Rina in Atlanta: What to Know About This Israeli Street Food Spot

If you’ve heard people in Atlanta mention “Rina” and you’re wondering what it is, they’re usually talking about a popular Israeli and Middle Eastern–inspired restaurant on the BeltLine. For anyone interested in international cuisine in Atlanta, Rina is a good example of how the city has embraced modern takes on traditional dishes from abroad.

This guide walks through what Rina offers, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, what to expect if you go, and practical tips for planning a visit.

What Is Rina?

In Atlanta, Rina is best known as a casual Israeli street food restaurant with a strong Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influence. It focuses on:

  • Classic regional dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma-style items, and salads
  • Bright, fresh flavors using herbs, tahini, lemon, and spices
  • A laid-back, social atmosphere suited to groups, dates, and BeltLine walkers

Many Atlantans treat Rina as an introduction to Levantine and Israeli flavors, especially if they’re more familiar with Greek or general Mediterranean cuisine and want to branch out.

Where You’ll Find Rina in Atlanta

Rina is known in particular for its location along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a high-traffic area lined with restaurants, bars, and outdoor seating.

You can typically expect:

  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside presence – Right on or very near the trail, convenient for walkers and cyclists
  • Intown accessibility – Easy to reach from neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown
  • Parking mix – Limited street parking in surrounding neighborhoods, paid lots or decks nearby, and heavy reliance on walking or rideshare

Because restaurants can move or expand, it’s always wise to check the latest address and hours before you head out, especially if you’re coming from farther out like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or the suburbs south of I-20.

What Kind of Food Does Rina Serve?

Rina’s menu centers on Israeli street food and modern Middle Eastern dishes, often designed for sharing. While offerings can change, you’ll usually see a mix of:

Common Starters and Dips

  • Hummus – Smooth chickpea and tahini dip, often topped with olive oil, herbs, or warm toppings
  • Baba ghanoush or roasted eggplant dips – Smoky, creamy spreads served with pita
  • Salatim – Small salads and spreads (like pickled vegetables, herbed salads, or tahini-based items) meant for mixing and matching

Sandwiches and Pita-Based Dishes

  • Falafel pitas – Fried chickpea fritters with vegetables, pickles, and sauces
  • Shawarma-style options – Marinated meats shaved or sliced, served in pita or over rice/grains
  • Schnitzel sandwiches – Breaded, fried cutlets wrapped or sandwiched, often with tangy slaw or sauce

Plates and Bowls

  • Grain or rice bowls with a choice of protein, salads, and sauces
  • Mixed platters with dips, salads, and breads for sharing at the table

Drinks and Sweets

  • Refreshing drinks that may include bright citrus flavors, herbs, or spices
  • Desserts inspired by Middle Eastern sweets, such as pistachio, sesame, or honey notes

Not every dish will feel “traditional” in a strict sense—Rina tends to lean into a modern, playful approach while still staying rooted in flavors from Israel and the broader Middle East.

What Makes Rina Stand Out in Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta has a broad and growing international restaurant landscape, with strong representation from Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Ethiopian, Indian, and many other cuisines. Rina stands out for a few reasons:

1. Focused Israeli Inspiration

While Atlanta has plenty of Mediterranean spots, Rina leans more specifically into:

  • Israeli street food style rather than broader Mediterranean or Greek themes
  • Brighter, bolder flavor combinations with lots of fresh herbs and pickled elements
  • A menu that highlights dips, salatim, and pita sandwiches in a modern format

2. BeltLine Vibe

Being on or near the BeltLine shapes the experience:

  • Many guests walk or bike in, especially on weekends
  • There’s often a lively, social crowd, with people stopping in mid-stroll
  • It fits into a day exploring Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and Inman Park

3. Casual but Intentional

Compared with some of Atlanta’s more formal international restaurants, Rina is:

  • Casual in dress code and atmosphere
  • Designed for both quick bites and longer hangouts
  • A place where sharing dishes and trying several items is common

What to Expect If You’re Visiting Rina

If you’re planning a visit while living in or visiting Atlanta, here’s how the experience typically feels.

Atmosphere

Expect a bright, modern, and relaxed environment:

  • Colorful decor and a slightly “beachy” or Mediterranean feel
  • Music and a steady buzz of conversation, especially evenings and weekends
  • A mix of families, couples, and groups of friends

Ordering and Service Style

Service styles can vary over time, but you’ll usually encounter:

  • Host seating with table service
  • Menus that encourage ordering several items to share
  • Staff who can walk you through less familiar dishes if you’re new to the cuisine

If you’re not sure what to order, you can often tell your server:

  • Whether you prefer milder or spicier food
  • If you want vegetarian or meat-heavy
  • How many people are sharing

They can steer you toward a balanced mix of dips, salads, and mains.

Price Point and Budgeting

While exact prices can change, Rina generally falls in the moderate range for intown Atlanta:

  • Dips and small plates: good for sharing and controlling cost
  • Pita sandwiches and bowls: often a filling main without needing extras
  • Full table of shareable dishes: can add up if you order many items, especially with drinks

To manage a budget:

  • 🍽️ Split a few larger dishes instead of many small add-ons
  • 🚶 Pair your visit with a BeltLine walk instead of planning multiple pricey activities the same day

Dietary Considerations at Rina

Many Atlantans look for international spots that can handle dietary needs. While you should always confirm in person, Rina’s style of cuisine often naturally accommodates several preferences.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisines feature many legume- and vegetable-based dishes, so it’s common to find:

  • Falafel as a vegetarian (often vegan) option
  • Hummus, dips, and salads free of meat
  • Pita and grains that can be paired with vegetable dishes

If you’re vegan, ask staff to confirm:

  • Whether any sauces contain dairy or egg
  • If breads are fully plant-based

Dairy and Gluten

If you’re avoiding:

  • Dairy: Some dips or sauces may contain yogurt or cheese; others are olive oil and tahini–based
  • Gluten: Traditional pita and some fried items may contain wheat; some salads and plates may be more easily adapted

Because preparation styles and recipes can change, ask directly about ingredients and cross-contact if you have allergies or strict restrictions.

When to Visit Rina: Timing Tips for Atlantans

Rina’s BeltLine-adjacent location means timing matters:

Busy Times

You’re more likely to encounter crowds:

  • Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Weekend afternoons, especially in good weather when the BeltLine is packed
  • During major events in the Old Fourth Ward or near Ponce City Market

Be prepared for:

  • Wait times during peak hours
  • A louder, more energetic environment

Quieter Hours

For a more relaxed experience:

  • Try weekday lunches or early dinners
  • Consider slightly off-peak times, like mid-afternoon

If you’re bringing kids or a multi-generational group, earlier in the day can be more comfortable.

How Rina Fits Into Exploring International Cuisine in Atlanta

If you’re using Rina as a starting point to explore global flavors in Atlanta, it can be part of a broader plan:

Pair With Other Neighborhood Stops

In and around the BeltLine Eastside and Old Fourth Ward, you can combine Rina with:

  • A walk to or from Ponce City Market
  • Visiting nearby parks and public art along the BeltLine
  • Checking out coffee shops or dessert spots within walking distance

Compare With Other International Areas

Once you’ve tried Rina, you might broaden your exploration:

  • Buford Highway for a deep dive into Asian and Latin American options
  • Decatur for Indian, Ethiopian, and other international spots
  • Midtown and Downtown for more modern, fusion, and upscale global restaurants

Rina offers a comfortable, approachable entry point into Israeli and Middle Eastern flavors before or alongside those other experiences.

Practical Tips Before You Go

To make your visit smoother, especially if you’re planning around Atlanta traffic and BeltLine crowds, keep these points in mind:

1. Check Current Hours and Menu
Restaurant hours can shift with seasons, holidays, and events. Verify:

  • Opening times for lunch vs. dinner
  • Any special brunch or event schedules
  • Current menu offerings if you have specific dietary needs

2. Plan Your Transportation

Depending on where you’re coming from:

  • Intown neighborhoods (Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Inman Park): Walking, biking, or short rideshares are common
  • Farther OTP or from the airport: Factor in I-75/I-85 congestion and possible parking costs near the BeltLine

If you’re using MARTA, you may need to:

  • Ride to a central station like Inman Park/Reynoldstown or North Avenue, then use a short rideshare or scooter to reach the BeltLine area

3. Dress for the BeltLine

Because many people tie their visit to outdoor time:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • Expect to be in and out of the sun when moving between spots
  • In warm months, plan for Atlanta heat and humidity

Is Rina Right for You?

Rina is likely a good fit if:

  • You’re curious about Israeli or Middle Eastern food
  • You enjoy casual, social dining with shareable plates
  • You like the idea of combining your meal with a walk on the BeltLine

It might be less ideal if:

  • You want a very quiet, formal atmosphere
  • You dislike crowded, high-energy areas, especially on weekends
  • You need very specific dietary controls and prefer a place where you can closely customize every dish

For many Atlantans and visitors, Rina serves as a gateway to international flavors—a spot where you can experiment with new tastes while still feeling comfortable and at ease in a familiar, BeltLine-centered setting.