The Most Delicious Persian Restaurants Around Atlanta

Middle Eastern cuisine is having a moment in Atlanta, and leading the pack is a selection of absolutely scrumptious Persian/Iranian restaurants. Expect expertly spiced dishes with fragrant ingredients like saffron, pomegranate, dates, cardamom, and rosewater. The cuisine, however, is typically not spicy, so it’s great for sensitive palettes as well. Tender and finely cooked meat takes center place on the dinner table, but don’t overlook the vegetable and eggplant dishes, either. Rice and bread are the staple carbs, and nuts are often incorporated as well. 

1. Delbar

870 Inman Vlg Pkwy NE Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30307
4120 Old Milton Pkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Iran native Fares Kargar originally cut his teeth at Rumi’s Kitchen before opening up his own restaurant in Inman Park. Expect Persian favorites and other dishes and flavors from across the Middle East. It’s an absolutely must to start your meal with a selection of their spreads. The khask bademjoon and dill labneh are especially tasty, and the hummus is not your average grocery store hummus, either. Be sure to also order some tahdig rice to share. It comes with a crispy layer on top that is incredible. Don’t overlook the cocktail menu either, headed up by the talented Francis Coligado, for a selection of drinks that infuse Middle Eastern ingredients and pair perfectly with the cuisine. 

2. Noosh Kitchen

11880 Douglas RD #200, Johns Creek, GA 30005

Chefs Nooshin and Saeid first opened up this restaurant in Johns Creek in July 2012, and they’ve delighted diners with their authentic offerings ever since. The portions are generous, and the food never disappoints! The interiors are more comfy and casual than other spots around ATL, and the baklava cheesecake is fusion at its best. 

3. Rumi’s Kitchen

1175 Peachtree St NE Suite 130 Atlanta, GA 30361
7105 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009
6112 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30328

You can’t talk about Persian food in Atlanta without talking about Rumi’s. They were one of the first, and arguably are still the best place to visit for authentic Persian cuisine in the metro area. It’s a telling sign that they’ve thrived for so long in a city that used to be much less culinarily adventurous. Atlanta in 2006 was more steakhouses and chain restaurants than global cuisine, yet for nearly two decades now Rumi’s has been thriving. Their newest midtown location is especially gorgeous–try the molasses glaze lamb ribs for a treat. 

4. Sufi’s Kitchen

1814 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Sufi’s is a Buckhead mainstay that has been serving up traditional Iranian cuisine for over a decade now. The interiors are comfy and cozy. The kabobs all are perfectly cooked and tender, and the dolmeh is especially tasty. Parking is a breeze, and the menu is also halal friendly. 

5. Yalda

Yalda is a beautiful Persian and Middle Eastern restaurant in Sandy Springs and West Midtown. The portions are ridiculous, and the rice can easily be shared amongst 4+ people. Save room for the baklava or the Persian ice cream sandwiches–they’re a delight!

6. Zafron Restaurant 

236 Johnson Ferry Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Sandy Springs has all the great Persian food. It’s bit more casual and affordable than its neighbor, Rumi’s Kitchen, though the restaurant is still elegant and always delicious. The weekday lunch menu is a way to get your favorites for more of a bargain, and they serve warm pita bread which is always tasty.