Oh, Buford. It’s like all the suburbanites from Atlanta got the same memo: pack the minivan with hungry kids and head on over for a taste of the Mediterranean. But don’t let the strip-mall sprawl and chain restaurants convince you there’s no authentic meal worth navigating Highway 20 for. There are some truly great places to eat in Buford. Exceptional, even.
CAVA
$ | (470) 857-7116 | WEBSITE
CAVA makes some of the most interesting Mediterranean food in town (and the region). We’re talking specifically about their fresh and flavorful meals, a healthy hybrid that comes covered in bold flavors like herb-marinated proteins and an army of vibrant vegetables. CAVA could’ve called it a day serving those meals, but there’s more than meets the eye here.
It’s a well-rounded Mediterranean spot with consistently good cuisine—like bright grain bowls and protein-packed pitas—that live up to the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, along with exceptionally clean surroundings in a space that feels right for a low-key healthy meal or just a standout casual dinner.
NEEK VEGAN
$ | (678) 587-5485 | WEBSITE
NEEK VEGAN isn’t only the best vegan spot in Buford—it’s one of the best in the whole area. And it’s hard to beat NEEK VEGAN for lunch when you want to treat yourself or because you woke up with a very specific craving for authentic Persian flavors. The menu has a wide array of plant-based dishes, including hearty soups and wraps, but the Zereshk Polo with Oyster Mushrooms swirled with tangy pomegranate sauce is a fragrant and savory must.
Throw in a homemade beet lemonade or two, and lunch is handled.
Mo’s Gyro and Kabob
$ | (678) 765-7352 | WEBSITE
Mo’s Gyro and Kabob is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Buford. After a long day of errands, it’s the type of place you swing by for a quick, casual dinner that feels like a treat. Walk in and order at the counter from a menu full of flavorful options—the perfectly seasoned Shish Kabob with sautéed vegetables, the divine Greek potatoes with sumac spice, and warm, fluffy pita. But as anyone who’s been here knows, there’s always room for more of that melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Make sure you leave with a full stomach and a smile, thanks to the sweet, polite staff and the owner’s top-notch service.
Opa! Gyros & Kabob
$ | (678) 584-8774 | WEBSITE
You’ve got plenty of options for Mediterranean food around town, but if you’re in Buford, it’s worth checking out Opa! Gyros & Kabob. It’s laid-back, so expect a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that feels like you’re invited for a meal in someone’s home. The lamb kabob wrap is a thing of beauty, especially if you order the tender and flavorful protein wrapped up with fresh veggies.
You should also try their gyro wrap and hummus, with its creamy texture and rich taste that strikes a satisfying balance between savory and smooth. The friendly service from the owner, Moji, adds a personal touch here—just be sure to wrap your meal up with the feeling that you got a great dining experience for beyond fair prices. And if the atmosphere is playing nice, the inviting setting is perfect for some relaxed dining with your kabob.
Pita Mediterranean Street Food-Suwanee
$ | (470) 589-7755 | WEBSITE
Move over, chain gyro spots—Buford’s newest Mediterranean joint is one of the hardest lunch lines to beat in Johns Creek. Peak lunch hours at Pita Mediterranean Street Food in Suwanee are packed with a 20-minute wait, and it’s one of the coziest spots in all of Gwinnett County. You’ll find regulars grabbing their usual gyro and steak rice bowl by the sunny window seats and families sharing baskets of those delish fries from the comfortable booths near the counter.
It can be a bit simple with all the casual seating and straightforward décor. But the food—like the perfectly seasoned gyro and the fresh-to-order mini gyro pitas—makes the whole experience worth it, even if you’re just grabbing a quick bite.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe – Suwanee
$ | (678) 804-4580 | WEBSITE
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe was one of the first serious Mediterranean spots in the area. Now, there are multiple locations, but the Suwanee location is typically the busiest. You’ll often find a wait for to-go orders here, especially during lunchtime, when a casual drop-in for a fresh, flavorful meal is the perfect antidote to a hectic day. You can’t really go wrong with any of their Mediterranean-inspired dishes, but the lamb gyro is a step above the rest.
It’s tender, well-seasoned lamb with crisp vegetables and tzatziki in warm pita, and you should always pair it with their hummus—the phenomenal, creamy texture and rich flavor will keep you satisfied through any afternoon slump.
PITA Mediterranean Street Food
$ | (678) 353-6471 | WEBSITE
PITA Mediterranean Street Food is a Mediterranean spot where you should go to grab a quick, satisfying meal after work or because … you’re craving something fresh and flavorful. Helping the cause: generous portions of gyros and chicken mini pitas, along with tasty Greek fries and salads served in reusable containers.
The food here isn’t just delicious and well-executed, it also has the healthy factor going for it with ample sauce and feta, spicy sauces that pack a punch, and clean, welcoming service from two nice ladies who keep things moving.
Raik Mediterranean
$$ | (678) 926-3917 | WEBSITE
While you can still find authentic Mediterranean spots throughout Atlanta, Raik Mediterranean’s downtown Suwanee restaurant has perfected the art of delicious and fairly priced Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s not some formal affair, though. The room feels like a cozy Levantine retreat, with warm lighting, rustic pottery, hanging plants, and intricate tilework that creates an incredible and inviting atmosphere.
There’s a welcoming bar area perfect for enjoying cocktails on your own after work, but the intimate tables near the back are the money spot for a dinner date. The tried and true favorites—hummus, falafel, and fried kibbeh—are still just as good here, with the kibbeh staying true to the original recipe and tasting amazing. But the highly recommended lamb dish with grilled veggies and the chicken kabob with delicious spices are superb takes on classics.
My Big Fat Greek Taverna
$ | (678) 226-1695 | WEBSITE
With its cozy, dimly lit dining room, warm wooden tables, and walls adorned with Greek landscapes, My Big Fat Greek Taverna isn’t short on Mediterranean charm. That same warmth spills over onto the menu, where you can get tender gyro meat wrapped in warm pita, homemade Pastitsio layered with rich béchamel, and crispy Spanakopita filled with spinach and feta.
It’s all excellent though, and dinner is definitely where the place shines with plates of the best Mousaka I’ve ever tasted and stuffed cabbage simmered in tomato sauce. The gracious host and sweet, attentive service—especially from Jackson, who welcomes you like family and shares his passion for each dish—make the food taste even better. Don’t skip the ekmek kataifi dessert, a sweet finish that feels like a slice of the Mediterranean right in Dacula.
The Halal Guys
$ | (678) 765-0630 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Buford, The Halal Guys has all the trappings of a classic fast-casual spot, but the food here feels fresher than what you’d find at other chains. That might have something to do with their focus on Middle Eastern cuisine, and you’ll definitely taste that influence in every bite. Start with the chicken bowl, a bright and veggie-packed foundation for the rich, garlicky white sauce and fiery red hot sauce you should drizzle over it.
The portions, from the combo platter to the gyro, are generous, as are the crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and fluffy rice that come with them. Just know it gets a bit chilly in here sometimes.
Delight Grill Mediterranean Restaurant
$ | (770) 680-5876 | WEBSITE
Delight Grill Mediterranean Restaurant is a Mediterranean dining spot that somehow pulls off dishes like gyros, lamb plates, and chicken shawarma with expert consistency. The food is best for sharing, so bring a group, settle into one of the cozy outdoor tables, and count on a chill and clean (re: comfortable) atmosphere. Adding to the all-around welcoming vibe: rounds of flavorful seasonings on fresh ingredients, and plates of perfectly cooked lamb and gyros that are tender and tasty.
Nature Village Restaurant
$$ | (470) 350-1019 | WEBSITE
We love Nature Village Restaurant because it’s like that perfect cozy sweater—you can dress it up for a special night out in the dining room or keep it relaxed for a casual neighborhood meal. Either way, it just always feels right. Nature Village has been a Buford favorite for years, and it’s seen plenty of restaurants come and go in the area.
We credit its staying power to the outstanding service from the host and server, and an absolutely fantastic combination platter for four that’s packed with hummus, baba ghanoush, and sesame kulera. The menu leans Mediterranean—juicy kababs with mild spices, flaky parda biriyani, and warm house-made bread—with a complementary appetizer that many describe as to die for.
Athens Kouzzina
$ | (678) 847-0150 | WEBSITE
File this one under Buford’s ever-growing list of mall dining spots that we’re actually happy about. This Mediterranean kouzzina comes to us courtesy of new ownership, with a menu including the standout gyro featuring tender, perfectly seasoned meat wrapped in warm, pillowy pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and thinly sliced red onions for a crunchy balance. They also have absolutely fantastic pizza that we love for a quick lunch.
If you’re stopping by with a hearty appetite (and you should), jump on the generous portions that satisfy even the biggest eaters. They also have consistently great service with friendly, attentive servers who create a hospitable environment in the open, clean, and inviting ambiance.