Atlanta’s Middle Eastern restaurant scene has expanded dramatically over the past decade, driven by growing Persian, Lebanese, Turkish, and Arab communities across the metro area and by Atlanta’s increasingly adventurous dining public. From casual shawarma and falafel counters along Buford Highway to upscale Persian and Lebanese fine dining in Inman Park and Buckhead, the range of Middle Eastern dining options in Atlanta is now genuinely broad. The city’s warm culture of hospitality aligns naturally with the Middle Eastern tradition of abundant, shareable mezze and extended communal meals. Several Atlanta Middle Eastern restaurants have earned national recognition, including representation in the Michelin Guide, reflecting the quality that has developed in this category.
When evaluating Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta, look for restaurants that specify their regional origin, since Persian, Lebanese, Moroccan, and Egyptian cuisines differ significantly despite sharing some ingredients. Freshly made hummus with high-quality tahini, properly charred kabobs and shawarma cooked over real charcoal or wood, and house-baked pita and bread signal genuine commitment to the cuisine. Restaurants that offer a broad mezze selection demonstrate culinary depth, since mezze is the heart of Middle Eastern table culture. Red flags include restaurants that serve generic “Mediterranean” without specifying regional tradition or that rely heavily on premade sauces and industrial pita.
Top Middle Eastern Restaurant Companies in Atlanta
1. Delbar Middle Eastern Restaurant
Address: 870 Inman Village Pkwy NE, Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 500-1444
Website: https://www.delbaratl.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 PM-10 PM, Friday 4 PM-11 PM, Saturday 11 AM-11 PM, Sunday 11 AM-9 PM
Awards & Recognition: Michelin Guide recognized restaurant
Services:
- Persian and Middle Eastern mezze and small plates
- Charcoal-grilled kabobs and joojeh
- Sabzi polo and traditional rice dishes
- Weekend brunch service
- Full cocktail and wine program
- Second locations in Buckhead and Alpharetta
About: Delbar is a MICHELIN Guide recognized restaurant whose name translates to “heart, captured” in Farsi, and which was founded by Fares Kargar as a tribute to the Middle Eastern cooking of his family and upbringing. The Inman Park original location opened to immediate acclaim and has expanded to Buckhead and Alpharetta, reflecting strong demand across the Atlanta metro. Signature dishes include sabzi polo, chicken kofta, and joojeh kabob, all prepared with the careful technique that earned Delbar its national recognition. The restaurant balances authentic Persian and Middle Eastern flavors with a contemporary bar program and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broad Atlanta dining audience.
2. Rumi’s Kitchen
Website: https://www.rumiskitchen.com
Services:
- Persian and Middle Eastern kabobs and grilled meats
- Lamb and chicken preparations with Persian spices
- House hummus and mezze selections
- Full bar with cocktail and wine program
- Midtown and additional Atlanta area locations
- Catering services
About: Rumi’s Kitchen has built one of the strongest reputations for Persian and Middle Eastern cooking in Atlanta, with multiple locations across the metro area and consistent recognition from Atlanta food reviewers and national publications. Named for the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, the restaurant reflects a deep cultural connection to Persian culinary tradition. The restaurant’s lamb kabob and hummus have become signature items frequently cited in best-of Atlanta dining lists. Chef Ali Mesghali’s passion for Persian flavors is evident throughout the menu, and the Colony Square Midtown location places Rumi’s within one of Atlanta’s most active dining and entertainment destinations.
3. Ameer’s Mediterranean Grill and Catering
Website: https://www.ameersmediterranean.com
Services:
- 100% halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu
- Shawarma and grilled meat preparations
- Falafel and vegetarian plates
- Mediterranean salads and mezze
- Catering for events and gatherings
- Dine-in and takeout
About: Ameer’s Mediterranean Grill and Catering serves a 100% halal menu of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in the Briarcliff LaVista area of northeast Atlanta, making it an important destination for Atlanta’s Muslim community and for all diners seeking certified halal preparations. The restaurant covers the full range of Middle Eastern comfort food from shawarma to falafel alongside proper mezze selections, and its catering operation extends its reach to events across the Atlanta area. The halal certification and consistent quality have made Ameer’s a trusted choice for community gatherings, family celebrations, and everyday dining alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is mezze and what should I expect at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Atlanta?
A: Mezze is the Middle Eastern tradition of serving many small dishes simultaneously as an opening spread, similar to Spanish tapas or Italian antipasto but rooted in its own distinct culinary tradition. A typical mezze spread includes hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, stuffed grape leaves, and labneh. Most Middle Eastern restaurants in Atlanta offer mezze as shareable starters designed for the whole table. Following mezze, main courses typically feature grilled kabobs, braised stews, or roasted preparations served with rice or flatbread.
Q: What does dining at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Atlanta typically cost?
A: At upscale Middle Eastern restaurants like Delbar, expect to spend $18-$36 per mezze and main plate, with a full dinner including drinks running $55-$85 per person. Mid-tier Middle Eastern restaurants typically price mezze at $10-$18 each and kabob mains at $22-$32. Casual shawarma and falafel counters offer complete meals for $12-$18. Rumi’s Kitchen falls in the mid-tier range. Catering is available from several Atlanta Middle Eastern restaurants and pricing varies by menu selection and guest count.
Q: What are the most popular Middle Eastern dishes for first-time visitors to try in Atlanta?
A: Hummus made with quality tahini and served with fresh pita is the universal starting point and a quick indicator of kitchen quality. Joojeh kabob, or saffron-marinated chicken grilled over charcoal, is the most accessible Persian entree and widely available at Atlanta’s Persian restaurants. Lamb kabob, whether koobideh (ground lamb) or barg (flat cut), is another essential. For vegetarians, a combination mezze plate with falafel, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves offers a complete and deeply satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s Middle Eastern restaurant scene spans from the MICHELIN-recognized excellence of Delbar in Inman Park and Buckhead to the widely beloved Persian cooking at Rumi’s Kitchen and the halal-focused community dining at Ameer’s Mediterranean Grill. Each restaurant brings genuine Middle Eastern character and culinary depth to the Atlanta table. Contact any of these establishments for reservations, catering inquiries, and current menu information.