Krave in Atlanta: Where to Find Global Flavors When You’re Craving Something Different

Atlanta is a city that lives on cravings—from late-night wings to upscale tasting menus. If you’re searching for “Krave” in Atlanta and expecting international cuisine, you’re probably looking for:

• A place that satisfies a specific food craving (Korean, Caribbean, Indian, Mediterranean, etc.)
• Somewhere easy to reach in the metro area
• Clear guidance on what to expect, what to order, and where to go

While restaurant openings and names change often, Atlanta’s international dining scene is consistently strong. Below is a practical guide to where and how to “krave” international cuisine in Atlanta, organized by what you’re craving, plus key neighborhoods and tips.

How International Cuisine Works in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have just one “international district.” Instead, it has clusters of global restaurants spread across the metro:

• Buford Highway – The best-known stretch for Asian, Latin American, and global mom-and-pop spots.
• Doraville & Chamblee – Heavy concentration of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines.
• Decatur & Clarkston – Excellent for Ethiopian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and refugee-owned restaurants.
• Midtown, Downtown & Buckhead – More polished international spots, often with full bars and trend-forward menus.
• West Midtown & Westside – Modern takes on global food, food halls, and fusion concepts.

If you’re “kraving” international flavors, Atlanta usually offers two broad experiences:

1. Authentic, no-frills eateries in plazas and strip malls (especially on Buford Highway).
2. Upscale or modern concepts closer to the city core, often with a chef-driven or fusion angle.

Quick-Glance Guide to International Food “Cravings” in Atlanta

Use this as a starting point when you’re trying to satisfy a specific “krave” rather than searching for a single restaurant named Krave.

Key Atlanta Areas for International Cuisine

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Most Famous Global Food Corridor

Where it is: Roughly from Brookhaven through Doraville, along Buford Highway NE.
Why it matters: Locals treat Buford Highway as the default answer when someone says, “I’m craving something from another country.”

You’ll find:

• Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Thai
• Mexican, Central American, Colombian, Peruvian
• Bakeries, dessert shops, and international grocery stores

📍 A few notable shopping centers often associated with international food:

• Plaza Fiesta – 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
• Oriental Plaza / Asian Square–style centers – clusters of small restaurants and markets along Buford Hwy

Expect busy parking lots, simple interiors, and serious food. Many places focus more on flavor than atmosphere, which is exactly why people go.

Doraville & Chamblee: Heavy on Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese

If you’re “kraving” Korean BBQ, hot pot, or regional Chinese food, Doraville and Chamblee are prime.

General area:

• Around Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Buford Hwy, and I-285
• Easy access from Doraville MARTA Station (5993 Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340)

What you’ll typically find:

• Korean BBQ & soju bars – grills built into the tables, shared meats, banchan (side dishes).
• Bubble tea and dessert cafes – great after-dinner stops.
• Hot pot and Sichuan-style restaurants – good for groups and cold weather.

Many of these restaurants stay open later than typical suburban spots, which helps if your “krave” hits at night.

Decatur & Clarkston: Ethiopian, Indian, and Refugee-Owned Eateries

Decatur (around the Downtown Decatur Square) and Clarkston (east of I-285) are especially known for:

• Ethiopian cuisine – shared platters over injera (spongy flatbread), rich stews, and lentil dishes.
• Indian and South Asian restaurants – both buffet-style and à la carte.
• Middle Eastern and East African spots – often in modest shopping centers.

🗺️ Helpful civic reference points:

• City of Decatur – 509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
• City of Clarkston – 1055 Rowland St, Clarkston, GA 30021

If you’re new to Ethiopian or Indian food, many local diners describe these clusters as welcoming entry points with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

Midtown, Downtown & Buckhead: Trend-Forward International Dining

If your version of “Krave” leans toward:

• Stylish interiors
• Creative cocktails
• International food with a modern or fusion twist

then Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead are your core hunting grounds.

Common options include:

• Upscale sushi and Japanese-inspired menus
• Modern Italian and French
• Pan-Asian, Latin-fusion, or Mediterranean-fusion concepts

Areas to walk and explore:

• Midtown Mile (Peachtree St NE between North Ave & 14th St)
• Buckhead Village district (around Peachtree Rd NE & Buckhead Ave NE)
• Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park and Peachtree Center

These areas are especially convenient for visitors staying in hotels who want international flavors without leaving central Atlanta.

West Midtown & Food Halls: Global Flavors Under One Roof

If you want to try multiple cuisines at once—perfect when your group is all craving different things—food halls and markets can be ideal.

Well-known multi-vendor spaces often hosting international options include:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• The Works (Upper Westside) – 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Inside, you might find:

• Ramen or noodle stands
• Latin-inspired kitchens
• Indian or Southeast Asian stalls
• Mediterranean or Middle Eastern fast-casual counters

These spots are especially helpful if you’re visiting Atlanta without a car, because they’re reachable by rideshare, bike, or pathways like the Atlanta BeltLine.

Matching Your “Krave” to a Cuisine in Atlanta

Craving Bold, Spicy, and Saucy?

Look toward:

• Sichuan Chinese – usually in Chamblee/Doraville along Buford Hwy
• Korean food – spicy stews, BBQ, and fried chicken
• Thai and some Indian dishes – curries, hot-and-sour soups

These cuisines are widely available in:

• Buford Highway corridor
• Decatur and North DeKalb
• Pockets of Midtown and West Midtown

Craving Comfort Food with Rice, Stews, and Grilled Meats?

You might enjoy:

• Caribbean (Jamaican, Trinidadian, etc.) – jerk chicken, oxtail, curries
• Latin American (Mexican, Central & South American) – rice and beans, slow-cooked meats, tacos, empanadas
• Middle Eastern & Mediterranean – kabobs, shawarma, rice dishes, flatbreads

Look around:

• Southwest Atlanta and South DeKalb for Caribbean and African-inspired comfort food
• Buford Hwy for pan-Latin options, from tacos to Peruvian chicken
• Midtown, Decatur & Sandy Springs for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern

Craving Something Light, Fresh, or Veggie-Forward?

Atlanta has many international spots that work well for lighter meals:

• Mediterranean / Middle Eastern – hummus, tabbouleh, salads, grilled fish
• Japanese – sushi, sashimi, simple grilled skewers
• Vietnamese – fresh spring rolls, rice vermicelli bowls, pho with lighter broths
• Indian & Ethiopian – strong vegetarian and vegan traditions

These are common in:

• Buford Hwy (especially Vietnamese)
• Midtown & Decatur (Mediterranean, Japanese, Indian, Ethiopian)

Practical Tips for Enjoying International Restaurants in Atlanta

1. Transportation and Getting Around

• MARTA: Good for reaching Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and Doraville.

  • For Doraville-area eats, use Doraville Station (Gold Line).
  • For Decatur, use Decatur Station (Blue Line).

• Driving: Often easiest for Buford Hwy, Clarkston, Chamblee, and Westside.

  • Many plazas have free parking, but lots can be busy at peak meal times.

• BeltLine access: If you’re staying near the Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market give you plenty of international choices in one walkable loop.

2. Language & Menus

Many international restaurants in Atlanta:

• Offer English-language menus, sometimes with photos.
• Are used to first-time diners asking questions about dishes.

If you’re unsure:

• Start with combination platters or “chef’s choice” type dishes.
• Ask staff for mild versions if you’re heat-sensitive.

Using a translation app for unfamiliar dish names can also help, especially on Buford Hwy where menus may include native language first.

3. Price Expectations

Prices vary by area and style:

• Strip-mall spots on Buford Hwy, Doraville, Clarkston
  • Generally moderate, often good value for portion sizes.
• Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown
  • Expect higher prices, especially at chef-driven or cocktail-focused restaurants.

Lunch specials, buffet options (common at some Indian restaurants), and combination plates can keep costs down while letting you sample more dishes.

4. Reservations, Takeout, and Delivery

• Trend-forward or upscale international spots in Midtown and Buckhead often recommend reservations, especially weekends.
• Many Buford Hwy and neighborhood restaurants are first-come, first-served.
• Takeout and delivery are widely available via major apps around the intown and near-suburb areas, which is useful if you want to “krave” international cuisine from home or your hotel.

5. Finding Up-to-Date Info

Because restaurant names, concepts, and hours can change:

• Confirm current hours and menus before heading out.
• Check whether a spot is cash-only (less common now but still possible in older plazas).
• For general visitor help, you can contact or visit:
  • Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau – 233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303 | Phone: (404) 521-6600

They can often point you toward current popular international dining areas and events.

If You’re Visiting vs. Living in Atlanta

Visitors

If you’re just in town for a few days and want a focused “Krave” plan:

• Spend one evening on Buford Highway to experience authentic global strip-mall dining.
• Use another night for a Midtown or West Midtown food hall or fusion restaurant for a more polished scene.

This two-stop approach gives you a broad sample of Atlanta’s international food culture without a car-heavy itinerary.

Local Residents

If you live in Atlanta and want to explore more:

• Pick one corridor at a time (for example, Buford Hwy this month, Clarkston next month).
• Try one new cuisine on each visit—Ethiopian one week, Korean the next.
• Keep notes of plazas and spots you like; many locals build a personal “Krave list” of go-to international restaurants across the metro.

Atlanta may not have a single, universally recognized restaurant called “Krave” dedicated to international cuisine, but the city functions like one giant global menu. Whether you’re in Midtown looking for sleek fusion or on Buford Highway chasing a specific regional dish, you can almost always satisfy whatever you’re craving—if you know where to look.