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 dining niches. Whether you’re craving shawarma after work, looking for a family-friendly spot with kebabs and rice, or curious about local Middle Eastern bakeries and markets, Atlanta offers options across the city and suburbs.

This guide walks through what to expect from Middle Eastern food in Atlanta, where to find it, and how to choose the right spot based on neighborhood, budget, and vibe.

What “Middle Eastern Food” Typically Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “Middle Eastern food” on menus usually draws from a mix of Lebanese, Turkish, Persian (Iranian), Syrian, Palestinian, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. You’ll often see:

• Grilled meats: kebabs, kofta, shawarma, lamb chops, chicken skewers
• Wraps & sandwiches: shawarma wraps, falafel sandwiches, gyro-style pitas
• Vegetarian staples: falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, grape leaves
• Rice & stews: saffron rice, Persian stews, Mujadara (lentils and rice)
• Breads & pastries: pita, lavash, manakish (za’atar flatbread), baklava, knafeh
• Extras: pickled vegetables, garlic sauce, tahini, yogurt sauces

Atlanta restaurants may label themselves as Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Persian, Lebanese, or Turkish, but menus often overlap. If you’re particular about a certain cuisine (for example, Persian stews vs. Lebanese mezze), it’s worth skimming menus before you go.

Key Middle Eastern Food Areas in and Around Atlanta

Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta are spread out, but certain corridors have noticeable clusters.

1. Buford Highway: Global Corridor with Middle Eastern Options

Buford Highway is famous for its multicultural dining. While it’s best known for Asian and Latin American food, it also has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots mixed in between Chamblee and Doraville.

Why Buford Highway is useful for Middle Eastern food:

• Good for affordable, casual meals
• Often offers large portions and family-style platters
• Easy to combine with a trip to an international market nearby

Look for strip malls with signs advertising shawarma, halal grill, or Mediterranean café. Many places here also offer halal options, which can be important to some diners.

2. Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and In-Town Neighborhoods

If you’re staying or living close to Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland, you’ll typically find:

• Modern Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-inspired spots with stylish interiors
• Menus featuring mezze boards, grilled meats, and shared plates
• Easy access from MARTA or popular Atlanta attractions

These in-town restaurants are convenient if you’re going out before or after a show, a game, or a trip to the BeltLine.

3. Decatur and the Eastside

Decatur and the eastside neighborhoods host a mix of neighborhood cafés and full-service Middle Eastern restaurants. Here you’re likely to find:

• Relaxed spots suited for families and groups
• Good choices for vegetarians and vegans
• Walkable areas with coffee shops and dessert spots nearby

If you live in Decatur, Avondale Estates, or Kirkwood, this area can be your go-to for a regular hummus or shawarma fix.

4. North Atlanta Suburbs: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Beyond

Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Norcross, and Alpharetta have seen a rise in Middle Eastern and Persian restaurants, plus grocery stores and bakeries.

These areas often have:

• Larger dining rooms, good for events or gatherings
• Menus with Persian kebabs, stews, and rice dishes
• Nearby Middle Eastern markets where you can shop for spices, pita, olives, and sweets

If you’re in North Fulton, Gwinnett, or Cobb County, it’s usually easier to find Middle Eastern food locally rather than driving all the way into the city.

Types of Middle Eastern Dining You’ll Find in Atlanta

When you search for “Middle Eastern food Atlanta,” you’ll see everything from quick lunch counters to upscale dinner spots. Knowing the main categories can help you pick the right one.

Fast-Casual & Counter-Service Spots

These are common around office-heavy areas and busy corridors.

Typical features:

• Order at the counter, pick up at the counter
• Build-your-own pita, bowl, or platter
• Good for takeout or quick weekday lunches
• Usually offer vegetarian and gluten-conscious options

These are ideal if you want something quick but more flavorful than fast food, or you’re grabbing dinner on the way home.

Full-Service Middle Eastern Restaurants

You’ll find these scattered across Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and the suburbs.

Expect:

• Table service with appetizers (mezze), main courses, and desserts
• Mixed menus with kebabs, seafood, rice dishes, and salads
• Often family-friendly with large tables and shareable dishes

This is a good choice for date nights, family gatherings, or group dinners where you want to linger and try a variety of dishes.

Bakeries and Dessert-Focused Spots

Atlanta’s Middle Eastern bakeries often double as small cafés or markets.

Common offerings:

• Baklava, ma’amoul, halva, and knafeh
• Fresh pita, lavash, and flatbreads
• Strong coffee and tea, sometimes Turkish or Arabic coffee
• Pastries flavored with pistachio, walnut, honey, cardamom, and rosewater

These are great for grabbing sweets for holidays, office gatherings, or Iftar during Ramadan.

Middle Eastern Grocery Stores and Markets

If you want to cook Middle Eastern food at home in Atlanta, you’ll want to know where to buy:

• Spices like za’atar, sumac, and saffron
• Olive oil, tahini, rose water, pomegranate molasses
• Fresh pita, olives, and pickles
• Lentils, bulgur, and specialty rice

You’ll find Middle Eastern products at some larger international markets and a few dedicated Middle Eastern or Persian groceries alongside restaurants, especially in the northern suburbs and on Buford Highway.

What to Order: Popular Middle Eastern Dishes in Atlanta

If you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or ordering for a group, these dishes are widely available across Atlanta and are usually a safe bet.

Great Starters (Mezze)

• Hummus: Chickpea and tahini dip, often topped with olive oil and paprika
• Baba ghanoush: Smoky roasted eggplant spread
• Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea or fava-bean balls, usually served with tahini
• Stuffed grape leaves (dolma): Grape leaves filled with rice and herbs, sometimes meat
• Labneh: Thick strained yogurt, often drizzled with olive oil and herbs

Tip: For groups, look for mezze platters that combine several starters.

Main Dishes

• Shawarma: Marinated meat (often chicken or lamb) cooked on a rotating spit, shaved, and served in wraps or on plates
• Kebabs: Skewered grilled meats (chicken, beef, lamb), sometimes ground meat shaped on skewers (kofta or koobideh)
• Mixed grill platters: Assorted kebabs and grilled meats, good for sharing
• Persian stews (like ghormeh sabzi or fesenjan): More common at Persian restaurants in the suburbs
• Mujadara: Lentils and rice with caramelized onions, often vegetarian

Sides and Salads

• Tabbouleh: Parsley salad with bulgur, tomato, lemon, and olive oil
• Fattoush: Salad with toasted or fried pieces of pita bread
• Pickled vegetables: Often served as a free side or garnish

Desserts

• Baklava: Layered filo pastry with nuts and syrup
• Knafeh: Sweet cheese pastry with syrup and pistachios
• Rice pudding or milk puddings: Lightly sweet and often flavored with rose or orange blossom

Price Ranges and What to Expect

Middle Eastern food in Atlanta is generally moderately priced, but costs vary by location and style.

Typical ranges (approximate, for planning only):

Taxes and tipping follow normal Atlanta dining patterns. Some smaller spots may be cash-preferred or charge a fee for certain card payments, so it’s useful to bring a backup payment option.

Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, and Gluten-Conscious

Middle Eastern cuisine is naturally accommodating to many dietary preferences, but it’s still smart to ask questions when you order.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Most Atlanta Middle Eastern menus include:

• Vegan-friendly: falafel wraps, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush (without cheese), lentil soups
• Vegetarian: dishes including yogurt, cheese, or egg-based sides

Ask about:

• Cooking oil and shared fryers if cross-contact is a concern
• Cheese or yogurt in salads and dips if you’re strictly vegan

Halal Options

Several Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta either:

• Advertise halal meats, or
• Are located in areas with a higher likelihood of halal offerings, such as parts of Buford Highway, Clarkston, and certain northern suburbs

If halal is essential:

• Look for “halal” signage in the restaurant
• Call ahead to confirm which menu items are halal
• Ask if the entire menu is halal or only specific meats

Gluten-Conscious Choices

Common gluten-conscious options (depending on preparation):

• Kebabs and grilled meats without pita
• Salads like fattoush (without bread) and tabbouleh (if you avoid bulgur, ask for alternatives)
• Rice-based dishes and many stews

Because most kitchens are not fully gluten-free, there may be cross-contact with wheat products. For medical-level gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, clarify with staff.

Ordering Middle Eastern Food for Events and Groups in Atlanta

Middle Eastern food translates well to catering and large group orders, which is helpful for:

• Office lunches in Downtown, Midtown, or Perimeter
• Family gatherings and celebrations
• Community events and potlucks

Many Atlanta Middle Eastern restaurants offer:

• Party platters with hummus, falafel, grape leaves, and salads
• Build-your-own pita or bowl bars with meat and vegetarian options
• Large pans of rice, kebabs, and stews

If you’re planning for a group:

1. Confirm headcount and dietary needs (vegetarian, halal, etc.).
2. Ask the restaurant what they recommend per person (they usually have standard catering estimates).
3. Check pickup vs. delivery options; some partner with third-party delivery services.
4. Build in extra time for traffic if picking up during rush hour—Atlanta congestion can easily add 20–30 minutes.

Middle Eastern Food Near Atlanta Landmarks and Work Hubs

If you live, work, or are staying near certain parts of the city, it helps to know what’s realistic nearby.

Near Downtown and the Georgia State Capitol

Within a short drive from Downtown, the Capitol, and major hotels, you can usually find:

• Counter-service spots serving shawarma wraps and rice bowls
• More modern, sit-down Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired restaurants

This area is convenient for weekday office lunches and visitors staying near the convention centers.

Near Midtown, Atlantic Station, and the Arts District

Working or staying in Midtown or around the Arts Center MARTA station puts you close to:

• Trendy restaurants with mezze, kebabs, and shared plates
• Accessible lunch options for students and staff near Georgia Tech

These locations often offer both dine-in and robust takeout setups.

Around Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)

The Perimeter business district has strong options for office workers:

• Fast-casual pita and bowl spots
• Full-service Middle Eastern and Persian restaurants in nearby strip centers
• Easy access from GA-400 and I-285, with plenty of parking

If your office is near Perimeter Mall, you’re typically a short drive from several Middle Eastern choices.

Tips for Enjoying Middle Eastern Food in Atlanta

A few practical pointers for locals and visitors:

• Check hours before you go. Some family-run spots close between lunch and dinner or keep shorter Sunday hours.
• Consider traffic. Crossing town at rush hour for a specific restaurant can take much longer than expected; look for a good option on your side of the metro when possible.
• Plan ahead during Ramadan and holidays. Some Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta adjust hours or get especially busy around sunset during Ramadan and on major religious holidays.
• Ask for recommendations. Staff can often suggest the most popular dishes with local regulars, which can be more helpful than just reading descriptions.
• Try a mix of familiar and new. Pair classics like hummus or a chicken shawarma wrap with something you haven’t tried—maybe a new salad, a stew, or a dessert.

Using Maps and Directories to Find Middle Eastern Food in Atlanta

To quickly locate Middle Eastern food near you in Atlanta:

• Use map searches with terms like “Middle Eastern restaurant,” “Mediterranean grill,” “Persian restaurant,” or “Lebanese restaurant” plus your neighborhood (for example, “Midtown Atlanta” or “Sandy Springs”).
• Filter by distance, price range, and takeout/delivery options.
• Read recent reviews to see mentions of service speed, portion size, vegetarian or halal options, and parking.

If you’re new to the city or visiting, focusing on corridors like Midtown, Buford Highway, Decatur, and the northern suburbs will give you a strong starting point for enjoying Middle Eastern food in Atlanta.