Where To Find Great Greek Food in Atlanta
Greek food in Atlanta is easy to love and surprisingly easy to find. Whether you want a casual gyro after a Braves game, a family-style feast in the suburbs, or fresh Mediterranean flavors for a weeknight dinner, the metro area has plenty of options.
This guide focuses on where and how to enjoy Greek food in Atlanta, what to expect on the menu, and practical tips for locals and visitors.
What “Greek Food in Atlanta” Usually Means
When you search for Greek food in Atlanta, you’ll run into a few main types of places:
- Traditional Greek tavernas – home-style dishes, grilled meats, meze (small plates), and relaxed sit-down service.
- Greek/Mediterranean fast-casual spots – build-your-own bowls, gyros, salads, and pitas; common near offices and shopping areas.
- Bakeries and cafés – baklava, Greek coffee, spanakopita, and other pastries.
- Festival and food truck options – especially around Greek Orthodox churches and neighborhood events.
Most Greek restaurants in Atlanta sit somewhere on a spectrum between traditional Greek and broader Mediterranean (with Middle Eastern and Turkish influences). If you’re craving something very specific—like moussaka, souvlaki, or whole grilled fish—it’s worth checking the menu before you go.
Core Greek Dishes You’ll See on Atlanta Menus
Understanding the basics makes it easier to order confidently.
Popular Mains
- Gyro – Seasoned meat (often a blend of beef and lamb, sometimes chicken) sliced from a vertical spit, usually served:
- In a pita wrap with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki
- Or on a plate with rice, salad, and pita
- Souvlaki – Marinated meat (pork, chicken, beef, or lamb) grilled on skewers; often served with rice, fries, pita, and salad.
- Moussaka – Layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, baked like a casserole; usually found at more traditional sit-down spots.
- Pastitsio – Greek “lasagna” with tubular pasta, seasoned ground beef, and creamy béchamel.
- Greek-style whole fish – Often grilled with olive oil, lemon, and herbs; more common at higher-end or traditional restaurants.
- Bifteki / keftedes – Greek-style meat patties or meatballs, sometimes served with pita, salad, and tzatziki.
Classic Sides and Meze (Small Plates)
- Tzatziki – Yogurt-cucumber-garlic dip; a staple.
- Hummus and baba ghanoush – Widely available at Greek/Mediterranean hybrids.
- Dolmades – Grape leaves stuffed with rice and sometimes meat.
- Spanakopita – Spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough.
- Tiropita – Cheese-filled phyllo triangles.
- Falafel – Not strictly Greek, but very common on Atlanta “Greek & Mediterranean” menus.
Salads and Lighter Options
- Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, olives, feta, and vinaigrette (often called a “horiatiki” salad if it’s more traditional and lettuce-free).
- Village salads and grilled veggie plates – Good options if you’re aiming for a lighter meal with plenty of vegetables and olive oil–based dressings.
Desserts
- Baklava – Layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey or syrup.
- Galaktoboureko – Custard in phyllo with syrup.
- Loukoumades – Fried dough puffs with honey and cinnamon, sometimes served at festivals and some restaurants.
Key Areas in Atlanta for Greek Food
You’ll find Greek food scattered across the metro area, but some neighborhoods and corridors make it especially easy.
Intown and Close-In Neighborhoods
Midtown & Downtown
Expect a mix of fast-casual gyro and pita shops around office buildings and sit-down Mediterranean restaurants that work well for business lunches or pre-show dinners (especially near Peachtree Street and the Arts Center area).Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland & Inman Park
These neighborhoods lean toward trendy, chef-driven Mediterranean spots with Greek-inspired small plates and cocktails, plus casual gyro and pita options. Walking-friendly streets make it easy to pop into a café for spanakopita and coffee or grab something quick before hitting the BeltLine.West Midtown
You’ll find modern takes on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine here—think sharable dips, grilled seafood, and chic interiors that suit date nights or group dinners.
North Atlanta & Suburbs
Buckhead
Popular for sit-down Greek and Mediterranean restaurants with larger menus, wine lists, and polished service. These are good picks for birthdays, family gatherings, or business dinners.Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Perimeter
Office-heavy areas often have reliable fast-casual Greek options for lunch (build-your-own bowls, wraps, and salads), plus a few family-owned Greek restaurants in the surrounding shopping centers.Roswell, Alpharetta & Johns Creek
North Fulton has several long-standing Greek and Mediterranean eateries, often in strip centers near major roads like Holcomb Bridge Road, Mansell Road, and State Bridge Road. These areas are convenient if you live or stay outside the Perimeter but still want that taverna-style dinner.
East & West of the City
Decatur & Tucker
Known for global food diversity, this side of town includes Greek/Mediterranean restaurants and bakeries, sometimes sharing space with markets that carry olive oil, feta, olives, and other staples to take home.Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta & Kennesaw
Cobb County has a mix of casual gyro shops near highways and family-run Greek restaurants where you can linger over a platter of souvlaki and a Greek salad.
Types of Greek Food Experiences in Atlanta
1. Quick Gyro, Wrap, or Bowl Near You
If you’re looking for Greek food fast, especially on a lunch break or before a game:
- Focus on fast-casual Greek or Mediterranean chains and independents along major corridors like Peachtree Road, Roswell Road, Cobb Parkway, and Buford Highway.
- You’ll typically find:
- Gyro pitas and platters
- Build-your-own bowls (base + protein + toppings + sauce)
- Greek salads with grilled chicken
- Falafel pitas and vegetarian plates
These spots are built for takeout and delivery, which is ideal if you’re staying in a hotel downtown, in Midtown, or near Perimeter Center.
2. Sit-Down Greek & Mediterranean Restaurants
For a more leisurely meal, look toward:
- Neighborhood Greek restaurants in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Decatur
- Mediterranean bistros in intown areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and West Midtown
These often offer:
- Warm pita with tzatziki, hummus, or eggplant dip to start
- Meze platters for sharing
- Grilled lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, or seafood
- Pastitsio, moussaka, and other baked specialties
- Greek wines and sometimes ouzo or Greek-style cocktails
Reservations can help on weekends, especially at popular spots in Buckhead, Midtown, and the northern suburbs.
3. Greek Bakeries, Cafés, and Markets
If you’re more interested in pastries, coffee, or pantry items:
- Look for Mediterranean or European grocery markets around Atlanta that carry:
- Feta cheese and other brined cheeses
- Olives, olive oils, and vinegars
- Imported phyllo dough, spices, and Greek sweets
Some operate small in-store bakeries where you can get fresh baklava, spanakopita, tiropita, and koulourakia (cookies).
Buford Highway, parts of Northeast Atlanta, and several pockets in the northern suburbs are especially known for a wide range of international markets, including Greek and broader Mediterranean options.
4. Greek Food at Festivals and Church Events
Atlanta’s Greek community often hosts festivals and church events where you can sample homemade dishes:
- The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, located at
2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
typically holds events featuring:- Gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, tiropita
- Greek pastries and coffees
- Sometimes live music and dancing
Festivals are a good way to try many traditional dishes at once, often at outdoor booths. Schedules can vary, so it’s wise to check for current event details before you go.
Finding Greek Food That Fits Your Needs
Atlanta’s size means you can usually match your craving to your situation—whether that’s budget, diet, or time of day.
Budget-Friendly vs. Special Occasion
Budget-friendly choices
- Fast-casual gyro and bowl spots
- Lunch specials at neighborhood Greek restaurants
- Takeout combos (gyro + fries + drink)
Special-occasion options
- Full-service restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, and select suburbs
- Places that offer whole fish, lamb chops, and extensive meze menus
- Restaurants with larger dining rooms suitable for family gatherings
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Lighter Eating
Greek food in Atlanta usually includes several vegetarian-friendly dishes:
- Greek salads (ask to hold the feta if you’re vegan)
- Spanakopita and tiropita (vegetarian, but typically contain dairy)
- Lentil soups, grilled vegetables, and bean dishes at some spots
- Falafel wraps and plates at Greek/Mediterranean hybrids
Tips for ordering:
- Ask if dishes can be made with olive oil instead of butter.
- Request no cheese or yogurt-based sauce if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Swap fries or rice for extra salad or vegetables when possible.
Ordering for Takeout or Delivery
Most Greek restaurants and gyro shops in Atlanta participate in major delivery apps and offer phone-in or online pickup orders.
When placing a to-go order:
- Confirm sauce on the side if you want to avoid sogginess in pitas or fries.
- Ask if cold items (like salad) can be packed separately from hot items.
- For group orders, consider large meze or sampler platters—they travel well and suit different tastes.
Quick Comparison: Common Greek Options in Atlanta
| If you want… | Look for… | Typical Areas |
|---|---|---|
| A fast gyro or bowl at lunch | Greek/Mediterranean fast-casual spots | Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, Cobb, Buckhead |
| A relaxed, family-style Greek dinner | Sit-down Greek or Mediterranean restaurants | Buckhead, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Decatur |
| Coffee and pastries | Greek/Mediterranean bakeries & cafés | Intown neighborhoods and select suburbs |
| Groceries and ingredients | Mediterranean or European markets | Buford Hwy corridor, Northeast ATL, North suburbs |
| Festival-style variety | Greek Orthodox church events & festivals | Clairmont Rd NE area and other church locations |
Practical Tips for Enjoying Greek Food in Atlanta
- Traffic and timing: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on I-285, GA-400, and I-75/I-85. If you’re crossing town for a specific restaurant, build in extra time—especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Parking: Many Greek restaurants are in shopping centers with free parking, while intown areas may rely more on street parking or paid decks. Check ahead if you’re going to Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park.
- Reservations: For popular weekend spots or larger groups, calling ahead is smart—particularly in Buckhead, Midtown, and trendy intown neighborhoods.
- Family-friendly: Greek restaurants are often welcoming to families, with platters that are easy to share and familiar options like grilled chicken, rice, fries, and pita for picky eaters.
- Leftovers: Many dishes—moussaka, pastitsio, grilled meats, and rice—reheat well, so don’t hesitate to take leftovers if portions are large.
If you’re in or around Atlanta, chances are good that solid Greek food is within a short drive, whether that’s a quick gyro shop near your office, a family-run taverna in the suburbs, or a festival weekend at a local Greek Orthodox church. Starting with the areas and tips above will help you find the style of Greek food that fits your schedule, budget, and cravings.