Best Middle Eastern/Eastern Mediterranean restaurant
Bandenjoon at Rumi's Kitchen. Photo: Elissa Eubanks / eeubanks@ajc.com
YOUR PICKS
You say, “I have a friend who lived in the Middle East for a decade that took me to Rumi’s, saying that it was the best Persian food south of Washington, D.C. Haven’t tried any others, because after discovering Rumi’s I find no need to.”
3) Nicola’s
4) Persepolis
5) Mezza
Mast Khiyar at Rumi's Kitchen. Photo: Elissa Eubanks / eeubanks@ajc.com
OUR PICKS
AJC dining critic Meridith Ford Goldman says, “Every time I eat at Rumi’s, I smack myself for not eating here more often. Once or twice a year just isn’t enough. This Persian palace takes Atlantans beyond the buffet and into something that smacks of tradition. Mast khiyar (diced cucumbers with yogurt, raisins, walnuts and herbs) with fresh-from-the-oven flatbread, mirza ghasemi (roasted eggplant with tomatoes and garlic) and dolmeh (ground beef, rice and herbs rolled into grape leaves), as well as kebobs and Iranian stews such as badenjoon.”
2) Persepolis
4) Olive Bistro
5) Mezza
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188 comments Add your comment
MochaDLyte
March 1st, 2010
12:05 pm
Imane Restaurant in Duluth
Follow me http://www.foodiebandit.com
JDJ
March 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
Nichola’s on LaVista — good eats plus a FUN evening’s entertainment on the weekend (dancing – belly and otherwise). Love that place.
Sorka
March 1st, 2010
3:48 pm
Mezza Lebanese Bistro on LaVista is my favorite spot for this cuisine. The food is delicious, the portions perfect for ordering a variety and sharing. They serve great, inexpensive Lebanese wine and the coffee at the end of the meal is thick and rich. They always make me feel at home!
J Anderson
March 1st, 2010
4:59 pm
Gilbert’s Cafe on 10th street for the food and atmosphere, Mediterranean Grille on Monroe for the hummus.
noelle
March 1st, 2010
5:11 pm
Mediterranean Grill- all 3 locations-
Hands down the best! My favorite is the “Business Lunch”.
N
March 1st, 2010
5:15 pm
Olive Bistro on Ponce is good for a casual place.
Scott
March 1st, 2010
5:23 pm
Aladdin’s one Roswell Road and Dunwoody Place-low cost, great food.
Shannon
March 1st, 2010
5:26 pm
Mediterranean Grill
Jennie
March 1st, 2010
5:28 pm
Mediterranean Grill
lou
March 1st, 2010
5:37 pm
rumi’s kitchen.. persian food.. roswell rd
Sandy in Tucker
March 1st, 2010
5:40 pm
Mediterranean Grill is great. So is Athens Pizza,dont let the name fool you. And Mezza is fabulous.
Praveen
March 1st, 2010
5:52 pm
Roswell Road, Sandy Springs is the king of quality Middle Eastern food. My nominees
1) Persepolis: Really good Persian buffet, best bread
2) Sultan’s: Top quality Lebanese food. Buffet is good value.
3) Mirage: Lunch alacarte prices are the best value. Food quality is very close to that of Persepolis and Rumi’s.
4) Rumi’s: Second to none in food quality but pricey as hell and service not as good as the prices would indicate.
Honorary Mention: Alladin’s: The chicken is not as juicy as the other places, but good Lebanese food at a good price. Counter service restaurant means no need for tipping.
Worst Persian: Fanoos: Second rate persian food. Worst stuffed grape leaves.
Drew
March 1st, 2010
6:17 pm
OK, so it’s not Atlanta, but Sultan on Atlanta Hwy. in Athens is really good, at least by my standards (which are fairly high but not at like NYC-level or anything).
Ganners
March 1st, 2010
6:30 pm
Mirage for Persian food!
The veggie kabob with the yummy roasted tomato and the best polo rice. I love the family owned restaurant vibe and the huge menu.
janet
March 1st, 2010
6:36 pm
Rumis in Sandy Springs. Superb and recommended to me by my Iranian women friends who are great cooks themselves.
becks
March 1st, 2010
6:43 pm
Nicola’s on LaVista!
Scratch Foodie
March 1st, 2010
6:44 pm
I have a friend who lived in the mideast for a decade that took me to Rumi’s, saying that it was the best Persian food south of Washington DC. Haven’t tried any others, b/c after discovering Rumi’s I find no need to. I am almost reluctant to mention its location for fear that Marvin of Macon (see best of Vietnamese vote)might want to nuke it, simply based on the fact that it is of Mideastern origin. Hey Marv, how’s the American cuisine scene in Macon, tried Wendy’s bacon-blue burger yet?
LebaneseAmerican
March 1st, 2010
6:54 pm
Nicola’s for an occasion, of course! Mediterranean Grill-any of the 3 locations-for everyday! Best hummus in the city.
Kate
March 1st, 2010
6:56 pm
Lawrence’s Cafe on Buford Highway. The food is always fresh and wonderful.
Jay Tye
March 1st, 2010
7:00 pm
Persepolis has an excellent Persian menu,
nl Thompson
March 1st, 2010
7:42 pm
Zaya in Inman park
mirza baig
March 2nd, 2010
5:34 am
Uptown grill has fresh food and a good family atmasphere………located in down town Lawrenceville a favorite place for a lot of people working and living around Lawrenceville,GA.
sansho1
March 2nd, 2010
6:01 am
Kyma (if you’re in the mood to put up with Buckhead), for the wood-grilled octopus alone. Mezza on LaVista if you want something a little more laid back.
sansho1
March 2nd, 2010
6:02 am
I might try Taverna Plaka again, but it was pretty bad the one time I went.
iRun
March 2nd, 2010
6:09 am
Oh, man, Mediterranean Grill for comfort food. I still haven’t found a place for a more special meal.
WhatAtlantaEats
March 2nd, 2010
6:57 am
I would go along with the crowd and select Mediterranean Grill but I had a bad experience with the woman working the counter at the mid-town location (Monroe), where she basically called me a liar when she got my order wrong, so I’ll go with Olive Bistro (Ponce) especially for the grape leaves and falafel. At least they know how to treat their customers.
EasternNotMiddle
March 2nd, 2010
7:04 am
Mediterranean Grill is tops – great food, no frills. I also like Jerusalem Bakery in Alpharetta.
Leslie
March 2nd, 2010
7:09 am
Several have mentioned Rumi’s Kitchen on Roswell Road. I have to second the nomination — it’s excellent.
mike
March 2nd, 2010
7:17 am
Rumi’s Kitchen has great atmosphere in Sandy Springs. Persepolis has great lunch buffet!
Kim
March 2nd, 2010
7:18 am
I’ve tried many of them and Cafe Agora is the best around. On East Paces Ferry in Buckhead. Small, casual, no frills place. Great, fresh food. Nice selection. Hands on owner who is quite entertaining. Aladdins in Sandy Springs has great salads, nice portions and good quality meats for the price. Mediterranean Grill is also good.
Paul
March 2nd, 2010
7:19 am
Sultan’s in Sandy Springs.
Atlanta Native
March 2nd, 2010
7:28 am
Agora is great!
Kyma is fabulous
Lawrence’s is always good
Rumi’s is very good, but overpriced
Mediterranean Bakery on Chamblee-Tucker is quick, easy and good
Michael
March 2nd, 2010
7:34 am
Easiest survey yet – Nicola’s! Great food, belly dancing and the happiest owner you will ever see. How many times have you had the owner of a restaurant seranade you with a dance while balancing your glass of wine on his head? Countless times for me and my family.
Stephanie Wahl
March 2nd, 2010
7:39 am
Best – Rumi’s Kitchen on Roswell Road. Little pricey, but the food is top notch and plentiful.
Brad
March 2nd, 2010
7:44 am
Uptown Grill in downtown Lawrenceville is excellent. Their Baba is delightfully smokey and served with a garnish of Pom Seeds! Everything is fresh and homemade. The whole restaurant (kitchen and all)is in a space that looks like it was originally the void between two buildings – maybe eight feet wide.
Kristi Bratcher
March 2nd, 2010
7:45 am
Cafe Istanbul, Decatur and Sultan, Athens
KurtF
March 2nd, 2010
8:05 am
Mezza on LaVista.
mar1jdh
March 2nd, 2010
8:13 am
Rumi’s for a nicer, upscale dinner, Mirage for a lower cost alternative.
Buck Futt
March 2nd, 2010
8:14 am
Mezza!
Teresa
March 2nd, 2010
8:18 am
Shish Kebob in Marietta
Decatur Max
March 2nd, 2010
8:21 am
Nicolas gets best service and good food. No better food for the money than Mediteranean Gill. Peresepolis is good but when you factor in value I will stick with Med Grill.
Bibay
March 2nd, 2010
8:31 am
Mediterranean Grill
Klinger
March 2nd, 2010
8:33 am
Nicola’s on LaVista, accross from Peachtree Baptist Church. The food is great and the hospitality is amazing!
p
March 2nd, 2010
8:33 am
Thanks for the info Praveen!!!
I live in Sandy Springs and I’ve only been to Rumi’s and it is wonderful, but pricey. I’m going to try the rest you mentioned.
IMHO
March 2nd, 2010
8:38 am
I love Mezza on LaVista Road.
FoodFan
March 2nd, 2010
8:45 am
Mezza on LaVista – no contest!
Reza
March 2nd, 2010
8:53 am
Shish Kabob in Marietta offers good Persian buffett in reasonable prices. Otherwise, Persepolis has the best buffett. Finally, I consider Falafel cafe in Marietta the worst place for old and greasy food, slow and unorganized service, very high prices, and run-down location.
Susie
March 2nd, 2010
8:56 am
Shish Kabob, Marietta
Karen robinson
March 2nd, 2010
8:56 am
Nicola’s == great food and great fun. You are treated like a special guest. The hummus and baba ganoush are absolutely wonderful!
JM
March 2nd, 2010
8:57 am
Nicola’s at LaVista and Briarcliff for the food, fun, and the owner who is the human embodiment of happiness.
Kathy
March 2nd, 2010
9:03 am
Mediterranean Grill–I always go to the one in Decatur, but there are other locations. Best. Falafel. Ever.
East Atlantan
March 2nd, 2010
9:06 am
Borage Grill in Conyers, great food, great value
woody
March 2nd, 2010
9:08 am
Any of these places specialize in Syrian food?
Hands Down
March 2nd, 2010
9:10 am
OTP restaraunts don’t count.
SET
March 2nd, 2010
9:12 am
Zaya ~ I really enjoy the Chicken Schwarma wraps!
LP
March 2nd, 2010
9:14 am
Baba’s Gyro & Kabob on Ronald Reagan in Cumming is the best out in the Northern burbs. It’s a tiny little restaurant at the end of a strip mall next to a gas station, but the food is fabulous! Some of the best I’ve had since living in the South and not being able to frequent the various Mom & Pop Mediterranian restaurants around Greek Town in Detroit.
Dark Knight
March 2nd, 2010
9:15 am
Kabobee on Whitehall Street near downtown is really good.
Robert
March 2nd, 2010
9:24 am
Nicola’s really is a blast, but for a quick, great meal, I agree it’s Mediterranean Grill.
AM
March 2nd, 2010
9:24 am
Lawrence’s Cafe on Buford Highway.. Food made to order…think I will skate over for lunch today
Cecilia
March 2nd, 2010
9:31 am
I will try some of these places, but Rumi’s Kitchen is over priced and the service isn’t good at all. We tried the Falafel Cafe in Marietta and it was terrible just like Reza said. The food was old and greasy. At one time I liked Biblos in Alpharetta but it is inconsistant.
martin
March 2nd, 2010
9:35 am
Anyplace but Kyma!! Buckhead, 90’s feel…The entire Buckhead Life Restaurant Group is dated and depressing.
dh
March 2nd, 2010
9:44 am
Mediterranean Grill
Darrell
March 2nd, 2010
9:48 am
Cafe Agora in Buckhead is the best by far.
Candi Lace
March 2nd, 2010
9:50 am
Zaya in Inman Park — extensive menu, exceptional service, great atmosphere, and you’ve got the city’s best wine store across the street!
Kenbud
March 2nd, 2010
9:51 am
Rumi’s is #1!
(and a vote for Kabobee’s ….. it’s wonderful. It’s just no one will try it because of the location)
Fred
March 2nd, 2010
9:52 am
Mezza in Oak Grove off LaVista
Sam
March 2nd, 2010
9:55 am
Persepolis – the best by far
Fred
March 2nd, 2010
9:56 am
…….. but after reading the blog entries, I’ma gonna have to go try the bellies……. i mean the dancing……. I mean Nicola’s lol. Do they serve food there?
ziza
March 2nd, 2010
9:56 am
mediterranean grill and olive bistro on ponce
LAJ
March 2nd, 2010
9:57 am
Zaya in Inman Park! So wonderful! Great atmosphere and service too!
rebeldawg
March 2nd, 2010
9:58 am
Cafe Agora hands down! Open late/early morning on weekends so great late night spot after the bars in Buckhead.
Pam
March 2nd, 2010
9:59 am
Uptown Cafe in downtown Lawrenceville is heaven on earth. Excellent cuisine.
Rick Neale
March 2nd, 2010
10:02 am
Mediterranean Bakery on Chamblee-Tucker Rd at I-285 (behind McDonald’s). Fantastic food. Warm hospitality. AND a grocery store where you can buy all kinds of delicious stuff!
http://www.mediterranean-bakery.com/
Leah
March 2nd, 2010
10:02 am
Mezza Bistro on Lavista. The best hummus and tabouli around. http://www.mezzabistro.com
alan
March 2nd, 2010
10:05 am
Hi
I’ve recently discovered the Jasmine restaurant in Marietta. The food was excellent and they have a buffet for lunch. In addition to the food, it is also in the same plaza as the Jerusalem Bakery, very good breads and pastry. It’s also in the same shoping plaza as Tasty China, So you can’t go wrong
Washall
March 2nd, 2010
10:06 am
The salmon at Rumi’s Kitchen is the best I have had, prepared in any way. The buffet at Persepolis has a lot of options and is a great value.
Randi
March 2nd, 2010
10:09 am
Mediterranean Grill – great food, price and people.
BigTuna
March 2nd, 2010
10:12 am
Rumi’s Kitchen on Roswell for a nice, sit-down meal. Pita Palace on Briarcliff for a quick in & out.
Toq
March 2nd, 2010
10:14 am
Fanoos – excellent food and reasonable prices. The lunch buffet has plenty of options. Best Mediterranean in the area.
Kara
March 2nd, 2010
10:17 am
Rumi’s in Sandy Springs
Craig
March 2nd, 2010
10:18 am
Mediterranean Grill
Curious Persian Diner Wannabe
March 2nd, 2010
10:19 am
What is the name of the Persian restaurant in the Publix shopping center at the corner of Abernathy and Roswell RD in Sandy Springs?
How does it rank among the others?
Giovanni Paulo
March 2nd, 2010
10:21 am
Nichola’s
MandaPants
March 2nd, 2010
10:23 am
Nicolas…..the decor is horrible, but the food is wonderful (authentic lebanese..especially the kibbe naya) and the Owner is kind & fun. The dancing on the weekend is also a plus
Nice Girl
March 2nd, 2010
10:29 am
Love to Nicola and his fabulous restaurant! Great fun, great people, AMAZING food. My favorite hummus and could eat my weight in the falafel there. And really fun dance performances! Many veg selections- cannot recommend it enough!
Jenny
March 2nd, 2010
10:31 am
Byblos in Roswell — I’m surprised no one has mentioned it yet! The best Lebanese food!
Jayde
March 2nd, 2010
10:37 am
Rumi’s Kitchen or Lawrence’s Cafe.
OTP in Alpharetta, Jerusalem Bakery and Darvish Persian. Anyone I have taken to Jerusalem Bakery has become addicted. They have a small attached grocery also. Darvish is especially fun for groups – belly dancing and platform “beds” for group seating.
Cookie
March 2nd, 2010
10:39 am
CAFE AGORA!! I love this place, the food is excellent and the owner is so nice; he sometimes throws in a free dessert if you’re lucky.
Barbara
March 2nd, 2010
10:43 am
For fun and dancing (watching it and/or doing it) — Nicola’s! Cafe Istanbul is pretty awesome, too — if you have a whole night to spend. For really wonderful food — Mezza. I also love the falafel at Ali Baba’s in Little Five Points.
Marietta Maven
March 2nd, 2010
10:44 am
Persepolis. The bread is the best I’ve EVER tasted.
TJ
March 2nd, 2010
10:45 am
The Agora on East Paces Ferry in Buckhead just east of Peachtree. Great food and the owner is a real entertaining guy.
Ann Lang
March 2nd, 2010
10:47 am
Mezze on Lavista in Decatur.
Felix
March 2nd, 2010
10:48 am
Cafe Efendi in Alpharetta! Get a belly dancing lesson from the owner while you’re there
Matt Futral
March 2nd, 2010
10:53 am
ZAYA in Inman Park. http://www.zayarestaurant.com. They have half-priced apps (best hummus ever!) from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and great drink specials.
htw
March 2nd, 2010
10:54 am
Cafe Agora in Buckhead – easily the best Middle Eastern food I’ve ever eaten!
TH
March 2nd, 2010
10:58 am
Cafe Posh on Roswell Rd has the best falafel ever!!
Mary K
March 2nd, 2010
11:01 am
I also vote for Nicola’s. It is a very fun and delicious restaurant. I often think of Adventure’s in Baby Sitting, when the guy says, “nobody leaves this place without singing the blues. At Nicola’s it’s, “nobody leaves this place without dancing.” Although certainly not mandatory, the patron participation really makes for an amazing experience.
And the food is divine.
Mary S.
March 2nd, 2010
11:09 am
Mediterranean Bakery- Chamblee-Tucker Rd. @I-285- AWESOME- AWESOME- AWESOME,I love the Chicken Kabobs, Baba Ghanush, Taboulee,. The employees and owner are great people. I would recommend this resturant to all! The store has lots of options of middle eastern foods. They have Jordan Almonds which are better than the American ones! I buy them all the time. Go see, eat, and enjoy it all!!!
MAK
March 2nd, 2010
11:16 am
Niccola’s is by far the best!
MAK
March 2nd, 2010
11:17 am
Nicola’s is the best by far!
Praveen
March 2nd, 2010
11:22 am
Curiouspersianwannabe “What is the name of the Persian restaurant in the Publix shopping center at the corner of Abernathy and Roswell RD in Sandy Springs?”
The name is Mirage. I mentioned it among my nominees. Lunch value is good for ala carte. You can get a kabob entree, a really good soup, bread for around 10. They also got wraps for even less.
One more point about why Rumi’s was only one of my nominees instead of the ONLY nominee. Their food, while better than their service, got inconsistent for a while. While never bad, for those prices, you need to have consistently great food and fair portions. I got stiffed on the amount of kabob when I went for dinner(close to a lunch portion) once. Also I noticed the baby spinach or whatever salad leaves they include(just a few leaves) with the entree has gone down in consistency. They really started out excellent. I haven’t been there in recent months, but I hope they regained that touch. Still it was good food even at their worst. I believe Atlanta is one of the best places to get Persian food in the US.
Tip about Persepolis buffet: Ask for their fresh bread, not the bread they place in the basket near the buffet. That bread is also made the same day, but not as warm and fresh as the one they bring to your table.
Here is a question: Does one tip the same at buffet as alacarte or do you tip a tad less? (I usually tip nearly 20% at alacarte, but vary on the buffet.
Lesbianese by choice :-)
March 2nd, 2010
11:25 am
Lawrence’s Cafe, Nikola’s, Mezza
katy
March 2nd, 2010
11:29 am
I do love Mezza — really special and delicious food, wonderful service. Warm and classy bistro feel to it. Definitely worth a try. Thinking about their smoky baba ganoush makes me hungry!
http://www.mezzabistro.com/
For a quick lunch or take-out dinner, I also will admit I love Mediterranean Grill. Not the same kind of food as Mezza, but a really solid fast option! I’ve also catered lunch meetings from there before — went over very well with everyone.
http://mediterraneangrill.com/
Tim Tillman, Atlanta, Ga.
March 2nd, 2010
11:30 am
Nicola’s for great food and a friendly experience.
RA
March 2nd, 2010
11:31 am
Mediterranean Bakery on Chamblee-Tucker. The best Shawarma and the best bakery items.
Sara
March 2nd, 2010
11:44 am
Cafe Agora, and Pita Palace on the corner of Lavista and Briarcliff–they have the BEST hummus!
mamiefone
March 2nd, 2010
11:56 am
i vote for cafe agora! its very good and the staff and owner are very friendly. we dont have a lot of experience with this kind of food, but they took the time to explain to us what everything was and gave us a sampler platter to try for free!
FoodFan
March 2nd, 2010
11:58 am
Rumi’s on Roswell Road for OTP (but just outside). The food is spectacular and the owner is a great guy. Nicola for ITP. Love the mezze for years and the owner is also a great host.
Gross
March 2nd, 2010
12:02 pm
Nichola’s on LaVista is dreadful.
JasonJacket
March 2nd, 2010
12:02 pm
1. Persepolis
2. Nicolas
3. Mezza
Rebecca
March 2nd, 2010
12:04 pm
I nominate Borage in Conyers, GA. Their food is absolutely the best, the staff is friendly and helpful and the little extras of soup and tea are wonderful.
wilson
March 2nd, 2010
12:04 pm
Mediterranean Grill…I frequent the Decatur/Emory location, but they’re all good.
Tasty and authentic food (and a lot of it!) at a very manageable price (I should know, on this grad student budget). Personable, friendly service, too. Their catering is also superlative and reasonably priced.
Med Grill is an Atlanta gem.
Ida
March 2nd, 2010
12:07 pm
“Fresh 4 you” across the street from Piedmont hospital is GREAT. A lot better than Mediterranean Grill.
esa
March 2nd, 2010
12:19 pm
I grew up in a “Mediterranean” family so I think I speak with some degree of authority here. Avra has historically served very good tasting food, although they are a bit overpriced. So my vote goes to Avra. However, while not really Mediterranean, Rumi’s is by far my favorite spot for an interesting variation on the category. I encourage everyone to avoid Agora. Yes, the food is good. However, the ownership is corrupt. EVERY one of the 4 times I’ve been there I’ve witnessed the owner tell people that he would take care of their ordering decisions and then way overcharge them. Kyma is nice, but the food quality does not meet the price point. I suggest everyone interested in this category check out Leon’s International Foods (not a restaurant) http://www.leonfoods.com/. Off the beaten path, but worth checking out.
nich
March 2nd, 2010
12:29 pm
Ali Baba – 5 points. The Falafel is out of this world, and the babaganoush, MUAH! Mush check them out.
helen
March 2nd, 2010
1:27 pm
Cafe Agora, hands down winner. Everything is fresh, beautiful and heatlhy. Go and try their mezza platter, you’ll be amazed. Everything else is fantastic also!
in town
March 2nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Truva. It is downtown and pretty new so check it out. The food is authentic, and the setting is pretty nice too.
guy
March 2nd, 2010
2:28 pm
i love persian and lebanese food. nobody here has mentioned any jewish places though. pita palace on lavista has an amazing hotsauce and fantastic shwarmas. i like meditteranean grill (palestinian) too, and the sandwiches there are half the price of those at pita palace, but the pita palace hot sauce is sooo pro!
Deb
March 2nd, 2010
3:38 pm
Salar on Roswell Road is terrific. And for the record, folks, Kyma isn’t Middle Eastern – it’s Greek / Mediterranan. Big difference!
MattyB
March 2nd, 2010
4:03 pm
1) Rumi’s
2) Falafel Cafe (on Hwy 41, north of the NAS Atlanta, on the back side of the strip center, which is behind the Waffle House)….not easy to find, but well worth the effort…and cheap, too!
HS
March 2nd, 2010
4:39 pm
Nicola’s is my favorite!
Justin
March 2nd, 2010
5:21 pm
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Cafe Antalya (Roswell Road at Northridge, Sandy Springs) yet. They’re a relatively new restaurant, but their Turkish cuisine is the best I’ve tasted anywhere in the Atlanta area.
Praveen
March 2nd, 2010
5:50 pm
I have been to Antalya. Not bad, but clearly not in Sultan’s class.
Deb, Salar on Roswell Road has been closed for a while now. Sultan’s is in its place.
BTW, I went to Imperial Fez (Morrocon) many years ago. You go there mainly for a show. The food itself, while decent, wasn’t as good as the other places mentioned here and it is very expensive.
I believe I have been to Gilbert’s . Pretty good. Though I wouldn’t say the best.
Minoosh
March 2nd, 2010
6:37 pm
Rumi’s Kitchen is the best Persian food and for quick and casual Middle Eastern lunches, definitely the Mediterranian Grill. They are the best.
lalala
March 2nd, 2010
8:59 pm
nothing tops jasmine cafe in mareitta….GREAT SERVICE and amazing food they just switched to new owners who are egyptian and the food is unbelieveable u have to go try it!!!
Lil Bit
March 2nd, 2010
10:50 pm
Niccola’s for atmosphere and Mediterranean Grill off N. Decatur for cheap awesome eats
Brian
March 2nd, 2010
11:58 pm
PITA PALACE ON BRIARCLIFF — GO FOR THE LAFFA — “HELLO MY FRIEND…”
mills
March 3rd, 2010
8:36 am
1) Nichola’s for good food and fun. (stay away from the mixed veggies though!)
2) Mediterranean Grill on North Decatur for quick take out. Gyros and Falafel’s are good.
3) Zaya’s in VA/Highlands for a nice atmosphere and different take on middle eastern food.
4) Cafe Posh on roswell road for good falafels
Pendar Khosravi
March 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
Coming from a persian American who loves food from all over the world…and ive had my share of iranian food…the best two restaurants for persian cuisine are hands down Persepolis and Rumi’s Kitchen. For a little more of a middle eastern feel and a great buffett and authentic persian food go to persepolis. For a little bit more americanized, but still with all the intricacies of persian cooking go to Rumi. The ambiance and mood of the restaurant is very inviting and the owner is a very nice man!
alidad
March 3rd, 2010
10:45 am
for food ambiance and service rumis kitchen
JC
March 3rd, 2010
11:06 am
IMANE in Duluth. Stunning decor, huge delicious portions!
sherrieedmonds@gmail.com
March 3rd, 2010
12:49 pm
Thought you just might be interested in this!
Persian Foodie
March 3rd, 2010
12:57 pm
Fanoos is the best Persian food in the area. The only complaint I have about them is that they do not serve enough rice with their dishes. Mirage is a close second, followed by Zaya and Persepolis.
Jeff
March 3rd, 2010
1:26 pm
Nicolas HANDS DOWN!!!! I grew up in my Lebanese grandmothers home. She was an incredible cook. Nicolas food reminds me of hers!!!
LiLi
March 3rd, 2010
1:35 pm
Mezza on LaVista is the only place to go for real Lebanese food.
Mark
March 3rd, 2010
1:43 pm
Jerusalem Bakery (exit 10 off 400). Awesome shawarmas!
Neru
March 3rd, 2010
1:54 pm
Mediterranean Grill- all 3 locations- Yummy!!!!!
Bob1
March 3rd, 2010
1:55 pm
Falafel Cafe serves large portions and their kabobs are excellent food. I have tried their chicken, ground beef, and sirloin kabobs and all have been fantastic. Best part is they have some of the best prices for Middle Eastern food around Atlanta.
Saman poori
March 3rd, 2010
2:18 pm
I have travel all over the world in all the middell eastran resturant I have been romes khitchen has been the best of all simpley is the best
Kim
March 3rd, 2010
2:20 pm
Nicola’s-My mother-in-law was Lebanese and a friend of Nic. It like going to Sunday dinner at her house.
Ali
March 3rd, 2010
2:20 pm
Rumi’s is the best hands down. The Food and atmosphere is amazing!!
sam baker
March 3rd, 2010
2:22 pm
sultan’s lebanese on roswell rd in sandy springs is the best by far for the kebobs, hummus, falafel, tabouleh and baba ganouge. we had dinner there last week, it was one great experience, and i could not believe how low the prices were for the entrees and the great buffet they have
Matthew
March 3rd, 2010
2:29 pm
Everything at Nicolas is awsome. You gotta try the baked kibbee (they use to have kibbee nayyi on saturday nights as well – not sure if they still do). The tabbouleh as well as the hummous are great. The stuffed grape leaves are awsome!!! I don’t eat sweets but have been told the pasteries are very good – particularly the rose petals.
Stevenson
March 3rd, 2010
2:29 pm
Hands down, Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs. The best hummus in the state, fantastic Kabob and rice to die for.
Maryam
March 3rd, 2010
2:36 pm
By far, Hands down, No questions about it….if you have the taste buds to critic middle eastern food, there is none in Atlanta that would even come close to Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs
Debbie
March 3rd, 2010
2:43 pm
Rumi’s Kitchen on Roswell Road.
Keioni
March 3rd, 2010
2:43 pm
Rumi’s Kitchen has great food and a wonderful atmosphere!!!!!!!!!
Terri
March 3rd, 2010
2:46 pm
Rumi’s is the best. I love the food. They have the best beef there. I don’t eat beef very often but I love theirs. The atmosphere is great also along with the staff who are always efficient & personable.
Karleeki
March 3rd, 2010
2:55 pm
Mirage in Sandy Springs, great service, quiet, excellent food, nice atmosphere.
cursive
March 3rd, 2010
2:56 pm
Mediterranean Bakery on Chamblee-Tucker is amazing, as is Athens Pizza!
Claire
March 3rd, 2010
3:17 pm
Lawrence’s Cafe on Buford HWY is the BEST! It has the best felafel in Atlanta, hands down! Everything on their menu is amazing, I’ve had most of it!
Sherri
March 3rd, 2010
3:38 pm
I am a frequent traveler and I love the bold flavors of Middle Eastern specially Persian cuisine. I have tried this type of food in many cities in the US from coast to coast and even over sees in some of the countries in the Persian gulf region. I have to tell you that I always look forward to coming home to Atlanta and going to Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs… No doubt, it serves one of the best Middle Eastern/Persian food I have had anywhere in the world!
Shannon Brofie
March 3rd, 2010
3:58 pm
This hidden gem, in Conyers GA is the one to be rated as the top mediterranean restaurant. Quality, Service and Pricing are all in line with one of the best..Love Shish Twoak and Tabouli..awsome..awesome..awesome…we got complimentary lentil soup, freshly baked bread and garlic sauce was to die for…
Shannon Brofie
March 3rd, 2010
4:00 pm
Borage Grill, 914 Commercial Street, Conyers. 770 929 8885 http://www.boragegrill.com
Natalie Rosbottom
March 3rd, 2010
4:15 pm
Mediterranean Bakery – because where else in Atlanta can you find Lahmajon “meat pizza”, cheese and Zaatar “pizza”, both chicken and beef shawarma, fatoush salad, and those bright pink pickled turnips? Mmmmmm.
CC
March 3rd, 2010
5:03 pm
Nicola’s Lebanese my favorite type of middle eastern food
Lawrence’s Cafe-Best Turkish
Rumi’s-Best Persian
Still looking for a great greek restaurant since the Parthenon closed years ago in Sandy Springs-Kyma is okay but—-
Hip Chick
March 3rd, 2010
6:09 pm
TRUVA on Baker street in downtown, very modren and lots of good Turkish style Adana Kabobs…
Clark
March 3rd, 2010
6:19 pm
Mediterranean Grill! Decatur
Josh
March 3rd, 2010
7:02 pm
Sultan’s in Sandy Springs has an amazing buffet – and fresh baked pita!
Daddy
March 3rd, 2010
9:30 pm
Gilbert’s Mediterranean Cafe’ on Tenth St. in Midtown. One of the best Gyros around.
Lea
March 3rd, 2010
9:42 pm
My favorite is Aladdin’s on Roswell Rd. just south of the Chattahoochee in the Publix Shopping Center.! Their kabobs are fantastic, as is the tabbouleh! The staff are always very friendly and accommodating. I just can’t say enough about Aladdin’s!
Lena
March 3rd, 2010
10:33 pm
Cafe Agora on East Paces Ferry is by far the best. It’s small, and always busy….but there is simply no place like it. I drive from Duluth to Atlanta atleast once a month specifically for a maza platter from here.
Praveen
March 4th, 2010
2:47 am
Persian Foodie, you gotta be crazy to say Fanoos has better food than Mirage or Persepolis. I went there with friends on one visit and with relatives on another. Not one of us cared for the food. These are the same people who loved every other Persian place in the area. I couldn’t finish their grape leaves. Their bread is the worst. Their kabobs just aren’t as juicy as the other places and their rice can taste undercooked. The place is so mediocre that even their coupons couldn’t entice me to go back again.
Jeri
March 4th, 2010
9:40 am
Cafe Efendi !! Best food ! Best Belly dancing ! Best Hookah ! Best FRIENDS!!
Steven Josovitz
March 4th, 2010
10:55 am
Mediterranean Grill for a casual and ZAYA for sit down.
Steven Josovitz
March 4th, 2010
10:57 am
Now if we are including Persian restaurants which are not Middle Eastern then RUMI rocks…..
lauren bartell
March 4th, 2010
12:44 pm
Rumis kitchen is amazing!! i love persian food and they are by far the best in atlanta! go no where else!
Michael Dionisio
March 4th, 2010
1:00 pm
I would like to say that me and my family have been enjoying Rumi’s kitchen for about 4 years now. We eat there atleast 3-4 times weekly and the food is amazing. Rumi’s is our favorite restaurant hands done. Great job Rumi’s!
Sierra
March 4th, 2010
1:10 pm
I have been going to Rumis since it first opened 4 years ago, till this day the service has always been great and the food is excellent. Rumi’s is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.
Divine Dish
March 4th, 2010
1:13 pm
Sultan’s – Athens
Nicola’s – LaVista
isson
March 4th, 2010
2:24 pm
Just read the list and the comments above. If you are speaking about the Persian/Iranian food, there is no other local restaurant that can serve you the quality of Persian food as Scratch Foodie mentioned above, as Rumi’s Kitchen. You really have to be a native with the understanding of culture and its great food to be qualified to judge it amongst others. We are. I saw some comments above that makes you laugh as if the person really knows the Persian food from McDonald’s!
Rumi’s is the best hands down as we have tried them all!
Karuna del Mar
March 4th, 2010
3:00 pm
Mirage in Sandy Spgs is AWESOME – inside & out [literally- I enjoy al fresco dining]. Friendly, clean, authentic, great food, very reasonably priced with substantial portions for handy leftovers. If you’re looking for Lebanese, and I always do: Try Cedars on Lenox Rd. Moroccan: Imperial Fez on P’tree St. Indian: BHOJANIC in the Emory Univ area – Clairmont Rd. – or PANAHAR on Buford Hwy – Excellent Bangladeshi Food. Incredible Chicken Tikki Marsala. If you’re in Savannah, go to CASBAH on Broughton St!! Fun bellydancing [the crowd joins in] and Delicious, Exotic Food.
Jason Summerlin
March 4th, 2010
5:06 pm
Rumi’s Kitchen has the best Shish Kabob in Atlanta… Can’t wait to go back.
Malooffy
March 4th, 2010
6:53 pm
Karuna … Cedars has been closed down FOREVER. If you like pickled turnips (FRESH) then check out Leons International foods (HOME of the Middle Eastern Baking Company!) Pleasantdale Road. They also make fresh hummous and tabooli on Thursdays (or they use to).Zatar bread is good but dont care for their kibbee.
Rachel
March 5th, 2010
11:48 am
Rumi’s Kitchen is by far the best middle eastern cuisine in Atlanta. On top of the delicious food, the service is second to none.
Evelyn
March 5th, 2010
12:29 pm
Cafe 316 in Marietta is pretty good. Baba Ganush and Hummas are very tasty
Tracy
March 5th, 2010
1:24 pm
Rumi’s in Sandy Springs is excellent!
Jeff C
March 5th, 2010
1:24 pm
Zaya on Highland Ave (south Highland) http://www.zayarestaurant.com/
Great food and atmosphere with a beautiful decor. Nice bar as well. Great place overall.
Hookah (Shisha) pipes on the patio in the warmer months. And the owner Tahreck is super great.
Betsy
March 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
Mediterranean Grill
b j
March 5th, 2010
5:24 pm
Nicola’s is great. For inexpensive and good Persian : Campus Falafel (near Life Chiropractic College, off Hwy 41 in Cobb County), Mediterranean Grill (both in Marietta & in Decatur) is also fast and good. For families and big crowds, Sultan (for Lebanese food) on Roswell Road has a delicious dinner buffet. Rumi’s (Persian) also on Roswell or Blu Taverna (Greek) in downtown Marietta off the square.
kathy
March 5th, 2010
5:56 pm
I love Rumi’s. Great service
))
Kimi
March 5th, 2010
5:57 pm
Rumi’s Kitchen is by far the greatest kabab in the entire Atlanta area. The service is beyond exceptional.
Jolene
March 5th, 2010
6:02 pm
Rumi’s offers a wonderful culturally diverse atmosphere to go and enjoy a taste of middle eastern cuisine. You won’t find better service or a better menu in the metro-atlanta area. The staff truly caters to their guests every need.
Hellen
March 5th, 2010
6:11 pm
Rumis Kitchen is a place with little space but with lots of heart, because both the kitchen staff and waiters there love what they do and they find it their personal responsibilty to make sure all customers are well taken care for. As far as the food goes…Yum Yum i want me some! Also there is this very handsome persian guy working there who turns it up a notch everytime we eat there, his name is Ash.
Jennifer
March 6th, 2010
5:16 pm
Mezza on LaVista
Min
March 6th, 2010
9:51 pm
My choice would be Mykonos Taverna off the Clairmont exit on 85. We went there for lunch today and the food was delicious. Their portions are large and their service is world class. My husband had the gyro. He liked it so much, he ordered three more to-go. Guess what we are having for dinner.
Bill
March 8th, 2010
1:23 am
What has happened to the Big A? Have we had a competiton yet for best pinto beans in town? Best collard greens? Best fried chicken? No, but we have best ME cuisine. And best Viet cuisine. Who cares about best ME cuisine? 99% of Atlantans have never consumed ME cuisine.
Shane Harrison
March 8th, 2010
11:01 am
Bill was asking about why we haven’t done fried chicken and collards. We have done chicken. Here are the fried chicken results (which we did last June):
http://blogs.ajc.com/best-of-big-a/2009/06/15/where-can-you-get-the-best-fried-chicken-in-and-around-atlanta/
We haven’t done collards or pintos specifically, but have done meat-and-threes:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/bestofbiga/entries/2009/03/09/where_is_the_best_meatandthree.html