Spice Too: Exploring Bold International Flavors in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and searching for “Spice Too”, you’re probably looking for a restaurant experience that leans into big flavors, international dishes, and a serious love of spice. While restaurant names and exact concepts can change over time, the idea behind “Spice Too” fits squarely into Atlanta’s growing international cuisine scene: places where you can try dishes from around the world, often with bolder seasonings than standard American fare.

This guide walks through how a “Spice Too”-style spot fits into Atlanta’s dining landscape, what to expect from international restaurants that emphasize spice, and how to find the right place for your taste and budget—whether you live here or you’re visiting.

What “Spice Too” Suggests in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

A name like “Spice Too” usually signals:

• International or fusion cuisine (Asian, Caribbean, African, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or a blend)
• Flavor-forward dishes with herbs, aromatics, and heat from chilies
• Casual to mid-range dining, often with takeout and delivery

In Atlanta, restaurants in this lane tend to cluster in areas with strong international communities and busy dining corridors, such as:

• Buford Highway (Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven) – dense with global options
• Midtown and Inman Park – trendier fusion and modern concepts
• Decatur and Clarkston – neighborhood spots with deep cultural roots
• Norcross, Duluth, and Tucker – especially for Asian and Latin American cuisines

If you’ve heard about “Spice Too” from a friend, maps search, or delivery app, it’s most likely an international restaurant with a focus on bold flavors, even if the exact branding shifts over time.

Types of International “Spice-Forward” Cuisine You’ll Find in Atlanta

Atlanta’s international restaurants offer a wide range of spice levels—from aromatic but mild to intensely hot. Here’s what you can typically expect when you’re seeking something like “Spice Too.”

1. South and Southeast Asian (Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian)

These cuisines are some of the most spice-focused in the city.

Common features:

• Indian: Curries, biryanis, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options. “Spice” here often means a blend of aromatic spices (cumin, coriander, cardamom) plus chili for heat.
• Thai: Curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes with a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
• Vietnamese: Often lighter and herb-forward (basil, cilantro, mint), with optional chili pastes or sliced peppers for heat.
• Malaysian / Indonesian: Coconut-heavy curries, satay, fried rice dishes with layered spice.

What Atlantans usually ask for:

• “Mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot?” – Many spots let you choose your heat level.
• Extra chili oil, sambal, or pickled chilis on the side.

2. Caribbean and Latin American

Caribbean and Latin places around Atlanta often combine heat with tangy and smoky flavors.

You might see:

• Jerk chicken or pork with Scotch bonnet heat
• Curries and stews (especially in Trinidadian or Jamaican spots)
• Salsas and hot sauces from mild to extremely spicy
• Peruvian, Mexican, Salvadoran, and Colombian menus with many non-spicy options plus some fiery specialties

Many Atlanta diners enjoy these places because you can dial the spice up or down with sauces and condiments.

3. African (Ethiopian, Nigerian, Ghanaian, East African)

Atlanta has a strong and growing African food scene, often built around richly spiced (not always hot) dishes.

You’ll commonly find:

• Ethiopian: Stews (wot), lentils, greens, and meats served with injera. Spice comes from blends like berbere, which is both aromatic and hot.
• West African: Jollof rice, pepper soups, grilled meats, and stews with chili-forward bases.
• East African: Dishes with cardamom, cloves, and chili, sometimes similar in spirit to Middle Eastern flavors.

Portions are often generous, and menus are good for group sharing.

4. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

These spots lean more on herbs and warm spices than intense heat, but they still fit into a “Spice Too” mindset for people who love flavor.

Typical dishes:

• Shawarma, kebabs, kofta
• Hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh
• Spice blends like za’atar, sumac, and baharat

Heat is usually moderate; the focus is on depth of flavor rather than burn.

How to Find a “Spice Too”-Style Restaurant in Atlanta

Even if you don’t see a restaurant literally called “Spice Too,” you can quickly find similar international, spice-forward spots by looking at where and how they operate.

Key Atlanta Areas to Explore

Here’s a simple overview table to help you narrow it down:

Practical Ways to Search

When using a map or delivery app in Atlanta, helpful search terms include:

• “Indian restaurant near me”
• “Thai spicy”
• “Ethiopian restaurant Atlanta”
• “Caribbean food Buford Highway”
• “Nigerian restaurant Decatur”

Filter options to International, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, or African to get closer to what “Spice Too” implies.

What to Expect When You Dine at a Spice-Focused International Restaurant

Even if the restaurant name or concept changes, certain patterns are common in Atlanta.

Menu and Ordering Basics

You’ll usually see:

• Clearly labeled spice levels (mild, medium, hot)
• A mix of familiar items (grilled chicken, rice, noodles) and more adventurous specialties
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices, especially at Indian, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern spots

Tips to get what you want:

• Ask your server to describe the difference between “medium” and “hot”—this can vary a lot by cuisine.
• If you’re unsure, order medium heat with a request for extra chili or hot sauce on the side.
• If you’re with a group, consider ordering a variety of dishes and sharing, so everyone can find a comfortable spice level.

Price Range and Portions

In Atlanta, international restaurants that emphasize spice typically fall into these rough ranges:

• Casual Buford Highway or strip-mall spots:
  • Entrées: usually in the $10–$18 range
  • Good for big portions and value
• Midtown / Decatur sit-down restaurants:
  • Entrées: often $15–$25
  • Slightly higher pricing, more polished atmosphere
• Upscale or chef-driven fusion:
  • Small plates and entrées: $18–$35+
  • Focus on presentation and sourcing, sometimes with tasting menus

Takeout, Delivery, and Parking

Many Atlanta international restaurants are very takeout and delivery friendly, especially those in:

• Plaza-style shopping centers (Buford Highway, Duluth, Norcross)
• Decatur and Midtown corridors with strong lunch and dinner rushes

Parking can vary:

• Suburban corridors (e.g., Buford Highway, Tucker, Norcross) often have free surface lots.
• Midtown, Inman Park, Downtown usually involve:
  • Street parking (metered)
  • Paid lots or garages
  • Ride-share being more convenient at peak times

How to Match Spice Level to Your Comfort

Many Atlantans love spicy food, but not everyone wants maximum heat. A name like “Spice Too” doesn’t always mean “very spicy”; it often means flavor-rich. Here’s how to navigate:

• 🔹 New to spicy food?
  • Start with mild but ask if the dish is still flavorful at that level.
  • Request sauce on the side so you can control heat.
• 🔹 Moderate spice tolerance?
  • Go for medium and ask if the restaurant’s “medium” is closer to mild or hot.
  • Avoid “Thai hot,” “extra spicy,” or “chef’s heat” until you know your limits.
• 🔹 Love serious heat?
  • Look for items described as “spicy,” “fiery,” “jerk,” “pepper,” or “vindaloo.”
  • Ask for extra chilies, hot sauce, or “house special spicy” if they offer it.

If you’re ordering for a mixed group (kids, elders, spice-lovers), consider getting:

• A few mild base dishes (rice, noodles, flatbreads, grilled meats)
• Several spicy sides or sauces so people can customize

Dietary Considerations at International Restaurants in Atlanta

A spice-forward international spot in Atlanta will often be able to accommodate different needs, but it’s best to ask clearly and directly.

Common considerations:

• Vegetarian / vegan
  • Many Indian, Ethiopian, and some Asian restaurants have naturally vegan or vegetarian dishes.
  • Ask whether ghee, fish sauce, or meat broths are used.
• Gluten concerns
  • Rice-based dishes, grilled meats, and most Ethiopian injera made from teff can be good options, but preparation methods vary by restaurant.
  • Confirm whether soy sauce, wheat flour, or breading is used.
• Nut or dairy concerns
  • Some curries, sauces, and desserts may contain nuts or dairy.
  • State your concern early, and ask for clear guidance from staff.

Because menus and recipes can change, always speak with the restaurant directly if you have any dietary restrictions.

How Locals Use Atlanta’s International Restaurants

People in Atlanta turn to international, spice-forward restaurants in a few common ways:

• Weeknight takeout from Buford Highway or neighborhood spots
• Group dinners where everyone can share dishes and try something new
• Late-night eats near Midtown or certain suburban corridors
• Family gatherings at larger African, Indian, or Caribbean restaurants with spacious seating

If you’re visiting Atlanta, exploring one of these areas for dinner can be a highlight of your trip and a good way to experience the city’s diversity beyond traditional Southern fare.

Helpful Local Resources for Finding International Cuisine

You won’t find a single official “international restaurant directory,” but these local structures and hubs make it easier to explore:

• DeKalb County & Gwinnett County corridors (Buford Highway, Pleasant Hill Road)
  • Packed with international strip-mall restaurants, bakeries, and groceries.
• City of Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs)
  • While they don’t list restaurants, understanding NPUs like NPU-N (Morningside/Lenox Park/Virginia-Highland) or NPU-M (Midtown) helps you identify dining-heavy districts.
• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
  • Physical visitor information often indicates major dining districts, including international options.
  • Main office:
    • 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
    • Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Phone: (404) 521-6600

For hyperlocal restaurant information, most Atlantans rely on map apps, word of mouth, and neighborhood social media groups to keep up with openings, closures, and name changes.

Making the Most of a “Spice Too”-Type Experience in Atlanta

To get a satisfying, spice-forward international meal in Atlanta:

1. Pick your corridor

   • Buford Highway for variety and value
   • Midtown/Decatur for more polished or fusion options
   • Clarkston or Westside for specific cuisines like African or modern global

2. Choose your heat level carefully

   • Start lower and adjust with sauces or sides if you’re unsure.

3. Ask questions

   • About ingredients, spice levels, and recommended dishes for your taste.

4. Consider takeout or delivery

   • Many international restaurants are built around quick, flavorful, travel-friendly food.

Even if the exact restaurant name “Spice Too” changes or isn’t easy to locate, the style of dining it suggests—bold, international, spice-driven food—is easy to find across Atlanta once you know where and how to look.