Mediterranean Food in Atlanta: Where to Go and What to Know

Mediterranean food has become a staple across Atlanta, from casual gyros on Buford Highway to elegant tapas in Midtown. Whether you live in the city or you are visiting for a few days, Atlanta offers a wide range of Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Israeli, North African, and broader Mediterranean-inspired spots to explore.

This guide walks you through what to expect, where Mediterranean food clusters around the city, and how to choose the right place for your taste, budget, and schedule.

What “Mediterranean Food” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, Mediterranean food usually falls into a few overlapping categories:

• Greek – gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, Greek salads
• Levantine / Middle Eastern – shawarma, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, kebabs, tabbouleh
• Turkish – doner kebab, pide (Turkish “pizza”), grilled meats, mezze
• Israeli-inspired – hummus plates, shakshuka, sabich, fresh salads
• North African – tagines, couscous, harissa-seasoned dishes
• Modern “Mediterranean fusion” – tapas-style small plates, seafood, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats with Mediterranean flavors

Across the metro area, you’ll find both traditional family-run restaurants and modern, design-focused spots with more experimental menus.

Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for Mediterranean Food

While you can find Mediterranean options all over the city, some areas have especially strong clusters.

Midtown & Downtown

Midtown and Downtown are prime if you’re staying near major attractions, offices, or hotels.

You’ll commonly find:

• Casual counter-service cafes with shawarma, falafel, and rice bowls
• Sit-down Mediterranean bistros offering grilled fish, lamb, and mezze plates
• Late-lunch-friendly spots geared toward office workers and students (Georgia Tech, Georgia State)

These areas are especially convenient if you’re:

• Attending a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Visiting Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, or Atlanta Symphony Hall
• Staying near Peachtree Street and want walkable options

Buckhead

Buckhead leans more upscale, with Mediterranean restaurants that often focus on:

• Wine lists featuring Mediterranean regions
• Stylish interiors suitable for business dinners or date nights
• Expanded seafood and grilled meat options

Many Buckhead Mediterranean spots are located close to Peachtree Road NE, major hotels, and shopping centers, making them straightforward to reach if you’re already in the area.

Decatur & Eastside

Downtown Decatur and nearby Eastside neighborhoods often highlight:

• Cozy, locally-owned Mediterranean cafes
• Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menus
• More relaxed, neighborhood-focused atmospheres

If you’re coming by MARTA, Decatur is usually easy to reach via the Decatur Station on the Blue Line, and you’ll find Mediterranean options clustered within walking distance of the square.

Buford Highway & Doraville

For many locals, Buford Highway is a go-to corridor for global cuisine, including several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options. Here you’re more likely to find:

• Family-run shawarma and kebab shops
• Mediterranean grocery stores and bakeries with hot-food counters
• More traditional dishes and large portions at relatively modest prices

If you’re driving, look along Buford Highway NE between the Atlanta city limits and Doraville for strip centers with multiple Mediterranean businesses in one place.

Types of Mediterranean Dining Experiences in Atlanta

1. Quick & Casual (Great for Lunch or Takeout)

You’ll see many fast-casual Mediterranean restaurants in and around Atlanta’s office clusters, universities, and shopping areas.

Typical features:

• Order-at-the-counter service
• Build-your-own bowls, wraps, and salads
• Options like hummus, falafel, chicken shawarma, lamb gyro, tabbouleh, and grilled veggies
• Online ordering and takeout-friendly packaging

These work well if you:

• Need a 30-minute lunch on a workday
• Want to grab something to bring to Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, or the BeltLine
• Prefer to customize your meal (extra veggies, no dairy, etc.)

2. Full-Service Restaurants

Full-service Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta range from family-style Greek tavernas to more modern, chef-driven spots.

You can usually expect:

• Table service and more time to linger
• Expanded menus (whole fish, lamb shanks, moussaka, paella-style dishes, or tagines)
• A broader mezze (small plates) selection
• Desserts like baklava, kanafeh, rice pudding, or semolina cakes

These are better choices for:

• Weekend dinners
• Celebrations with family or friends
• A slower meal before or after an event (concert, theatre, sports)

3. Cafes, Bakeries, and Markets

Atlanta also has Mediterranean bakeries and grocery markets—especially around Buford Highway, Norcross, Chamblee, and parts of DeKalb County—that serve prepared foods.

You might find:

• Fresh pita, lavash, and other breads
• Baklava, ma’amoul, cookies, and pastries
• Ready-made salads and dips (hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, labneh)
• Rotisserie shawarma or doner sliced to order
• Spices, olive oils, and specialty ingredients to cook at home

These are great if you:

• Want to stock up for the week
• Are hosting and need platters of Mediterranean food
• Prefer to cook but want authentic ingredients

Common Mediterranean Dishes You’ll See in Atlanta

While each restaurant has its own twist, you’ll see many of the same core Mediterranean dishes across the city.

Starters & Mezze

• Hummus – blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic
• Baba ghanoush – roasted eggplant dip
• Tzatziki – yogurt, cucumber, and garlic sauce
• Dolmas / Dolmades – stuffed grape leaves
• Falafel – fried chickpea fritters
• Spanakopita – spinach and feta in flaky pastry
• Pita bread – often served warm with dips

Mains

• Gyro / Doner – seasoned meat shaved from a vertical rotisserie, often in a pita
• Shawarma – marinated sliced meat, similar in concept to gyro
• Kebabs – skewered and grilled chicken, beef, lamb, or kofta (ground meat)
• Souvlaki – Greek-style grilled skewers
• Moussaka – layered eggplant and meat casserole (Greek style)
• Whole grilled fish – often with lemon, olive oil, and herbs
• Tagine – slow-cooked North African stews, sometimes served over couscous

Sides & Salads

• Greek salad – tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, and onions
• Tabbouleh – parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, lemon
• Couscous or rice pilaf
• Roasted or grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions)

Desserts

• Baklava – layered pastry with nuts and syrup or honey
• Rice pudding – often lightly flavored with cinnamon or orange blossom
• Semolina or yogurt cakes with syrup
• Turkish delight or other regional sweets in specialty shops

Price Ranges and What to Expect

Here’s a simple overview of typical pricing around Atlanta (actual prices vary by location and time):

📝 Tip: Around major event venues (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), prices often run a bit higher than in suburban or corridor areas like Buford Highway.

Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Conscious

Mediterranean menus in Atlanta tend to be friendly to a range of dietary needs, but it is still important to confirm details in person.

Vegetarian & Vegan

Most Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta clearly label or can easily point out:

• Vegetarian options like falafel, hummus plates, salads, spanakopita, and veggie kebabs
• Vegan-friendly choices such as falafel, many salads, baba ghanoush, and certain vegetable dishes

If you’re vegan, it helps to:

• Ask whether rice, sauces, or breads include butter, yogurt, or cheese
• Request no feta, no yogurt-based sauces, and no mayo-based dressings when ordering

Gluten-Conscious Eating

Many Atlanta Mediterranean spots can help you avoid or limit gluten by:

• Swapping pita for extra salad or vegetables
• Offering rice-based plates instead of wraps
• Identifying gluten-containing items like some pastries, breads, and certain meat mixtures

If gluten is a serious concern, ask directly about:

• Meat marinades and fillers (some may include breadcrumbs)
• Shared fryers for falafel or fries

Staff at well-established Mediterranean restaurants in neighborhoods like Midtown, Decatur, and Buckhead are often familiar with these questions and can guide you.

Finding Mediterranean Food Near Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re planning your day around specific parts of the city, this overview can help you narrow your search.

Near Major Attractions

• Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park Area
  Great if you’re near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or State Farm Arena. You’ll find several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired options within a short walk or a brief ride.

• Midtown / Arts District
  Convenient for visits to the High Museum of Art, Woodruff Arts Center, and Piedmont Park. The area has a mix of casual and sit-down Mediterranean spots along Peachtree Street and nearby cross streets.

• Around the BeltLine (Eastside Trail)
  The BeltLine corridor, especially near Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Ponce City Market, often features Mediterranean-inspired small plates, cafes, and modern fusion concepts.

Near Universities and Medical Centers

Areas around Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, and the Emory medical campus frequently have:

• Quick-service shawarma and falafel shops
• Mediterranean bowls and salad concepts
• Affordable lunch specials geared toward students and staff

If you’re visiting a hospital or campus, a quick map search restricted to nearby streets often reveals multiple Mediterranean options within a short drive or bus ride.

How to Choose the Right Mediterranean Spot in Atlanta

When you’re comparing Mediterranean restaurants in the Atlanta area, consider these practical points:

1. Location & Traffic

   • I-75/85, GA-400, and I-285 can back up during peak hours.
   • If timing matters, choosing something within your current neighborhood (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.) can save time.

2. Parking & Transit

   • Many in-town spots offer street parking or paid decks.
   • If you’re using MARTA, areas around Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, and Decatur stations are usually your best bet for walkable options.

3. Noise Level & Setting

   • For a quiet conversation or business meeting, an upscale Buckhead or Midtown dining room may be better.
   • For a lively group meal, neighborhood tavernas and mezze-focused spots often work well.

4. Menu Style

   • If you like to share small plates, look for “mezze” or “tapas-style” menus.
   • If you prefer a simple meal, many places offer combo plates (protein + rice + salad + pita).

5. Takeout vs. Dine-In

   • Fast-casual locations around office districts and shopping centers are generally set up for fast takeout or delivery.
   • Traditional restaurants may focus more on full dine-in service, though many still offer takeaway.

Buying Mediterranean Groceries and Ingredients in Atlanta

If you want to cook Mediterranean food at home, Atlanta has several international and Mediterranean-focused supermarkets, particularly in:

• Buford Highway corridor (Chamblee, Doraville)
• Norcross and Tucker areas
• Parts of DeKalb County and the Northeast suburbs

In these markets you’ll typically find:

• Olive oils, olives, and cheeses like feta and halloumi
• Fresh and frozen breads such as pita and lavash
• Spices commonly used across Mediterranean cuisines (za’atar, sumac, cumin, coriander)
• Prepared foods counters with hummus, salads, and hot items

Many Atlanta residents will shop at one of the larger international markets for pantry staples, then visit a neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant for ready-made meals on busier days.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Mediterranean Food in Atlanta

• Check hours before you go. Some independent spots close mid-afternoon or on certain weekdays; others may stay open late, especially near nightlife areas.
• Consider reservations for upscale Mediterranean restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, or in popular intown neighborhoods on weekends.
• Ask about daily specials. Many chefs highlight seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, or limited-time regional dishes that don’t always appear on the printed menu.
• Plan around events. If you’re eating before a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or a show at the Fox Theatre, traffic and wait times can increase. Booking earlier or choosing somewhere slightly outside the immediate event zone can help.
• Use delivery or pickup when traffic is heavy. Many Atlanta Mediterranean spots partner with delivery services, especially around denser areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and Decatur.

By focusing on where you’ll be in the city, how formal you want the meal to feel, and any dietary needs you have, it’s usually straightforward to find Mediterranean food in Atlanta that fits your plans—whether you’re a local exploring new neighborhoods or a visitor getting a taste of the city’s diverse food scene.