Aviva By Kameel: A Local Favorite for Fresh Mediterranean Food in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re looking for international cuisine in Atlanta that’s fast, flavorful, and feels homemade, Aviva By Kameel is one of the first names locals mention. This Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Atlanta has built a strong reputation for generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that works for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to get there, and how Aviva fits into the broader Atlanta dining scene.

Where Aviva By Kameel Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has international options in almost every neighborhood, but Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food are especially concentrated in a few areas:

• Downtown & Midtown – convenient for office workers, convention visitors, and hotel guests
• Buford Highway – known for global eats across many cultures
• Decatur & West Midtown – a mix of casual and chef-driven international spots

Aviva By Kameel sits right in the heart of downtown, making it an easy choice if you’re:

• Working in a Peachtree Street office tower
• Attending a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Visiting tourist sites like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
• Staying in nearby hotels around Peachtree Center or the Peachtree corridor

It’s best known as a weekday lunch destination, with lines that move quickly and food served cafeteria-style.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Aviva By Kameel’s main location is inside the Peachtree Center complex in downtown Atlanta.

General area details:

• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta
• Nearby streets: Peachtree St NE, John Portman Blvd, Andrew Young International Blvd
• Nearby landmarks: Peachtree Center MARTA Station, major hotel cluster (Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis, Hilton, etc.)

Getting There by MARTA

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the most straightforward way to reach Aviva By Kameel during the workweek:

• Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station
• Follow signs for the Peachtree Center Mall / Food Court exits
• Once inside the complex, follow food court signage; Aviva is typically located among other quick-service spots

This option is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (direct train ride on Red/Gold line)
• Midtown stations like North Avenue or Midtown

Driving and Parking

Driving downtown can be busy at lunchtime, but it’s very doable if you plan ahead:

• Look for garage parking connected to or near Peachtree Center
• Many garages offer short-term hourly rates suitable for lunch
• Because rates and entrances can change, it helps to:
  • Arrive a bit earlier than peak noon hour
  • Use clear landmark directions (Peachtree Center, major hotels)

If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, walking through the skybridge network may be the easiest route. Many skybridges link hotels directly to Peachtree Center and its food court.

What Kind of Food Aviva By Kameel Serves

Aviva By Kameel focuses on Mediterranean / Middle Eastern cuisine, with an emphasis on:

• Grilled meats (often chicken and lamb preparations)
• Vegetable-forward sides
• Salads and grains
• Olive oil, herbs, lemon, and spices typical of the region

Food is usually served cafeteria-style, where you move along the line, choose a base, add proteins, and select sides.

Typical Menu Structure

While exact offerings can change, you’ll commonly see:

Bases:

• Rice pilaf or seasoned rice
• Mixed greens or salad base
• Sometimes a combination plate option

Proteins:

• Grilled chicken (often marinated with herbs, citrus, and spices)
• Lamb or beef options, when available
• Occasionally salmon or fish selections

Sides and Salads:

• Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini)
• Hummus or similar dips
• Tabbouleh or other grain-based salads
• Green salads with Mediterranean dressings

Extras:

• Pita-style bread or flatbreads
• Sauces featuring tahini, garlic, or yogurt-based components

The overall style is hearty but relatively light, especially compared to many traditional Southern or fast-food lunches around downtown.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Special Diet Considerations

Many Atlantans look for international restaurants because they offer more plant-based and flexible options. At Aviva By Kameel, you can usually customize your plate:

• Vegetarian-friendly:

  • Load up on roasted veggies, salads, hummus, and grains
  • Skip the meat and double up on sides

• Vegan-friendly:

  • Choose dishes based on vegetables, grains, and legumes
  • Ask which items contain dairy (like yogurt-based sauces or cheese)

• Gluten-conscious:

  • Focus on rice, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes
  • Avoid pita and any breaded items

Staff at counter-service restaurants like this are generally used to questions about ingredients, especially in health-conscious downtown lunch spots. If you have a specific allergy or sensitivity, it helps to:

• Ask directly which dishes contain common allergens (wheat, dairy, nuts, etc.)
• Keep your order simple and build your plate from clearly identified items

Price Range and Portion Style

Aviva By Kameel is typically in the moderate price range for downtown Atlanta, especially given the location and portion sizes.

You can generally expect:

• Entrées / plates: Often in the price range typical of downtown food court meals, with large portions
• Sides or add-ons: Available for an extra cost
• Beverages: Standard fountain drinks, bottled options, or similar

Many locals feel they can split a plate or save some for later because the servings tend to be generous. That can help offset downtown prices, especially if you’re commuting in for work or staying multiple days for a convention.

When to Go and What to Expect at Busy Times

As with most downtown Atlanta lunch spots, timing matters:

• ⏰ Peak lunch hours: Roughly 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on weekdays
• 🧍‍♂️ Lines: It’s common to see a line during peak times, especially on workdays
• ✅ Flow: The service style is built to move people through fairly quickly

If you want a quieter experience:

• Aim for early lunch (around 11:15 a.m.) or later lunch (after 1:30 p.m.)
• On days when large conventions are in town, expect heavier foot traffic in the entire Peachtree Center food court area

Even during busy times, most diners can usually:

• Get through the line in a reasonable timeframe
• Find seating in the shared food court area, though it may take a few minutes at peak times

How Aviva Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta

If you’re planning your meals across several days in Atlanta, Aviva By Kameel fits nicely into a broader international lineup.

Here’s a simple comparison within the city’s international cuisine landscape:

Aviva is particularly strong for:

• Weekday lunch when you’re already downtown
• A health-leaning meal that still feels filling
• First-time visitors who want comfortable, approachable Mediterranean flavors

Tips for Locals, Office Workers, and Visitors

If You Work Downtown

• Consider making Aviva part of a weekly lunch rotation with other Peachtree Center spots
• Going slightly before noon can help you avoid the heaviest rush
• If your office has a shared lunchroom, large plates can sometimes stretch into two meals

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• If you’re staying in a nearby downtown hotel, you can usually walk indoors via skybridges to Peachtree Center
• This makes Aviva a practical option on rainy or hot days, when walking outside is less appealing
• It’s a convenient break between visits to nearby attractions like the Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, or State Farm Arena

If You’re Exploring Atlanta’s International Food Scene

Use Aviva as:

• A starting point for Mediterranean flavors in a very accessible setting
• A contrast to other neighborhoods, such as Buford Highway for more regional diversity, or West Midtown for chef-focused restaurants

Practical Pointers Before You Go

• 📍 Area: Peachtree Center, Downtown Atlanta
• 🚆 Transit-friendly: Very close to Peachtree Center MARTA Station (Red/Gold line)
• 🕒 Best for: Weekday lunch and downtown daytime visits
• 🍽️ Cuisine focus: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern-style plates, salads, and sides
• 🥦 Diet flexibility: Works well for vegetarian and lighter-eating diners, with customizable plates

If you live or work in Atlanta, or you’re in town for a conference or event, Aviva By Kameel is a reliable downtown choice when you want international flavor, quick service, and a filling meal without leaving the core of the city.