The story
The Deer and the Dove is, in its own words, a farmer-centered neighborhood restaurant. Chef Terry Koval and his wife Jenn opened their dream restaurant in June 2019 on the historic Decatur Square, the town they have called home since 2006. The venture was built around a single conviction: a scratch kitchen focused on slow food, grounded in deep relationships with local farmers. The result is rustic cuisine that lets the ingredients speak – straightforward, honest, and tied to the seasons.
Located at 155 Sycamore Street, the restaurant feels like a natural extension of the Decatur community. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with wheelchair access and air conditioning ensuring comfort year-round. The atmosphere is welcoming without pretense, a place where a carefully sourced meal is the centerpiece of the evening. The kitchen operates with a philosophy of minimal waste and maximum respect for the land.
In 2026, The Deer and the Dove received a Michelin Recommended distinction, a nod that aligns perfectly with its ethos. The award acknowledges not just the cooking but the integrity of the sourcing and the warmth of the service. It is a restaurant that earns its accolades not by chasing trends, but by staying true to a simple, powerful idea: cook what the farmers bring, and treat every ingredient with care. Whether you come for dinner, dessert, or a digestif, you are supporting a network of growers and a kitchen that values substance over flash.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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