaurants can vary by location over time, the concept behind Ruscello is consistent: casual, sit-down Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a bright, comfortable setting inside the department store.

This guide walks through what to expect from Ruscello at Nordstrom as it typically operates, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and how to make the most of a visit if you live in or are visiting the city.

Where You’ll Find Ruscello-Style Dining in Atlanta

In the Atlanta metro area, Nordstrom has historically offered full-service, in-store restaurants with a similar feel and menu style to Ruscello, usually located:

• Inside the main Nordstrom stores, typically near the upper floors
• Past the women’s or men’s departments, signed as a restaurant or bistro
• With access from within the store (often no separate exterior entrance)

Because concepts can rotate or be renamed, Atlantans often just refer to them as “the restaurant at Nordstrom.” If you’re calling to ask, you can say something like:

Staff at the Lenox Square or other Atlanta-area Nordstrom locations can tell you:

• What the in-store restaurant is currently called
• Whether it’s full-service or more of a café
• Current hours, wait times, and kids’ options

What Kind of Food Does Ruscello Serve?

Ruscello is generally known for Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes with a modern American twist. In an Atlanta setting, you can usually expect a menu that feels lighter and fresher than many mall restaurants, with:

Typical Menu Categories

• Starters & Small Plates

  • Hummus with warm pita
  • Bruschetta or flatbreads
  • Seasonal soups

• Salads

  • Chopped salads with roasted chicken
  • Mediterranean salads with feta, olives, and cucumbers
  • Grain-based bowls with greens and vegetables

• Sandwiches & Burgers

  • Grilled chicken sandwiches
  • Panini with mozzarella, tomato, and basil
  • Burgers with modern toppings

• Pastas & Mains

  • Simple pasta dishes with tomato or cream-based sauces
  • Grilled salmon or chicken with vegetables
  • Flatbread pizzas with Mediterranean toppings

• Desserts

  • Cakes or seasonal desserts
  • Gelato or sorbet, depending on the location

• Beverages

  • Soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee drinks
  • Often a small selection of beer, wine, and sometimes cocktails

The overall experience is sit-down, table service, but with a relaxed, “come-as-you-are” feeling that fits an Atlanta shopping day.

What Makes Ruscello Appealing for Atlanta Diners?

1. A Break from the Mall Hustle

If you’re shopping at Lenox Square, Perimeter, or other large Atlanta malls that have Nordstrom, a Ruscello-style restaurant is a quieter escape from:

• Busy food courts
• Lines at quick-service counters
• Standing while you wait for takeaway

You’re seated, orders are taken at the table, and the environment is calm enough for conversation.

2. Comfortable for Families

Atlanta families often choose Nordstrom’s in-store restaurants because they tend to offer:

• High chairs and kid-friendly seating
• Children’s menu items such as pasta, grilled cheese, or chicken strips
• A more forgiving environment for strollers and shopping bags

For parents who’ve been moving between stores at Lenox Square or other malls, this can be a more manageable option than a crowded, noisy fast-food area.

3. Good for Casual Meetings

Many Atlanta professionals and freelancers like using these spaces for:

• Informal business lunches near Buckhead hotels and offices
• Quick meetings between shopping or errands
• A quiet spot to check email between appointments

Because the layout is more open and the background noise moderate, it can be easier to talk than in extremely busy Midtown or Buckhead restaurants at peak hours.

How Ruscello Fits into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of Mediterranean and international restaurants—from Buford Highway’s globally diverse strip malls to sophisticated dining in Buckhead and Midtown. Within that spectrum, Ruscello serves a particular niche:

• Accessibility: Located inside a major retail destination, it’s easy to reach if you’re already shopping.
• Familiar flavors: While Mediterranean-inspired, the menu stays approachable—lots of salads, pastas, panini, and grilled items.
• Consistent style: Nordstrom tends to keep its restaurant concepts fairly uniform, so regulars know roughly what to expect.

For someone new to Atlanta or visiting from out of town, Ruscello offers an easy entry point into Mediterranean flavors without leaving the mall area or navigating heavier traffic zones.

Typical Experience: What to Expect Step by Step

Here’s how a visit to a Ruscello-style Nordstrom restaurant in Atlanta generally goes:

1. Arrive through Nordstrom

   • Take the escalator or elevator to the level where the restaurant is located.
   • Look for signage for “Restaurant,” “Ruscello,” “Bazille,” or similar branding.

2. Check in at the host stand

   • The host will seat your party; at slower times, there may be little to no wait.
   • At peak weekend or holiday times, you might have a brief wait, especially at busy malls.

3. Review the menu

   • You’ll see sections for starters, salads, sandwiches, mains, and desserts.
   • Many Atlanta diners appreciate the lighter Mediterranean-style options after a long shopping day.

4. Order and dine at your pace

   • Service is usually relaxed but attentive.
   • You won’t be rushed out, making it a good mid-day break or early dinner option.

5. Pay at the table

   • You’ll receive your check from your server, just like at a typical sit-down restaurant.
   • You can then step right back into the store to continue shopping if you’re not done.

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

To help you quickly decide if Ruscello-style dining fits your day, here’s a simple comparison:

When Ruscello Is a Smart Choice in Atlanta

You might consider Ruscello at Nordstrom (or its current equivalent) if:

• 🛍 You’re already shopping at a mall with Nordstrom and want a proper sit-down meal.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 You need a family-friendly option that’s calmer than most food courts.
• 💼 You’re meeting someone near Buckhead or Perimeter and want a straightforward, neutral place.
• 🌤 You prefer Mediterranean-leaning, lighter dishes over heavy fast food.
• 🕒 You don’t want to fight Atlanta traffic just to grab lunch, especially during peak hours.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re seeking a destination restaurant to explore Atlanta’s most unique cuisines.
• You want deeply traditional dishes from a specific country’s cuisine.
• You’re focused on budget dining and prefer food court or fast-casual prices.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Visiting Ruscello at Nordstrom

To make your visit smoother:

• Call ahead for hours

  • Atlanta malls often adjust hours during holidays, special events, or sales.
  • The restaurant may have different hours from the main store, so confirming can prevent surprises.

• Ask about wait times

  • On busy weekends in Buckhead or during events, calling before you head up to the restaurant can help you plan.

• Check for kids’ options

  • If you’re taking children, ask whether there’s a dedicated kids’ menu or half portions.

• Plan for parking

  • At popular Atlanta malls, allow extra time for parking—especially at Lenox Square or similar high-traffic centers.

• Note dietary preferences

  • Many Mediterranean-inspired dishes can be adapted for lighter, vegetarian, or simpler preparations.
  • You can ask servers about ingredient adjustments when ordering.

How to Confirm Current Details in Atlanta

Since restaurant concepts within Nordstrom can shift, the most reliable way to confirm if a Ruscello-style restaurant is currently operating at a specific Atlanta Nordstrom is to:

1. Look up the phone number for the Nordstrom store you plan to visit (for instance, at Lenox Square in Buckhead).
2. Call the store and ask to be connected to the restaurant or dining department.
3. Ask:
   • The name of the current in-store restaurant
   • Opening and closing times
   • Whether they serve lunch and dinner, or lunch only
   • If they take large parties or call-ahead seating

This quick check ensures your plans match what’s actually available that day.

If you’re in Atlanta and want a calm, sit-down meal with Mediterranean-inspired, international flavors in the middle of a shopping trip, the Nordstrom restaurant concept often known as Ruscello offers a convenient and comfortable option without leaving the mall.