Exploring the Wonderful World of International Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse in the Southeast, and the “wonderful world” of restaurants here is really about international cuisine. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or are relocating and trying to get your bearings, Atlanta offers an impressive range of food traditions from around the globe—often within just a few miles of each other.

This guide walks you through where to find international food in Atlanta, what to expect, how to navigate different neighborhoods, and practical tips to make the most of the city’s global dining options.

How Atlanta Became a Hub for International Cuisine

Atlanta’s growth as a transportation, business, and cultural center has attracted people from all over the world. Over time, whole corridors and pockets of the metro area have become known for specific regional cuisines:

• Buford Highway for an enormous variety of Asian and Latin American food
• Chamblee and Doraville for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese
• Duluth and Suwanee for Korean, Japanese, and fusion cuisines
• Metro neighborhoods like Midtown, Westside, and Inman Park for chef-driven global restaurants

For someone trying international restaurants in Atlanta, this means you rarely have to travel far to eat dishes from multiple continents in a single day.

Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for International Dining

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Best-Known Global Food Corridor

If you only have time to explore one area, Buford Highway is often the go-to recommendation.

Where it is:
Runs roughly northeast from the city of Atlanta through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, centered along Buford Hwy NE.

What you’ll find:

• Mexican, Central, and South American taquerias, bakeries, and family restaurants
• Chinese dim sum spots and regional Chinese cuisines
• Korean barbecue and late-night eateries
• Vietnamese pho, bánh mì, and coffee shops
• Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, and other Southeast Asian options
• Caribbean and various fusion concepts

Many businesses are located in strip malls and may have minimal signage, but that’s typical for the area. It’s common for locals to park once and visit multiple spots—for instance, a meal at one place and desserts or bubble tea at another.

Helpful tip:
Parking is usually free but can be tight at peak dining times. 🍜 Try going a bit early for dinner (around 5–6 pm) to avoid crowds.

Midtown, Inman Park, and Westside: Upscale Global Dining

If you’re near the city center and want a mix of international cuisines with a more polished or “date night” atmosphere, focus on:

• Midtown (around Peachtree St NE, 10th St, and Piedmont Ave)
• Inman Park (near Euclid Ave NE and N Highland Ave NE)
• West Midtown / Westside (around Howell Mill Rd NW and Marietta St NW)

You’ll find:

• Italian trattoria-style restaurants and modern takes on Mediterranean food
• Japanese and sushi bars ranging from casual to high-end
• Indian and Pakistani spots, including some with contemporary menus
• Latin American, Spanish, and tapas-style restaurants
• Chef-driven menus that blend multiple cuisines (for example, Southern ingredients with Asian or Latin techniques)

These neighborhoods are a good fit if you want walkable streets, cocktail bars nearby, and patio dining.

Decatur, Clarkston, and East Atlanta: Casual and Community-Oriented

On the east side of the metro area:

• Decatur (centered around Decatur Square) offers a tight cluster of restaurants with Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Caribbean options, plus bakeries with global influences.
• Clarkston, often described as one of the most diverse small cities in the region, is known for Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somali, Nepalese, and other East African and South Asian cuisines.
• East Atlanta Village (around Flat Shoals Ave SE) leans more eclectic and artsy, with a few international options mixed in.

These areas are especially good for casual dinners, family outings, and exploring new foods without a lot of formality.

OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Duluth, Suwanee, and Beyond

If you’re willing to venture outside Atlanta’s I-285 perimeter, destinations like Duluth, Suwanee, and Johns Creek have become known for:

• Korean barbecue and Korean bakeries
• Japanese ramen, izakaya-style spots, and dessert cafés
• More specialized Chinese regional cuisines
• Bubble tea shops, night-market style restaurants, and late-night dining

These areas are most convenient if you’re already staying in the northern suburbs or if you want to plan a dedicated food trip.

Types of International Cuisines Commonly Found in Atlanta

While the metro area offers food from almost everywhere, some cuisines are especially prominent.

Asian Cuisines

• Chinese: Dim sum, hot pot, noodle houses, and regional specialties (Sichuan, Cantonese, etc.), especially around Chamblee, Doraville, and Duluth.
• Korean: Barbecue, Korean fried chicken, and cafés, mainly along Buford Highway and in Duluth.
• Vietnamese: Pho shops, bánh mì cafés, and family-style restaurants scattered along Buford Highway and in the suburbs.
• Japanese: Sushi and ramen appear across the city, with both casual spots and higher-end omakase-style options in Midtown, Buckhead, and Duluth.
• Thai & Southeast Asian: Thai is relatively easy to find in many Atlanta neighborhoods, with more niche Southeast Asian cuisines mostly concentrated along Buford Highway.

Latin American & Caribbean

• Mexican: From taquerias and taco trucks to sit-down restaurants, Mexican food is available across the city and suburbs.
• Central & South American: You’ll find Colombian, Peruvian, Venezuelan, and other cuisines dotted around the metro area, often in small plazas.
• Caribbean: Jamaican and other Caribbean restaurants often cluster on the south and west sides of the city, with additional options in Decatur and along major corridors.

Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African

• Mediterranean & Middle Eastern: Gyros, shawarma, falafel, and mezze-focused restaurants appear throughout the city, often near commercial centers and campuses.
• Ethiopian & East African: Concentrated around parts of Decatur, Clarkston, and north of the city, offering injera-based dishes and coffee ceremonies in some locations.
• North African and broader African cuisines: Found in smaller numbers but growing, with a few spots in mixed international plazas.

European and Fusion

• Italian, French, Spanish, and Greek: Common in Midtown, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, and Westside, ranging from casual cafés to multi-course fine dining.
• Fusion concepts: Many Atlanta chefs blend Southern ingredients with global flavors—think kimchi with grits, jerk-seasoned dishes with local vegetables, or Latin-Asian mashups.

Quick Snapshot: Where to Go for What

Use this simple overview table to orient yourself:

Practical Tips for Eating Internationally in Atlanta

1. Getting Around

Atlanta is very car-centric, and many international restaurants are in areas where:

• Sidewalks may be limited.
• Public transit is available but may require transfers.

Driving and parking:
Most strip-mall restaurants offer free parking. In Midtown and Decatur, expect paid street or garage parking.

Public transit options:

• MARTA Rail:
  • The Doraville Station (6000 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340) on the Gold Line is a common entry point to Buford Highway (a short bus ride or rideshare from there).
  • Midtown and Downtown restaurants are often walking distance from nearby MARTA stations like Midtown, Arts Center, or Peachtree Center.
• MARTA Bus:
  • Several routes run along or near Buford Highway and other major corridors; schedules and routes change over time, so check current information before you go.

Rideshare services are widely used, especially at night or in areas where parking is challenging.

2. Reservations vs. Walk-Ins

• Higher-end or popular Midtown/Inman Park/Westside restaurants may strongly recommend reservations, especially on weekends.
• Buford Highway and many suburban international spots are usually walk-in friendly, though there can be waits at peak times.
• Some Korean barbecue, dim sum, and hot pot places become quite crowded for weekend lunch and dinner, so arriving early is helpful.

3. Ordering If You’re New to the Cuisine

Many Atlanta international restaurants are used to first-time diners and are happy to guide you.

Useful approaches:

• Ask for a “house specialty” or “most popular dish” if you’re unsure.
• Look for combo plates or sampler platters that offer a range of flavors.
• Don’t hesitate to ask about spice level, especially at Thai, Indian, or certain Latin American and African restaurants.

If English is not prominently featured on the menu, staff often still speak English; you can also point to items or use pictures if available.

4. Dietary Preferences and Food Allergies

Many international restaurants in Atlanta can accommodate:

• Vegetarian and vegan diets (especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, some Mediterranean, and certain Asian cuisines).
• Gluten-sensitive diners, particularly at spots that rely heavily on rice, corn, or naturally gluten-free breads (like injera at Ethiopian restaurants, which is often teff-based—though recipes may vary).

Because menus and recipes differ, it’s best to:

• Ask directly about allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, shellfish, etc.).
• Clarify dietary needs early in the conversation.

Restaurants vary widely in their ability to accommodate strict dietary restrictions, so calling ahead when you have complex needs can help.

5. Payment, Tipping, and Group Dining

In most of Atlanta:

• Cards are widely accepted, but small, family-run spots sometimes prefer cash or have a minimum for card payments.
• Tipping norms are similar to the rest of the United States; many diners leave around 15–20% at table-service restaurants.
• For large groups, call ahead to ask about seating, set menus, or automatic gratuity.

Some international restaurants offer family-style meals or large platters designed for sharing, making it easier (and often more affordable) to sample multiple dishes.

Finding and Evaluating International Restaurants in Atlanta

What Locals Commonly Look For

When choosing where to go, Atlantans often consider:

• Proximity to major roads or MARTA
• Parking availability
• Menu transparency (online menus are common, but not universal)
• Family-friendliness (high chairs, kids’ menu, noise level)
• Late-night hours, especially near Buford Highway and Duluth

If you’re new to the city, asking local coworkers, neighbors, or hotel staff can be very effective—many Atlantans have strong opinions and favorite spots for specific cuisines.

Special Considerations for Visitors and New Residents

Timing Your Meals

• Weekday lunches: Often less crowded and sometimes slightly more affordable (lunch specials).
• Weekend nights: Expect longer waits at popular areas like Midtown, Decatur, and Buford Highway.
• Late night: If you’re looking for food after 10 pm, your best bets tend to be Buford Highway, some Midtown spots, and selected suburban areas like Duluth.

Exploring Beyond the Core

If you’re staying in central Atlanta, you can still access many international options within:

• 15–30 minutes by car to Buford Highway or Decatur
• A short MARTA ride plus a rideshare for further-flung areas

Planning your meals around clusters of restaurants can help you try multiple cuisines with less driving.

Using Local Resources and Services

While individual restaurants change over time, certain local services and landmarks help you navigate Atlanta’s restaurant world:

• City of Atlanta and local visitor centers (such as the main visitor center near Downtown) often have printed neighborhood maps that highlight dining areas.
• MARTA Headquarters: One Armour Place, Atlanta, GA 30324 (2424 Piedmont Rd NE) can be a reference point if you need to understand transit options better, though most information is available online or via phone.
• DeKalb and Gwinnett County visitor or information offices can sometimes provide brochures listing restaurant-heavy districts in their areas, such as Buford Highway or Duluth.

Calling ahead to confirm hours, reservations policies, or large-party options is common and usually appreciated, especially if you’re making a special trip from another part of the metro area.

Making the Most of Atlanta’s International Restaurant Scene

To fully enjoy the “wonderful world” of restaurants in Atlanta:

• Start with a neighborhood: Buford Highway, Midtown, Decatur, or Duluth, depending on where you’re staying.
• Pick one or two cuisines at a time instead of trying to do everything in a single visit.
• Be open to strip-mall locations and modest storefronts—many of the city’s most-loved international restaurants are in unassuming spaces.
• Ask questions and try something new, whether it’s a dish, a drink, or a dessert you’ve never had before.

With a bit of planning and curiosity, Atlanta offers an unusually rich introduction to global flavors, all within a single metro area.