Where to Eat on Atlanta’s Buford Highway: A Culinary Passport to the World

By Sofia Espina

Published July 18, 2024
Last Updated December 2, 2024

The Buford Highway corridor, one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country, is home to more than 1,000 different immigrant-owned businesses. This area isn’t just about food. It’s an experience. Sure, you’ll find some of the most delicious and authentic international eats, but it’s so much more. The sights, sounds and smells will transport you to different corners of the world.

Shop signs in unfamiliar languages, lively conversations in a mix of accents and the cooking techniques you’ve witnessed before – Buford Highway is a feast for all the senses, a reminder of the beautiful diversity that makes Atlanta such a special place. But most importantly, the Buford Highway corridor is a passport to a world of culinary adventures.

Latin and Central American Flavors

Close your eyes and take a bite of a Cubano sandwich from the Havana Sandwich Shop. The layers of pressed ham and roasted pork transport you straight to the streets of Havana. Craving something more colorful? Machu Picchu Restaurant awaits with Peruvian dishes such as fiery ají de gallina (a creamy chicken stew) and tangy ceviche (marinated raw fish).

Feeling adventurous? Take a detour to Arepa Grill for a taste of Venezuela. Order a warm arepa, a flatbread made from cornmeal, stuffed with savory fillings such as shredded beef or black beans and cheese. Don’t forget the tequeños, golden-fried pockets of crispy dough filled with melted cheese, a perfect appetizer for sharing. 

For a taste of Mexico that goes beyond tacos, try La Pastorcita. Here, you’ll find delicious carne asada (grilled steak), flavorful mole (a rich sauce made with chocolate and chilies) and steaming bowls of pozole, a hearty stew traditionally made with pork and hominy. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, head to Pupuseria Mi Tierra, a Salvadoran restaurant specializing in pupusas – thick corn tortillas stuffed with savory fillings like cheese, beans or chicharron (fried pork belly).

No culinary adventure on Buford Highway is complete without a visit to Plaza Fiesta, a Latin American food court. Here, you’ll find yourself dizzy with choices. Vendors tempt you with steaming Colombian empanadas filled with meat or vegetables, sizzling fajitas and every variation of taco imaginable. Plaza Fiesta is a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Journey Through Asia

Venture beyond the familiar and embark on a journey through the diverse flavors of Asia. LanZhou Ramen, a staple of Chinese cuisine, serves bowls of steaming broth overflowing with springy, hand-pulled noodles. 

For a taste of Vietnam, head to Nam Phuong Buford Highway. Here, you’ll find the iconic pho, a fragrant noodle soup with endless variations. Don’t miss the bánh mì, a crusty baguette stuffed with savory fillings like pickled vegetables, pate and grilled meats. Dagu Rice Noodle offers a lighter option, specializing in Vietnamese rice noodle dishes like bún bò Huế (a spicy beef noodle soup) and bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with rice noodles). It’s the perfect option for a quick and flavorful lunch.

Beyond Borders

Buford Highway isn’t just about the expected. Continent Restaurant & Cigar Lounge offers a taste of Africa and the Caribbean, with dishes like jerk chicken, fragrant stews and plantains cooked to perfection. For vegetarians, Harmony Vegetarian provides a delicious solution, offering plant-based takes on Asian classics like kung pao chicken and pad thai.

Southern Comfort

Sometimes, comfort food is the answer. Buford Highway caters to those cravings, too. Roc South Cuisine brings the soul of the American South to the table with fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese that will have you scraping the bottom of the dish and collard greens cooked low and slow until they melt in your mouth.

Hidden Gems

This curated list is just a taste of some of the options that await on Buford Highway. Don’t be afraid to wander into the various international markets like City Farmers Market. You’ll find fresh seasonal produce mingled with exotic ingredients from around the world. Durian fruit, lotus root and okra transform your grocery basket into a global bounty. Stock up on unfamiliar chilies, fragrant spices and international pantry staples like cured Spanish meats or Asian noodles. It’s a designated spot for adventurous cooks, a chance to explore new flavors and unlock a world of international cuisine at home. Stop by Food Terminal. You’ll discover a tiny stall specializing in Korean BBQ, a shop selling the freshest Cajun spices and a restaurant serving a traditional Korean meal you won’t find anywhere else.

Buford Highway is more than just a highway, it’s an invitation to explore the world one delicious bite at a time. Grab your sense of adventure and get ready to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other.

If you are not sure where to start, check out our Buford Highway Day Trip Itinerary.

Where:

• Havanna Sandwich Shop: 2905 Buford Hwy NE
• Machu Picchu Restaurant: 2863 Buford Hwy NE
• Arepa Grill: 5302 Buford Hwy NE
• La Pastrocita: 3304 Buford Hwy NE
• Pupuseria Mi Tierra:  5090 Buford Hwy NE
• Plaza Fiesta: 4166 Buford Hwy NE
• LanZhou Ramen: 5231 Buford Hwy NE
• Nam Phuong: 4051 Buford Hwy NE
• Dagu Rice Noodle: 5090 Buford Hwy NE
• Continent Restaurant & Cigar Lounge: 4300 Buford Hwy NE 
• Roc South Cuisine: 3009 Buford Hwy NE
• City Farmers Market: 3317 Buford Hwy NE
• Food Terminal: 5000 Buford Hwy NE

Sofia Espina is a bilingual Emmy Award-winning journalist who believes that everyone has a story to tell. She’s a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, working to create a more equitable world.