Exploring Ames-Style International Cuisine in Atlanta

If you searched for “Ames” and landed here while looking for international cuisine in Atlanta, you’re not alone. Many people use “Ames” in searches when they’re trying to find:

  • A specific restaurant name that sounds similar
  • A style of international food they tried elsewhere
  • Or they simply mistyped while looking for “Atlanta restaurants”

While there isn’t a major, well-known Atlanta restaurant simply called Ames in the city’s international dining scene, Atlanta is packed with global flavors that might match what you’re looking for. This guide will help you:

  • Understand where international cuisine thrives in Atlanta
  • Find neighborhoods and districts with great global options
  • Get practical tips on how to choose and navigate Atlanta’s international restaurants
  • See how to search more effectively if you’re trying to track down a specific spot

Atlanta as a Hub for International Cuisine

Atlanta has developed into a major food city, especially for people who like to explore different cultures through food. You’ll find:

  • Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese along Buford Highway and in Doraville
  • Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi around Decatur, Chamblee, and parts of Duluth
  • Mexican, Central American, and South American cuisines throughout the metro area, especially along Buford Highway and in Southwest Atlanta
  • Ethiopian and other East African spots clustered around Midtown and Decatur
  • Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and West African restaurants in various pockets of the city

So, even if “Ames” isn’t a clear match to a known Atlanta restaurant, chances are the type of cuisine or experience you’re searching for exists here.

Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for International Restaurants

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Global Food Corridor

If you want a “one-street world tour,” Buford Highway in northeast Atlanta, Brookhaven, and Doraville is often the top recommendation.

You’ll find:

  • Chinese and Taiwanese noodle houses, dumpling spots, and bakeries
  • Korean barbecue, tofu houses, and fried chicken
  • Vietnamese pho shops, banh mi counters, and cafes
  • Mexican, Guatemalan, and other Latin American taquerias and bakeries
  • Pan-Asian food courts in large plazas

This is ideal if your search for “Ames” meant “a place with lots of different international options together.”

Midtown, Downtown, and West Midtown

Closer to Atlanta’s core, international food is mixed into a more urban setting:

  • Midtown: European bistros, Japanese, Thai, Mediterranean, and some upscale fusion concepts
  • Downtown: Convenient for visitors staying near the Georgia World Congress Center or major hotels; you’ll find Japanese, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and a mix of casual international spots
  • West Midtown: Trend-focused area with modern takes on global cuisine—good for date nights and special outings

If you’re staying in-town and don’t want to drive far, these neighborhoods are usually the most convenient.

Decatur, Chamblee, and Doraville

These areas have become known for authentic, everyday international restaurants:

  • Decatur:

    • Indian and Pakistani restaurants
    • Ethiopian and other African options
    • Some modern global fusion spots

  • Chamblee & Doraville:

    • Strong Asian and Latin American presence
    • Many family-run restaurants in plazas, often more casual and budget-friendly

If you’re more interested in authentic, home-style cooking than in “scene-y” restaurants, these areas are worth exploring.

How to Find What You Meant by “Ames”

Because “Ames” doesn’t point clearly to a specific, widely known Atlanta restaurant, it may help to adjust your search:

1. Refine by Cuisine Type

Think about what you’re really craving:

  • Is it Indian? Try searching for “Indian restaurant Atlanta Decatur”
  • Is it Ethiopian? Try “Ethiopian restaurant Atlanta Midtown”
  • Is it Korean BBQ? Search “Korean restaurant Buford Highway Atlanta”

Once you narrow your search by cuisine, you’ll see a clearer list of actual restaurants that match your taste.

2. Add “Atlanta” and a Neighborhood to Your Search

When looking up restaurants, include:

  • “Atlanta GA” plus a neighborhood, like “international restaurants Buford Highway Atlanta GA”
  • Or “global cuisine Midtown Atlanta”

This helps you avoid results for other cities named Ames or restaurants in different states that might share a similar name.

3. Use Map-Based Searches

On your phone or computer, open a map app and search:

  • “international restaurant”
  • “global cuisine”
  • Or a specific cuisine type (e.g., “Peruvian restaurant”)

Then zoom into areas like:

  • Buford Highway corridor (Brookhaven / Doraville)
  • Midtown Atlanta
  • Decatur and Chamblee

This gives you a visual sense of where options are clustered, which is especially helpful if you’re visiting and unfamiliar with the geography.

What to Expect at Atlanta’s International Restaurants

Language, Menus, and Ordering

At many Atlanta international restaurants, especially family-run spots:

  • Menus may mix English and the native language
  • Staff typically understand English, but some may be more comfortable in their primary language
  • You may see specials written on boards or only spoken, so it’s fine to ask what’s popular

If you’re trying something completely new, a simple approach is to say:

Most places in Atlanta are used to diners who are new to their food culture and will guide you.

Pricing and Payment

Across Atlanta:

  • Casual international spots (especially in strip malls and along Buford Highway) are often reasonably priced
  • Upscale or fusion-style spots in Midtown and West Midtown may cost more, similar to other trendy restaurants in the city
  • Most accept credit and debit cards, but some very small or older businesses may prefer cash, so it’s wise to have a small amount on hand

Parking and Transportation

How you get to an international restaurant in Atlanta can change your experience:

  • Buford Highway & suburban corridors:

    • Mostly car-focused; plazas typically have surface parking lots
    • Traffic can be heavy during rush hour

  • Midtown and Downtown:

    • Paid street parking and decks are common
    • MARTA rail and buses can be useful if you’re staying nearby
    • Rideshare is common for evenings and weekends

  • Decatur:

    • Walkable core with metered street parking and decks
    • MARTA rail stops near many restaurants

If you’re visiting Atlanta without a car, plan around MARTA stations in Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur, or budget for rideshare to reach Buford Highway or the outer suburbs.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Resources

While there isn’t a city office dedicated solely to “international restaurants,” several local resources can help you navigate Atlanta’s global food scene:

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)

  • Focus: General visitor information, including dining
  • Location: Often available through hotel concierge desks and visitor centers around Downtown
  • They can provide area maps and suggestions for international dining close to major attractions.

City of Atlanta – Neighborhood and Business Districts

The City of Atlanta and surrounding municipalities (like Doraville, Chamblee, and Decatur) recognize and promote key commercial corridors, such as:

  • Buford Highway international corridor (Brookhaven / Chamblee / Doraville)
  • Midtown business district
  • Downtown and Westside areas

City or local business association information can point you toward clusters of restaurants rather than single spots, making it easier to try multiple places in one outing.

Tips for Enjoying International Cuisine in Atlanta

Here are some practical pointers if you’re exploring for the first time:

  • Go at off-peak times

    • Weekday lunches or early dinners can be calmer and easier for first-time visitors.

  • Try shared plates

    • Many international cuisines (Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Korean, Indian) are great for ordering several dishes and sharing.

  • Be open about spice levels

    • If you’re unsure, specify “mild,” “medium,” or ask what’s typical for first-timers.

  • Use photos on the menu

    • Many Atlanta international restaurants now include pictures or descriptive dish names to help new diners.

  • Explore bakeries, cafes, and markets too

    • International supermarkets and bakeries along Buford Highway and in Decatur or Chamblee are great low-pressure ways to sample snacks, breads, and drinks from other cultures.

If You Were Looking for a Specific “Ames” Restaurant

If you truly meant a particular restaurant named “Ames” (or something that sounds similar) and can’t find it in Atlanta:

  • Double-check the spelling: it might be slightly different (e.g., “Amir,” “Amin,” “Amos,” “Amis,” etc.)
  • Confirm the city: a restaurant you visited or heard about might be in another state or another city entirely
  • Try searching with cuisine + Atlanta instead of the name (for example: “Turkish restaurant Atlanta,” “French bistro Atlanta,” “Eritrean restaurant Atlanta”)

You’re likely to find a comparable style or flavor in one of Atlanta’s many international neighborhoods.

Even if “Ames” doesn’t map directly to a specific, well-known spot in Atlanta, the city offers a wide and growing range of international restaurants—from casual strip-mall gems to polished, modern dining rooms. With the right search terms and a bit of neighborhood exploration, you can experience almost any cuisine you’re craving without leaving metro Atlanta.