Is Sandy Springs the New Hub for Ethnic Eateries?

Rumi's Kitchen may be the most popular restaurant in Sandy Springs. The Persian restaurant has a constant stream of patrons almost nightly.

It's one of several ethnic eateries in the city. Some of the busiest are on Roswell Road within a mile of I-285, we've spotlighted three. 

Rumi's recently moved a short distance from it's original location to 6112 Roswell Road. Light dishes include the Rumi’s Dip (chickpea hummus), Dolmeh (hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with ground beef, rice and herbs), Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant in tomatoes and garlic) and fresh salads topped with a charbroiled chicken breast marinated in lemon saffron sauce or roasted salmon.

Ariana Afghan Cuisine is located at 5785 Roswell Road, a stone's throw away from the highway. Several dishes are drawing buzz around town. Two include, Burance Bedenjon, a sweet pumpkin cooked with olive oil, tomatoes and spices topped with homemade yogurt; and Qabeli Palaw, which is chunks of lamb covered with brown rice.

Waz Azi, daughter of owner Jalil Azi said the restaurant attracts veterans who became fans of Afghan food while serving in the Middle East.

"We hosted 15 Marines a week ago," she said.

Down the street, Makara's Mediterrean is a go-to place for Greek delights. Owner Ertan Makara opened the take-out eatery four years ago.

“We’ve grown by word of mouth,” Makara said. “People just keep coming back.”

It’s true for Curt Dash of Smyrna, a repeat customer. “I just stumbled on it one day when I was driving by. Now I always stop here when I'm driving through [Sandy Springs]. Everything tastes fresh here,” Dash said.

Makara's garnered a perfect score on it's latest health inspection report.

What's your favorite ethnic restarurant in Sandy Springs? Tell us in the comments.

Beci Falkenberg contributed to this story.

See Also:

In Rumi's Kitchen: A Review of the Popular Restaurant in Sandy Springs