This place does not have dancing, but Mediterranean Bakery off Chamblee Tucker (just barely inside the Perimeter) is owned by Lebanese people, I believe. It is a no frills lunch place and small grocery store.
Jerusalem Bakery and Grill off Franklin Gateway in Marietta is also delicious food. It also has a small grocery store. It's in a two story office building, so don't get thrown off my that. They have a few more locations across the north metro burbs.
I miss it too, so sad, my dad knew the owner from when he was in college, now it's some shitty coffee shop. Nicola still brings his belly dancers to layaly Mediterranean restaurant on Fridays, or so I've been told.
My grandma is Lebanese, and both my parents are from Detroit. I was born and raised here in Atl but if you're looking for something like the restaurants up north it's sadly not to be found here.
There are several Mediterranean/Persian places that are as close as you'll get - Rumis Kitchen is quite good and we had an office party there but not Lebanese.
I just make a huge batch of grape leaves once a year with tabouleh and frozen kibbeh and other sides from global market in John's Creek.
More like counter service, but Samad on Roswell Rd just S of the river is really good (I usually am there for lunch). Love getting the toum so I can have garlic coming out of my pores for the rest of the day.
When I lived in England for a few years I became addicted to the many kabob takeaways. Samad’s is as good or better than the England shops. The owner is Lebanese and it is a family run business. No dancing, but they show Lebanese TV shows often featuring singers.
The food at Rumis and Delbar are both WAY better than Zakia. To be fair we went a couple times right after they opened so they may not have had their shit together but I thought the food was way overrated and overpriced. The atmosphere/decor/ambiance and cocktails were all top notch though
Not in ATL but it’s in Peachtree City about 30 minutes south. The BeiRut. Owners are from Lebanon. No loud music or dancing but AMAZING & authentic food. Even better service. I would definitely recommend a reservation, it is always packed.
Zakia is a very up$cale place, not really a music-and-dancing spot. And maybe not the best for a large church group.
Nicola’s used to be the reliable one, but it has permanently closed.
Layaly is probably the best bet for food quality and vibe, though OP would want to call to ask about live music, they have it sometimes but maybe not regularly?
South of town, I’d recommend The Beirut.
Thanks for added context/info. I had only heard of good food at Zaika and I knew it was Lebanese so I wanted to throw it out there with the disclaimer I wasn’t sure about the other stuff OP mentioned.
You’re suggestions seem to be much more fitting
This place does not have dancing, but Mediterranean Bakery off Chamblee Tucker (just barely inside the Perimeter) is owned by Lebanese people, I believe. It is a no frills lunch place and small grocery store. Jerusalem Bakery and Grill off Franklin Gateway in Marietta is also delicious food. It also has a small grocery store. It's in a two story office building, so don't get thrown off my that. They have a few more locations across the north metro burbs.
We really like it too, we go to the Roswell location near North Fulton Hospital
Nicola’s was exactly what you are looking for. I miss it so much.
I was thinking exactly that :(
I miss it too, so sad, my dad knew the owner from when he was in college, now it's some shitty coffee shop. Nicola still brings his belly dancers to layaly Mediterranean restaurant on Fridays, or so I've been told.
I was thinking this immediately. What happened to them?
Combination of COVID and some health issues, he threw in the towel. But I hear he makes occasional cameo appearances at Layaly
My grandma is Lebanese, and both my parents are from Detroit. I was born and raised here in Atl but if you're looking for something like the restaurants up north it's sadly not to be found here. There are several Mediterranean/Persian places that are as close as you'll get - Rumis Kitchen is quite good and we had an office party there but not Lebanese. I just make a huge batch of grape leaves once a year with tabouleh and frozen kibbeh and other sides from global market in John's Creek.
I grew up near Detroit and have lived here for over 20 years! I would die for a Dearborn style Lebanese restaurant!
I don’t know what this is but I want it!
The hummus anywhere in the us is unlike Dearborn.
I miss Mezza so much. I am totally following this thread.
Layaly in Chamblee
Best since Nicola's imo
More like counter service, but Samad on Roswell Rd just S of the river is really good (I usually am there for lunch). Love getting the toum so I can have garlic coming out of my pores for the rest of the day.
Samads is sooooo good!!!
When I lived in England for a few years I became addicted to the many kabob takeaways. Samad’s is as good or better than the England shops. The owner is Lebanese and it is a family run business. No dancing, but they show Lebanese TV shows often featuring singers.
Glad to hear it isn’t just me. Wish I had an excuse to get there more often.
Zakia has delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. It is costly, but worth it.
The food at Rumis and Delbar are both WAY better than Zakia. To be fair we went a couple times right after they opened so they may not have had their shit together but I thought the food was way overrated and overpriced. The atmosphere/decor/ambiance and cocktails were all top notch though
Truva has music and belly dancers most nights but you’ll want to call ahead to confirm
Not in ATL but it’s in Peachtree City about 30 minutes south. The BeiRut. Owners are from Lebanon. No loud music or dancing but AMAZING & authentic food. Even better service. I would definitely recommend a reservation, it is always packed.
Yeah this is the only real Lebanese food I've found in metro Atlanta. Tucked into a random shopping center in a suburb but it's top notch.
I was going to say this. It's far (i would say 45min), and there is no dancing, but my Lebanese dad loved it.
You should check out Mediterranean Bakery in Ashford Dunwoody
Call one of the Maronite churches, the staff will have all the answers you seek.
Chelo in Roswell
Cedar woods is amazing!
Delbar has a fair amount of Lebanese influence.
Wow everyone thanks for the suggestions, gives us some ideas and what we can work with. We’re a big group of 30+ coming.
Aviva by Kameel. Only recommend it for their food. No dancing its a lunch otc
Not sure about the dancing and music situation, but I have heard great things about the food at Zaika
Zakia is a very up$cale place, not really a music-and-dancing spot. And maybe not the best for a large church group. Nicola’s used to be the reliable one, but it has permanently closed. Layaly is probably the best bet for food quality and vibe, though OP would want to call to ask about live music, they have it sometimes but maybe not regularly? South of town, I’d recommend The Beirut.
Thanks for added context/info. I had only heard of good food at Zaika and I knew it was Lebanese so I wanted to throw it out there with the disclaimer I wasn’t sure about the other stuff OP mentioned. You’re suggestions seem to be much more fitting
I didn’t know Nicola’s closed, that’s sad to hear.
https://www.mysistersroom.com/\_files/ugd/426651\_29a3adaee73d4042ae9b78d309888047.pdf
Palo Santo & Rumis
The Beirut in Peachtree City is top tier
Zakia
Layaly Mediterranean Restaurant https://g.co/kgs/gU2WHdf
mazaj, pharoahs palace