The Allure of Doraville Dining
Stuck in Doraville and your stomach’s rumbling? Tired of the same old takeout routine? Doraville, Georgia, is rapidly becoming a culinary destination in its own right, offering a diverse and exciting range of dining experiences. While the legendary Buford Highway with its pan-Asian delicacies often steals the spotlight, Doraville and its immediate vicinity boast a treasure trove of restaurants waiting to be discovered. This guide will take you beyond the typical mentions and delve into the truly best food options near Doraville, catering to a wide range of tastes, preferences, and budgets. We’ve compiled this list based on a combination of user reviews, local recommendations, and our own personal explorations, ensuring you get an accurate and mouthwatering overview of the area’s culinary landscape.
The Buford Highway Influence: Acknowledging the Culinary Colossus
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Buford Highway. This iconic stretch of road is renowned for its incredible selection of authentic and diverse international cuisine, particularly its amazing variety of Asian restaurants. From Korean barbecue and Vietnamese pho to dim sum and hand-pulled noodles, Buford Highway offers a culinary journey around the world. While some establishments technically fall within a short distance of Doraville, this article aims to showcase restaurants either within Doraville proper or located so close that they’re easily accessible and offer something distinct from the Buford Highway experience. We will also include a couple of close Buford Highway favorites that are too good to leave out.
The rationale behind this focused approach is simple: Doraville itself possesses a unique character and a burgeoning food scene worthy of recognition. Many restaurants are emerging that offer high-quality meals in a setting that is easier to navigate than the sometimes-chaotic energy of Buford Highway. Furthermore, these local gems often provide a more intimate and personalized dining experience. So, while we pay homage to Buford Highway, we will focus on the delicious discoveries awaiting you right in Doraville and its nearby surroundings.
A Culinary Tour: Exploring Doraville’s Delights
Here’s a selection of some of the best places to eat near Doraville, GA, categorized by cuisine type:
Asian Cuisine: A Symphony of Flavors
Golden House Restaurant: If you are looking for authentic, homestyle Cantonese food, look no further. Golden House Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurant on Buford Highway and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Signature dish would include, Roasted Duck, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, and the Crispy Pork Belly. This restaurant has something to offer for the whole family.
Drunken Crab: Craving seafood with a kick? Drunken Crab is a Louisiana-style seafood boil restaurant with fresh catches prepared in a bag with your selection of seasoning. This restaurant is perfect for a group of friends looking for a fun night out.
Sushi Kiku: Freshly cut fishes that melts in your mouth. This is a cozy and hidden restaurant tucked away in a shopping complex in Doraville. Their lunch specials are very generous and will not hurt your wallet. They also have a selection of authentic Korean dishes such as bibimbap.
American Cuisine: Classic Comfort and Modern Twists
The Juicy Crab: Another popular spot for seafood boils, The Juicy Crab offers a similar experience to Drunken Crab but with its own unique flavor profiles. Their wide array of flavors and spice levels offers something for everyone. They also offer a kid’s menu.
American Deli: For a casual meal, try the American Deli. Its is a classic American restaurant and deli which offers a diverse menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other American food staples.
Latin/Hispanic Cuisine: A Fiesta of Flavors
El Taco Veloz: No list of Doraville restaurants would be complete without mentioning El Taco Veloz. This casual restaurant is known for their authentic Mexican street tacos. They are open late at night and is perfect for a midnight snack.
Las Delicias De La Abuela: Meaning the grandmas delicacies, this family restaurant is known for their authentic Colombian food. They are a family business that emphasizes bringing you a taste of home and family. Their lunch specials are very affordable and generous.
Casual Eats and Quick Bites: On-the-Go Goodness
Subway: A classic spot for a quick meal. This chain restaurant needs no introduction. They have a selection of healthy sandwiches and salads that you can customized. Perfect for people on the go.
Krystal: Known for its square sliders, Krystal is a great spot to enjoy a quick meal with friends or family. This location is open 24 hours and perfect for a quick snack in the middle of the night.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Unearthing the Unexpected
Pho Dai Loi: While it’s technically just outside the Doraville city limits on Buford Highway, Pho Dai Loi is a local institution that deserves a mention. Known for its consistently delicious and aromatic pho, this unassuming restaurant offers a truly authentic Vietnamese experience at a reasonable price. Many consider it a must-try for any pho enthusiast. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the service is fast and friendly.
These are just a few examples. The restaurant options near Doraville are diverse, reflecting the area’s multicultural population. It’s a place where you can find authentic cuisine from all over the world.
Navigating Your Dining Experience: Essential Tips for Doraville
Before you embark on your culinary adventure near Doraville, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Parking: Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours, so allow extra time to find a spot. Some restaurants have dedicated parking lots, while others rely on street parking.
- Hours of Operation: It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s hours of operation online or by calling ahead, as they can vary. Many of these places are closed on Sunday.
- Reservations: For popular restaurants, especially those offering fine dining experiences, making a reservation is highly recommended.
- Transportation: If you don’t have a car, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area.
- Embrace the Adventure: Be open to trying new things! Doraville’s culinary scene is all about exploration and discovery. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and sample something you’ve never had before. You might just find your new favorite dish.
A Few More Restaurant Options to Consider
To further expand your options, here are a few more restaurant types and establishments you might find useful.
- Korean Food: Many Korean restaurants are tucked away into different shopping centers and plazas.
- Halal Food: Several of these restaurants serves Halal options that are available for people looking to follow a strict diet.
- Bubble Tea Cafes: Doraville is not short on bubble tea cafes and bakeries.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Flavors of Doraville
Doraville, GA, is a culinary gem waiting to be explored. While its proximity to Buford Highway is certainly a benefit, Doraville itself offers a wide range of dining experiences that are both delicious and unique. From authentic Asian cuisine to classic American comfort food, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. So, step outside your comfort zone, explore the local eateries, and discover the vibrant food scene near Doraville. Happy eating!