International Restaurants in Atlanta: How to Find the Best Global Flavors in the City

Atlanta’s restaurant scene has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be known mostly for Southern cooking now includes a wide range of international restaurants offering everything from Korean barbecue and Nigerian jollof rice to authentic ramen and regional Mexican dishes.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a few days, or are researching the city’s food culture, this guide will help you understand:

• Where international restaurants tend to cluster
• How to choose the right spot for your budget and tastes
• What to expect from popular international cuisines in Atlanta
• Practical tips on reservations, parking, and navigating different neighborhoods

All examples and guidance are tailored specifically to Atlanta, Georgia.

How Atlanta’s International Restaurant Scene Is Organized

Atlanta’s international cuisine isn’t spread evenly across the city. Certain neighborhoods and corridors have become go-to areas for specific types of food.

Major International Dining Areas in Atlanta

Here’s a quick overview of where many Atlanta residents go when they’re in the mood for global flavors:

You’ll also find pockets of Caribbean, Latin American, Indian, and Mediterranean restaurants scattered throughout neighborhoods like Sandy Springs, Tucker, Smyrna, and Norcross.

How to Choose the Right International Restaurant in Atlanta

Before you start searching for a specific place, it helps to narrow down what you’re looking for.

1. Decide on the Experience: Casual vs. Special Occasion

In Atlanta, international restaurants range from no-frills mom-and-pop spots to high-end tasting menus.

Consider:

• Casual, budget-friendly:

  • Food courts and small plazas along Buford Highway
  • Family-run taquerias, pho shops, and noodle houses
  • Great for groups, quick lunches, and trying something new without spending much

• Mid-range sit-down:

  • Many Indian, Mediterranean, and pan-Asian restaurants in Decatur, Midtown, and Sandy Springs
  • Good for weeknight dinners, families, or small celebrations

• Upscale / date-night:

  • International fine-dining or modern fusion spots in Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown
  • Often require reservations and may have dress expectations

2. Think About Location and Transportation

Traffic is a real factor in Atlanta. When picking a place:

• If you’re staying Downtown or Midtown, it may be easier to choose spots near MARTA rail stations (e.g., Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center) or within walking distance.
• If you’re driving to Buford Highway, Duluth, or Norcross, allow extra time for rush hour, and check parking options. Many plazas have free lots, but they can get crowded on weekends.
• If you don’t want to drive, searching by MARTA accessibility can help. Neighborhoods like Decatur and parts of Brookhaven/Chamblee are close to rail stations and have international restaurants nearby.

3. Match the Restaurant to Your Comfort Level

If you’re exploring a cuisine that’s new to you:

• Look for menus that offer both familiar dishes and traditional specialties.
• Atlanta servers are generally used to guests asking questions about spice levels, ingredients, and dietary concerns.
• If you’re unsure about a dish, starting with lunch specials or combo plates is a low-risk way to try multiple items.

Popular Types of International Restaurants in Atlanta

Below are some of the most common international cuisines you’ll encounter in Atlanta, and what you can generally expect from each.

Asian Restaurants

Korean

Korean restaurants are heavily concentrated in Duluth, Norcross, and along Buford Highway.

Common options include:

• Korean BBQ (tabletop grilling, often “all you can eat”)
• Korean fried chicken
• Stews, bibimbap, and hot stone dishes

What to know in Atlanta:

• Many Korean BBQ spots are group-friendly and can get loud and lively.
• For BBQ, expect shared plates and a variety of banchan (small side dishes).
• Late-night hours are more common in Korean-heavy areas like Duluth than in central Atlanta.

Chinese and Taiwanese

You’ll see both Americanized Chinese and more regional or specialty Chinese spots, especially in:

• Buford Highway (Doraville–Chamblee–Brookhaven)
• Duluth and Gwinnett County centers

You might find:

• Dumpling houses and noodle shops
• Hot pot and Sichuan specialties
• Taiwanese-style tea shops and bakeries

In Atlanta, some of these restaurants will have bilingual menus, while others may skew more toward Chinese-speaking regulars. If you’re new to a particular style, you can usually ask staff for a “most popular” or milder option.

Vietnamese

Vietnamese restaurants are common on Buford Highway and in neighboring suburbs.

Expect to see:

• Pho (noodle soups)
• Banh mi (sandwiches)
• Rice dishes and vermicelli bowls

Pho shops in Atlanta often open early to mid-morning and stay open through dinner, making them easy choices for casual meals.

Japanese

You’ll find:

• Sushi bars in many neighborhoods
• Ramen shops in Midtown, West Midtown, and Buford Highway areas
• More traditional Japanese spots in select parts of the metro area

In busier districts like Midtown and West Midtown, reservations are often recommended on weekends, especially for smaller ramen and sushi bars.

Indian and South Asian Restaurants

Indian restaurants in Atlanta are spread across:

• Decatur
• Tucker
• Sandy Springs
• Johns Creek / Alpharetta
• Parts of Gwinnett County

You’ll typically see:

• North Indian menus with curries, tandoori items, naan, and biryani
• South Indian options like dosas and idli in certain specialized restaurants
• Weekday or weekend lunch buffets at some locations

What matters for Atlanta diners:

• Lunch buffets can be a straightforward way to sample several dishes at once.
• Spice levels can often be adjusted—many restaurants are used to both Indian expats and local diners, so they’re comfortable tailoring heat and richness.
• Many Indian restaurants in the metro area are family-friendly and offer vegetarian and vegan choices.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Restaurants

You’ll encounter a mix of:

• Greek and Turkish-inspired menus
• Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern dishes
• Mediterranean “grill” concepts that blend influences

Common areas:

• Decatur and nearby neighborhoods
• Midtown and West Midtown
• Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and Dunwoody

Typical menu items include:

• Falafel, shawarma, kebabs
• Hummus, baba ghanoush, and assorted dips
• Salads, rice plates, and pita wraps

In Atlanta, many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants offer:

• Quick counter service for lunch
• Full-service dining at dinner
• Options suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-avoiding diners

Latin American and Caribbean Restaurants

Atlanta has a growing range of Latin American and Caribbean restaurants, especially:

• Mexican and Central American spots on Buford Highway and throughout the city
• Caribbean and Jamaican restaurants in various neighborhoods, including portions of South Atlanta, Decatur, and Stone Mountain

You might find:

• Taquerias with street-style tacos and tortas
• Salvadoran, Honduran, or Guatemalan restaurants with pupusas, stews, and grilled meats
• Caribbean menus with jerk chicken, curries, patties, and oxtail

Many of these places tend to:

• Be casual and family-run
• Offer takeout-friendly meals
• Have weekend specials, such as specific stews or whole-fish preparations

African Restaurants

Atlanta’s status as a diverse metro area is reflected in its African restaurants, which you’ll primarily see in:

• Clarkston and nearby East Ponce areas
• Parts of Decatur, Stone Mountain, and some pockets of South Atlanta

Common cuisines include:

• Ethiopian (injera, lentil stews, tibs)
• West African (jollof rice, fufu, egusi soup)
• East African and Somali eateries in and near Clarkston

What to expect locally:

• Many African restaurants are community-oriented and may have menus geared toward regulars; don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.
• Shared platters are common, making these spots good for small groups willing to try multiple dishes.
• Some Ethiopian and West African restaurants combine a dining room with a small grocery section, allowing you to buy ingredients used in the dishes.

Practical Tips for Dining at International Restaurants in Atlanta

Reservations, Wait Times, and Peak Hours

• Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown:

  • Popular international restaurants can book up on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Many accept reservations by phone or online; checking ahead avoids long waits.

• Buford Highway and Duluth:

  • Many spots are walk-in only and operate on a “first-come” basis.
  • Peak hours are often weekend evenings and holiday periods.

• Decatur and Intown neighborhoods:

  • Smaller dining rooms may fill quickly. Arriving early for dinner (around 5:30–6:30 p.m.) often helps avoid crowds.

Parking and Access

• In suburban corridors like Buford Highway and Duluth, parking is usually in plaza lots, which are generally free but can be busy.
• In Midtown, West Midtown, and Decatur, you may encounter:
  • Street parking with meters or time limits
  • Paid decks or validation-based parking
• If you’re visiting from out of town and staying near Downtown or Midtown, consider:
  • Using MARTA rail to reach nearby restaurant areas
  • Rideshare if you plan to visit late-night spots or multiple locations in one evening

Dietary Needs and Communication

Most international restaurants in Atlanta are accustomed to a wide range of diners. Helpful steps:

• Mention dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-avoiding) at the start of your order.
• If you’re not sure how spicy something is, ask for “mild” or “medium” and adjust on future visits.
• For allergies, clearly explain the specific ingredient, especially in cuisines that use nuts, dairy, or shellfish frequently.

How Visitors Can Plan an International Food Day in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to dedicate a day to international cuisine, here’s a simple framework:

1. Morning / Brunch

   • Try a Latin or Mediterranean-style brunch at an intown restaurant, or a light Vietnamese banh mi on Buford Highway.

2. Afternoon Snack

   • Visit an Asian bakery, bubble tea shop, or dessert café in Duluth or Chamblee for pastries or drinks.

3. Dinner

   • Choose a specific cuisine to focus on:
     • Korean BBQ in Duluth
     • Ethiopian in Clarkston/Decatur area
     • Indian in Decatur, Tucker, or Sandy Springs
     • Upscale global fusion in Midtown or West Midtown

4. Late Night (if desired)

   • Some Korean, Mexican, and pan-Asian spots in the metro area stay open late, especially on weekends.

This kind of itinerary gives you a broad sample of Atlanta’s international food culture without needing to cross the entire metro area multiple times in one day.

Local Considerations for Atlanta Residents

If you live in Atlanta and want to make the most of the city’s international restaurants:

• Explore by corridor, not just by cuisine. Spend an afternoon along Buford Highway or in Duluth and try multiple places over time.
• Use lunch to explore. Many international restaurants offer budget-friendly lunch specials, making it easier to try something new on a weekday.
• Pay attention to community events. Neighborhood festivals and cultural gatherings around Metro Atlanta often feature food vendors representing different countries and regions, which can help you discover new restaurants to visit later.

Key Takeaways for Finding International Restaurants in Atlanta

• Atlanta’s best international dining is clustered in specific areas like Buford Highway, Duluth, Midtown, Decatur, and Clarkston.
• You can find nearly every major global cuisine, from Korean BBQ and pho to Ethiopian platters and Indian curries.
• Consider your budget, transportation, and comfort level with new cuisines when choosing where to go.
• Reserving ahead is wise in intown, high-demand neighborhoods, while most plaza-based restaurants in the suburbs welcome walk-ins.
• Whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting, planning your meals around these corridors can turn the city into a practical gateway to global flavors without leaving Georgia.