Exploring Hovan Gourmet in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Looking for a casual, affordable spot in Atlanta to enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors? Hovan Gourmet has become a familiar name for locals who crave fresh wraps, hummus, and simple international cuisine without a lot of fuss.

This guide walks you through what to expect from Hovan Gourmet in Atlanta, how it fits into the city’s international dining scene, and tips for getting the most out of your visit.

What Is Hovan Gourmet?

Hovan Gourmet is a Mediterranean / Middle Eastern-style restaurant known for:

• Soft, rolled “Hovan” sandwiches (often made with thin bread similar to lavash)
• Simple, build-your-plate Mediterranean combinations
• A casual, no-frills atmosphere
• Reasonable prices and quick service

For Atlanta residents and visitors, it’s often seen as:

• A fast-casual lunch spot near work or errands
• An easy entry point into international cuisine if you’re new to Mediterranean flavors
• A practical choice for takeout when you want something lighter than typical fast food

Menus can vary by location, but many Atlantans associate Hovan with chicken shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, hummus, and other familiar staples.

Where You’ll Typically Find Hovan Gourmet in Atlanta

Restaurant locations can shift over time, but in the Atlanta metro area, Hovan-style eateries commonly appear in:

• Shopping centers
• Food court areas (especially in or near malls or office-heavy districts)
• Busy commuter corridors with a mix of office workers and residents

If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter Center, you’re usually within a reasonable drive of a Mediterranean spot similar to Hovan Gourmet, even if the exact storefront changes over the years.

When planning a visit:

• 🔍 Search specifically for “Hovan Gourmet Atlanta GA” to confirm the most current address and hours.
• ⏰ Check same-day hours before heading out, since closing times can vary by day and by location.
• 🚗 Consider parking—many locations are tied to shopping centers with free lots, but if you’re closer to Midtown or Downtown you may have to use paid garages or street parking.

What’s on the Menu: Typical Dishes and Flavors

While each Atlanta-area Hovan Gourmet location may have its own variations, you can usually expect a core set of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

Popular Hovan-Style Items

1. Rolled “Hovan” Sandwiches
These are often made with a thin flatbread rolled around fillings, then sliced or served as wraps. Common fillings include:

• Chicken shawarma (marinated, roasted chicken)
• Gyro-style beef and lamb
• Falafel (deep-fried chickpea patties)
• Veggie or hummus wraps with fresh vegetables

They’re popular as a quick lunch for office workers across Atlanta, especially in areas like Perimeter, Buckhead, and Downtown where grab-and-go options are in high demand.

2. Plates and Combos

You’ll often see combo plates with:

• A main protein: chicken, gyro, kofta, or falafel
• Sides like rice, salad, hummus, baba ghanoush, or tabbouleh
• Pita or flatbread

These plates work well for a more filling meal and can be a good way to sample several items if you’re exploring Mediterranean food for the first time.

3. Cold and Hot Appetizers

Common options include:

• Hummus – blended chickpeas with tahini, lemon, and garlic
• Baba ghanoush – smoky eggplant dip
• Stuffed grape leaves (dolma)
• Tabbouleh – parsley and bulgur salad with tomato, lemon, and olive oil

These sides are popular for sharing at the table or building a lighter meal.

Quick Glance: What to Expect at Hovan Gourmet in Atlanta

How Hovan Gourmet Fits Into Atlanta’s International Food Scene

Atlanta’s food landscape is shaped by many international communities, including large populations with roots in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Hovan Gourmet fits into this scene as a familiar, accessible introduction to those flavors.

Compared to Other International Options Around Atlanta

In and around Atlanta, you’ll find:

• More traditional Middle Eastern restaurants with full-service dining, often in areas like Decatur, Buford Highway, and parts of North Druid Hills.
• Mediterranean grills and cafes with an emphasis on kebabs, fresh-baked breads, and family-style platters.
• Food courts and small counter-service spots like Hovan Gourmet that focus on speed and convenience.

Hovan Gourmet typically lands in the fast-casual, mall or strip-center category, making it especially convenient if you’re:

• Working in an office nearby
• Shopping at a mall or big-box center
• Passing through and need a quick meal that’s lighter than burgers or fried fast food

Ordering Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Whether you’re grabbing lunch between meetings in Downtown Atlanta or stopping by during a shopping trip in the suburbs, a few simple strategies can help you order confidently.

1. New to Mediterranean Food? Start Simple

If you’re just getting into international cuisine, consider:

• Chicken shawarma wrap – familiar texture and flavor, not too spicy
• Hummus with pita – mild and creamy
• Combo plate with chicken or falafel, rice, and salad

This approach lets you try a few things without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Need a Fast Workday Lunch?

For Atlanta office workers near a Hovan location:

• Order a wrap or sandwich with one side (such as hummus or salad) if you need something quick and portable.
• Call ahead or order in advance where possible during peak lunch hours to cut down on wait time.
• If multiple coworkers are ordering, platters of sides and wraps can be more efficient and cost-effective than everyone ordering separately.

3. Eating Lighter?

Mediterranean cuisine is often appreciated for its fresh vegetables, legumes, and grilled meats. At Hovan Gourmet, you might:

• Choose grilled chicken or falafel rather than fried items, when available.
• Build a plate heavy on salads, hummus, baba ghanoush, and grilled vegetables.
• Ask for sauces on the side if you want more control over richness or sweetness.

(For any specific health or dietary concerns, it’s always best to discuss ingredients directly with the restaurant and consult your own medical or nutrition professional if needed.)

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Options

Many Atlantans look for meatless options when eating out, and Mediterranean places like Hovan Gourmet often offer several.

Common vegetarian-friendly choices:

• Falafel wraps or plates
• Hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh
• Grape leaves (often vegetarian, but ask to confirm)
• Salads with feta or other cheeses

Depending on how each location prepares its dishes, some of these may also work for vegan diners, especially:

• Hummus
• Baba ghanoush
• Salads without cheese
• Falafel (if not cooked with animal-derived ingredients or in shared oil with meat)

Because preparation can vary, especially across different Atlanta locations or owners, it’s smart to:

• ✅ Ask which items are fully vegetarian or vegan
• ✅ Confirm whether soups, sauces, or rice contain any meat stocks or dairy

Takeout, Delivery, and Eating on the Go in Atlanta

Atlanta’s traffic patterns and spread-out neighborhoods make takeout and delivery a big part of how people actually eat.

Takeout

Hovan Gourmet’s menu generally travels well, especially:

• Wraps – easy to eat in the car (if you’re parked) or at your desk
• Platters and sides – good for bringing home to share
• Dips and pita – hold up well for a few hours if kept cool

If you’re driving from areas like Midtown to Buckhead or Decatur to Downtown, it’s a good idea to:

• Keep cold items (like hummus and salads) out of direct heat in the car.
• Eat within a reasonable time for best taste and food safety.

Delivery

Many Atlanta restaurants in this category choose to partner with third-party delivery platforms. If a specific Hovan Gourmet location participates, you may find:

• A delivery radius that covers nearby Atlanta neighborhoods
• Variable fees and delivery times depending on time of day, traffic, and distance

Since these services change often, it’s best to:

• Check recent delivery options through your preferred app.
• Compare estimated delivery times, especially during rush hour when Atlanta traffic is at its worst.

What Locals Typically Use Hovan Gourmet For

Based on common Atlanta dining habits, Hovan-style spots tend to fill a few practical roles:

1. Workday Lunch or Solo Dinner

   • Fast, predictable, and budget-conscious.
   • Popular among workers in office parks, corporate centers, and retail hubs.

2. Quick Meal Before or After Errands

   • Convenient when you’re at large shopping centers or running errands in areas like Perimeter, Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Fulton.

3. Gateway to International Cuisine

   • For kids, teens, or adults who haven’t had much Mediterranean food, the wraps and plates offer familiar textures with new flavors.

4. Casual Family Outing

   • Many locations are informal and kid-friendly, with simple dishes that appeal to a range of tastes.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hovan Gourmet in Atlanta

To make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:

• 🕒 Avoid peak rush if you’re in a hurry. Midtown and Downtown lunch hours (around 12–1:30 p.m.) can be busy. Suburban locations near malls also spike on weekends.
• 🚙 Check parking details. Some Atlanta shopping centers are easy and free; others may share lots with multiple businesses and be more crowded at peak shopping times.
• 💳 Bring a standard payment method. Most fast-casual places accept major cards, but if you’re unsure, it never hurts to have a small amount of cash.
• 📞 Call ahead for large orders. If you’re picking up food for a group, giving advance notice can help the kitchen and reduce your wait time.

How to Verify Current Locations and Hours

Because restaurants can relocate, close, or change ownership, especially in a fast-growing metro area like Atlanta, it’s wise to:

1. Search for “Hovan Gourmet Atlanta, GA” with your specific neighborhood (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Midtown).
2. Use the address and phone number listed to confirm:
   • Current operating hours
   • Available menu items
   • Any recent changes (renovations, new management, etc.)

If you’re staying in Atlanta for a short visit—around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport area—factor in drive times and traffic when deciding which location works best for your schedule.

Hovan Gourmet offers Atlantans and visitors a straightforward way to enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a casual, convenient setting. With a bit of planning around location, timing, and what you’d like to try, it can be a practical and satisfying option within Atlanta’s broader international restaurant scene.