Where To Find the Best Asian Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta’s Asian food scene is one of the most exciting parts of eating in the city. From Buford Highway’s endless options to hidden gems in Midtown and cozy spots in Decatur, you can find everything from late-night noodles to refined omakase—often within a short drive.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best Asian restaurants in Atlanta, organized by area and style, plus tips on how to navigate the city’s major Asian food corridors.

Key Areas for Asian Food in Atlanta

If you’re serious about finding great Asian restaurants in Atlanta, you’ll keep running into a few major areas:

Standout Chinese Restaurants in Atlanta

Buford Highway & Doraville Favorites

These areas are the heart of Chinese food in Atlanta, with many places focusing on specific regions or styles.

• Northern-style dumplings and noodles
  Look for strip-mall spots along Buford Highway that specialize in:

  • Hand-pulled noodles (lanzhou-style) in spicy broth or stir-fried
  • Boiled dumplings with pork, chive, or shrimp
  • Pan-fried buns and scallion pancakes

  These restaurants are typically casual, affordable, and great for groups who like to share.

• Sichuan-style restaurants
  For those who like bold flavors and heat, Sichuan-focused places in Doraville and Chamblee often serve:

  • Mapo tofu
  • Dry-fried green beans
  • Chongqing chicken with chiles
  • Fish in spicy chili broth

  Expect lots of numbing peppercorn, chiles, and big portions.

• Cantonese & dim sum
  In the Doraville area, you’ll find classic dim sum restaurants where carts or menus offer:

  • Shrimp dumplings (har gow)
  • Pork siu mai
  • Turnip cakes
  • Buns, congee, and rice noodle rolls

  Dim sum is especially popular on weekends. Many families in Atlanta plan late-morning or early-afternoon dim sum as a standing weekend ritual, so going earlier helps you avoid a long wait.

Intown Chinese Options

Inside the Perimeter, you’ll find more:

• Modern Chinese with cocktails and small plates
• Fast-casual stir-fry and noodle bowls near office areas and universities

These are good choices if you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Old Fourth Ward and don’t want to drive up to Buford Highway.

Top Spots for Korean Food and K-BBQ

Korean BBQ in Doraville and Chamblee

If you want Korean BBQ in Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly end up near Korean-town in Doraville and Chamblee, just northeast of the city.

Typical Korean BBQ spots offer:

• Tables with built-in or portable grills
• Beef short rib (galbi), bulgogi, pork belly, and marinated cuts
• Banchan (small side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned vegetables)

Tips for eating K-BBQ in Atlanta:

• 🔥 Groups of 3–6 get the best value with combo sets meant for sharing.
• Many spots open for lunch with cheaper sets, then switch to larger dinner menus.
• Some restaurants are open late, especially on weekends, and often attract crowds of locals and shift workers after 9 p.m.

Korean Comfort Food & Cafés

Beyond BBQ, Atlanta’s Korean scene includes:

• Home-style spots specializing in stews, bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, and spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki)
• Korean bakeries and dessert cafés offering:
  • Shaved ice (bingsu)
  • Cream-filled buns and pastries
  • Specialty coffee and tea drinks

You’ll find many of these around the same Doraville/Chamblee corridors, plus a few in Midtown and near major university areas.

Where to Eat Great Japanese Food in Atlanta

Sushi and Omakase

Atlanta has a strong selection of sushi bars and omakase counters, especially in Buckhead, Midtown, and West Midtown.

You’ll encounter:

• Casual sushi restaurants with long rolls lists and bento boxes
• Smaller bars focused on nigiri and sashimi, with chefs directly behind the counter
• Reservation-only omakase experiences, where the chef selects a progression of courses

Planning tips:

• For omakase, reservations are usually expected and sometimes required days or weeks ahead, especially on weekends.
• If you’re staying in Buckhead or Midtown, you can often find a high-end sushi option within a short rideshare distance.

Ramen and Izakaya-Style Spots

Japanese food in Atlanta isn’t just sushi. Popular options include:

• Ramen shops (Midtown, Inman Park, Sandy Springs) specializing in:
  • Tonkotsu (pork broth)
  • Shoyu or miso ramen
  • Spicy variations and vegetarian options
• Izakaya-style restaurants with:
  • Small plates
  • Skewers (yakitori)
  • Japanese comfort dishes
  • Beer, sake, and cocktails

These are usually relaxed and good for a casual night out with friends.

Vietnamese Restaurants: Pho, Banh Mi, and More

Buford Highway: The Center of Atlanta Vietnamese Food

Buford Highway is home to many of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Atlanta, including:

• Pho houses
  You’ll find large bowls of:

  • Pho with rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe
  • Chicken or seafood pho
  • Fresh herbs, lime, jalapeños, and bean sprouts on the side

• Banh mi shops
  Expect:

  • Crispy baguettes with grilled pork, cold cuts, or tofu
  • Pickled carrots and daikon
  • Cilantro, cucumber, and jalapeños
    These are popular options for quick lunches and takeout.

• Com tam and rice dishes
  Many places also serve:

  • Broken rice plates with grilled meats
  • Vermicelli bowls (bun) with herbs and fish sauce
  • Spring and summer rolls with shrimp or pork

Most Vietnamese restaurants along Buford Highway are casual and family-friendly, with big menus and fast service.

Intown Vietnamese Options

If you’re based near Decatur, East Atlanta, or Midtown, you can still find:

• Smaller pho spots
• Modern Vietnamese-inspired restaurants with:
  • Shared plates
  • Creative cocktails
  • Updated versions of classics like lemongrass chicken or caramelized fish

These are convenient if you don’t have time for a Buford Highway trip but still want Vietnamese flavors.

Thai Food Around Atlanta

Classic Neighborhood Thai

Many Atlanta neighborhoods have at least one reliable Thai restaurant. Common dishes include:

• Pad Thai and pad see ew
• Green, red, and panang curries
• Basil stir-fry (pad kra pao)
• Tom yum and tom kha soups

Areas like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, Midtown, and West Midtown often have Thai spots that locals treat as go-to weeknight choices or takeout regulars.

More Regional and Modern Thai

Along Buford Highway and in some intown areas, you can also find:

• Northern Thai dishes like khao soi or larb
• Menus that highlight spicier, more herb-forward flavors
• Restaurants that pair Thai dishes with craft cocktails, making them suitable for date nights or small groups

When ordering Thai food in Atlanta:

• 🌶 Heat levels can range widely. It’s common to specify mild, medium, hot, or “Thai hot.” If you’re unsure, start with medium and adjust next time.

Indian and South Asian Restaurants in Atlanta

Buford Highway, Decatur, and the Northern Suburbs

Atlanta’s Indian food is anchored by corridors like Buford Highway, Decatur, and suburbs north of the city. You’ll find:

• North Indian restaurants featuring:

  • Tandoori chicken
  • Butter chicken
  • Saag paneer
  • Naan and other breads

• South Indian restaurants with:

  • Dosa (filled crepes)
  • Idli and vada
  • Sambar and chutneys
    These are particularly popular for brunch or lunch.

• Buffet-style or thali meals, especially at lunchtime, offering:

  • Multiple curries
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Salads and desserts

Atlanta also has Indian-Chinese and Indo-fusion spots, reflecting tastes from across the South Asian diaspora.

Intown Indian Options

Near Midtown, Decatur, and Emory, you’ll find:

• Smaller Indian cafés
• Takeout counters
• Curry houses that offer delivery

These are convenient if you live or stay inside the Perimeter and want a quick option without a long drive.

Other Notable Asian Cuisines in Atlanta

Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian, and More

Atlanta’s Asian food scene continues to diversify. Depending on when you search, you may find:

• Filipino restaurants and pop-ups
  Serving items like:

  • Adobo
  • Lechon-style pork
  • Lumpia
  • Halo-halo

• Indonesian or Malaysian kitchens and market stalls
  Offering:

  • Nasi goreng (fried rice)
  • Satay
  • Rich coconut-based curries

• Laotian or Lao-Thai restaurants
  Featuring:

  • Papaya salad
  • Grilled meats
  • Sticky rice and herb-packed dishes

Many of these businesses participate in food halls, pop-up events, and weekend markets, so it’s worth checking local event listings and social media for current details.

Pan-Asian and Fusion Spots

In intown neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and Inman Park, you’ll find:

• Pan-Asian restaurants combining elements of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean cuisines
• Menus designed around shared plates, cocktails, and stylish spaces

These can be useful if you’re dining with a group that wants a mix of options rather than one specific cuisine.

How to Navigate Buford Highway and Other Food Corridors

If you’re new to Atlanta, Buford Highway can feel overwhelming—in a good way. Here’s how locals often approach it:

What to Expect on Buford Highway

• Most restaurants are in strip malls with large parking lots.
• Interiors range from very simple to more modern, but the focus is almost always on the food.
• Signage may be in multiple languages (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, and more).

Practical Tips

• 🚗 Driving and parking:

  • A car is usually the easiest way to explore Buford Highway.
  • Parking is often free in shared lots, but some areas can be crowded at peak times.

• 🧾 Payment and tipping:

  • Most established restaurants accept major credit cards.
  • Tipping norms are similar to the rest of Atlanta: around 15–20% at full-service restaurants, more for exceptional service.

• 🕒 Best times to go:

  • Weeknights and weekend lunches are often more relaxed.
  • Weekend dinners can mean waits at popular spots, especially K-BBQ and hotpot.

• 🗣 Language:

  • Staff generally speak English, though some menus may have translations or photos.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations; many servers are used to guiding first-timers.

Finding Asian Restaurants Near Where You’re Staying

To narrow down the best Asian restaurants in Atlanta for your situation, consider:

• If you’re staying Downtown or in Midtown:

  • Look for Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese spots within a short drive.
  • For a deeper dive, plan a dedicated trip to Buford Highway (about 15–25 minutes by car, traffic depending).

• If you’re in Buckhead:

  • You’ll be closer to high-end sushi and some Korean options.
  • Buford Highway and Doraville are still relatively easy to reach by car.

• If you’re in Decatur or East Atlanta:

  • Explore local Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian restaurants.
  • You’re also not far from several Buford Highway entrances.

• If you live in the northern suburbs:

  • Doraville, Chamblee, and nearby corridors put you very close to many of the city’s top Korean and Chinese restaurants.

How to Choose the Right Spot for Your Meal

When deciding among Atlanta’s many Asian restaurants, it helps to match your priorities:

• For a casual, affordable feast:

  • Head to Buford Highway or Doraville/Chamblee for Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or Korean comfort food.

• For a special occasion or date night:

  • Look in Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, or West Midtown for upscale sushi, omakase, or modern Asian fusion.

• For big groups or celebrations:

  • Consider Korean BBQ, hotpot, or large Chinese restaurants that handle big tables comfortably.

• For quick lunches or takeout:

  • Neighborhood Thai, Vietnamese pho shops, and Indian curry houses across Atlanta are well set up for this.

By focusing on the neighborhoods and styles that fit your needs, you can quickly zero in on some of the best Asian restaurants in Atlanta, whether you’re exploring for the first time, planning a special night out, or simply trying to upgrade your weekly takeout rotation.