Daily Chew: Exploring Atlanta’s International Restaurants, One Bite at a Time

Atlanta’s food scene changes fast, but one thing stays constant: it’s a phenomenal city for daily international eats. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch near Midtown, planning a date night in Buckhead, or exploring Buford Highway on a Saturday, there’s almost always a new flavor to chew on.

This guide walks you through how to enjoy international cuisine in Atlanta on a daily basis—where to go, what to expect, and how locals actually eat their way around the city.

How Atlanta Does International Cuisine Day to Day

Atlanta isn’t just a “special occasion” dining city. Many residents make global food part of their regular routine, not just weekend splurges. Common patterns you’ll see:

• Weekday lunches at casual ramen shops, Vietnamese spots, and Mediterranean cafés
• Takeout and delivery from Thai, Indian, Korean, and Caribbean restaurants
• Quick bites in food halls, markets, and plazas along Buford Highway and in Duluth
• Family-style dinners at Ethiopian, Chinese, or Mexican restaurants

If you live here or are visiting for more than a couple of days, it’s easy to build a “daily chew” rotation of international spots that feel just as normal as your neighborhood burger joint.

Neighborhoods and Corridors to Know

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s International Spine

When Atlantans talk about global food, they almost always mention Buford Highway. Running roughly from Brookhaven through Doraville and Chamblee, it’s lined with:

• Chinese, Taiwanese, and Cantonese restaurants
• Korean BBQ and casual cafés
• Vietnamese pho and banh mi shops
• Mexican, Central American, and Latin American eateries
• Ethiopian, Indian, and other African and Asian options in pockets

You’ll find everything from modest strip-mall shops to bustling bakeries and dessert cafés. This stretch is ideal if you want affordable, authentic, everyday meals.

Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward

Closer to the center of Atlanta, you’ll see more modern, fusion, and date-night friendly international spots, especially:

• Midtown – sushi bars, ramen shops, upscale Mediterranean, Indian, and Latin American restaurants
• Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine Eastside Trail – casual global options inside markets and food halls
• Downtown – quick-service international spots catering to office workers, students, and tourists

This area is good for walkable, spontaneous choices—perfect if you’re staying at a hotel or don’t want to drive far.

Decatur and East Atlanta

On the east side, especially around Downtown Decatur, you’ll find:

• Cozy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cafés
• Indian, Thai, and Chinese neighborhood restaurants
• A mix of vegetarian-friendly international spots

Decatur tends to feel more laid-back and residential, which many locals like for regular weeknight dinners.

Gwinnett County and Duluth

Just northeast of the city, Duluth and surrounding Gwinnett County have become a major hub for Korean and pan-Asian cuisine, with:

• Korean BBQ and hot pot
• Taiwanese dessert shops
• Chinese regional cuisines
• Japanese, Vietnamese, and fusion spots

If you’re willing to drive 25–40 minutes from central Atlanta, this area can easily become part of your weekly or monthly “food adventure” routine.

Common Types of International Cuisine in Atlanta

Here’s a quick overview of what you can easily fold into your daily eating habits in Atlanta.

How to Make International Food Part of Your Everyday Eating

1. Build a Weekly Rotation

Many Atlantans pick a few “go-to” spots they can count on for:

• Fast weekday lunches (pho, tacos, shawarma, curry bowls)
• Reliable takeout near home or work
• One or two “adventure” nights per month where they try a new cuisine or neighborhood

You might, for example:

• Grab banh mi on Buford Highway on Mondays
• Order Indian curry or biryani for Wednesday night takeout
• Meet friends for Korean BBQ on Fridays

Over time, this makes international food feel normal and accessible.

2. Use Food Halls and Markets as a Low-Stress Entry Point

If you’re new to a cuisine, Atlanta’s food halls and markets are an easy way to test the waters:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)

Both often feature international stalls—tacos, dumplings, ramen, Middle Eastern dishes, and more—in one place, which makes it simple to:

• Share multiple dishes with friends
• Sample unfamiliar items without committing to a full sit-down meal
• Compare flavors and decide what you like

3. Plan Buford Highway “Chew Tours”

Many locals treat Buford Highway like an ongoing personal food project. A simple approach:

1. Pick a small section of the road.
2. Choose one restaurant, one dessert or tea shop, and maybe a bakery.
3. Return to a different spot a week or two later.

Because so many places are clustered together, it’s great for:

• Progressive meals (snack at one place, main at another, dessert elsewhere)
• Introducing visiting friends or family to Atlanta’s global side
• Discovering smaller, family-run spots at your own pace

What to Expect When Eating Internationally in Atlanta

Price Ranges

You’ll find options at almost every price point:

• Budget-friendly: Tacos, pho, banh mi, empanadas, many lunch combos
• Mid-range: Sushi dinners, Korean BBQ, Indian feasts, tapas-style dining
• Higher-end: Chef-driven or fusion restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, or along the BeltLine

For a daily routine, most people lean toward casual and mid-range spots and save pricier tasting menus or elaborate dinners for special occasions.

Reservations vs Walk-Ins

• Popular Korean BBQ, sushi, and trendy fusion spots may require reservations, especially on weekends.
• Many Buford Highway restaurants and smaller neighborhood places are walk-in friendly and move quickly.

If you’re planning a group dinner or weekend outing, it’s usually wise to call ahead, particularly in Midtown, Buckhead, and Duluth.

Parking and Transportation

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur) often have paid decks or street parking, plus decent walkability.
• Buford Highway and Duluth are mostly car-focused, with parking lots in front of plazas and strip centers.
• MARTA can get you close to some areas (like Doraville Station near Buford Highway), but you may still need a short rideshare or walk.

Navigating Menus and Ordering with Confidence

Reading Unfamiliar Menus

Atlanta’s international restaurants range from fully translated menus to ones heavy with native-language terms. Helpful tips:

• Many places provide photo menus or counter displays—don’t hesitate to look closely.
• Servers are generally used to explaining dishes to newcomers and often recommend “beginner-friendly” options if you ask.
• Lunch specials are a reliable way to sample core dishes at lower prices.

Dietary Needs and Preferences

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have dietary restrictions, Atlanta’s international scene can still work well for a daily routine:

• Indian and many Mediterranean spots often have strong vegetarian options.
• Some Thai, Chinese, and Middle Eastern restaurants can adjust dishes when you ask (for example, no fish sauce, no dairy, or gluten-conscious choices), though it depends on the kitchen.
• Communication is key—many restaurants are happy to clarify ingredients if you speak up.

Using Takeout, Delivery, and Lunch Deals

Takeout and Delivery

Across Atlanta, you can access international cuisine without dining in, especially:

• Chinese, Thai, and Indian restaurants offering phone or app-based delivery
• Mexican and Latin American spots that do well as take-home combo plates
• Ramen, pho, and noodle dishes that many locals pick up and reheat carefully at home

This makes it easy to keep an international “daily chew” habit even on busy days.

Lunch Specials and Combos

To make global food part of your weekly rhythm without overspending:

• Look for weekday lunch specials, which are common at Indian, Chinese, and some Mediterranean restaurants.
• Many places bundle entrée, rice, and a side at midday prices.
• Office workers in Midtown, Downtown, and Perimeter often build their weeks around these deals.

Family-Friendly and Group-Friendly Options

If you’re bringing kids, out-of-town guests, or a large group, some styles of international dining work especially well:

• Korean BBQ: Shared grills, interactive cooking, and lots of side dishes.
• Hot pot and shabu-shabu (found mostly in Duluth/Gwinnett): Customizable and communal.
• Ethiopian: Shared injera platters encourage tasting a variety of stews and vegetables.
• Dim sum: Small plates that let everyone try different items (often more available on weekends).

Calling ahead can help with seating for larger parties, especially at peak dinner times.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Atlanta’s International Food Scene

• Ask for recommendations – Servers and staff usually know which dishes are popular with both locals and visitors.
• Go at off-peak times – Weekday lunches and early dinners offer shorter waits and calmer rooms, helpful if you’re new to a cuisine.
• Try one new dish each visit – Keep a favorite “fallback” meal but add one unfamiliar item to gradually broaden your palate.
• Bring cash as backup – Some smaller, older strip-mall restaurants may have card minimums or occasional machine issues.
• Check business hours – Certain places close mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner, or close early on specific days.

How Visitors and New Residents Can Start Their “Daily Chew” in Atlanta

If you’re just arriving in Atlanta and want a simple plan:

1. Day 1–2 (Intown)

   • Explore a food hall like Ponce City Market.
   • Try one Asian and one Mediterranean or Latin stall.

2. Day 3–4 (Buford Highway Focus)

   • Take a late lunch or early dinner trip to Buford Highway.
   • Start with something approachable: tacos, pho, Korean fried chicken, or dumplings.

3. Day 5+ (Venture Further)

   • Head to Decatur for Indian or Middle Eastern.
   • If you have more time or a car, add a Duluth Korean BBQ or hot pot night.

Within a week, you’ll have a feel for how Atlantan locals weave international cuisine into everyday life, and you can easily turn that into your own long-term routine.

Atlanta is built for people who like to explore the world through food. With a bit of planning—and a willingness to venture beyond your usual neighborhood—you can turn your daily chew into a global tour, one Atlanta meal at a time.