Your Guide to Middle Eastern Restaurants in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and Middle Eastern restaurants are one of its strongest highlights. Whether you live here, just moved to the city, or are planning a visit, you’ll find everything from quick shawarma spots to elegant, sit-down dining with mezze spreads and grilled specialties.

This guide focuses specifically on Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia—what to expect, where they’re clustered, and how to choose the right spot for your budget, neighborhood, and dietary needs.

What “Middle Eastern” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, Middle Eastern restaurants often draw from several regional cuisines, including:

• Lebanese – mezze, grilled meats, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh
• Persian/Iranian – kabobs, stews, saffron rice, grilled tomatoes
• Turkish – doner, pide, lamb dishes, eggplant-based sides
• Syrian and Jordanian – grilled meats, hummus, falafel, kibbeh
• Palestinian and broader Levantine – similar to Lebanese, with regional twists

Most Atlanta spots blend influences, so you may see hummus, falafel, shawarma, kabobs, and baklava on the same menu even if the restaurant identifies with a specific country.

Common dishes you’ll encounter:

• Hummus & baba ghanoush – classic spreads with pita
• Falafel – deep-fried chickpea or fava bean patties
• Shawarma – spiced meat shaved from a vertical spit, in wraps or plates
• Kabobs – skewered meats or vegetables, often with rice and salad
• Kibbeh – bulgur and meat, sometimes fried or baked
• Fattoush & tabbouleh – bright, herby salads
• Baklava & kunafa – popular desserts with phyllo, nuts, and syrup or cheese

If you’re new to the cuisine, Atlanta’s restaurants are generally good at explaining dishes and helping you choose if you ask.

Where to Find Middle Eastern Food in Atlanta

Middle Eastern restaurants are spread across the metro area, but some neighborhoods and corridors have higher concentrations and more variety.

H2: Intown and Central Atlanta

1. Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

• Expect: Trendier spots, good for sit-down dinners and date nights.
• Why go: Many places in and around Midtown offer mezze-style dining, full bars, and modern takes on classic dishes.

2. Buckhead & North Buckhead

• Expect: Upscale restaurants, polished interiors, and full-service experiences.
• Why go: A solid area if you’re looking for a nicer dinner with Middle Eastern flavors and easy access from hotels and offices.

3. Downtown & Georgia State/Georgia Tech Area

• Expect: Quick-service and casual spots for lunch, student-friendly prices.
• Why go: Convenient if you work or study downtown and want shawarma, falafel, or kabobs between meetings or classes.

H2: North Atlanta & OTP Corridors

1. Chamblee, Doraville & Buford Highway

Buford Highway is known city-wide for diverse international food, and that includes Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots.

• Expect: Casual restaurants, bakeries, and grocery-store counters.
• Why go: Good for affordable, generous portions and the chance to pair lunch with grocery shopping for spices, pita, or sweets.

2. Sandy Springs & Dunwoody

These areas have a growing number of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants, serving office workers, residents, and families.

• Expect: Mix of fast-casual and full-service.
• Why go: Easy access from GA-400 and I-285; suitable for weekday lunches or weekend dinners without driving into the city core.

3. Alpharetta, Johns Creek & North Fulton

As North Fulton has grown, so have options for Middle Eastern dining.

• Expect: Shopping center locations with comfortable dining rooms.
• Why go: Convenient for suburban residents wanting family-friendly Middle Eastern food without driving intown.

Types of Middle Eastern Dining in Atlanta

When searching for Atlanta Middle Eastern restaurants, you’ll usually find three main styles:

H3: Fast-Casual and Counter Service

These are ideal for quick lunches, takeout, or delivery. You typically:

• Order at the counter
• Choose a wrap, bowl, or plate
• Pick your protein (falafel, chicken, beef, lamb)
• Add sides like hummus, rice, salad, and pickles

This format is common near office parks, campuses, and busy streets like Peachtree, Piedmont, and major suburban arterials.

Good for:

• Lunch breaks
• Affordable meals
• First-time trying Middle Eastern flavors

H3: Full-Service and Family-Style Restaurants

These spots are best when you want to sit down, share dishes, and take your time. You might find:

• Large mezze platters to share
• Mixed grilled meat platters
• Traditional stews and oven-baked dishes
• Expanded dessert menus and Turkish or Arabic coffee

Many of these restaurants can accommodate bigger groups and celebrations, especially in areas like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and North Fulton.

Good for:

• Family gatherings
• Date nights
• Celebrations and special occasions

H3: Bakeries, Cafés, and Market Counters

Atlanta also has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean bakeries and markets where you can:

• Grab fresh pita, flatbreads, and pastries
• Order savory pies like spinach, cheese, or meat-filled breads
• Pick up baklava trays, ma’amoul, and other sweets
• Buy spices, olives, tahini, and specialty items to cook at home

You’ll often find these along Buford Highway, in Chamblee/Doraville, and in pockets of North Fulton.

Good for:

• Snacks and coffee breaks
• Dessert runs
• Stocking your pantry with Middle Eastern staples

Typical Price Ranges in Atlanta

Pricing varies by neighborhood and style, but here’s a general idea for Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta:

Prices can skew higher in Buckhead, Midtown, and upscale parts of Sandy Springs or Alpharetta and lower along Buford Highway and more casual corridors.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal Options

H3: Vegetarian and Vegan

Middle Eastern cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based dishes, and Atlanta restaurants tend to highlight them clearly. Look for:

• Vegetarian favorites: hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, tabbouleh, fattoush, lentil soup, mujadara (lentils and rice), stuffed grape leaves
• Vegan possibilities: many of the above, especially when you skip yogurt-based sauces and cheese

Tips for Atlanta diners:

• ✅ Ask if falafel is cooked in a shared fryer if you avoid cross-contact with meat.
• ✅ Double-check whether rice is made with any butter or broth.
• ✅ In trendier intown neighborhoods, menus often use labels like V or VG for quick reference.

H3: Halal-Friendly Options

Many Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta serve halal meat, but not all. If this is important to you:

• Call ahead and ask directly if the meat is halal-certified.
• Some restaurants will have halal signs or notes on the menu.
• Areas with larger Middle Eastern and Muslim communities—such as parts of Chamblee, Doraville, and North Fulton—are more likely to have halal-focused options.

For broader questions about halal food in Atlanta or community resources, organizations such as local mosques and Islamic centers around the metro area can sometimes point you to up-to-date restaurant recommendations.

How to Choose the Right Middle Eastern Restaurant in Atlanta

With many options across the metro, it helps to narrow your choice based on what you value most.

H3: Pick by Neighborhood and Commute

• Living intown?
  Check Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Buckhead for a mix of quick and upscale spots.
• Working near Perimeter or Cumberland?
  Look at Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and the Perimeter area for convenient lunch options.
• In the northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell)?
  Search locally to avoid I-400 traffic; there are solid Middle Eastern options in shopping centers and along main roads.
• Interested in exploring?
  Plan a food day along Buford Highway to try Middle Eastern alongside other international cuisines.

H3: Decide What Kind of Experience You Want

Ask yourself:

• Are you after a quick, under-30-minute meal?
  → Look for shawarma or falafel fast-casual spots near where you live or work.

• Want to share plates and hang out with friends?
  → Search for mezze-focused restaurants with plenty of appetizers and mixed grills.

• Planning a family dinner with kids?
  → Aim for places that mention family platters, kids’ options, or large combo plates.

• Craving desserts and coffee more than a full meal?
  → Find a Middle Eastern bakery or café for baklava, kunafa, and strong coffee or tea.

H3: Check Menus and Practical Details

Because restaurants and menus change, it’s helpful to:

• Glance at online menus to confirm:
  • Vegetarian or vegan options
  • Halal information, if needed
  • Allergen details (nuts, gluten, dairy)
• Call to ask about:
  • Wait times on weekends
  • Reservation policies
  • Parking (especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and dense intown areas)
• If you’re driving, note that:
  • Strip-mall locations in the suburbs usually have free parking.
  • Intown areas may require paid street parking or garages, especially near major business districts.

Ordering Tips for First-Time Diners in Atlanta

If you’re new to Middle Eastern food and visiting an Atlanta restaurant for the first time, this simple approach works well:

1. Start with mezze (small plates):

   • Hummus or baba ghanoush
   • Grape leaves or falafel
   • A salad like fattoush or tabbouleh

2. Share a mixed grill or combination plate:

   • Many Atlanta restaurants offer combo platters with chicken, beef, or lamb kabobs, plus rice, salad, and bread.

3. Add a bread or pastry item:

   • Fresh pita, flatbread, or a savory pie if available.

4. Finish with dessert and coffee or tea:

   • Baklava, kunafa, or other pastries are common, and many places serve Turkish coffee, Arabic coffee, or mint tea.

This gives you a good overview of the cuisine in a single visit and makes it easier to decide what you like best for future orders.

Takeout, Delivery, and Late-Night Options

In Atlanta, many Middle Eastern restaurants support takeout and delivery, especially in denser areas:

• Intown areas (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead) often have:
  • Multiple delivery options through common apps
  • Later hours on weekends
• Suburban areas (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Johns Creek):
  • Good for family-size takeout orders
  • Often have large catering menus for events or office gatherings

If you’re looking for late-night food, check:

• Restaurants near major nightlife areas or colleges
• Spots along Peachtree Street, Midtown, and parts of Buckhead
  (hours vary widely, so it’s best to confirm before heading out)

Using Middle Eastern Markets and Grocers in Atlanta

If you love the flavors and want to cook at home, Atlanta’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets can be especially useful:

You can typically find:

• Spices: sumac, za’atar, cumin, saffron, cardamom
• Pantry staples: tahini, bulgur, lentils, chickpeas, pomegranate molasses
• Fresh items: herbs, olives, pickles, feta, labneh
• Frozen or prepared foods: falafel mix, kebab meats, breads
• Bakery items: fresh pita, flatbreads, pastries

These markets are common along Buford Highway, in parts of Chamblee and Doraville, and in some North Fulton shopping centers. They’re a practical next step after you’ve discovered dishes you enjoy at local restaurants and want to replicate them at home.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Diners

• Variety: Atlanta offers everything from quick shawarma counters to upscale Middle Eastern dining, spread across intown neighborhoods and the northern suburbs.
• Accessibility: You’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and often halal-friendly options at many Middle Eastern restaurants.
• Best areas to explore: Midtown, Buckhead, Buford Highway, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and North Fulton are especially good starting points.
• Flexible for any occasion: Middle Eastern food in Atlanta works well for fast lunches, family dinners, special occasions, and dessert/coffee stops.
• Pair restaurant visits with markets: Use Atlanta’s Middle Eastern grocers to bring the flavors home once you discover dishes you like.

With a bit of planning around neighborhood, style, and budget, you can reliably find high-quality Middle Eastern food anywhere around Atlanta and tailor the experience to what you’re craving.