Where to Find the Best Middle Eastern Food in Atlanta

Atlanta’s Middle Eastern food scene has grown into one of the city’s most flavorful strengths. Whether you live intown, commute from the suburbs, or are visiting and staying near the airport, you can find great shawarma, falafel, kebabs, and regional specialties across the metro area.

This guide breaks down where to go, what to order, and how to navigate Middle Eastern cuisine specifically in Atlanta, Georgia.

What “Middle Eastern Food” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “Middle Eastern food” on a menu often pulls from several regional traditions:

• Levantine (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian) – hummus, falafel, shawarma, tabbouleh
• Turkish – doner, pide (Turkish flatbread), kofte
• Persian/Iranian – saffron rice, koobideh and barg kebabs, stews like ghormeh sabzi
• Mediterranean fusion – Greek touches like pita, tzatziki, and Greek salads blended into menus

Most spots around Atlanta will label themselves Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or both, so don’t worry too much about the exact name. Instead, focus on:

• How fresh the bread and salads taste
• Whether the meats are well-seasoned and juicy
• If they offer vegetarian and vegan options if you need them

Quick Overview: Middle Eastern Food by Area

Here’s a simple overview of how Middle Eastern dining is spread around metro Atlanta:

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Atlanta by Experience

1. For Classic Hummus, Falafel, and Shawarma

If your top priority is the basics done well, look for places that focus on:

• House-made hummus (creamy, not grainy)
• Falafel fried to order (crisp outside, soft inside)
• Rotisserie or spit-roasted shawarma

These are the dishes most Atlantans use to compare Middle Eastern spots. In many city neighborhoods, you’ll see:

• Counter-service spots where you build a plate or wrap
• Combo plates with rice, salad, hummus, and meat
• Add-ons like baba ghanoush, grape leaves, or lentil soup

When you’re in Atlanta, you’ll find these near Georgia Tech/Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and along Buford Highway.

Pro tip: If you’re trying a new place, start with a mezze sampler (a mix of dips and small plates). It’s one of the easiest ways to judge quality.

2. For Persian (Iranian) Grills and Rice

Persian-style restaurants in metro Atlanta are known for:

• Long-grain basmati rice with saffron
• Koobideh kebabs (seasoned ground beef or lamb)
• Barg kebabs (marinated steak)
• Rich stews like fesenjan and ghormeh sabzi

You’ll see more of these in North Atlanta and nearby suburbs. They tend to be sit-down, family-friendly places with:

• Large portions meant for sharing
• Mixed grill platters that are ideal for groups
• Tea service and sometimes simple desserts like baklava or saffron ice cream

If you’re staying or living around Sandy Springs, Norcross, or Duluth, you’re especially close to this style of Middle Eastern food.

3. For Turkish-Influenced Dishes

Turkish-style places around Atlanta often feature:

• Doner kebab (similar to shawarma)
• Pide (boat-shaped flatbreads with meat or cheese)
• Lahmacun (thin, crispy flatbread with ground meat)
• Grilled meats like Adana kebab

You’ll see these appear both at explicitly Turkish restaurants and at more general Mediterranean grills. They’re a solid choice when:

• You want something a bit different from typical wraps
• You’re going out with a group and want lots of shareable dishes

4. For Vegetarians and Vegans

Atlanta is generally friendly to plant-based eating, and Middle Eastern cuisine adapts very well. Look for:

• Falafel plates (ask if they’re fried in a separate oil if you’re strict)
• Hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara (red pepper + walnut dip)
• Tabbouleh, fattoush, and cucumber salads
• Mujadara (lentils and rice with caramelized onions), when available
• Grape leaves (dolma) – ask if they contain meat or are vegetarian

Intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Decatur, and Inman Park tend to offer more vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern menus. When you order in Atlanta, it’s common and accepted to ask:

Staff are usually used to substituting grilled vegetables or extra salads for meat.

5. For Quick Lunch or Takeout Near Offices

If you’re working or staying near Atlanta’s major business areas, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots are a popular grab-and-go lunch choice:

Common office-adjacent areas with options include:

• Downtown Atlanta – near government buildings and office towers
• Midtown – near tech companies, Georgia Tech, and arts centers
• Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs – close to corporate campuses and hospitals
• Cumberland / Galleria – around the Braves stadium and office parks

These places typically offer:

• Build-your-own bowls with rice, salad, meat, and toppings
• Pre-built wraps for quick eating
• Online ordering and pickup shelves for busy lunch rushes

If you’re commuting by MARTA, Middle Eastern-style lunch spots often cluster around major stations like Midtown, Peachtree Center, and Dunwoody.

How to Pick the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Atlanta

When you’re comparing options in Atlanta, a few practical checks can help you find a great spot:

1. Look at the Bread and Rice

At many of Atlanta’s better Middle Eastern restaurants:

• Pita or flatbread is served warm, sometimes baked in-house
• Rice is fluffy and may be topped with vermicelli, nuts, or saffron

If bread is cold and rice is dry, it usually reflects the overall quality.

2. Check for a Mezze or Appetizer Section

A longer mezze (small plates) section usually means:

• The kitchen knows its way around traditional recipes
• You’ll have more options if you’re sharing or eating light

Dishes to look for include:

• Hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara
• Labneh, olives, pickles
• Grape leaves, kibbeh, lentil soup

3. Ask About Halal Needs

Many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots in Atlanta either:

• Serve halal meat, or
• Are familiar with customers who need halal options

If this matters to you, it’s normal in Atlanta to call ahead and ask:

• What percentage of the menu is halal
• Whether they separate cooking surfaces or fryers

Places along Buford Highway, in Doraville, Clarkston, and parts of Norcross often have stronger halal availability due to local communities and markets.

Middle Eastern Food Near Major Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re visiting and planning around attractions, here’s what to expect by area:

Near Downtown (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena)

Within a short drive, you can usually find:

• Casual shawarma and falafel spots for quick meals
• Slightly more upscale Mediterranean restaurants for sit-down dinners

These are convenient if you’re staying near Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, or attending an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Midtown and Arts District

Great when you want:

• A trendier atmosphere with cocktails or wine
• Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food that works for a date night or business dinner
• Easy access after a show at the Fox Theatre or a visit to the High Museum of Art

Decatur and Eastside Neighborhoods

These areas often feature:

• Cozy, locally owned spots with strong vegetarian options
• Walkable streets where you can grab coffee or dessert nearby afterward
• A mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and other global cuisines

If you live near Emory University, East Atlanta Village, or Kirkwood, you’ll usually have at least one Middle Eastern-leaning place within a short drive.

Northside and the Suburbs (Sandy Springs, Norcross, Duluth)

These parts of metro Atlanta are strong for:

• Family-owned Persian and Turkish grills
• Larger dining rooms suitable for big groups
• More traditional menu items not always found intown

If you’re based near Perimeter Mall, Gwinnett Place, or the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard corridor, Middle Eastern food is often easier to find than in some intown residential pockets.

Markets, Bakeries, and Quick Bites

Beyond sit-down restaurants, Atlanta has a range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets where you can pick up:

• Fresh pita and flatbreads
• Prepared foods like hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and olives
• Spices (sumac, za’atar), tahini, and specialty ingredients
• Sweets like baklava, Turkish delight, and sesame cookies

These markets are most commonly found in:

• Doraville and Chamblee along Buford Highway
• Parts of Clarkston, known for its international groceries
• Norcross, Duluth, and Tucker, where there are many global food stores

If you’re cooking at home in Atlanta, markets can be the most affordable and authentic way to explore Middle Eastern flavors.

Ordering Tips for First-Timers in Atlanta

If you’re new to Middle Eastern food, you can build a reliable meal almost anywhere in the city with this simple approach:

1. Start with a dip + bread

   • Hummus or baba ghanoush with warm pita

2. Add a main protein

   • Shawarma, kofta/koobideh kebab, or grilled chicken

3. Include a fresh side

   • Tabbouleh, fattoush, or cucumber-tomato salad

4. Try a shared item

   • Falafel, grape leaves, or a small sampler plate

5. Finish with tea or a small dessert, if available

   • Baklava, kunafa, or simple cookies

In Atlanta, portion sizes are often generous; sharing a couple of appetizers and one or two mains is usually enough for two people.

Practical Considerations: Parking, Traffic, and Timing

Because this is Atlanta, logistics matter almost as much as what you order:

• Traffic:

  • Expect heavy traffic on weekdays from about 4:00–7:00 p.m. on major arteries like I‑285, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑75.
  • If you’re crossing town to try a restaurant, aim for early dinner (before 6 p.m.) or later in the evening.

• Parking:

  • Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Inman Park, Decatur) may use street parking or shared decks.
  • Suburban spots usually have free parking lots.

• Reservations:

  • Casual shawarma/falafel places are typically walk-in only.
  • More formal Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurants may accept or recommend reservations, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

How Locals Use Middle Eastern Food in Their Weekly Routine

If you live in Atlanta, Middle Eastern food easily fits into regular routines:

• Weeknight takeout – Fast, filling, and usually more balanced than heavy fried options
• Office catering and group lunches – Build-your-own bowls and platters are common catering orders
• Post-game family dinners – Suburban grills are popular after kids’ sports or weekend errands
• Vegetarian-friendly meetups – Easy to accommodate different dietary needs

A typical Atlanta pattern is:

• Weekday lunches at casual counter-service spots near work
• Weekend dinners at more full-service Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurants in destination neighborhoods

By focusing on fresh bread, flavorful dips, well-seasoned grills, and balanced plates, you can find excellent Middle Eastern food across Atlanta—whether you’re staying downtown, commuting from the suburbs, or exploring Buford Highway and beyond.