Broil Out in Atlanta: Where to Find Flame-Grilled International Flavors
If you’re searching for “Broil Out” in Atlanta, you’re most likely interested in flame-grilled, broiled, or open-fire international cuisine—the kind of food where the grill, broiler, or open flame is the star. Atlanta is an excellent city for this, with a wide mix of global restaurants that use broiling, charcoal grilling, and rotisserie-style cooking as a core part of their menus.
Below is a practical guide to understanding what “broil out” style food can mean in Atlanta, plus where and how to find it across the city.
What Does “Broil Out” Mean in an Atlanta Dining Context?
“Broil out” isn’t a standard restaurant term, but in everyday use around Atlanta it can refer to:
- Food cooked under intense direct heat (like an oven broiler or salamander)
- Grill-focused menus with charred, smoky, or flame-kissed flavors
- Cookouts or outdoor-style meals that feel like an upgraded backyard grill experience
- International cuisines that rely on skewers, rotisserie, or open flames
In Atlanta, this usually points you toward:
- Mediterranean & Middle Eastern kebabs, shawarma, and mixed grills
- Latin American parrilladas, pollo a la brasa, and grilled seafood
- Korean & Japanese barbecue and robata/yakitori
- Caribbean & African jerk grills and suya
- Upscale steakhouses and bistros with broiled steaks and seafood
Key International “Broil Out” Styles You’ll See in Atlanta
1. Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Mixed Grills
Many Atlanta Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants highlight broiled or charcoal-grilled meats:
- Shish kebabs and kofta: Ground or cubed meats pressed onto skewers and broiled or grilled.
- Mixed grill platters: A combination of lamb, chicken, and sometimes seafood with rice, salad, and pita.
- Charred vegetables: Tomatoes, onions, and peppers broiled or grilled alongside meats.
These spots are common in Buford Highway, Decatur, Midtown, and North Druid Hills, where you’ll find clusters of international restaurants with open-kitchen grills and visible broilers.
2. Latin American Grills and Rotisseries
Atlanta’s Latin American restaurants often center the menu around fire and heat:
- Parrilla / Parrillada: Mixed grilled meats (beef, sausage, chicken) served family-style.
- Pollo a la brasa: Rotisserie chicken cooked over open flames or glowing coals.
- Broiled seafood: Shrimp, fish, and octopus with a light char and citrus-based marinades.
Look especially in Doraville, Norcross, and Westside Atlanta for casual spots that feel like a “broil out” with lively music and big shared platters.
3. Korean & Japanese Flame-Cooked Specialties
In the Atlanta area, especially along Buford Highway and in Duluth, you’ll find:
- Korean BBQ: Diners cook marinated meats over gas or charcoal grills at the table, creating an indoor “broil out” experience.
- Japanese yakitori/robata: Skewers of chicken, beef, and vegetables cooked over high heat on special grills.
These restaurants frequently offer all-you-can-grill options or set platters with multiple cuts of meat and banchan (side dishes).
4. Caribbean & African Grilled Favorites
Many Caribbean and African restaurants across Atlanta rely on high-heat methods for deep flavor:
- Jerk chicken and pork: Traditionally cooked over pimento wood or hot coals, often adapted to broilers and commercial grills.
- Suya and grilled meats: Spiced skewers and grilled cuts from West African cuisines.
- Broiled fish and seafood: Generously seasoned, served with rice, plantains, or yuca.
You’ll see these especially in Southwest Atlanta, Clarkston, Stone Mountain, and parts of Decatur, often in small, family-run spots.
Where in Atlanta to Look for “Broil Out”–Style International Cuisine
Rather than relying on one restaurant, it’s useful to know neighborhood clusters where broiled and grilled international food is easy to find.
Major Atlanta Areas for Flame-Grilled International Food
| Area / Corridor | What It’s Known For (Broil/Grill Focus) | Why Go There 🥘 |
|---|---|---|
| Buford Highway | Korean BBQ, Chinese grills, Vietnamese, Latin American, Middle Eastern | Huge variety, late hours, many casual options |
| Midtown & West Midtown | Upscale steakhouses, modern Mediterranean, international bistros | Date nights, special occasions, cocktail programs |
| Decatur & Clarkston | Middle Eastern, African, Caribbean, creative international menus | Neighborhood feel, walkable, family-friendly |
| Duluth / Gwinnett | Korean BBQ, Japanese, Chinese regional cuisine | Big group dining, grilling at the table |
| Southwest & South DeKalb | Caribbean jerk spots, African grills, soul-food-adjacent menus | Bold flavors, generous portions, relaxed settings |
When searching online, pairing “Atlanta” + “grill” + “kebab,” “BBQ,” “yakitori,” “parrillada,” or “jerk” will usually surface the most relevant “broil out” style spots.
What to Expect on the Menu
When you walk into an Atlanta international restaurant that leans toward a “broil out” cooking style, look for these menu keywords:
Common Terms That Signal Broiled or Flame-Grilled Dishes
- Grilled, Charbroiled, Fire-roasted, or Flame-grilled
- Kebab / Kabob / Kefta / Kofta
- Parrillada / Parrilla / Asado
- Yakitori / Robata
- Jerk (for Caribbean)
- Suya (West African grilled skewers)
- Rotisserie or a la brasa
- Broiled salmon, broiled lamb chops, broiled seafood platter
If you’re unsure, you can simply ask staff:
- Whether a dish is cooked over open flame, in a broiler, or on a flat-top
- If meats are marinated in-house and finished on a grill or under a broiler
- Whether there’s a mixed grill or sampler platter that highlights their best broiled/grilled items
How to Choose the Right “Broil Out” Spot in Atlanta
1. Decide on the Type of Cuisine
Start with what kind of international flavors you want:
- Savory and smoky lamb, chicken, and beef → Mediterranean or Middle Eastern
- Sweet, spicy, citrus-heavy marinades → Latin American
- Charred meats served with kimchi and side dishes → Korean BBQ
- Scotch bonnet heat and aromatic spice → Caribbean jerk
- Dry-spice skewers and grilled fish → African grills
Atlanta’s restaurant strips (especially Buford Highway and Midtown/Westside) make it easy to walk between several restaurants if you prefer to see menus in person.
2. Consider Ambiance: Casual vs. Special Occasion
Atlanta offers the full range:
- Casual “broil out” feel: Counter-service, plastic trays, big portions, takeout-oriented; common for Latin American grills, jerk spots, and some kebab houses.
- Interactive grilling at the table: Korean BBQ and some Japanese spots, ideal for groups and celebrations.
- White-tablecloth or modern bistro: Upscale steakhouses and Mediterranean restaurants offering broiled steaks, seafood, and lamb with polished service.
When you call ahead, you can ask:
- Whether they take reservations
- If they can accommodate large groups or family-style dining
- Typical noise level and dress expectations
3. Plan for Location, Parking, and Transit
Atlanta traffic can be a factor, so consider:
- Walkable options if you’re staying near Midtown, Downtown, or Atlantic Station
- MARTA access for neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and parts of Decatur
- Plentiful parking in the suburbs and Buford Highway corridor, where many strip-mall international gems are located
For out-of-town visitors, using a rideshare to and from Buford Highway or Duluth for a “broil out” dinner is common, especially if you plan to explore multiple spots in one evening.
Dietary Preferences and “Broil Out” Dishes
Many broil- or grill-centered international menus in Atlanta are flexible for different needs, but details vary by restaurant.
Common Options You May Find
- Halal: Many Middle Eastern and South Asian grills in Atlanta are halal-friendly; look for signage or call ahead.
- Pescatarian: Broiled fish, shrimp skewers, and grilled vegetables appear on many Mediterranean and Latin American menus.
- Vegetarian: Grilled halloumi, vegetable skewers, falafel, and broiled eggplant dishes are often available.
- Gluten-conscious: Many simple grilled meats and vegetables are naturally gluten-light, but marinades and sauces can contain gluten, so it’s best to ask.
When in doubt, ask if they can:
- Serve meats without certain sauces or glazes
- Substitute salad or extra vegetables for bread or pita
- Adjust the spice level for jerk, suya, or heavily seasoned dishes
Tips for a Great “Broil Out” Experience in Atlanta
- Go early or late on weekends: Popular Korean BBQ and mixed grill spots can have long waits at peak dinner times.
- Ask about sampler platters: Many international restaurants offer combination plates that are ideal for trying multiple broiled or grilled items at once.
- Share family-style: In Atlanta, it’s very common in international restaurants to order several big plates and pass them around the table.
- Check for lunch specials: Some grill-focused restaurants have more budget-friendly midday menus with smaller portions of their broiled favorites.
How Locals Often Discover New Broiled & Grilled Spots
People living in Atlanta commonly find new “broil out” style restaurants by:
- Exploring Buford Highway or Decatur in person and stepping into busy-looking spots
- Asking coworkers and neighbors for neighborhood favorites for kebabs, jerk, or parrilladas
- Checking locally focused food blogs or neighborhood groups for international restaurant recommendations
If you’re new to the city or visiting, building one evening around a single corridor (for example, “Buford Highway night” or “Midtown grill and walk”) can help you discover several new places at once without a complicated itinerary.
If you’re craving that intense, flame-forward, broiled or grilled flavor in Atlanta, focus on international restaurants that highlight mixed grills, kebabs, jerk, parrilladas, or Korean BBQ. By zeroing in on the right neighborhoods and asking a few targeted questions about how dishes are cooked, you’ll have no trouble finding a “broil out” experience that fits your taste, budget, and part of town.