Mediterranean Grills in Atlanta: Where to Go and What to Expect

Mediterranean food fits Atlanta perfectly: it’s grilled, fresh, and often fast-casual without feeling like “fast food.” If you’re searching for a Mediterranean grill in Atlanta, you’ll find everything from quick gyro spots near Midtown offices to sit-down grills in the suburbs with family-size platters.

This guide walks through what “Mediterranean grill” usually means in Atlanta, what to order, how prices and portions typically work, and how to choose the right spot in and around the city.

What “Mediterranean Grill” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, a Mediterranean grill is typically a restaurant that focuses on:

• Grilled meats (chicken, lamb, beef, fish)
• Skewers and kabobs
• Pita or flatbreads
• Fresh salads and spreads (like hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki)

Many menus blend influences from:

• Greek (gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad)
• Turkish (doner, shish kebab, grilled vegetables)
• Middle Eastern / Levantine (shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh)
• North African / Mediterranean coastal (spiced lamb, grilled fish, couscous-style sides)

In Atlanta, you’ll see these spots both as:

• Counter-service grills in areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and near Georgia Tech/Georgia State
• Full-service grills in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and in suburbs such as Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta

Typical Mediterranean Grill Dishes You’ll See in Atlanta

Most Mediterranean grills in Atlanta share a core lineup. Knowing the basics makes it easier to order confidently, especially if you’re new to the cuisine.

Grilled Proteins

Common options:

• Chicken kabob / chicken souvlaki – Marinated chunks of chicken, often with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, grilled on skewers.
• Lamb kabob – Cubes of lamb, usually more robust in flavor than chicken or beef.
• Beef kabob – Grilled steak cubes, often with a simple marinade.
• Kofta / kefta – Ground beef and/or lamb mixed with spices, shaped into logs or patties and grilled.
• Gyro / doner – Seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, sliced thin; usually served in pita or on a platter.
• Shawarma – Similar to gyro, with Middle Eastern-style spices.

Many Atlanta Mediterranean grills let you build a platter or a wrap with your choice of one or two meats.

Vegetarian & Lighter Options

Most Atlanta Mediterranean grills are friendly to those wanting fewer or no animal products:

• Falafel – Fried chickpea balls; often used as a protein in wraps or platters.
• Grilled vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, onions, eggplant, tomatoes.
• Salads – Greek salad, chopped Mediterranean salad, or tabbouleh.
• Stuffed grape leaves (dolma) – Grape leaves filled with rice, sometimes with herbs or spices.
• Hummus plates – Often served with pita and veggies.

When ordering in Atlanta, you can usually ask the counter staff what is vegetarian or vegan-friendly; many are used to these requests and can suggest modifications.

Sides and Spreads

Expect to see:

• Hummus – Chickpea and tahini spread.
• Tzatziki – Yogurt, cucumber, and garlic sauce.
• Baba ghanoush – Roasted eggplant spread.
• Rice pilaf – Sometimes with vermicelli, sometimes seasoned with herbs.
• Roasted potatoes or fries – Popular with gyro plates and shawarma.
• Pita or flatbread – Often warmed or lightly grilled.

How Mediterranean Grills in Atlanta Typically Operate

Counter-Service vs. Sit-Down

You’ll find two main formats:

1. Fast-casual / counter-service

   • You order at the counter and sit where you like.
   • Common in busy areas like Peachtree Center, Midtown business corridors, and near campuses.
   • Often offer build-your-own bowls, wraps, or platters.

2. Full-service / sit-down grills

   • You’re seated by a host and order from a server.
   • More common in neighborhoods and suburbs where people linger over meals.
   • Often have larger appetizer selections, grilled seafood, and family-style platters.

Typical Price Range in Atlanta

Prices vary by neighborhood, but generally:

• Wraps / pita sandwiches: often in a moderate lunch range.
• Bowls or platters: slightly more, depending on portions and protein.
• Shared appetizers (mezze): cost-effective if you split several small plates.

In busier or higher-rent areas like Buckhead or Midtown, expect slightly higher prices than in more residential neighborhoods.

What to Order at a Mediterranean Grill in Atlanta

If you’re not sure where to start, these orders are widely available and approachable:

For a First Visit

• Chicken kabob platter

  • Often comes with rice, salad, and pita.
  • Familiar flavors and an easy way to try multiple sides.

• Gyro or shawarma wrap

  • Good “on-the-go” choice if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or near Centennial Olympic Park.

For Groups or Families

Many Atlanta Mediterranean grills offer family platters with:

• Mixed grilled meats (chicken, lamb, beef, kofta)
• Rice and/or potatoes
• Pita bread
• Salad and spreads

These are practical if you’re feeding a group near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena and want a substantial meal before or after an event.

For a Lighter Meal

• Falafel salad or bowl with lots of vegetables and hummus
• Grilled fish or shrimp, if available, with a side salad and grilled vegetables
• Mixed mezze plate shared between two people (hummus, baba ghanoush, dolma, salad, pita)

Atlanta Neighborhoods Where Mediterranean Grills Are Common

While individual restaurants can open or close, certain parts of metro Atlanta consistently have Mediterranean grill options.

Intown Atlanta

• Midtown & Downtown

  • Good for quick lunches near office buildings, hotels, and convention centers.
  • Expect more counter-service grills, especially along major streets such as Peachtree Street and around corporate centers.

• Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward

  • More likely to have sit-down Mediterranean grills and cafes.
  • These areas appeal to people who want to sit, have appetizers, and stay a while.

• West Midtown & Howell Mill area

  • A mix of trendy restaurants and grills; often busy at night and on weekends.

Around Campuses

Near Georgia Tech and Georgia State University, Mediterranean grills are common because:

• They offer sizable portions at lunch-friendly prices.
• Build-your-own-bowl formats appeal to students and staff.

You’ll typically find multiple options within walking distance of campus buildings and student housing.

Suburbs and Surrounding Cities

• Decatur – Known for independent restaurants and global cuisines, often including Mediterranean grills and cafes.
• Sandy Springs & Dunwoody – Office-heavy areas where Mediterranean grills serve professionals at lunch and families at dinner.
• Alpharetta & Roswell – Suburban areas with shopping centers that frequently include at least one Mediterranean grill or kabob-focused restaurant.
• Norcross / Peachtree Corners / Doraville / Chamblee – Diverse dining scenes where you can find grills with Middle Eastern, Turkish, or pan-Mediterranean menus.

Quick Comparison: Typical Atlanta Mediterranean Grill Experiences

Dietary Considerations and Customizing Your Order

Most Mediterranean grills in Atlanta are accustomed to special requests. When ordering:

• For vegetarian or vegan preferences

  • Ask which spreads contain dairy (like tzatziki or some feta-based dips).
  • Falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and many salads can be good starting points.

• For gluten-conscious choices

  • Many grilled meats and salads are naturally gluten-free, but check about marinades and sauces.
  • You can often swap pita for extra salad or vegetables.

• For simpler preparations

  • You can request “no sauce” or sauce on the side if you want more control over flavors or ingredients.

Ordering Takeout, Delivery, and Catering in Atlanta

Takeout and Delivery

Mediterranean grills in Atlanta are commonly available on major delivery apps and often accept phone orders for pickup. Good times for takeout:

• Lunch at the office – Kabob platters and wraps travel relatively well.
• Hotel stays near Downtown, Buckhead, or the Airport – Delivery gives you access to Mediterranean options beyond the hotel restaurant.

To keep grilled items from getting soggy:

• Ask for sauces on the side.
• If you’re driving a longer distance, choose bowls or platters over pita wraps.

Catering and Larger Orders

Many Mediterranean grills around Atlanta’s business districts and suburbs offer:

• Lunch trays with grilled meats, rice, and salad
• Build-your-own gyro or shawarma stations
• Mezze platters for events and meetings

When arranging catering, it can help to:

• Give a clear headcount and dietary preferences (for example, “10 meat-eaters, 4 vegetarians”).
• Request serving utensils, plates, and cutlery if you’re hosting at an office or shared space.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Mediterranean Grill in Atlanta

When deciding where to go:

1. Consider traffic and parking.

   • Intown locations may have limited street parking or pay decks.
   • Suburban restaurants often sit in shopping centers with larger parking lots.

2. Decide on pace:

   • If you need to be in and out quickly (for a workday lunch or before a show at the Fox Theatre), look for counter-service grills.
   • For a slower dinner or celebration, choose a full-service spot where staying longer is expected.

3. Look at the menu format:

   • If your group has mixed dietary needs, a menu with build-your-own bowls or platters will usually be easiest.

4. Check opening hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.

   • Some Mediterranean grills close earlier on weekends or may have different hours around major holidays and events.

When a Mediterranean Grill Fits Your Plans in Atlanta

A Mediterranean grill is a practical choice in Atlanta when you:

• Want something more substantial than a salad but not as heavy as some Southern comfort foods.
• Need a group-friendly spot with options for meat-eaters and vegetarians.
• Are looking for food that travels reasonably well for takeout, delivery, or catering.
• Prefer grilled, customizable plates while exploring neighborhoods like Midtown, Decatur, Buckhead, or the suburbs.

By understanding typical menus, neighborhood patterns, and how these grills operate in Atlanta, you can pick a Mediterranean spot that fits your schedule, your budget, and the way you like to eat.