Persepolis Persian Cuisine in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta and searching for authentic Persian food within the broader Mediterranean scene, Persepolis Persian Cuisine is one of the city’s most recognized options. Located in Sandy Springs, just north of Buckhead, it’s a sit-down restaurant that many locals associate with grilled kebabs, fragrant rice, and classic Persian stews.

This guide walks through what to expect at Persepolis, how it fits into Atlanta’s Mediterranean dining landscape, and practical tips for planning a visit.

Where Persepolis Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta has a growing number of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, but Persepolis focuses specifically on Persian (Iranian) cuisine, which has its own distinct flavors and traditions.

• Category: Restaurants
• Sub-category: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern
• Specialty: Persian dishes (kebabs, stews, rice dishes, appetizers)

For people who live in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or North Atlanta, Persepolis is a relatively convenient option for a sit-down Persian meal without driving far out of the city.

Location, Parking, and Access

Persepolis Persian Cuisine
5182 Roswell Rd NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Phone: (commonly listed via local directories and maps – check current info before you go)

It sits along Roswell Road, a major corridor with a lot of restaurants and shopping.

Getting there from key Atlanta areas:

• From Midtown/Downtown Atlanta:
  Usually a drive up GA-400 North or through Piedmont/Buckhead toward Roswell Road. Travel time can vary significantly with traffic, especially evenings and weekends.
• From Buckhead:
  Typically a short drive up Roswell Road, depending on exactly where you start.
• From northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell):
  Often a straightforward local drive down Roswell Road.

Parking:
Persepolis is in a commercial corridor where surface lot or shared parking is generally available. At busy times (Friday and Saturday evenings, major holidays), lots can fill quickly, so arriving a little early is often helpful.

What Type of Restaurant Experience to Expect

Persepolis is a full-service, sit-down restaurant, not a fast-casual counter spot.

Typical characteristics:

• Table service with menus and servers
• Suitable for families, small groups, and social dinners
• Often chosen for birthdays, gatherings, and special occasions
• Atmosphere is usually relaxed but not overly formal

If you’re used to quick Mediterranean spots in Atlanta that focus on wraps or bowls, Persepolis will feel more like a traditional dinner restaurant where you spend time over appetizers, mains, and tea or dessert.

Overview of the Menu: Persian Classics in Atlanta

While actual offerings can change, these are the types of dishes you can generally expect at Persepolis, based on common Persian restaurant patterns:

Appetizers and Shareable Plates

Persian starters often overlap with familiar Mediterranean flavors but with their own twist:

• Hummus – Chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, and garlic
• Mast-o-Khiar – Yogurt with cucumber and herbs
• Mast-o-Mousir – Yogurt with shallots
• Kashk-e-Bademjan – Warm eggplant dish with whey and fried onions
• Dolmeh / Stuffed Grape Leaves – Rice and herb filling
• Fresh Bread and Herbs – Often traditional flatbread served with herbs, cheese, and walnuts

These are easy to share, making Persepolis a good spot for groups that want to sample a variety of dishes.

Kebabs (A Major Focus)

Persian cuisine is especially known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, and they typically form the core of the menu:

Common kebab styles you’re likely to see:

• Koobideh – Ground beef or lamb, seasoned and grilled on skewers
• Barg – Thinly sliced marinated beef or lamb
• Joojeh – Marinated chicken, often with saffron and lemon
• Shish Kabob – Cubed meat with vegetables
• Mixed plates – Combinations of different kebabs on one platter

Kebabs are usually served with basmati rice—very often saffron rice—and sometimes grilled tomatoes or vegetables.

Stews and Traditional Mains

Persian stews (known as khoresh) are slow-cooked and usually served over rice. Some of the most typical ones you may encounter:

• Ghormeh Sabzi – Herb stew with kidney beans and beef or lamb
• Fesenjan – Pomegranate and walnut stew, sometimes with chicken
• Gheimeh – Yellow split peas, tomato, and meat, sometimes topped with fries or eggplant

These dishes can be especially appealing on cooler days in Atlanta or for those who want comfort-style food rather than grilled meats.

Rice Specialties

Rice is a key part of Persian cuisine, and Persepolis often emphasizes it:

• Chelo – Steamed white rice, often with saffron
• Baghali Polo – Rice with dill and fava beans
• Zereshk Polo – Rice with barberries, providing a tart, fruity note
• Albaloo Polo – Rice with sour cherries (less common but sometimes featured)

Many Atlantans who are new to Persian food find that rice dishes are a great entry point—they’re familiar but have distinct flavors from saffron, herbs, and fruits.

Desserts and Drinks

While selection may vary, you might see:

• Persian ice cream with saffron, rosewater, and pistachios
• Baklava or similar pastries
• Persian tea – Often black tea, sometimes served in glass cups
• Non-alcoholic beverages such as doogh (yogurt drink) or sodas

If alcohol is important to your dining plans, it’s best to call ahead or check recent local information to understand the current approach to wine, beer, or cocktails, as offerings and policies can evolve.

Dietary Considerations for Atlanta Diners

Many Atlanta diners ask about halal, vegetarian, or gluten-related needs when choosing Mediterranean restaurants. Persepolis is not marketed as a health-food venue, but Persian cuisine naturally has some flexible options.

Vegetarian-Friendly Options

Typical vegetarian-leaning dishes may include:

• Hummus, baba ghanoush (if offered), and yogurt dips
• Eggplant-based dishes like kashk-e-bademjan
• Rice dishes without meat toppings
• Salads with herbs, cucumber, tomato, and lemon dressings
• Some stews or sides if prepared without meat (varies)

If you are strictly vegetarian or vegan, it’s wise to:

• ✅ Ask staff which items are fully meat-free
• ✅ Clarify whether any broths or sauces contain animal products

Gluten Awareness

Many core Persian dishes are naturally gluten-light:

• Kebabs and stews are usually served with rice, not pasta or bread
• Rice-focused plates are often adaptable

However:

• Some appetizers and desserts may use wheat flour or bread
• Cross-contact can occur in busy kitchens, as in most restaurants

Those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should speak directly with staff and consider cross-contact risk seriously.

Halal and Other Preferences

Some Atlanta-area Persian and Middle Eastern restaurants use halal meat, while others do not strictly advertise this. If halal certification is important to you:

• ✅ Call ahead and ask directly about their current sourcing and handling
• ✅ Confirm at the time of ordering

When to Go: Timing and Crowds in Atlanta

Persepolis tends to be busier during common Atlanta dining times, especially:

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Holiday periods and special events
• Occasions like Nowruz (Persian New Year), when interest in Persian cuisine often increases

If you want a quieter experience:

• Consider weekday lunches or early dinners
• For larger parties, calling ahead to ask about waits or reservations is often helpful

Takeout, Delivery, and Group Dining

In the Atlanta metro area, many full-service Mediterranean restaurants now support takeout and delivery through phone orders and delivery platforms. Persepolis typically participates in this broader trend.

Common options:

• Takeout: Call ahead to place your order, then pick up from the restaurant
• Delivery: Often available through regional delivery services (availability can change)

For group dining:

• Platters of kebabs and rice can be convenient for office gatherings or family events
• Ask about large-format trays or family-style portions if catering is needed

Always confirm current options and ordering requirements, especially if you’re planning for larger groups or time-sensitive events.

Quick-Glance Summary for Atlanta Diners

How Persepolis Compares to Other Mediterranean Options in Atlanta

Around Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Fast-casual Mediterranean spots with wraps, bowls, and quick service
• Greek restaurants focusing on gyros, moussaka, and souvlaki
• Lebanese and Turkish restaurants with their own takes on kebabs and meze

Persepolis stands out as:

• More specialized in Persian recipes and traditional rice and stew combinations
• Generally more of a sit-down, occasion-friendly environment than a grab-and-go spot
• A place where you can explore less familiar dishes like ghormeh sabzi or fesenjan without leaving the metro area

If you live in Atlanta and want to go deeper into the Persian side of Mediterranean cuisine, Persepolis is one of the clearest options to put on your list.

Practical Tips Before Your Visit

To make your experience smoother:

• 📞 Call ahead to confirm:
  • Current hours
  • Whether reservations are recommended
  • Any special menus for holidays or large groups
• 🍽️ If you’re new to Persian food, consider:
  • Starting with a mixed kebab platter to sample different meats
  • Adding a stew and a specialty rice dish to share
• 🧾 Check your budget and expectations:
  • As a full-service restaurant, pricing and pacing will differ from quick Mediterranean counters in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, Persepolis Persian Cuisine offers a way to experience distinct Persian flavors within the broader Mediterranean restaurant category, without leaving the city’s core dining radius.