Our first visit to Banu Mediterranean exceeded every expectation. Our server, Brianna, was wonderfully knowldgeabls--attentive and clearly passionate about the menu, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The appetizers were a great start, but the real stars were the chicken, beef, and lamb entrées. Each was cooked to absolute perfection--incredibly juicy, surpassing every other Mediterranean restaurant we've frequented over the years. For a first visit, Banu left an impression that's hard to forget. We'll absolutely be back--and if you haven't been yet, trust us: you won't regret it. read more

This is my second time dining here. The first was with my family, and it was great. The food is very tasty, and it's the perfect spot with the family bc it's casual, quiet, and homy feeling, which is why I suggested my friends meet me here for dinner. Unfortunately, this experience was not like the first, and I left feeling embarased I had suggested this spot for our outing. We attempted to order a glass of wine only to discover they have no beer, wine, or cocktails. They recommend u go next door to buy bottles, so we did. They then charge $15 per bottle for corkage (which in this case was unscrewing bottles). I totally understand paying corkage at a restaurant when they personally sell wine, and u want to bring in a competitor bottle, but when they offer nothing in this arena, it seems wrong to then charge guests to provide what most restaurants supply. My second issue was the service was glacially slow. It took 20 plus minutes to get glasses for the wine we brought and paid for them to "serve." Further, the server forgot multiple things (like feta on side of salad rather than atop, which was challenging for our lactose-intolerant diner to enjoy, orders of sides, etc.). Lastly, the prices seem reasonable, but they aren't great when u consider that a shrimp dinner "with vegetables" is actually 6 shrimp with a quarter of a roasted tomato for $18. I would only do takeout from here if anything, but I still think u may be better off to order Persepolis, Rumi's, or Zaffron. Sad bc this is super convenient, and my memory from last time is the owner is terrific (she was not here this time I don't believe, or at least, I didn't see her). read more

Unlike the loud, well-known Mediterranean restaurants in Buckhead & Sandy Springs we all know well, Banu offers something rare: a lovely, surprisingly quiet ambiance. We have a standing Tuesday night dinner with my 88-year-old father, who loves authentic Turkish and Persian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine, but simply cannot hear in most of the larger establishments. Banu solved that problem beautifully. The four of us dined there last night, and the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and--mercifully--conducive to real conversation. Banu came highly recommended by three close friends, all foodies! Our server, Brianna, was exceptional: knowledgeable, passionate about food, and genuinely attentive. My father isn't keen on feta--the kitchen swapped it for mozzarella without hesitation. Small gesture, big impression. His Greek salad was SO good, my wife finished it. The food was outstanding across the board--the hummus silky and creamy, the lamb, chicken satays, chicken thighs, and koobideh kabobs all remarkably juicy and cooked to perfection. And somehow, we still managed to find room for the baklava: not too sweet, but so good we didn't leave a crumb. The value here is extraordinary! You'll leave stunned by how little you paid. One note on beverages: we enjoy a glass of wine at home before heading out so we never missed having alcohol on the menu. But you're welcome to bring your own if you'd like. I'll be honest--the location next to a gas station does not exactly beckon you inside. But don't let that fool you. Once you experience Banu, you'll be hooked--as we are. When we next host a large group for Mediterranean food, Banu will be our FIRST call. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Kudos to the entire team. We're rooting for this gem! read more

Place is really nice. Chairs are comfortable. Our server Brianna was fantastic. The food was also fantastic. read more

Banu Mediterranean Grill - Chicken thighs - Mediterranean Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

This restaurant isn't getting spoken about enough for me !!! Baby is located right in bucked next to the gas station across from superica- I know it's a gas station but hear me out!! This place is more of a Persian restaurant then a "Mediterranean" restaurant in my opinion. I was apprehensive at first because I have been to Mediterranean/person restaurants in Atlanta and I have not enjoyed the food. This place changed my mind entirely. I also want to note that, even though the restaurant itself was very quiet we were one of two groups there, the kitchen was constantly busy with orders and people coming in to collect either Uber eats, DoorDash, whatever! They were cooking around the clock. The two ladies who met us at the front door were really kind and gave us a great table and set some waters down. We ordered a variety of things. For appetizers, we got calamari and hummus with pita. For our main dishes, we ordered falafel, two of their soups, the family platter that had chicken kebab and beef kebab along with steak cuts, and chicken thigh, marinated and grilled. We also ordered grilled vegetable vegetables, and the grilled salmon for my mom who is pescatarian. All of the food came with extra pita for the falafel and the hummus, and it came with a huge plate of rice. The calamari was way too salty - we had to send it back, but they were very apologetic and let us know that there was no way to remake it because it is in a batter and the batter was probably what was salty so there was no coming back from that. Everything else - of all this food was amazing. None of the protein was dry, and I'm so glad. We sat in silence for about five minutes as we took our first bite, and then we all collectively looked up at each other and started laughing because we knew what was going on. LOL! What a great place to have a family dinner on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Even though the playlist was repetitive, and we were the only ones in the restaurant, we had a time! And at the end of the meal, when we were almost ready to go, we were offered complementary dessert because of the issue with the calamari! They gave us two options of a chocolate cheesecake and a sweet pumpkin that had tahini sauce on it. Wow. That pumpkin dessert, I will be thinking about it for a very long time. It was simple, cooked in a light, sweet water, and sitting in a sweet syrup, covered with that nutty tahini sauce. It was great. Very light, not too heavy, especially after eating all of that protein! I have a feeling that we will be back again, even if it is to pick up an Uber eats order. I hope that this place gets more traction and more people come to sit down and dine in the restaurant. read more

See all

Ordered from meal delivery service and it was delicious. Tried the chicken thighs and they were wonderfully flavored with a slight char. The green sauce gave it the right amount of spice! The naan was soft and seasoned. I can't wait to visit to dine in. read more

We were there recently with a large party of 12 and had a wonderful meal . The lamb chops were over the top great .. The folks there are wonderful and very accommodating.. Highly recommend..No liquor license but you can bring your own adult beverage.. Behind a gas station which was a little strange but no big deal .. Will be back for sure .. read more

Cute little place on the inside. Don't be put off that it's at a gas station/liquor store combo. Food is good Persian food, at the level of Rumi's and a little cheaper. There was a special event, so our service was a bit slow. We will try again and see if the service is better. read more

Not what you expect when you pull into a gas station. Wonderful atmosphere. Bree was lovely attentive and made great suggestions. Food was very good large portions and well priced. Recommend the appetizer special of the 4 really good Will definitely go back read more

The food is excellent! Very authentic, fresh and flavorful! The Baclava was so good! Not too sweet, not overpowering with the right amount of honey! Service by Kiki was amazing! She was very friendly, informative and passionate about providing the best food! I do not live in Atlanta but will absolutely recommend Banu to my local friends and go back when in town! read more

Banu Mediterranean Grill - Persian Tea and Pistachio Baklava - Mediterranean Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Great food, wonderful, proprietor, and chef Very comfortable and pleasant place to eat and visit with your friends A little hard to find behind the Arco station on Roswell Road read more

A couple of weeks ago I was part of a table of 20+ for a birthday - and we ordered a variety of dishes and everyone's meal was excellent, I returned yesterday with my family of ten and Banu did not disappoint - here are some of the dishes we loved: greek salad, baba ganush, falafel, humus, lamb chops, salmon , shrimp, steak, chicken kebab. The Mediterranean rice and assorted vegetables are excellent . We shared desert baklava. Every dish was perfectly flavored and cooked to perfection. We eat out a lot and we are a fussy bunch - we give them 10/10. read more

Met a girlfriend here for dinner. The outside doesn't do it justice. It shares its walls with a gas station BUT once you step inside the food, ambience and service was a pleasant surprise! Everything was amazing! read more

Banu Mediterranean Grill - Greek Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

See all

A beautiful, cozy, and very aesthetically designed café. The atmosphere is pleasant, the tea is delicious, the tableware is beautiful, and the food is amazing. I highly recommend trying the desserts! I will definitely come back again. read more

We were surprised because the place was next to a gas station, but it was pretty tasty and they were so nice to us. The calamari was to salty but they took it off the check and have all of us free dessert instead. My favorite was the lentil soup and Greek salad, and the roasted vegetables. But I wish the salad had more olives read more

See all

Nice ambiance and good food. It is not noisy like many restaurants, so it is easy to talk. It will be even better when they get their liquor license. read more

First of all, you feel incredibly welcome to this establishment and the ambiance is lovely. Service was excellent. Tried 4 of the appetizers and they were all delicious, the calamari were fried to perfection! All the main courses tasted great. We finished off the meal with an excellent baklava and Turkish coffee. Would very highly recommend read more

We were so lucky to have found this gem of a restaurant. Impressive from first walking in through their door to the time we departed after an amazing meal. The staff are attentive without being intrusive. We ordered chicken Solano, chicken thighs, basmati rice, Greek salad, hummus and baklava. All their dishes are well balanced. We will definitely be returning and bring additional friends with us. I'm not a food picture person so you'll need to experience this place for yourself. read more

Back at Banu and couldn't be happier. The owner and chef, Kiki has a real talent for cooking and hospitality. We went all out today and had Turkish coffee and lamb shank! It was so tender it fell off the bone and the coffee was served with the most herbaceous and sweet cane sugar. We will return! read more

See all

I went to Banu for the first time a few days after opening in February and have been back many times after. Everything is amazing and chef Kiki is an amazing host. My absolute favorite and go to is the cheese rolls. read more

See all

We had a wonderful meal at Banu. The Turkish style food was excellent. Kiki the owner was very visible and hands on. Very reasonable. BYO wine, spirits and beer. Nice and cozy On the space of the former Happy Budah on Rosewll Road. read more

Excellent food. Friendly service. Our new favorite restaurant. Banu Salad is outstanding. Love the chicken kebabs.

I was looking for a Mediterranean restaurant to take my brother and sister to, and found Banu online. When I got the the address, I was surprised to see Banu hidden behind a gas station! To be honest I almost turned around and left, but I am so glad I DIDN'T! The restaurant is charming, and full of world flair. The service was excellent, with an attentive and knowledgeable waiter ( unfortunately I forgot his name), and the food! Oh my gosh! To die for! We started off course with the hummus and baba ghanoush, and everything was fresh with the right garlic and tahini flavors, with yummy warm pita bread! I ordered the Adana Kabob and my brother and sister the grill shrimp kabobs. All accompanied by rice and Greek salad. Everything was juicy, flavorful, well seasoned and abundant. This is my new favorite restaurant, and I will definitely go back to try others dishes often. Don't let the humble location behind the gas station keep you away! Go in, have a wonderful meal and you might even be lucky enough to meet the talented chef Kiiki. read more

So so delicious! Unexpected location! Awesome food!!! You can bring legit any drinks you want from liquor store next store LOL so be careful!! read more

Don't let the location put you off. While it may look like you're getting ready to eat in the Arco gas station, once you step inside, the tasteful decor and mouth-watering aromas let you know this experience is so much more. We've tried the calamari each visit (it's that good; tender, fresh, and crispy), lamb chops (personally not a fan of lamb but these were excellent; grilled, marinated), Greek salad with grilled chicken once and grilled salmon another time (both juicy and tasty). Love the personable friendly owner KiKi and all of the attentive staff. read more

Banu Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I took my friend here for her birthday I had read amazing things about Banu on Nextdoor. First I'll say the food was excellent. But the service and hospitality were zero stars. They barely acknowledged us when we came in, they didn't have my reservation down and I had called days before, after ordering they never checked in on us or refilled our water but they did for everyone else in the restaurant. I do not recommend coming here if you are a person of color! That is the only thing that was different between us and everyone else. Needless to say I will never be back and as a food blogger I will never recommend Banu. read more

We had a lovely experience, delicious Turkish-style food and excellent service. We had the falafel appetizer which came with hummus, tasty beet sauce and generous salad. Also labneh, a yogurt based dipping sauce that came with the best freshly made pita I've ever tasted. After ordering entrees we popped next door and chose a wine from Savi Provisions' excellent selection, and with a $15 corkage fee we were enjoying a lovely French white. We had the Iskender Kabob. and Persian Barberry Chicken, a fall-off-the bone chicken with saffron sauce and which was served with tender and flavorful basmati rice with cranberry accents. This is a surprisingly good hidden neighborhood gem, and we will be encouraging our north Buckhead neighbors to support it. We're looking forward to a return trip. read more

Very friendly and attentive service and not at all what you would expect from a restaurant next to a liquor store and behind a gas station. Food was good, a little pricy in my opinion for what you get. No alcohol, but saw some people bring in their own (not sure if that's standard or if they are regulars and they look the other way) read more

Fabulous new Mediterranean restaurant in Sandy Springs. Been twice in the last month. Best baba ganouche & hummus! Service is pleasant, food spectacular and very reasonable. No liquor license yet so BYOB. Looks like it's in a gas station but very nice inside! Try it!! read more

First, we loved the whole experience. The owner and chef, Kiki came out and introduced herself. The space is not huge, very clean, and not too noisy. She gave us a little history and suggestions. Our service was great, however the server did bring one wrong dinner, and Kiki not only told us to keep it at no charge , but corrected it! We all enjoyed our food. Appetizers of delicious Babaganoush, and cheese rolls were a great start. The lentil soup was delicious. I tried the traditional lamb dish which was tender, and the sauce was yummy with the side of labneh. The Steak kabob, chicken kabob and shrimp kabob were well seasoned and enjoyed along with the rice. Generous portions. Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood! read more

Mediocre food with very little flavor. Service was okay but the ambiance was great. The food was very underwhelming and very bland to say the least. read more

The Mediterranean food HIDDEN GEM of Buckhead!!! They knocked it out of the park. I wish I had pics to share but I was too busy enjoying myself. Cozy atmosphere. Beyond exceptional service -- like the 90s are back level of service. Try the Barberry rice -- it's delicious. read more

As others have noted, don't let the location behind the gas station deceive you. For those of you who are familiar with the area, this restaurant is located in the same space as the old "Golden Buddha/Momo Ya" restaurant. When you enter the restaurant, you'll see that it's beautifully decorated- warm, modern and clean. My friend and I ordered 2 chicken dishes along with the cheese rolls- the food was fresh, flavorful, and delicious! The friendly and kind server brought us a complimentary amuse bouche (bulgur wheat lettuce wraps). Kiki, the chef-owner introduced herself and gave us a bit of background of the founding of this restaurant which was fun. The service was spectacular and the staff gracious and attentive, ensuring water glasses were topped off. As I write this review, I'm salivating and looking forward to a return visit, sooner rather than later! read more

They call themselves a Mediterranean restaurant, but the food is not Mediterranean its Persian food. The restaurant itself was beautiful in appearance; the service is what I expected but my praise ends there. I ordered a gyro plate and a Greek salad and both plates were presented and tasted like the Persian cuisine Ive have before. The gyro plate did not come with pita bread which is traditionally served with mediterranean food but a lemon, tomato and some onions which is common in Persian cuisine. The beef was dry and tuff, the salad is not traditionally Greek, no banana peppers, the green olives tasted cheap and looked like they came out of a can you can get at any local store. The rice was long grain which is not traditionally used by the nations along the Mediterranean though I prefer long grain rice personally. The rice was decent, but I would question anyone's ability to cook if they messed up rice. Overall, I was disappointed, I wanted to make this place a weekly ritual given that the good Mediterranean places around here are high end and I must drive to and Banu is down the street. My 30 dollars would have been better spent at Algora's which is true Mediterranean. Even for Persian food, it was not good, there are better places where you will get what you would expect for the price. read more

Absolutely blown away by Banu Mediterranean Grill. I had the Adana wrap, chicken wrap, falafel, and fries -- every single bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The owner went above and beyond, incredibly personable and welcoming. The interior is beautiful, clean, and gives off a professional, upscale vibe without feeling stuffy. You can tell they care about quality and service. Easily one of the best Mediterranean spots in Atlanta. Highly recommend. read more

Buckhead Saturday night dinner. At a restaurant attached to a gas station. Not your usual setup. BUT, I cannot wait to do it again. Banu is everything you hope to find in a hidden gem on the brink of explosive discovery. Excellent food, warm and authentic service, attentive management. Atlanta has no shortage of Persian/Turkish restaurants but most have begun to favor style over substance. This spot is cozy, quiet and wonderful. Note: it is BYOB here which is refreshingly nice. Get here soon before everyone finds it. read more

Overall this place is honestly a hidden gem, service is amazing! No wait time I would say we walked in at 9:10 and food came out fresh, quick and they even offered us a complimentary dessert. We didn't feel rushed or anything! Food was great as well. nothing to complain about ! Highly recommend read more

Don't let the location throw you off, the food is great. Everyone is so friendly and the manager Kiki is so kind and really makes sure you are enjoying all the delicious food. She is trying hard, I appreciate that & noticed it. The atmosphere is very nice! I'm looking forward to going back read more

My family took me here for lunch on Father's Day. The ambiance was pleasant and welcoming, the service attentive and charming, and the food was delicious. We had gyro, lamb shank, beyti, and chicken kofteh, plus an appetizer sampler. Everything was excellent. We're definitely going to make this one of our regulars. read more

Banu is truly a gem of a find, for so many reasons. Kiki, the owner/chef, is just fabulous - kind, sincere, authentic, generous and delightful. She clearly takes pride in her culture and wants to share it with everyone. The food is amazing - the spices and seasoning are well-balanced, the dishes are fresh and plentiful, and the prices are reasonable. I have been back several times, and raved about it to my friends and family. I wish more places were like this, because this is what hospitality feels like! read more