Pano’s Food Shop in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and searching for international cuisine, you might come across the name “Pano’s Food Shop.” Because Atlanta’s food scene changes quickly, it can be hard to tell whether this is a current restaurant, a specialty market, or a reference to an older concept that’s no longer operating.
Based on publicly available, widely known information up to now, there is no well-established, currently operating Atlanta restaurant or grocery generally known as “Pano’s Food Shop.” However, the name “Pano” is strongly associated in Atlanta with Greek and Mediterranean-influenced fine dining and the city’s long-running international food culture.
Below is a guide to help you:
- Understand what “Pano’s” likely refers to in Atlanta food history
- Find current international cuisine options in Atlanta that match the same kind of experience people usually look for when they search this name
- Navigate Atlanta for Greek, Mediterranean, and global flavors in a practical, local way
How “Pano’s” Fits into Atlanta’s Restaurant History
Longtime Atlantans may remember Pano’s & Paul’s, a landmark fine-dining restaurant in Buckhead created by Pano Karatassos, a major figure in the city’s restaurant scene. While that specific restaurant is no longer operating, the “Pano” name still resonates in Atlanta as part of a broader restaurant group known for:
- European and Mediterranean influences
- High-quality service and presentation
- Locations concentrated in Buckhead, Midtown, and other intown neighborhoods
So when someone searches for “Pano’s Food Shop” in Atlanta, they are often:
- Trying to find an international or Mediterranean-style restaurant connected with that legacy
- Looking for Greek or Mediterranean food in a sit-down environment
- Or simply trying to locate a place that feels like a specialty food shop or international market with ties to that tradition
Even though there is not a widely recognized, currently operating business by that exact name, Atlanta does offer many international cuisine spots and markets that serve a similar purpose: bringing global flavors to local diners.
If You’re Looking for Mediterranean & Greek Food in Atlanta
If your interest in “Pano’s Food Shop” is really about Mediterranean or Greek flavors, you’ll find plenty of strong options across the city. Here’s how to narrow your search depending on what you want.
Sit-Down Mediterranean & Greek Restaurants
Atlanta neighborhoods where you’ll frequently find Mediterranean and Greek-focused menus include:
- Buckhead – Known for polished dining and restaurants with European and Mediterranean influences
- Midtown – Popular for after-work and weekend dining, including international spots
- Decatur – Walkable, with several globally inspired kitchens
- Emory / Druid Hills / North Druid Hills – A cluster of Greek and Mediterranean quick-service and sit-down options
Common menu items at these types of restaurants include:
- Meze / small plates – Hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, dolmades
- Grilled meats – Lamb chops, souvlaki, kebabs, gyro plates
- Seafood – Grilled fish with lemon, octopus, shrimp dishes
- Baked specialties – Moussaka, spanakopita, pastitsio
- Desserts – Baklava, galaktoboureko, semolina cakes with honey
When you’re browsing options, search phrases like:
- “Mediterranean restaurant Buckhead Atlanta”
- “Greek food Midtown Atlanta”
- “International restaurants near [your neighborhood] Atlanta”
These searches often surface current restaurants that carry forward the upscale-European meets Mediterranean vibe people associate with the historical “Pano’s” name.
If You’re Looking for a “Food Shop”: International Markets in Atlanta
If you took “Pano’s Food Shop” literally and you’re actually hoping for a market or grocery store with international products, Atlanta has plenty of options for that too.
Where to Find International and Mediterranean Groceries
Around metro Atlanta, you can find:
- Mediterranean and Middle Eastern markets – Often carry Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, and broader Mediterranean ingredients
- Large international supermarkets – With sections dedicated to European, Middle Eastern, and North African foods
- Smaller neighborhood markets – Particularly along major corridors like Buford Highway, Lawrenceville Highway, and parts of Roswell Road and Cheshire Bridge Road
Typical items you’ll find at these markets include:
- Imported olive oils and vinegars
- Greek cheeses, especially feta and kasseri
- Olives and pickled vegetables
- Phyllo dough and pastry ingredients
- Dry goods like lentils, bulgur, and specialty flours
- Spices and herb blends used in Greek and Mediterranean cooking
These markets are especially useful if you want to re-create restaurant-style dishes at home or stock your pantry with international staples.
Quick Guide: What You Might Be Looking For
Here’s a simple way to translate “I’m searching for Pano’s Food Shop” into practical next steps in Atlanta:
| What you probably want | Where to look in Atlanta | What to search for or ask |
|---|---|---|
| Upscale Mediterranean / European dinner | Buckhead, Midtown | “Mediterranean restaurant Atlanta,” “Greek fine dining Buckhead” |
| Casual Greek plates & gyros | Midtown, Decatur, North Druid Hills, Emory area | “Greek restaurant near me Atlanta,” “casual Mediterranean Atlanta” |
| International groceries & Mediterranean ingredients | Buford Highway, Lawrenceville Hwy, North Druid Hills, Doraville, Chamblee | “Mediterranean market Atlanta,” “international grocery Atlanta” |
| Exploring global cuisines beyond Mediterranean | Buford Highway corridor; West Midtown; Midtown | “international restaurants Buford Highway,” “global cuisine Atlanta” |
Use these phrases in your navigation app or map search to find current, operating places that match the kind of experience you’re seeking.
Understanding Atlanta’s International Cuisine Landscape
Atlanta is one of the most diverse food cities in the Southeast, and that’s especially true for international cuisine. Even if “Pano’s Food Shop” itself doesn’t show up as an active listing, the broader international dining ecosystem is robust.
Key Areas for International Dining
If you’re open to different cuisines, a few major corridors and neighborhoods stand out:
Buford Highway (Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville)
- Known citywide for global food: Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Central American, Colombian, Ethiopian, and more
- Many spots are casual, family-run, and focused on authentic, everyday dishes
Midtown & West Midtown
- Mix of upscale international concepts and creative fusion restaurants
- Good area if you want a night out with cocktails, patios, and global flavors
Decatur
- Walkable, with international and Southern-inspired restaurants concentrated around the square
- Good for people who want smaller, independent spots with strong local followings
Buckhead
- Skews more upscale, with some restaurants leaning into European and Mediterranean influences
- Often the first place people look when they remember Pano-linked fine dining from years past
Practical Tips for Finding the Right Spot in Atlanta
To get the closest match to what you had in mind with “Pano’s Food Shop,” it helps to clarify your priorities:
1. Decide: Restaurant vs. Market
Ask yourself:
Are you looking to sit down and be served a meal, possibly with wine or cocktails?
- Focus on restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, and along Buford Highway.
Or do you want to buy imported ingredients to cook at home?
- Look for international or Mediterranean markets along Buford Highway, North Druid Hills, and key suburban corridors.
2. Match Budget and Atmosphere
Atlanta’s international spots range from very casual to white-tablecloth. Before you go, check:
- Dress code expectations if you’re heading to upscale neighborhoods like Buckhead
- Whether you need reservations, especially on weekends
- If you prefer counter service and fast-casual over longer, multi-course meals
3. Consider Transportation and Parking
Around Atlanta:
- In Buckhead and Midtown, many restaurants offer valet or paid deck parking.
- Along Buford Highway, most places are in strip centers with free surface lots, but traffic can be busy at peak hours.
- In Decatur, you’ll often find metered street parking or city decks near the square.
If you’re visiting without a car, MARTA and rideshare services can be helpful, especially to Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur.
How to Verify Current Information About Specific Places
Because restaurant names, concepts, and ownerships change frequently in Atlanta, it’s wise to:
- Use a map app or local business directory to check whether a specific business name is currently active.
- Confirm opening hours the same day you plan to go.
- If a name like “Pano’s Food Shop” appears in older articles or word-of-mouth, treat it as a historical or descriptive reference and search for current Mediterranean or international spots nearby instead.
If you’re unsure whether a location is still open, a quick call to the listed phone number (if available) often gives you the clearest answer.
What Atlantans Can Take Away from the “Pano’s Food Shop” Search
When Atlantans search for “Pano’s Food Shop,” they’re usually trying to tap into:
- The city’s legacy of Mediterranean and European-influenced dining
- A desire for high-quality, internationally inspired food
- Or a market-like place to explore imported flavors
Even though a specific, well-known business by that exact name does not appear as a current fixture in the city, Atlanta offers many ways to get the same experience:
- Choose Mediterranean or Greek restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, or Decatur for a sit-down meal.
- Visit international markets and groceries along Buford Highway and surrounding areas if you want to cook with global ingredients at home.
- Explore Atlanta’s broader international cuisine neighborhoods to find new favorites that carry forward the spirit of global, high-quality food that the “Pano’s” name suggests.
By focusing on the type of experience you want—fine dining, casual plates, or a food shop for ingredients—you can easily translate a search for “Pano’s Food Shop” into real, current options across Atlanta.