Lebanese Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Find Great Lebanese Food in the City

Looking for a Lebanese restaurant in Atlanta—whether for a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a taste of home? Atlanta has a growing number of spots where you can enjoy shawarma, hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and grilled meats with the herbs, spices, and hospitality Lebanese cuisine is known for.

This guide focuses specifically on Lebanese and Lebanese-influenced restaurants in the Atlanta area, plus what to expect, how to order, and tips for choosing the right place for your occasion.

What to Expect at a Lebanese Restaurant in Atlanta

Lebanese restaurants around Atlanta tend to fall into a few categories:

• Full-service restaurants with table service, mixed grills, and shared plates
• Casual counter-service spots focused on wraps, bowls, and quick lunches
• Lebanese/Mediterranean hybrids, often labeled “Mediterranean” or “Middle Eastern,” but with many Lebanese staples

Across these, you’ll usually find:

• Mezze (small plates) like hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, labneh, grape leaves, and kibbeh
• Grilled meats such as chicken and beef shawarma, kafta, and lamb kebabs
• Fresh bread (often pita or flatbread) served with dips and spreads
• Vegetarian and vegan options, especially lentil dishes, salads, and veggie mezze
• Family-style platters that work well for groups

In Atlanta, many Lebanese or Lebanese-style restaurants are clustered around:

• Midtown and Downtown – convenient for work lunches and pre-event dinners
• Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven – more sit-down and family-friendly places
• Decatur and the Eastside – popular with students and locals looking for casual spots
• North suburbs like Dunwoody, Norcross, and Duluth – lots of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern choices

Popular Lebanese Dishes You’ll See on Atlanta Menus

Understanding the menu makes ordering easier, especially if you’re trying Lebanese food for the first time.

Classic Mezze (Starters and Shared Plates)

Common options:

• Hummus – blended chickpeas with tahini, lemon, and garlic
• Baba ghanouj – smoky roasted eggplant dip
• Labneh – strained yogurt, often with olive oil and herbs
• Tabbouleh – parsley, tomato, bulgur, mint, and lemon
• Fattoush – salad with toasted pita, sumac, and fresh veggies
• Warak enab (stuffed grape leaves) – often rice and herbs, sometimes meat
• Kibbeh – ground meat and bulgur, sometimes baked or fried

In Atlanta, many Lebanese-friendly spots offer mezze samplers, which are a simple way to try several dishes at once.

Wraps, Bowls, and Plates

Expect to see:

• Shawarma wraps – marinated meat shaved from a rotating spit, with garlic sauce or tahini
• Falafel wraps – deep-fried chickpea patties, often with tahini and salad
• Mixed grills – skewers of kafta, chicken, lamb, and vegetables
• Rice or salad plates – meat or falafel served with rice, salad, and hummus

These are popular lunch and takeout choices in Atlanta office corridors and near universities.

Lebanese Sweets and Drinks

Some Atlanta Lebanese or Mediterranean restaurants offer:

• Baklava – layered pastry with nuts and syrup
• Ma’amoul – semolina cookies with dates or nuts (less common but sometimes available)
• Turkish or Arabic coffee – strong, often cardamom-spiced
• Mint tea – hot or iced, depending on the place

If dessert is important to you, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm what’s available, since offerings vary widely.

Quick Snapshot: Types of Lebanese-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta

Where to Look for Lebanese Food Around Atlanta

Because businesses can move, rebrand, or change menus, it’s useful to search using both “Lebanese restaurant Atlanta” and “Mediterranean restaurant” plus your neighborhood. Here’s how the scene generally breaks down by area.

Intown: Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward

In these areas you’ll mostly find:

• Fast-casual Lebanese/Mediterranean spots near office buildings and Georgia State University
• Sit-down Mediterranean restaurants with menus that include many Lebanese staples like shawarma, hummus, fattoush, and falafel

These locations are practical if you:

• Work or study downtown and want a quick shawarma or falafel wrap
• Need a pre-show meal before an event at the Fox Theatre, State Farm Arena, or the Tabernacle
• Want somewhere walkable from major hotels

Parking can be limited or paid in these neighborhoods, so MARTA access, walking, or rideshare can be easier during peak times.

Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs

North of Midtown, you’ll find:

• More full-service Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, some with Lebanese-style mezze and mixed grills
• Family-friendly dining rooms that welcome larger groups and kids
• Menus that often include lamb chops, mixed grills, and elaborate platters in addition to shawarma and falafel

These areas work well if you’re:

• Planning a family dinner or group celebration
• Looking for nicer ambiance with table service and extended evening hours
• Staying in one of the many hotels around Buckhead or Perimeter Center

Decatur, East Atlanta, and the Emory/CDC Area

On the east side, Lebanese and Mediterranean-friendly spots tend to be:

• Casual, cozy spaces near residential neighborhoods and campuses
• A mix of dine-in and takeout, with straightforward shawarma, hummus, and veggie options
• Often close to Emory University and the CDC, making them convenient for students, researchers, and hospital staff

You may see menus labeled “Mediterranean” or “Middle Eastern” that still offer many of the Lebanese dishes you’re looking for.

North Metro: Dunwoody, Norcross, Duluth, and Beyond

Further north, especially along major corridors like Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Buford Highway, and I-85, you can find:

• A wider range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants, including some with strong Lebanese influence
• Grocery-store cafés and bakeries that make fresh pita, shawarma, and pastries
• Options that are often more budget-friendly, with generous platters and combo plates

These are good choices if you live in the suburbs or don’t mind a drive for:

• Large takeout orders
• Catering trays for office lunches or community events
• A more low-key environment with authentic staples

How to Choose the Right Lebanese Restaurant in Atlanta

When you’re narrowing down options, it helps to think about:

1. Dine-In vs. Takeout

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a full sit-down experience with table service and multiple courses?
• Or do you just need a quick shawarma wrap, rice bowl, or falafel plate to go?

In Atlanta, many Lebanese-friendly places are optimized for lunch takeout and delivery, especially around office districts. Full-service restaurants with slower-paced dining are more common in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the north suburbs.

2. Group Size and Occasion

For larger groups or special occasions, look for places that offer:

• Family-style platters (mixed grills, mezze spreads)
• Reservations or at least call-ahead seating
• Ample dining room space or private rooms

If you’re planning:

• A birthday or family gathering, check that they can accommodate your group size
• An office lunch, ask about catering trays for shawarma, salad, rice, and dips

3. Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal

Many Lebanese dishes are naturally friendly to different eating styles:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, fattoush, lentil dishes, and many salads
• Gluten-conscious: grilled meats, salads, and rice plates (you can often skip or reduce pita bread)
• Halal: some Atlanta Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants serve halal-certified meats, but policies vary

If dietary needs are important:

• Call ahead and ask about ingredients and preparation
• Ask whether meats are halal if that matters to you
• Clarify which dishes are vegetarian or vegan, especially when it comes to sauces and broths

4. Parking and Access

Atlanta traffic and parking can shape your experience:

• Intown spots may have limited street parking or paid garages
• Suburban restaurants often sit in shopping centers with free parking lots
• Some locations are more convenient to MARTA rail or bus routes, especially in Midtown and Downtown

If you’re going during peak hours (weekend evenings, pre-event times), build extra time into your plans.

Tips for Ordering Lebanese Food if You’re New to It

If you’re trying Lebanese cuisine in Atlanta for the first time, a simple approach works well.

A Safe Starting Combination

For one or two people:

• Start with mezze: hummus, baba ghanouj, or a small appetizer sampler
• Pick a main:
  • Chicken shawarma plate or wrap
  • Beef or lamb shawarma
  • Falafel plate (if vegetarian)
• Add a salad: tabbouleh or fattoush for something fresh and bright

For a group of 3–6 people:

• Order several mezze to share (hummus, grape leaves, kibbeh, labneh, salads)
• Add a mixed grill platter with different meats and vegetables
• Include extra pita or flatbread if you like to scoop dips

Spice and Flavor Levels

Lebanese food is usually herb- and citrus-forward rather than extremely spicy. However:

• Garlic sauces can be intense (in a good way, if you like garlic)
• You can often ask for spicier sauces or chili paste on the side if you want more heat
• If you prefer milder flavors, you can request light garlic sauce or no extra spicy sauce

Understanding Prices and Budgeting

Prices vary by location and style, but in Atlanta you can generally expect:

• Fast-casual wraps and bowls: usually in the range you’d pay for a typical lunch spot (often including a side like salad or fries)
• Full-service dinners: appetizers and mezze priced individually, with grilled entries and mixed grills at typical sit-down restaurant levels
• Family platters or catering trays: more economical per person, especially if you’re feeding a group

To keep costs predictable:

• At lunch, look for combo plates that include a main, side, and drink
• For groups, ask if they offer set menus or per-person pricing for family-style meals or catering

Catering and Large Orders in the Atlanta Area

For events like office lunches, community gatherings, or family celebrations, many Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurants around Atlanta offer:

• Tray-style catering of shawarma, grilled meats, rice, salads, and mezze
• Build-your-own wrap or bowl bars, where guests assemble their own plates
• Disposable plates, cutlery, and serving utensils as part of the order

When arranging catering:

1. Estimate your headcount and dietary needs (vegetarian, halal, etc.).
2. Call at least a few days in advance—more for larger events or weekend dates.
3. Ask whether they deliver to your area or if you’ll need pickup.
4. Clarify portion sizes (half trays vs. full trays) so you don’t under- or over-order.

If you’re hosting an event in central Atlanta, consider how traffic and parking around pickup times might affect your schedule.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Lebanese Restaurants in Atlanta

A few final pointers tailored to the city:

• Check hours before you go. Some places close between lunch and dinner or have shorter Sunday hours.
• Account for traffic. If you’re crossing town at rush hour, pick a restaurant on your side of the city.
• Use neighborhood-based searches. Search “Lebanese restaurant” or “Mediterranean restaurant” plus specific areas like Midtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Dunwoody to find options close to you.
• Ask about daily specials. Many kitchens prepare special stews, grilled items, or desserts that don’t appear on the permanent menu.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Staff at Lebanese and Mediterranean spots in Atlanta are often happy to explain dishes, suggest combinations, or tailor spice levels.

With a basic sense of the neighborhoods, styles of restaurants, and common dishes, you can quickly find a Lebanese restaurant in Atlanta that fits your taste, budget, and schedule—whether you’re a local exploring more of the city’s food scene or a visitor wanting a flavorful, relaxed meal.