Another day, another fusion restaurant opening. In a city struggling to blend old, new, north, south, and just about everything else, it almost passes for a novel idea.

Almost.

Luckily, Saga (as in, South African/Georgian) seems to be stirring up something special.

Proprietor and Cape Town native Sean Lupton-Smith cut his teeth opening Boneheads, and is behind Saga’s exclusive South African varietals and apps like dried sausage and mussels with saffron, dashi ginger, and smoky chorizo.

Chef Drew Van Leuvan (formerly of Spice), on the other hand, trained with the best in this town: Turns with Catherall, Seeger, and Tuohy readied him for a menu that’s equal parts straight-up Southern (his signature huckleberry pie) and new age international (spiced chocolate truffle cake topped with cumin caramel toffee).

The year-round patio, double-sided fireplace, and blue and sepia sunset color scheme also help bring things together harmoniously.

It’s enough to bring a tear to one’s eye.

Or, at least, justify a tear to one’s pants.

Saga, 1100 Crescent Avenue, Midtown (404-872-0999).