Where To Find the Best Greek Food in Atlanta
Atlanta has a strong Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dining scene, and Greek restaurants are a standout part of it. Whether you live in-town, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson, or are just in Buckhead for the weekend, you can find everything from casual gyros to polished, modern Greek dinners.
This guide walks through some of the best Greek restaurant options in Atlanta, what styles of Greek food you’ll see in different neighborhoods, and how to choose the right spot based on price, vibe, and location.
How to Think About “Best Greek Restaurant in Atlanta”
“Best” can mean different things depending on what you want:
- Quick and affordable: Counter-service gyros, souvlaki, pita wraps, and fries.
- Sit-down and family-friendly: Big portions, familiar dishes, and relaxed service.
- Upscale or date-night: Full mezze spreads, grilled seafood, beautiful patios, and cocktails.
- Late-night or game-day: Casual spots with TVs, beer, and hearty plates.
Atlanta’s Greek spots are spread across Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, the suburbs along I-85 and I-285, and near major office corridors like Perimeter Center. Traffic can be a real factor, so it helps to pick a restaurant that fits where you’ll actually be.
Quick Comparison: Types of Greek Restaurants You’ll Find in Atlanta
| Type of Spot | What You’ll Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-service gyro shop | Gyros, souvlaki, Greek fries, salads | Lunch breaks, casual dinners, takeout |
| Traditional taverna-style | Moussaka, pastitsio, lamb dishes, house wine | Family meals, relaxed group outings |
| Modern / upscale Greek | Mezze, grilled seafood, craft cocktails | Date nights, celebrations |
| Neighborhood café/bakery | Spanakopita, bougatsa, coffee, light plates | Brunch, snacks, dessert stops |
Best Greek Spots by Area in Atlanta
Below are well-known and commonly recommended Greek or Greek-leaning Mediterranean spots across metro Atlanta. Restaurant lineups can change, so it’s always smart to call ahead or check current hours before you go.
1. Intown & Midtown Atlanta
If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park, you’ll have easy access to several Greek and Greek-inspired Mediterranean options. Many are walkable from offices, hotels, or MARTA.
Typical picks in these areas often include:
Gyro and souvlaki shops that focus on:
- Rotisserie gyros
- Chicken and pork souvlaki
- Greek salads with feta and olives
- Baklava for dessert
Mediterranean grills with:
- Lamb skewers
- Hummus and tzatziki platters
- Pita sandwiches
- Vegetarian plates with falafel and roasted veggies
These intown spots tend to be fast-casual and are ideal if you’re:
- Working near Peachtree Street, Tech Square, or North Avenue
- Grabbing a quick bite before a show at the Fox Theatre
- Looking for delivery to a Midtown apartment or hotel
📝 Tip: For Midtown lunches, look for places that offer office catering trays—many Greek and Mediterranean restaurants in this area do large-format platters of gyros, salad, and rice for corporate meetings.
2. Buckhead & North Atlanta
Buckhead and the north side of Atlanta often lean more toward sit-down Mediterranean restaurants, some of which strongly feature Greek flavors and dishes.
What you’ll typically find:
Full-service Greek/Mediterranean menus with:
- Grilled octopus
- Saganaki (pan-fried cheese)
- Lamb chops or lamb shank
- Moussaka and pastitsio
- House red and white wines, sometimes Greek labels
More polished dining rooms or patios, often suited to:
- Business dinners
- Date nights
- Small celebrations
If you’re staying in Buckhead Village, near Lenox Square, or along Peachtree Road NE, you’ll usually be within a short drive of several Greek-inspired options. These areas are also convenient if you’re coming from Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, or Chamblee.
📝 Tip: Many Buckhead spots take reservations for weekends and parking can be tight in prime shopping corridors, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you’re going at peak times.
3. Decatur, Emory, and Eastside Neighborhoods
Decatur and the eastside (including parts of Druid Hills, Kirkwood, and Edgewood) have a strong neighborhood-restaurant feel, and that extends to Greek and Mediterranean options.
What to expect in this part of town:
- Relaxed, family-friendly dining rooms
- Plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly Greek dishes, such as:
- Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie)
- Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
- Horiatiki (village salad without lettuce)
- Grilled halloumi or vegetable skewers
The Decatur Square area is walkable, making it easy to combine a Greek dinner with a stop at a local bar, bakery, or park. If you’re visiting Emory University or staying near VA Highland or Candler Park, the eastside is particularly convenient.
4. Perimeter, Sandy Springs, and OTP North
Around Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs, Greek and Mediterranean restaurants are popular with office workers and residents along the GA-400 and I-285 corridors.
Here you’re likely to see:
Lunch-friendly, fast-casual spots:
- Build-your-own pita or bowl
- Quick-counter gyros and salads
- Online ordering and pickup windows
Some larger, sit-down restaurants with:
- Big combination platters
- Appetizer spreads (tzatziki, melitzanosalata, taramosalata)
- Beer and wine lists
These are convenient if you live in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Norcross, or Roswell, or if you work in the Perimeter office parks and want something more flavorful than standard fast food.
5. South Atlanta, College Park, and Airport Area
If you’re staying near the airport or in College Park, options can be more limited but you can still find Greek or Greek-inspired Mediterranean food within a short drive.
Typically, you’ll find:
- Casual gyro and shawarma spots near major corridors like Virginia Avenue, Old National Highway, or around Camp Creek Parkway
- Places geared toward:
- Quick meals between flights
- Hotel guests
- Local residents looking for hearty, flavorful plates
If you have a layover at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, some Greek-style options are often available inside the terminals through Mediterranean chains or counters that serve gyro wraps, salads, and hummus, though these may not be exclusively Greek.
What to Order at a Greek Restaurant in Atlanta
No matter which Atlanta neighborhood you’re in, most Greek restaurants and Greek-inspired Mediterranean spots share a familiar core menu. To get the best out of your visit, consider these classic dishes:
Must-Try Starters (Meze)
- Tzatziki with pita – Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
- Hummus and dips platter – Many Atlanta places blend Greek and broader Mediterranean traditions.
- Spanakopita – Flaky phyllo stuffed with spinach and feta.
- Dolmades – Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
- Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta; often served with or without lettuce.
Main Dishes
- Gyro plates and wraps – Rotisserie meat, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and fries or rice on the side.
- Souvlaki – Grilled meat skewers (chicken, pork, or lamb) served with pita and sides.
- Moussaka – Layered eggplant, potatoes, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
- Pastitsio – Greek-style baked pasta with meat and creamy topping.
- Grilled whole fish or seafood – Especially in more upscale or coastal-inspired Greek spots.
Desserts
- Baklava – Layers of phyllo with nuts and honey syrup, widely available around Atlanta.
- Galaktoboureko or custard-based pastries – More common in traditional or bakery-style places.
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts – A lighter choice if you’re full from mezze.
How to Choose the Best Greek Restaurant for Your Situation
When you’re deciding where to go in Atlanta, use these questions to narrow it down:
1. Where Are You Starting From?
Atlanta traffic is a key factor. Consider:
- Intown (Downtown/Midtown/Inman Park): Great for quick lunches, pre-event meals, and walkable dinners.
- Buckhead / North Atlanta: Better for nicer sit-down meals and date nights.
- Decatur / Eastside: Good for neighborhood vibes and flexible dietary needs.
- Perimeter / OTP North: Convenient if you live or work nearby and want reliable, quick Greek food.
- Airport / Southside: Look for Greek-inspired counter spots within a short drive from hotels.
2. What Atmosphere Do You Want?
- Casual and fast: Look for “grill,” “gyro,” or “Mediterranean grill” in the name.
- Cozy and sit-down: Look for “taverna,” “kitchen,” or “Greek restaurant” with table service.
- Upscale: Menus that highlight “mezze,” “seafood,” or “wine list” usually lean more polished.
3. Any Dietary Preferences?
Many Atlanta Greek and Mediterranean places are familiar with:
- Vegetarian and vegan choices:
- Falafel platters
- Veggie gyros
- Lentil soups and salads
- Lighter, health-focused plates:
- Grilled chicken souvlaki
- Salad-based meals with added protein
- Gluten-conscious requests:
- Gyro meat or souvlaki over rice or salad instead of pita
Call ahead if you have strict dietary restrictions; kitchens vary in how they handle cross-contact.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Greek Food in Atlanta
- Check parking before you go. Intown and Buckhead areas often rely on decks, valet, or paid street parking. Suburban locations usually have larger lots.
- Consider Atlanta’s peak hours. Popular Greek and Mediterranean spots can get busy on:
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Weekday lunch rushes near business districts
- Explore takeout and delivery. Many Greek restaurants in Atlanta work with common delivery services and offer online ordering for pickup.
- Ask about daily specials. Traditional Greek dishes like lamb shank, whole fish, or oven-baked casseroles are often featured as specials, especially at more traditional or upscale spots.
- Use local cues. If you see lots of neighborhood regulars or office workers lined up, it’s often a good sign the food is consistent and well-liked.
If You’re New to Atlanta and Love Greek Food
If you’ve just moved to Atlanta or are here for an extended stay:
- Start with a nearby gyro shop for an easy first visit.
- Try a neighborhood taverna for a relaxed weekend dinner with friends.
- Treat yourself to a higher-end Greek or Mediterranean spot for a special occasion.
- Pay attention to which menus highlight:
- Authentic Greek family recipes
- Broader Mediterranean fusion
- Modern interpretations of classics
Over time, you’ll get a feel for which style of Greek food you prefer—rustic and traditional, quick and casual, or polished and modern—and you can build your own personal list of “best Greek restaurants in Atlanta” based on where you live, work, and go out.
That approach will serve you far better than chasing a single “#1” answer, especially in a city as spread out and diverse as Atlanta.