Well-Seasoned Chef: Austin Goetzman

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 Join the waitlist See the Full Schedule 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…