Orient Express in Atlanta: Where to Find Global Flavors on the Tracks

Atlanta has no shortage of international cuisine, but “Orient Express” has a very specific meaning here: most locals are talking about Orient Express Restaurant & Sushi Bar, the longtime spot in Vinings that’s built into an old train car right next to the railroad tracks.

This guide walks you through what to know about Orient Express in Atlanta, what kind of international food you’ll find there, how it fits into the city’s broader dining scene, and practical tips for planning a visit.

What “Orient Express” Means in Atlanta

When someone in Atlanta says “Let’s go to Orient Express,” they’re usually referring to:

• A multi-cuisine Asian restaurant
• Located in Vinings, just northwest of central Atlanta
• Housed in a converted train car beside active train tracks
• Known for Chinese, Japanese (including sushi), and sometimes hibachi-style offerings

It’s considered a bit of a local landmark because of the train setting and its mix of international Asian cuisines under one roof.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Orient Express Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Atlanta area)
Most diners know it as being in the Vinings area, just off Paces Ferry Road near the intersection with the railroad tracks and not far from I-285.

Typical ways Atlantans get there:

• Driving:

  • Easy access from I-285 (Cobb County side) and from Buckhead via Paces Ferry Road.
  • Parking is usually in a lot adjacent to the building or very close by.

• Rideshare:

  • Many locals use rideshare if they plan to drink or don’t want to deal with parking during peak hours.

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:

  • The drive typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic, most often via I-75 North and I-285 West, or surface streets through Buckhead and Vinings.

Because traffic patterns around Atlanta can change quickly, it’s smart to check a map app for current travel times before you go, especially on weeknights around rush hour.

What Kind of International Cuisine You’ll Find

Orient Express is popular in Atlanta because it lets you order from multiple Asian cuisines at one table, which works well for mixed groups and families.

1. Chinese Dishes

The Chinese section usually offers:

• Stir-fries and classics:
  • Dishes like General Tso’s chicken, Mongolian beef, sesame chicken, and broccoli-based plates.
• Noodle and rice dishes:
  • Lo mein, fried rice, and sometimes noodle soups or specialty combinations.
• Vegetable-focused options:
  • Mixed vegetables, tofu dishes, and lighter stir-fries that appeal to those avoiding heavy sauces.

Many Atlanta diners like Orient Express for comfort-style Chinese-American favorites, the kind you’d expect from a neighborhood Chinese restaurant but in a unique train-car setting.

2. Japanese & Sushi

The sushi bar is a major draw. You’ll typically find:

• Nigiri & sashimi (salmon, tuna, white fish, etc.)
• Classic rolls (California, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura)
• Specialty rolls with sauces, crunchy toppings, or tempura components
• Basic Japanese appetizers like edamame or gyoza at many tables

Diners who live or stay in Vinings, Smyrna, or northwest Atlanta often treat it as a convenient, casual sushi option without heading into Midtown or Buckhead.

3. Hibachi-Style or Grilled Options

Some visits to Orient Express include:

• Grilled or hibachi-style plates served from a separate part of the menu
• Meats like chicken, steak, shrimp, and salmon with vegetables and rice

Note that this is not always a full show-style hibachi table experience like in dedicated hibachi chains. It’s more about the flavors and preparations than tableside performances, so expectations should be set accordingly.

Atmosphere: Dining in a Train Car

One of the big reasons Orient Express stands out in Atlanta is the atmosphere:

• Historic train car setting:
  You might be seated in the old railcar portion, which gives a fun, narrow, cozy layout.
• Real trains passing by:
  Trains on nearby tracks can pass during your meal, adding to the distinctive feel.
• Casual, neighborhood vibe:
  It’s not overly formal; people come in everything from casual clothes to business casual after work.

This makes it a frequent choice for:

• Families looking for a memorable setting
• Date nights with a slightly quirky twist
• Groups of coworkers from nearby Cumberland, Vinings, or Buckhead offices

Typical Price Range and Value

Prices can shift over time, but generally:

• Lunch entrées: Often more affordable and portioned a bit smaller.
• Dinner entrées: Moderately priced for the Atlanta restaurant scene.
• Sushi: Usually similar in price to many mid-range sushi spots in the metro area.

Factors Atlantans often consider about value:

• Portion sizes: Common feedback is that portions are generous, especially with rice and noodle dishes.
• Sharing dishes: Many groups order several mains and share, which can keep costs reasonable.
• Sushi vs. hot dishes: Sushi tends to be a little more per person if you’re ordering several specialty rolls.

If you’re on a budget, some locals choose:

• A Chinese or hibachi entrée with shared appetizers, or
• A couple of rolls plus a hot appetizer instead of full sushi-only meals.

When to Go: Timing and Crowds

Because Orient Express is well known around Vinings, timing can matter.

Busier Times

• Friday and Saturday evenings: Expect more of a wait, particularly for larger groups.
• Popular dinner hours (6–8 p.m.): Parking and seating can be tighter.

Quieter Windows

• Weekday lunches: Often more relaxed and quicker for office workers.
• Early dinners (before 6 p.m.): Families with kids and people avoiding late crowds often aim for this window.

To make your visit smoother:

• 🕒 Call ahead to ask about wait times, especially for groups.
• 👥 If you have a larger party, ask whether they can accommodate you at a certain time or if there’s a call-ahead list.

What Locals Typically Order

Every group is different, but some common patterns among Atlanta diners:

• One sushi-focused person, one stir-fry lover:
  Mixed tables often share sushi rolls while others go for Chinese or hibachi platters.
• Shared appetizers:
  Spring rolls, dumplings, edamame, or tempura dishes come out quickly and keep everyone happy while waiting for entrées.
• “One of everything” for groups:
  Larger parties sometimes order a mix of noodles, rice dishes, sushi rolls, and grilled meats so new visitors can sample a bit of everything.

If you’re going for the first time:

• Start with a familiar favorite (like sesame chicken or a California roll), then
• Add one or two “new to you” items from another part of the menu to explore more of the international offerings.

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Like many Atlanta international restaurants, Orient Express often has ways to adapt dishes, but it’s best to ask specifically:

• Vegetarian options:
  • Vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, vegetarian sushi rolls, and some appetizers.
• Gluten-conscious choices:
  • Some sushi items and simply prepared grilled dishes may be easier fits, but many sauces contain soy. Ask clearly about ingredients and possible modifications.
• Food allergies:
  • Because the menu includes seafood, shellfish, eggs, soy, sesame, and gluten, communicate limits early and confirm how they handle cross-contact.

In Atlanta, international restaurants vary widely in how deeply they cater to strict dietary needs, so always:

• Clearly state your restrictions to your server.
• Ask what they can safely modify rather than assuming.

Quick Snapshot: Is Orient Express Right for You?

How Orient Express Fits Into Atlanta’s International Food Scene

Atlanta’s international restaurant scene stretches from Buford Highway’s pan-Asian and Latin American corridors to Westside, Midtown, Decatur, and suburban pockets. Orient Express sits in a middle ground:

• Location: Convenient to Vinings, Smyrna, Cumberland, Buckhead, and anyone staying near the Perimeter.
• Style: More of a multi-cuisine Asian neighborhood spot than a hyper-specialized regional restaurant.
• Experience: Combines comfort-food familiarity (American-style Chinese dishes and standard sushi rolls) with a distinctive train-car setting that many visitors remember.

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s international food for the first time:

• Orient Express is a friendly, accessible entry point for Chinese and Japanese flavors in a memorable space.
• Serious food explorers often pair it with more specialized areas like Buford Highway on another day to experience a broader range of regional cuisines.

Practical Tips Before You Go

To make the most of an Orient Express visit in Atlanta:

• ✅ Check current hours by calling ahead, especially on holidays or late nights.
• ✅ Ask about wait times if you’re heading there during peak dinner hours.
• ✅ Plan your route around rush hour; coming from Downtown/Midtown, traffic can add significant time.
• ✅ Mention dietary needs early so the kitchen can say what they can and can’t adjust.
• ✅ Consider sharing entrees and rolls so everyone at the table can try multiple dishes.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Orient Express offers a distinctive way to enjoy international Asian cuisine—Chinese, sushi, and hibachi-style dishes—without leaving the metro area, all while dining inside a historic train car by the tracks.