Global Flavors at Atlanta’s Top International Restaurants

By Daniela Cintron

Published June 8, 2022
Last Updated May 2, 2023

One of the beauties of Atlanta is its diversity. From corner to corner, you can travel the world without leaving the city. Explore different cultures through food, giving your palate a trip around the globe at the many international restaurants in Atlanta. 

African

AfroDish Restaurant 

Ghana immigrants Vincencia and Raphael Sarpong serve flavors from their homeland at the Municipal Market near Downtown. Their cooking offers seasonings mixed with traditional dishes known across the Caribbean and in some African countries. Don’t miss out on the oxtails dish, the jerk chicken or the vegan options with a plate of jollof rice, black-eyed peas and plantains. Enjoy an explosion of flavors in a friendly environment. 

Where: Municipal Market (Also known as Sweet Auburn Curb Market)

Bangladeshi

Ruchi Bangladeshi Cuisine 

Find comfort in tasty Blangladeshi and Indian food made and served with love in a welcoming environment. Delight on Chicken, lamb and shrimp biriyanis, tondoori specialties and an array of specialty dishes including regular’s favorites like chicken 65, lamb naga morich and endless vegetarian options. The seasonings are full of flavors, and the conversations with Ahsan, the owner, add to the experience. 

Where: 4847 Peachtree Road

Brazilian

Buteco 

Head over to Grant Park or East Atlanta Village where the Brazil party has started. Buteco transports you to Rio de Janeiro with small Brazilian dishes, live music, and coffee and cocktails. Don’t be surprised if you walk into a samba party. Samba dancing is very common at this lay-back venue with spacious outdoor space. It is just perfect to sip on a coffee and get work done or spend the afternoon eating, pão de queijo waffles, cachorro quentes, coxinha, quibe and sipping on caipirinhas.

Where: 1039 Grant St. SE. Suite C-10 and 1245 Glenwood Ave. SE. Suite 6 

Chinese

Urban Wu

Authentic Szechuan Chinese food is served at this international restaurant in Atlanta. Offering great service and incredible food, Urban Wu captivates the palate of those seeking the true flavors of Chinese cuisine in the city. 

Where: 3330 Piedmont Road NE Suite 22B.

Cuban

Papi’s Cuban Grill

Find Caribbean flavors throughout Atlanta at one of Papi’s Cuban Grill locations. Order pollo vaca frita with a side of mariquitas and let the Cuban flavors transport you to the Pearl of the Antilles. 

Where: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Krog Street Market & 216 Ponce de Leon Ave.  

Ethiopian

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen 

Try traditional Ethiopian fare and unique culinary creations at Desta. From the popular vegetarian platter to the original meat lovers, the menu of authentic Ethiopian cuisine offers something for everyone. 

Where: 2250 Marietta Blvd. NW, Suite 206

French

Le Bilboquet 

For a fancy and chic French dining experience, head over to Le Bilboquet. Located in the heart of upscale retail and dining in Buckhead, Buckhead Village District, this bistro and bar offers traditional French dishes in a European-style ambiance. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a Cajun chicken served with a heaping pile of crispy pomme frites or a tuna tartare sitting on the patio in woven rattan chairs and tables. It is the complete Parisian sidewalk cafe experience.

Where: Buckhead Village District 

Saint Germain French Cafe & Bakery

Step into Paris with a bite of a perfectly crafted cannelé, and a sip of expresso in the middle of the day at this French cafe and bakery. Need more fuel? The croque monsieur will melt in your mouth while the smoked salmon quiche will delight you with an array of fresh flavors. With four locations throughout key parts of Atlanta, you are sure to find a Saint Germain close to you for a French treat. 

Where: Ponce City Market, The Bellyard Hotel, Buckhead Village, and The Interlock.

Indian

Aamar Indian Cusine

Located in Downtown, Aamar is a small establishment serving straightforward Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, lamb coconut, beef shaag ponir, curry and endless vegetarian options. The welcoming service is unbeatable, and their food is served until late hours of the night.

Where: 100 Luckie St NW

Dash & Chutney

Make your way to The Works and indulge in full-flavored, plant-based Indian street food at Dash & Chutney. The vegan menu includes a variety of chaat, including samosa chaat and sev papdi chaat. Chef Palak brings in nostalgic flavors that will take you around the globe (and you never even leave Atlanta). 

Where: Chattahoochee Food Works  

Israeli

Aziza 

Walk into Aziza and feel as if you had just walked into a home in Israel. That is the mission of this restaurant serving history-rich Israeli dishes in a hospitable environment reflective of their culture and traditions. 

Where: 1170 Howell Mill Rd NW

Rina 

With Tel Aviv beach vibes, Israeli upbeat tunes on the background, and casual Israeli street food, Rina is sure to put you in a happy mood. After all, in Hebrew that is exactly what Rina means – happiness. The sizzling skewers are tempting and the creative cocktails are refreshing, and whatever you choose to enjoy, do not pass on the opportunity to try the falafel, prepared using a family recipe passed down since the 1950s when it was served at a falafel stand in Israel. Come in and dine in the chic restaurant, or get your food to go through the window directly on the Eastside Atlanta BeltLine Trail.

Where: 699 Ponce De Leon Ave. Suite 9. 

Italian

La Tavola Trattoria

Classic Italian comfort food is served at this authentic Italian trattoria in Virginia Highlands, one of Atlanta’s vibrant walkable neighborhoods. Enjoy some of their traditional dishes that have been the local’s favorites for years, or dive into one of their seasonal offerings such as the flavourful saltimbocca alla romana, a veal dish with prosciutto, fingerling potato and anchovy vinaigrette. Sit indoors and enjoy the view into Chef Kevin Grossman’s kitchen as they craft a feast for their guests, or enjoy the outdoors year-round at the lovely enclosed private patio on the back.

Where: 992 Virginia Ave. NE

Pasta Da Pulcinella 

Enjoy Italian favorites in a cozy setting at this vintage bungalow, complete with a fireplace. That is the mood at Pasta Da Pulcinella. With stellar Italian cuisine, the intimate restaurant makes you feel right at home while enjoying the savors of Italy.  

Where: 1123 Peachtree Walk NE 

Jamaican

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken 

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken prides itself on having the best curry and brown stew chicken in Atlanta. The jerk pork and other traditional Jamaican recipes bring the authentic taste of Jamaica to the heart of Atlanta. 

Where: 226 Northside Drive SW

Jamrock Restaurant

Since 2006, Jamrock has been serving authentic Jamaican dishes in Downtown Atlanta. With a second location now in Moreland Ave, there is no excuse to skip one of Atlanta’s institutions for Jamaican food. From jerk chicken to curry shrimp and oxtail, the menu has all the flavors.

Where: 381 Moreland Ave and 111 MLK Jr. Dr.

Japanese

Little Trouble

Follow a dark hallway towards the neon lights at one of Atlanta’s busiest nightlife neighborhoods – the Westside. Little Trouble is a walk-in-only restaurant and bar that offers Asian street food, delectable strong cocktails, a prime Japanese whiskey selection, and a very unique futuristic atmosphere. Enjoy under in the dark under the neon lights the incredible corn shishito fritters, a brisket drunken noodle bowl, or the chicken goyza dumplings with chimichurri, garlic oil and nori.

Where: 1170 Howell Mill Rd

Korean

Letsbap

Devour traditional Korean dishes in a grab-and-go setting at Letsbap. The nourishing menu includes Korean favorites like bulgogi, tteokbokki, cupbap and the famous mandu. Consumer experts in Korean cuisine say the mandu tastes as if it was purchased on the streets of Korea. 

Where: 206 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite B.

TKO

Short for “The Korean One,” TKO is a Korean-American street food stall located in East Atlanta’s Southern Feedstore. They serve lunch, dinner and weekend late-night eats. It started as a pop-up before becoming a brick-and-mortar where its popular dishes stand out on its menu, such as the Volcano Hot Dog with krab salad and eel sauce, the Korean Fried Chicken Nuggets, and the Kimchi Fried Rice. Don’t miss a chance to try the Beef Egg Roll Taquitos with hoisin, spicy mayo, siracha and nacho cheese.

Where: 1245 Glenwood Ave.

Mediterranean

Aviva by Kameel 

With a location in Midtown and in Downtown, Chef Kameel Srouji brings from Nazareth fresh and healthy home-cooked meals to Atlanta. Be welcomed by a smile from the very own chef or his son Nas, and pick from a variety of Mediterranean favorites cooked with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the chicken. Trust us, you will eat it all because it is nearly impossible to put it down. Eating at Aviva is like eating at Chef Kameel’s very own home where he prepares generational recipes in a family-like environment. 

Where: 223 Peachtree St. and 756 W. Peachtree St. NW.

Mexican

Alma Cocina

With a Downtown and Buckhead location, Alma Cocina serves Atlanta contemporary Mexican cuisine. The menu features authentic bright and fresh flavors taken to the next level with regional influences. Their mole is sure to transport you to the streets of Oaxaca, while their diverse selection of Tequilas will let you travel through Mexico one sip at a time. 

Where: 191 Peachtree St. NE & 3280 Peachtree Rd. NE. Terminus 100

Palo Santo

From the moment you step in, you realize Palo Santo is a unique all-senses dining experience. The recently-opened upscale modern Mexican restaurant offers dishes made from locally sourced, and Mexican-imported ingredients crafted by award-winning Chef Santiago Gomez. The fun doesn’t end on the first floor with alluring decor and wood fire kitchen. Take a trip up the stairs for beatiful crafted cocktails, small bites, live DJ beats, and rooftop views of Atlanta’s Westside.

Where: 955 West Marietta St NW

Middle Eastern

Del Bar 

Bringing traditional flavors from the Middle East, Del Bar has quickly become a popular spot by locals and visitors in Atlanta. The beachy ambiance sets the tone for the lovingly prepared dishes. From the grilled za’taar wings to the kashk bademjoon, the food is representative of the owner’s youth and the women in his life who instilled his deep appreciation for Middle Eastern cooking. With roots in Iran, Frasi Kargar created Delbar to become a place of gathering with loved ones over delicious and traditional food. Sit at the table and be part of the family. 

Where: 870 Inman Village Parkway NE.

Moroccan

Marrakesh Mediterranean Kitchen

Make your way to Ponce City Market for a diverse menu of flavors at Marrakesh Mediterranean Kitchen. Find staples of Moroccan cuisine such as falafel, baba ganoush, kebab and much more. Don’t know where to start your culinary adventure? Begin with the mezze plate and taste away. 

Where: Ponce City Market 

Pan-Asian

Herban Fix 

As part of a green and healthy movement, Chef Wendy Chang offers a unique dining experience serving delectable vegan Southern Pan-Asian cuisine in a calming and welcoming environment. Pan-Asian cuisine encompasses dishes from different nations and cultures throughout Asia. This is an opportunity to explore a menu offering Vietnamese pho noodle soup, a pad thai inspired by modern-day Thailand, and a Korean tofu stew. All in one place. 

Where: 565-A Peachtree Street NE

Persian

Rumi’s Kitchen 

Named after one of the most famous poets in the world, Jelaluddin Rumi, Rumi’s Kitchen is inspired by the poet’s vision of inner peace, happiness and love. The restaurant’s hospitable ambiance offers a beautifully decorated space to enjoy a menu full of history and tradition. From the freshly baked traditional bread to the skewers marinated in a saffron sauce and cooked on an open broiler, the savory dishes are an explosion of flavors. 

Where: Colony Square

Peruvian

Tio Lucho’s

Chef Arnaldo Castillo and Howard Hsu, two of Atlanta’s beloved restauranteurs in the Atlanta food scene, partnered to offer a tribute to Peru’s coastal cuisine. Named after Castillo’s dad, Tio Lucho’s is a reflection of the flavors Castillo experienced growing up in Lima and Piura, Peru. In a laid-back, friendly environment, experience the true flavors of a traditional Peruvian ceviche – without holding back on sipping the leche de tigre at the end, wok-fired lomo saltado, and regional dishes from Norther Peru.

Where: 675 North Highland Ave NE #6000

Punjabi

Bhojanic Indian 

One of the most awarded and popular Indian food chefs in Atlanta, Archna Becker brings to Atlanta the tantalizing flavor of Indian cuisine, focusing on Punjabi and North Indian homestyle food. The renowned chef founded Bhojanic with the support of her family, keeping them very involved and ensuring the authenticity and quality of the food for those who are looking to dive into the deep and explosive flavors of Indian cuisine. 

Where: 739 Lambert Drive NE. 

South African

Baked Kitchen South African Street Food

Baked Kitchen is a place to celebrate South African cuisine. Owner Allan Katzef features a variety of dishes, such as lamb and apricot skewers, boerewors and sosaties, making sure the flavors represent his home country. 

Where: Chattahoochee Food Works

Panbury’s Double Crust Pies (South African / English / Australian)

Located in the historic Municipal Market in Edgewood, this low-key pie shop offers a variety of sweet and savory bites inspired by the owner’s South-African roots. It is the only South-African pie shop in town also offering British and Australian favorites. Come for the fresh-baked smell, and stay for the nostalgic bites. 

Where: The Municipal Market (Also known as Sweet Auburn Market).

Salvadorian

Buenos Dias Cafe 

Buenos Dias Cafe brings to Atlanta delicious pupusas, made-to-order. The typical dish from El Salvador is served with a variety of toppings and sides to make it an authentic experience. Vegan, vegetarian and meat options are available to make sure everyone gets to try this staple dish from Central America. 

Where: Ponce City Market

Spanish

The Iberian Pig 

Bold flavors and a convivial environment transport you to Spain at The Iberian Pig. A robust menu of modern Spanish tapas offers something for every palate. Start with a charcuterie board featuring a variety of dry meats and cheeses. Follow it with a parade of small plates to share –  or not. The food is authentic and is matched only with the remarkable hospitality. 

Where: 3150 Roswell Road NW, Suite A3

Thai

Nan Thai Fine Dining 

In a Zen-like interior, Bangkok-born chef Nan Niyomkul puts forward upscale eats characteristic of Thai cuisine. Nan Thai Fine Dining is an award-winning, classy Thai restaurant offering an experience that ranges from the food to the environment and the service. 

Where: 1350 Spring St. NW.

Vietnam

Viêtvana

At Viêtvana, pho is more than a recipe to follow. It is a homage to heritage, culture and home. Enjoy family recipes of authentic Vietnamese delicacies crafted with love by husband-and-wife team Dihn Tran and Khanh Dang. With locations in the upbeat streets of Atlanta, serenity and bliss can be found on each bite. 

Where: Ponce City Market & 848 Spring St. NW. Suite A.

If you want to adventure just a few minutes outside the perimeter, head over to Buford Highway to find delicious international food options. Atlanta has incredible dining options for all palates. From brunch to dinner, there is something for everyone. Check out the Atlanta Restaurant Guide and find your next favorite meal.

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist who now lives in Atlanta and spends her time searching for the best margarita in town and discovering coffee shops in the city.