Atlanta has developed a small but well-regarded Turkish restaurant community, with establishments serving the city’s Turkish-American residents and the growing number of Atlanta diners who have discovered the depth and sophistication of Turkish cuisine. Turkish restaurants in Atlanta are concentrated primarily in Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, and Midtown, bringing the flavors of Istanbul, Anatolia, and the Aegean coast to the Atlanta table. Turkish cuisine is one of the world’s great culinary traditions, encompassing mezze, slow-cooked stews, clay pot dishes, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and an extraordinary pastry tradition that few other cuisines can match. Atlanta’s Turkish restaurants have earned loyal followings by offering something distinct from the generic Mediterranean menus common throughout the city.
When choosing a Turkish restaurant in Atlanta, look for establishments that distinguish between regional Turkish cooking styles rather than offering a homogenized menu. Authentic Turkish restaurants should feature properly made Adana and Urfa kebabs, fresh-made borek pastries, and Turkish-style breakfast spreads that include fresh cheeses, olives, eggs, and honey. Hummus and falafel, while popular in the region, are not specifically Turkish and their heavy presence on a menu can signal a restaurant that prioritizes marketing over authenticity. Turkish tea and Turkish coffee prepared in a traditional cezve pot are small details that indicate genuine cultural commitment.
Top Turkish Restaurant Companies in Atlanta
1. Truva Turkish Kitchen
Address: 842 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 228-1007
Website: https://www.truvahighland.com
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 AM-10 PM, Thursday 3 PM-10 PM, Friday 11 AM-11 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11 AM-11 PM (weekend brunch 8 AM-3 PM)
Services:
- Authentic Turkish kebabs including Adana and Urfa
- Traditional Turkish mezze and small plates
- Turkish breakfast and weekend brunch
- Red lentil soup and traditional soups
- Full dinner menu with Turkish specialties
- First come, first served brunch on weekends
About: Truva Turkish Kitchen in Virginia-Highland is widely regarded as Atlanta’s premier Turkish restaurant, drawing diners from across the metro area to its North Highland Avenue location for what locals describe as a genuine and memorable Turkish dining experience. The restaurant is led by a Turkish executive chef who brings a deep knowledge of Anatolian cooking traditions to a menu that features standout dishes including flavorful Adana kebabs and rich red lentil soup. Truva’s weekend brunch program, served first-come first-served, has become particularly popular and reflects the Turkish tradition of an elaborate morning meal. The restaurant consistently earns strong reviews for both food quality and the warmth of its hospitality.
2. Cafe Agora Buckhead
Address: 318 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 949-0900
Website: https://www.cafeagora.com
Services:
- Turkish and Greek mezze selections
- Mediterranean shared plates
- Grilled meats and kebabs
- Full bar and wine program
- Lunch and dinner service
- Outdoor seating available
About: Cafe Agora in Buckhead blends Turkish and Greek culinary traditions, reflecting the shared Mediterranean heritage between the two cuisines and the Agora tradition of the open marketplace that has historically connected cultures across the eastern Mediterranean. The restaurant has maintained a presence in Buckhead and built a following among the neighborhood’s dining community with a menu that covers the full range of shared mezze plates, grilled meats, and Mediterranean-inspired preparations. The Buckhead location is convenient to Atlanta’s northern business and residential community. Cafe Agora serves as an accessible introduction to Turkish and Greek culinary traditions for diners less familiar with either cuisine.
3. Divan Restaurant and Bar
Address: 87 15th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (678) 732-3989
Services:
- Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine
- Full dinner and evening dining
- Cocktail bar program
- Grilled and slow-cooked preparations
- Midtown Atlanta location
About: Divan Restaurant and Bar brings Turkish cuisine to Atlanta’s Midtown corridor at 15th Street, serving a menu of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes in an upscale setting with a full bar. The restaurant has been recognized by local diners for its quality of food, attentive service, and careful attention to detail in both cooking and presentation. Its Midtown location places it within easy reach of Atlanta’s largest employment and entertainment district, making it a convenient option for business dining and evening outings. Divan represents the more formal end of Atlanta’s Turkish dining spectrum, suitable for occasions that call for an elevated experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most popular Turkish dishes to try in Atlanta?
A: Adana kebab, made from spiced ground lamb shaped onto flat skewers and grilled over charcoal, is the most distinctively Turkish preparation and a reliable quality benchmark. Red lentil soup (mercimek corbasi) is a Turkish staple that appears on virtually every menu and is comforting, complex, and often underestimated. Borek, flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, is a beloved Turkish street food and appetizer. Iskender kebab, or doner meat served over pide bread with tomato sauce and yogurt, is a particularly satisfying main course.
Q: What does dining at a Turkish restaurant in Atlanta typically cost?
A: At Truva Turkish Kitchen in Virginia-Highland, mezze and appetizers typically run $10-$16 each, with kebab and main course entrees priced at $22-$36. A full dinner with drinks typically runs $50-$75 per person. Weekend brunch at Truva offers good value at lower price points. At Divan and Cafe Agora, pricing is broadly similar. Turkish coffee and tea are typically $4-$6 and are worth ordering as a proper end to any Turkish meal.
Q: What is the Turkish dining experience like compared to other Middle Eastern cuisines?
A: Turkish dining culture places great emphasis on hospitality, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a broad range of preparation techniques including both raw and cooked mezze, clay pot braising, wood-fire grilling, and elaborate pastry work. Turkish meals typically begin with a selection of cold mezze (cold starters), followed by hot appetizers, then main courses. The cuisine is less spicy than many other Middle Eastern traditions and more influenced by Central Asian, Byzantine, and Ottoman culinary history. Turkish bread, tea, and coffee are important parts of every meal.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s Turkish restaurant community offers genuine and rewarding dining options for those willing to seek them out, with Truva Turkish Kitchen in Virginia-Highland leading the category, Cafe Agora providing accessible Turkish and Greek dining in Buckhead, and Divan Restaurant delivering an upscale Midtown Turkish experience. Each restaurant brings authentic character to the Atlanta table and represents a distinctly different approach to Turkish hospitality. Contact any of them directly for reservations, hours, and dining event availability.