Kings Deli in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for international-style sandwiches and deli favorites in Atlanta, a place like Kings Deli fits neatly into the city’s growing mix of global restaurants. While specific menus and ownership can change over time, you can still make smart choices and know what to expect from an “international cuisine” deli-style spot in Atlanta.

This guide walks you through how a Kings Deli–type restaurant usually works here, what you’re likely to find on the menu, how it fits into Atlanta’s neighborhood food scene, and how to plan your visit.

What “International Cuisine” Means at a Deli in Atlanta

In Atlanta, an international deli often blends:

  • Classic deli staples (sandwiches, salads, soups)
  • Global flavors (Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Latin, Asian, Caribbean, or European touches)
  • Quick-service, casual dining for lunch or easy dinner takeout

A spot branded as Kings Deli in the International Cuisine category will usually emphasize:

  • Bold seasonings and spice-forward dishes
  • Halal or culturally specific preparations in some cases
  • Fusion sandwiches or plates that mix familiar formats with global ingredients

For Atlanta residents or visitors, that means you can expect something a bit more adventurous than a basic turkey-on-rye, but still approachable and convenient.

Typical Menu Features at an International-Style Deli

While menus differ, many Atlanta delis in this category offer a similar structure. You’ll often see:

Sandwiches and Wraps

Expect a mix of:

  • Grilled sandwiches with marinated meats (chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetarian options)
  • Flatbread wraps or pitas stuffed with international-style fillings
  • Fusion subs using deli formats but seasoned with spices common in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or South Asian cooking

Look for keywords like:

  • Shawarma or gyro-style meat
  • Tandoori or spiced grilled chicken
  • Falafel or other vegetarian patties
  • Garlic, tahini, yogurt, or harissa sauces

These are common across Atlanta’s international delis, especially around areas like Buford Highway, Tucker, Decatur, and parts of Midtown where global restaurants are clustered.

Platters and Rice Plates

Many international delis in Atlanta pair their proteins with:

  • Rice or seasoned pilaf
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Salads like cucumber-tomato, tabbouleh-style sides, or cabbage slaws
  • Fresh bread (pita, naan-style flatbread, or house bread)

If you’re hungry or want leftovers, these platters are often more filling than standard sandwiches.

Sides and Starters

Common sides you might find:

  • Hummus or other dips with bread or chips
  • Fries or seasoned potato wedges
  • Pickled vegetables or fresh salads
  • Soup of the day with international influences (lentil, tomato, or bean soups are frequent in Atlanta’s global delis)

Drinks and Desserts

International delis in Atlanta may offer:

  • Standard soft drinks and bottled water
  • Tea or regional soft drinks depending on the restaurant’s roots
  • Simple desserts like baklava, cookies, or pastries if the concept leans Mediterranean or Middle Eastern

Atmosphere, Service, and Price Range

Most international delis in Atlanta operate as:

  • Casual counter-service spots – you order at the counter, then food is brought to your table or packed to-go.
  • Quick lunch and dinner locations – popular with nearby workers, students, and locals.
  • Family-friendly environments – simple indoor seating and sometimes a few outdoor tables.

In terms of price:

  • Sandwiches/wraps: usually in the moderate range for Atlanta, often comparable to other fast-casual restaurants.
  • Plates/platters: slightly higher than sandwiches but still accessible for a weekday lunch or casual dinner.
  • Sides and drinks: similar to what you’ll find at other local delis or international cafes.

Exact pricing will vary by neighborhood. Spots closer to Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or near major attractions may be a bit higher than delis in suburban areas.

How International Delis Fit Into Atlanta’s Food Neighborhoods

If you’re trying to place a Kings Deli–type restaurant in context, it helps to know how Atlanta’s neighborhoods handle international cuisine:

In and Around the City Core

Areas like Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown often have:

  • International delis close to office buildings and residences
  • A mix of quick-service and sit-down options
  • Strong lunch crowds on weekdays

If Kings Deli is located in one of these areas, it’s likely designed for speed and convenience—think grab-and-go, efficient counter service, and steady takeout orders.

Eastside and Intown Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods like Decatur, Edgewood, Inman Park, and Candler Park tend to support:

  • Smaller, independent international eateries
  • More walkable access and neighborhood regulars
  • Delis that may experiment with fusion menus or seasonal specials

Here, an international deli could feel more like a neighborhood staple, with a mix of regulars and curious visitors.

Buford Highway and the Northern Corridor

While not always labeled “delis,” the Buford Highway corridor (running through Brookhaven, Doraville, and Chamblee) is Atlanta’s best-known international food strip. If you like the concept behind Kings Deli, you may also enjoy:

  • Middle Eastern, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Central American eateries
  • Small shops that serve deli-style sandwiches and plates with strong regional identities

Even if Kings Deli itself isn’t there, the style of food often overlaps with the global, casual, and affordable options Buford Highway is known for.

Practical Tips for Visiting an International Deli in Atlanta

1. Check Hours and Peak Times

Many Atlanta delis in this category:

  • Focus heavily on lunch, with brisk traffic from late morning through early afternoon.
  • Stay open into early or mid-evening for dinner.
  • May have reduced hours on Sundays or certain holidays.

Calling ahead or checking posted hours at the storefront is useful, especially if you’re planning a late dinner.

2. Parking and Transit

Your experience will depend on the location:

  • Intown locations (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward):

    • Street parking can be limited or metered.
    • You may find nearby paid decks.
    • If you’re staying downtown, walking or rideshare is often easier.
    • MARTA rail stops like Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Arts Center serve many restaurant-dense areas.

  • Suburban or corridor locations (Tucker, Doraville, Decatur):

    • Often have on-site surface lots.
    • Traffic can be heavier during rush hours on weekdays.

3. Ordering and Customization

Most international delis in Atlanta are comfortable with:

  • Substitutions and simple customizations (sauce on the side, no onions, extra vegetables)
  • Spice level adjustments – if a dish is described as spicy, you can usually ask for it mild or medium.
  • Vegetarian or pescatarian tweaks when the menu allows (e.g., swapping meat for falafel or grilled vegetables).

If you have more specific dietary needs, asking clearly at the counter is common and generally well-received.

Dietary Preferences and Common Questions

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Atlanta’s international delis often include:

  • Falafel wraps or plates
  • Grilled vegetable sandwiches
  • Salads and dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, or bean-based spreads

If you follow a vegan diet, clarify:

  • Whether bread, sauces, or dressings contain dairy or eggs
  • If any items are cooked on shared surfaces with meat

Halal and Cultural Considerations

Some international delis in Atlanta, particularly those with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or North African influences, may advertise halal meat. If that’s important to you:

  • Look for signage in-store mentioning halal.
  • Ask staff directly which items follow those standards.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Common ingredients at international delis include:

  • Wheat (in bread, wraps, and some sauces)
  • Dairy (yogurt sauces, cheese, some desserts)
  • Sesame (tahini-based sauces and toppings)
  • Nuts (occasionally in desserts or specialty sauces)

If you’re managing a food allergy or sensitivity, tell the staff before ordering and ask which dishes can be prepared without certain ingredients.

How to Use an International Deli in Your Atlanta Routine

Whether Kings Deli is your local spot or you’re just passing through Atlanta, an international deli can fit into your day in several ways:

For locals:

  • A regular lunch rotation near your office or school
  • A quick weeknight dinner you can pick up on your commute home
  • A casual meet-up spot with friends who like trying different cuisines

For visitors:

  • An easy way to explore global flavors without committing to a long sit-down meal
  • A more affordable alternative to pricier restaurants near major attractions
  • A flexible option if your group has mixed preferences (spicy vs. mild, meat vs. vegetarian)

Getting Oriented and Finding Similar Spots in Atlanta

If you enjoy the idea of a Kings Deli–type restaurant, you might also explore:

  • Downtown and Midtown corridors, where many delis, sandwich shops, and international fast-casual spots cluster near offices and hotels.
  • Decatur Square and nearby roads, which host a variety of global restaurants in a walkable environment.
  • The Buford Highway area, for a more immersive international food experience with many small, locally run eateries.

When you’re in Atlanta, you can usually:

  • Call the restaurant directly to confirm hours, menu focus, and parking.
  • Ask staff about popular items and any seasonal or regional specialties they recommend.

By understanding how an international cuisine deli typically operates in Atlanta—what’s on the menu, how ordering works, and where these restaurants tend to be located—you’ll be better prepared to decide if a place like Kings Deli fits what you’re craving, how much time you have, and how far you want to travel within the city.