Food & Beverage in Atlanta: Your Guide to the City’s International Dining Scene

Atlanta’s food and beverage (F&B) scene has grown into one of the most diverse in the Southeast. If you live in the city, are visiting, or are just trying to understand how international cuisine works in Atlanta, you’re in the right place.

Below is a practical guide to navigating global flavors, neighborhood by neighborhood, with tips on what to expect, how to order, and where different communities tend to dine.

How Atlanta’s International F&B Scene Is Organized

Atlanta’s international restaurants are not all downtown or in one district. Instead, they’re spread out across:

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, West Midtown)
• Ethnic corridors (Buford Highway, parts of Doraville and Chamblee)
• Suburban hubs (Duluth, Norcross, Johns Creek, and others along I‑85 and GA‑141)

Think of the metro as a patchwork of cultural pockets. If you’re planning where to eat, it helps to pick a neighborhood first, then narrow down cuisine and budget.

Key International Food Districts in Atlanta

Buford Highway: The Heart of Global Dining

If you ask locals where to find the most international food in Atlanta, many will point to Buford Highway, which runs roughly from northeast Atlanta through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville.

You’ll find:

• Mexican, Central & South American taquerias and bakeries
• Chinese (Cantonese, Sichuan, Taiwanese, and more)
• Korean barbecue, cafes, and late-night spots
• Vietnamese pho shops and bánh mì counters
• Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian options
• Caribbean and Latin American groceries and casual eateries

Most places here are casual, often in strip malls, with a focus on authentic cooking and value rather than decor. English menus are common, but you may see bilingual signage and dishes listed in the original language.

📝 Tip: Parking is usually free in large shared lots; traffic can be heavy during dinner hours, especially near major intersections like Buford Highway at Clairmont Road and near Doraville.

Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward: Global Dining in the Core

Intown Atlanta neighborhoods offer international cuisine in a more urban, walkable setting.

Typical options include:

• Upscale and modern international restaurants in Midtown and West Midtown
• Casual global fast-casual concepts near Georgia Tech, Downtown, and Ponce City Market
• Latinx, Caribbean, and fusion concepts scattered across Old Fourth Ward, Edgewood, and nearby areas

Expect:

• More contemporary spaces, often with craft cocktails and curated wine lists
• Higher prices than many suburban or Buford Highway spots
• Easier access via MARTA rail and bus compared to far-flung suburbs

Decatur and Eastside Neighborhoods

Decatur, East Atlanta, and Kirkwood lean toward neighborhood-style spots with strong international influences:

• Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean restaurants
• Latin American cafes and bakeries
• Fusion restaurants blending Southern ingredients with international techniques

These areas are walkable, often with patio seating, and popular with families, students, and long-time residents.

North Metro: Duluth, Johns Creek, Norcross, and Beyond

Farther up I‑85 and GA‑141, you’ll find large communities from:

• Korea (especially in Duluth and Suwanee)
• India and South Asia (Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Norcross)
• China and other East Asian countries in scattered plazas and centers

Here you can find:

• Specialty bakeries and dessert cafes
• Regional Chinese and Korean cuisines
• Large Indian grocery stores with in-house snack counters or small eateries

These areas are car-centric and well-suited for group dining or full-day food adventures (brunch, bubble tea, dessert, and shopping in one area).

Types of International Cuisine Commonly Found in Atlanta

Atlanta’s F&B scene covers most major world cuisines. While availability can change, here’s a general overview of what you can typically find:

Asian Cuisines

Chinese

• Found heavily along Buford Highway, Doraville, and Chamblee, plus scattered intown options.
• Common styles: dim sum, hot pot, Sichuan, Cantonese, noodle shops, and bakeries.

Korean

• Concentrated in Duluth, Suwanee, and stretches of Buford Highway.
• Look for K‑BBQ, Korean fried chicken, soondubu (soft tofu stew), Korean bakeries, and late-night pubs.

Japanese

• Available in intown neighborhoods and northern suburbs.
• Often focused on sushi, ramen, izakaya-style small plates, and donburi.

Vietnamese

• Strong presence on Buford Highway and in Doraville and Chamblee.
• You’ll see pho, bun (noodle bowls), bánh mì, and Vietnamese coffee.

Thai

• Widely spread, from Midtown and Decatur to suburbs.
• Menus commonly feature curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes like pad thai and pad see ew.

Latin American and Caribbean

Mexican

• Found throughout Atlanta: taquerias, marisquerías (seafood-focused), and casual cantinas.
• For more regional or traditional menus, many people explore Buford Highway and southwest/southeast suburbs.

Central and South American

• Options from Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and others appear along major corridors like Buford Highway, Norcross, and scattered intown.

Caribbean

• Jamaican, Trinidadian, and other island cuisines are available inside the Perimeter and in nearby suburbs.
• Expect jerk chicken, curries, roti, patties, and island-style sides.

Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean

Indian and South Asian

• Many options along I‑85 north (Norcross, Duluth, Johns Creek, Alpharetta).
• Intown neighborhoods like Decatur and Midtown also host Indian restaurants.
• Menus typically feature North and South Indian dishes, tandoori items, dosas, and vegetarian-friendly options.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

• Scattered across Decatur, Midtown, and various suburbs.
• Expect shawarma, falafel, hummus, kebabs, and grilled meats, sometimes in casual counter-service form and sometimes as more formal dining.

African and Other Global Cuisines

Ethiopian and East African

• Often found in and around Decatur and nearby intown neighborhoods.
• Dishes are usually shared, with injera (spongy flatbread) and stewed meats and vegetables.

West African

• Options exist along Buford Highway and in West and Southwest Atlanta.
• Menus can include jollof rice, fufu, stews, and grilled meats.

European and Other Regions

• French, Italian, Spanish, and Eastern European restaurants are available across Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.
• Often more bistro- or wine bar–style environments, especially in denser neighborhoods.

What to Expect When Dining at International Restaurants in Atlanta

Seating, Service, and Atmosphere

• Casual strip-mall spots (common along Buford Highway and suburban plazas) may:
  • Seat you quickly, with minimal decor but robust menus
  • Expect you to order at the counter in some cases
• Intown and upscale international restaurants may:
  • Recommend or require reservations, especially on weekends
  • Offer full bar programs, tasting menus, or chef’s specials

Atlanta diners are used to both formats, so neither is out of place.

Pricing Basics

Costs vary widely by area and style. Roughly, you can expect:

These are general patterns only; actual prices depend on the restaurant, time, and menu.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Peak Hours

• Friday and Saturday evenings are peak times citywide.
• Intown neighborhoods around Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, and Decatur can have wait lists at popular spots.
• Buford Highway and many suburban restaurants tend to be more flexible for walk-ins, though group dining may require a call ahead.

☎️ Tip: If you’re planning a large group meal (especially K‑BBQ or hot pot), calling earlier in the day often helps with seating arrangements and avoids long waits.

Getting Around: Transportation and Parking

Using MARTA

MARTA can be useful for certain international dining areas:

• Doraville Station (Gold Line): A short drive or bus ride from many Buford Highway restaurants.
• Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Station (Gold Line): Also near parts of Buford Highway.
• Midtown, North Avenue, and Civic Center Stations: Useful for reaching Midtown, Downtown, and West Midtown global restaurants by foot, scooter, or short rideshare.

Check current MARTA maps and bus routes before heading out, especially if you’re visiting from out of town.

Driving and Parking

• Most suburban and Buford Highway locations have large parking lots shared with other businesses.
• Intown areas like Midtown, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward may use:
  • Street parking (metered)
  • Paid decks or lots
  • Validated parking when dining in certain complexes

Parking enforcement is active in busy intown districts, so it’s worth checking posted signs and payment kiosks.

Ordering and Menu Tips for International Cuisine in Atlanta

Navigating the Menu

Many Atlanta restaurants offering international cuisine:

• Provide English translations or dish descriptions.
• Use numbered menus or photos, especially in casual spots.

If you’re unsure:

• Look for “chef’s specialties” or “house specials” sections.
• Ask staff for popular choices if you’re new to the cuisine.
• Mention dietary needs clearly (e.g., vegetarian, no shellfish).

Dietary Preferences and Restrictions

Atlanta’s F&B scene tends to be used to:

• Vegetarian and vegan requests, especially at Indian, Mediterranean, and some Asian restaurants.
• Gluten-conscious diners, particularly at more modern or health-focused concepts.
• Simple substitutions like no cheese, no mayo, or mild spice level.

Not every restaurant can accommodate every need, but many are familiar with common preferences.

Cultural Events and Food-Centered Festivals

If you’re interested in trying multiple cuisines in one place, Atlanta hosts various cultural and food-related events throughout the year, often featuring:

• Food vendors representing different countries and regions
• Live music, performances, and cultural demonstrations
• Opportunities to sample dishes before seeking out the full restaurant experience later

Check citywide event calendars, neighborhood associations, or cultural centers in metro Atlanta to see what’s happening during your visit or season.

Practical Tips for Enjoying International F&B in Atlanta

• Plan by area, not just by restaurant. Many people pick a corridor (Buford Highway, Midtown, Duluth) and then decide on a specific place after they arrive.
• Consider traffic. Rush hour can be heavy, especially on weekdays from late afternoon to early evening.
• Build in time for exploring. Global plazas and food courts often have bakeries, dessert shops, tea and coffee spots, and international groceries you can visit before or after your meal.
• Try something new gradually. If you’re unfamiliar with a cuisine, start with a friend’s recommendation or a staff suggestion and then branch out on return visits.

Atlanta’s international F&B scene rewards curiosity. Whether you’re here for a weekend or have lived in the city for years, there is almost always a new restaurant, region, or dish to discover somewhere across the metro.