Truly a hole in the wall joint thats easy to be missed even when driving around the buildings looking for the place. Based on other yelpers recommendations, we parked at the $5 lot across since street. Place was 1/2 way packed and we were initially confused as to if we should grab a seat or only sit after ordering in the front. Employee quickly told us that we should order first - we ordered the mixed agora platter, lamb shawarma sandwich and a spanakopita (spinach pie). Shawarma was good - meat was excellent, but I hoped for a some sauce (perhaps Garlic based?) to make the sandwich less dry. Mixed plater was really good - wife loved the chicken kabobs. Now that I'm writing this review, I have no idea why I didn't order either the hummus or the baklava - for another time, I suppose. Overall, an authentic Mediterranean hole in the wall joint. I will definitely be back to try other dishes here.
(4)
Bruce B.
This place is solid. The service was quick and the food was authentic. The only serve you a little bit of pita bread, but you can always order more. I would order the mixed grill plate.
(4)
Zeno J.
Wow amazing and quick I got delivery in about 28 mins the rice pudding was amazing with Turkish tea. Agora Mixed Grill was great should have gotten more tahini sauce and asked for a small hummas. will order from again this week! well worth five stars this spot made me finally sign up for yelp! Only Con was the delivery minimum of 30$ this should be at least 25$
(4)
Erik B.
Delicious, delicious delicious. I cant live without this place . Whenever I go to Buckhead, Agora is my place to stop by and enjoy the kebaps. Highly recommended. Family oriented restaurant. They care about their customers satisfaction.
(4)
Mike I.
I have never had a falafel. Today I had lunch with a couple of coworkes at this place and it was great. We order the falafel as an appetizer. Also, I had the lamb and beef gyro and it was delicious. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Tom S.
Really good ! Super busy. I want o go back.
(4)
Dawn L.
Quite simply, one of the best Falafels Ive ever tasted... and the app sampler platter was nothing short of amazing either! The entire staff is SO very friendly, warm and welcoming, a place I will be returning to, time after time.
(4)
They Call Me L.
Oooooh - so torn, but I have to give 'em just 3 stars. Why no prices listed, either on the website menu or the display inside? Is it to surprise people? I know I definitely was when I found out that our bill was $55 bucks for lunch - 2 adults and 2 kids at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. Now, the food was definitely delicious, but the after-the-fact sticker shock kinda soured things. Yowzah.
(3)
Daniel K.
One of the best Mediterranean places I've been to. Amazing food, amazing service! Owner is friendly and very welcoming! Had the chicken skewer & hummus & rice. All great! Owner gave us free dessert, baklava and tapioca pudding are amazing!
(5)
Swavino T.
Try the ladyfingers.
(4)
Jose P.
Food is very good, it's as close to Greek as you'll get in Atlanta. PROS: - Clean establishment - Great staff - Great food - Good portions CONS: - Prices are about 20% higher than expected, but it is Buckhead and the place is pretty nice so it's not that bad, but just wish it was a tad more reasonable. - Food is pretty much as you would expect "very good", but I was hoping it could have been "excellent". There are minor details with the food that keep it from being excellent, but don't get me wrong at all this is splitting hairs. - Parking can be a pain, but again this is expected due to the location. I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could.
(4)
Sammy A.
Hummus/Pita Is the bomb. Portions are fantastic! Entertaining/Charming owner.
(4)
Charlene D.
Pathetic! This is my second time at Cafe Angora. I came again because I wanted to give it a second chance. The service is the worst that I have ever experienced. Our table was dirty, no water for 15 minutes, cracked wine glass, cold appetizer served with no silverware, and the waiter forgot to bring out the second entree. The worst part was that the owners son, our waiter never apologized. Atlanta has too many good restaurants to put up with such horrible service.
(1)
Mackenzie B.
Great Greek food. Always nice people working there. It's a great place to head out for lunch or easy pick up for dinner. I highly suggest trying this place if you haven't already
(4)
Tori T.
Food is amazing for the price. Felt like I was in Greece! Get the chicken pita and lamb salad.
(5)
Dan B.
The food is excellent, and the service could not be better. It is a family-owned establishment, and by your second visit, they will recogize you and say, "Welcome back, friend." The mezze platter and rice pudding are highlights.
(5)
Stef T.
I've actually never dined in here, but it's my go to spot for takeout. Maybe I'm biased because Mediterranean is my favorite cuisine, but this place always hits the spot. Last time I picked up, the owner gave us free dessert because "it's just so good!" He made me want to come back and be part of his big Greek family!
(5)
Jeff K.
The gyro salad, hummus, and tabulleh is good and the service is usually friendly as well... I really enjoy this place for a medeterranian lunch.
(4)
Carol D.
A great Greek restaurant that offers great food!! I love the owner Al! He is very personable and friendly!
(4)
Jose O.
Just an extraordinary turkish cuisine experience, everything was fresh and delicious, the service top notch and Al..the owner, a real nice person...a must in my next stop on Atlanta.
(5)
R P.
I told my waitress that I could not eat anything with gluten or dairy in it. She steered me away from those dishes and I decided on the lamb adana kebab. She brings the plate out with pita bread and cheese on the salad. She says "I know you said you were allergic to dairy, but is there a problem with the cheese on the salad?" Duh. Restaurant owners need to know that your wait staff can make or break your business. The lamb was excellent, along with the hummus and replacement salad. Food: 5 stars Service: 0 stars
(1)
Shamayim F.
Food is amazing but service is dry and leaves a lot to be desired. Positives first. I had the falafel sandwich with the Greek salad. Truly amazing falafel and well seasoned with a great sauce with it. The Greek salad was one of the best I've ever had any where. The waiter wasn't rude just "dry". It took him forever to check on me and my party, had to ask for water a few times from another server, and honestly I think I may have only seen him twice (that includes when he took the order and brought the food). It's a nice atmosphere and the food is great but service is a 1 star.
(3)
Tiff H.
We brought in a large group after a failed attempt to enter Holeman and Finch... There was trouble seating us all here too, but it worked out. Our server was extremely hospitable, and offered us free appetizer samples, such as the mixed maza platter and various hummus/yogurt samples. Though for me, some of the flavors were just too much for me to handle, I really enjoyed the effort and that carrot stuff (that sounds so uncultured of me not calling that by the proper name...) Ordered the lamb gyro sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. tender and flavorful meat, hearty and i could barely finish. I'm pretty sure I was the last to finish at the table! The end of the meal, the waiter brought over dessert samples as well. We each got some hot baklava and a small serving of rice pudding. The baklava was AMAZING, especially since it was fresh and crispy. The rice pudding was just... rice pudding, but went well with the baklava. Cafe Agora serviced us so well that day, and it was a perfect meal. 5 stars!
(5)
Lexi S.
The food was stellar! I ordered a nice glass of white wine and the chicken kabobs. The seasoning was perfect! I asked our server for a kids menu and he never brought one to us, so I'm assuming they didn't offer one. My five year old settled on the Turkish meatballs, and he devoured them! This says a lot as he can be finicky with food at times! My date ordered the gyro and loved it! The only issue we had was waiting a while for the food, 40 minutes at least. However, it was worth the wait! We will def.return to try other items on the menu!
(4)
Rohaneh E.
My go to friday night dinner place with my best friend. We go there every friday after our shift and always order the falafal sandwich, and the Chicken kebab platter. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, and the Owner is extremely friendly, he speaks to all his customers and makes sure everyone is enjoying their dinner. If you're looking for delicious reasonably priced middle eastern food I would point you in Cafe Agoras direction.
(4)
Harrison W.
The owner Al is awesome and the food is delicious. Al came over to the table and was extremely friendly. The food was reasonably priced and extremely good. Awesome Mediterranean place.
(5)
Richard R.
Where do I begin? I got an invite to lunch by Yelp friend Carrie Neal and we decided to meet today @ Cafe Agora. She knows from recent talk threads that I am a huge fan of gyros and thought this would be a great spot for some eats. She was absolutely right! I hate coming into the city during heavy traffic hours because I have a big truck and Atlanta streets make me feel like I'm about to loose some paint. Parking is also another huge problem, but thankfully I read Daniel B's tip to park across the street in the HHGregg parking lot (which looks like a $5 public lot). Cafe Agora is a small place, even the tables are small and it's hard to imagine 4 real sized people actually sitting down for a meal... but our party of three fit nicely. My girl Helena W (who is quickly becoming one of my best homies) joined us. The girls ordered some app's, but my full attention was in anticipation of this amazing gyros I've heard so much about. It arrived and I was in heaven from the very first bite! Delicious meat, very nice pita, and the fries I managed to eat (with out Helena stealing them... lol) were excellent. I would come back alone JUST for the fries!. The gyros meat was a little overcooked and dry (also crunchy), but it was still amazing. I can only imagine how awesome it would have been with perfectly cooked meats and feta cheese, which my gyros was absent of *sad face insert here* The overall tightness of the area will likely prevent me from becoming a regular, but definitely worth mentioning in the 'Best Of' category for Atlanta. Thanks for the great company ladies. I know everyone was probably wondering how I guy like me got to sit with hot gals like you, but hey... I enjoyed the short lived stud status! LOL
(4)
Jarz R.
Just popped in to the new Buckhead location for the first time since they relocated. Amazing. Not that I don't love the charm of hole-in-the-wall (I say that with all due respect and endearment), the improvement in seating, PARKING, bathroom, and ambience is phenomenal. I've only been a couple of times, and those times haven't been at the busiest times of the day, so keep that in mind. In my experience, the food is reliably good, and the service has been great. We usually order the big cold mezze platter as an appetizer. It's definitely a lot of food, so I wouldn't order the BIG one as an appetizer unless you've got at least 4 people splitting (or 2 rugby players). I usually opt for the mixed gyro plate because. I'm salivating just thinking about that balsamic vinaigrette. Damn, I love when you can actually enjoy the bite of the vinegar. If you manage to have room for dessert, order the rice pudding. Trust me. Like, you think you've had rice pudding, but you haven't. This is completely different. Seriously. Do it. Don't waste your stomach space on baklava. Pudding. Oh, it's got a generous dusting of cinnamon on top, so if you have an allergy, I'd see if they have some without it. If you aren't allergic, I recommend you keep it on there. I'm so-so on cinnamon, but I love it, so there you go.
(5)
Felipe V.
I love this place. It might not be logical, but try the pizza. All in all it seems to be effortlessly authentic, and you don't come by that often. It's definitely a place to go a few times and with a group to try as many items on the menu as possible.
(5)
Jack B.
The food here is quite good, if a bit expensive. But the service is utterly BIZARRE! Our first time here, a couple months ago, we ordered the maza platter, which is an appetizer of several different spreads - hummus, haydari, havuc ezme, etc. - and the waitress brought it out with a little basket full of pita bread squares. So on our second trip, when we ordered the same platter and it came out without the pita bread, I asked our waiter for it. Cue his return with a basket with maybe 6 little squares in the bottom, and a joint lecture from the waiter and the owner about how this platter isn't meant to be eaten with pita bread, and that it would ruin our appetite for our entrees. Okay...? I wouldn't have asked had it not been automatically brought with the platter on our first visit. Then when we were attempting to eat our hummus with forks, the owner swung by again to tell us we were taking "little baby" bites and needed to take a "real" bite. What??? When our entrees arrived, our waiter commented again, "See, this is why you needed your appetites." But the topper actually happened to a couple at a nearby table. They had apparently made the same mistake we had in asking for pita bread, and were getting the same lecture, when owner literally picked up the husband's fork, scooped up some dip, and FED IT TO HIM LIKE A BABY. My spouse and I were looking at each other like O.O???? Honestly, had we not had a relatively normal meal here on our first visit, I would think this place was supposed to be one of those "wacky service" joints like Ed Debevic's. I think I'll be searching for another decent Mediterranean place before I come back here to pay $42 before tip for two gyro platters and an appetizer, and risk extremely strange service in the process.
(2)
Quel Y.
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY SELF RESPECT!!!! First of all, the first time I came here with my boyfriend it was great, the food was great, and the owner was friendly and came to our table and brought us complimentary dessert. This time however, I came with my dad and boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a Vodka soda and they brought out a Vodka tonic and when he told them very politely the waitress stated that the bartender put soda in the drink which was definitely a LIE. I found this to be extremely rude and I am appalled that the bartender would send the drink back and not even attempt to correct the order. The worst part of my experience tonight was when I went up to the counter to get change for a $20 so I could get change to tip the valet. The owner,who had been so nice to me the last time I had come, rudely said "what do you think this is, bank of america"? I thought he was being sarcastic at first even though I found it offensive. He then proceeded to hand me two $10 dollar bills when I clearly needed change to tip. He then threw the singles on the counter and appeared extremely annoyed. We had asked the valet guys for change and they did not have any. I must add that the first time we ate here our waitress told us that none of the staff lasts for more than 2 months because the owner is so incredibly abusive to his employees. There are plenty of great mediterranean/greek restaurants in the buckhead area, do not waste your time at this rude establishment.
(1)
Chris W.
Maza platter is an excellent app. Agora chicken salad is my go-to entree. Lamb and chicken gyros are great.
(5)
Kaialaia T.
The owner is hilarious you'll be laughing eating at the same time the food is great customer service fantastic .
The best Mediterranean restaurant in Buckhead and all of Atlanta! The friendliness of the owner and staff make you feel as if you are having dinner in someone's home. A delightful experience! Today's delight is tiramisu and Turkish coffee. After you eat Agora's tiramisu, you will not want anyone else's.
(5)
Crystal D.
Love this place!!! Recently moved to buckhead and have been trying new places. This will definitely be on my list to go back to!!! Food was great. Complimentary valet. Restaurant was clean. And servers were so friendly!
(5)
Alex P.
Ah, this place is unreal good. From atmosphere to food, everything is just done right. Feels like you made a quick pit stop for lunch as you were driving through a sandy road in the middle east.
(5)
Sarah B.
This is the real deal. The place is small, not a lot of room for dining in, but a worthwhile experience if you do (not from the ambiance). I think they are opening a larger location very close to this one in January. I had chicken kabob, my friend had lamb gyro and we started with hummus and the meza plate. Everything was incredible down to the mini rice puddings and mini pistachio baklava, that showed up at our table after dinner. I will be back, my friends and family will be back. Generous portions, very reasonable prices.
(5)
Marj R.
Our go to late nite place. Authentic gyro and baklava. Love it.
(4)
Enrico N.
Was in for a late dinner, wasn't too hungry. Got the Lamb Gyro sandwich. Comes with a side salad. Service was friendly. Was a little annoyed I had to valet park. Salad was good but pretty much a standard greek salad. The Gyro came with lettuce, onions, tazaki. I'm use to Gyros coming with tomato, onions, tazaki. The lettuce on the gyro with a salad is a bit redundant. I ate alot of lettuce for one meal. They gave a nice helping of meat, cut off the spit. I would have liked it if the meat were a bit more "seared" and if the pita were ever so slightly toasted but not a huge deal. Meat had a good flavor, they had some sort of mild spicy sauce on it. Similar to the powder you get on Doners in germany. I wish I knew what it was. I would have liked more tazaki, especially with all that lettuce. Overall a decent meal. Not the best Gyro i ever had but better than average. The lady gave me some sort of tiny dessert in a little cup. Tasted like rice pudding with cinnamon
(4)
Paige N.
So I was floored when I saw that not only does Cafe Agora have almost 300 reviews, but it also has an average rating of 4.5 stars! Especially when you see it's tiny little, hole in the wall location, directly across from the uber ritzy Capital Grille with its fancy parking lot full of Range Rovers, Mercedes and Bentleys. After seeing this (and for a nano-second thinking Cafe Agora had had its employees create hundreds of fake positive reviews), I had to try it out for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. Well my friends, it did. Although it's certainly not much to look at from the street (and can hold probably 40 people tops), this place is a gem of a Greek restaurant. I enticed my boyfriend to come with me for dinner there (he's a true Yelp believer even though I can't for the life of me get him to finish a single review), and we understood what so many others already know. The food is amazing and because it's such a small, intimate little space, the staff (a father, son team) are very friendly to every customer who walks in the door. As soon as we sat down, the son came out to get our drink orders and after looking at the menu (all of which sounded like great options), we got the mixed maza appetizer in order to try their hummus, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz, etc all in one go and the Agora mixed grill kebab plate to try their chicken, lamb, adana and kofta kebabs plus the gyro meat. I love places where I can try a little bit of everything all at once, and Cafe Agora did not disappoint in portion size or flavor. The maza appetizer than came out first came with a basket of fresh pita bread that was already conveniently sliced into bite sized squares. We dug in to hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz and a bunch of other goodies I've not tried before and it was all very tasty. The babaganoush wasn't quite as good as Opa's (in Suwanee), but I've yet to find anyone who can rival that one. Everything tasted fresh and light and definitely house-made. The Agora mixed grill was also excellent. Every different piece of meat was cooked well and laid over a bed of rice, a Greek salad and another fresh pita bread with some red sauce on top was served with it. My favorite meats by far were the gyro, the adana, and the kofta meats. They were just wonderfully seasoned and full of flavor. Mix that with a refreshing Greek salad, some pita and taziki sauce and you've got a winning combination. And Cafe Agora really scored points with its complimentary dessert for us: two mini baklava bites (light and airy and flaky), and two little servings of sutlac (Turkish rice pudding). It was the perfect bit of sweetness to end the meal, and I loved it. While Cafe Agora is certainly not much to look at (though I believe they're relocating to the old Thai Silk space just down the street, which would be a definite step up), they're a great find. The food's delicious, the staff's very friendly and attentive and the menu really deviates from the Greek cuisine you're used to seeing with some really special treats. Good job Cafe Agora, all the hype and your great rating is worth it.
(4)
Doug C.
The mixed grill was great. The lamb and chicken were awesome. The owner was friendly and very helpful Service was good.
(5)
Liz K.
I soooooo love Mediterranean food and Cafe Agora alone. I have been here several times but this is my first time writing about the best Mediterranean spot in Atlanta. (forgive me, if you don't believe so...) The owner of this place is so alive and happy. He is usually there. Or so he has been when I go... he always gives you a little sample of the hummus and tabouleh before you get your order. I normally get the lamb kabobs. The plates (all of them) are a good helping. The kabob plate comes with meat, rice, salad, and some pita bread. The owner will make sure to send you off with a tasting of the rice pudding and baklava before you leave. A little pricier than some of the other Med joints I've been to but I think it is well worth it. Also... parking can be a pain- but oh well. It's the City of Atlanta
(5)
Bailey G.
The food is so authentic and fresh! The owner loves to come around and get everyone to try Turkish dessets- so delish!
(5)
Anum A.
I went here for lunch and found that both food and environment have been severely compromised since cafe agora moved down the street. It just isn't the same. The food, decor, and service are mediocre at best.
(3)
Melissa M.
Randomly came across this place with my husband. The food and service was excellent. We were not sure what to order at first and sp our waitress brought us a sampler appetizer to help with our decision for free! They also brought us a few dessert samplings at the end of our meal wven though we declined to order any dessert. You can tell they really care about satisfying their customers. My husband and I would definitely come back for a yummy meal!!!
(5)
Cathy K.
Love to pick up the meza platter and the gyros plate. I usually order the large platter and enjoy for multiple meals. I need to figure out how to make the carrot salad which is to die for. I am getting hungry just writing this.
(4)
Corrie B.
SOOOOO delicious! Everything was very fresh. I had the chicken salad and I had to make myself stop eating it. They give you a lot of food! My lunch buddy had the lamb salad. I'm not usually one for lamb but the lamb at Cafe Agora is something I will be going back for! My only negative comment has nothing to do with the actual restaurant, it's the parking. There isn't much space at all. They now have complimentary valet so maybe that will help the parking situation. Either way, if you like Greek food this is must try!!
(5)
Paul F.
My wife and I are new to the city and this has quickly become our favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Hal the owner, walks around and greets all customers and runs a tight ship! The food is amazing and authentic. We consider ourselves to be gyro connoisseurs and these are the best in the city! The service is amazing as well!
(5)
Kristen C.
So, I must admit, the food here is pretty good and it is really attractively priced! We came here on a Friday night before we headed out to grab a few drinks. It was our first time here, and as other diners mentioned, they do bring you our a few sampling of their appetizers. An older man came over to the table (maybe the owner?) and told me that the hummus was the best hummus out there. So, at the time, I had Invisalign and shouldn't really be eating food until I took them out. The older man pretty much force fed me this hummus, when I gently declined (since I had to take out my liners). He kept telling me to eat it, so eventually to not make a scene, I just ate it. Then we decided to go ahead and order our food. There was some confusion in the ordering process where they double charged us for something we did not order and then did not bring something else out but told us that they already brought it out to us... When we were eating, again, the food was pretty good, but the service isn't the best.
(2)
Cali K.
The owner Al is so disrespectful to his employees. I was disappointed in him cause he seems really nice but it's just an act. I heard him yelling at customers on the phone then say stuff in Turkish didn't sound nice. I wasn't gonna write a review I've been there three time love the food but I won't be going back our server told us he steals there money they work all day 6 days a week if there lucky all the servers look tired seem cranky but I would understand why was told he's hit several workers I'm just truly disgusted. He smokes in the restaurant at the bar and then used he's hand to get my dessert after he smoked and blow he's noise didn't wash he's hand. I truly do not recommend this place makes me wonder about the back of the house.
(1)
Amar P.
First, my review is for the old hole in the wall location. I haven't ate at the new Buckhead location yet. The food is Amazing! The owner is hilarious, great at customer service, and he often drops off free food at the tables to ensure everyone is satisfied.
(5)
Shaye B.
This place is great! I was going to wait to write my review until I ate at the restaurant but I had such a great takeout experience that I am just going to go ahead now! The food here is delicious and portions are huge but prices are still not very high! I was able to get 2 gyro platters and a hummus app for $30. The restaurant space is great, has seating inside and outside. Temperature control is very effective which is important for hot Atlanta summers!! The staff here is phenomenal. I cannot think of a time I had better takeout service. The owner still spoke with me and wished me a happy first time eating their delicious food and the guy working at the bar who handled my takeout order was very nice. When I first picked up the food I was starving and sped home, only to realize that the hummus was left out! At first I was going to just let it go, but then after trying my platter and realizing the food was spectacular, I wanted that hummus. Luckily I only live a block or so away so it took me less than 5 minutes door-to-door-to-door to get that hummus! I was even able to pick up some more taziki sauce! The guy at the counter was so nice too that he threw in some desserts for us to try as well which was nice and very much appreciated on my end. I am honestly bummed that it took me almost a year of living a block away for me to try it! I will certainly be back....especially when I get the munchies late at night since the place is open til 3am!
(5)
William C.
Incredible food and environment! Get friendly staff and the food is amazing!! Great place for lunch or dinner. The owner is very friendly and will talk with you while you eat. Parking is a little limited but that would be the only downfall. Since they have changed locations they have a much bigger dining area and a nice outside terrace. Ordered the lamb gyro and it melted in my mouth! Great restaurant!!
(5)
Philip K.
This is my new favorite in Buckhead. Hands down, some of the best Greek food I've found. Al is a trip and made our first time there a fun and memorable experience. We tried the appetizer sampler, lamb kabobs, gyro, chicken, and rice pudding and baklava for desert and everything was a home run.
(5)
Dave B.
Excelllent fallefel sandwich and gyro. It was medium pricey but considering the amount of food they give you, it was very good deal.
(5)
Tram V.
Party of 3 ordered the mixed maza platter, dolma, agora mixed grill and calamari and we were so stuffed we couldn't finish the food. Everything was excellent although the calamari wasn't impressive. I loved the chicken which was tender and juicy and I could've eaten the entire plate of dolma on my own, it was so delicious. Definitely going back!
(5)
Brad K.
I visited Cafe Agora for the first time yesterday. I had a large order for a company meeting that I dropped off earlier in the day, and asked for it to be ready at a specific time that evening. I do this at every restaurant that I order company meeting orders from, and it always still results in me waiting 30-45 minutes for the food to be ready once I arrive to pick it up at the time I said I would. Not at Cafe Agora, though! I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than I initially told them, and as soon as I walked in the staff remembered me, commented on how I was early, then sat me down at the bar and gave me a free drink and appetizer while I waited! My food order was in my hands and paid for exactly on time, and they even helped me carry the food out to my car. The food itself was very good! Everyone at the meeting kept going on and on about how yummy everything was. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone I know. Its the attention to detail in taking care of your customers that sets restaurants like this apart from the rest!
(5)
Alan R.
Yuk and more yuk.Tried to talk my coworkers out of this place but they were paying and wanted to go. We had come from a meeting to shake shack and line too long at shack. Sorry, been there done that in NY, no need to wait in cold for a standard burger. Not into cults. So they suggested Agora and I cringed but since I need their business I did not protest, just gently tried to push them down to Buckhead diner, but they are a little cheap so they chose Agora. Complete indigestion. My tastebuds fully protested and stomach upset. Worst gyro platter ever. Dry meat shoved on lettuce and chicken even drier. Hommos is like water and taxzaki foul smelling. I knew better than to order anything else but they had other salads and everyone complained about the stale lettuce and dry meat.I think it is obvious this guy gets people to write these reviews or else I am surrounded by people that do not know good food. I realize some people will eat anything, hence our obesity issue.They just have bad food and wierd kaotic service with aggressive valet parkers expecting big tips!
(1)
Ruksana H.
Happened to be our walk-in discovery when the place we wanted to eat at was found to be out of business. Friendly service, good food, good prices, nothing fancy with the ambience, just clean and practical. Reasonable pricing too and makes for good take-out as well.
(4)
Yanfei L.
Large portion. Delicious food. Have been eating here for a while. Love the maza plate and the mixed grill. If you are a paleo guy definitely get the agora salad!
(5)
The S.
Overall was a disappointment after reading the great reviews. Have had better Mediterranean food for less and at more convenient locations to me.
(3)
Lucy F.
After a long morning of shopping in Buckhead - we were starving!! Decided to try Agora out for lunch, based on the reviews - and it was perfect! Great service, fresh food, and a clean space. The babaganoush was creamy and delicious and came with a warm basket of fresh pita bread. The Greek salad was crisp and fresh - with a perfectly balanced dressing. I will definitely go back!!
(5)
N. A.
I love this place!! The owner is extremely nice and always happy to see you! I literally feel like family here! I come here every time I want to invite a friend as I know that they won't be disappointed! Food is fresh.. Service is wonderful.. The restaurant is run by very nice hospitable Turkish people! What else would you ask for! I would literally give them 10 stars not just 5!
(5)
Jennifer T.
Been here three times now with colleagues for lunch. This place has top notch food and service. The owner is always around and he's SUPER nice and accommodating. The Lamb Salad and the Lamb Gyro are the best things on the menu. Just enough of everything (lettuce, feta, olives, dressing, etc.) for the perfect marriage.
(5)
Alexander B.
Love this place! The platter and baklava are amazing! My family went here on a weekend away and it was spectacular! The new digs are great. We met the owner and he was great! Stop researching and get in the car and head here!
(5)
Seema P.
Food was really tasty, esp for midnight run. Ordered the Maza Platter to share with friends along with a felafel sandwich. Flavors of both were on point and worth coming back for.
(4)
James M.
Always a pleasure coming to cafe agora! From a hole in the wall to a beautiful restaurant. The owner Al may come off as being odd, however he's not! Truly a sweet man that only wants to provide his guests a first class experience. The food is always super fresh! Meza appetizer is always great with a variety of tastes. Gyros are amazing! As a Chicago transplant I can appreciate an owner with showmanship and charisma along with top notch quality. If you don't appreciate the quality and experience here have your head examined.
(5)
Jo T.
Best gyros and delicious baba ganoush! If you do take out, they will put the sauce on the side so your gyro doesn't get soggy.
(5)
Duc L.
Came on a Tuesday afternoon with a group about 10 people and I was surprised at how accommodating the place was for us. Keep in mind that this place isn't the largest of restaurants. In order to accommodate us all, we took about 5 tablets all together. Which only left about 4-5 2-person tablets left in the entire place excluding seating at the bar. Good thing no other large groups entered while we were there. Ordered 2 trays of mixed maza platters and man, were the hummas and havuc ezme oh so good. Pita bread were served on paper plates, nothing too fancy but it kept coming as quick as it was demolished. I just ordered the lamb gyro. Nothing too fancy or spectacular to rave about but it was a large portion. The order just comes with a side of salad. At the end of the meal, the owner gave us all a piece of lady fingers and a small cup of rice pudding. The rice pudding was legit rice pudding, you could taste the rice. It wasn't just tapioca rice pudding you are thinking of. But I think this was all done to the presence of my friend's daughter. That girl is SO adorable and hammed it up for the owner and he just adored her. Perks of having a child around sometimes. But can't complain. Good experience and they were accommodating so I'll give 4 stars. I'll be here again if I'm ever in the area.
(4)
Scarlett W.
yummmmm. had the sampler plate, everything was awesome. was only in area for one day and just having a light lunch, but if i should ever find myself in atlanta again, i will go here. the owner is old school, comes and sits down, chats. great service. he brings you tiny samples of desserts, that baklava was so good, light and fluffy if that is possible. rice pudding too which i am not a fan of, but it was good.
(5)
Jim Y.
Being from out of town, I'm willing to splurge a bit, especially with so many highly reviewed restaurants in the area. It turns out I don't have to. Cafe Agora is a bit of a hole in the wall, with 30 seats if you count the 4 at the bar/counter. Upscale dining it is not. Delicious meal it is! The hummus was terrific. For my meal, I ordered the lamb shish kabob. The pita was toasted slightly, and lightly spread with a tomato based sauce. I'm not at all familiar with Turkish food, so I don't know if this is common or if it's something they invented here. The lamb was grilled perfectly! A bit smokey, and tender. The flavor was uncommonly good. I don't order desert typically, but the owner came out with a small sample of baklava and price pudding. "My friend, just a taste." he said when he came over with the little treats. Wow! The baklava alone wild be worth a trip here. The care they take here in serving perfectly prepared dishes, with ridiculously good recipes, made me feel like they really respect everyone who comes into their place. Unlike most restaurants nowadays that make one feel like you're just a few bucks drifting in, with a mouth attached that they have to fill with something in order to separate the two.
(5)
Salim H.
Recently moved from down the street. Same great food in a nicer setting!
(5)
Ashley P.
Deeee-lish! Quaint, cozy atmosphere...typical hole-in-the-wall place, but hot damn, is it good! I tried the gyro and tabouli- very flavorful gyro meat! I will definitely be coming back here again. I'm so glad I found this gem on Yelp. Tip: you have to park up the street at their new building (which is under construction). This restaurant may not be good for a large party because it is pretty tiny inside.
(5)
Liza W.
It's solid Mediterranean food- at least based on my typical American palate! Yes...we love our gyro, babaganoush, falafel, baklava, and rice pudding. :-) The service is pleasant, the place is usually packed at dinner, very reasonably priced (especially for the area), and they let you byow for a cork fee. Looking forward to their finished renovations right down the street so they'll have more space!
(5)
Nemil S.
My go-to and most favorite spot for Mediterranean food. After moving to midtown, I probably order to-go once a week. I would recommend trying the meza plate if it is your first time, to get a small deliciousness of everything. If you want to dive right in, say hello to Al, order a gyro wrap and a side of baba ganoush and call it a day. Amazing for dinner and orgasmic after a late night on the weekends.
(5)
Zach S.
Amazing gyro. I've been here a handful of times over the past 5 years and the best gyro I ever had was the last time I was here. It's always been good, but for some reason (maybe I was just really hungry, who knows) the last time I was here, in November, it was heavenly. When I first started going here five years ago I would always see Al, he would try to give us free food, and was always very friendly and talkative. I wish he was still around, maybe he is at the other location, but I haven't seen him in a long time. It's crowded, a small restaurant, and theres a tv playing a greek channel. Water is more or less self serve, they do come to your table to take your order now though. It's not exactly cheap, but there's also no where else you can go to get a gyro this good. Plus, there hasn't been a time they haven't given me something for free, like pita bread with hummus, baklava, or some sort of greek pudding for dessert.
(5)
Michael S.
First time ...Not our last! Good was fresh, delicious, and service was very friendly. Great place to hang with friends.
(4)
Jasmine S.
Let me start off by saying that I would give this 3.5 stars if possible. Hubby and I went here Sunday night. Let's talk about parking first-Not a good situation when it is crowded as we witnessed first hand. There is a circle shaped parking lot in front, but due to the space being so small we could not exit the other side and we had to back up and back into the street. Luckily there's an empty lot next to them that we parked in (obviously keeping an eye on it to make sure no tow man came). When we walked in there was a hostess stand but no hostess so we we went to the bar to place our takeout order. We got the large chicken gyro and greek salad. The bartender who took our order was not overly friendly and he did end up telling us that this location has only been open about 2 weeks-things started to make sense from there. We waited about 30 minutes for our food. When we got home the portions were large and it was plenty of food for both of us. The only complaint food wise would be that the gyro was VERY dry-as in hardly any tzaziki (sp?) sauce. Other than that tasted good. We will definitely be back and will order in.
(3)
Alan J.
Not the best Mediterranean. I grew up eating Mediterranean food and this is not anywhere near the expectations I had set after reading all these raving reviews. If you've not had a variety of this food before, then you're probably going to think that this is delicious. I must say however that their eggplant salad was outstanding.
(3)
Angela H.
I had heard great things about Cafe Agora, but I never made it a point to check it out. Recently on a Tuesday afternoon, my co-workers told me to pick a place for lunch. Since Cafe Agora is walking distance from our office, I suggested that we go there. A group of five of us arrived a little after 1 pm, and we were lucky that a group was leaving because the restaurant is tiny but apparently, always busy. Two employees were kind enough to put two tables together for us so that we wouldn't have to squeeze into one 4-seat table. As I was looking up at the picture menu on the wall and wondering how much the different entrees cost, an employee at the counter handed me a paper menu. That was a relief because it made it so much easier for me to choose what I wanted. I decided that I wanted a beef gyro, but it wasn't on the menu. The menu only listed the Lamb and Beef Gyro and a Chicken Gyro. Fortunately, the employee told me that it wouldn't be a problem if I only wanted beef in mine. I also asked them NOT to put onions in it. Once we were done ordering at the counter, we got cups of water (self-service at the counter) and sat at our table. After what felt like 20 minutes or so, two employees brought our food to the table. * Beef Gyro ($7.01 for the "Regular" size) - When I picked up my gyro to eat it, I noticed that there were a few onions sticking out. At first, I thought maybe it was just a bit of onions that was dropped in there and I could pick them out. However, I quickly realized that there were a lot more inside, so I told the employee who took my order. He took my gyro and brought out a fresh new one out after about a minute. It was a very simple gyro with just slices of beef, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. The beef was slightly charred, which I didn't particularly like, but the gyro was pretty good overall. Later, after looking at the paper menu I took with me, I realized that they didn't put tomatoes or cucumber in my gyro as it is stated in the menu. I guess I need to specifically ask for it next time. It probably would have tasted a whole lot better with those additional ingredients. I also found myself wishing the gyro was served with a side, such as fries. I'll have to order some fries next time, which I didn't realize they served until I re-read Richard R.'s review. It's not on their menu! =( When we were done, we got in line at the counter, individually told the server what we had ordered, and paid. As we paid, each of us was handed a small sample of rice pudding. It's slightly sweet and sprinkled with cinnamon. I really enjoyed it, but my co-workers weren't really fans. Overall, Cafe Agora gets 4 stars for their good gyro and friendly employees. The main downside of this restaurant is it's size because it is tiny and cramped. It also took longer than we had expected for the food to be served, but this was primarily because two of my co-workers ordered platters. However, I would definitely return to try one of their platters, such as the Chicken Shish Kebab and Kofte Kebab, which I heard were great! Can't wait! =) [Review 175 of 366]
(4)
Michelle H.
Hummus was authentic, my Greek salad was mediocre and my taboulle was just okay. The people were nice enough that I will more than likely give it another try.
(3)
Leah A.
Favorite hole in the wall place in Buckhead! Cannot wait for him to expand to his new location a few doors down! Definitely recommend the mezzo platter and chicken or fish shish kebab. So tasty!! And Al, the owner, is so nice! Ask him about his adventures coming to own Agora. He's very interesting and I love supporting him!
(5)
Karly G.
It was almost 5 stars until Al said... Baklava is not good for you when I wanted to order some to go. Otherwise, this place is the best hole in da wall for Mediterranean food ever. We got the mixed grill platter which consists of grilled chicken, lamb and beef that comes with rice and a salad. it's also topped with some spiced grilled pitas. You must come early to get a table at this place, otherwise you might find yourself back to back against your unknown neighbor. It's a tiny place with very limited seating. It usually comes with a small plate which consists of hummer and some other stuff (sorry I couldn't remember what it is. lol) after your meal. you get a small treat of rice pudding and half a baklava which is nice. it leaves you with no desire to devour an entire piece of pie a la mode. :P
(4)
Don B.
Glad I found this spot. We enjoyed the sampler appetizer. Just wish they would start us out with more pita bread so I don't have to keep asking for more! But the food was top notch. I usually go with a gyro platter at Mediterranean restaurants and have never had any this good. The combo platter was very filling and the meat was so juicy and full of flavor. I love how they tease you with the baklava at the end. It was so good. Made me want to buy a bunch to take home. Service was cool. It was not super evident what to do when we first arrived. Didn't know if we should sit or walk to the counter and order. But we ended up walking to the counter and letting them know we wanted to dine in. I'm a little disappointed about this Al guy though. Heard so many great things about how jovial he is but did not once look our way. I know I sound like an a-hole complaining about being offended by that but he gave everyone else there great attention and we got none. Maybe we didn't look like first timers or something.. Who knows.
(4)
Holy Guacamole M.
Yeah, I'm a fan! Their food has such great flavor! Anything you order will be great, but I usually tend to get the "small" mixed Maza platter appetizer (which isn't small at all) and a lamb & beef gyro. This is a quaint family owned/operated establishment. They always give you a complimentary rice pudding and baklava (samlper size) at the end of your meal. The prices are a bit higher here, but you get what you pay for... Really Great Food!!! I would give it 5stars if I were grading it on food alone, but the bathroom needs a little improvement and the parking can be challenging sometimes. There is another location in Midtown, but I haven't been there... yet!
(4)
Amber H.
Stopped in after hearing good things about this place. We were NOT disappointed! The owner, Al, is fantastic! Since it was our first visit he invited us to try a small sample plate before ordering (and no, we weren't charged for this)...delish! Ordered the hummus and yogurt apps, 2 (1 combo and 1 lamb) gyros, and the baklava for dessert. Everything was absolutely wonderful! Portions are quite large, especially for the price. Hummus was thick and creamy, and the pita - oh, lord! Wow. The yogurt, so good I actually used it on part of my gyro. The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I had to stop myself from eating so i could try dessert without immediately falling into a food coma. So good. It wasn't easy, but I don't have to cook dinner tonight, so bonus! The baklava was amaze zah zing! And after finishing that off (no way was any of that was making it home), Al brought ANOTHER plate of those crispy, flaky, sweet little pieces of heaven. Thank God I don't live closer, I'd never fit in real pants again (and for that baklava, it would somehow be an equal trade). I have no idea where people are eating lunch when they've complained about the prices being too high, especially for the amount of scrumptous food that you get. Service here is outstanding. They welcomed everyone that walked in like old friends. Al walked to each table checking on customers, providing light banter and laughter. He was contagious in his passion for his food. After our meal, we sat and chatted with him on the patio. This man clearly loves what he does and wants his customers to enjoy life through his food. I will be making the drive here regularly. Go, now! Do NOT skip dessert. You can thank me later!
(5)
Shelly G.
After all the hype I heard about this place for a while, I decided it was time to try it out. Friday afternoon around 6 pm...traffic around the area was awful and parking was a nightmare. The parking lot across the street was full and the parking lot behind the building with 15 sweaty valet guys running around was only for patrons of the restaurant/bar/club next door. We ended up driving to the next side street and just parking at a meter. Since it was Friday afternoon we put in an hour and half for good measure. Upon entering the restaurant, it was obvious we didn't need it...there was only one other occupied table. We got the Mixed Maza Platter and the Lamb and Beef Gyro. Both were great, the mixed platter was an assortment of different spreads/hummus/other dippables and accompanied by a plate of hummus. The gyro was well seasoned...normally I'm not a big fan of lamb but I liked this one. The complimentary baklava for dessert was amazing. The total for the platter and gyro not including tip was about $22. If I were closer to my normal hunger scale it probably would've easily been in the $30+ range, which is why I can see how it could be seen as a little on the pricey side for the atmosphere. Service was fine, neither neglecting nor overbearing. Overall a pleasant experience, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Cindy W.
Ok, I still really like this place. Came here with another group of friends for a birthday dinner. My roomie's bf is actually Turkish, and that's how we learned that this place is actually Turkish, not really Greek. Everything was still delicious and exactly like I remembered it. Parking- next to Blue Bottle, or across (free for 2 hours, something reasonable like that), save your receipt from Agora though, just in case. Speaking of which, they mixed up our bills like 3 times....but they're fairly flexible, to a fault, as you'll read in some of the rest of the reviews. However, I would ask that Al, should he be reading this, to CALM DOWN. He was feeding my friend random stuff from our mezze platter with the same fork and my friend became more uncomfortable and embarrassed with each successive mouth-fed bite. I hate that. She's coming with me and paying $25 for a meal. I don't want her to have an uncomfortable experience in any way. I didn't say anything though...not sure how Turkish customs work. Anyone know?
(5)
Carrie Neal W.
So, I love me some Yelpers and I love me some gyros. What does that add up to, you might be wondering?? Lunch with Richard R. and Helena W. So close to my office and with two super-fun people - what's better on a Friday?? We had a few things . . . I got the same classic (lamb and beef) gyro I typically like here and the yogurt/tzatziki (sp?? can never get that right) dip with pita bread that I love. Helena got the chicken gyro and also some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, parsley, spices, etc) and Richard got a gyro and fries. Crinkle cut and well-seasoned - Helena *may* have snuck a couple off of his plate . . . Such a nice lunch - and complimentary cups of rice pudding. We all agreed that it was tasty with the cinnamon and nutmeg. I had to duck out kinda quick to get back to work, so I'll have to find out if Richard got another order of anything to-go like he was considering . . . Lunch next week - location TBD but y'all should join us!!
(5)
Kyle T.
All I have to say to anyone thinking about eating here is do it! I don't care for Turkish food most of the time but this was great. For appetizers we had cheese stick things and chicken noodle soup. The cheese sticks came with wonderful sauce. The chicken noodle soup was just like my grandmother's matzo ball soup without the matzo balls. For an entree I decided to have the mix grill. Out of the three meats it came with (lamb, chicken and beef) the lamb was the best but all were fantastic. If you come no matter what you get you MUST get the baklava. Not overly sweet and extremely moist it just melted in your mouth. We sat around for a bit chatting and the owner came by and say with us. It made for one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
(5)
Rick F.
Best Gyro in Atlanta Hands Down! Best Baklava I've ever Had! I love the owner he is very colorful and a great host! Appetizer combination plate was fresh and delicious! Pita was very flavorful! I've been looking for an authentic Gyro for 18 months tried half a dozen places this is the place! Baklava and Rice Pudding arguably the top of the line fresh. AMAZING! Bonus is they are open for lunch and right near my office!
(5)
Amy M.
We came in for an early dinner/late lunch, so we beat the dinner crowd. One of the managers or owners came out and talked to us right away and asked if we had ever been there before. When we said no, he sent his waiter to get something and brought it back in a few minutes. It was a small sampler plate, with emze, hummus, and other dips. It was so good! We placed our order, the mixed maza platter and the Agora mixed grill. When the maza platter came out in a few minutes, he told the waiter to make us some special balloon bread that wasn't on the menu. The dips on the platter were so good and the balloon bread was phenomenal! It was puffed up like a balloon that we had to pop and tear off pieces to dip in the different sauces. Everything was so fresh and tasty. The mixed grill was great too! All the meats were so tender and flavorful! We shared both plates with just 2 people, and had a lot left over. We also got a piece of coconut cake to go, and it was also really fresh tasting and moist. We had an amazing experience and will definitely come back!
(5)
Ty M.
Where do they source their ingredients? How can such a simple combination of parsley, olive oil, salt, and the precious few other elements that go into their dishes taste so lively and delightful? Honestly, this place is extraordinary. Their mezze platter will make you feel alive. The mixed grill is astonishingly good for such a simple dish. And the dude that runs it is great--affable, professional. I love it.
(5)
Heather M.
I feel so lucky to have found this little gem in Buckhead!!! Great weekend lunch, great prices, huge portions, and terrific service. The meze plate was delicious - especially the carrot dip, the gyro was some of the best that I've ever had, and the chicken agora salad was fresh and flavorful. The owner was so friendly and welcoming - we had a great time! Bonus points for the dessert. I loved the rice pudding and the baklava cigars! If I find myself in Buckhead again, I will be sure to come back for a visit!!
(4)
Julie H.
This was the best food I haver ever had in my life. The gyro and side salad was amazing and the baklava will change your life. Desert is expensive, but worth it.
(5)
Prince R.
Absolutely DELICIOUS Mediterranean food with a Turkish influence. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with great staff who are big on providing a personal touch.
(5)
Brian S.
The food is good. The humus was a really nice treat. Definitely give this place a try for lunch. Be careful they charge you correctly. The guy had charged me for a platter when all I had was a sandwich. he promptly voided the charge and charged me correctly. But just be sure you keep an eye on that.
(3)
Thanh N.
My boyfriend and I ordered here a week ago and we loved it. He had the beef and lamb platter and I had the chicken platter and it was so good. The platters came with rice, a side salad, extra packed sauce and a huge piece of pita. I've mixed everything together (except of the bread) and it was really delicious. The only bad thing is, that you have to order for at least $30, so I got lady fingers, but didn't really like them since they were too sweet. But it was an overall good meal. We highly recommend this place.
(4)
Simon K.
When my friend told me this was the best Mediterranean food she's ever had, I was a little skeptical. If you've read my previous reviews, you know my affinity for Pita Inn in the Chicagoland area. In order to try it and prove her wrong, I ordered from Cafe Agora. Now, I may never be able to experience Pita Inn the same way again... - Combination/Sampler Platter: EVERYTHING is delicious. Nothing is too tough or too salty. It's all just too tasty. The Kofte Kabob was my favorite though. - Hummus: At most places, you can turn the hummus plate upside down and it will stick to the plate/bowl because it isn't creamy enough. The hummus here is so creamy that you can put it on anything. It literally becomes another sauce for you to use to add flavor to any of your dishes. - Falafel Sandwich: First off, these falafels are the perfect size. At some places, they are too small and you end up with too much overcooked shell. At other places, they are too big and the inside isn't cooked thoroughly or you just don't have the right proportion of crispy to soft. At Cafe Agora, it is perfect. And the tzatziki sauce might be the best I've ever had. - Baklava: Perfect amount of phyllo, honey, and nuts to give it a nice crunch without being overtly sweet. Eat it quickly though or the phyllo will get soggy. It is a little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Note: They do deliver but you have to have $30 minimum. So don't do it if you're only ordering for yourself.
(5)
Atlanta G.
New location is great. The old place had very good food, but parking was terrible and the staff was often unprofessional / rude. Now even for lunch - free valet, courteous staff in nice uniforms, food runners, etc, extremely fast food service (our party of 5 had all of our food in about 6 minutes from ordering), and still the same great dishes and food. And the owner came out and gave us a free sample size of the rice pudding. Only comment is it is huge portions, but since its reasonably priced why not take the extra food (i took mine to go).
(5)
Ozge U.
I was visiting Atlanta with my family and wanted to eat at a Turkish restaurant. Agora more than exceeded my expectations with both the food and hospitality. I am from Turkey and know a thing or two about both. The owner Alaadin Bey welcomed us and offered us delicious (meze) maza -with hummus, carrots and ezme....hmmmmm..... Their Adana was delicious, my husband loved the Iskender and my picky children shared a chicken kebab. The lady finger (baklava type dessert) was better than any I had. Thank you Agora for giving me a slice of home.
(5)
Wana A.
Small place. Friendly owner. Gave us some complimentary condiments to start off with while we waited for our food. Ordered the chicken kebab and the mixed grill. Portion was alright. A tad bit too little for the price that we paid. Owner also gave us some baklava and rice pudding after we finished. Both of which were very delish.
(3)
Daniel B.
Cafe Agora specializes in Turkish, Greek, and other Mediterranean cuisine. They have a picture menu posted above the kitchen of various Mediterranean foods such as gyros and kebabs as well as these huge glass cases where they show off some of their appetizers, spreads, pies, and desserts. These help out a lot when you're trying to decide what to order. As soon as we sat down at our table, the owner Al, brought us a small sampler of hummus, ezme (tomato-based spread), and tabouli (green herb-based spread). He then took a small disposable fork, mixed the three spreads together, and boldly fed us samples while we waited. Each of the spreads were freshly made and the ezme and tabouli were tangy. While it was a nice gesture of the owner to have us sample these, he ended up charging us for it, when we never ordered it to begin with. Not cool. I tried out two chicken dishes: the chicken shish kebab and the chicken gyro. The chicken shish kebab was served off-the-stick, in between pieces of pita bread and a bed of white rice. The pieces of chicken were chargrilled, so the meat was a little crispy on the outside. The entree is also served with a small side salad with mint dressing and a small cup of tzatziki sauce. The meat was dry, so the sauce really helped. The pieces of chicken in the gyro were much better and tasted great with the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and tzatziki sauce. While it's a lot of food, the kebabs are a little overpriced as each plate will set you back about $15 which seems like a lot for a dive such as this. Gyros are about half the cost. We also tried a slice of their strawberry cake, which we'd seen earlier sitting behind the glass. We asked for just a small piece, but Al gave us a huge chunk. It was as delicious as we'd hoped. The strawberries were sweet and ripe and icing was rich. As mentioned previously, the restaurant itself is small and divey. The space can get cramped when the restaurant is busy. Cafe Agora is located next door to Buckhead Bottle Bar on East Paces Ferry Rd. We came on a weeknight and were told by the valet guys at BBB that we could park in the HiFi Buys parking lot across the street for free, even though that lot has one of those metal boxes that you insert cash into (it turned out to be fine).
(3)
Chris C.
A local gem! This was very good tasting food with generous portions. The Maza sampling platter is quite a nice starter to share but ask for extra pita. The grilled beef kebab was smoky and had a rich flavor from some combination or spice I could not quite place. The owner is a friendly character and an active manager with obvious pride in the food and establishment. He might be the Turkish Gordon Ramsey. Don't be put off if he is scolding his staff-- it adds to atmosphere! They have outgrown their current location and will be moving down the street in the future. (new site under construction, still open at old location).
(5)
Thomas F.
Beeeeeeest mediterranean food I've ever had. Kind of pricey but well worth it!! The owner is very proud of his food and you can tell why. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, hummus and falafel. Little grease in the gyro which is what I love and the hummus was the best I've had. We even got some to go!
(5)
Lisa G.
A**holes hung up in our face on the phone when we tried to order delivery he couldn't understand the address!!!!! What in god's name kind of service is this!!!
(1)
Camilo R.
Terrible service! From the Valet all the way to the owner Al! I start the night by being force to hand over my keys to the valet parker when I had already found a spot. Valet parker was not courteous at all about it, to the point where he got in my face and demanded my keys as I'm walking away. I said no, I will go inside and talk to Al and he says it doesn't matter I will be back inside later to get the keys. I decided to speak to Al's uncle, (manager) about the situation and he just seemed to be having a bad day, disregarded my concern and told me not to mix parking with food and go sit down. The fact that his valet parker had already ruined my mood didn't matter to him. We order our an appetizer and according to the menu it was supposed to be served with garlic sauce. When we asked the server what kind of sauce it was he said garlic sauce. We proceed to ask another server what kind of sauce it was brought to us and she told us tomato sauce which I am allergic to. The other server went on to try to convince me that the red sauce on the table was garlic sauce. Terrible!!!We asked for lemons and they bring us limes. Throughout the whole night you could see Al visiting's everyone's table to make sure everything was okay. Walked by mine 8 times!! Not once did he check on us. He lost his cool in public and started to yell at two of his servers. Very humiliating! Got the check and left without leaving a tip. Go get car from valet which happens to get smart with me and tells me not to come back to the restaurant if I don't want to valet. I go inside and speak to Al directly about the whole experience and tells me that it was a terrible night, he admitted to loosing his tempter with his employees, said he was going to fire one of them, said that his uncle had a loss in the family so therefore his attitude was justifiable and all I get is an apology while he slowly walks me to the door. On top of it, I come to find out the restaurant charged my account a TIP for the service after I had written a zero on it and signed it which means they added money that I had not agreed to. This is consider stealing! It was not a party of 6 or more where a tip is added to the bill, nor did the bill stated that!!! I will never go back! I will never refer anyone or have anything positive to say about Cafe agora going forward. It's sad to say that I've been a customer for 6 years!
(1)
Gina S.
Delicious lamb gyro! Moist, decadent chocolate cake. Easy parking, excellent location, fast, friendly service in a comfortable setting.
(5)
Nafaax B.
I love agora.. A small joint with amazing food that is open late at night. Its a perfect place to go for food if ur partying late in that area. I don't know how they make their lamb so thin and so tasty..my standard is the lamb and beef plater... I rather replace all the beef with lamb. The old guy behind the counter was so sweet...he kept us providing sides... After food try the baklava . I am a big fan. In a months time they will be moving to a new couple of yards away... The place is suppose to be bigger... Which I don't care for... I just want good food.... I keep going there and love to take my friends
(5)
Adam E.
Not sure about the whole lovefest on here. Gonna buck the trend here and challenge everyone's "groupthink" mentality. Let's get real about this place. If you rate this a 4 or a 5, then chances are you have not tried out other Turkish-Med places here in Atlanta. Food is average. Parking and restaurant are below average...especially for the Buckhead area. I like hole-in-the-wall places as much as the next guy. But at the same time, I expect lower prices and yummy, can't-put-it-down kinda food. Sure, it might be good for a quick gyro on your lunch break, but not otherwise. I have come here for dinner twice. Both times I'm thinking we should have gone somewhere else. I mean you're paying a restaurant price for average food in a below average setting. Why not pay the same price and have a nice dinner in a real restaurant at a place like Mykono's. Anyways, we had the chicken gyro platter and lamb gyro platter and got to sample everything they had. Gyro meat is chipped into small pieces and is dry, overcooked. Salad is plain. Lots of rice and bread to fill you up on carbs. If they have not fileld you up on carbs alreay, I bet you can't wait to try the rice pudding. Hmmm...sooo...average. One bite and you've had enough. There is nothing that would make me return. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Brittany P.
Love the new location. Lots of outdoor seating. The platter appetizer is a must to sample true authentic Mediterranean dips and apps. I ordered the chicken kabobs but couldn't finish it. It was really tasty. The owner is pretty chatty. Funny guy though. Ambience and great authentic greek.
(5)
Sarah T.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had and the owner is amazing! I feel like I'm at home every time I go here!
(5)
Hannah E.
To be completely honest, the first several times I visited this restaurant were after having drinks with friends in the nearby bar district - it's open 'til 4am. The food was always delicious, so I decided to take my mother for lunch, and it was still just as great. As a baklava fiend, I never fail to order this dessert anywhere I can find it, but Cafe Agora's is the best in Atlanta. The baklava here is absolutely divine! They make it in house, fresh, and it is drenched with honey goodness. As far as other recommendations, you can't go wrong with the Mezze Platter!
(5)
Anurag G.
It's a great place. The food is amazing, fresh, and the portion sizes are enormous. Service is fast and good. I really liked the falafels, and maza platter for appetizers. They have a pretty nice complimentary stuff like hummus tasting in the beginning, and dessert at the end; not to mention the complimentary valet parking. ;)
(5)
Lauren H.
We love Cafe Agora. It's a staple in Buckhead that never gets old. The food is fresh and delicious and I always leave happy and full. Al is a character and it's always a good time and good conversation when he's around the restaurants. Definitely check out this place for authentic Turkish/ Mediteranean food. We also heard that Al is opening a full sit down restaurant down the street (with a lot!), so look for that coming soon!!
(5)
Anuj S.
I think Cafe Agora could not live up to the super high expectations yelp has created for it. With so many reviews and such a high average, I was expecting much more. This place is one of those hole in the wall places - no problem... sometimes the best food is served at small mom/pop shops. It wasn't clear where to park. Was going to initially park at a meter in front of the restaurant. I went inside to ask if they had other parking available... it was difficult to even get the person's attention. He did tell me that parking was available a 1/4 block away. A bit confusing as the parking lot says it's paid, but it's not clear how you even make a payment. Upon returning I asked about the payment situation and the guy says, "no", in response to whether or not I needed to pay without even looking at me. Not looking for good service after this point. The food itself was good. First off we got a side of hummus. It was just OK. It comes with very little bread which is all cut up in to small squares. I didn't really like that. I'd rather they provide me with the full bread which I can break myself. Plus, they give so little. It's probably one pita for the entire plate of hummus. We asked for more bread and he forgot so we didn't get that until we were done with the entrees. He did apologize for forgetting. After bringing out the falafel sandwich, he never came back even once to check up on us. I wanted to get some hot sauce, but failed multiple times to get his attention. The falafel themselves were nice. Can't complain. I haven't had Turkish food very often, but it seemed to be a mix of Lebanese and Greek to me - the falafel being the Labanese part and the Tzaziki being the Greek part. That as opposed to having the normal tahini and hot sauce. It was still good, though. Good to have something different. Just wish the service had been better. After that, one nice touch was that we got these two little complementary sampler desserts. We got a little cup of rice pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on top. That one was just OK. We also got this baklava variant which was basically baklava wrapped in a roll with some pistachio stuffed inside. I remember they called these lady fingers on the menu. These were amazing! Just wish these things weren't so rich and sugar-full or I'd order some of them to go. Overall, I don't know what other Mediterranean options there are in and around the greater Atlanta area and more specifically in Buckhead. Hopefully there are some others. If not, I guess I might give Cafe Agora another try.
(2)
Farida A.
3.5 stars, really. Look I'll admit it, the food is pretty darn good. The meats are cooked extremely well and my goodness the pita is heavenly! Hummus, not so much (bland and watery). But the clincher here is the price. I thought food was cheaper in AT? For a place with zero ambiance I'm surprised they can get away with charging SO much so simple kabob platters. It was good, but I wouldn't come back unless someone else was paying for it!
Twice in 24 hours. That stinking good. I love authentic, hole in the wall, unpretentious places. Cafe Agora is right up that alley. My first time me and my boyfriend shared the Mixed Maza Platter as an appetizer and Agora Mixed Grill for entree. Although I am not an eggplant fan, we still managed to clean the plate(Mixed Maza Platter). I would highly recommend this for your first time. it's a great way to get to know the appetizer menu and a great way to educate yourself on Mediterranean cold dishes. As for entree, we got the Agora Mixed Grill, simply because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and get a feel of what's good and what to stay away from. Everything was good, but it did leave me wishing for more lamb and a big fat gyro. GUESS WHAT, the next day we visited again. IT WAS THAT GOOD. To sum things up: * park at hifi buys and keep receipt for validation. * Try the mix maza platter * Get the lamb gyro * try the TO DIE FOR & FREE baklava & rice pudding. OMG, I really want some now.
(5)
Stephen V.
First, I was stationed in Turkey for 2.5 years, so I KNOW Turkish food! This place is a wonderful place for me to get my Turkish fix when I start craving that excellent culinary tradition. The food is always superb and quick. The owners are wonderful and friendly. Their new bartender at the new location is sweet, cheerful and charming....doing everything she can to make one feel comfortable, whether eating there or grabbing takeout. The new digs are a huge step up from the old place! It is drenched with very pleasant blue lighting and Turkish music playing in the background. They just moved in, so the armoire shelves are empty and it has a sense if incompleteness, but ironically, this is very common throughout Turkiye proper. I tend to get the Adana kabobs, while my wife gets the mixed grill - both excellent! We've had the gyros, several other entrees, the meze plate really guys the spot. My wife can't get enough of the carrot salad and the rice pudding, while we both agree the baba ganoush is the best we've ever had. They usually have Turkish Efes beer on hand, as well as the usual American suspects. Pricing is a tad higher than I would like, but you won't feel like you were taken advantage of by any means. If you've never had Turkish, go explore a wonderful new horizon. If you're an experienced Mediterranean/Turkish foodie, go get a reminder of how good it can be. Afiyet olsun.
(5)
Brian P.
Fantastic owner! He wouldn't stop giving friends and me samples of his mixed mezes. I love the carrot salad stuff here, it's just halfway like sweet cheesy spread for pitas. It's got great mouthfeel. I really now understand the value of simply grilled meat--there's beauty in the simplicity of the way they handle their meats here. You'll understand if you get the simple meat platter on rice. Combine it with a little nice red wine, and you're really in for a world of flavor. Without the wine, it's really bleh. Trust me, the food you eat here really should pair with a spicy red wine, it's like the cook's tastebuds are drowning in the red stuff (and that's a good thing).
(4)
M C.
Great place! One of the employees even came out and moved his car to let us park in his spot when we couldn't find a space. Waiter made great suggestions for food for us, brought out complimentary little desserts for the table. Will definitely come back if we're ever back in Atlanta again.
(5)
Francine L.
I went with a a large group tonight. The people that got there early had their orders taken, so that when I sat down, the Waitress never noticed me and it was not until all the others were being served that I realized that the orders had already been taken, It was downhill from there. I tried to order several times with three different servers ever since they brought the appetizers out to the others, but I was still ignored even though myself and other guests from the table made it known that I had not ordered. and since they continued to be busy with the main entrees, I got ignored till most of the others were done with their meals.. One man came out to take my order, but with all the loud conversation, I could not hear him and he said, "you must not be hungry" and he walked away. I had to walk to the front desk and complain about it to the Management. The Manager told me to "calm down", not a mere word of an apology. When I finally got my food, they brought out the soup and right after, brought out my main dish. I had to send it back since the food would get cold while I was still eating the soup. I specified that I did not want anything that was hot and spicy and was brought out a dish that was very spicy, so I returned it. The other dish that I ordered was not very tasty to me, so I just took a few bites. The Waitress asked me "Didn't you like your meal?" and I said no. At that point, I didn't want to complain again after all the other disaster and the management telling me to 'calm down' when I complained about the poor service. So, I just left it alone. I was surprised that the Management did not offer me any compensation like a comp drink or something after all the bad service. That just added to the perception of this restaurant of which I will never go back.
(1)
Chris And Tanja B.
Food is fantastic and service is awesome. We have been in for both dine in and take out about 10 times now and have been very pleased with every experience. They finally fixed the one issue we ever had, parking, by now offering free valet. So far, our favorite entrees have been the Lamb and Beef Gyro, the Chicken Kebab and on our last visit we tried the Falafel and it was fantastic. Casual atmosphere and great place to meet up with some friends. Would also say the $ value of both food and drinks is pretty good too, especially for Buckhead.
(5)
Charlie S.
Nice place and friendly owners but the food was somewhat bland. I like my hummus with more flavor, just seemed too bland. Lamb was seasoned correctly. Falafel was good, but so are the ones at Falafel King. I wouldn't rate this as 4 or 5 stars for food.
(3)
Jie Y.
It has great dishes and tastes for sure. But is it the best turkish one? nope, I have had better before. But considering its prices, this is a great store. However, the atmosphere and service is average or below average. The parking is okay but I don't like the feeling of paying for parking in Atlanta for a meal. Overall, a good one but not excellent.
(4)
Jake K.
I wasn't sure what to expect but with two friends giving it four and five stars, respectively, I couldn't resist. Came here and was seated quickly. Decor is lacking - this is a no frills establishment that is here to serve you food and drink. A server came up to the group, gave us menus and came back in about five minutes. After ordering the food, it came out rather quickly. I got the combo and immediately regretted it. Why you ask? Well, because I was a traveler and would have loved to save about 2/3 of the plate as it was overwhelming and offered plenty to eat. The meats were charred well and there was different shwarma, gyro meat, and kebabs to satisfy the palate. Throw on some rice and salad, and you have a winner. Didn't even need beer. If I'm back in Buckhead, I'll be back!
(4)
Allison N.
Delicious food and wonderful staff! I wish I lived closer because then I could come here all the time.
(5)
Scott R.
Al the owner is a trip. Great guy took the time to get to know us. Great food so yummy!!!!
(5)
Loren B.
I read the other yelp reviews and gave it a shot. I don't live in Atlanta, traveling on business, so this was one of my few local meals. When I walked in it wasn't what I expected. It felt more like a deli. But ohhhh my opinion quickly changed. The smile and graciousness of the guy behind the counter who told me, "please sit I will take care of you." The super fresh look of every food item behind the counter. The Turkish music playing (it was really good and I'm picky), the great Turkish wine they suggested instead of my request for Cabernet. Very quickly I realized I was in someone's home. Then my meal arrived. The Mixed Maza Platter. Heaven. And then the baklava. That's what put me over the edge and got me to write probably my 2nd or 3rd yelp review. This place is super legit and authentic. Oh yeah, and thanks to all you yelpers that write many more reviews than I do.....
(5)
Sabrina C.
Cannot say enough good things about this place! The food is delish, the staff/owner are so friendly you are almost guaranteed to be hand fed - no joke on the 2-3 occasions I have visited the owner has been ready fully spoon in hand to feed me like I was a toddler. He is a very lively personality and claims his wife cooks all the food :). Don't forget to grab some baklava on your way out the pistachio is amazing. The star is only removed for the lack of seating... this place is packed at lunch and sometimes you have to wait for a spot.
(4)
Steve T.
One of my favorite places in Atlanta. Great food and service. They always make our kids feel special. Looking forward to the new and improved Buckhead space!
(4)
Angela L.
Hands down the best Mediterranean food joint I have been to in Atlanta. I bring all my out-of-town visitors here, and we never leave disappointed. I usually order the Kofte Kabob, and the lamb is consistently juicy and tender. The salad on the side is fresh and crisp which provides a perfect balance to flavorful, succulent meat. Don't forget to try the hummus and the baklava too. Just want to point out that the restaurant can't accommodate for larger parties (4+), but their service is quick and welcoming. I can't rave enough about how fantastic this place is--a must-try if you are visiting Atlanta!
(5)
Michelle B.
3.5 stars, if that is possible. Location is good. Parking is stupid, but it IS Buckhead. Our choices appeared to be paying a parking meter ($2/hour) or the $5 lot on a Saturday night. We chose the meter and got our food to go. The space is very small, but it is clean and they do have a full bar. The service was a little strange but friendly. We did not experience the owner. The food itself was really good. I wouldn't call it the best, but it was different than other falafel I've had in Atlanta and it was good in it's own way. We also had tabouli, which was really good, and some baklava, which was decent. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area!
(3)
ILAN S.
Love this place,. Always had great food, great service. Don't like anything? Tell the owner, Al. Mezze platter, grilled chicken salad or gyro, then tiramisu with a raki...beautiful thing!
(5)
Phoebe T.
You know, I had expected more from these rave yelp reviews but I just wasn't all that into Cafe Agora. I felt like the decor of this place was lacking and the owner seems a bit sketchy. We were with some friends so thankfully it seemed like they knew what to order and sort of knew the owner, but I would kind of be scared that they'd charge us random prices and offer us things and then charge us for things if we came here ourselves. Also, the parking situation is a disaster. I'll pass.
(2)
Jeremy S.
Always satisfied. This place is small but very cool. The gyros are awesome. The mezza plate is a must. The baklava is amazing. The owners are great. Can't say enough positive about this place. The only down side is parking can be tough but you can always find a space within a block or two.
(5)
Helena W.
Everything was great!! Ordered the grapes leaves as an app and shared them with my lunch guests. Also ordered the chicken gyro sandwich. Huge! and quite yummy. They threw in some rice pudding. This was my first time trying; it was pretty good. Company was wonderful and looking forward to doing it again.
(5)
Semra E.
It's as if I'm back in Istanbul visiting my family. It's hard to find a hole in the wall Turkish place where I can get my fix, but I believe I have found it. Not only is the food delicious, but the owner will feed you. Now anywhere else I would be worried about this, but here, it isn't odd or anything, in fact it adds to the atmosphere & is absolutely some of the best Turkish food I've had in the states in a long time. I shared the adona kabob with my sister-in-law, which came with rice (which tasted exactly how my grandmothers rice used to taste), rich tomato's that are shaved and semi-sauted in it. It was one of the most delicious tasting rice I've had, the meat was also tender & just right. We were given a sample of the rice pudding, which I highly recommend. Also the Baklava is made fresh, it's warm & melts in your mouth....it was some of the best I've ever had, even beat some places I had it in Istanbul! Now that's good Baklava ;-)
(5)
P H.
This place is hands down the BEST Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish restaurant in Atlanta. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the owner is joyful and welcoming. We always have the best time here. I would recommend it to anyone. The remodeling means that the seating is quite nice now but the prices remain reasonable.
(5)
Brenna S.
Well..... After reading reviews I wanted so badly to love this place. And I always hate reading and writing a bad review and don't find myself doing this pretty often. But I had to share my experience (and what seemed to be a similar experience to the patrons who left as I arrived here). So, when I found the place, I wasn't sure where to park, but found a spot on the side of the street with a parking meter. I ran in to ask for change for a five so I could pay the meter (which charges $2 per hour), but the guy behind the counter (I'm assuming it was this Al guy everyone talks about) assured me I could park at HiFi Buys for free (despite multiple signs posted that state the contrary). Regardless I didn't feel like going through the trouble as it was a cold and rainy day, and Al actually just GAVE me four quarters to go pay the meter and commented on my laziness. I laughed to myself and thought, "Hey, good guy, I'll tip him extra". ;D When I went back in I was mulling over the menu and different items in the display thingy. He asked me what I like, and I responded "I'm not sure what most of this is". Honest answer, as I don't know the name of every sauce and mediterranean concoction behind the counter and I always like to learn more. So he offered me a little sampler platter. Cool! A much appreciated gesture, once again, and I'm thinking I'll tip him even a little extra... DESPITE the fact that he creepily insisted on feeding it to me himself..... :\ But we'll get over it. It's just lunch and a bite of tabouli, eh? Ehhh? :\ Anywho, my friend arrives and we order our food, I was craving a falafel so I went that route, my friend just got the Spanakopita, I think. Well, when the food was served up, it smelled GREAT, but not falafel-y. In fact it wasn't falafel at all, not even a sandwich of any sort, it was lamb on rice with a side salad. Well, I'm thinking they obviously took their time to make this, its warm and fresh and smells good, so I won't complain, I'll just try something a little unexpected rather than put him and the kitchen staff through the extra trouble. (we were the only people in there so it wasn't like it was someone else's order either) The food was enjoyable, and time came to pay. My friend insists on paying for me when we go to eat (just a gentlemanly thing I guess), so he actually approaches another woman behind the counter to pay. She asks what we had, he replied with the numbers from the menu that we originally ordered. He tried to explain, he doesn't know what was actually given but that what we ordered was that number, so the man comes over at this point and just randomly starts YELLING. I turn around to see what's going on and he looks straight at me and starts YELLING at me! Why didn't I tell them he gave me the wrong order blah blah blah "NEVER COME BACK TO THIS PLACE!" he says. He starts spitting out random numbers for totals, and my friend is calmly saying he doesn't think that's what the menu says, so he spits out a new number for the total and says JUST GIVE ME THAT AND LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK! Confused? Me too. Apparently this guy just likes to raise his voice and make up numbers and run customers away. As I was leaving I remembered walking in and hearing the SAME situation going on with two gentlemen who were trying to pay, and getting yelled at, but since I wanted my experience to be good I had perhaps naïvely written it off. SO, all in all. Go ahead, take your chances for a fresh and tasty meal and so-so atmosphere. Just maybe take this account into consideration. The only way I'll ever support this establishment again is: A. if I can't find a good substitute elsewhere in sprawling Atlanta, B. I can call in an order ahead of time for take-out, C. I have a friend go in to pick it up, and D. we have our totals UP FRONT.
(1)
David L.
UNREAL! The owner was incredibly inviting and hospitable, offering a free sampling of his hummus and tablueh. I wish I lived here so I could visit Cafe Agora more!
(5)
Shazia T.
i had been wanting to try this place for the longest time and i'm glad i can cross it off my list now. it's good food, but it made my stomach feel a little funny the next day. also i'm not sure how halal this place is cuz i asked the waitress and she pointed to a totally vegetarian dish and said it was not halal. i tried the mixed plate of appetizers and it was good. the eggplant was probably my favorite thing on there. i had a chicken kabob plate. the chicken was good, but the rice it was on tasted like uncle ben's. i was a little disappointed. also parking here is a bitch. pay the meter if you parallel park near the entrance or find a parking lot.
(3)
Alex B.
Some of the best food I've had in Atlanta. I make a point of stopping by every time I'm in town. And you gotta love the atmosphere too. Al, you're the man. Get the mixed grill, and some baklava for dessert. That sampler plate of pita and dips is fantastic as well.
(5)
Mark M.
Great food. Great service! Atmosphere is ok, but all else made up for it. Had the mixed grill and a mixed appetizer of sauses and pita bread. Very different. Service was ver friendly. I highly recommend!
(5)
Danelle J.
The first time I ate from here I ordered takeout, and my food was delicious. Dining in is a little odd, I like places like this but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very small when you first walk in and can be a bit cramped depending on how many other people are dining in. The first time I ordered the Mezze plate and it was very tasty, I think the pita bread could be slightly fresher but not a big deal. Both times I ordered the gyros and the meat was juicy and very well seasoned. My friend ordered the lamb kabobs, she mentioned the food could be a little more spicy, so if you like spicy you may want to let them know to add a little fire, b/c it's not spicy at all. This is the perfect spot for dining with a friend or a no fuss date!
(4)
Jonah K.
Let me start off by saying the owners are very nice. The service was very slow, they need more people to handle the lunch rush. The problem is that its so small, I'm not sure you could have 2 people handling the counter. The Gyro was okay, I have had better in the city. The pita was excellent, the rest so/so. They don't make their own Gyro blend, something I would have expected from a place that gets such high respect on yelp. The mixed masa app platter was a good sampler. The humus was very good, as was the tabbouleh. The rest were nothing special. It took 15 minutes to pay for our meal after, which was kind of annoying. People were cutting in line all over the place. Would rather be at Nick's any day of the week.
(2)
Elaine S.
Great food BUT be careful at dinner. I was given a menu and NOT told that the prices were for to go and lunch. I got a small maza plate and drink. I paid $10.00 more than the price that was in the menu. Very disappointed.
(2)
Janelle D.
A group of us had a concert to see at the Buckhead Theater on Sunday night 11/14/10, so we looked for places to eat a day before the show and decided on Cafe Agora since it was only a block away and we were on the lookout for a good Mediterranean place. Upon walking up to the door, the owner, who was outside, summoned us inside, claiming over and over how good the food was. He was friendly, but by the middle of our meal, we were all just a little worn out and thought it was over the top. Maybe it's just a cultural thing, but he was loud and in-your-face and kind of pushy. Fortunately, his claims about the food being delicious was TRUE - it was!! - but ambiance is important, too. I'd give this place a five if it weren't for the following issues: 1. I was put off by being pressured to step inside and try his food. I mean, we were on our way there anyway so it worked out, but that's kind of annoying. He got up and in our way and tried to usher us inside! 2. There were people who arrived way after us and got their food before us. 3. He brought out a sampler of some sort, which was really good, and ended up charging us for it. I'm not an idiot - I figured he would, but this is just tacky in my book. Also, it was $10 platter. You can't just assume someone can pay for that. When we ran out of pita bread pices for the platter (there were 6 of us!) he said he wouldn't give us anymore because then we wouldn't order food because we'd get full. 4. Never got refills on our water. 5. We waited fooorever for a menu. Another employee came to us with pen and paper ready to take our order and he seemed put off that we didn't know what we wanted. When we said it was our first time, he chuckled and said something about how "people usually know what they want when they come in there." 6. The owner was loud. Very. He talked loud, he was aggressive, and he tried to feed me - FEED ME - a gyro that I ordered (which, again, was probably the best I've ever had). Nooo thank you. I'm not even weird about my personal space but that's a bit much - to have a stranger feed me my food? Nuh uh. 7. It also took foooorever to get our bill. It was a Sunday night. Not many people in there. A group came in about an hour after we did he started in on them again about how good the food was. It's one thing to be proud of your food but to push it like that is just tacky. 8. He did give us a sample of baklava desserts, which were wonderful. All in all, the food was great. I'd go back to try new things, but inside, I dread having to deal with him, and I'm an outgoing people person! Just no yelling at me when I'm trying to eat or adding stuff to my bill and not telling me or trying to feed me and we're good, okay? Okay! For the record, everyone loved what they had - we stuck to falafels and gyros and it was really tasty and not bland at all. Mmm! FYI: Aside from the sandwiches, the other dishes like the kebabs and platters hover around $15.
(3)
Tramaine W.
I went early afternoon on a Thursday so I got to park directly in front of the door, good start. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro and a baklava. The baklava was a little too sweet but the flavor was great. I loved the baklava but I kept wishing I had a bottle of water to wash the sweetness down. The gyro was exactly OK, no complaints but it is not something I would particularly attempt to eat again in life. I would not question the authenticity of this place because I don't doubt this is the real deal but I have had better seasoned and tasting lamb and beef gyros. My gyro and baklava was $9.
(3)
Inna B.
MMM delicious. We found this "almost a hole in the wall" through yelp as it was walking distance to our hotel. Although the atmosphere is non-existent, the food was very good. My boyfriend and I shared the mixed meze plate and licked it clean. I do wish they gave more accompanying pita bread than the tiny squares this dish came with. We also split the mixed grill. The portion was not huge, but we both left satisfied. My favorite of all the meats would have to be the lamb shish kabobs. We also had turkish coffees and complimentary rice pudding and baklava samples (the baklava was probably the best I've had.) I would recommend coming here for a quick bite or getting take out.
(4)
Max S.
Went with people in the office (4) What was ordered: lamb gyros-some of the best I've ever had, very fresh *make sure you use the hot sauce they have in the squirt bottle...its awesome Service: order at the register, sit down, they bring out the food, tell the cashier what you ordered when you are finished to pay Atmosphere: nothing special the owner is like the soup nazi from Seinfeld...will yell at you a little but its all in good fun...and the food is awesome
(4)
Ken K.
Came here for the first time with my lady after rock climbing, so we were fairly hungry. We stared at the menu for a few seconds and I guess the man behind the counter could tell we were new and asked if we were first time customers. We confirmed his suspicions and asked if he had any recommendations. He suggested the Mixed Maza Platter, which is a combo of humus, eggplant salad, babaganush, ezme, kisir, and piyaz, plus the daily appetizer special as well as the Mixed Grill kebabs for the two of us. I have a fat kid inside me, so I double checked to make sure he thought this was enough for the two of us. My fingers are still numb from rock climbing, so I'll make this short. The food was delicious. The prices are reasonable, but maybe a tad on the pricier side. The staff was very nice and even gave us complimentary baklava, which was super yummy. We left happy and hope we get another opportunity to eat here soon! Try it, you'll like it.
(5)
Anna D.
Love Cafe Agora. Given the huge number of reviews, I guess it isn't a hidden gem, but it still seems that way to me every time I come. It's always jam packed at lunch, but they should be fixing the crowd issue when they move to their new location in 2 months. I love their dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and their chicken gyros . Also, they are open super late on the weekends which comes in handy!
(4)
J D.
Maybe went in there on a bad night, but was terrible service. The manager was screaming at one of the people in the back for messing up an order, then the guy came out who was waiting on us and quit on the job. Food came really late, but was still delicious... I should probably give the place a 1 for the very terrible and unprofessional service that surely made everybody feel uncomfortable. Falafels were really good, as was the mezze plate though. I'd probably give it a 4 for food but the dining experience dropped it 2 stars. This would be a good place to have on mystery diners, if the manager actually cared but he seemed to be the one screaming at the waiter for messing up a take out order. Can they make some kind of reverse mystery diners like horrible bosses for restaurants?
(2)
Maureen D.
Super friendly staff. Best Baklava ever & I don't care for Baklava but theirs was awesome. Generous portions you'll need to take some home! Food was very fresh and great seasoning. I'll be back. You must check them out if you love Mediterranean food. 5 Stars!!
(5)
Khurum U.
I visited Cafe Agora last and was treated to a wonderful Mixed Gyro plate. Thin sliced lamb cooked to perfection along with a generous amount of cubed grilled chicken. A nice Mediterranean salad in the side and some tasty pita/naan with some light marination. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. To top it all off, they provided a honey soaked piece of baklava that was out of this world. Don't skip this place, it's worth the hype!
(5)
Charlotte S.
Al the owner is the best. Open until 2am at least. Covered patio, full bar, and tables. Great service. Good prices. Lots of desserts.
(5)
Ryan S.
Excellent Greek and an owner who is so engaging and enthusiastic it makes the already-superb food taste even better. If you order the large Falafel...prepare for a LARGE falafel.
I would never eat here again. Constant over charging and service is very very poor! Food is mediocre.
(1)
Amy W.
The food is delicious and the portions are insane. So much food. Spanikopita is unique to this Cafe. It isn't flakey like most others. It may seem pricey when you see the menu but the portions are huge so it's really a deal.
(4)
Rav J. M.
Man, some of the best customer service I've had. The owner is older yet makes a point to interact and spread his passion and love. He's proud of his establishment and food. How does it taste? Good.. like really good. I enjoy the chicken gyro and sampler plates immensely.
(4)
Kevin Q.
I came here yesterday night with my coworkers and it was great! The menu is mainly focused on gyros, which I don't have a problem with. The hummus was good, and the pita bread was even better. There was even complimentary valet parking, even though the parking lot wasn't that big. The platter was among the biggest I've ever seen, even in the South. I would highly recommend coming here for dinner.
Disappointing. Used to be much better. Falafel was way too spicy-the waitress thought it was funny, said the chef added too much heat but she offered to do nothing. The phyllo dough on the spanakopita was soggy, not the least bit crispy. The gyro meat was dry. Sounds like Momma is no longer in the kitchen. It'll be a while before I return.
(2)
Theresa H.
This is my 2nd time to Cafe Agora. My last experience was excellent, the chicken shish kebab was delicious. Love the rice pudding and baklava too. My visit tonight left me lukewarm. Ordered the same dish, the chicken did not taste fresh nor was it as good as the last time. The chicken gyro tasted good though. A friend had to run to the bathroom right after she got home and her tummy did not feel too well. Did not know if it was the food she ate there or elsewhere. Service was alright. Ordered some baklavas to go. For me, the best baklava around. Most baklavas are way too sweet, those here are perfect. Rice pudding is good too but since I may be making some rice pudding with Gordon Ramsay's receipe this July 4th weekend, will skip the Cafe Agora's pudding this time. Hopefully my next experience will overall be a terrific one.
(3)
Missy M.
Excellent service. Very attentive staff. The owner has quite the personality and visited every table while we were there. Now to the food: fresh and very flavorful. We had the mixed gril platter and a small plate of esme and hadari. Flavors were on point!! We almost licked the plate. Very reasonably priced as well. Coming from DC we were extremely impressed . I wish they would open a branch there.
(5)
Emily T.
Delicious food and excellent service. The new location is beautiful and has much more seating, including a lovely patio in front. They serve a free (little) meza plate after you order; you can also purchase the larger appetizer portion. Fresh and delicious, including hummus, tabbouleh, and other dips. For dinner I enjoyed the gyro, stuffed with flavorful lamb, accompanied by a fresh greek salad w/feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a tasty dressing. I usually feel overwhelmed by dressing on salad but this was perfect. My companion enjoyed the mix grill entree--a succulent assortment of meats, alongside pita bread, rice, greek salad, and yogurt sauce. Everything was great, and our friendly server made us feel at home. For dessert, they serve a small portion of complimentary rice pudding that's phenomenal. Creamy, not too sweet, just right. The baklava is excellent. The food can be a little on the expensive side, but the quality and flavor are top notch. Highly recommended for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
(5)
Kelly M.
Cafe Agora never fails... The owner truly loves this place. The food is awesome and the new location is spacious (although I do miss the hole in the wall vibe). Everything I've gotten here is incredible. I RECOMMEND TRYING EVERYTHING
(5)
Dan G.
I've had the gyro platter twice now and it's reasonably good The service is solid and they always give you something small that is on the house The gyro meat has been a bit dry both times and the salad a little heavy on the dressing All that being said if you are in the area it's worth a meal I will return
(3)
Sarah B.
Great food. The service was lacking. We arrived around 2 p.m. and were the only customers at the restaurant which raised a concern. Based on the rave Yelp! reviews we decided to give it a try. The server was busy trying to eat her lunch which was a total turn off and caused major delay in placing our order. I had to go get her to let her know we were ready. However once we got our food we were able to overlook her lackluster performance. We ordered an eggplant lasagna and the hummus. Both items were delicious and plentiful. There were two of us and we shared the lasagna and hummus and left very satisfied.
(4)
Terence B.
I found this place while driving past one day and noticed that it had good reviews. It is located just off of Peachtree Road in Buckhead. It is very basic looking and feeling, both inside and outside. We were seated promptly and had good service throughout. We started with hummus, which was a good starter. I had the agora salad with both lamb and chicken, which was huge, filling and great tasting. My friend had the chicken euro, which was also good. It good for both small and large parties. The only dislike is that I thought that it was a bit pricy. liked this place and definitely plan to come back.
(4)
Katherine K.
Alas they are only open till 10 on week nights, even for takeout, until 11 ish on weekends. New location but I'm pretty sure I googled delivery buckhead open now and this was one of the scant options. However if you call they don't deliver so I wish they would rectify their info online. It's 2014... However, baklava. Best baklava ever.
(3)
Zulfiqar H.
WOW!!!! Had lunch there this afternoon; It was one the best and most enjoyable meals I have ever had Magnificent food with excellent service Whenever I am Atlanta next this is one place I am most definitely going to visit
(5)
Nik T.
Finally great service. Sadly it is only at the bar...but ah well, food is still great
(5)
Christopher T.
I love this place... It adds to the fact that ATL is the most underrated city for eats in america... Yes i said it. Besides the amazingly awesome food this place has to offer, what makes it soo special is from the second you walk in to the moment you leave they treat you as if you are the only customer they have. It doesn't matter if you went to their first location or their new building down the road, that has a very friendly and fun atmosphere, Cafe Agora's #1 priority is making the customer happy! GREAT Food GREAT customer service = 5 STARS
(5)
Will H.
My favorite Mediterranean place in Buckhead. Great value for great food.
(5)
Andrea P.
I love everything about the new location! It kept everything I liked about the old place (the food) and vastly improved everything I didn't. Easy parking, much larger restaurant that is beautifully decorated, very clean, and has an amazing patio. (There is also a private room you can reserve in the back.) Efficient counter ordering with the food coming out quickly. Prices are on the higher end but you really get what you pay for - great quality and lots of food. Love the small appetizer sampler platter Al continues to give out. Note - I learned that for weekday lunch the gyro sandwich comes just by itself, but nights and weekends it comes with a side salad (don't know if the price varies though). I thoroughly enjoyed one of the platters for lunch and am stuffed! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Chris H.
I dropped in here for lunch and was greeted by the owner like I was a good friend. Watched him bounce around his place and chat and interact with everyone is this bustling Turkish gem. I ordered the chicken/lamb gyro with the salad. I've been to the Middle East and even Istanbul but this place rocked them all! The salad was fresh and delicious with a dynamite dressing. The gyro was enormous and very tasty. Their tea ( probably Turkish) was delish. The baklava however stole the show. Definitely the best I have ever had. I will be back...with reinforcements.
(5)
Shayla T.
I enjoyed the food though I feel it is overpriced. I had the chicken shesh kebabs that came with rice, sauce, flatbread, and salad. Then I ordered. a small potato salad. All were tasty but it came to about $17 and change. I wish the portions on the potato salad had been bigger and would have liked more meat, but I was full. So, I guess I'm just being greedy now. I will definitely be back.
(3)
Astrid V.
Food is ok, service is appalling. The servers will lie to you, wave you off, insult your intelligence, ignore your needs and take the liberty of stealing your money. You are better off going somewhere else. Our party ordered calamari which came with cold marinara sauce, when the menu clearly says garlic sauce. When we asked the first server for the garlic sauce, he said; "that was it." Completely taken back; We asked him again, if that was garlic sauce? Waiter proceeded to say that was their garlic sauce. We asked a second server what kind of sauce it was, she told us it was tomato sauce and was thrown off when we told her what her co-worker had advised us. We then asked if they were out of garlic sauce, to which she quickly agreed that their was no garlic sauce. We asked for lemon, and then the wait began. Third server passes by, we asked for lemon. Still no lemon. Fourth server passes by, asked for lemon yet again and we eventually got "lime." Really?! Our food finally comes out with our second server and a reluctant apology for the unwanted lime vs not lemon. We gratified her for noticing and she abruptly answered back with; "as you can look around, we're busy." Days letter, we see that someone felt the need to add a $5 tip to both bills. When a three way call between the bank, Cafe Agora and myself was placed to dispute the charge; the owner hung up on us without saying a word for the act. Truth be told that was completely unnecessary. The owner was addressed. Apparently, this is acceptable in his business. Any smart and respectable person would seek business elsewhere, especially when you are paying for a service. Don't waste your time and money. Their are several similar restaurants in the area that offer better food and service; plus they won't try to steal from you.
(1)
Jonathan F.
Amazing food! Extremely flavorful. I would recommend the chicken gyro plate. The seasoning is off the charts! Also, the service is wonderful and the owner is very friendly and checks to ensure you are having the best experience possible.
(5)
Hr S.
Better ambience than before and now they have parking lots!! Always my pleasure to start with maza platter ~~~ Mixed grilled meats with rice was delicate and my server was very kind.
(5)
Miranda P.
Good stuff! It was our first time here and we got a sampler plate with hummus tubule and other yummy things . I got the mixed gyro. Prices were a little high but the portions were good! Before we left he gave us a rice sampler pudding and baklava. It was really good. Not sure if we will be back, but I am glad we went and gave it a try. The bathroom was gorgeous I must add haha
(3)
CeeCee S.
this place is AMAZING. I've been here about 2 or 3 times and every single time, it was great! the service is friendly and quick to say the least. the location and actual atmosphere could be better, but I love the small restaurant feel. both times I came, the man gave us something for free... amazing! long story short, the food is pretty decent for Atlanta midtown area, service is great, and food is delicious!!
(5)
Katy N.
Holy cow. This place is fantastic! The service was incredibly attentive, but left you alone with your company. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split the falafel platter and the mixed grill which came with almost every meat on the menu, both of which were remarkable! We love Mediterranean and middle eastern food and this place really delivers. The owner, Al, came by and kept giving us free goodies which really cemented us leaving the burbs and making the trip back to Cafe Agora soon! The hummus and babaganoush were both delicious, and the tzatziki was definitely worth writing home about! We'll be coming back soon!
(5)
Katie R.
I love this place! The food is delicious and portion size is generous. I've never been disappointed. The staff are super friendly and very attentive. We always have a great time here. Certainly the best Mediterranean food in Buckhead!
(5)
Michelle W.
Amazing Mediterranean food. This is some of the best I've had in Atlanta. The owner, Al, is incredibly friendly and generous; he checked on our table multiple times and brought us complimentary tasting plates of appetizers and desserts. Will definitely be back with friends.
(5)
Craig A.
I get the strong feeling the following could applied a large number of Atlanta restaurants: Sincerely friendly and warm service and absolutely unremarkable food. It's hard to give a low rating to nice people but, unfortunately, this is a middling neighborhood joint at best. In no reality is it a 4.5 star restaurant with 360+ reviews. Either a shillfest or Atlantans with no taste. Given that it's located in Buckhead, it could very well be the latter. On the plus side it's easy to order because everything tastes like bleh.
(2)
Nihal S.
I should begin by stating that i am Turkish and this is the first Turkish restaurant I have been to in Atlanta. I loved the mazza and the Adana kabab. Excellent...
(5)
Jeff S.
Easily the worst middle Eastern restaurant in the ATL. Cold felafel and bad service blah
(1)
Diane E.
The awkwardness of the owner makes this restaurant one I will never return to. This is the second time I was here - I was somehow persuaded to come back and give it a second chance last night. In both instances, there were no men at the table, and the owner spoon fed a girl at the table against her wishes. He wouldn't then leave us alone. It felt like we were being groped publicly. The food was OK, but not spectacular. I will not return, nor would I suggest anyone else.
(1)
Na L.
This place is delicious. The rice pudding is the best dessert ever! I could eat an entire tub! The gyros are also very good. Service was okay. I'll be back for the rice pudding.
(4)
Allie B.
My boyfriend and I had an unpleasant experience dining here. We waited for twenty minutes for service after being sat. The waitress was not apologetic at all for the wait and put in our order. After waiting forty more minutes for a gyro and greek salad, we left the restaurant and abandoned our hope of eating there. The manager chased after us, and instead of apologizing, said that we should have just contacted him. Olive Bistro in Brookhaven and Vinings has much better greek food and much better customer service.
(2)
Veronica X.
No frills, just great food. I never had mezze thrown together almost haphazardly onto a plate like this, but it didn't matter as the flavors quickly overwhelmed me. My favorites on the plate: smoky babaganoush, the other two eggplant thingies I had trouble distinguishing but both good, carrot salad, yogurt and hummus -- perhaps I should have listed my least favorites to save some space. Hubby said the gyro (mix lamb and beef) was one of the best he ever had, and I trust the man knows his gyro. That, and the fact that it was one of the rare occasions that he actually raved about a place I found via yelp prompted me to jump on the Cafe Agora bandwagon. This little hole in the wall deserves yet another glowing review. The sweet touch of rice pudding and baklava took it all the way to five stars. The only downside: they have probably ruined any future rice pudding and baklava for me.
(5)
Hieu H.
Cafe Agora may be bigger, newer, and even flashier. But there was something about its old hole-in-the-wall location that gave it charm. The new location lacks that spirit, and the food lacks that heart and soul. The mezze platter just doesn't taste the same.
(3)
Emma F.
Clean restaurant offering all the classic Turkish/Mediterranean fare you'd expect from this style of restaurant. I had the lamb salad and it was excellent and quite a lot of food. Wait staff and owner were friendly as well. I'd say anything with lamb is gonna be a good choice at this restaurant.
(4)
R G.
This was a suggestion of a friend that is a foodie as well. The food was excellent and I will defiantly be returning. I had the beef kabobs and finished every last bite. Also had the rice pudding to top things off and that was a home run also. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes.
(5)
Kelly H.
I have been to Cafe Agora about 6-7 times at this point, but today was my first experience at their new location. I was so excited that beyond having more space and a nicer environment, nothing has changed! The owner was still feeding newcomers, including my little boy who got his picture taken with some of their delicious bread! The food was still as amazing as always and the yummy rice pudding was a perfect way to finish the meal. Congrats to Cafe Agora on their new space. See you soon!
(5)
Jeff L.
The best gyros in town. We get these bad boys delivered all the time.
(4)
Claudio M.
When all said and done, it's a very ordinary restaurant with mediocre food preparation. The owner is very nice, but it doesn't add to the quality of food being served. I won't mind going there for a change, but a weekly visit would be hard to manage.
(3)
Elaine L.
My favorite Mediterranean place is no more... :( Ever since they moved to their new location, I feel like they have lost part of it's charm (which is fine if the food stayed the same. I'm glad they were able to expand. However, I feel like their food has gone down. I got the platter sampler with all their dips. I used to love it! it was delicious and fresh and just fabulous. However, this time, it was just ok. I feel like it was better before...did the person preparing the food change? I will never know... I feel like it's time to search again even though I thought I finally found the best....
(3)
Ashley T.
Have been to cafe agora about a dozen times and have finally made up my mind about it. This place obviously did well as a hole in the wall authentic family run reataurant. Since they upgraded their space, they have raised prices but keep serving average food. We always end up paying $40 for a meal that should cost no more than $30. I am also always confused about the "free small Meza plate " ... sometimes they give it to you for free and sometimes it's $8. Huh? The reviews about bizarre service are true and we have experienced many an awkward occasion. The most recent was when they added valet service (again an example of an attempt to get fancy) and we asked for some change for a 20 bill at the bar. The guy refused to give us change saying "no no valet is free!" Yet as we walked out the door the owner came running after us with two dollar bills to give as tip, which made us feel cheap somehow. We have left this place one too many times thinking "what just happened". Very soup nazi type atmosphere... I am always afraid I will violate some unspoken rule. Sounds like those who have accepted this bazaar culture love this place. I will not return as I find the food to be average and overpriced and the experience too uncomfortable.
(3)
Anna S.
Visiting Cafe Agora after church. This place is heaven! The friendly, truly unique environment is what you notice first. The people are so great, the owner came and set with us and fed my friend with a fork! The music is relaxing, and overall, this is my new favorite place! Oh, did I mention food?! I have no words to describe
(5)
Chris D.
Great food! Our favorite Babaganoush in town! Since they upgraded to the new location, it's no longer great food in a dive... now it's great food with a great location! Parking, Patio and bar!
(4)
Ashley R.
Ate here during the week with a group of friends. The owner came to our table several times. He was very nice and funny. The food tasted fabulous! The rising bread was unbelievable. I will definitely put this restaurant in my weekly rotation.
(5)
Eva I.
We love this place. This was the first good restaurant we found when we moved to ATL from Chicago 5 years ago and it's even better now with the larger location.
(5)
Mina B.
One of the better Mediterranean restaurants we've tried. Price is good for the quantity AND quality of food. We shared the agora grill plate ($20) which has a variety of grilled meat, salad, rice, pita bread, and yogurt sauce. All the meat was delicious and cooked to perfection. The pita bread was also great. Best part of this meal was the free small maza plate and turkish rice pudding. Wow!
(5)
Eric M.
I had the lamb kebab over rice w/ greek salad. Rice pudding, baklava, and chocolate cake were the desserts I sampled and all were delicious. The whole experience was great. From service to overall good quality food I think this is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around. The spices were amazing.
(5)
Judy C.
The food is excellent. Dishes that I've tried so far: mezza plate, hummus, chicken gyro, lamb shish kebab, adana kebab, spanokopita, dolmas, baklava, rice pudding. They're all so delicious. One of my favorite things is the Greek salad that is included as a side for most entrees. The salad comes with crisp romaine, thin slices of red onion, cucumber, tomato, and a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette! Moving to their current location was a HUGE upgrade. There's plenty of space on the patio, bar, and inside dining area. Everything is very clean. Since opening up this location, Cafe Agora has hired more servers. The restaurant owner, Al, is still always 'on the scene' making customers feel welcome, however not all the servers are as attentive. On the past two visits, after we were seated inside, it took a while for a server to come by. The food came out without taking much time, but afterwards the server rarely came by to check on us. When I asked for hot sauce, it never came. The server apologized later when she realized she had forgotten, but by that time I was already done with my meal. In retrospect, I guess I really didn't need the hot sauce since the chicken gyro was flavorful. This place is still my go-to restaurant for quick and delicious Mediterranean food. The service isn't perfect, but their food makes up for it so I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Joe S.
Must have the Mezza dip plate, mixed grill platter and a shot of Ouzo! Oh and the baklava is so sweet and drips with honey goodness. Mixed Mezza platter is a must
(4)
Grant S.
Great customer service. Complementary valet parking, fresh food, and the owner comes out and talks with you. Great atmosphere yet still casual dining.
(5)
Bonnie Y.
Holy KAZOWY!!! We were in Buckhead and hungry for lunch. Yelped around and saw Cafe Agora with 4.5 stars and 300+ reviews. SO DA BOMB! It's the little things--started with the ezme because of the reviews and it's so refreshing--tomatoes, parsley, walnuts and fluffy pita pieces, with a light spicy zing. Then the Greek salad--I think it's the best greek salad we'd ever tasted, a delicate hand on the dressing and the feta so lightly crumbled on top. A revelation! And finally the ground lamb (Adana) pita--I don't know the spices used, maybe sorrel? Challenging with the tzatziki oozing down my fingers, but oh so good! And then, even though we passed on dessert, they give us this sweet bite of rice pudding with cinnamon. The pudding has a hint of lemon, which distinguishes it from all others I've tasted before--a perfect end for a perfect lunch! We will return!
(5)
Mario J.
The food was very good. I ordered the Izmir Kofte it was awesome. The drinks were mixed perfectly. The owner was present an interacted with each guest. He even gave us a free sample of a few dishes.
(4)
Sophia J.
This place used to be good but asked for a gyro got meat in a platter. And there's was foil in my salad?! Horrible
(1)
Stephanie M.
Big Gyro's can be made bigger if you feel the need ! The spreads all of them are tasty are all made fresh. I love the Baba Ganoosh(eggplant) with it's smoke flavor and the Parsley salad with tomatoes and lemon juice. Lamb, Chicken and Beef Kabobs are available in the case just waiting to be grilled. This place opens early and stays open late for foodies looking for your Gyro fix ! There can be a shortage of chairs at times the place is quite small but if you wait patiently most people eat and run. Agora also serves alcohol which got our group quite plowed a few years ago when I threw a surprise birthday party here. We pretty much took over the restaurant, we had a blast the owner took good care of us and some of the group tried new foods. We had a good meal before heading to the strip club. If you in the Buckhead area Agora is worth checking out.
(4)
Lauren G.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave you'll be treated wonderfully. This is the best Mediterranean food I've had. The staff + food are excellent and answer any & all questions you may have. I was unsure what I wanted when I went in for the first time and the cashier made me up a little sample plate. Now the bigger version of that plate is what I get all the time. Check this place out if you're in the area because you won't be disappointed!
(5)
El D.
I went to Cafe Agora on a Sunday evening. The reviews were quite good to give it a try. in summary, the service and food was really really poor. We sat in the patio. We ordered the food and in the meantime a small plate of different appetizers including hummus, carrot salad and so on was brought by the server. No pita bread, no extra dish for the guests. All we had on the table was two rolls of napkin wrapped around utensils and a small plate in the middle of the table. Later two glass of waters were added. Our meal was later served. What my husband ordered was a type of Kufta, which was sort of stew with pieces of meat in the liquid. No spoon was with the stew. So my husband was actually pouring the liquid on his rice directly from the kufta bowl. I ordered chicken gyro. Well the caesar side salad was purely romaine lettuce and the gyro was a bunch of hot dry chicken pieces on a pita bread. I have had gyro in other places and I know gyros are famous for their delicious sauce. Well, this wasn't the case here. Overall, I was disappointed for wasting our money there.
(1)
Ariel R.
Worst service ever, and they tried to steal from me by adding a tip to my bill after I had put $0 tip. The bank called them to dispute the charges and they also hung up on the bank!!
(1)
Shaun C.
The best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Simply wonderful. This place is now on our monthly rotation. The service is great, but the food is amazing. First timers get the hummus, tabouli, and the grilled platter.
(5)
Virginia M.
Fun neighborhood restaurant. I only had appetizers here, but they were great! It also has nice outdoor seating. They also have Efes beer.
(4)
George W.
How could anyone eat here and not be thrilled? Once again, I received the perfect Greek meal. Perfect!!
(5)
David K.
My gf took me out to this neat place for my birthday, yay! She loves this place and wanted to share the goodness with me so I did not hesitate to check it out. Verdict: the dinner was fantastic! We got the Hummus Platter and the Lamb Kebab? Platter? I forget. The Hummus Platter is where it is at. I didn't know what half the things on it were, but they were all fantastic. The gf said they place each dish next to each other in terms of how well they complement each other. I'm not sure if they are purposely laid out in the platter like that, but if so, it's genius! The adjacent sides to each dish complemented each other really well and it was fun to play around and mix different sides together with the fluffy pita bread bites. I would love to have this platter for guests at home. The Lamb Kebab was served with a good portion of chunks of grilled lamb over rice and a salad. The tzatziki sauce that came with the lamb had a light subtle taste which I wasn't really sure about, but appreciated it none the less. The lamb was delicious, though it left a sort of salty aftertaste in my mouth. Not sure if it's because it's lamb, grilled, or straight up because of too much salt/spices, but it was still enjoyable with an easy to eat consistency. The owner at the end gave us complimentary baklava and rice pudding! Both were scrumptious and was a perfect way to finish the meal. Caveats of the place might be the fact that it's pretty small, and you may have to pay at metered parking spaces OR if you want free parking, park at the Hi-Fi Buys parking lot and walk a bit.
(4)
Aaron B.
Fantastic gyros and food in general. The gyros are a little on the pricey side, but the one I had was definitely in my top 5. I also tried the falafel, and while it was not Israel quality (or Best Bread Baking Company.. which unfortunately has closed their cafe for the summer) it was very good and moist. The outside had a really nice crisp without tasting oily. The folks had kafta, which was seasoned perfectly and was very tender. It comes with 2 kebabs, rice, and salad. The tzatziki is among the best I have had, with a nice yogurt flavor. The baba ganoush was excellent, with not *too* much of a smokey flavor as I have elsewhere, but well seasoned nonetheless. For dessert I went with the baklava (of course), and although it isn't the most visually appealing I have laid eyes on, the flavor was great, big in the honey department. I was there at off-hours so I was able to park right in front without any problems. The staff is nice and seem very appreciative.
(5)
Katie D.
What a great restaurant! Went here with my husband and son and it could not have been a more pleasant experience. Food was good and authentic. They even have the Turkish beer Efes that we drank so much of on our trip to Turkey. Will definitely go here again!
(5)
Gregory D.
Best Mediterranean restaurant I've been to. Most places can be pretty bland, but everything here is soo good. I'm not a fan of Medit. desserts but this place challenges that. The ingredients all tasted so fresh and had great flavor. The staff always give a free dessert it seems. It's a bit pricey for the usual price of Mediterranean food seen in other restaurants, but it's worth it.
(5)
Ebony B.
Picture drunken seminary students leaving the mosh pit and starving for food. Any food. Just FOOD. McDonald's? Bah Humbug... My palette, even SUI (starving under the influence), is too discriminating for most Fast Food. I go to my trusty Yelp iPhone App and this place pops up. The only thing open aside from Micky Ds, and Waffle House (double Bah Humbug). We order gyros, some drinks, and some tablouli (my fave). Then we ordered more gyros, extra tzaziki sauce and more tabouli. Mannnn we dogged those gyros. I dunno if it was bc I was SUI or just--- I dunno but it definitely sent us on a kick for a few months "in search of ATLs best Gyro, and so far, Cafe Agora wins. Lost a star bc it's like a cafe joint without true waiter service and it's kinda a hole in the wall. Either way, it hit the spot and was a job very well done!
(3)
Kunal K.
I went to this restaurant a few months ago and had the displeasure of running into the owner. I placed a to-go order, yet the owner refused to let me take the order to-go even though they clearly have a to-go menu. When he brought my appetizer in a plate and placed it on a table, I told him that I'd like it packed in a to-go box and he started yelling. When I got back home, I tried the food and it was mediocre at best. I had the chicken gyro and it was relatively dry. Due to the exceptionally unprofessional service, I won't be going back to this restaurant.
(1)
Devin N.
I was traveling on biz with my cohorts, desperate for a drink and some good food. Had MAJOR reservations when we drove up to the place. But my colleague insisted we park and walk by for closer look. Alatini was sitting outside and greeted us as we walked up. Immediately his charm and welcome sucked us in. No turning back. Once we sat down, he treated us like kings. Amazing food! Sample everything when you go. The lamb, the beef, the chicken, the gyros... OMG. Fantastic! We had such a good time. It was the best meal of the week. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)
Jeremy H.
This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Atlanta! Al, the owner, is a character, but he makes the whole experience memorable. The food is awesome! Oftentimes Al will serve up a mezza platter to start with hummus, tabouli, and some other turkish foods I'm not sure the name of. It comes with pita to dip. I highly recommend ordering the Adana kebob (spicy ground lamb) - it is awesome and comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. The gyro is also great here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options such as the felafel. After the meal, you have to try the baklava - it's the best I've had in Atlanta! If you haven't been here before, Al makes it quite the experience. If you're one of those people who get stressed out not knowing the price before you order, you might be uncomfortable here. Some reviewers have complained about that, but to me it's just all part of the magical experience of Al's Agora Cafe. Some practical tips - you can park in the street out front or in the lot around back. You order at the counter, sit down and are served, and then pay afterwards at the counter. Ordering a drink doesn't usually seem to increase the price so you may as well order one. I definitely recommend trying Al's out - enjoy the great Turkish food and unique experience in the heart of Buckhead!
(5)
Jennifer P.
I wouldn't give out 5 stars unless I felt it absolutely necessary. This little order-at-the-counter hole-in-the-wall family-run establishment epitomizes everything I love about people taking pride in their food and offering up something which is of the highest quality, culturally authentic to their roots and so delicious you'll crave it often. Hands down the best gyro in Atlanta....no...the best I've ever had. The shaved lamb and beef kebab is juicy and flavorful, the lettuce and vegetables are fresh and the tzatziki sauce on top is so good you'll want to go ahead and ask for more. When you go, get the hummus plate as an appetizer (it rivals that of my Lebanese grandmother), then a lamb kebab and the baklava for dessert. Don't like baklava? You will after you have it here. Their baklava changed me forever, and now it's one of my favorite desserts of all time. This little gem is successful because the family who runs it loves what they do and loves the food they make and share with us. They cut overhead costs by having a simple, small no-frills restaurant, and they pass that value down to us by offering exceptional prices. You'll order at the counter, eat off a paper plate and sit at a metal table, and it will be the best damn dinner you've had in a long time.
(5)
Ashley B.
I work around the corner from Cafe Agora, and this is one of my favorite places to grab lunch. Everything I'd had here has been delicious - solid falafel (can be vegan without the yogurt sauce), yummy baklava, good dolmas, and AMAZING meat, and perfect bread - the kind that is more flatbread than pita (which is my favorite.) The mixed meze platter is fantastic and can be made vegan. The small is plenty of food for one person and is $7.99. My favorite thing to get is the Agora salad with lamb. The lamb is wonderfully seasoned and perfectly tender. It comes with fantastic dressing, feta cheese, good crisp lettuce and huge piece of that delicious flatbread. At $8.75, it's comparable to other Buckhead lunch options. I've only ever done takeout, but the service is always really friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. One time I came to pick up my food and it wasn't ready yet, so I sat at the counter and they brought me free [delicious] hummus. I always get a nice greeting when I pop in to pick up my food. Definitely the best Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish food in Atlanta, and some of the best I've ever had, period!
(5)
Edward C.
I had a problem ordering the first time but to be honest the food is awesome and the baklava is amazing with a southern twist. Probably the best I've had.
(5)
Suzy J.
Maza Platter was worth every penny and went perfectly with the Agora Mixed Grill. The Maza platter had hummus, tabuli, haydari, piyaz, ezme, babaganush, eggplant salad. As other posters mentioned the hummus was a little runny but still full of flavor. The Agora mixed grill had Chicken and lamb shish kebabs, adana and kofte kebabs, and lamb and beef gyros meat. If you go with friends for lunch and like myself have never been here order the two dishes mentioned. Meeting a friend here for lunch was PERFECT! Placed our order before the lunch rush and got out as it was getting busy but the food made for a nice leisurely lunch. Would go again in a heartbeat not to mention getting baklava to go.
(5)
Alisa B.
Our family has been a fan of Cafe Agora for years. Flavorful, tender meats to die for. Wonderful hummus and pita bread that is always fresh and delicious. It is (or can be if you order right) a healthy, delicious option. They are NOW OPEN in their new location just 2 doors down. They have a very pleasant atmosphere, ample seating space, outside patios beautiful decor and bar. My only complaint is some staff can be on grumpy side... . But I will not let that detract from my 5 star rating.
(5)
Cherry L.
yea, guess who went last week the day that she wrote her first review bc she was craving it after she wrote the review???!! haha I convinced 3 of my Agora Virgin Friends to come along too and converted them as well 5 stars this time....IM A HUGE HUGE HUGE FAN FAN FAN everything here just tastes so good. the pita here is SO FREAKKINNN YUMS. they serve it toasted so it comes out warm and chewy and BITE SIZE (my fave) that goes perfect with the meza platter or hummus. I got the mixed super awesome spit fire grilled gyro with lamb/beef/chicken. the meat was all tender and charred to perfection...i want one now!!! Al was there when i went, but his son/worker/other guy thats there all the time was our waiter/cook/cashier and he was really really phenomenal!!!!! soooooooo nice and understood everything and was just all sorts of great. We were totally going to just order baklava and stuff our faces, but he somehow knew, that just a "sampling" of it would be the perfect end to our meal.
This place is awesome. Yelp definitely did not do us wrong. We've been here several times, it's a place I always suggest when meeting people for lunch or dinner to catch up. It is the true definition of hole in the wall - nothing fancy about the decor or restroom, but lack of pretense in this city - particularly in Buckhead - can be refreshing. Man, the food here is so GOOD. Definitely recommend starting off with the mixed maza platter. Wow. The hummus, tahini, tabbouleh - all so delicious with their perfectly warmed pita bread. It's hard not to overdo it and leave room for your meal. I've had the chicken kabobs and the gyros. Both were delicious. The side salad that comes with the meals does not disappoint either, between the feta and the homemade dressing. I would be surprised to order something on this menu that I didn't like. Parking can be a little dicey, since it's street parking only, but truthfully, I've never really had a problem. Most times I can pull up right in front of the place or drive around for less than 5 minutes to find a spot up the street. You won't be disappointed by this place. One of my favorites in Atlanta.
(5)
Sarah S.
If you're looking for some delicious Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Easy to find - right next to Bottle Bar and across from The Capital Grille. Park in the lot next to bottle bar, first 1.5 hour is free with receipt from restaurant. Ordered food to go, was ready in 15 minutes! Tiny spot, so ordering to go was definitely the better option since when it's busy, it's pretty crowded. Ordered the Chicken Shish Kabob...so good! The rice, salad, and flat bread are all freaking awesome, but throwing in the chicken into the mix, it can't be beat. Let's just say it won't be my last time eating here!
(4)
Jennifer L.
I should preface this by stating that these guys normally don't deliver to Brookhaven in North Buckhead, where I stay when I'm in ATL but they made an exception for us since we ordered a good amount of food ($50.00), and delivered within 30 minutes of me placing my order. This was the perfect place to satisfy the varied and ravenous appetites of my group (foodie ladies, voraciously hungry men). We ordered the lamb/beef gyro plate, chicken kabob plate, a mixed grill plate, a greek salad, and walnut baklava. Everything tasted amazing, the gyro and chicken were juicy and flavorful and came with a generous side of rice. My only minor gripe was that only one piece of bread and a tiny bit of tzaziki sauce were provided with each plate. Not nearly enough to accommodate the portion of meat/rice.
(4)
Wendy M.
The food was good and the total experience even better. Hope they can maintain the vibe when they move into their bigger and fancier new space down the block....
(4)
Deniz G.
Good value for the price you pay, that is for sure. The food, if the cook is in a good mood, tastes perfect. Almost like you are actually in Turkey. Sometimes however, the meat is a bit dry and salty. It's highly recommended that you ask the server what the freshest item is (from the display in the fridge; see pictures above). Do not just go here to get a tasteless plate of gyro, which I think is an ugly copy of the traditional Iskender plate from Turkey -specific to not only this place, but the US in general, but go and get kofte, or Adana kebap, kusbasi etc. Get the yogurt drink ayran. Ask if they have any salgam. (Though they didn't have any in the past couple times we've been there - maybe they don't serve it anymore). They also have a bar, and serve alcohol. Go and get yourself a drink of Raki and the 'small' appetizer platter. Small is actually really big and good enough for 2-3 people. Aside from all, even though the service is a bit inconsistent depending on the server, they are all very kind and try to be welcoming. They have a parking lot across the street. It's rather hidden, so if you can't find it, go inside and ask for the directions. It's not gonna be an issue when they move to the new location in a couple months, hopefully. My favorite of all is, they are open late on Friday and Saturday, great for a late dinner, or after drinking food around 2 am.
(4)
J. G.
Great food. Some of the best middle eastern I've had outside of NYC. Update: This is now my favorite restaurant. Mixed grill plate is amazing every time. It's worth driving all the way up town for but they're opening a Midtown location soon.
(5)
Lauren S.
Great restaurant. I'm a fan of Turkish Mediterranean food. I had the hummus as an appetizer and the mix lamb and chicken gyro entree... Both were heavenly. The entree comes with a Greek salad, rice and warm pita. The atmosphere was great as well. I felt as if I were in another country. The space is small, but inviting. It looks as if they're building a new location just a block up the street. I'm not sure how this will effect things. I've been telling everyone about this restaurant and I'm sure I'll become a regular of this hidden gem of Buckhead.
(5)
Dru J.
A party celebrating the relocation of a midtown art gallery to Buckhead provided the excuse for me and companion to meet at Agora (No excuse needed to go to Agora, just to go to Buckhead). As I'm on my cell directing date to the spot, owner "Al" slides a plate of amuse bouche under my nose. Hummus, tabouli, veggies. I ask Al for a beer and not surprisingly, its an Efes, Turkey's great beer, uniquely flavored with rice. Date immediately falls in love, not with me but with Al. Actually, with just about everything in the spot. So its the Mixed Maza; eggplant salad, hummus, babganush, ezme (spicy salad), kasir (a bulgar based dish) and piyaz (Turkish bean salad), that provides date with an eye, and belly, popping culinary tour of the Med. And at 8 bucks it beats joining the Navy. As we head to the gallery, Al entreats us to return. Is it the prospect of seeing beautiful companion again that prompted the invite? Nahhh, Al's that way with everybody. But if so, I ain't mad at ya. Authentic, affordable Mediterranean food served in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. An Atlanta treasure.
(5)
Shalin P.
Our dinner experience here was very consistent with what everyone else is reporting. Once Al found out it was our first visit, he gave us the free sampler plate. It actually contained pretty big and tasty portions of everything, and we had to ask for extra pita bread to finish up the sampler. For dinner I ordered a chicken gyro wrap and a falafel wrap. The gyro was terrific and the chicken had an excellent flavor. Unfortunately, the falafel was a disappointment as the patties were too dry. One other negative was that the hot sauce they had on the counter was just generic wing sauce. I don't want my gyro tasting like a buffalo wing. Next time I'll have to ask if they have any authentic homemade hot sauce. We got a sampling of the strawberry cake on the way out. He added up the price in his head, and honestly it was higher than I expected based on the Yelp reviews. But a solid meal overall, and a great non-chain option in the Buckhead area. Parking can be tough. There is a free lot across the street, but it tends to fill up fast. There is some limited street parking, and a $5 pay lot next door.
(4)
D L.
So... Still love this place. I enjoy the grilled meats more than the gyros. Really great tiramisu dessert. So moist and delicious... Pricing can still be random, but I think the staff are getting a handle on that...
(5)
Robin D.
Fresh and delicious. The best hummus I've ever had. I made the mistake of parking on the street in front of the restaurant, and got harassed by the Atlanta parking enforcers when my meter ran out. However, I found that there is free parking for customers in the next block. My suggestion is that they post a big sign about it!
(5)
Jeff L.
Cafe Agora serves up great food on the cheap - which makes it an ideal place for lunch. The only real issue is that seating is limited, and it seems like it can get quite busy at lunch. We got there just before the lunch crowd, and at it's peak, there wasn't nearly enough seating for everyone. A group of us came here and we ended up ordering quite a bit off food - we started off with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with pita + a whole bunch of things to dip the pita in. Most of it was great, aside from the heavy use of cilantro. I can't necessarily fault them for this, but I'm just not a fan of cilantro. One of us also ordered the stuffed grape leaves, which were also quite yummy. I have a very difficult time resisting a gyro if I see it on the menu, so this is what I ended up ordering. It was fantastic! It ranks as my second favorite gyro in the area. The flavor was incredible, but overall it was a bit sloppy ... not that it was messy to eat (which I'm perfectly fine with), but that it was not as well put-together as I would like. Most of the tzatziki sauce was concentrated in one area, and not every bite had all of the components in it. But, the taste was great, so I can't complain too much!
(4)
Phe M.
Great late night spot. I moved away a few months ago and I still crave this place after I've been out for a night. Very traditional fare, friendly staff, cute & cozy environment ok except when you get the obnoxious drunks at 2 am. but you can always get it to go! chicken gyro is my favorite if you've got a sweet tooth get a couple slices of baklava too. perfect amount of sweetness and spice :) always perfectly cooked and tasty, my kind of comfort food. Making my mouth water thinking about Agora.
(5)
Lori R.
Amazing food and incredibly friendly owner. Had hummus, gyro, baklava, and Turkish coffee--all outstanding. Food was flavorful, meat very tender and juicy. It's a tiny place but they work to fit people in, and I saw a lot of takeout orders. Limited street parking but some lots nearby.
(5)
Bobby D.
Delicious Mediterranean sampler platter or mezze platter was the best i've had.
(5)
Danny M.
The food is excellent. I think the problems customers have primarily arise with the owner. My aunt and I went, and we found the experience delightful. He was an old school Greek (?) guy who was very engaging from the moment we walked through the door. He stopped over at our table when we were eating and brought two cups of rice pudding and some baklava. We ordered two rice puddings to go, however he brought a baklava as well, which we did not order. My aunt was paying so I didn't say anything, and admittedly the baklava was very good. The way we were charged was murky. We got two plates of lamb, 2 drinks, 2 rice puddings to go and 1 baklava to go. I don't believe the owner attempted to charge us for the 2 cups of rice pudding he brought us or the baklava or the plate of hummus, but there really is no way to tell. **CAUTION** Be cautious about the pricing and about being offered freebies. Make your order very clear. If you are concerned about being charged for items you are given but did not order, specify with the owner. If money isn't that big an object to you, I think you will have a lovely experience. If you start asking too many questions, as with others who have reviewed this restaurant, I think you might run into some issues. Total price for two people: $40.00.
(4)
Ayon J. R.
Very, very good mediterranean food at reasonable prices. The service is fine as well.
(4)
Addy C.
Great Mediterranean dive in Buckhead with all the elements that deserve a return visit - authentic food, variety of selection, reasonable prices, generous portions, & a charming owner who really likes to delight his customers. I came with fellow Yelper Nancy R, and we decided to share the Falafel appetizer ($5.95), the Mixed Grill ($17.25), & the Chicken Shish Kebab ($13.85). All dishes were fantastic - if I had to do it over again, I'd skip the Chicken Shish Kebab & get something else since the Mixed Grill does include several pieces of chicken shish kebab. All entrees include salad & rice, too. Our dinner was great but honestly greater (& memorable) b/c of Al. Let me tell you about Al - this guy really genuinely likes to know his customers - he sat down with us several times, asked us what we do for a living, talked about his food, shared words of wisdom, ... and later brought us a sampler platter of all his apps (all delicious by the way) and then later brought us samples of his baklava (fresh & best I've had!) - funny guy even fed the baklava into my friend's mouth. When I told him the apps were all delicious, he said our plate better be all clean if we really thought so :) The place is kinda small so you probably want to get there early. I love that the place is also open very late on Fridays & Saturdays - something to keep in mind if you're looking for a late night option besides Waffle House. If you're lucky, there are a few parking spaces in back of the restaurant, and a few spots in front - otherwise you'll have to do the $5 lot. Definitely worth a visit if you love Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean food.
(5)
Jacob P.
Cafe Agora was good. Beef and Lamb gyro, authentic hummus and an excellent tiramisu. Definitely one of those authentic Greek decor restaurants. Dont worry about the decor, it is good food.
(4)
Nyssa D.
Ate here tonight and was reasonably satisfied. We got a ton of food for our money (but more on this later), and it was all pretty yummy. I had two complaints, though: my gyro meat was rather charred, lacking the juicy gyro flavor I was hoping for. It was actually kind of...crunchy. Bad batch maybe? Who knows. The other thing I frowned at was when the waiter came by and took away our plate of hummus (still half-full) without asking. I mean, sure, our pita (warm and delicious!!) had all been long-since scarfed, but I'd still have appreciated a, "May I take this?" before it disappeared. My salad was good, and reasonably fresh. I enjoyed the bell peppers chopped into it. The hummus was good, the tabbouleh was well-prepared (not too much of any one ingredient, which was great), and whatever the pepper/tomato salad was with the hummus and tabbouleh was really good too, with an unexpected spiciness. For two gyro plates, one drink, and a hummus plate, we only paid $22 - quite reasonable!! I do suspect that the hummus plate was maybe left off accidentally, though...the gyro plates were supposed to be $10 apiece. I was fairly "meh" about this experience - I enjoyed it, but wasn't wowed. However, I HAVE been here once before, about a year ago, and I vaguely remember being MUCH more impressed. Perhaps I came on an off-night. I will definitely come again, just to see!
(3)
Pat W.
Visited Cafe Agora last week for the first time. We had just returned from Greece and Turkey so we were dying for some authentic food. Cafe Agora is the real deal. Can't wait to visit their new location in October.
(5)
AmyJon J.
Food really is good here. Expensive and they will charge you different prices depending how they feel (at least that's how it seems). I still rated it 5 stars because I like the food and wouldn't change much on that.
(5)
Maple C.
Cafe Agora is pretty inconspicuous/unassuming from the looks of the place, but omg this place is so good. The owner is really friendly and chatty - he's great! We got hummus (best hummus I've ever had in my life btw) and baklava *drool* on the house! The beef and lamb gyro was so good that I was a little devastated when some of it dropped onto the floor. If I had to describe it, my reaction was probably like you'd see in a movie, when something bad is happening and everything goes in slow motion and you see someone screaming "noooooooo"... hahaha at least that's how I reacted in my head. :)
(5)
Alison B.
Visited again this week for a casual weeknight date and we both enjoyed it very much. The mezze platter is just terrific- I should really just get this as my meal as the hummus is so delicious and it is fun to try little bites of a variety of Turkish specialties which I wouldn't necessarily be courageous enough to order separately. What can I say? I am a meat and potatoes girl at heart. I ordered the chicken kabab and my date ordered the lamb kebab- both were good in terms of being well spiced and certainly served in a generous portion, but honestly, I thought the meats were a tiny bit overcooked this time, but he loved the lamb prepared the way it was, so maybe I am off base. No matter, it was a very pleasant meal with Al making sure we were happy, as always.
(4)
Ashley A.
Cafe Agora, aka "Al's", is a gem. We miss it dearly! You won't walk away hungry. The food is simple, but well made. His maza offerings go far behind any other I've been to in the now 3 cities I have lived. Heart ya Al. Will definitely come in next time we are back in Atlanta!
(5)
vimal p.
wow this place is awesome, The Experience: we walked in just before they were closing, the owner came out and said its cool to stay and eat. he asked us what we felt like eating and just started bringing out food, we never looked at a menu and all the food he bought out was awesome! The Food: Food was solid, I have eaten at many different Greek/Med places all over the country and this place is def in my top 5. We a hummus platter, then 2 meat platters, all with pita, very good and nice flavour. The baklava was prob one of the best I had ever had, extra syrup solid!
(5)
Nancy R.
I came here after reading a few Yelp reviews. I knew it was casual, but it's really casual. It's a great hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean restaurant. Al, the owner/manager, is an older gentleman who greets and converses with you at your table. FOOD: Chicken kabob, mixed plate, and falafel apps. If you ask, you should get a sampling of all their dips/sauces that are displayed. The bean salad is my favorite. Tahini sauce is good, not tart. Chicken kabob and the mixed plate comes with a salad and rice. You can substitute french fries instead of rice. TIPS: Don't be fooled when they offer/give you complimentary hummus/dips, you pay for it in the end. If you eat in, Al doesn't give you a check, he just asks you to pay a certain amount, which you think is a bargain, but it's not. Keep in mind of prices of things you order. Get there kind of early (dinner) and there's about 4 parking spots in the back. There's only about 8 tables there.
(4)
Max J.
Food is not good , Service is Bad ...
(1)
Jack H.
Okay, come on -- relax people. Al is a jewel in the world of Buckhead restaurants. The lamb kebab is absolutely to die for. So is the mixed maza platter. Al, the owner, is a colorful Turkish character straight out of Saturday Night Live and, best of all, the food is damn good! One does not leave this restaurant without trying the baklava. The pricing is heavily dependent on whether or not Al likes you as a person. If you are a drunken dick head, yes, he will charge you more than his regulars. And this is what makes America great.
(5)
Sarah E.
My friend and I were looking for a place to get dinner on Sunday night, and we ended up here. Initially, we were put off by the lack of prices anywhere in the restaurant, but the owner quickly made us feel right at home. He insisted on giving us samples of the mezzas. He put a plate together, and instead of just handing it to us, he, um... fed us. This didn't come off as creepy as it sounds. He just seemed really enthusiastic about giving us tastes of the food. After he fed us each a bite, he did pass the plate over and let us feed ourselves. We ordered sandwiches (I got the falafel) and the Mixed Maza Platter. This was kind of a mistake because we were full after the sandwiches and didn't need to eat more. I ended up taking the platter home and eating it the next day (it was good, though I really wish I had asked what all of the items on it were). My falafel was good and was clearly made fresh. I'd say it wasn't quite as good as the falafel at my favorite place, but I'm going to reserve judgment about authenticity until I get back from my trip to Israel this October. Y'all best believe I'll be eating a ton of falafel there - is there a Yelp Israel? Between the food and the helpful and welcoming owner, I'd definitely eat here again. I just wish there was a way to know how much the items cost.
(4)
Julia R.
How could you not simply adore this unpretentious, neighborhood gem of a restaurant when its owner literally hand feeds you a mouthful of freshly made baklava at the end of the meal, undoubtedly the best you will find outside of the Middle East? The antithesis of all that Buckhead implies to Atlantans, Cafe Agora has some of the best hospitality I've ever encountered while dining...not to mention some of the best food as well. After discovering this restaurant while Yelping, a group of friends and I decided to give it a try. We were so pleased that we did! We started off with a large sampler platter which was filled to the brim with all sorts of homemade Mediterranean delights, some old favorites and some new palate teasers that defined the word "delicious." If licking plates were socially acceptable, I can guarantee that it would have happened here. What followed was something that the restaurant owner decided on his own to feed us...a combination of various meats marinated in mouth-watering Mediterranean spices served with perfectly cooked rice and very fresh salad doused in balsamic vinaigrette. Melt-in-your-mouth baklava sealed the deal and we were one happy, and very full, group! The best thing about Cafe Agora, by far, was the stellar hospitality and the fact that every bite of food was packed with pride and love. I can't wait to return and experience it all over again!
(5)
EJ S.
Cafe Agora: The perfect fix for a 3 am drunken rage, but just as delectable as an afternoon snack. Al is AMAZING! Always greeting guests with a smile and a gratis round of baklavah. I'm not completely sold on the hummus, but the tzatziki is creamy greek yogurt goodness with cucumber and dill folded in like angels' wings. DELISH. The falafel is also a fan fave. If you're stumbling drunk around buckhead and looking for the next hot spot, swing by Cafe Agora for a quick taste of heaven before going on your merry way.
(4)
P S C.
The food here is really good. I have been there at different times, and mostly it has been very satisfying. The service is quick, and the owner is a good guy. However, one problem I feel is that there is no receipt given with all the itemized prices, and it is hard to add up all the prices to the total we are charged. Not sure if that can be fixed at this place.
(4)
Gina M.
Huge portions and the Hummus is amazing. Yelp reviews were right on. Not a negative thing to say.
(5)
Amber S.
Best gyro I've ever had... and I've had a lot. Also phenomenal Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
(5)
Reid L.
Al, the owner, is the most hospitable host. I asked for a full mediterranean dinner and he came to our table with one of every appetizer and fed my girlfriend and me a sample of each. If a little hands on, which wasn't intrusive, he is definitely in the business of making sure his customers get his family restaurant's unique experience. As for the food, everything we had was great. The appetizers were all traditionally done and delicious. The chicken in our kebabs was charred perfectly with a large Greek salad on the side that wasn't soaked with olive oil. Awesome. I'd go back tomorrow...or any day really.
(5)
Luke F.
Very authentic and awesome restaurant. The owners are still running this quaint, hidden gem and they gave me a complimentary dessert when they found out it was my first time visit. This is how dinning is suppose to work!
(5)
Alexa G.
With the vast reviews listed for Cafe Agora there is not much else I can say. Although here are some tips that might help you when visiting this quaint establishment: 1. It's seat yourself and you order your food at the counter, I also did not see menus available. If you immediately take a seat, and wait for a waiter to come in you will surely be outed as a newbie there. There is limited parking around back, and street parking around front. 2. Listen to whatever Al tells you to order, you will not go wrong! I mistakenly tried to order a chicken gyro which was then met with a "No, you don't want that, you'll have a real gyro!" The mezza plate was amazing (roasted eggplant, hummus, and all sorts of veggie spreads)...but we had to eat everything on that plate before we were allowed to order their amazing gyros! 3. The owner really cares about the food, and his customers! The gyro was an amazing mix of beef and lamb ( his mix has more lamb) and was juicy and flavorful..not like all the other dry gyros I have consumed. 4. Seating is limited, there are probably 8 tables, comfy but might be pretty tight for a large group dining in. 5. " Sweets in moderation" as Al put it. .. the baklava was sooo good I attempted to get some to go, to savor later at home, But was denied!...DAMN! Just means I will have to take another trip out there...ASAP!
(5)
Jillian F.
I found this place using Yelp. 3 of us went on a Sunday afternoon at about 1:30 and the place was empty and we got a free parking spot steps away from the front door. The owner or host asked us if we had ever been there before and we told him no. He recommended we try the Mixed Maza Platter that came with about 6 different types of appetizers. Everything was absolutely delicious. One of the cooks also brought falafel to our table on the house for us to try. It was incredible. I'm not a big fan of falafel and this was definitely the best I've had. After all the appetizers, we decided to split a meal because we were getting pretty full. The 3 of us split the Agora Mixed Grill which is a plate of chicken, beef and lamb with rice and a salad. Again, all of it was amazing. The flavor of the meat was incredible and the rice was cooked perfectly and tasty. For dessert, we tried the rice pudding. It was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. The reason for 4 stars, not 5, is that (as others have noted) no prices are printed anywhere, which is odd. For 1 appetizer, entree and dessert, our total came out to $32. Not bad since 3 of us shared everything, but that is a lot if 1 person were to order it all. We were all very happy with our meal and the friendliness of the staff. We will definitely be back again.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
After living in the northeast for many years, I became accustomed to flavorful Mediterranean food. Usually, they were mom and pop places that may have lacked fancy finishes but delivered on the good flavors. I ventured out a solo lunch date to Agora after a recommendation from a co-worker. I was looking for a great gyro. Agora is a nice location on East Paces Ferry next door to the new Bottle Bar. The inside was neat with a clear menu above the kitchen and of course as you have read, I was greeted by Al. To be welcomed to a restaurant by the person who is clearly in charge is a rare, rare thing. I gladly told him I was referred by friends who raved about the place. He smiled knowingly and proclaimed that his restaurant was the best....I soon would agree. I had gone to Agora planning to feast on a delicious gyro. However, once I walked in and saw the offerings, my plan fell apart. I knew that I needed to try everything. I ordered the mixed grill. This is the granddaddy of them all platter. 4 types of cooked meats, slices of seasoned pita and then fresh sides. It was a very healthy portion and I could easily tried to keep some for later. But there was no freaking way that was going to happen. DOWN THE HATCH!!!! It was freaking delicious. I want to go back and try everything on the menus. As I walked in I was given a sample of the hummus and salad and as I left I was offered a delicious lady finger like baklava.... sweet, exotic and a delicious finish to a very good lunch. See you soon, Al and Agora!!!!!
(4)
Liz H.
I love how the small interior gives it a homey feel. The people working here are super nice. Anything with the gyro is delish. Came here for dinner with a couple friends and we ordered various dishes. Prices are a tad high, but the portions are plentiful and flavorful. I have no complaints about the food - presentation was also above average (for gyros, it comes like a cone with the filling artfully spilling out). Not a huge fan of the hummus platter; I would recommend sticking to anything with lamb/gryo. My favorite part, however, is the pistachio baklava. The best baklava I have ever experienced. anywhere. I wish for the price you pay, the serving size was bigger, but I guess you can charge what you want when it's that good. I'll keep coming back just for that! Pros: -Late hours -Pistachio Baklava Cons: -Parking -Small space/seating # -Not a cheap eats place
(4)
Cooper B.
The best thing I can say about this place is that I had no idea that I liked Mediterranean food before I ate here. If you've never been you'll definitely want to get a meza platter (sp?) to split with the table before ordering entrees. One thing that not many people are mentioning on here is that they are open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays... you're not going to get better drunk food than a fresh cooked gyro. Parking can be a pain, but there's a lot behind the building where I always park for lunch and have never had a problem.
(5)
Eric S.
This place is small, but don't let that fool you. The food is great. They do take out or eat-in. I had the traditional gyro and hummus as well. I loved it. I've had it for dinner and also late at night after coming back from the bars. I think I found a new regular place.
(4)
Claire S.
This place is one of my regular spots. I love the owner, he hand-fed my coworker Jessica while I was moving my car; which I think made her mildly uncomfortable but I was extremely jealous as I love to be hand-fed by strangers. The lamb salad is the only entree I've ever ordered here because it is so good I always want it. Also the "lady fingers" dessert is amazing. The humus is pretty good but not the best ever. For 2 people the price always magically turns out to be around $30 with tip regardless of what you order, which is a little strange, but right for the food because it is really good. I would go here for casual lunch, not really a date spot. I love this place because they are so friendly and the food is yummy.
(5)
Alex G.
Are you even the slightest bit hungry? Drop what you are doing and go to Cafe Agora RIGHT NOW. After reading the reviews I was intrigued, as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is definitely my favorite, and I stopped in to try the Agora mixed grill. The salad was fresh and very tasty, the meat was extremely flavorful, delicately textured, and cooked just perfectly. Even the pita bread was packed with flavor. I can't think of anything I would want differently, it is rare to have a perfect meal but this is it. Before heading off to the airport I got a lamb shish kebab to go and then waited to go through airport security until I was hungry enough to eat it. I never want to eat food again if its not from Cafe Agora.
(5)
Tukuli H.
I had the gyro and it was the best gyro that I have had in years.
(4)
Angelica T.
This place is awesome! I was in Atlanta visiting a friend for a week and we found this place after deciding on having some Mediterranean food. I love that this little eatery is so family oriented and the owner made us feel welcome. My friend and I shared a mezza platter which was deeeelish. I had the chicken kabob and she had the lamb. I'm not a big lamb fan but I did try it and it was pretty tasty. The portions are large as well, which may be good for sharing. In our case though, we cleared our plates. The owner saw that we finished everything and fed us some baklava, which of course was yummy as well. Overall, love this place! Now if I can find something similar in San Diego =P
(5)
Dee T.
I was in town for a conference during the SEC football championship, so needless to say everything was a cluster. I called the restaurant to see about making a delivery. Initially, I was shut down by whomever answered the phone, but I then mentioned that I was staying at the Grand Hyatt, less than a mile away, and he consented. Thank God! The food was delicious and fed me all.weekend with still more leftovers to boot. The mixed maza platter was by far my favorite part of the order. It had several items that I've not tried before, from the piyaz (white bean and veggie dip) to ezme (broiled eggplant dip). Everything in the platter was very fresh and seasoned well. I wish that I'd gotten more pita with it, but I made do ;) The chicken doner was less successful for me, as it was pretty salty. But the rice and the house salad more than made up for it. I found this place thanks to Yelp, and I'm very glad that I did.
(4)
Ilya P.
This place is great all around.
(5)
JEWELe M.
Absolutely FABULOUS! The chicken gyro, baklava (with and without pistachios), and the Turkish coffee were absolutely fabulous here! You can taste the made to order, fresh ingredients in the dishes. Make sure to take a bite of the baklava and sip on the Turkish coffee all together...the strong coffee melts the flaky baklava in your mouth, making a wonderful texture that makes your tastebuds dance! Or give you an excited urge to drop your dishes on the ground! ;) Whenever iCrave Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish, iWill have to come back to Cafe Agora! iOpa!
(5)
Melanie P.
I was in dismay as to the actual structure of this place but from a food perspective; this place deserves my vote of 5 stars!! Since I was eating there, I wasn't sure what to do - go to the counter to order from the menu above or sit down at a table and wait patiently for a waiter (of some sort) to ask what it is I will be eating? So I went for the counter - I suggest doing the same as this seems to be the way things are run. If they do not openly say this, ask for the dine-in menu (it's different from the board above). They have a full bar, a variety of Mediterranean food from Greek to Lebanese to Turkish to choose from, and a very casual, laid back atmosphere to enjoy this amazing food. I had the lamb kebab that came with a side Greek salad; pita spread a top of two very large slabs of lamb that rested atop a bed of white rice. If the spice of the meat is too much for you, have no fear, they serve a side of Tzatziki spread. In addition to this, I also ordered Grape Leaves which are such a Mediterranean signature favorite and get them whenever I can - these were awesome! After the meal, your food runner brings you out a free slice of baklava. I have had my fair share of baklava and this was some of the best I have ever had. It was drizzled with pecan glaze and just melted in my mouth. I was so impressed, I actually bought some to go. Its a bit steep in terms of price but I think that this quality of food sure fits the price tag. You just have to get over the joint that this food comes from and concentrate more on how delicious your entire meal is and will be if you come here! Where the food is better than the actual look and feel of this restaurant, I suggest coming here when you are in the mood to be relaxed and casual either with one or a group of people. Don't forget that it is also a great take-out place and switch up from your regular Chinese and Italian Pizzeria's for a late Saturday night intoxicated decision.
(5)
Timber W.
Sometimes I can be a picky eater. One of my pet peeves is excessive bread on a sandwich. I can always skip eggplant. And, most of all, I rarely eat meat. I avoid it not out of some ethical objection, but because the texture and taste are completely unappetizing to me. Cafe Agora may have changed that. Having abandoned falafel forever, I had a hard time deciding what to order. (I'm ALWAYS the last to order at Mediterranean restaurants.) After much deliberation, I chose the lamb and beef gyro. As I sat waiting on my food, I started to doubt my choice, but my mind was set at ease and then reeled into ecstasy when I tried the first bite. The meat was actually really tender and flavorful, and I devoured the gyro, gulping orange-carrot juice between bites. I also ordered pistachio baklava, which was moist and delicious. As discovered by my sister, Turkish tea=Earl Grey. ...really? Thanks to Cafe Agora, I'm now a big fan of Mediterranean food. It was totally worth the $5 rate for just one measly hour of parking to have lunch there.
(5)
Shane A.
This place is a great Mediterranean spot with awesome, fresh food! It's a small place that is reminiscent of a cafe you would find in Eastern Europe, a few tables and counter to eat at with ingredients in a deli case so you can see your fresh lamb/chicken/hummus/tabouli/whatev! Al, the owner, MAKES this place! He is awesome and will talk to anyone... if your willing or not! As for me, I'll talk to anyone... so I got his suggestions and told him that I was allergic to tomatoes and he was very careful to only serve me things that I could eat! GREAT SERVICE!! He suggested a half and half kabob - Half lamb regular and half spicy ground lamb. We also ordered some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and veggies). After we sat down, he brought out a surprise app plate with tabouli, hummus, pita and yogurt. The dolma was great and Al had to brag about how his were made in house... and they beat any other dolma that I've had lately! YUM! Then our lamb came out on a huge plate with rice, greek salad, pita, and yogurt sauce. One word... AWESOME! I enjoyed the regular lamb better, because I love how lamb tastes, but they were boh great! Al gave us some baklava after the meal and we drank some raki (ouzo) with a greek beer! DELICIOUS! Again, Al is awesome and a great, hardworking owner from Cypress (not Greece) who will do his best to make you happy!! The check was reasonable (for all the booze I drank) about $15 for the Lamb kabob plate and $4 or $5 for the dolma... I think! Give this place a try! I guarantee you'll want to come back! I'll meet you at the bar with a glass of Raki!
(5)
Kiya H.
Cafe Agora. I am really trying to like this place. First off! I can absolutely agree with the yelpers who mentioned "pricing scams." Dear Al or whom this may concern, Would you please, for your customers sake and sanity, create a menu that states the expense I will incur after placing an order. That way, when you charge me $13 for a mezza platter, I can easily confirm that is the correct price by viewing the menu. Although, I have seen a menu or two; it seems a bit inconspicuous. I am a little disturbed when every other visit I order the same thing but pay a different price. How difficult can it be to display a menu with the prices. Yes, I care about my quarters and my dollars because I earn them! So, I would not like to be charged what ever you decide you want me to pay. Now after that vent...Let us move forward! The food: My first visit consisted of two platters consisting of gyro meat and grilled chicken. The meat: in my opinion; dry and old tasting. It had the traditional flavor; however, it made me contemplate becoming a vegetarian. (Especially after seeing the raw kabobs displayed in the same case as the salads.) What keeps me coming back is the mezza platter; which, I always get to go because the atmosphere shuts down my taste buds. Thanks to the little sampler platter provided on our first visit, the mezza platter is all that I order. The hummus, tabouli, ezme, and yogurt are tasty. The dessert: The baklava is a nice treat. Pretty tasty but again: How much does it cost? Yes, I will continue to patronize this place as long as I crave a good mezza platter or until I find a place that can top it. I think Cafe Agora is a restaurant set in its ways...so when you visit, just go along with it.
(3)
Leeanna L.
It doesn't get any easier than this. We scored a parking space out front--free since it was Sunday night--walked up to the counter, and ordered a mezza plate and the grill sampler. Al had our mezza plate ready in 5 and shortly after that, the grill sampler came out. Yelp was spot on -- fantastic food! At the end of the meal, Al dropped by some baklava "shots" on the house. Sure fire way to win my heart any day. Oh, and if you're lucky or maybe unfortunate depending on how you look at it, Al will hand feed your husband a few bites from the mezza platter. He decided that my husband looked like a picky eater. Mwahaha.
(4)
Adam S.
This is a really nice little lunch spot that offers above average Mediterranean food. The gyros here are some of the best I've had and the lamb agora salad is really great as well. The desserts are fantastic (and I'm not a dessert guy). The owner is friendly and enthusiastic. If you are looking for a nice place to grab a quick lunch, this may be your spot in the buckhead area.
(4)
Anna I.
I can't even handle how delicious the food is at Cafe Agora. I ordered the mix grill plate and was delighted to see a plate full of meat. Lamb, chicken, gyro... oh my! No two meats tasted the same. You can distinctly make out the individual spices and flavors in each lovable bite. Also had the meze platter which is as good as everyone says it is. Very light, fresh, and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back!!!!! BTW the lady finger baklava is to die for. Melts in your mouth. Oh god, so good..
(5)
Robert M.
This is really a 4 star joint, rounded down because of abracadabra pricing and boxed rice. Food here is good, pricing is weak. There is something about someone looking at you for a few seconds while going 'ahhhh' before blurting out a price. $13 for you! Coke, no Pepsi! Weak. Weak. Weak. The Kebabs are good, meats are cooked perfectly with good spice, the pita has nice chew, but the rice seems straight outta Rice-A-Roni (the Atlanta treat). $13 for this type of meal lightens the wallet too much for my taste for a quick lunch. Especially when the price is made up on the spot. I like Al, a good personality, but that doesn't make up for everything. Oh, don't forget your "free" dessert (of course just built into the mysterious pricing). Parking is a bitch, good luck.
(3)
Tyler P.
Great lamb kabob! Went here for dinner, and although the place was empty (maybe serves more of a Buckhead lunchtime crowd?), the food was good, and the staff was friendly. We placed our orders and were offered free hummus that was fresh and delectable. The lamb kebob was definitely a sizable portion. There was plenty of meat and rice, with a side salad that included roasted red peppers. There was probably enough for two people, even though there was only enough pita for one. The meat was not overcooked and dry like I've had other places; it was tender and well-marinated. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu (can't wait to try the gyro!). Overall I had a great experience and recommend this place to anybody looking for a new Mediterranean place in the area.
(4)
Angelica T.
Went here for lunch with coworkers last Friday. Al is hilarious, he fed each of us Baklava after we finished our entrees. The portions are pretty big, and the food was pretty darn good. We shared a mezza platter and it was awesome. I had the chicken kabob, it comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. Other people in the group had the gyros and a falafel, they all said their food was fantastic. The only con is parking can be hard to find in that area.
(4)
Michael D.
I am writing this review to comment on the experience as a whole and not just the food (which was very good.) I went there with a large group of people, but was paying only for the two of us. My food: $16.00 His food: $7.00 Drinks (3 beer @ $4.50): $13.50 Subtotal: $36.50 Tax: $ 2.55 Total: $39.05 Actual bill $47.00 Nobody in our group ordered appetizers. No one ordered dessert. There were about 15-20 of us there and we assumed that the owner was putting this stuff out there "Hey, you all try this stuff! Eat! Eat! eat it all of I don't serve anything else!") because we were spending a fortune with him anyway. Well, it turns out to not be the case. This stuff is pushed on you - you are never asked if you want it. BUT YOU ARE CHARGED for it, about $4-5 per person. That's not a lot, but it is not something you are expecting, and I consider it unfair of the owner to put food on your table that you did not ask for and then charge you for it in the end. I may go back to Cafe Agora with friends, but I will warn them that if they accept what appears to be the owner's generosity, they will be charged for it in the end. If this did not happen to us, I would have given this place 3-4 stars. EDIT: I also agree with another reviewer that the owner appears to just pull prices out of the air and put them on the bill. Just be careful when you pay.
(2)
Luciana Y.
I love Cafe Agora. I discovered it about 3 years ago when I was somehow new to the city and wanted to try, as always, food from other countries. I tried it once and I can't stop going there. I always encourage people to try it and take my friends with me there as well. The food is always fresh, great taste and I have to say that they try to do their best to serve well to the customers. The place is small and sometimes it gets packed and you have to wait but it's totally worth it. I don't care if they might take a while to take your order or bring the check or make you order at the bar instead of coming to the table during the day, it's all worth it! Food is always good and the portions very generous.
(5)
Sanjay S.
I'd been meaning to write this review for a while, but laziness had prevented me from doing so. I dropped into Cafe Agora on July 4th while doing some shopping with the wife. Since July 4th was on a Wednesday this year, it was an in-town day off. We walked in and even though it wasn't that crowded, we decided to sit at the bar. The owner was at the bar and helped us out with the menu and gave us some samples of different things as well. He even introduced us to Efes, a Turkish beer that I had not tried before, but was excellent. He was an excellent ambassador for the restaurant. I ordered the falafel and my wife had the gyro. Both appeared fairly quickly and I have to say that my falafel was the best I've had. Of course, my experience consists only of places in Atlanta so I don't have too many places with which to compare. It was tasty nonetheless. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Angie S.
Yummy! I had the chicken gyro & a Greek salad. It was very tasty! Service for take out was slow.
(4)
Kozby K.
This place is fantastic! I travel frequently and search out great Mediterranean food wherever I go, and Cafe Agora ranks among the best ever. The person behind the counter who runs it (and perhaps owns it) is very friendly and definitely goes out of his way to ensure you have a great experience. I couldn't believe the high quality of the food in relation to the really great prices. Hands down their Lamb kabobs were the best I have ever eaten, and their hummus was deliciously lemony with the right amount of salt. Their pita bread was soft and warm and clearly homemade. The pita came with an olive oil/red pepper paste brushed on the top, and when I asked for them to exchange my pitas for plain ones, the staff did so quickly, without hesitation and with a smile and apology. Fantastic! The crowd ranged from young families to senior citizens, and included solo diners like me and large families. Everyone seems welcomed there, and I would recommend that you add yourself to that list if great Mediterranean food in Atlanta is what you are seeking.
(5)
Tim M.
Good solid kabob joint. I suggested Turkish food to my fellow 3 out-of-town business visitors, after overcoming some initial resistance ("But I don't like curry") I convinced them to go. They hesitated again when we got there (the place doesn't look like much from the outside), but once I saw that they had Efes I figured it was the real deal and I insisted that we stay, and not go to the Capital Grille across the street And boy were we glad we did! The large plate was excellent - who knew carrots could be so yummy. I had the adana kabob which was excellent, and also had one of my co-workers kefte which was good. My colleagues could not stop raving about the food We got there early, so initially the service was good, it tailed off once the place got crowded. Despite there being a long line, they ignored us for a long time after we finished eating, and we had to beg for the hesabu - not that it was bad for us, just the people waiting. The kavessi and baklava were soso. But this was a great find (thanks once again Yelp) and I would definitely come here again
(4)
Jinny Y.
I LOVE LOVE cafe agora~ okay, so it might not be as cheap as I'd like, but the falafel and baklava here are to DIE for! The friend, Mike P. who introduced me to Cafe Agora said on his first visit he ordered a gyro to go and Al promptly said "No". Mike repeated his order: "um... could I please have a gyro to go?" Al: "No, you take gyro to go, it gets cold, then it's no good. You eat here! (pointing at the counter)" Mike: ...sits down. I had a similar experience my first visit. After a wonderful meal of falafel, hummus, and salad, Al offers me a piece of Pistachio baklava~ At this point in time, I didn't like baklava so I respectfully declined. Al said, "no, you try it. It's good!" Next thing I know he SHOVES a piece of baklava into my mouth!! o_O!?? the first thing I thought was, "what the heck!?!" then as i chewed, this LIGHT, FLAKY, LAYERED DESSERT OOZING IN HONEY overcame my senses and I saw Al's face light up with delight ^___^ 'til this day I can't bare to eat baklava anywhere else. It's just not the same!
(5)
Diana C.
My mouth is still drooling from my trip to Cafe Agora two weeks ago. A friend and I shared the lamb gyro (but I wished I had it all to myself at the end of it.) The meat was cooked perfectly with the right amount of spices. The vegetables tasted crisp and fresh, though the onions were a bit too strong. The tzatziki sauce added a cool refreshing taste. But my favorite part of the meal has got to be the pita bread. SO SO good. I will be back at this cozy little place soon.
(4)
Jason L.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Food: + Excellent hummus with different sides accompanied by warm pita; had a bit of a gaminess to it for some reason.. but it was fine + Lamb/beef gyro was excellent; entire package was fresh and popping with flavor + Tried some of the chicken kebab which was excellent as well + Pistachio baklava was oozing with moisture (honey) and the filo crust was full of light flaky goodness Location: + Store is a bit small but wasn't too full when we sat down for lunch on a Wednesday + Owner is very friendly although I found it hard to understand some of his mannerisms Good Things to Know: + They deliver for free within a 3-mile radius; it's a $3 delivery charge outside of the 3-mile radius + The kabobs are fresh and massive; check the front glass display to see them in their full uncooked glory + Accepts Visa, MC, and AMEX (good for those of us on corporate cards)
(5)
Alex K.
Al is a pal!!! Its hard to find good Mediterranean food around town that serves delectable and carefully prepared fresh kebob meat and vegetables. It just doesn't have that "sitting around all day" food taste like a lot of those Mediterranean places have. Great thing is, you can go there anytime, even late at night. If you like soccer, it's your place, as they usually have GolTV on.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I walked in to a near-brawl at Cafe Agora, between Al and a guy who seemed to be a regular. As I didn't catch the beginning of their conversation, I can't say who was in the wrong, but there was definitely some serious anger being thrown back and forth. The customer stormed out in a huff, Al shook things off and smiled. There's no direction as to what to do when you come in here. Order at the counter? Wait for a server? Pay before or after? While I'm still not positive of the regular order of things, we ended up placing our orders at the counter and waiting until Al delivered our wonderful, wonderful food to us. We split an order of hummus, and dare I say it was the best hummus to cross my lips. Heaven, and the pita was equally great. My chicken gyro was equally great: well marinated, fluffy pita, and fresh tasty tzatziki. It was a ton of food, but I managed to scarf it down. Al brought out some pistachio baklava to end the meal and it was equally divine. He truly is a character and makes the experience all the more fun, just be sure to bring friends who are cool with this kind of thing. Not exactly the spot for stodgy business lunches or first dates.
(4)
Brett H.
Lamb Gyros - 2 Shared Hummus Platter - 1 Root Beers - 2 1 tasty lunch Best Gyro's around.... They are BIG, Juicy, and full of love.
(5)
Robert M.
I stopped in on a Tuesday night. The place is small, but the owner made it clear he is planning to expand. We had a mixed grilled plate and a gyro, both came with fresh salads. Everything was great. They have menus, both regular and to go, but you have to ask. Otherwise, you can order by the pictures posted.
(5)
M A.
I've been here so many times with a giant group of people, and even though we're packed in like sardines it's never a disappointment. The staff is very friendly, always joking with our group about our need for chairs and tables as he makes Tetris shapes to squeeze us all in on. The food here is very, very good. Everything from the tzatziki to the lamb kebobs is made fresh and tastes excellent. I never leave here hungry; it's impossible to do so! Even my bottomless pit friends can hardly finish a meal here. The food is hearty and wholesome. I've yet to do takeout myself, but watching five large boxes weighed down with food walk out with a fellow patron make me feel safe in my assumption that you get just as much food even if you don't take a seat. A friend of mine reports that catered meals are large and come with plenty of leftovers, so if you can't find a seat or need some food for a party, you've found your guy! My only gripe is that the owner will give you a mezze platter and demand you eat it, only to charge you a dollar for touching it. I'm also told he just makes up prices when you go to pay, but it seems to be relatively spot on. Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
(5)
M P.
Enjoyed everything we ordered and the service was great!! The portions were really generous... What a pleasant experience!!!
(4)
Foo B.
It was my turn to get food for group meeting again, and I was feeling adventurous, so I drove up to Buckhead (Agora: "Uh... we don't know where Georgia Tech is... so we can't deliver") to check out the goods. The trip was totally worth it. Rave reviews at the meeting, including from my boss, hopefully improving my job security. I initially wanted to just order one of each of their appetizers, but the lady over the phone told me that would be way too much and it would be a lot cheaper just to get a few of their platters. I was pretty skeptical that that would feed all 10 of us, but I took her advice, and it turned out to be just the right amount of food. It was quite economical too... the platters were only $39 in total. The only downside was that the baklava was expensive and had too much syrup, making them soggy.
(5)
Jim H.
This place is freakin great. The owner is insane but a great guy. The food is superior and at a reasonable price. Well done folks.
(5)
Nishal O.
After reading good reviews, we decided to check this place out. We were very disappointed with the service and will not return again!!! We asked for a "to go" order and a menu and the older gentleman (I am assuming the owner) was very rude. We ordered an appetizer and a gyro. He left our appeitzer out for us to bag ourselves and took the "to go menu" away from us after yelling at us for not letting him know we wanted a to go order (when we stated it at the beginning). I am shocked that we were treated so poorly. Aside from the poor service, the quality of the food was mediocre.
(1)
Chloe M.
I really love this place and can't imagine why I'm the last one in the city to tryi it. The Maza Platter is a beauty to behold. It has about 9 appetizers/dips. The hummus was creamy with just the right amount of garlic and lemon juice, the sour cream-dill dip was divine -- thick and creamy. The eggplant salad was very flavorful. I found a new favorite in their Havuc Salatasi (a carrot salad of sorts) with shredded carrots, parsley, dill, yogurt, and spices. It was so good. The tabouli was perfect, as were the babaganush (an eggplant dip), the red bean salad, and everything else on the plate. The grilled pita bread that came on the side was the perfect accompaniment, although the size of the pieces made it very hard to actually get a good chunk of dip onto them. No matter, forks to the rescue and rescue they did. The grilled platter came with an assortment of meats: beef and lamb gyros, lamb, chicken, beef, ground lamb. Every bit was as delectable as the next with my mouth sinking into tender, juicy morsels of meat that are full of flavor and grilled perfectly. I haven't had it any better than this. But the best came in the form of a Gyro -- grilled soft, warm pita bread topped with tender slices of spit-roasted lamb and beef then topped with fresh shredded lettuce and tzatziki sauce. Tasty. Delicious. And the best in town. I love everything about this place and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Arindam P.
Very small place - reminded me of street food in India but once the food came, it was out of this world. We got a complimentary baklava and ended up paying for four of those orders. Best Baklava I have ever tasted
(4)
Darryl D.
Great little greek/turkish restaurant. The Meze is a highlight, along with the pistachio baklava. Good, quick, and cheap.
(4)
Lee L.
Something sketchy about this place is that there is no set menu prices... And looking back on my past credit bill, they charged me $2 extra! I had probably given a tip, but adding a little extra is just messed up!! Be sure to ask how much something costs so you're not ripped off.
(2)
Rei W.
Tiny little restaurant with tons of personality. If you're going with a group of friends, get a mezza plate to share. Warm pita squares with grilled eggplant and hummus...mmmm Al, the owner, will make your meal an experience. The most entertaining owner I've ever met. If you don't know what to order, have no fear, Al will guarantee you something delicious. Don't forget the Baaklava. Their Baaklava comes in traditional squares, rolls and pinwheels- my favorite. Ground pistachios on top add a nice touch.
(5)
Christopher P.
Al + Mezza Plate + Baklava = Goodness Cafe Agora.... Mezza Plate... do it... do it... now....
(4)
Enoch C.
good food. let's start with that. if you're looking for a good mediterranean dive, this is it. if you're thinking, "hmmm... i feel like good mediterranean tonight." for goodness' sake, check this place out. i went with a group of four for lunch on a friday. not sure if it gets packed later on in the lunch hour but there weren't too many people there (which is good cause it's pretty small). 2 friends had the gyro, another had the chicken kebab and i had to have the lamb kebab. i'm a sucker for lamb. didn't try the gyro, but seemed like an excellent lunch portion. the chicken kebab was really good. the chicken meat was super tender and had me wishing i had ordered the chicken instead of the lamb, which was ok, but nowhere near as tender as the chicken. the kebabs come over rice and with a greek salad. salad was good, no surprises or anything there. so after reading reviews of this place, i had heard about the "complimentary hummus." the dude gave us a huge plate of hummus and other mediterranean goodies and mixed the hummus and some pepper sauce thing and fed it on a toasted pita square to one of my friends which i hear is just how they do things here. SURPRISE! they charged us for the hummus plate at the end of the meal. however, for $5 it is actually a great deal. but who knows what you'll be charged if you come in cause there's no fixed prices on anything. when we went, the gyros were around 7 bucks and the kebabs were around 12. didn't really want to spend 12 bucks for lunch, but it was worth going at least once. at the end of the meal, we got actual complimentary baklava and some kind of rice pudding. wasn't a fan of the rice pudding and i thought the baklava was aight. maybe i'm just not a fan of baklava, but it just tasted like any other baklava i've ever had. so if you want great mediterranean food, come here. if you don't want to deal with hidden fees, people feeding you stuff, or spontaneous price changes, then pick a different place. to me, i thought the food and the other random stuff that goes on during your meal balance each other out. 3 stars.
(3)
Vy A.
I had to try this place after hearing all the rave on Yelp. The food was ok and the people are pretty friendly. Why a 2? There were some serious problems. The biggest problem is that I have to agree with Lee L. about the "sketchiness" in the way they charge you. For that, I will never return. The experience was pretty good initially. We got the nice greeting and he practically forced us to try this sampler place in a way that implied that it was gratis. We really weren't expecting such a large sampler so we all felt bad and ordered much more food than we normally would have been to be polite. They definitely charged us for the sampler even after suggesting that we wouldn't be. There also aren't any prices on the menu, which added to the surprise. Perhaps there was some problem with communication on the sampler. In that case, I feel a bit uncomfortable with his forcefulness in making us order the item. I was also a bit concerned with his handling of the food - preparing dips onto the bread and handing them to you to eat??? I'm not thrilled with people putting their bare hands all over my food right before I eat it. There was also some carrot dish that smelled and tasted of chlorine. I'd detail the food here normally but I think there are plenty of people who have done that here. Summary: Decent food. Maybe some concerns on cleanliness. I'd give this place a 3.5 if Al would be more up-front with the billing.
(2)
Michael Milton B.
Mezze platter + lamb/beef gyro + ouzo = happiness. I love this place, the food and the staff. Having Greek blood and a yaya (Greek for grandmother) who's a great cook, I can legitimately judge the food. The mezze platter is amazing--a little something for everybody with plenty of flat bread for dipping. The hummus especially stands out as a very rich, fresh flavor. Al and his staff are accommodating and are eager to have you enjoy their delights. Al will literally hand feed you if you're not eating a gryo correctly. It's a humorous experience. He almost always includes a generous gift of baklava or extra bread as an extra treat. Plus, being located adjacent to the Park Bench bar, they close at 4 AM Friday and Saturday. This makes for great late-night gorging. Gotta love it.
(5)
Mina S.
As a huge middle-eastern food fan...this place was overall unimpressive. The staff was very friendly, and the menu had quite a bit to choose from. The sides were delicious, minus the hummus made of blah. I ordered the lamb kabobs because I felt like spending the extra money on it--lamb ain't cheap. The lamb was beautifully delicious, but a tad too greasy. The only problem? After paying over $12 for that platter, IT WAS SERVED WITH BOX RICE. Seriously. It had to have been. Those little elongated orbs of chewy brownish rice-intruders? You have GOT to be kidding me. No no no. Not with my expensive lamb kabob. Imma bring the smackdown. Where the heck is my basmati?! I won't be wasting my time or money here again because there are simply better places to go. Which will use the correct rice. BAH! However, don't completely nix this place--it was an overall good experience and if you're looking for something close to meet with friends, it's perfect.
(3)
Jesse W.
Well, even without Al's personal attention during our dining experience, this was the best Med food that any of us have ever eaten. From the awesome appetizer, to the most tender and tasty chicken kebobs we've ever eaten, this place passed our test with flying colors. When my girlfriend mentioned that she had only ever eaten good falafel when she was in Israel, Al quickly went in the back and had the bring up some of his falafel for the Pepsi challenge. It was terrific; I mean really, really good. The only thing that probably wasn't a slam dunk with everyone at the table was the dessert, but Greek/Med desserts have never been my favorite thing. And what can you say about Al? He's terrific. A genuinely kind and enjoyable person who certainly adds a whole other dimension to your dining experience. Be warned though, if you are the kind of person that likes to be left alone while you are dining, this place is not for you.
(5)
Jay P.
The lamb was as tender as .....I have no clue....All I know is that this was a great dining experience. Al definitely provided us all with top notch service. I had heard rumors of this guy, and he lived up to every one. From complimentary dips and deserts to a few jokes that I didn't quite understand, Al was the hilight of the evening behind the the lamb. This might have been some of the best lamb these teeth have ever met. He doesn't really tell you the prices until the meal is over and he rings up the bill so I would ask ahead of time. The parking situation is pretty crappy but the meal is worth every penny. At the end of the meal, he gave us to go boxes filled with dips and a special dessert. Al really knows what he's doing and for that, I'll be back again!
(4)
Susan F.
Cafe Agora made all the other Greek restaurants I've eaten at look like child's play. The food was incredible! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We started off with a sample plate served to us by the owner. I couldn't tell you what he included (other than hummus), but it was delicious. For lunch I ordered the beef and lamb gyro. Amazing. I wish I could have eaten five. For first timers, there are a few things you should be warned about. 1) Parking's a pain. There are a few spaces in front and behind the building. Otherwise it's paid parking (in a lot) or you have to fend for yourself on the street. 2) When you walk in, go straight to the cash register. Order, then find a table and sit. 3) Go back to the register and pay when you're done. I don't think prices were posted, but they were reasonable.
(5)
Anna F.
Y'all: if you do nothing else this week, go to Cafe Agora. I can't stress enough how much I adore this place. I've been 3 or 4 times now, and it's always been fantastic. The owners are lovely, and the man will likely come to your table at least twice to check on you, share a funny joke, and bring a complimentary bite of baklava (which is to die for, btw). I highly recommend the Maza (masa?) platter: it's a plate full of every kind of Mediterranean dipping sauce/spread/concoction you could ever want, with another plate full of bite-sized, warm, fluffy pita bread. It's a great way to get a little taste of everything, either as an appetizer before dinner, or a healthy lunch. Also note that you can park for free in the parking lot by the Hifi Buys building.
(5)
Pranjal V.
Best Turkish food in town.
(5)
Michael L.
I finally got to meet Al, and though we just dropped in to take a few falafel and gyro sandwiches to go, Al gave us a small plate of hummus and two other dips alongside a small dish of cut up pita for us to eat while we waited. That's the kind of hospitality one encounters in middle eastern countries that I've been to. Thanks Al, we really appreciated it. I will gladly say that this place by far makes the best gyros and falafels that I've had in ATL- because it's just true!
(5)
Shawanda M.
alright alright...here we go. went here for lunch. lovely. got the chicken gyro (again) it was delightful!! the experience alone, was enough! there was complimentary pita bread, hummus and some other delicious snacks as we waited for our food. the baklava was by far, the best little baklava i've tasted in a very long time! we ordered some for the table and when we went to pay, Al decided to feed us (yes, feed) more. and wouldn't take NO for answer. he literally got a fork and fed us baklava. pure hilarity! definitely some good stuff! can't wait for my next adventure to Cafe Agora!!!
(5)
Tricia C.
I was really disappointed when I tried to come here for lunch and somehow missed this place, but instead only saw the "Agora" restaurant a few doors down that was closed. I had read the reviews on Yelp and was really looking forward to the place. But my curiosity got the better of me and I called them later on and figured out my mistake. So, we came back for dinner! We were greeted by Al, who asked us if we had been there before and how had we heard about it. He told us about all the glowing reviews he's gotten on Yelp and Citysearch (except for the one bad review on Citysearch that was based on "opinion and not fact", haha). He made us the sampler plate o' hummus-es and other treats (many of which I have no idea what they were), but they were all DELICIOUS. I typically just stick to more Greek-style stuff since that's what I know, but everything he gave us to try was really really good (he literally prepared the first bites for us at the counter, mixing things in fairly precise ratios). I do wish he had given us bigger pieces of pita bread though. After he commended us for finishing that sampler, he allowed us to order gyros. I wouldn't say that the gyros were the best I've had, but they certainly hit the spot. I would have liked a little more tzatziki (since my meat was not as juicy as some others have said) and I would have liked to have some tomatoes on my gyro. But still, pretty solid. The best part about the meal (yes, even better than the hummus platter) was the baklava. Oh sweet Jesus, the baklava. He gave us each a half piece to sample, and it was like a chorus of angels burst into song in my mouth. It was far and away the best I've ever had. It had the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. It was very light, and not packed so tight that it takes you two minutes to chew. The honey was not so thick and gooey that you feel like your mouth is temporarily glued shut. It was not too drippy, it was not too dry. It was crisp and perfect, and had a sprinkling of pistachios on top. We bought 6 more pieces to take home and share, and he threw in 3 extra for good measure. (They were gone that night.) I really wanted to come back and get some to take back to Dallas with me but we didn't have time. Also, I noticed lots of people ordering food to go or for pickup, and most of them seemed like regular customers. It seems Al has realized a key ingredient of a great restaurant: there are so many restaurants out there these days and with review sites like Yelp available to savvy researchers wanting new and different places to try, that little extra of great customer service goes a long way in setting yourself apart from the rest. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Atlanta!
(5)
Brian H.
I go to this place regularly. Al's got a great product here and the service is hard to beat. 2 thumbs up, way up.
(5)
John R.
A friend and I went tonight for the first time. I'm kicking myself right now for having lived around the corner for 5 years and never ventured into this restaurant. Our server was friendly, and the food was great! We both had the falafel with a starter of hummus. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The dessert brought at the end (a little piece of bakalava) was omg....delicious. We both left very satisfied, just the right amount of full. I can't wait to go back and explore many more of the dishes that were in the refrigerator case. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)
Saloni L.
Very nice and welcoming place! loved the food and ambience. Owner is extremely friendly and ensures you have a good time!
(5)
Isabel Y.
Great food, absolutely no question! I love hole in the wall joints like this one by Park Bench. It's great if you are just chilling one night and don't mind lingering over some over the counter philosophizing with Al. BONUS: Being hand fed some amazing baklava is NEVER a bad thing. But if you're looking to quickly eat and then head somewhere else, you may want to go to elsewhere. Between finishing our food (SO GOOD i'm not kidding) and leaving the restaurant took a good 15 min last time, and we were in a hurry to meet up with some other friends. Not a big deal but just a heads up. My main complaint: Al just tells you how much you owe and gives you a piece of paper with that number. Like everyone else, I like free appetizers and free dessert, but I would like the place more if whenever I came, the price was SEMI-on par with last time (and yes I order the same things). Sometimes it's $14, sometimes it's $25...(???) I'd like an itemized receipt please. Just go on a weeknight after work with a friend, sit at the bar, let Al bring you food, and consider it great bang for your buck, all things considered.
(4)
louis n.
I didn't know what to expect when I came to Cafe Agora. It's definitely not a "date spot" by any means. I came for lunch with two of my close friends. We didn't receive a proper greeting nor prompt seating. The three of us ordered the Chicken, Lamb, and Mix Gyros. They were all tasty and filling, great food portions. The hummus w/ falafel was as good as it gets. The hummus was smooth and had the right amount of olive oil for taste and texture. The tabouli was fresh and seasoned with just the right amount of zest. Parking is limited on E. Paces Ferry Rd. Try parking behind the building or across the street at the vacant HiFi Buys.
(3)
S B.
Wonderful! I'm sitting in Cafe Agora now and everything from atmosphere to food was excellent. We will definitely be back
(5)
Matt T.
This place was a really pleasant surprise. My girlfriend and I were driving around Buckhead looking for a good, new place to eat and she looked up local restaurants on yelp. She stumbled across this place and we decided to give it a shot. The restaurant is fairly small and sort of a hole in the wall type place. However, like many other holes in the wall, the food was delicious. The owner is very welcoming and friendly. He offered us free samples of hummus, ezme, and tabbouleh because it was our first time there and he wanted to show us how good his food was. I ordered the iskendar kabob and my girlfriend got the falafel sandwich, both of which were delicious. The lamb was probably the best I've had in Atlanta so far and the falafel was very tasty and perfectly golden on the outside. When we left, the owner insisted that we take some rice pudding on the house and I have to say, it was outstanding. Overall, great place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone/go back.
(5)
Blake K.
Okay, so maybe this is the more realistic rating that Cafe Agora deserved in the first place based on solely food. This time around the place was too busy for Al to spend his sweet time with us, and so the experience suffered. Please, Please, Please, read my other review for all the AWESOME positive things about this place. This review, on the other hand, will simply spot out a few qualms I had this time around. I got the platter again. Most everything was amazing (as I remembered) except for the humus. It seemed to be missing something. It just tasted like plain ol' humus, like the kind of stuff you can get at Publix. I mean it's good, just not great. And the rice. My girlfriend had the kabob platter. She swears the rice was boxed. I can't say I know my rice that well, but it did have a weird texture to it. But maybe it's just weird rice. The meat was delish. The place is awesome. I'll definitely be bringing friends here again.
(4)
jimmy s.
Quick summary: fantastic metza platter, unreal gyro, and Al is a trip. A little pricey compared to many quick lunch spots in this genre, but this different in quality is incomparable. Best gyro in town should be enough reason to visit.
(5)
Alan B.
I have lived in buckhead for a year, eaten @cafeagora for a year. And i have eaten authentic homemade turkish for a long time. And this is it, home made authentic for 99.9% of it... anyways go eat there, order the efes beer and chow down on some ezma, kabob, and sarma...
(5)
David S.
Dear Yelp, can I give 6 stars? Please? I just went back today, and basically was indecisive on what to order, so Al suggested the mixed grill. This is friggin GENIUS. Why decide when you don't have to, when you can have it all? It was superb, so much food, so many tastes, thank Zeus that my stomach has the ability to expand in cases of dire culinary emergency. And, maybe even more important than getting yummy food, Al gave me a bit of advice from his own life. The jist of it was this "The best way to get ahead in life is with intelligence and kindness". All this and gyros, too??
(5)
Arjun R.
Really enjoyed it. Was excellent quality food. Had only two significant gripes - a tad overpriced and just a little under-spiced for my liking.
(4)
Kevin P.
I love Agora. Small place. Parking can be frustrating , although you can park for free down street. Food is great. Prices reasonable. Don't let your first dish lock you into a favorite. Try several things on the menu. You will end up with many favorites. I love the lamb kabob, turkish lamb meatballs, carrot appetizer, and the chicken kabob.
(4)
Juna D.
BEWARE. You will be served a platter of mezza without asking for it, believe it is complimentary, and then pay $15 for it!! The food is great, but be careful with your bill.
(2)
Mark D.
Grape leaf rolls were fantastic like everything else!
(5)
Stephanie B.
This place is my new favorite restaurant! The best Turkish food I have had outside Istanbul! I will be making this a weekly destination. Al, the owner, was great!
(5)
Dio S.
Why does Al love Yelp? Because Yelp loves Cafe Agora! My friend told me Al wants to meet some yelpers, because he's thrilled about all the positive reviews. I can personally confirm that the raves are well justified. Here can be found one of the most delicious gyros I've ever had, with tangy fresh tzatziki, aromatic lamb, chewy pita, overloaded with juicy goodness, mmm...my mouth waters uncontrollably as I think about it. The hummus, kebabs, and salads are likewise fantastic. All the cold salads have just the right tartness in their dressings. I had stale iced tea once, and that's about the only spotty experience. With all those upscale places around this part of Buckhead, this offers one of my favorite casual options (great for to-go too) in the area. Much better than Fellini's, Johnny Rockets, Rio Grande and the like close by. Must try!
(4)
Kyle J.
This is my favorite place to grab a bite in the Metro. I was first taken here one late night without all of my capacities intact and was blown away by the food. Since McDonald's Fries also falls into the same category in that state I decided to go back a couple of days later for lunch and the food was just as good and Al was just as inviting and witty. So now I frequent the place. I recommend the kebabs and the vegetarian fare. Not the gyro which typically comes out a little dry. If you do not like spicy food do not order the lamb and stick with the chicken or beef. Also good luck ordering food off of the signs hanging above , as most of the items are not available. But for a great place to grab a bite for lunch or late this is the place. Don't forget to use the hot sauce though. FYI: Food is cooked to order.
(5)
M G.
If you've been to a Bazaar in Istanbul, you are quite familiar with the talkative shop owners, who implore and cajole you to look and try everything in their store. Al, owner of Cafe Agora, is no different, but even if he wasn't the friendly and quite expressive guy that he is, you'd still want to try every single thing on the menu, because it speaks for itself. Al doesn't need to lobby the customer or recommend his favorites, because it is all excellent, but his presence behind the bar makes the experience that much more enjoyable. As has been noted in other reviews, he'll set you up with a sampler and some desserts while you wait, and chances are you'll tear through the pita and dips and your mouth will be watering for more by the time the meal comes. It's such a pleasant experience, made more worth while with the kind of old world interaction with the owner that is so rare nowadays.
(5)
Travis M.
First and foremost, I feel like i should note that I have never been here 100% sober, but its fantastic location within walking distance of most of my favorite bars in Buckhead make it a real late night treat. I've never ordered anything but a gyro but Al has always been fastastic and brings me out samples of many other items. I think their gyros are some of the best in Atlanta (trust me, i've eaten a lot of gyros after a late night drinking session - i'd like to consider myself somewhat of an expert) and their baklava is also quite delicious.
(4)
Chef Invisible T.
Why 4 stars--because it was hard for me to give five for a gyro but it is close. Hey Al, your the hottest on Yelp....congrats. But at last my dreams are over-I have findly found a Lamb Gyro in the Atl that I can say is better or as good as what I have tried anywhere. The owner(AL) is great which pushes this review to 4.5 stars. They lost half a star and a round down just on the A-kebab being ok. But wait... this place has to be the go to for anyone out after 1pm on a fri-sat night in the ever condo-hotel dining Buckhead. I have the great advantage of my girlfriend being a chef at a local hot spot in the area and my to -go gyro is now a regular staple for my late nite chef dinner. Can you believe I worked in this area for years and did not find out about this Med Food Find until Yelp users steered me in the direction. Thank You Yelp and I have to say that this is one of the best examples of what the ATL needs--small affordable dining- that is what makes great food cities so great.
(4)
Laila S.
pretty good mediterranian food. its small on the inside, but its nice.
(3)
Chris R.
We strolled in this past Saturday (1.24.09) for a late lunch after running a few errands in the neighborhood. It is definitely is in a blighted area that only 5 years ago used to be the nexus of night life is the now diminished going-out "scene" of Buckhead. But no matter...the Mediterranean food was awesome! The restaurant is fairly small and not the prettiest of interiors, but for the price and tastiness I certainly would go back. We ordered the Mixed Maza Platter and the Chicken Shish Kebab. The hummus was so good that we bought some to go and had some as our appetizer with our at home prepared dinner that night. By the time we finished eating the mixed maza platter we were nearly too stuffed to continue on we opened up our hollow leg and made a go at the Chicken Shish Kebab. The chicken was quite tasty in that it had a spicy very very faint taste of barbecue and the tzatziki sauce made for a tasty morsel. The house salad was so so..and the same with the basmati rice...but overall it was quite good. We finished it off with a little sample of the baklava. By then I was stuffed...but the little taste of sweetness ended a great lunch. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely go back when we're in the neighborhood.
(5)
Justin B.
We walked into cafe agora on a Sunday night. From across the room Al saw us and asked if we'd been there before which led us directly to the beautiful display of his yummy looking wares. There weren't many people in the restaurant with us but the food was delightful and so was Al. His personal recommendations turned out to be great and the whole experience was memorable and commendable. I'd definitely go back.... and considering my parents live only a few blocks from him... we definitely will.
Very friendly, comfortable restaurant with great food!
(5)
scott h.
Amazing Place!!! Great first time experience tonight, so great I made a Yelp account just to write a great review on this restaurant! The food was great! The hummus was the best i have ever had, and they had this carrot salad, wow, im not even a fan of carrots and i nearly exploded i ate so much carrot stuff!!!! the gyros were also fantastic.. i am used to a much less traditional style gyro, so i am used to more sauce, but i have to say, the meat in these gyros is by far the best! it was cooked perfectly!!! and as for the owner of the place, Al, he is a fantastic guy, on a first name basis with many of his customers and treats them well! as a first timer, he let us try so many things and treated us as if we had been coming there for years. overall, great experience and i will be visiting many many times!!!
(5)
Kelly O.
This place has consistently good reviews for a reason. While it doesn't look like much from the outside, once you walk inside, you are treated like royalty. I ventured here for the first time with a friend the other night and got to experience Al's doting firsthand. He could tell we hadn't been before and insisted we try the mezza sampler plate - he literally hand fed us bites so we could see what went together. Since I don't know what all was on the plate, I can't say what my favorite was, but I highly recommend getting this if it is your first time there to try a little bit of everything - and it was ALL good - no joke, we cleaned the plate. A little full from the sampler, we split a lamb kabob plate, which was the perfect amount of food for two girls - the lamb practically melted in your mouth and the Greek salad was the best I have ever had, with the white dipping sauce just adding to the meal. To finish off the meal, he brought over some baklava and fed it to us (he is really into feeding you, so if you are uncomfortable with being hand fed, this might not be the place for you), which was amazing!! A great meal, great experience overall and with such personal service, I will be back all the time!
(5)
Dave G.
I love this place. The gyro is the best ever. However, parking is very difficult and the food is a bit expensive. In addition, while the owner did hook us up with a sample platter, I understand that isn't the normal case. Therefore, for $9 or so, you get a Gyro and a drink - no sides. Just seems a little expensive (especially with the parking hassle). * Update - return trip - parking not a problem, just go earlier. Drink, gyro and side salad for $10. Very delicious! Upgraded to 5 stars! Yea!!!
(5)
Todd P.
When my friend and I walked up to the counter to order dinner, Al showed us a print-out of the Yelp Atlanta home page listing Cafe Agora in the coveted #1 spot for Hot on Yelp restaurants. I've noticed it highlighted there several times the past few months and that's what lead me to his restaurant. He's definitely proud of the support he's received from the Atlanta Yelp community. Suffice it to say the food was fantastic, just as others have described in their reviews -- from the sampler plate of hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, etc. to the gyro meat, rice and pita there was not one thing that was a miss for me. Thanks Yelpers for leading me to a fantastic experience, and thanks to Al for showing us the hospitality that is abundant for all your customers.
(4)
Deanna J.
If six were allowed, this would be my first six-star review for the simple fact that it provided me with one of the funniest dining experiences of my life. More on that later. Cafe Agora is located in the general area near 'Old Buckhead,' where there are still open restaurants and galleries - and if it wasn't for yelpers (thanks, yall!!) I would have never known about this place. I literally worked right across the street for over a year, and still never knew about it! Sad, but true. The little place is perched on a corner, with a bright blue awning. There are no more than a dozen tables in there, and you get the feeling that it's a lunch only kind of place, until you spot the wall o' bar - definitely enough libations to get you going on a Friday night. You can also imagine how dim lighting would create a whole new ambiance in the evening, too. A friend and I met up for lunch just before the usual big lunch rush - both of our first times to Cafe Agora. We were greeted by the owner (who I think his name is Ali). I mentioned was excited to try the restaurant and was with and head about it on Yelp. He suggested that we split a mixed maza platter, which includes hummus, eggplant, babaganush, and pretty much every possible thing behind the shiny glass counter. It was amazing. It's actually a good thing I didn't know about this place when I worked across the street, or I would have become verrryyy familiar with the sampler platter! We looked around as everyone else got their gyros, since we planned to split one of those as well, but ours never came out. Finally, Ali came over, admonished us for not finishing our platter, and denied our request for ordering more pita bread to finish it off - explaining that we would be too full to eat out gyro after. Now, mind you, he didn't say any of this in an unfriendly way, but more in a 'hilarious uncle' kind of way - just one of those owners with lots (LOTS) of character, a la Ann of Ann's Snack Bar. Since we were splitting the gyro, instead of giving us a knife, he explained how we were to just pass the gyro across the table to each other (but only if we were friends) and each take a bite out of it - which we did, juices flowing from the gyro and laughing from what was transpiring. But wow. The flavor of the gyro was ridiculously tasty. He also sat down to tell us the health benefits of the food, that the meza was extremely time consuming to make, urged us to finish our plate, and we also saw when he was back in the kitchen fighting off the lunch rush, had a girl at the next table go get her own ice and cup for her drink. He also gave us a baklava (and tried to comp our meal, but we circumvented that by stuffing cash in the tip jar!), which, surprise, surprise, was awesome, too. Though many of these sound like customer service faux pas, the character really just added to the experience - one of those unique, very local, very yelpy times - only enhanced by the hilariously unique and friendly owner. Good yelpy times! I officially love it here. Even if your visit isn't as entertaining as mine was, there's still plenty reason to go to Cafe Agora. The food was extremely good, and it's a versatile spot for everything from a quick lunch, to a really cute 'hidden unique date-y' kind of spot for the evening!
(5)
Gina C.
My friend suggested this place for dinner and I was so glad she did! I've been wanting to try it out for a while. It is a little hole in the wall restaurant, but the food is superb! My friend and I were the only ones there tonight, besides the guy that works there and his family. It wasn't Al, but a younger guy. For starters, we ordered the hummus. It was probably the best I've ever had! I couldn't stop eating it! We also ordered a small greek salad, which was very good with the balsamic dressing and all the veggies. I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the falafel. My gyro was very good. I loved every bite of it. The portion is pretty big, but I still finished it. My friend's falafel was delicious as well, but I liked my gyro better. Towards the end of our meal, Al came in and talked to us for a bit. He asked us if we've been here before and then he gave us a sample portion of baklava which he fed to the both of us. When we went up to pay, our bill came out to be $24 and some change, but Al told the guy to charge us $20. I do agree with the others about the parking. There is a lot in the back and some street parking. Also, the restaurant is really small so get there early! I'll def be back for more gyros. They are the best in Atlanta!
(5)
MICHAEL N.
I always get the gyro but it is excellent. Best part about this place are the late hours on the weekends.
(4)
Achille Y.
The food is decent but this establishment has several issues; 1: Parking; it's very had to park. 2: The prioprietor (ED?) Is extremely LOUD AND OVERBEARING. He will just bring you food to try. He actually yelled at me for eating all the bread. He then put some food on the bread and handed it to me to eat "properly". Whoa. 3: He will randomly bring food to try. It's free right? -- Yeah... NO! He charged me for that. 4: There are no posted prices, and the whole pricing is extremely sketchy. I got the same food several times and it cost different amounts. Each time it's been an even amount charged ($35, $40)
(1)
Jonathan P.
I am in Buckhead on business for the week and was checking out Yelp for a place to eat. I came across Cafe Agora and had to try it based on the reviews. It was a bit of a hike from my hotel, but well worth it. Al was very friendly and wanted me to try everything. He brought out the Maza platter and started feeding me from it. Can't say I've ever experienced that before, but I didn't mind, it just adds to the eccentricity of the place. Everything that can be said about the food already has. I was not disappointed and will definitely be making a return trip before I leave.
(5)
Kat W.
Love this place for take out and lunch. Kind of small so don't prefer for dinner, but great service. The owner Al is always there, tasty, dependable food. They also deliver in Buckhead.
(5)
Christian H.
okay, so it's not exactly cheap but oh sooo delicious. We'll be back.
(4)
Juliet C.
This place is great, not the ambiance, but the food! The freshness was the top and so were the flavors. I would highly recommend it. Parking is not easy, but doable. I liked it so much I am having them cater my next party!
(4)
Britny P.
I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! It is so authentic and the owner, Al, is super nice and loyal to his customers. I remember the very first time I went to Al's and thinking that it looked a little sketchy...this was pre-yelp days and when Al's had just opened up. It did not have a bar or barely a table but I remember the wonderful service and the AMAZING food! I was able to relive that moment when I brought my boyfriend and friend for their first experience. I really enjoyed seeing their expressions and enjoying the atmosphere that Al had created since my first time. The food is so authentic and you can see it with the preparation and presentation. Huge portions and very fresh. It is also very reasonably priced! I gave it 4 stars because of he parking...there is none. Other than that, you must stop in and say hi to Al. Become one of his loyal customers...he treats you well! Thank you Al for always making my experience like the first one.
(4)
Kyle P.
This place is fan freaking-tastic. Order the Maza platter to start, everything on it is super tasty and authentic. This was my first time there so I had to go with the traditional gyro, it was perfect...especially when I added some of the Maza plate toppings. We capped off with a Baklava and my friend Jamison was quoted as saying that if his car was on fire, he wouldn't have left his baklava to save it. This place is the real deal.
(5)
Kris L.
WARNING: I'm about to do my best Tony Bourdain impression in this review. So what does one do when stuck in Buckhead on a frigid, frozen rainy night? What does one select for an evening solo meal amongst so many tantalizing choices in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood? Does one overpay for a filet at one of the numerous steakhouses? Does one chicken out and eat at the at-best mediocre room service food? No, I say! No! Not me. Not this guy. I'm takin' it to the street. And I'm going for Turkish food, my friends. That's right. Turkish food. In Atlanta. In Winter. Thanks once again to the savvy writers of Yelp, my cravings were satisfied a 'very' brisk 12 minute walk later (brisk being defined in this case as a near-sprint) to Cafe Agora. I braved the elements seeking an authentic doner (or Turkish gyro) and the men of Cafe Agora did not disappoint. First, a complimentary selection of meze salads and pita bites to go with my ice cold Efes beer. Then the moment arrives. Oh yes, here it is - the gyro. And it was outstanding. Stupendous! And it was, um, rather brief in its existence. Down it went, along with the Efes and a dash of Turkish hot sauce. Absolutely perfect. What? What did you say, my new Cafe Agora friends? You want to offer me ANOTHER gyro and a SECOND cold Efes beer? Why, yes please! Gluttonous? Perhaps? Over the top? Definitely. Worth every frickin' painful frozen step home to my hotel. No doubt. So when in Buckhead, go to Cafe Agora. And when you drink your Efes and stuff yourself silly with Turkish meat products, think of me. And don't forget the baklava..
(5)
Austin C.
Humble, healthy, and overall happy experience! First, let me begin with Al. He is very humble and his mission is to serve his patrons with the best service possible. He always greets us with a warm smile and laughs when we walk in because he knows how difficult my girlfriend and I are with food. We always change up the entire menu as we are constantly striving to only put foods that will enrich our lives in our system. Kudos Al! We usually order the hummus to start and then a grilled chicken salad. They have this tomato salad that is filled with vegetables and he knows to load us up with that side. For serious antioxidants and vitamins I highly suggest the tomato salad. The food is not that expensive and at the end of the meal Al usually gives you a treat that rhymes with Maklavah. He also gives me great insight on how to serve people better and be a leader in the community.
(5)
Stacy A.
Finally tried this place and was very disappointed. Black olives, not kalamatas, were used in their salad. Mezza platter was disappointing. The place is really small and dinghy, not an environment to boost the appetite. I'm not sure why this is so highly rated---I'd rather drive up to Aladdin's in Roswell for a meditterranean feast.
(1)
Ndamukong S.
One of the best lamb gyros I've ever had. The flavor of the meat and tzatziki was excellent. (Portion was filling as well.) Enjoy it with a Turkish Efes beer. All food orders come with rice pudding (for after your meal) but if you have room for a little more, try the baklava. It is different, in a very good way.
(4)
Jessica C.
Very tasty. I think the owner was at an event, which I was a little disappointed about, but I will definitely be back again to try to catch him! I took an adventurous coworker here for an informal lunch meeting, and it turned out perfectly. We both ordered the sampler appetizer platter, which was a great size for lunch, and the sweet girl who served us brought out a pile of warm pita squares. Really tasty! Since we arrived a little after 1pm, it wasn't very crowded and we could talk freely.
(5)
Per C.
I decided to come here after reading all the rave reviews. I'd never really had mediterranean food before so I decided to try something new. I have no idea what I ordered...I think it was the combo? It came at the recommendation of the guy i assumed to be the owner. He seemed eager to show me what mediterranean food had to offer. He proceeded to give me whole medley of shit to try - 3 courses of it. The first course was a salsa looking thing with some green stuff and what I believe to be hummus. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to dip bread in it or eat it like an appetizer. It didnt come with bread so I just ate it as is. Verdict - It was good. The main course was a concoction of different types of bbq'd meat, rice, flatbread, and some sort of creamy substance. The chicken was a little dry, but still good. The other meats were cooked well and everything on the plate was great. Verdict - It was good. The third course was some egg roll looking dessert. It was buttery, nutty, and sweet. Verdict - It was good. The portions are huge, the price is right, the food is good. I'd be here all the time if I lived in Atlanta.
(4)
Brian R.
So. Awesome. It was empty when E and I went this weekend which probably lead to us having a great experience. Al (the owner) hooked us up with a sample platter of all the sides they have, e.g. taboule, ezme, hummus, goat cheese, &c. All were fantastic. I attempted to order a chicken gyro to which he responded, "What, you don't like beef & lamb? You get chicken next time." This proved sound advice as it was the best gyro I've had in town so far. After our meal he brought us a couple bites of baclava (absolutely the best). I highly recommend you check it out. Al's philosophy seems to be that you should open yourself up and try new food. An excellent place to go for a tete-a-tete, to hear a story, and get some great mediterranean food.
(5)
Dean M.
Tried this for the first time as delivery last night, amazingly good. The Hummus was the best we've ever had. The Falafel was delicious, the Masa platter is a great way to try some of the appetizers, what a great selection of delicacies. The Lamb Kebob meat was very good, but I thought it could use more, it was just meat and rice. The Baklava to end the meal was very delicious too. I would recommend Agora to everyone.
(4)
Dustin W.
The food was great had the beef & lamb gyro since it was my first time. The baklava was tasty. I'm glad I live so close to this place and the reviews are all true about this place is amazing !
(5)
Liz M.
Absolutely incredible... I have a huge smile on my face the whole time I'm eating either the greek chicken salad or the chicken kebabs platter.. I know I have to be more adventurous with my selections but those two are just so delicious. The last few times I've gone with my coworkers for lunch we get some sort of free dessert which is also AMAZING! So so good.
(5)
Tara M.
So far the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food I've had in Atlanta. All the meats are very well seasoned and usually juicy and moist. I like the little spicy kick in the falafel. The marinated kidney bean salad is awesome. Drink refills could be a little quicker or glasses bigger. A lot of times they give you a little bite of rice pudding or baklava at the end with your check even if you don't order dessert. It's a sweet touch - no pun intended.
(4)
Joe K.
Based on a friend's recommendation and the reviews here on Yelp, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... For the main course, my wife loved the "sampler plate" Al made us so much that she ordered another for her full meal. I had tender, juicy lamb with yogurt sauce, delicious salad, and rice. I also ordered a glass of ouzo, but Al insisted I try the Turkish version called Raki. IT was an excellent suggestion, as it perfectly complimented the food. The only knock is that you have to pay for parking, but it is worth it to sample the fresh, flavorful food and familial service.
(5)
Leanne B.
Cafe Agora would have gotten another star if we hadn't been made to feel so uncomfortable on our visit. We walked in and even though there were only 3 other tables of people, they seemed overwhelmed. Those 3 tables had managed to spread themselves out and we had trouble even getting to a table (no one moved out of our way and the servers did nothing to help). Eventually we sat down and they brought us a sampler mezza platter, which we were eventually charged $9.99 for (it was good, but $10?? Are you kidding? and you didn't even tell us that it would cost that). Then we ordered falafel and the waiter acted like we were crazy and he told us we wouldn't be able to eat that and two entrees, so we ordered one meat platter. The food was very good, which made up for a lot of the discomfort. Oh yeah, and no one ever asked us if we wanted drinks-they just brought us water. When it came time to pay, they gave us a few dessert samples which were delish. But the total was $35 for basically one entree and two appetizers, no drinks. It seemed a little high and overall led me to think I am not very likely to go back, except maybe to grab a gyro to go.
(2)
Jessica Y.
We LOVE Al & Cafe Agora,and eat there frequently. Whether just for a late night baklava and kahve stop or for a lunch or evening meal the Turkish cuisine served at Cafe Agora is the nearest to authentic fast food Turkish that can be found in Atlanta. In sort, the food is tasty, and Al is simply the best proprietor that I've ever met the States! PROS: Late night hours, Al, baklava CONS: No authentic cay
(5)
Mary K.
My first experience was awesome! Can't wait to go back for more. :)
(4)
Miggy D.
Decided to check out the place on a Friday night after reading it on Yelp. When we walked in, I was surprised that it looked more like a mediterranean cafeteria instead of a restaurant. We looked at the display of food and asked the owner which one was the best. The obvious answer was "everything is good." We then decided to try the Kebab and a Lamb Gyro but since we were starving when we got there we also added the platter. On the platter, I only recognized the hummus and the rest was some eggplant, tomato thingys, and some other stuff. Whatever was in that platter, we just wiped it out. Not because we were hungry but more because it was really good. By the time our main dish came, we had gone through 4 pitas. The Lamb and the Kebab was superb but didn't feel we had enough space in our tummies. The owner was also kind enough to give us a small tasting of their Baklava. I'm not a big fan of dessert but this one was pretty good! The only downside is that there are no prices on the dishes so when we were checking out, I just felt they randomly entered the amount. No big deal because for what we ate, we ended up spending $30 (which is a deal, I hope!).
(4)
Bobbin W.
I love eating out and have been called a foodie by many people, but I've never been one to squander my money on high-end Buckhead Life meals. Based on value, service and atmosphere, I think budget-friendly Cafe Agora is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. A former coworker treated me to an amazing lunch there yesterday. The server, Tony, took his time explaining the menu to us, while I salivated over the various salads in the front case. I decided on the Falafel Platter, which included four huge deep-fried chickpea patties served with a Greek salad and hummus. The Greek salad permanently raised the bar, with its fresh red pepper and cucumber, tiny feta crumbles, marinated red onion and crispness overall. The only so-so ingredient the salad contained were canned, sliced olives, as opposed to fresh, juicy, whole kalamata olives--a truly shocking detriment to an otherwise ethereal heap of roughage. Tony also brought us a sample plate of tabbouleh--the freshest of the fresh. My former colleague had his way with the Agora Mixed Grill: a hearty heap of kabobs: chicken, lamb, adana and kofta, plus gyro slices. His pita bread appeared different from mine with a deep orange hue--I'm assuming it had been yummi-fied with spices. Our other vegetarian dining companion eagerly ate her Mixed Maza Platter: a combination plate of hummus, eggplant salad and baba ganoush. I was most interested in the carrot puree with yogurt and dill. I sipped both Turkish tea and Turkish coffee during our stay. Served in a tiny cup on a delicate saucer, the more-than-strong coffee stunned me with a jolt of energy. A fourth-inch of coffee grounds had settled in the bottom; I resorted to diluting the beverage with milk, much to Tony's amusement. Tony also brought us a sample of pistachio baklava on a plate. When I bit into the square, moisture shot across my chin, releasing a burst of amazing flavors. I've never craved baklava because I associate it with dry, bland layers, but Cafe Agora's version rocked my world. I have to mention the atmosphere, too: the chandeliers, textured walls, wooden/rope combo trim and other decorative items perfectly complemented the food. And the service: Tony was charming and awesome. Oh, Cafe Agora, where have you been all my life?
(5)
Pedro S.
Astonishingly good food in this little tucked-away hole in the wall. One of the best gyros in the city and the hummus platter is superb.
(5)
Leslie G.
My husband(fiance at the time ) found this place on our first trip together to Atlanta. It was just indescribably good. A tad pricey.( FYI) if you order at the counter and if you don't ask for a menu, you don't get one. My husband just pointed to several dishes on display in the counter and ordered. so we really didn't know how much it was all gonna be till the end. I think it was like 50 for the two of us. but the entire reason we went back was not just the great food but it was the baklava that absolutely changed the way I thought about desserts O.M.G. It was the best dessert I have ever put in my mouth. I'm not sure if the reason it was so good cuz maybe it was fresh from the oven? i don't know. but what I do know is when we came back on our honey moon specifically to have that baklava, it was just as good as I had remembered it to be.
(5)
Sweet S.
Best Gyro in Georgia!
(5)
Helen H.
not entirely sure what the hub bub about this place is.. first came here a long time ago with Cherry L. I was one of the virgin friends in her review.. and I can't say I was converted haha~ That time we got the hummus, spanokopita, agora mixed grill plate, and they gave us little pieces of baklava to try at the end. - The hummus... was AMAZING.. it wasn't actually the hummus itself that was so good.. but the little pieces of squishy on the inside but toasted on the outside pita that was so good. - The baklava was also very very good. The little piece they gave us was just the right amount though because it was VERY sweet. To the point where I would not have gotten my own piece. Now for the not so good... - The spanokopita was mushy and a little stale-tasting. I like flaky just the right amount of crispy filo dough, and this spanokopita fell flat. - The agora grill plate is a mix of all the meats they have and everything on the plate was INCREDIBLY dry bordering on burnt. The rice was also very dry and didn't seem fresh (Zattaran's rice maybe???) My boyfriend didn't even want to finish the plate of food which is pretty much unheard of. So willing to think of this as a fluke... we went back later and I got the kufta kebab platter and my bf got lamb/beef gyro. DRY AGAIN dammit. All in all - I love that it's open late and that it's like 2 mins away from my apartment. However, it comes nowhere close to being the best Mediterranean I've had... but to give it credit I can't think of a place in Atlanta that is much better either, so.... *shrug*
(3)
Lauren D.
Continuing my foray into Greek delicacies, I've been to Cafe Agora twice and can I just say, YUM. Decent portions, extremely authentic and absolutely delicious. The best part is that they're open late....WAY WAY better than a trip to Waffle House after a night of drinking!
(5)
Clare D.
We ordered the mixed grill for delivery, and it was outstanding!!! It tasted like it had been grilled over a charcoal or wood fire. Will definitely save their phone #!
(5)
Mel I.
I probably eat here at least once a week. You can tell that it all homemade from scratch. I personally get the hummus and the chicken gyro even though without a doubt they are always trying to offer you something new from the case to try - hand fed ONLY to men of course. Pretty funny actually not to mention the large amount of security cameras for smaller sizer space. LOL.
(4)
Lydia S.
This was not just good food, but the food was a great experience. When I say good food, I am speaking as a person with a very critical palate. We started with the Mixed Maza Platter and continued to the Agora Mixed Grill...AWESOMELY GOOD! The humus was the best I have tasted, and the Baba Ganoush, potato salad, mushrooms ...I don't even know the rest of what we ate on that Maza Platter, but it was GREAT! The hot Agora Mixed Grill has the best seasoned lamb, beef, and chicken over a cheese pilaf...DYNAMIC! My friends and I have marked this as a favorite spot when we are in town.
(5)
mark c.
I had the Mixed Maza Platter, while my wife had the Beef and Lamb Gyros Entree. Tasty, well seasoned Turk/Greek/Med specialties in good portions! We'll be back!
(4)
Richard T.
The meat tastes good....
(4)
Austin R.
I really enjoyed my experience with this place. My sister and I were driving through Atlanta and decided to make a day of it. We went here for lunch after I found it on yelp. We got there a bit after 11, probably the first customers of the day. The owner greeted us and after we said it was our first time there and asked some leading questions about Turkish food and Turkey in general, he proceeded to educate us extensively on both subjects. We ended up ordering the mezze platter and a falafel sandwich to go. While we were waiting he gave us a couple free shots of rice pudding which was freaking delicious and brought out a little plate of hummus, tabouli, and ezme for us to try to make sure we liked what we ordered. For some odd reason he insisted on feeding me himself (in a sort of paternal way). To finish our sampling he gave us each a small piece of pistachio baklava that he insisted I eat in one bite. To his disdain, my sister took 3 baby bird bites because she "wanted to taste it more!" The guy was hilarious if a little odd. And now of course the food: the hummus was great, heavy on the garlic and olive oil, the ezme was also very good. The tabouli was pretty much all parsley which I guess could be a Turkish thing; I like a bit more bulgur. The tzatziki was much richer than I like with what tasted like a sour cream base instead of yogurt. The pita was very thick, pocketless and delicious, and finally the falafel was unbelievable. Served in a pita gyro style with a little tzatziki and hummus, it was a nice greenish hue inside and had just the right amount of spiciness for me.
(4)
Jeannine G.
Love, Love, Love Cafe Agora! the lamb gyro is the best!
(5)
Nadia H.
What would Buckhead do without Cafe Agora? It is after all, the best lunch spot in Buckhead. If you are a foodie, try their Lamb Kabab next time when you go there. The meat is out of this world. The rice that comes with the kabab needs some improvements. Make sure to ask for Turkish coffee before you go back to work. It keeps you up for the rest of the day.
(4)
Will L.
I can't believe I did not already know about this place. All of the reviews are consistent with my experience. What a fun place to take a friend! I walked in with my GF and Al immediately piped up and and had us sample a variety of food from the case up front. We ordered a Gyro and the mixed grill. I have been looking for good kabob since returning from Southwest Asia 2 years ago....the journey is over. The chicken was great, the tabbouleh was great, all of the vegetables were fresh. The mixed grill was served on rice with some orzo, I wish I could get pint containers of the stuff! I think this place is going to make me fat. I am profoundly happy to have found a place that does lamb right. The deserts! I really don't eat sweets, Al brought out baklava and it blew my mind. Then, as we paid the check, he handed us two lady fingers in a to go box and related that they would make an excellent breakfast in the morning. The atmosphere is very laid back, the prices are good and the location is very convenient. I think a lot of people head there for takeout, I know I will.
(4)
Tim S.
When you see this place, you might be tempted to pass it up. It is very small, and more along the lines of a take out place than a dine in, but to get the full experience, I recommend taking a seat. You will be greeted very quickly by the owner in most cases, and he is a very colorful guy! Friendly, inviting, and easy to talk to, Al will make you feel at home. Like others have said on here, he will suggest you start with the Meza Platter, and it won't be free, but it is good, so go ahead and give it a try. Both my date and I had the falafel platter, and we really enjoyed them. Being vegetarians (mostly) it was just easier to go with this for our dinner. Perhaps I will try something with chicken next time. The pricing is a bit of a surprise, as there is no posted price, but it came out to about $8 per plate (including the sampler platter) so that isn't so bad.
(4)
Chris S.
Went for a late lunch and was not disappointed. The chicken and lamb Shish Kebab were very good but the Pistachio Baklava was amazing.
(5)
Eric L.
I loved this place until today. I always get the lamb Gyro. It was delicious as always, but here is the rub: Today, it was busy. Al was barking at everyone, including us. During the middle of our meal (3 of us at an already very small table), he asked us to move to a two-top that was pushed up against the wall so the party of four waiting for a table could be seated. We politely declined to move. As soon as we were finished, Al was there to pick up our plates and usher us up from the table. He then had the audacity to "defend" himself by telling us we need to be faster. All three of us had to be showing signs of disappointment in our body language, but we all remained quiet as we walked out. We all agreed that we had just been kicked out. As good as the food tastes, I doubt I'll be back. Certainly not if it is anywhere close to being busy.
(1)
Foodie C.
If you go here for Greek food, you're a fool. This is a Turkish restaurant. I grew up in Adana, Turkey and this place makes better Adana kebab than I had in Adana. I haven't had anything I don't like. Best hummus in the city. The owner is from Izmir and spent years as a corporate mogul. As such, he enjoys running a place where he can turn you away because he doesn't like jerks. I have seen him yell at idiot drunks who come in acting badly. When he is done yelling at you, then he tells you he will not serve you. Awesome. Don't act like a jerk and he will remember you every time and welcome you loudly. I love this place. FYI, if you are a jerk, you will not like this place so go to Applebee's instead. Isn't that your more suited to your tastes?
(5)
Kyle P.
I'm a bit of a gyro snob and usually am never fully satisfied with those I get from most restaurants. I have to say, Cafe Agora's are the best I have ever tasted. The quality of the meat is just top notch and the owner is just absolutely the most friendly guy you could meet and you can tell he is proud of the food they make...and with good reason. Get the mixed mezze plate! It's a must.
Although I ordered the wrong thing after studying their menu online, it turned out to be a GREAT mistake! I just ran over there tonight at about 1am but their open till 3:30am.......great late night spot!! Anywayz i was the only one in the restaurant...most people were over at some kind of tavern drinking. I ordered the chicken gyro....but i guess i meant to order the chicken plate..or the chicken dinner. I still don't know which one. He brought my gyro and it was sooooooooooooooooooooo freakinnnnnnnnnnnnn good!!!! I think i'm goin to go there every fri. night at 2 am to get it. So tasty. Thats real greek food!!! Plus it was only 8.50! Al tried to get me to get the lamb and beef mix but I told him i'll pass. Boy was that the best decision I made tonight! Parking is a hassle....since noone was out because of the rain i parked at some meters. But there is a $5 parking lot right next door :).
(5)
Sara R.
One of the best "hole in the wall" restaurants in Atlanta. I was shocked when I first walked in - no tables or chairs (or silverware) match and its on E. Paces Ferry. So don't go for decor but the food is delicious. There's no menu so its makes it challenging for a first timer. My suggestion is just ask Al, the owner and trust what he gives you. He has a strong opinion so you are warned of that too. The food is great - the best falafel in Atlanta. Kabobs are excellent too. And then there's the baklava!!!!!!!
(3)
Laura B.
Good stuff. You order at the counter, they bring you your food. Hard to order by the chinese take out style picture menu on the wall, but tried the falafel platter and hummus. Not super healthy but super tasty. And free baklava for desert. Didn't try it, but nice gesture
(4)
Tracy L.
ATMOSPHERE: Well, Al is the atmosphere. The place is very casual and as soon as you walk in you are greeted by the very rambunctious owner named Al. He is such a quirky, entertaining, welcoming guy even though I didn't understand what he was saying 1/2 the time. (I went with Turkish peeps so he talked Turkish most of the time). Good mix of people. College kids, out-of-towners, young professionals. There were definitely some regulars that came. A couple dressed up for a date it looked like and others in sandals/t-shirt. One girl who appeared to be a regular brought her Dad to introduce to Al. FOOD: Yummm!! with lots of vegetarian options. 1. Combo appetizer platter and everything was vegetarian!! Babaganoush, hummus, 2 eggplant dishes, some carrot dish, tzaziki, parsley salad, some tomato dish. All of it was really good - but I wasn't a fan of the carrot dish. My favorites were the babaganoush and eggplant dish (there were 2 but I don't know what each were called). 2. Dessert - combo of 4 which included some pistachio, baklava, some whip cream topped thin noodle type of dessert, dessert that looked like rolled up something with pistachio on top... I know I'm not being descriptive but everything was really good! SERVICE: It's self service for everything except for your food. I don't know the prices of anything.... Al thinks about it and comes up with something, but it's usually really cheap for such good food. All of our food + dessert, which fed 3 people was $25 even! PARKING: Right in front of the restaurant is some... but I think we illegally parked.... there were zebra stripes there. CONCLUSION: I really like this place and was pleasantly surprised with both food and atmosphere. I definitely will come back here again!
(5)
Tristan T.
My wife and I ate at Cafe Agora two weeks ago for the first time after being told by a friend we had to try it. The restaurant is small, no more than 7 tables with a small bar area. You order at the register where there is also a display case with fresh hummus, baklava and other items which are still unknown to me but will try soon. We had the hummus for an appetizer which was awesome. I had a gyro and she had the chicken kabobs followed by the complimentary (I believe) baklava. Everything was excellent. We even ordered extra baklava to go and the owner (who is really helpful) gave us a sampler of the different types they make. In regards to the prices, there is a takeout menu on the bar which lists prices for everything if you feel you are being ripped off. Highly recommend eating here as I will be back to try the rest of the menu. They also deliver for a $5 charge.
(5)
Lindsay H.
This place was great! The gyros are great! The owner is hilarious, and very willing to please! The backlava, well, let's just say you MUST have some before you leave! It's FABULOUS! The yogurt . . . FABULOUS! And let's not forget that spicy sauce to put on your gyro! Delish! You MUST eat here!
(5)
j l.
my favorite falafel in town!! i love the pickly red onions :) this place is hands-down awesome--like Al says, anything you order is going to be good. nice people make it extra special, too. i have no idea what all those delicious things in the cold case are called--the random samplings i've had always leave me wanting more, especially the eggplant dishes. and open til the wee hours on weekends???? HUGE PLUS!! (anything to keep me from taco cabana.) 5 miiiillion stars!!
(5)
Matt M.
Great stuff. I had a falafel wrap that was out of this world. Like some of the others, I was treated by Al to the hummus plate while waiting. Outstanding quality of food for the price. I just did lunch, but would definately come back for lunch or dinner. Muchos kudos!
(5)
Todd Q.
Al always takes good care of his guest. He will always give you some dessert before you go. He is family. He has been showing my son around his restaurant since he was 6 months.
(5)
Nick A.
Awesome food. The owner is hysterical. This is now a weekly requirement.
(5)
Brad K.
I've been here a million times and it never ceases to amaze me. Great for lunch or after a late night at the bars.
(5)
RJ L.
I tried this place while in town for work, and the food and service were really great. I sat at the counter, and I was greeted immediately. After asking me if it was my first time (it was) I was given a free sampler platter with their hummus and tabouli. I tried the Lamb Shish Kebab "Kuzu Kebab," and the flavor was rich with a lot of depth, and not greasy. After working my way through all of that with a glass of Turkish wine, they gave me a free piece of Baklava for dessert. All of the food was good, but the baklava made the place worth of review. Entire meal with a beer to wash it all down was about $22. Also, luckily for people who work in the area, they are going to start delivery.
(4)
S A.
The food gets 4-5 stars and is tasty, fresh, and authentic. Frankly, it's one of the few places in Atlanta where one can get good middle eastern food. Why the two star rating then? It's the ownership. EVERY time I have been to Cafe Agora I have either been overcharged or watched the owner pretend that he is a customer's best friend, only to overcharge them. EVERY time. I'm not exaggerating. So if you want one of the few really good middle eastern meals in Atlanta, go here. However, bring at least $30 because no matter how little you intend to order, the owner won't let you out of there without charging you that much or more.
(2)
Jacob M.
terrible terrible food, stay away!!
(1)
Marie D.
What can I say that hasnt already been stated. Al was there and came over to greet us. Brought us a sampler appitizer plate and everything on it was delicious. We needed more pita to completely clear the plate. The gyro was tasty and the tatziki was creamy and had a wonderful flavor. I had a gyro and the BF had the falafel. Both were great and of course we were treated to a little baklava bite after the meal. This place has a lot of charm and not a big pricetag, unlike most of the restaurants in the area. I will defineitely be bag again.
(4)
Johnston O.
Best gyro in town, no question. It's difficult to give 5 stars to a place so far from qualifying as fine dining, but the food is honestly that good. The meze plate and bakalava are awesome accompaniments, and I hear the falafel is excellent too. I've taken many friends to this place, no one has been disappointed. Some people complain about the owner being a little too friendly, but he's usually just encouraging people to try new foods, which doesn't bother me so much. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Michael G.
Until tonight I've been a Pita Palace evangelist but I have to say cafe agora has the best gyro in town. The owners were super friendly but more importantly the food is authentic and out of this world.
(5)
Brandon T.
All I can say is... "AMAZING"... The food has great flavor and they give you so much! Gyro's are to die for and I usually get a Greek salad to split... I don't own it, work there, nor want to, but for great food and a great price, this is the place to go! You can even get uncooked food to go! A+ in my book!
(5)
Brien M.
Probably the best hummus i have had and one of the best gyros.
(5)
Bobby G.
This place is amazing. The perfect drunken snack after a night of binge drinking or hitting up the strip club....or both! The Gyro's are great and made to order.
(4)
Stu G.
Simple, tasty Mediterranean food and Al is a great dude.
(3)
Tiffany S.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
(5)
Dhawal B.
Love mediterranean food so went out to try cafe agora in buckhead. Biggest mistake of my life. Crappy place, sucky ambience and horrible service and the food itself was just ok, nothing great. The owner and his family seemed to be running the entire place and probably is the most unprofessional restaurant I have ever been to in Atlanta. We sat down and the waiter (who was owner's son and could barely speak english) just came in with water, without even asking us what we want to drink. Then he came with the menu and had no idea what all the items were about. Couldn't clear any doubts we had and just kept repeating what we were saying. So we just decided to go with a couple of appetizers at first. After few mins of waiting and after a few people who came in after us got their order first, we finally got only one appetizer. We were waiting for the next one and the owner himself comes with it. To our surprise instead of getting us falafel the appetizer, he gets the main course falafel sandwich which is priced at 12$. We didnt realize at first and when we did we immediately brought it to his notice, at which he gets angry and tells us that we accepted it when the waiter came with it so we must have ordered this only. After we clarified the mistake his retarded son had made, he brings out original order after 15 mins of more wait (I stress on the waiting times as there were only 2-3 other groups in the place). On top of that he was reeking of cigarettes every time we were talking to him. So after eating we decided to leave and not try anything else. All in all im glad its over and i wont be going back there to try out anything. Its an overpriced place with mediocre food and the worst service I have ever seen in Atlanta.
(1)
eileen p.
i can't really say much about the food because i never got to taste it. i ordered a delivery, which they offer btw. two phone calls and an hour and a half later the food arrived very cold. when i called, the man answering blamed me for his delivery person not being able to find my house. fyi i live at the intersection of piedmont and roswell rd. really no excuse for not finding the place but absolutely not ever a reason to be treated this rudely. he actually yelled at my husband and i am not kidding. i don't often take the time to offer my opinion but this person was so crap that he brought out the nasty in me. wish i had a name but if there's a manager reading, i placed my order the evening of friday, april 8 so there's your man and i hope you get him......
(1)
D S.
Awesome turkish food - the platter with beef and lamb was phenomenal, as were the ladyfingers. Highly recommended
(5)
Clare L.
Today was my first visit - and WOW, was I blown away! I ordered a chicken gyro and side of hummus. Both were excellent, prepared fast, and the proportions were HUGE! I could hardly finish the gyro and only had a few tastes of my hummus (will eat it for dinner later!). I had found the restaurant while searching for Greek restaurants in Buckhead on the internet, and was pleasantly surprised when I found that Cafe Agora was located within walking distance of my apartment. I was hopeful - and let me say, my expectations were certainly exceeded. One of my favorite parts about my first visit to Cafe Agora was the atmosphere. It was lively and fun - and Al, the owner - made my first time here very memorable. When I told him it was my first time at the restaurant, he gave me a nice big plate of samples of some of their yummy sides - hummus, tabouleh, etc. He made me feel welcome and right at home. He didn't have to do that - to give me the sampling - but he did and it showed me that he really cares about the quality of the food and about the happiness of his customer. The whole experience was wonderful and the food was excellent and truly authentic. I'll be back again (and again, and again, and again). :)
(5)
Nate C.
Absolutely delicious Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is nothing exciting, but I think the food makes up for the lack of sexy. I wouldn't bring a date here, but I do stop by quite often for my favorite dish ... a $7 beef and lamb gyro. The baklava is also excellent.
(4)
J J.
YUCK!! I was really excited to go to this place and get some good food. Being Lebanese I grew up around all of this food and was really looking forward to a good meal. What I ended up with was a disappointing meal and a HUGE bill!! I asked for 2 grape leaves and before I knew it the gentleman was filling up a small plate with just about everything in the case. When he finally got to the grape leaves he decided not to include them on my plate. Great, I just got a plate full of food I didn't order. The mezzo wasn't bad, in fact the hummus was great....that's where it stops. Shortly after we finished the mezzo our food came out. I ordered the lamb kabob plate and my bf the gyro. My lamb was cooked to the likeness of a shoe sole. Where I come from Lamb is served med rare or at worst med NOT well done. Yuck! No taste at all. The salad was not appealing and not "authentic" either. My dish was overall terrible. My bf ordered the gyro but the decided to give him the gyro plate instead. His was a step up but not at all tasty. The lamb seems to be frozen and tastes pretty generic. The highlight of this disappointing meal was the lady fingers and baklava that the owner insisted we eat. They were great, perhaps the only great this about this cafe. Here is the best part....our bill......$42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then they wanted a TIP!!! OMG! For 2 crappy entrees, 2 TEAS, and 2 pcs of baklava????? I felt violated! No wonder they won't let you pay until after the meal! If you were asked to pay before you'd walk out of this place! It would be interesting to see how the intoxicated late night (they are open until 4) crowd takes it. I'd have to be drunk to ever return, even then I wouldn't dare let my Lebanese toes cross that threshold! If you want a taste of Mediterranean eats head to "Once a Week Go Greek" in Tucker. It's 100 times better at the fraction of the price.
(1)
Mlle. H.
This place is incredible! You have not had a gyro until you've been to Cafe Agora. The prices are reasonable (and sometimes negotiable) and the food is great. The owner, Al, will make you feel welcome as soon as you set foot in the door. Don't know what to order? Al will let you sample a variety of dishes before choosing. Al is also great at accommodating any palate. Don't like onions or tomatoes? No problem. All food is cooked to order and Al will make sure everything is made to your satisfaction. Also, if you're out in Buckhead on the weekends, Cafe Agora is often open until 3am or later if you're looking for some late-night munchies. Must trys: hummus, gyros (lamb or chicken), greek salad, and baklava (various varieties). Only downside: Can be crowded at lunch.
(5)
Mekaylah R.
this place has the best hummus!!! i love the hummus appetizer and definitely want to try the mixed metza next time! i had the falafel, which was totally delish, and also the first time i have had it where it was green on the inside. i got the platter and it came with a side of greek salad, awesome, and two dippers, one being more hummus, would have preferred tzatziki, and the other being a creamy tahini dressing. it also had a small scoop of tabhouli. so good! my friends enjoyed their meals also. one friend had the same as myself and the other got the falafel wrap. she loved it. more food that you should eat really! we also got free baklava. my friend ate it and wasn't really into it so i didn't partake. maybe if it were chocolate though. i'll be back for more hummus before i skip town!
(4)
J C.
I have heard very mixed reviews via word of mouth - usually they are either on the extreme positive or the extreme negative. I really really tried hard to be objective on this place..but it just didn't win me over. 1. The owner, I admit, works very hard to be personable and "win you over" or whatever you call it but he is just flat weird. He certainly is proud of the food there - which, I agree, tasted good. 2. The quality of service was very unsatisfactory. It took a very long time for us to order - and I notice a nearby couple angry b/c our order was taken before theirs - which also should not have occurred. I wouldn't say anyone else that works there is friendly at all. 3. WATER is important to me. It should be the first thing we get and constantly refilled. Never happened. 4. We had to ASK for our forks to eat our food! 5. Some woman that works there walks up to me and asks me if I am done eating, I say yes, and instead of clearing our plates, she only took my knife and walked away...very peculiar. 6. The owner tried to FEED me something I ordered, trying to sell me on how awesome his food was, but I told him I didn't want that and he threw down the fork on our table. I don't appreciate that kind of temperament when I only seek to enjoy my dinner. I can feed myself.
(1)
Andrew M.
Traditional Turkish in the heart of Buckhead... go figure. Very small shop, but has a very loyal customer base.
(3)
The Broke Socialite S.
Cafe Agora has evolved into one of my favorite greasy spoons. If you're into (or easily offended by the lack of) aesthetics and fluff, this really isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're avant garde in your pursuit of ethnic fare, you should try it at least once. The owner (who I have officially dubbed Mr Papoudopoulis---darn, I always forget to ask his name) makes the experience so much more wonderful. I almost always get the lamb gyro...it's fresh and juicy with just the right amount of the yogurt dressing. Did I say To. Die. For.? Another favorite is the healthy plate of spreads/dips that Mr P serves up---I've not yet figured out if this appetizer is complimentary. Anywho it is comprised of various and sundry tabouelle, eggplant spread,etc. I think that I issued my To. Die. For. prematurely....don't leave without a piece of the baklava----it's so light and flaky. I've awakened in the middle of the night craving a piece on occasion. It's hard to describe; for it's the right combination of pastry, sweet and nuts. The only matter is parking: if you go throughout the week, go after 1 PM and weekends are best if your patience is thin. All hail, Mr P!
(5)
David H.
great food best in all of Atlanta
(5)
Beth B.
We went last night to Cafe Agora with a reservation made in the afternoon to sit outside, They were not prepared to seat us,waited several minutes to get a table set and they told us someone with the same last name was seated at our table,It did not get better from there, we never got our appetizer ,told them when they brought our dinner but it was too late for it, The 2 lamb orders were overcooked and when we complained,they said they were very busy and could make another but we would have to pay for half. They never offered to make it good,never asked about dessert although all the other tables were served sample desserts, We will not be back!
(1)
Loni S.
Great Greek food! Best Homemade Strawberry Cake ever. So light and yum. Owner really nice and gets it.
(5)
Jeanette M.
Love! The food was so good! Baba ganouj was delish! I got the mixed Agora salad, amazing and shareable. Rice pudding was perfect, not too sweet and topped with cinnamon. Yum!
(5)
S L.
Wow! I must've gone on an off night. Our meal and drinks were SUPREMELY UNREMARKABLE!!. We were excited to try because of all of the good reviews, but were quite disappointed. Part of our group was from the Mid East and I travel there frequently, so we are quite familiar with the food. Our waitress was sweet, but clueless. Ordered pineapple/cranberry martini and ended up adding lime and more cranberry to make it drinkable. Babaganoush salad, esme, tabouli and hummus were just ok. Kefte (sp?) kabob was dry and bland--even the Greek salad dressing was BEYOND mediocre! Plentiful portions tho. The best part of the meal was the rice pudding--that was delicious! Deck was nice. Agree with other reviewers regarding parking, but if the food is good wouldn't be a problem. I MAY return for the rice pudding, but def not food or drinks. My friends DEF will NOT return. Two stars for pudding and deck.
(2)
Gabriella R.
Growing up in a Greek family and living on the south side of Atlanta, it is always refreshing coming to Cafe Agora. It is hands down one of the best spots for Mediterranean cuisines in Atlanta. The wait staff is very attentive and eager to help with any requests. I loved this spot before the move down the street, but even more now. Huge kudos to the owners, it is beautiful and makes me feel like I am back home in Greece. All the dishes are always delicious! Also, great beverage selection. Loved the wine! If you have not visited yet, you must. Highly recommend the patio! :) You can't leave without rice pudding and lady fingers for dessert!
(5)
A A.
Food is always delicious. I recommend the beef & lamb gyro plate. Portions are very generous and you will leave full. Their pita bread is my favorite! Friendly staff and they are open late hours.
This location of Cafe Agora is located on East Paces to the left of the Buckhead location of Meehan's Public House and across the street from a bunch of Buckhead galleries. Cafe Agora is a Turkish style Mediterranean restaurant - the influences are Greek, Arabic and Persian, so it's a bit of a mixed-bag (not in a bad way) of complimentary cuisines. The restaurant was just starting to get busy (this was a Monday night) - the patio was mostly full and the interior about half. I think this is a good location for a casual business meeting or to kick back with a glass of wine to observe the antics of Buckhead locals or obnoxious visitors (like me!). The restaurant is fairly new at this location and still well kept and clean. We sat on the patio and were immediately greeted. The menu is fairly extensive with many of the usual options like hummus, dolma, babaganoush, tabouli and the like, along with your typical gyro-like meat concoctions. There are also some interesting bits you don't typically see, like the haydari, plyaz and soups like Mercimek (lentils) or Sehriyeli Tavuk (chicken noodle) Corbasi. While viewing the menu the owner came by and offered up a sampler of apps to try - I believe it was a small Maza platter. Besides some hummus and tabouli, the other very strongly flavored spreads were quite very good. The flavors were subtlety different from our average Mediterranean and I found that to be so in the entree as well. I ordered the Mix Gyro plate with included both chicken and beef/lamb, over rice with a Greek salad - the marinated pita had a bit of red tint to it (tomato I think?) that wasn't immediately identifiable but added just a hint of acid that did a good job cutting through the meats. Both my dining companions ordered the Adana Kebab - grilled minced lamb on skewer with marinated pita and Greek salad. I thought the food very good and the service exceptional. Parking, on the other hand, was a bit of a PITA (pain in the ass - see what I did there?). Agora has valet as do most restaurants in Buckhead but frankly it was easier to just walk out with the valet and get in the car to drive off - I find the whole process in general to be cumbersome. But I digress... Give Cafe Agora a try - I think you'll like you find here. (longer review posted to my food blog)
(4)
Vats A.
Have passed this place many times while out and about in Buckhead, but never tried it. Finally got the courage to stop in on a weekend with my friends and we were all very pleased. The interior is a bit drab, so we sat outside since it was the perfect evening. Ordered a chicken gyro plate and an Efes (Turkish) beer. The portion was huge and came with a Greek salad. I thought I wouldn't like the salad since it had feta or some sort of cheese topping, but turned out to devour that first. The Gyro plate came with bread and some dipping sauce all of which tasted delicious. I ate as much as I could and packaged the rest for later. Our waitress was very pleasant, but some of the other staff were kind of off. They all delivered on our requests, so I can't really complain about them. The bill per person came out to around $20, which is expected for Buckhead and also for higher quality meat.
I cannot believe it took me so long to make it here. I walked in to place an order to go, and was immediately was greeted by Al (the owner/manager?). He was so friendly. When I told him it was my first time there, he instantly told me he'd give me some samples. He brought out a mini Mazza platter to try. He was very enthusiastic and wanted to feed me, no joke. So friendly ha. Then Al gave me a sample of the rice pudding and some other dessert (grape leave maybe?). Everything was delicious. I decided to get the beef and lamb gyro. Absolutely delicious. I also got the carrot salad, which was very different than anything Mediterranean I've ever had. Different in a good way. I devoured everything. Would definitely return and highly recommend! All flavor a were spot on.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Honestly I can not really say much on the service here simply because my boyfriend and I went here to eat right when they were about to close everything, My boyfriend knows the owner Al so we got to eat anyways. The vibe that the place gives you is exciting. I am going to have to go back when its open and busy. The food is really good and they have some good cocktails. It is a very clean resturant and I will be back and update my review!
(5)
Mit P.
I found this place somewhat disappointing although there are some positive attributes as well. Strengths: 1) Large portions 2) Solid menu with good selection 3) Ingredients for food appear to be fresh and tasty What I did not like: 1) Seems they can't coordinate timing of dishes so some dishes will be hot and others cold. My Kebab was cold, while my fiancee's falafel was hot. 2) Falafal was burned and not that great. 3) Service was incredibly slow. Waiter would disappear for 10 minutes at a time and not be seen 4) Food was really not that tasty. Seemed very standard, and some things were just odd. e.g. the babaganoush was made with a lot of yoghurt and really was nothing like the babaganoush you get in greece (mostly just eggplant pureed with some lemon juice and light seasoning). 5) Very little parking
(2)
Christina K.
I feel so sad writing this review for I truly, truly loved my meals at Cafe Agora, but since they moved to a new building down the street, their level of service and food quality has just gone downhill. I brought the SO here one day for lunch and left crushed that nothing was as good as I had raved. Against my better judgement, we ordered these appetizers that aren't even on their online menu so I cannot tell you the exact name, but it is basically a beef eggroll. The eggrolls came out, and with one bite, a flood of grease comes pouring out the other side. The beef was overcooked and had bits of nuts in there but were otherwise bland. We flagged down our waitress and asked her if this was how it was supposed to be, and she said yes, I see they are greasy and proceeds to grab some napkins and blots them with her hand. I was just in shock... like, um, your hand is on my food. Our gyros came out very quickly and the food portion was huge as usual. However, the gyro meat was cold like it had been sitting out. It too was dry and just overall gross. I thought that it was just an off-day and every place has them, so after 2 weeks, I went back for lunch. This time, they changed the procedure: you stand in line, look up at their menu (like at McDonald's) and place your order with either the rude bartender or the nonchalant waitress. We ordered the small appetizer platter and 2 gyros. The food all came out very quickly, but I had to go back to the front to ask about our drinks. That's when the waitress said oh, you pour it yourself over there. Like I said, like McDonalds. I returned back to my seat and found that the gyro meat was cold (again) and asked my lunch mate if hers was and she said yes. I just can't fathom why the meat would be so cold, even if it were sitting under a heat lamp there would be some kind of warmth to it, but it was just cold. This and the poor service really makes me hesitate in coming back again.
(1)
Aesthete T.
Nothing special. We came on St Patrick Day at night and we had a rude waiter inside. The food was average at best. The owner could tell maybe we weren't happy and gave us some sort of dessert on the way out. That want good either, but he tried
(2)
Michael W.
Came to this place from a friend suggestion. They were about to close but they let us in. Food: I ordered a mix chicken and beef gyros and falafel platter with a friend. So we decided to share both platters. I was surprised how good the falafel was cooked. It was not dry, not overpowered with black pepper and seasoned well. i really enjoyed the chicken on my platter. The chicken was not overcooked. But my favorite part about this was the hummus..... fresh yummy hummus. The platter came with a nice spring mix salad with a very delicious olive oil vinagrette dressing. 4/5 Atmosphere: This is a very nice with full size bar as soon you walk in and very well decorated. The owner took to the time to set up the place very efficiently. 4/5 Service: Great service! The food came out in a rapid manner while providing a good quality of food. The owner came by and let us try their different hummus and even gave us little desserts at the end of our meal. You can tell that he is striving to provide great quality mediterrenean food so he gets mouth to mouth referral. Well it worked!
(4)
Thu M.
Besides the awkward cashier asking to hang out with us, the food was amazing. Service prompt. Loved the sampler they gave to first timers. We had a combo dish that was good to eat 2 days later! So much food. Come here if you don't want to cook tomorrow. And the ingredients tasted fresh to me. I'm a big fan of Lebanese food, but this Turkish establishment is fine by me.
(4)
Lia P.
Fresh and affordable Greek food. What's not to love? The parking here was easy so that's a huge plus. It was a little dead when we went because they had just opened for the day but our server was still polite and prompt. He even started us off with a few samples! Next time I'm definitely ordering the hummus. For lunch I had the agora salad with lamb. HUGE salad loaded with all the good stuff. The lamb was soooo good. So well seasoned. So not overly processed. My husband could barely finish his gyro but he really enjoyed it. Honestly you could probably just share a few things here and go home full and happy. Adding to my short list of places to go in Buckhead!
(4)
Sherry A.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants! The quality of the food is always good, fresh and consistent! A go-to place in Buckhead that will never disappoint!
(5)
Sarah M.
So delicious! We went on a Saturday at 5 pm. Very empty They have a great patio, but we sat inside due to the heat and the fact we have a 5 month old. Service was mediocre, probably due to the odd time. But the food was amazing! I have been craving Mediterranean food all week! Already dreaming of my next visit. I got the chicken and lamb platter. Everything was perfect. Portions huge. I had enough for another meal later... That I really looked forward to! Tzaziki sauce and hummus were yummy too! Please go here. You won't regret it!
(5)
Tracy M.
My boyfriend is Turkish he showed me this place. Good food, My favorite one Chicken Doner Plate and Red lentil Soup. Cashier is very nice guy and have good sense of humor. Clean and nice looking interior. In the best traditions of Middle East
(4)
Miranda C.
The food was 5 star but only gave 4 stars because of the cleanliness of the restaurant. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint and the floors were in desperate need of a mopping. Other than that I loved the place! I have had chicken kabobs in morocco and Egypt but these were by far my favorite of all the kabobs I have had. They were tender and had a crust of amazing seasonings. I would definitely come back. My mom had the falafel and it was very fresh. However we found it to be a little on the spicy side. Not sure if that is normal for their falafel. We also had the meze plate as an appetizer and it was really good. Lots of little salads and hummus to try. For dessert we got the baklavah and the rice pudding. The rice pudding was a little bland but the baklavah was amazing. I will be coming back when I make it back to Buckhead.
(4)
Sungjae J.
I've tried left overs and takeout from cafe agora in the past and I always wanted try them because I was thinking, if its this good hours later after being nuked, the just served dishes should be better... Huge disappointment :( I got an appetizer..I forgot the name of the dish but it looked like an eggroll. When I cut it half to eat it, it was dripping with oil.. all 3 of them were so oily that it was not edible.. I got the gyro plate and the sliced lamb meat was really dry and crusty... What the hell??? how can the leftovers or takeout be better than my meal there. Put me in an awful mood I liked the decor... too bad the food sucked.. A bad day in the kitchen?? I had such high hopes.. will not return.
(2)
Ryan D.
Cafe Agora Buckhead: The bullcrap place that says they deliver, but when you call, they don't actually deliver. Shady practices.
(1)
Macario V.
I've been there once, but everything was delicious. Service was great also. Just picked up a take out order, so can't really say much about the restaurant. While I was waiting for my order, the manager (maybe the owner) gave me a few samples and made sure I was doing well. I'm about to try delivery through eat24 and I'll see how that goes. For that one experience I'm giving them 5 stars, I'll eat here more often.
(5)
Hugo R.
First meal in Atlanta that wasn't a chain restaurant and Wow if we can expect the food at other local places to be as good as this was Its going to be a helluva summer Fantastic food and at a great value. Bring your kids. They have a children's $5 meal of rice and chicken that my twin 18month olds inhaled. It was Delicious with a Capitol D. You can't go wrong here. Oh and free valet parking. Love Love Love this place!!
(5)
Sandy L.
Excellent food and service! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant....try it out you will love it. Sandy
(5)
Brad B.
Thursday Night Football, take a hike. I'm getting on my Thursday night takeout game with Cafe Agora. I had the chicken gyro and Kelly had the chicken Agora Salad. Both were outstanding. The porch was packed out on this beautiful fall night and I know why, from the service to the food, you can't beat this place. I will most likely be back next Thursday night and possibly at the beginning of a tradition. This was some of that too good...
Went in one night late for a little nosh. The owner is so nice and accommodating. I love this place. Great atmosphere, great food, great service.
(4)
Brandon R.
Huge portions for the price! Started with the baba ganoush. Got the lamb and beef platter for dinner and still had some leftover when I was done. My family ordered the gyros and it was also a great size. If it's not big enough you can still get a large. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)
Thomas C.
Summary: Great mediterranean food with a mom-and-pop feel. Ambience/Service: First, parking seems to be a challenge here but luckily I was able to find some street parking 1 block away. The ambience is great. I sat outside on their patio where most were, even in October. I was greeted by a waiter soon after seating and asked if I had ever been there before, which I had not. Overall he was very attentive and explained all the menu items. Food: Perhaps because this was my first time, the waiter brought me an appetizer on the house. It had basically 4-5 different items on it, all different colors. The plate was very vibrant and beautiful to look at but more importantly was delicious. It had pretty much every flavor that encompasses mediterranean food. Outstanding. I ordered the falafel plate. The falafels were perfectly cooked, not too greasy and the whole thing was cooked through. The rest of the plate was also delicious. Overall: I'd come back here again. Reading all the other reviews, I'm surprised at the reviews particularly of the service because I had such a great waiter (I recall giving a very sizable tip, which was deserved). Nevertheless, I was texting my girlfriend about this immediately after and told her I'd need to bring her there next time we're in town.
(4)
Michelle L.
One of the best dinners in town, seriously. Folks looking for a great place to take a first date, take note!! Lovely murals, low light, a charismatic owner, and such delicious food will set you at ease! Entrees range from 11.99 for the gyro sandwiches to upwards of 18 for the plates, which is still pretty reasonable overall. You MUST try the Maza platter! I have come here with the bf on a couple of occasions when we weren't super hungry and just split that with the pita bread. Note that a large Maza platter is definitely plenty if you have three ravenous adults who are still planning to tackle their respective separate entrees; if you are planning something along these lines I recommend opting for the SMALL platter, or maybe cutting back on the pita bread (which will be hard-- trust me; it is served cut up into tiny squares, warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and is utterly delicious). I love each and every item on the Maza platter, from the hummus to the baba ghanoush to the kidney beans and potatoes. My favorite, though, is the carroty dip that is usually nestled in the middle of the plate. Try it all! I definitely encourage you to bring your sense of adventure. Oh my god, though, the chicken gyro sandwich was a revelation. I have eaten quite a few unmemorable chicken gyros in my life; thankfully Agora's does not fall into this category. The finely shredded lettuce, drizzle of tzaziki sauce, cubed marinated chicken and warm pita bread combined in messy Mediterranean perfection in my mouth. Yep, use of the foil wrap that accompanied the gyro sandwich might have been useful but I couldn't be bothered with all that. I stripped that baby naked and inhaled at least half in less than a minute. My favorite part of dinner might be the tiny samplings of creamy rice pudding they provide at the end of the meal- just sweet enough to be the perfect cap to a deliciously spiced meal. A note on parking: when we went on a Friday night around 7:30pm m there was no wait, but complimentary valet parking: it did start to fill up a bit around 8 or 8:30, though.
(5)
Mona T.
I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the mixed chicken and lamb gyro and both were so flavorful! Definitely will be back and definitely recommend. We came on a Monday for late lunch and it was pretty empty so it was nice to have a yummy quiet lunch :)
(4)
Jim P.
The gyro platter was excellent...served with a salad that was also excellent. A great spot for lunch with a bar area to sit and eat at if you prefer. Owner has always been present when I make my Friday visits. Highly recommended!
(5)
Celine S.
Authentic turkish cuisine. I really love it. Be sure to get the baba ghanoush with the pita bread when you get there. You'll be impressed at the appetiser but there's still room for surprise when you hit the main course. I just love eggplants and if you crave the same, get the turkish moussaka! It comes with yummy melted cheese, grilled vegetables and minced beef. Don't hold back asking for rice to go with that. You'll find their fragrant rice going so well with your eggplant you can't put your spoon down. Enjoy.
(5)
Mary Margaret B.
Loved Cafe Agora, I always saw the small little hole in the wall (old location) and never had a chance to stop in. The new location is next to Aspen Bartini and across from the Aaron Building on E. Paces.. I love the open and spacious layout of the restaurant. It has a very large patio and another quaint front patio to the side of the building. Small wall fountains with trickling water and classic Greek music played softly as we walked up the front steps. We were greeted warmly and opted to sit at the bar as it was the first officially hot day of summer this year and we were stopping in before work (black on black pants boots etc.) so we wanted a cooler spot. The bar is white and beautiful, they carry a vast array of wine, beer and liquor. Sonoma Cutrer, 3am vodka, Macallan, Beefeater, things like that. Now the food. We ordered the Lamb Gyros and it comes with a traditional Greek salad. The Gyro was huge and so so delicious..Possibly the best lamb gyro I've ever had. I don't typically finish my food and I ate every last bite. The red onions are perfect compliment and they give you a plate with some different herbs, sauces and yogurts on the side like Hummus, Tabouli, dill, and my favorite tzatziki! All were tasty, the tabouli was a little chunky, oily and herbal for my liking (I prefer more citrus and tang) but I enjoyed the others. The Greek salad wasn't my thing, I like the Americanized creamy Greek dressing over a balsamic, but the lettuce cucumbers onions peppers etc were very fresh and tasty. I highly highly recommend Cafe Agora to everyone. I can't wait to explore the menu a bit more!
(5)
Matt P.
Worst experience in my life at agora. Waitress had no clue what she was doing. Took 30 minutes to get lunch with no one in there. Never refilled drink. Ordered extra meat yet was still the same told her she still wouldn't take it off. Don't go for lunch better at night with the big boss there. Employees just sitting around doing nothing during the day.
(1)
Kristie V.
Four of us came here on a Saturday night at 7:45pm. They had complimentary valet so we all did that instead of trying to find street parking on a Sat. night. We came in and told the host that it was a party of four, but three other people may be joining us in a little bit. They host said that was fine. We came in and the restaurant was only around 30% full, not even, so we were glad it wasn't busy at all. We sat down and the server gave us water (and that was literally the only thing she did the entire night, but I'll get into that later). We saw on yelp that they give you a complimentary sampler if you say it was your first time, which it was for all four of us so we told the waitress it was our first time. She awkwardly said "be right back" and left for ten minutes, without introducing us to the restaurant, the menu options, without getting our drink orders, or anything. We told her that three more people were joining us and she said she will pull a table next to us. She came back ten minutes later with a tiny sampler of different dips. We were all expecting to order a ton of food from the appetizer and grill section, but we tried the dips and none of us liked any of it. The hummus was very bland and the other dips had seasoning that didn't go well together. So none of us ordered anything from the appetizer section, and were right off the bat pretty disappointed at the service and the food. But we were here and ordered anyways. My friend ordered the falafel appetizer, my friend ordered the falafel gyro, and my boyfriend and I ordered the mixed grill and I asked for an extra plate so we can share. We reminded her again that three more people were coming to join us. Ten minutes later the manager seats a large party beside us, so there was no room to pull in a table next to us. The server comes five minutes later and we tell her for the third time that three more people are joining us, and she was like "oh, you can just move across the room later" and points to a table across the room. Five minutes later the manager seats a party at the table the waitress pointed us to move to later, so we weren't able to sit there either. The waitress comes again and sees that the table is full, so she pulls apart a table that seats 15 people into a table of 7 and 8 people. She told us to move there so we all grabbed our sampler dish, our drinks, and our silverware to the table next to us. While being seated at the new table for a couple minutes (this was the third table she redirected us if you lost count), the manager comes and starts telling us that this table is reserved for a party of 15 people and we were not allowed to sit here. He made it seem like it was our fault for sitting here. He sat there explaining that to us for five minutes, while our server didn't say a word and was serving a table next to us but could hear everything. I point to our server and told the manager that our server told us to sit here. The manager was like "what?" and then our waitress finally comes over to us and ushers us to sit in a table in an entirely different room (fourth table we moved to). She never apologized once for anything. Well, we finally got our food at our new fourth table by a friendly food runner (the food runner did more than our waitress did the entire night). Of course, the server didn't bring an extra dish for me to share the mixed grill. My friend's falafel appetizer came with three falafel balls and she was very disappointed. She expected pita bread or something to come with it. My other friend tasted her falafel gyro and said it was "okay, but not good". Our server the entire time, never once actually came to our table and asked if everything was okay. We basically had to flag her down. My friend asked the waitress for some pita bread and the waitress was like "sure." I jokingly said to my friend that you're not gonna see that pita bread for a long time. The mixed grill platter was okay. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back here just for that. Anyways, my boyfriend and I ran out of water halfway through the dinner. We once again flagged down our waitress to give us refills and she was like "sure." Our four friends joined us halfway through the dinner and asked us how was our food. They tried the falafel and decided they didn't like it and asked us how our food was and we said it was okay, nothing special, so they decided not to order. We also told them not to order since our waitress was terrible. The manager told us he was annoyed our friends didn't order and that we took up a table, but I looked around and the restaurant was still 50% empty. The waitress brought us our checks at the end. Guess what? She never refilled any of our waters. Not once. And the pita bread? Oh, it never came out. What is worse is that our waitress brought back the wrong change and we were short some cash and she had to recalculate it and give us the correct change. She never apologized for anything. Never coming back!
(1)
Clara C.
The classic debate of 3 vs 4 stars. To be fair, I only ordered pick-up so I did not have the full dining experience to base my judgement on. However, the service seemed a bit rude and rushed from what I gathered while waiting on my order. Also, they forgot my tsatziki sauce with my combination meat kabob platter. Big no no since kabob meat is typically on the dry side. The meat was flavored well, but the rice a bit salty for my taste. The salad that comes with the platter was fresh and flavorful (tomatoes, lettuce, feta, cucumbers, red onions) and the pita bread was good as well. I think the missing tsatziki would have mellowed out the saltiness of the rice and the dryness of the meat, and would have made this meal 4 stars rather than 3. I'll have to update my review next time I dine in.
(3)
mark c.
I had the Mixed Maza Platter, while my wife had the Beef and Lamb Gyros Entree. Tasty, well seasoned Turk/Greek/Med specialties in good portions! We'll be back!
(4)
Richard T.
The meat tastes good....
(4)
Kat W.
Love this place for take out and lunch. Kind of small so don't prefer for dinner, but great service. The owner Al is always there, tasty, dependable food. They also deliver in Buckhead.
(5)
Christian H.
okay, so it's not exactly cheap but oh sooo delicious. We'll be back.
(4)
Juliet C.
This place is great, not the ambiance, but the food! The freshness was the top and so were the flavors. I would highly recommend it. Parking is not easy, but doable. I liked it so much I am having them cater my next party!
(4)
Tim S.
When you see this place, you might be tempted to pass it up. It is very small, and more along the lines of a take out place than a dine in, but to get the full experience, I recommend taking a seat. You will be greeted very quickly by the owner in most cases, and he is a very colorful guy! Friendly, inviting, and easy to talk to, Al will make you feel at home. Like others have said on here, he will suggest you start with the Meza Platter, and it won't be free, but it is good, so go ahead and give it a try. Both my date and I had the falafel platter, and we really enjoyed them. Being vegetarians (mostly) it was just easier to go with this for our dinner. Perhaps I will try something with chicken next time. The pricing is a bit of a surprise, as there is no posted price, but it came out to about $8 per plate (including the sampler platter) so that isn't so bad.
(4)
Chris S.
Went for a late lunch and was not disappointed. The chicken and lamb Shish Kebab were very good but the Pistachio Baklava was amazing.
(5)
Eric L.
I loved this place until today. I always get the lamb Gyro. It was delicious as always, but here is the rub: Today, it was busy. Al was barking at everyone, including us. During the middle of our meal (3 of us at an already very small table), he asked us to move to a two-top that was pushed up against the wall so the party of four waiting for a table could be seated. We politely declined to move. As soon as we were finished, Al was there to pick up our plates and usher us up from the table. He then had the audacity to "defend" himself by telling us we need to be faster. All three of us had to be showing signs of disappointment in our body language, but we all remained quiet as we walked out. We all agreed that we had just been kicked out. As good as the food tastes, I doubt I'll be back. Certainly not if it is anywhere close to being busy.
(1)
Foodie C.
If you go here for Greek food, you're a fool. This is a Turkish restaurant. I grew up in Adana, Turkey and this place makes better Adana kebab than I had in Adana. I haven't had anything I don't like. Best hummus in the city. The owner is from Izmir and spent years as a corporate mogul. As such, he enjoys running a place where he can turn you away because he doesn't like jerks. I have seen him yell at idiot drunks who come in acting badly. When he is done yelling at you, then he tells you he will not serve you. Awesome. Don't act like a jerk and he will remember you every time and welcome you loudly. I love this place. FYI, if you are a jerk, you will not like this place so go to Applebee's instead. Isn't that your more suited to your tastes?
(5)
Kelly H.
Although I ordered the wrong thing after studying their menu online, it turned out to be a GREAT mistake! I just ran over there tonight at about 1am but their open till 3:30am.......great late night spot!! Anywayz i was the only one in the restaurant...most people were over at some kind of tavern drinking. I ordered the chicken gyro....but i guess i meant to order the chicken plate..or the chicken dinner. I still don't know which one. He brought my gyro and it was sooooooooooooooooooooo freakinnnnnnnnnnnnn good!!!! I think i'm goin to go there every fri. night at 2 am to get it. So tasty. Thats real greek food!!! Plus it was only 8.50! Al tried to get me to get the lamb and beef mix but I told him i'll pass. Boy was that the best decision I made tonight! Parking is a hassle....since noone was out because of the rain i parked at some meters. But there is a $5 parking lot right next door :).
(5)
Sara R.
One of the best "hole in the wall" restaurants in Atlanta. I was shocked when I first walked in - no tables or chairs (or silverware) match and its on E. Paces Ferry. So don't go for decor but the food is delicious. There's no menu so its makes it challenging for a first timer. My suggestion is just ask Al, the owner and trust what he gives you. He has a strong opinion so you are warned of that too. The food is great - the best falafel in Atlanta. Kabobs are excellent too. And then there's the baklava!!!!!!!
(3)
Laura B.
Good stuff. You order at the counter, they bring you your food. Hard to order by the chinese take out style picture menu on the wall, but tried the falafel platter and hummus. Not super healthy but super tasty. And free baklava for desert. Didn't try it, but nice gesture
(4)
Tracy L.
ATMOSPHERE: Well, Al is the atmosphere. The place is very casual and as soon as you walk in you are greeted by the very rambunctious owner named Al. He is such a quirky, entertaining, welcoming guy even though I didn't understand what he was saying 1/2 the time. (I went with Turkish peeps so he talked Turkish most of the time). Good mix of people. College kids, out-of-towners, young professionals. There were definitely some regulars that came. A couple dressed up for a date it looked like and others in sandals/t-shirt. One girl who appeared to be a regular brought her Dad to introduce to Al. FOOD: Yummm!! with lots of vegetarian options. 1. Combo appetizer platter and everything was vegetarian!! Babaganoush, hummus, 2 eggplant dishes, some carrot dish, tzaziki, parsley salad, some tomato dish. All of it was really good - but I wasn't a fan of the carrot dish. My favorites were the babaganoush and eggplant dish (there were 2 but I don't know what each were called). 2. Dessert - combo of 4 which included some pistachio, baklava, some whip cream topped thin noodle type of dessert, dessert that looked like rolled up something with pistachio on top... I know I'm not being descriptive but everything was really good! SERVICE: It's self service for everything except for your food. I don't know the prices of anything.... Al thinks about it and comes up with something, but it's usually really cheap for such good food. All of our food + dessert, which fed 3 people was $25 even! PARKING: Right in front of the restaurant is some... but I think we illegally parked.... there were zebra stripes there. CONCLUSION: I really like this place and was pleasantly surprised with both food and atmosphere. I definitely will come back here again!
(5)
Sweet S.
Best Gyro in Georgia!
(5)
Kyle P.
I'm a bit of a gyro snob and usually am never fully satisfied with those I get from most restaurants. I have to say, Cafe Agora's are the best I have ever tasted. The quality of the meat is just top notch and the owner is just absolutely the most friendly guy you could meet and you can tell he is proud of the food they make...and with good reason. Get the mixed mezze plate! It's a must.
alright alright...here we go. went here for lunch. lovely. got the chicken gyro (again) it was delightful!! the experience alone, was enough! there was complimentary pita bread, hummus and some other delicious snacks as we waited for our food. the baklava was by far, the best little baklava i've tasted in a very long time! we ordered some for the table and when we went to pay, Al decided to feed us (yes, feed) more. and wouldn't take NO for answer. he literally got a fork and fed us baklava. pure hilarity! definitely some good stuff! can't wait for my next adventure to Cafe Agora!!!
(5)
Tristan T.
My wife and I ate at Cafe Agora two weeks ago for the first time after being told by a friend we had to try it. The restaurant is small, no more than 7 tables with a small bar area. You order at the register where there is also a display case with fresh hummus, baklava and other items which are still unknown to me but will try soon. We had the hummus for an appetizer which was awesome. I had a gyro and she had the chicken kabobs followed by the complimentary (I believe) baklava. Everything was excellent. We even ordered extra baklava to go and the owner (who is really helpful) gave us a sampler of the different types they make. In regards to the prices, there is a takeout menu on the bar which lists prices for everything if you feel you are being ripped off. Highly recommend eating here as I will be back to try the rest of the menu. They also deliver for a $5 charge.
(5)
Lindsay H.
This place was great! The gyros are great! The owner is hilarious, and very willing to please! The backlava, well, let's just say you MUST have some before you leave! It's FABULOUS! The yogurt . . . FABULOUS! And let's not forget that spicy sauce to put on your gyro! Delish! You MUST eat here!
(5)
j l.
my favorite falafel in town!! i love the pickly red onions :) this place is hands-down awesome--like Al says, anything you order is going to be good. nice people make it extra special, too. i have no idea what all those delicious things in the cold case are called--the random samplings i've had always leave me wanting more, especially the eggplant dishes. and open til the wee hours on weekends???? HUGE PLUS!! (anything to keep me from taco cabana.) 5 miiiillion stars!!
(5)
Matt M.
Great stuff. I had a falafel wrap that was out of this world. Like some of the others, I was treated by Al to the hummus plate while waiting. Outstanding quality of food for the price. I just did lunch, but would definately come back for lunch or dinner. Muchos kudos!
(5)
Todd Q.
Al always takes good care of his guest. He will always give you some dessert before you go. He is family. He has been showing my son around his restaurant since he was 6 months.
(5)
Nick A.
Awesome food. The owner is hysterical. This is now a weekly requirement.
(5)
Brad K.
I've been here a million times and it never ceases to amaze me. Great for lunch or after a late night at the bars.
(5)
RJ L.
I tried this place while in town for work, and the food and service were really great. I sat at the counter, and I was greeted immediately. After asking me if it was my first time (it was) I was given a free sampler platter with their hummus and tabouli. I tried the Lamb Shish Kebab "Kuzu Kebab," and the flavor was rich with a lot of depth, and not greasy. After working my way through all of that with a glass of Turkish wine, they gave me a free piece of Baklava for dessert. All of the food was good, but the baklava made the place worth of review. Entire meal with a beer to wash it all down was about $22. Also, luckily for people who work in the area, they are going to start delivery.
(4)
S A.
The food gets 4-5 stars and is tasty, fresh, and authentic. Frankly, it's one of the few places in Atlanta where one can get good middle eastern food. Why the two star rating then? It's the ownership. EVERY time I have been to Cafe Agora I have either been overcharged or watched the owner pretend that he is a customer's best friend, only to overcharge them. EVERY time. I'm not exaggerating. So if you want one of the few really good middle eastern meals in Atlanta, go here. However, bring at least $30 because no matter how little you intend to order, the owner won't let you out of there without charging you that much or more.
(2)
Jacob M.
terrible terrible food, stay away!!
(1)
Marie D.
What can I say that hasnt already been stated. Al was there and came over to greet us. Brought us a sampler appitizer plate and everything on it was delicious. We needed more pita to completely clear the plate. The gyro was tasty and the tatziki was creamy and had a wonderful flavor. I had a gyro and the BF had the falafel. Both were great and of course we were treated to a little baklava bite after the meal. This place has a lot of charm and not a big pricetag, unlike most of the restaurants in the area. I will defineitely be bag again.
(4)
Johnston O.
Best gyro in town, no question. It's difficult to give 5 stars to a place so far from qualifying as fine dining, but the food is honestly that good. The meze plate and bakalava are awesome accompaniments, and I hear the falafel is excellent too. I've taken many friends to this place, no one has been disappointed. Some people complain about the owner being a little too friendly, but he's usually just encouraging people to try new foods, which doesn't bother me so much. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Michael G.
Until tonight I've been a Pita Palace evangelist but I have to say cafe agora has the best gyro in town. The owners were super friendly but more importantly the food is authentic and out of this world.
(5)
Brandon T.
All I can say is... "AMAZING"... The food has great flavor and they give you so much! Gyro's are to die for and I usually get a Greek salad to split... I don't own it, work there, nor want to, but for great food and a great price, this is the place to go! You can even get uncooked food to go! A+ in my book!
(5)
Brien M.
Probably the best hummus i have had and one of the best gyros.
(5)
Bobby G.
This place is amazing. The perfect drunken snack after a night of binge drinking or hitting up the strip club....or both! The Gyro's are great and made to order.
(4)
Stu G.
Simple, tasty Mediterranean food and Al is a great dude.
(3)
Tiffany S.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
(5)
Dhawal B.
Love mediterranean food so went out to try cafe agora in buckhead. Biggest mistake of my life. Crappy place, sucky ambience and horrible service and the food itself was just ok, nothing great. The owner and his family seemed to be running the entire place and probably is the most unprofessional restaurant I have ever been to in Atlanta. We sat down and the waiter (who was owner's son and could barely speak english) just came in with water, without even asking us what we want to drink. Then he came with the menu and had no idea what all the items were about. Couldn't clear any doubts we had and just kept repeating what we were saying. So we just decided to go with a couple of appetizers at first. After few mins of waiting and after a few people who came in after us got their order first, we finally got only one appetizer. We were waiting for the next one and the owner himself comes with it. To our surprise instead of getting us falafel the appetizer, he gets the main course falafel sandwich which is priced at 12$. We didnt realize at first and when we did we immediately brought it to his notice, at which he gets angry and tells us that we accepted it when the waiter came with it so we must have ordered this only. After we clarified the mistake his retarded son had made, he brings out original order after 15 mins of more wait (I stress on the waiting times as there were only 2-3 other groups in the place). On top of that he was reeking of cigarettes every time we were talking to him. So after eating we decided to leave and not try anything else. All in all im glad its over and i wont be going back there to try out anything. Its an overpriced place with mediocre food and the worst service I have ever seen in Atlanta.
(1)
eileen p.
i can't really say much about the food because i never got to taste it. i ordered a delivery, which they offer btw. two phone calls and an hour and a half later the food arrived very cold. when i called, the man answering blamed me for his delivery person not being able to find my house. fyi i live at the intersection of piedmont and roswell rd. really no excuse for not finding the place but absolutely not ever a reason to be treated this rudely. he actually yelled at my husband and i am not kidding. i don't often take the time to offer my opinion but this person was so crap that he brought out the nasty in me. wish i had a name but if there's a manager reading, i placed my order the evening of friday, april 8 so there's your man and i hope you get him......
(1)
D S.
Awesome turkish food - the platter with beef and lamb was phenomenal, as were the ladyfingers. Highly recommended
(5)
Clare L.
Today was my first visit - and WOW, was I blown away! I ordered a chicken gyro and side of hummus. Both were excellent, prepared fast, and the proportions were HUGE! I could hardly finish the gyro and only had a few tastes of my hummus (will eat it for dinner later!). I had found the restaurant while searching for Greek restaurants in Buckhead on the internet, and was pleasantly surprised when I found that Cafe Agora was located within walking distance of my apartment. I was hopeful - and let me say, my expectations were certainly exceeded. One of my favorite parts about my first visit to Cafe Agora was the atmosphere. It was lively and fun - and Al, the owner - made my first time here very memorable. When I told him it was my first time at the restaurant, he gave me a nice big plate of samples of some of their yummy sides - hummus, tabouleh, etc. He made me feel welcome and right at home. He didn't have to do that - to give me the sampling - but he did and it showed me that he really cares about the quality of the food and about the happiness of his customer. The whole experience was wonderful and the food was excellent and truly authentic. I'll be back again (and again, and again, and again). :)
(5)
Nate C.
Absolutely delicious Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is nothing exciting, but I think the food makes up for the lack of sexy. I wouldn't bring a date here, but I do stop by quite often for my favorite dish ... a $7 beef and lamb gyro. The baklava is also excellent.
(4)
J J.
YUCK!! I was really excited to go to this place and get some good food. Being Lebanese I grew up around all of this food and was really looking forward to a good meal. What I ended up with was a disappointing meal and a HUGE bill!! I asked for 2 grape leaves and before I knew it the gentleman was filling up a small plate with just about everything in the case. When he finally got to the grape leaves he decided not to include them on my plate. Great, I just got a plate full of food I didn't order. The mezzo wasn't bad, in fact the hummus was great....that's where it stops. Shortly after we finished the mezzo our food came out. I ordered the lamb kabob plate and my bf the gyro. My lamb was cooked to the likeness of a shoe sole. Where I come from Lamb is served med rare or at worst med NOT well done. Yuck! No taste at all. The salad was not appealing and not "authentic" either. My dish was overall terrible. My bf ordered the gyro but the decided to give him the gyro plate instead. His was a step up but not at all tasty. The lamb seems to be frozen and tastes pretty generic. The highlight of this disappointing meal was the lady fingers and baklava that the owner insisted we eat. They were great, perhaps the only great this about this cafe. Here is the best part....our bill......$42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then they wanted a TIP!!! OMG! For 2 crappy entrees, 2 TEAS, and 2 pcs of baklava????? I felt violated! No wonder they won't let you pay until after the meal! If you were asked to pay before you'd walk out of this place! It would be interesting to see how the intoxicated late night (they are open until 4) crowd takes it. I'd have to be drunk to ever return, even then I wouldn't dare let my Lebanese toes cross that threshold! If you want a taste of Mediterranean eats head to "Once a Week Go Greek" in Tucker. It's 100 times better at the fraction of the price.
(1)
Mlle. H.
This place is incredible! You have not had a gyro until you've been to Cafe Agora. The prices are reasonable (and sometimes negotiable) and the food is great. The owner, Al, will make you feel welcome as soon as you set foot in the door. Don't know what to order? Al will let you sample a variety of dishes before choosing. Al is also great at accommodating any palate. Don't like onions or tomatoes? No problem. All food is cooked to order and Al will make sure everything is made to your satisfaction. Also, if you're out in Buckhead on the weekends, Cafe Agora is often open until 3am or later if you're looking for some late-night munchies. Must trys: hummus, gyros (lamb or chicken), greek salad, and baklava (various varieties). Only downside: Can be crowded at lunch.
(5)
Mekaylah R.
this place has the best hummus!!! i love the hummus appetizer and definitely want to try the mixed metza next time! i had the falafel, which was totally delish, and also the first time i have had it where it was green on the inside. i got the platter and it came with a side of greek salad, awesome, and two dippers, one being more hummus, would have preferred tzatziki, and the other being a creamy tahini dressing. it also had a small scoop of tabhouli. so good! my friends enjoyed their meals also. one friend had the same as myself and the other got the falafel wrap. she loved it. more food that you should eat really! we also got free baklava. my friend ate it and wasn't really into it so i didn't partake. maybe if it were chocolate though. i'll be back for more hummus before i skip town!
(4)
J C.
I have heard very mixed reviews via word of mouth - usually they are either on the extreme positive or the extreme negative. I really really tried hard to be objective on this place..but it just didn't win me over. 1. The owner, I admit, works very hard to be personable and "win you over" or whatever you call it but he is just flat weird. He certainly is proud of the food there - which, I agree, tasted good. 2. The quality of service was very unsatisfactory. It took a very long time for us to order - and I notice a nearby couple angry b/c our order was taken before theirs - which also should not have occurred. I wouldn't say anyone else that works there is friendly at all. 3. WATER is important to me. It should be the first thing we get and constantly refilled. Never happened. 4. We had to ASK for our forks to eat our food! 5. Some woman that works there walks up to me and asks me if I am done eating, I say yes, and instead of clearing our plates, she only took my knife and walked away...very peculiar. 6. The owner tried to FEED me something I ordered, trying to sell me on how awesome his food was, but I told him I didn't want that and he threw down the fork on our table. I don't appreciate that kind of temperament when I only seek to enjoy my dinner. I can feed myself.
(1)
Andrew M.
Traditional Turkish in the heart of Buckhead... go figure. Very small shop, but has a very loyal customer base.
(3)
The Broke Socialite S.
Cafe Agora has evolved into one of my favorite greasy spoons. If you're into (or easily offended by the lack of) aesthetics and fluff, this really isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're avant garde in your pursuit of ethnic fare, you should try it at least once. The owner (who I have officially dubbed Mr Papoudopoulis---darn, I always forget to ask his name) makes the experience so much more wonderful. I almost always get the lamb gyro...it's fresh and juicy with just the right amount of the yogurt dressing. Did I say To. Die. For.? Another favorite is the healthy plate of spreads/dips that Mr P serves up---I've not yet figured out if this appetizer is complimentary. Anywho it is comprised of various and sundry tabouelle, eggplant spread,etc. I think that I issued my To. Die. For. prematurely....don't leave without a piece of the baklava----it's so light and flaky. I've awakened in the middle of the night craving a piece on occasion. It's hard to describe; for it's the right combination of pastry, sweet and nuts. The only matter is parking: if you go throughout the week, go after 1 PM and weekends are best if your patience is thin. All hail, Mr P!
(5)
David H.
great food best in all of Atlanta
(5)
Ryan S.
Excellent Greek and an owner who is so engaging and enthusiastic it makes the already-superb food taste even better. If you order the large Falafel...prepare for a LARGE falafel.
I would never eat here again. Constant over charging and service is very very poor! Food is mediocre.
(1)
Amy W.
The food is delicious and the portions are insane. So much food. Spanikopita is unique to this Cafe. It isn't flakey like most others. It may seem pricey when you see the menu but the portions are huge so it's really a deal.
Disappointing. Used to be much better. Falafel was way too spicy-the waitress thought it was funny, said the chef added too much heat but she offered to do nothing. The phyllo dough on the spanakopita was soggy, not the least bit crispy. The gyro meat was dry. Sounds like Momma is no longer in the kitchen. It'll be a while before I return.
(2)
Theresa H.
This is my 2nd time to Cafe Agora. My last experience was excellent, the chicken shish kebab was delicious. Love the rice pudding and baklava too. My visit tonight left me lukewarm. Ordered the same dish, the chicken did not taste fresh nor was it as good as the last time. The chicken gyro tasted good though. A friend had to run to the bathroom right after she got home and her tummy did not feel too well. Did not know if it was the food she ate there or elsewhere. Service was alright. Ordered some baklavas to go. For me, the best baklava around. Most baklavas are way too sweet, those here are perfect. Rice pudding is good too but since I may be making some rice pudding with Gordon Ramsay's receipe this July 4th weekend, will skip the Cafe Agora's pudding this time. Hopefully my next experience will overall be a terrific one.
(3)
Missy M.
Excellent service. Very attentive staff. The owner has quite the personality and visited every table while we were there. Now to the food: fresh and very flavorful. We had the mixed gril platter and a small plate of esme and hadari. Flavors were on point!! We almost licked the plate. Very reasonably priced as well. Coming from DC we were extremely impressed . I wish they would open a branch there.
(5)
Jose P.
Food is very good, it's as close to Greek as you'll get in Atlanta. PROS: - Clean establishment - Great staff - Great food - Good portions CONS: - Prices are about 20% higher than expected, but it is Buckhead and the place is pretty nice so it's not that bad, but just wish it was a tad more reasonable. - Food is pretty much as you would expect "very good", but I was hoping it could have been "excellent". There are minor details with the food that keep it from being excellent, but don't get me wrong at all this is splitting hairs. - Parking can be a pain, but again this is expected due to the location. I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could.
(4)
Stef T.
I've actually never dined in here, but it's my go to spot for takeout. Maybe I'm biased because Mediterranean is my favorite cuisine, but this place always hits the spot. Last time I picked up, the owner gave us free dessert because "it's just so good!" He made me want to come back and be part of his big Greek family!
(5)
Jeff K.
The gyro salad, hummus, and tabulleh is good and the service is usually friendly as well... I really enjoy this place for a medeterranian lunch.
(4)
Carol D.
A great Greek restaurant that offers great food!! I love the owner Al! He is very personable and friendly!
(4)
Jose O.
Just an extraordinary turkish cuisine experience, everything was fresh and delicious, the service top notch and Al..the owner, a real nice person...a must in my next stop on Atlanta.
(5)
Emily T.
Delicious food and excellent service. The new location is beautiful and has much more seating, including a lovely patio in front. They serve a free (little) meza plate after you order; you can also purchase the larger appetizer portion. Fresh and delicious, including hummus, tabbouleh, and other dips. For dinner I enjoyed the gyro, stuffed with flavorful lamb, accompanied by a fresh greek salad w/feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a tasty dressing. I usually feel overwhelmed by dressing on salad but this was perfect. My companion enjoyed the mix grill entree--a succulent assortment of meats, alongside pita bread, rice, greek salad, and yogurt sauce. Everything was great, and our friendly server made us feel at home. For dessert, they serve a small portion of complimentary rice pudding that's phenomenal. Creamy, not too sweet, just right. The baklava is excellent. The food can be a little on the expensive side, but the quality and flavor are top notch. Highly recommended for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
(5)
Kelly M.
Cafe Agora never fails... The owner truly loves this place. The food is awesome and the new location is spacious (although I do miss the hole in the wall vibe). Everything I've gotten here is incredible. I RECOMMEND TRYING EVERYTHING
(5)
Dan G.
I've had the gyro platter twice now and it's reasonably good The service is solid and they always give you something small that is on the house The gyro meat has been a bit dry both times and the salad a little heavy on the dressing All that being said if you are in the area it's worth a meal I will return
(3)
Sarah B.
Great food. The service was lacking. We arrived around 2 p.m. and were the only customers at the restaurant which raised a concern. Based on the rave Yelp! reviews we decided to give it a try. The server was busy trying to eat her lunch which was a total turn off and caused major delay in placing our order. I had to go get her to let her know we were ready. However once we got our food we were able to overlook her lackluster performance. We ordered an eggplant lasagna and the hummus. Both items were delicious and plentiful. There were two of us and we shared the lasagna and hummus and left very satisfied.
(4)
Terence B.
I found this place while driving past one day and noticed that it had good reviews. It is located just off of Peachtree Road in Buckhead. It is very basic looking and feeling, both inside and outside. We were seated promptly and had good service throughout. We started with hummus, which was a good starter. I had the agora salad with both lamb and chicken, which was huge, filling and great tasting. My friend had the chicken euro, which was also good. It good for both small and large parties. The only dislike is that I thought that it was a bit pricy. liked this place and definitely plan to come back.
(4)
Katherine K.
Alas they are only open till 10 on week nights, even for takeout, until 11 ish on weekends. New location but I'm pretty sure I googled delivery buckhead open now and this was one of the scant options. However if you call they don't deliver so I wish they would rectify their info online. It's 2014... However, baklava. Best baklava ever.
(3)
Charlene D.
Pathetic! This is my second time at Cafe Angora. I came again because I wanted to give it a second chance. The service is the worst that I have ever experienced. Our table was dirty, no water for 15 minutes, cracked wine glass, cold appetizer served with no silverware, and the waiter forgot to bring out the second entree. The worst part was that the owners son, our waiter never apologized. Atlanta has too many good restaurants to put up with such horrible service.
(1)
Mackenzie B.
Great Greek food. Always nice people working there. It's a great place to head out for lunch or easy pick up for dinner. I highly suggest trying this place if you haven't already
(4)
Tori T.
Food is amazing for the price. Felt like I was in Greece! Get the chicken pita and lamb salad.
(5)
Dan B.
The food is excellent, and the service could not be better. It is a family-owned establishment, and by your second visit, they will recogize you and say, "Welcome back, friend." The mezze platter and rice pudding are highlights.
(5)
Maureen D.
Super friendly staff. Best Baklava ever & I don't care for Baklava but theirs was awesome. Generous portions you'll need to take some home! Food was very fresh and great seasoning. I'll be back. You must check them out if you love Mediterranean food. 5 Stars!!
(5)
Khurum U.
I visited Cafe Agora last and was treated to a wonderful Mixed Gyro plate. Thin sliced lamb cooked to perfection along with a generous amount of cubed grilled chicken. A nice Mediterranean salad in the side and some tasty pita/naan with some light marination. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. To top it all off, they provided a honey soaked piece of baklava that was out of this world. Don't skip this place, it's worth the hype!
(5)
Charlotte S.
Al the owner is the best. Open until 2am at least. Covered patio, full bar, and tables. Great service. Good prices. Lots of desserts.
(5)
Rav J. M.
Man, some of the best customer service I've had. The owner is older yet makes a point to interact and spread his passion and love. He's proud of his establishment and food. How does it taste? Good.. like really good. I enjoy the chicken gyro and sampler plates immensely.
(4)
Kevin Q.
I came here yesterday night with my coworkers and it was great! The menu is mainly focused on gyros, which I don't have a problem with. The hummus was good, and the pita bread was even better. There was even complimentary valet parking, even though the parking lot wasn't that big. The platter was among the biggest I've ever seen, even in the South. I would highly recommend coming here for dinner.
(5)
Zulfiqar H.
WOW!!!! Had lunch there this afternoon; It was one the best and most enjoyable meals I have ever had Magnificent food with excellent service Whenever I am Atlanta next this is one place I am most definitely going to visit
(5)
Nik T.
Finally great service. Sadly it is only at the bar...but ah well, food is still great
(5)
Christopher T.
I love this place... It adds to the fact that ATL is the most underrated city for eats in america... Yes i said it. Besides the amazingly awesome food this place has to offer, what makes it soo special is from the second you walk in to the moment you leave they treat you as if you are the only customer they have. It doesn't matter if you went to their first location or their new building down the road, that has a very friendly and fun atmosphere, Cafe Agora's #1 priority is making the customer happy! GREAT Food GREAT customer service = 5 STARS
(5)
Will H.
My favorite Mediterranean place in Buckhead. Great value for great food.
(5)
Andrea P.
I love everything about the new location! It kept everything I liked about the old place (the food) and vastly improved everything I didn't. Easy parking, much larger restaurant that is beautifully decorated, very clean, and has an amazing patio. (There is also a private room you can reserve in the back.) Efficient counter ordering with the food coming out quickly. Prices are on the higher end but you really get what you pay for - great quality and lots of food. Love the small appetizer sampler platter Al continues to give out. Note - I learned that for weekday lunch the gyro sandwich comes just by itself, but nights and weekends it comes with a side salad (don't know if the price varies though). I thoroughly enjoyed one of the platters for lunch and am stuffed! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Astrid V.
Food is ok, service is appalling. The servers will lie to you, wave you off, insult your intelligence, ignore your needs and take the liberty of stealing your money. You are better off going somewhere else. Our party ordered calamari which came with cold marinara sauce, when the menu clearly says garlic sauce. When we asked the first server for the garlic sauce, he said; "that was it." Completely taken back; We asked him again, if that was garlic sauce? Waiter proceeded to say that was their garlic sauce. We asked a second server what kind of sauce it was, she told us it was tomato sauce and was thrown off when we told her what her co-worker had advised us. We then asked if they were out of garlic sauce, to which she quickly agreed that their was no garlic sauce. We asked for lemon, and then the wait began. Third server passes by, we asked for lemon. Still no lemon. Fourth server passes by, asked for lemon yet again and we eventually got "lime." Really?! Our food finally comes out with our second server and a reluctant apology for the unwanted lime vs not lemon. We gratified her for noticing and she abruptly answered back with; "as you can look around, we're busy." Days letter, we see that someone felt the need to add a $5 tip to both bills. When a three way call between the bank, Cafe Agora and myself was placed to dispute the charge; the owner hung up on us without saying a word for the act. Truth be told that was completely unnecessary. The owner was addressed. Apparently, this is acceptable in his business. Any smart and respectable person would seek business elsewhere, especially when you are paying for a service. Don't waste your time and money. Their are several similar restaurants in the area that offer better food and service; plus they won't try to steal from you.
(1)
Jonathan F.
Amazing food! Extremely flavorful. I would recommend the chicken gyro plate. The seasoning is off the charts! Also, the service is wonderful and the owner is very friendly and checks to ensure you are having the best experience possible.
(5)
Hr S.
Better ambience than before and now they have parking lots!! Always my pleasure to start with maza platter ~~~ Mixed grilled meats with rice was delicate and my server was very kind.
(5)
Miranda P.
Good stuff! It was our first time here and we got a sampler plate with hummus tubule and other yummy things . I got the mixed gyro. Prices were a little high but the portions were good! Before we left he gave us a rice sampler pudding and baklava. It was really good. Not sure if we will be back, but I am glad we went and gave it a try. The bathroom was gorgeous I must add haha
(3)
CeeCee S.
this place is AMAZING. I've been here about 2 or 3 times and every single time, it was great! the service is friendly and quick to say the least. the location and actual atmosphere could be better, but I love the small restaurant feel. both times I came, the man gave us something for free... amazing! long story short, the food is pretty decent for Atlanta midtown area, service is great, and food is delicious!!
(5)
Chris H.
I dropped in here for lunch and was greeted by the owner like I was a good friend. Watched him bounce around his place and chat and interact with everyone is this bustling Turkish gem. I ordered the chicken/lamb gyro with the salad. I've been to the Middle East and even Istanbul but this place rocked them all! The salad was fresh and delicious with a dynamite dressing. The gyro was enormous and very tasty. Their tea ( probably Turkish) was delish. The baklava however stole the show. Definitely the best I have ever had. I will be back...with reinforcements.
(5)
Shayla T.
I enjoyed the food though I feel it is overpriced. I had the chicken shesh kebabs that came with rice, sauce, flatbread, and salad. Then I ordered. a small potato salad. All were tasty but it came to about $17 and change. I wish the portions on the potato salad had been bigger and would have liked more meat, but I was full. So, I guess I'm just being greedy now. I will definitely be back.
(3)
Katy N.
Holy cow. This place is fantastic! The service was incredibly attentive, but left you alone with your company. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split the falafel platter and the mixed grill which came with almost every meat on the menu, both of which were remarkable! We love Mediterranean and middle eastern food and this place really delivers. The owner, Al, came by and kept giving us free goodies which really cemented us leaving the burbs and making the trip back to Cafe Agora soon! The hummus and babaganoush were both delicious, and the tzatziki was definitely worth writing home about! We'll be coming back soon!
(5)
Katie R.
I love this place! The food is delicious and portion size is generous. I've never been disappointed. The staff are super friendly and very attentive. We always have a great time here. Certainly the best Mediterranean food in Buckhead!
(5)
Michelle W.
Amazing Mediterranean food. This is some of the best I've had in Atlanta. The owner, Al, is incredibly friendly and generous; he checked on our table multiple times and brought us complimentary tasting plates of appetizers and desserts. Will definitely be back with friends.
(5)
Craig A.
I get the strong feeling the following could applied a large number of Atlanta restaurants: Sincerely friendly and warm service and absolutely unremarkable food. It's hard to give a low rating to nice people but, unfortunately, this is a middling neighborhood joint at best. In no reality is it a 4.5 star restaurant with 360+ reviews. Either a shillfest or Atlantans with no taste. Given that it's located in Buckhead, it could very well be the latter. On the plus side it's easy to order because everything tastes like bleh.
(2)
Nihal S.
I should begin by stating that i am Turkish and this is the first Turkish restaurant I have been to in Atlanta. I loved the mazza and the Adana kabab. Excellent...
(5)
Jeff S.
Easily the worst middle Eastern restaurant in the ATL. Cold felafel and bad service blah
(1)
Diane E.
The awkwardness of the owner makes this restaurant one I will never return to. This is the second time I was here - I was somehow persuaded to come back and give it a second chance last night. In both instances, there were no men at the table, and the owner spoon fed a girl at the table against her wishes. He wouldn't then leave us alone. It felt like we were being groped publicly. The food was OK, but not spectacular. I will not return, nor would I suggest anyone else.
(1)
Na L.
This place is delicious. The rice pudding is the best dessert ever! I could eat an entire tub! The gyros are also very good. Service was okay. I'll be back for the rice pudding.
(4)
Allie B.
My boyfriend and I had an unpleasant experience dining here. We waited for twenty minutes for service after being sat. The waitress was not apologetic at all for the wait and put in our order. After waiting forty more minutes for a gyro and greek salad, we left the restaurant and abandoned our hope of eating there. The manager chased after us, and instead of apologizing, said that we should have just contacted him. Olive Bistro in Brookhaven and Vinings has much better greek food and much better customer service.
(2)
Veronica X.
No frills, just great food. I never had mezze thrown together almost haphazardly onto a plate like this, but it didn't matter as the flavors quickly overwhelmed me. My favorites on the plate: smoky babaganoush, the other two eggplant thingies I had trouble distinguishing but both good, carrot salad, yogurt and hummus -- perhaps I should have listed my least favorites to save some space. Hubby said the gyro (mix lamb and beef) was one of the best he ever had, and I trust the man knows his gyro. That, and the fact that it was one of the rare occasions that he actually raved about a place I found via yelp prompted me to jump on the Cafe Agora bandwagon. This little hole in the wall deserves yet another glowing review. The sweet touch of rice pudding and baklava took it all the way to five stars. The only downside: they have probably ruined any future rice pudding and baklava for me.
(5)
Hieu H.
Cafe Agora may be bigger, newer, and even flashier. But there was something about its old hole-in-the-wall location that gave it charm. The new location lacks that spirit, and the food lacks that heart and soul. The mezze platter just doesn't taste the same.
(3)
Emma F.
Clean restaurant offering all the classic Turkish/Mediterranean fare you'd expect from this style of restaurant. I had the lamb salad and it was excellent and quite a lot of food. Wait staff and owner were friendly as well. I'd say anything with lamb is gonna be a good choice at this restaurant.
(4)
R G.
This was a suggestion of a friend that is a foodie as well. The food was excellent and I will defiantly be returning. I had the beef kabobs and finished every last bite. Also had the rice pudding to top things off and that was a home run also. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes.
(5)
Kelly H.
I have been to Cafe Agora about 6-7 times at this point, but today was my first experience at their new location. I was so excited that beyond having more space and a nicer environment, nothing has changed! The owner was still feeding newcomers, including my little boy who got his picture taken with some of their delicious bread! The food was still as amazing as always and the yummy rice pudding was a perfect way to finish the meal. Congrats to Cafe Agora on their new space. See you soon!
(5)
Jeff L.
The best gyros in town. We get these bad boys delivered all the time.
(4)
Claudio M.
When all said and done, it's a very ordinary restaurant with mediocre food preparation. The owner is very nice, but it doesn't add to the quality of food being served. I won't mind going there for a change, but a weekly visit would be hard to manage.
(3)
Elaine L.
My favorite Mediterranean place is no more... :( Ever since they moved to their new location, I feel like they have lost part of it's charm (which is fine if the food stayed the same. I'm glad they were able to expand. However, I feel like their food has gone down. I got the platter sampler with all their dips. I used to love it! it was delicious and fresh and just fabulous. However, this time, it was just ok. I feel like it was better before...did the person preparing the food change? I will never know... I feel like it's time to search again even though I thought I finally found the best....
(3)
Ashley T.
Have been to cafe agora about a dozen times and have finally made up my mind about it. This place obviously did well as a hole in the wall authentic family run reataurant. Since they upgraded their space, they have raised prices but keep serving average food. We always end up paying $40 for a meal that should cost no more than $30. I am also always confused about the "free small Meza plate " ... sometimes they give it to you for free and sometimes it's $8. Huh? The reviews about bizarre service are true and we have experienced many an awkward occasion. The most recent was when they added valet service (again an example of an attempt to get fancy) and we asked for some change for a 20 bill at the bar. The guy refused to give us change saying "no no valet is free!" Yet as we walked out the door the owner came running after us with two dollar bills to give as tip, which made us feel cheap somehow. We have left this place one too many times thinking "what just happened". Very soup nazi type atmosphere... I am always afraid I will violate some unspoken rule. Sounds like those who have accepted this bazaar culture love this place. I will not return as I find the food to be average and overpriced and the experience too uncomfortable.
(3)
Anna S.
Visiting Cafe Agora after church. This place is heaven! The friendly, truly unique environment is what you notice first. The people are so great, the owner came and set with us and fed my friend with a fork! The music is relaxing, and overall, this is my new favorite place! Oh, did I mention food?! I have no words to describe
(5)
Chris D.
Great food! Our favorite Babaganoush in town! Since they upgraded to the new location, it's no longer great food in a dive... now it's great food with a great location! Parking, Patio and bar!
(4)
Ashley R.
Ate here during the week with a group of friends. The owner came to our table several times. He was very nice and funny. The food tasted fabulous! The rising bread was unbelievable. I will definitely put this restaurant in my weekly rotation.
(5)
Eva I.
We love this place. This was the first good restaurant we found when we moved to ATL from Chicago 5 years ago and it's even better now with the larger location.
(5)
Mina B.
One of the better Mediterranean restaurants we've tried. Price is good for the quantity AND quality of food. We shared the agora grill plate ($20) which has a variety of grilled meat, salad, rice, pita bread, and yogurt sauce. All the meat was delicious and cooked to perfection. The pita bread was also great. Best part of this meal was the free small maza plate and turkish rice pudding. Wow!
(5)
Eric M.
I had the lamb kebab over rice w/ greek salad. Rice pudding, baklava, and chocolate cake were the desserts I sampled and all were delicious. The whole experience was great. From service to overall good quality food I think this is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around. The spices were amazing.
(5)
Judy C.
The food is excellent. Dishes that I've tried so far: mezza plate, hummus, chicken gyro, lamb shish kebab, adana kebab, spanokopita, dolmas, baklava, rice pudding. They're all so delicious. One of my favorite things is the Greek salad that is included as a side for most entrees. The salad comes with crisp romaine, thin slices of red onion, cucumber, tomato, and a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette! Moving to their current location was a HUGE upgrade. There's plenty of space on the patio, bar, and inside dining area. Everything is very clean. Since opening up this location, Cafe Agora has hired more servers. The restaurant owner, Al, is still always 'on the scene' making customers feel welcome, however not all the servers are as attentive. On the past two visits, after we were seated inside, it took a while for a server to come by. The food came out without taking much time, but afterwards the server rarely came by to check on us. When I asked for hot sauce, it never came. The server apologized later when she realized she had forgotten, but by that time I was already done with my meal. In retrospect, I guess I really didn't need the hot sauce since the chicken gyro was flavorful. This place is still my go-to restaurant for quick and delicious Mediterranean food. The service isn't perfect, but their food makes up for it so I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Joe S.
Must have the Mezza dip plate, mixed grill platter and a shot of Ouzo! Oh and the baklava is so sweet and drips with honey goodness. Mixed Mezza platter is a must
(4)
Grant S.
Great customer service. Complementary valet parking, fresh food, and the owner comes out and talks with you. Great atmosphere yet still casual dining.
(5)
Bonnie Y.
Holy KAZOWY!!! We were in Buckhead and hungry for lunch. Yelped around and saw Cafe Agora with 4.5 stars and 300+ reviews. SO DA BOMB! It's the little things--started with the ezme because of the reviews and it's so refreshing--tomatoes, parsley, walnuts and fluffy pita pieces, with a light spicy zing. Then the Greek salad--I think it's the best greek salad we'd ever tasted, a delicate hand on the dressing and the feta so lightly crumbled on top. A revelation! And finally the ground lamb (Adana) pita--I don't know the spices used, maybe sorrel? Challenging with the tzatziki oozing down my fingers, but oh so good! And then, even though we passed on dessert, they give us this sweet bite of rice pudding with cinnamon. The pudding has a hint of lemon, which distinguishes it from all others I've tasted before--a perfect end for a perfect lunch! We will return!
(5)
Mario J.
The food was very good. I ordered the Izmir Kofte it was awesome. The drinks were mixed perfectly. The owner was present an interacted with each guest. He even gave us a free sample of a few dishes.
(4)
Sophia J.
This place used to be good but asked for a gyro got meat in a platter. And there's was foil in my salad?! Horrible
(1)
Sammy A.
Hummus/Pita Is the bomb. Portions are fantastic! Entertaining/Charming owner.
(4)
Stephanie M.
Big Gyro's can be made bigger if you feel the need ! The spreads all of them are tasty are all made fresh. I love the Baba Ganoosh(eggplant) with it's smoke flavor and the Parsley salad with tomatoes and lemon juice. Lamb, Chicken and Beef Kabobs are available in the case just waiting to be grilled. This place opens early and stays open late for foodies looking for your Gyro fix ! There can be a shortage of chairs at times the place is quite small but if you wait patiently most people eat and run. Agora also serves alcohol which got our group quite plowed a few years ago when I threw a surprise birthday party here. We pretty much took over the restaurant, we had a blast the owner took good care of us and some of the group tried new foods. We had a good meal before heading to the strip club. If you in the Buckhead area Agora is worth checking out.
(4)
Lauren G.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave you'll be treated wonderfully. This is the best Mediterranean food I've had. The staff + food are excellent and answer any & all questions you may have. I was unsure what I wanted when I went in for the first time and the cashier made me up a little sample plate. Now the bigger version of that plate is what I get all the time. Check this place out if you're in the area because you won't be disappointed!
(5)
El D.
I went to Cafe Agora on a Sunday evening. The reviews were quite good to give it a try. in summary, the service and food was really really poor. We sat in the patio. We ordered the food and in the meantime a small plate of different appetizers including hummus, carrot salad and so on was brought by the server. No pita bread, no extra dish for the guests. All we had on the table was two rolls of napkin wrapped around utensils and a small plate in the middle of the table. Later two glass of waters were added. Our meal was later served. What my husband ordered was a type of Kufta, which was sort of stew with pieces of meat in the liquid. No spoon was with the stew. So my husband was actually pouring the liquid on his rice directly from the kufta bowl. I ordered chicken gyro. Well the caesar side salad was purely romaine lettuce and the gyro was a bunch of hot dry chicken pieces on a pita bread. I have had gyro in other places and I know gyros are famous for their delicious sauce. Well, this wasn't the case here. Overall, I was disappointed for wasting our money there.
(1)
Ariel R.
Worst service ever, and they tried to steal from me by adding a tip to my bill after I had put $0 tip. The bank called them to dispute the charges and they also hung up on the bank!!
(1)
Shaun C.
The best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Simply wonderful. This place is now on our monthly rotation. The service is great, but the food is amazing. First timers get the hummus, tabouli, and the grilled platter.
(5)
Virginia M.
Fun neighborhood restaurant. I only had appetizers here, but they were great! It also has nice outdoor seating. They also have Efes beer.
(4)
George W.
How could anyone eat here and not be thrilled? Once again, I received the perfect Greek meal. Perfect!!
(5)
R P.
I told my waitress that I could not eat anything with gluten or dairy in it. She steered me away from those dishes and I decided on the lamb adana kebab. She brings the plate out with pita bread and cheese on the salad. She says "I know you said you were allergic to dairy, but is there a problem with the cheese on the salad?" Duh. Restaurant owners need to know that your wait staff can make or break your business. The lamb was excellent, along with the hummus and replacement salad. Food: 5 stars Service: 0 stars
(1)
Shamayim F.
Food is amazing but service is dry and leaves a lot to be desired. Positives first. I had the falafel sandwich with the Greek salad. Truly amazing falafel and well seasoned with a great sauce with it. The Greek salad was one of the best I've ever had any where. The waiter wasn't rude just "dry". It took him forever to check on me and my party, had to ask for water a few times from another server, and honestly I think I may have only seen him twice (that includes when he took the order and brought the food). It's a nice atmosphere and the food is great but service is a 1 star.
(3)
Tiff H.
We brought in a large group after a failed attempt to enter Holeman and Finch... There was trouble seating us all here too, but it worked out. Our server was extremely hospitable, and offered us free appetizer samples, such as the mixed maza platter and various hummus/yogurt samples. Though for me, some of the flavors were just too much for me to handle, I really enjoyed the effort and that carrot stuff (that sounds so uncultured of me not calling that by the proper name...) Ordered the lamb gyro sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. tender and flavorful meat, hearty and i could barely finish. I'm pretty sure I was the last to finish at the table! The end of the meal, the waiter brought over dessert samples as well. We each got some hot baklava and a small serving of rice pudding. The baklava was AMAZING, especially since it was fresh and crispy. The rice pudding was just... rice pudding, but went well with the baklava. Cafe Agora serviced us so well that day, and it was a perfect meal. 5 stars!
(5)
Richard R.
Where do I begin? I got an invite to lunch by Yelp friend Carrie Neal and we decided to meet today @ Cafe Agora. She knows from recent talk threads that I am a huge fan of gyros and thought this would be a great spot for some eats. She was absolutely right! I hate coming into the city during heavy traffic hours because I have a big truck and Atlanta streets make me feel like I'm about to loose some paint. Parking is also another huge problem, but thankfully I read Daniel B's tip to park across the street in the HHGregg parking lot (which looks like a $5 public lot). Cafe Agora is a small place, even the tables are small and it's hard to imagine 4 real sized people actually sitting down for a meal... but our party of three fit nicely. My girl Helena W (who is quickly becoming one of my best homies) joined us. The girls ordered some app's, but my full attention was in anticipation of this amazing gyros I've heard so much about. It arrived and I was in heaven from the very first bite! Delicious meat, very nice pita, and the fries I managed to eat (with out Helena stealing them... lol) were excellent. I would come back alone JUST for the fries!. The gyros meat was a little overcooked and dry (also crunchy), but it was still amazing. I can only imagine how awesome it would have been with perfectly cooked meats and feta cheese, which my gyros was absent of *sad face insert here* The overall tightness of the area will likely prevent me from becoming a regular, but definitely worth mentioning in the 'Best Of' category for Atlanta. Thanks for the great company ladies. I know everyone was probably wondering how I guy like me got to sit with hot gals like you, but hey... I enjoyed the short lived stud status! LOL
(4)
Jarz R.
Just popped in to the new Buckhead location for the first time since they relocated. Amazing. Not that I don't love the charm of hole-in-the-wall (I say that with all due respect and endearment), the improvement in seating, PARKING, bathroom, and ambience is phenomenal. I've only been a couple of times, and those times haven't been at the busiest times of the day, so keep that in mind. In my experience, the food is reliably good, and the service has been great. We usually order the big cold mezze platter as an appetizer. It's definitely a lot of food, so I wouldn't order the BIG one as an appetizer unless you've got at least 4 people splitting (or 2 rugby players). I usually opt for the mixed gyro plate because. I'm salivating just thinking about that balsamic vinaigrette. Damn, I love when you can actually enjoy the bite of the vinegar. If you manage to have room for dessert, order the rice pudding. Trust me. Like, you think you've had rice pudding, but you haven't. This is completely different. Seriously. Do it. Don't waste your stomach space on baklava. Pudding. Oh, it's got a generous dusting of cinnamon on top, so if you have an allergy, I'd see if they have some without it. If you aren't allergic, I recommend you keep it on there. I'm so-so on cinnamon, but I love it, so there you go.
(5)
Felipe V.
I love this place. It might not be logical, but try the pizza. All in all it seems to be effortlessly authentic, and you don't come by that often. It's definitely a place to go a few times and with a group to try as many items on the menu as possible.
(5)
Lexi S.
The food was stellar! I ordered a nice glass of white wine and the chicken kabobs. The seasoning was perfect! I asked our server for a kids menu and he never brought one to us, so I'm assuming they didn't offer one. My five year old settled on the Turkish meatballs, and he devoured them! This says a lot as he can be finicky with food at times! My date ordered the gyro and loved it! The only issue we had was waiting a while for the food, 40 minutes at least. However, it was worth the wait! We will def.return to try other items on the menu!
(4)
Jack B.
The food here is quite good, if a bit expensive. But the service is utterly BIZARRE! Our first time here, a couple months ago, we ordered the maza platter, which is an appetizer of several different spreads - hummus, haydari, havuc ezme, etc. - and the waitress brought it out with a little basket full of pita bread squares. So on our second trip, when we ordered the same platter and it came out without the pita bread, I asked our waiter for it. Cue his return with a basket with maybe 6 little squares in the bottom, and a joint lecture from the waiter and the owner about how this platter isn't meant to be eaten with pita bread, and that it would ruin our appetite for our entrees. Okay...? I wouldn't have asked had it not been automatically brought with the platter on our first visit. Then when we were attempting to eat our hummus with forks, the owner swung by again to tell us we were taking "little baby" bites and needed to take a "real" bite. What??? When our entrees arrived, our waiter commented again, "See, this is why you needed your appetites." But the topper actually happened to a couple at a nearby table. They had apparently made the same mistake we had in asking for pita bread, and were getting the same lecture, when owner literally picked up the husband's fork, scooped up some dip, and FED IT TO HIM LIKE A BABY. My spouse and I were looking at each other like O.O???? Honestly, had we not had a relatively normal meal here on our first visit, I would think this place was supposed to be one of those "wacky service" joints like Ed Debevic's. I think I'll be searching for another decent Mediterranean place before I come back here to pay $42 before tip for two gyro platters and an appetizer, and risk extremely strange service in the process.
(2)
Quel Y.
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY SELF RESPECT!!!! First of all, the first time I came here with my boyfriend it was great, the food was great, and the owner was friendly and came to our table and brought us complimentary dessert. This time however, I came with my dad and boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a Vodka soda and they brought out a Vodka tonic and when he told them very politely the waitress stated that the bartender put soda in the drink which was definitely a LIE. I found this to be extremely rude and I am appalled that the bartender would send the drink back and not even attempt to correct the order. The worst part of my experience tonight was when I went up to the counter to get change for a $20 so I could get change to tip the valet. The owner,who had been so nice to me the last time I had come, rudely said "what do you think this is, bank of america"? I thought he was being sarcastic at first even though I found it offensive. He then proceeded to hand me two $10 dollar bills when I clearly needed change to tip. He then threw the singles on the counter and appeared extremely annoyed. We had asked the valet guys for change and they did not have any. I must add that the first time we ate here our waitress told us that none of the staff lasts for more than 2 months because the owner is so incredibly abusive to his employees. There are plenty of great mediterranean/greek restaurants in the buckhead area, do not waste your time at this rude establishment.
(1)
Chris W.
Maza platter is an excellent app. Agora chicken salad is my go-to entree. Lamb and chicken gyros are great.
(5)
Rohaneh E.
My go to friday night dinner place with my best friend. We go there every friday after our shift and always order the falafal sandwich, and the Chicken kebab platter. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, and the Owner is extremely friendly, he speaks to all his customers and makes sure everyone is enjoying their dinner. If you're looking for delicious reasonably priced middle eastern food I would point you in Cafe Agoras direction.
(4)
Harrison W.
The owner Al is awesome and the food is delicious. Al came over to the table and was extremely friendly. The food was reasonably priced and extremely good. Awesome Mediterranean place.
(5)
Kaialaia T.
The owner is hilarious you'll be laughing eating at the same time the food is great customer service fantastic .
The best Mediterranean restaurant in Buckhead and all of Atlanta! The friendliness of the owner and staff make you feel as if you are having dinner in someone's home. A delightful experience! Today's delight is tiramisu and Turkish coffee. After you eat Agora's tiramisu, you will not want anyone else's.
(5)
Crystal D.
Love this place!!! Recently moved to buckhead and have been trying new places. This will definitely be on my list to go back to!!! Food was great. Complimentary valet. Restaurant was clean. And servers were so friendly!
(5)
Alex P.
Ah, this place is unreal good. From atmosphere to food, everything is just done right. Feels like you made a quick pit stop for lunch as you were driving through a sandy road in the middle east.
(5)
Paige N.
So I was floored when I saw that not only does Cafe Agora have almost 300 reviews, but it also has an average rating of 4.5 stars! Especially when you see it's tiny little, hole in the wall location, directly across from the uber ritzy Capital Grille with its fancy parking lot full of Range Rovers, Mercedes and Bentleys. After seeing this (and for a nano-second thinking Cafe Agora had had its employees create hundreds of fake positive reviews), I had to try it out for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. Well my friends, it did. Although it's certainly not much to look at from the street (and can hold probably 40 people tops), this place is a gem of a Greek restaurant. I enticed my boyfriend to come with me for dinner there (he's a true Yelp believer even though I can't for the life of me get him to finish a single review), and we understood what so many others already know. The food is amazing and because it's such a small, intimate little space, the staff (a father, son team) are very friendly to every customer who walks in the door. As soon as we sat down, the son came out to get our drink orders and after looking at the menu (all of which sounded like great options), we got the mixed maza appetizer in order to try their hummus, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz, etc all in one go and the Agora mixed grill kebab plate to try their chicken, lamb, adana and kofta kebabs plus the gyro meat. I love places where I can try a little bit of everything all at once, and Cafe Agora did not disappoint in portion size or flavor. The maza appetizer than came out first came with a basket of fresh pita bread that was already conveniently sliced into bite sized squares. We dug in to hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz and a bunch of other goodies I've not tried before and it was all very tasty. The babaganoush wasn't quite as good as Opa's (in Suwanee), but I've yet to find anyone who can rival that one. Everything tasted fresh and light and definitely house-made. The Agora mixed grill was also excellent. Every different piece of meat was cooked well and laid over a bed of rice, a Greek salad and another fresh pita bread with some red sauce on top was served with it. My favorite meats by far were the gyro, the adana, and the kofta meats. They were just wonderfully seasoned and full of flavor. Mix that with a refreshing Greek salad, some pita and taziki sauce and you've got a winning combination. And Cafe Agora really scored points with its complimentary dessert for us: two mini baklava bites (light and airy and flaky), and two little servings of sutlac (Turkish rice pudding). It was the perfect bit of sweetness to end the meal, and I loved it. While Cafe Agora is certainly not much to look at (though I believe they're relocating to the old Thai Silk space just down the street, which would be a definite step up), they're a great find. The food's delicious, the staff's very friendly and attentive and the menu really deviates from the Greek cuisine you're used to seeing with some really special treats. Good job Cafe Agora, all the hype and your great rating is worth it.
(4)
Doug C.
The mixed grill was great. The lamb and chicken were awesome. The owner was friendly and very helpful Service was good.
(5)
Liz K.
I soooooo love Mediterranean food and Cafe Agora alone. I have been here several times but this is my first time writing about the best Mediterranean spot in Atlanta. (forgive me, if you don't believe so...) The owner of this place is so alive and happy. He is usually there. Or so he has been when I go... he always gives you a little sample of the hummus and tabouleh before you get your order. I normally get the lamb kabobs. The plates (all of them) are a good helping. The kabob plate comes with meat, rice, salad, and some pita bread. The owner will make sure to send you off with a tasting of the rice pudding and baklava before you leave. A little pricier than some of the other Med joints I've been to but I think it is well worth it. Also... parking can be a pain- but oh well. It's the City of Atlanta
(5)
Bailey G.
The food is so authentic and fresh! The owner loves to come around and get everyone to try Turkish dessets- so delish!
(5)
Anum A.
I went here for lunch and found that both food and environment have been severely compromised since cafe agora moved down the street. It just isn't the same. The food, decor, and service are mediocre at best.
(3)
Melissa M.
Randomly came across this place with my husband. The food and service was excellent. We were not sure what to order at first and sp our waitress brought us a sampler appetizer to help with our decision for free! They also brought us a few dessert samplings at the end of our meal wven though we declined to order any dessert. You can tell they really care about satisfying their customers. My husband and I would definitely come back for a yummy meal!!!
(5)
Cathy K.
Love to pick up the meza platter and the gyros plate. I usually order the large platter and enjoy for multiple meals. I need to figure out how to make the carrot salad which is to die for. I am getting hungry just writing this.
(4)
Corrie B.
SOOOOO delicious! Everything was very fresh. I had the chicken salad and I had to make myself stop eating it. They give you a lot of food! My lunch buddy had the lamb salad. I'm not usually one for lamb but the lamb at Cafe Agora is something I will be going back for! My only negative comment has nothing to do with the actual restaurant, it's the parking. There isn't much space at all. They now have complimentary valet so maybe that will help the parking situation. Either way, if you like Greek food this is must try!!
(5)
Paul F.
My wife and I are new to the city and this has quickly become our favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Hal the owner, walks around and greets all customers and runs a tight ship! The food is amazing and authentic. We consider ourselves to be gyro connoisseurs and these are the best in the city! The service is amazing as well!
(5)
Kristen C.
So, I must admit, the food here is pretty good and it is really attractively priced! We came here on a Friday night before we headed out to grab a few drinks. It was our first time here, and as other diners mentioned, they do bring you our a few sampling of their appetizers. An older man came over to the table (maybe the owner?) and told me that the hummus was the best hummus out there. So, at the time, I had Invisalign and shouldn't really be eating food until I took them out. The older man pretty much force fed me this hummus, when I gently declined (since I had to take out my liners). He kept telling me to eat it, so eventually to not make a scene, I just ate it. Then we decided to go ahead and order our food. There was some confusion in the ordering process where they double charged us for something we did not order and then did not bring something else out but told us that they already brought it out to us... When we were eating, again, the food was pretty good, but the service isn't the best.
(2)
Cali K.
The owner Al is so disrespectful to his employees. I was disappointed in him cause he seems really nice but it's just an act. I heard him yelling at customers on the phone then say stuff in Turkish didn't sound nice. I wasn't gonna write a review I've been there three time love the food but I won't be going back our server told us he steals there money they work all day 6 days a week if there lucky all the servers look tired seem cranky but I would understand why was told he's hit several workers I'm just truly disgusted. He smokes in the restaurant at the bar and then used he's hand to get my dessert after he smoked and blow he's noise didn't wash he's hand. I truly do not recommend this place makes me wonder about the back of the house.
(1)
Amar P.
First, my review is for the old hole in the wall location. I haven't ate at the new Buckhead location yet. The food is Amazing! The owner is hilarious, great at customer service, and he often drops off free food at the tables to ensure everyone is satisfied.
(5)
Shaye B.
This place is great! I was going to wait to write my review until I ate at the restaurant but I had such a great takeout experience that I am just going to go ahead now! The food here is delicious and portions are huge but prices are still not very high! I was able to get 2 gyro platters and a hummus app for $30. The restaurant space is great, has seating inside and outside. Temperature control is very effective which is important for hot Atlanta summers!! The staff here is phenomenal. I cannot think of a time I had better takeout service. The owner still spoke with me and wished me a happy first time eating their delicious food and the guy working at the bar who handled my takeout order was very nice. When I first picked up the food I was starving and sped home, only to realize that the hummus was left out! At first I was going to just let it go, but then after trying my platter and realizing the food was spectacular, I wanted that hummus. Luckily I only live a block or so away so it took me less than 5 minutes door-to-door-to-door to get that hummus! I was even able to pick up some more taziki sauce! The guy at the counter was so nice too that he threw in some desserts for us to try as well which was nice and very much appreciated on my end. I am honestly bummed that it took me almost a year of living a block away for me to try it! I will certainly be back....especially when I get the munchies late at night since the place is open til 3am!
(5)
Sarah B.
This is the real deal. The place is small, not a lot of room for dining in, but a worthwhile experience if you do (not from the ambiance). I think they are opening a larger location very close to this one in January. I had chicken kabob, my friend had lamb gyro and we started with hummus and the meza plate. Everything was incredible down to the mini rice puddings and mini pistachio baklava, that showed up at our table after dinner. I will be back, my friends and family will be back. Generous portions, very reasonable prices.
(5)
Marj R.
Our go to late nite place. Authentic gyro and baklava. Love it.
(4)
Enrico N.
Was in for a late dinner, wasn't too hungry. Got the Lamb Gyro sandwich. Comes with a side salad. Service was friendly. Was a little annoyed I had to valet park. Salad was good but pretty much a standard greek salad. The Gyro came with lettuce, onions, tazaki. I'm use to Gyros coming with tomato, onions, tazaki. The lettuce on the gyro with a salad is a bit redundant. I ate alot of lettuce for one meal. They gave a nice helping of meat, cut off the spit. I would have liked it if the meat were a bit more "seared" and if the pita were ever so slightly toasted but not a huge deal. Meat had a good flavor, they had some sort of mild spicy sauce on it. Similar to the powder you get on Doners in germany. I wish I knew what it was. I would have liked more tazaki, especially with all that lettuce. Overall a decent meal. Not the best Gyro i ever had but better than average. The lady gave me some sort of tiny dessert in a little cup. Tasted like rice pudding with cinnamon
(4)
William C.
Incredible food and environment! Get friendly staff and the food is amazing!! Great place for lunch or dinner. The owner is very friendly and will talk with you while you eat. Parking is a little limited but that would be the only downfall. Since they have changed locations they have a much bigger dining area and a nice outside terrace. Ordered the lamb gyro and it melted in my mouth! Great restaurant!!
(5)
Philip K.
This is my new favorite in Buckhead. Hands down, some of the best Greek food I've found. Al is a trip and made our first time there a fun and memorable experience. We tried the appetizer sampler, lamb kabobs, gyro, chicken, and rice pudding and baklava for desert and everything was a home run.
(5)
Dave B.
Excelllent fallefel sandwich and gyro. It was medium pricey but considering the amount of food they give you, it was very good deal.
(5)
Tram V.
Party of 3 ordered the mixed maza platter, dolma, agora mixed grill and calamari and we were so stuffed we couldn't finish the food. Everything was excellent although the calamari wasn't impressive. I loved the chicken which was tender and juicy and I could've eaten the entire plate of dolma on my own, it was so delicious. Definitely going back!
(5)
Brad K.
I visited Cafe Agora for the first time yesterday. I had a large order for a company meeting that I dropped off earlier in the day, and asked for it to be ready at a specific time that evening. I do this at every restaurant that I order company meeting orders from, and it always still results in me waiting 30-45 minutes for the food to be ready once I arrive to pick it up at the time I said I would. Not at Cafe Agora, though! I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than I initially told them, and as soon as I walked in the staff remembered me, commented on how I was early, then sat me down at the bar and gave me a free drink and appetizer while I waited! My food order was in my hands and paid for exactly on time, and they even helped me carry the food out to my car. The food itself was very good! Everyone at the meeting kept going on and on about how yummy everything was. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone I know. Its the attention to detail in taking care of your customers that sets restaurants like this apart from the rest!
(5)
Alan R.
Yuk and more yuk.Tried to talk my coworkers out of this place but they were paying and wanted to go. We had come from a meeting to shake shack and line too long at shack. Sorry, been there done that in NY, no need to wait in cold for a standard burger. Not into cults. So they suggested Agora and I cringed but since I need their business I did not protest, just gently tried to push them down to Buckhead diner, but they are a little cheap so they chose Agora. Complete indigestion. My tastebuds fully protested and stomach upset. Worst gyro platter ever. Dry meat shoved on lettuce and chicken even drier. Hommos is like water and taxzaki foul smelling. I knew better than to order anything else but they had other salads and everyone complained about the stale lettuce and dry meat.I think it is obvious this guy gets people to write these reviews or else I am surrounded by people that do not know good food. I realize some people will eat anything, hence our obesity issue.They just have bad food and wierd kaotic service with aggressive valet parkers expecting big tips!
(1)
Ruksana H.
Happened to be our walk-in discovery when the place we wanted to eat at was found to be out of business. Friendly service, good food, good prices, nothing fancy with the ambience, just clean and practical. Reasonable pricing too and makes for good take-out as well.
(4)
Yanfei L.
Large portion. Delicious food. Have been eating here for a while. Love the maza plate and the mixed grill. If you are a paleo guy definitely get the agora salad!
(5)
The S.
Overall was a disappointment after reading the great reviews. Have had better Mediterranean food for less and at more convenient locations to me.
(3)
Lucy F.
After a long morning of shopping in Buckhead - we were starving!! Decided to try Agora out for lunch, based on the reviews - and it was perfect! Great service, fresh food, and a clean space. The babaganoush was creamy and delicious and came with a warm basket of fresh pita bread. The Greek salad was crisp and fresh - with a perfectly balanced dressing. I will definitely go back!!
(5)
N. A.
I love this place!! The owner is extremely nice and always happy to see you! I literally feel like family here! I come here every time I want to invite a friend as I know that they won't be disappointed! Food is fresh.. Service is wonderful.. The restaurant is run by very nice hospitable Turkish people! What else would you ask for! I would literally give them 10 stars not just 5!
(5)
Jennifer T.
Been here three times now with colleagues for lunch. This place has top notch food and service. The owner is always around and he's SUPER nice and accommodating. The Lamb Salad and the Lamb Gyro are the best things on the menu. Just enough of everything (lettuce, feta, olives, dressing, etc.) for the perfect marriage.
(5)
Alexander B.
Love this place! The platter and baklava are amazing! My family went here on a weekend away and it was spectacular! The new digs are great. We met the owner and he was great! Stop researching and get in the car and head here!
(5)
Seema P.
Food was really tasty, esp for midnight run. Ordered the Maza Platter to share with friends along with a felafel sandwich. Flavors of both were on point and worth coming back for.
(4)
Duc L.
Came on a Tuesday afternoon with a group about 10 people and I was surprised at how accommodating the place was for us. Keep in mind that this place isn't the largest of restaurants. In order to accommodate us all, we took about 5 tablets all together. Which only left about 4-5 2-person tablets left in the entire place excluding seating at the bar. Good thing no other large groups entered while we were there. Ordered 2 trays of mixed maza platters and man, were the hummas and havuc ezme oh so good. Pita bread were served on paper plates, nothing too fancy but it kept coming as quick as it was demolished. I just ordered the lamb gyro. Nothing too fancy or spectacular to rave about but it was a large portion. The order just comes with a side of salad. At the end of the meal, the owner gave us all a piece of lady fingers and a small cup of rice pudding. The rice pudding was legit rice pudding, you could taste the rice. It wasn't just tapioca rice pudding you are thinking of. But I think this was all done to the presence of my friend's daughter. That girl is SO adorable and hammed it up for the owner and he just adored her. Perks of having a child around sometimes. But can't complain. Good experience and they were accommodating so I'll give 4 stars. I'll be here again if I'm ever in the area.
(4)
Scarlett W.
yummmmm. had the sampler plate, everything was awesome. was only in area for one day and just having a light lunch, but if i should ever find myself in atlanta again, i will go here. the owner is old school, comes and sits down, chats. great service. he brings you tiny samples of desserts, that baklava was so good, light and fluffy if that is possible. rice pudding too which i am not a fan of, but it was good.
(5)
Jim Y.
Being from out of town, I'm willing to splurge a bit, especially with so many highly reviewed restaurants in the area. It turns out I don't have to. Cafe Agora is a bit of a hole in the wall, with 30 seats if you count the 4 at the bar/counter. Upscale dining it is not. Delicious meal it is! The hummus was terrific. For my meal, I ordered the lamb shish kabob. The pita was toasted slightly, and lightly spread with a tomato based sauce. I'm not at all familiar with Turkish food, so I don't know if this is common or if it's something they invented here. The lamb was grilled perfectly! A bit smokey, and tender. The flavor was uncommonly good. I don't order desert typically, but the owner came out with a small sample of baklava and price pudding. "My friend, just a taste." he said when he came over with the little treats. Wow! The baklava alone wild be worth a trip here. The care they take here in serving perfectly prepared dishes, with ridiculously good recipes, made me feel like they really respect everyone who comes into their place. Unlike most restaurants nowadays that make one feel like you're just a few bucks drifting in, with a mouth attached that they have to fill with something in order to separate the two.
(5)
Salim H.
Recently moved from down the street. Same great food in a nicer setting!
(5)
Ashley P.
Deeee-lish! Quaint, cozy atmosphere...typical hole-in-the-wall place, but hot damn, is it good! I tried the gyro and tabouli- very flavorful gyro meat! I will definitely be coming back here again. I'm so glad I found this gem on Yelp. Tip: you have to park up the street at their new building (which is under construction). This restaurant may not be good for a large party because it is pretty tiny inside.
(5)
James M.
Always a pleasure coming to cafe agora! From a hole in the wall to a beautiful restaurant. The owner Al may come off as being odd, however he's not! Truly a sweet man that only wants to provide his guests a first class experience. The food is always super fresh! Meza appetizer is always great with a variety of tastes. Gyros are amazing! As a Chicago transplant I can appreciate an owner with showmanship and charisma along with top notch quality. If you don't appreciate the quality and experience here have your head examined.
(5)
Jo T.
Best gyros and delicious baba ganoush! If you do take out, they will put the sauce on the side so your gyro doesn't get soggy.
(5)
Liza W.
It's solid Mediterranean food- at least based on my typical American palate! Yes...we love our gyro, babaganoush, falafel, baklava, and rice pudding. :-) The service is pleasant, the place is usually packed at dinner, very reasonably priced (especially for the area), and they let you byow for a cork fee. Looking forward to their finished renovations right down the street so they'll have more space!
(5)
Nemil S.
My go-to and most favorite spot for Mediterranean food. After moving to midtown, I probably order to-go once a week. I would recommend trying the meza plate if it is your first time, to get a small deliciousness of everything. If you want to dive right in, say hello to Al, order a gyro wrap and a side of baba ganoush and call it a day. Amazing for dinner and orgasmic after a late night on the weekends.
(5)
Angela H.
I had heard great things about Cafe Agora, but I never made it a point to check it out. Recently on a Tuesday afternoon, my co-workers told me to pick a place for lunch. Since Cafe Agora is walking distance from our office, I suggested that we go there. A group of five of us arrived a little after 1 pm, and we were lucky that a group was leaving because the restaurant is tiny but apparently, always busy. Two employees were kind enough to put two tables together for us so that we wouldn't have to squeeze into one 4-seat table. As I was looking up at the picture menu on the wall and wondering how much the different entrees cost, an employee at the counter handed me a paper menu. That was a relief because it made it so much easier for me to choose what I wanted. I decided that I wanted a beef gyro, but it wasn't on the menu. The menu only listed the Lamb and Beef Gyro and a Chicken Gyro. Fortunately, the employee told me that it wouldn't be a problem if I only wanted beef in mine. I also asked them NOT to put onions in it. Once we were done ordering at the counter, we got cups of water (self-service at the counter) and sat at our table. After what felt like 20 minutes or so, two employees brought our food to the table. * Beef Gyro ($7.01 for the "Regular" size) - When I picked up my gyro to eat it, I noticed that there were a few onions sticking out. At first, I thought maybe it was just a bit of onions that was dropped in there and I could pick them out. However, I quickly realized that there were a lot more inside, so I told the employee who took my order. He took my gyro and brought out a fresh new one out after about a minute. It was a very simple gyro with just slices of beef, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. The beef was slightly charred, which I didn't particularly like, but the gyro was pretty good overall. Later, after looking at the paper menu I took with me, I realized that they didn't put tomatoes or cucumber in my gyro as it is stated in the menu. I guess I need to specifically ask for it next time. It probably would have tasted a whole lot better with those additional ingredients. I also found myself wishing the gyro was served with a side, such as fries. I'll have to order some fries next time, which I didn't realize they served until I re-read Richard R.'s review. It's not on their menu! =( When we were done, we got in line at the counter, individually told the server what we had ordered, and paid. As we paid, each of us was handed a small sample of rice pudding. It's slightly sweet and sprinkled with cinnamon. I really enjoyed it, but my co-workers weren't really fans. Overall, Cafe Agora gets 4 stars for their good gyro and friendly employees. The main downside of this restaurant is it's size because it is tiny and cramped. It also took longer than we had expected for the food to be served, but this was primarily because two of my co-workers ordered platters. However, I would definitely return to try one of their platters, such as the Chicken Shish Kebab and Kofte Kebab, which I heard were great! Can't wait! =) [Review 175 of 366]
(4)
Zach S.
Amazing gyro. I've been here a handful of times over the past 5 years and the best gyro I ever had was the last time I was here. It's always been good, but for some reason (maybe I was just really hungry, who knows) the last time I was here, in November, it was heavenly. When I first started going here five years ago I would always see Al, he would try to give us free food, and was always very friendly and talkative. I wish he was still around, maybe he is at the other location, but I haven't seen him in a long time. It's crowded, a small restaurant, and theres a tv playing a greek channel. Water is more or less self serve, they do come to your table to take your order now though. It's not exactly cheap, but there's also no where else you can go to get a gyro this good. Plus, there hasn't been a time they haven't given me something for free, like pita bread with hummus, baklava, or some sort of greek pudding for dessert.
(5)
Michael S.
First time ...Not our last! Good was fresh, delicious, and service was very friendly. Great place to hang with friends.
(4)
Jasmine S.
Let me start off by saying that I would give this 3.5 stars if possible. Hubby and I went here Sunday night. Let's talk about parking first-Not a good situation when it is crowded as we witnessed first hand. There is a circle shaped parking lot in front, but due to the space being so small we could not exit the other side and we had to back up and back into the street. Luckily there's an empty lot next to them that we parked in (obviously keeping an eye on it to make sure no tow man came). When we walked in there was a hostess stand but no hostess so we we went to the bar to place our takeout order. We got the large chicken gyro and greek salad. The bartender who took our order was not overly friendly and he did end up telling us that this location has only been open about 2 weeks-things started to make sense from there. We waited about 30 minutes for our food. When we got home the portions were large and it was plenty of food for both of us. The only complaint food wise would be that the gyro was VERY dry-as in hardly any tzaziki (sp?) sauce. Other than that tasted good. We will definitely be back and will order in.
(3)
Alan J.
Not the best Mediterranean. I grew up eating Mediterranean food and this is not anywhere near the expectations I had set after reading all these raving reviews. If you've not had a variety of this food before, then you're probably going to think that this is delicious. I must say however that their eggplant salad was outstanding.
(3)
Michelle H.
Hummus was authentic, my Greek salad was mediocre and my taboulle was just okay. The people were nice enough that I will more than likely give it another try.
(3)
Leah A.
Favorite hole in the wall place in Buckhead! Cannot wait for him to expand to his new location a few doors down! Definitely recommend the mezzo platter and chicken or fish shish kebab. So tasty!! And Al, the owner, is so nice! Ask him about his adventures coming to own Agora. He's very interesting and I love supporting him!
(5)
Karly G.
It was almost 5 stars until Al said... Baklava is not good for you when I wanted to order some to go. Otherwise, this place is the best hole in da wall for Mediterranean food ever. We got the mixed grill platter which consists of grilled chicken, lamb and beef that comes with rice and a salad. it's also topped with some spiced grilled pitas. You must come early to get a table at this place, otherwise you might find yourself back to back against your unknown neighbor. It's a tiny place with very limited seating. It usually comes with a small plate which consists of hummer and some other stuff (sorry I couldn't remember what it is. lol) after your meal. you get a small treat of rice pudding and half a baklava which is nice. it leaves you with no desire to devour an entire piece of pie a la mode. :P
(4)
Don B.
Glad I found this spot. We enjoyed the sampler appetizer. Just wish they would start us out with more pita bread so I don't have to keep asking for more! But the food was top notch. I usually go with a gyro platter at Mediterranean restaurants and have never had any this good. The combo platter was very filling and the meat was so juicy and full of flavor. I love how they tease you with the baklava at the end. It was so good. Made me want to buy a bunch to take home. Service was cool. It was not super evident what to do when we first arrived. Didn't know if we should sit or walk to the counter and order. But we ended up walking to the counter and letting them know we wanted to dine in. I'm a little disappointed about this Al guy though. Heard so many great things about how jovial he is but did not once look our way. I know I sound like an a-hole complaining about being offended by that but he gave everyone else there great attention and we got none. Maybe we didn't look like first timers or something.. Who knows.
(4)
Amber H.
Stopped in after hearing good things about this place. We were NOT disappointed! The owner, Al, is fantastic! Since it was our first visit he invited us to try a small sample plate before ordering (and no, we weren't charged for this)...delish! Ordered the hummus and yogurt apps, 2 (1 combo and 1 lamb) gyros, and the baklava for dessert. Everything was absolutely wonderful! Portions are quite large, especially for the price. Hummus was thick and creamy, and the pita - oh, lord! Wow. The yogurt, so good I actually used it on part of my gyro. The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I had to stop myself from eating so i could try dessert without immediately falling into a food coma. So good. It wasn't easy, but I don't have to cook dinner tonight, so bonus! The baklava was amaze zah zing! And after finishing that off (no way was any of that was making it home), Al brought ANOTHER plate of those crispy, flaky, sweet little pieces of heaven. Thank God I don't live closer, I'd never fit in real pants again (and for that baklava, it would somehow be an equal trade). I have no idea where people are eating lunch when they've complained about the prices being too high, especially for the amount of scrumptous food that you get. Service here is outstanding. They welcomed everyone that walked in like old friends. Al walked to each table checking on customers, providing light banter and laughter. He was contagious in his passion for his food. After our meal, we sat and chatted with him on the patio. This man clearly loves what he does and wants his customers to enjoy life through his food. I will be making the drive here regularly. Go, now! Do NOT skip dessert. You can thank me later!
(5)
Shelly G.
After all the hype I heard about this place for a while, I decided it was time to try it out. Friday afternoon around 6 pm...traffic around the area was awful and parking was a nightmare. The parking lot across the street was full and the parking lot behind the building with 15 sweaty valet guys running around was only for patrons of the restaurant/bar/club next door. We ended up driving to the next side street and just parking at a meter. Since it was Friday afternoon we put in an hour and half for good measure. Upon entering the restaurant, it was obvious we didn't need it...there was only one other occupied table. We got the Mixed Maza Platter and the Lamb and Beef Gyro. Both were great, the mixed platter was an assortment of different spreads/hummus/other dippables and accompanied by a plate of hummus. The gyro was well seasoned...normally I'm not a big fan of lamb but I liked this one. The complimentary baklava for dessert was amazing. The total for the platter and gyro not including tip was about $22. If I were closer to my normal hunger scale it probably would've easily been in the $30+ range, which is why I can see how it could be seen as a little on the pricey side for the atmosphere. Service was fine, neither neglecting nor overbearing. Overall a pleasant experience, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Cindy W.
Ok, I still really like this place. Came here with another group of friends for a birthday dinner. My roomie's bf is actually Turkish, and that's how we learned that this place is actually Turkish, not really Greek. Everything was still delicious and exactly like I remembered it. Parking- next to Blue Bottle, or across (free for 2 hours, something reasonable like that), save your receipt from Agora though, just in case. Speaking of which, they mixed up our bills like 3 times....but they're fairly flexible, to a fault, as you'll read in some of the rest of the reviews. However, I would ask that Al, should he be reading this, to CALM DOWN. He was feeding my friend random stuff from our mezze platter with the same fork and my friend became more uncomfortable and embarrassed with each successive mouth-fed bite. I hate that. She's coming with me and paying $25 for a meal. I don't want her to have an uncomfortable experience in any way. I didn't say anything though...not sure how Turkish customs work. Anyone know?
(5)
Carrie Neal W.
So, I love me some Yelpers and I love me some gyros. What does that add up to, you might be wondering?? Lunch with Richard R. and Helena W. So close to my office and with two super-fun people - what's better on a Friday?? We had a few things . . . I got the same classic (lamb and beef) gyro I typically like here and the yogurt/tzatziki (sp?? can never get that right) dip with pita bread that I love. Helena got the chicken gyro and also some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, parsley, spices, etc) and Richard got a gyro and fries. Crinkle cut and well-seasoned - Helena *may* have snuck a couple off of his plate . . . Such a nice lunch - and complimentary cups of rice pudding. We all agreed that it was tasty with the cinnamon and nutmeg. I had to duck out kinda quick to get back to work, so I'll have to find out if Richard got another order of anything to-go like he was considering . . . Lunch next week - location TBD but y'all should join us!!
(5)
Kyle T.
All I have to say to anyone thinking about eating here is do it! I don't care for Turkish food most of the time but this was great. For appetizers we had cheese stick things and chicken noodle soup. The cheese sticks came with wonderful sauce. The chicken noodle soup was just like my grandmother's matzo ball soup without the matzo balls. For an entree I decided to have the mix grill. Out of the three meats it came with (lamb, chicken and beef) the lamb was the best but all were fantastic. If you come no matter what you get you MUST get the baklava. Not overly sweet and extremely moist it just melted in your mouth. We sat around for a bit chatting and the owner came by and say with us. It made for one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
(5)
Jeanette M.
Love! The food was so good! Baba ganouj was delish! I got the mixed Agora salad, amazing and shareable. Rice pudding was perfect, not too sweet and topped with cinnamon. Yum!
(5)
S L.
Wow! I must've gone on an off night. Our meal and drinks were SUPREMELY UNREMARKABLE!!. We were excited to try because of all of the good reviews, but were quite disappointed. Part of our group was from the Mid East and I travel there frequently, so we are quite familiar with the food. Our waitress was sweet, but clueless. Ordered pineapple/cranberry martini and ended up adding lime and more cranberry to make it drinkable. Babaganoush salad, esme, tabouli and hummus were just ok. Kefte (sp?) kabob was dry and bland--even the Greek salad dressing was BEYOND mediocre! Plentiful portions tho. The best part of the meal was the rice pudding--that was delicious! Deck was nice. Agree with other reviewers regarding parking, but if the food is good wouldn't be a problem. I MAY return for the rice pudding, but def not food or drinks. My friends DEF will NOT return. Two stars for pudding and deck.
This location of Cafe Agora is located on East Paces to the left of the Buckhead location of Meehan's Public House and across the street from a bunch of Buckhead galleries. Cafe Agora is a Turkish style Mediterranean restaurant - the influences are Greek, Arabic and Persian, so it's a bit of a mixed-bag (not in a bad way) of complimentary cuisines. The restaurant was just starting to get busy (this was a Monday night) - the patio was mostly full and the interior about half. I think this is a good location for a casual business meeting or to kick back with a glass of wine to observe the antics of Buckhead locals or obnoxious visitors (like me!). The restaurant is fairly new at this location and still well kept and clean. We sat on the patio and were immediately greeted. The menu is fairly extensive with many of the usual options like hummus, dolma, babaganoush, tabouli and the like, along with your typical gyro-like meat concoctions. There are also some interesting bits you don't typically see, like the haydari, plyaz and soups like Mercimek (lentils) or Sehriyeli Tavuk (chicken noodle) Corbasi. While viewing the menu the owner came by and offered up a sampler of apps to try - I believe it was a small Maza platter. Besides some hummus and tabouli, the other very strongly flavored spreads were quite very good. The flavors were subtlety different from our average Mediterranean and I found that to be so in the entree as well. I ordered the Mix Gyro plate with included both chicken and beef/lamb, over rice with a Greek salad - the marinated pita had a bit of red tint to it (tomato I think?) that wasn't immediately identifiable but added just a hint of acid that did a good job cutting through the meats. Both my dining companions ordered the Adana Kebab - grilled minced lamb on skewer with marinated pita and Greek salad. I thought the food very good and the service exceptional. Parking, on the other hand, was a bit of a PITA (pain in the ass - see what I did there?). Agora has valet as do most restaurants in Buckhead but frankly it was easier to just walk out with the valet and get in the car to drive off - I find the whole process in general to be cumbersome. But I digress... Give Cafe Agora a try - I think you'll like you find here. (longer review posted to my food blog)
(4)
Vats A.
Have passed this place many times while out and about in Buckhead, but never tried it. Finally got the courage to stop in on a weekend with my friends and we were all very pleased. The interior is a bit drab, so we sat outside since it was the perfect evening. Ordered a chicken gyro plate and an Efes (Turkish) beer. The portion was huge and came with a Greek salad. I thought I wouldn't like the salad since it had feta or some sort of cheese topping, but turned out to devour that first. The Gyro plate came with bread and some dipping sauce all of which tasted delicious. I ate as much as I could and packaged the rest for later. Our waitress was very pleasant, but some of the other staff were kind of off. They all delivered on our requests, so I can't really complain about them. The bill per person came out to around $20, which is expected for Buckhead and also for higher quality meat.
I cannot believe it took me so long to make it here. I walked in to place an order to go, and was immediately was greeted by Al (the owner/manager?). He was so friendly. When I told him it was my first time there, he instantly told me he'd give me some samples. He brought out a mini Mazza platter to try. He was very enthusiastic and wanted to feed me, no joke. So friendly ha. Then Al gave me a sample of the rice pudding and some other dessert (grape leave maybe?). Everything was delicious. I decided to get the beef and lamb gyro. Absolutely delicious. I also got the carrot salad, which was very different than anything Mediterranean I've ever had. Different in a good way. I devoured everything. Would definitely return and highly recommend! All flavor a were spot on.
(5)
Mit P.
I found this place somewhat disappointing although there are some positive attributes as well. Strengths: 1) Large portions 2) Solid menu with good selection 3) Ingredients for food appear to be fresh and tasty What I did not like: 1) Seems they can't coordinate timing of dishes so some dishes will be hot and others cold. My Kebab was cold, while my fiancee's falafel was hot. 2) Falafal was burned and not that great. 3) Service was incredibly slow. Waiter would disappear for 10 minutes at a time and not be seen 4) Food was really not that tasty. Seemed very standard, and some things were just odd. e.g. the babaganoush was made with a lot of yoghurt and really was nothing like the babaganoush you get in greece (mostly just eggplant pureed with some lemon juice and light seasoning). 5) Very little parking
(2)
Christina K.
I feel so sad writing this review for I truly, truly loved my meals at Cafe Agora, but since they moved to a new building down the street, their level of service and food quality has just gone downhill. I brought the SO here one day for lunch and left crushed that nothing was as good as I had raved. Against my better judgement, we ordered these appetizers that aren't even on their online menu so I cannot tell you the exact name, but it is basically a beef eggroll. The eggrolls came out, and with one bite, a flood of grease comes pouring out the other side. The beef was overcooked and had bits of nuts in there but were otherwise bland. We flagged down our waitress and asked her if this was how it was supposed to be, and she said yes, I see they are greasy and proceeds to grab some napkins and blots them with her hand. I was just in shock... like, um, your hand is on my food. Our gyros came out very quickly and the food portion was huge as usual. However, the gyro meat was cold like it had been sitting out. It too was dry and just overall gross. I thought that it was just an off-day and every place has them, so after 2 weeks, I went back for lunch. This time, they changed the procedure: you stand in line, look up at their menu (like at McDonald's) and place your order with either the rude bartender or the nonchalant waitress. We ordered the small appetizer platter and 2 gyros. The food all came out very quickly, but I had to go back to the front to ask about our drinks. That's when the waitress said oh, you pour it yourself over there. Like I said, like McDonalds. I returned back to my seat and found that the gyro meat was cold (again) and asked my lunch mate if hers was and she said yes. I just can't fathom why the meat would be so cold, even if it were sitting under a heat lamp there would be some kind of warmth to it, but it was just cold. This and the poor service really makes me hesitate in coming back again.
(1)
Michael W.
Came to this place from a friend suggestion. They were about to close but they let us in. Food: I ordered a mix chicken and beef gyros and falafel platter with a friend. So we decided to share both platters. I was surprised how good the falafel was cooked. It was not dry, not overpowered with black pepper and seasoned well. i really enjoyed the chicken on my platter. The chicken was not overcooked. But my favorite part about this was the hummus..... fresh yummy hummus. The platter came with a nice spring mix salad with a very delicious olive oil vinagrette dressing. 4/5 Atmosphere: This is a very nice with full size bar as soon you walk in and very well decorated. The owner took to the time to set up the place very efficiently. 4/5 Service: Great service! The food came out in a rapid manner while providing a good quality of food. The owner came by and let us try their different hummus and even gave us little desserts at the end of our meal. You can tell that he is striving to provide great quality mediterrenean food so he gets mouth to mouth referral. Well it worked!
(4)
Thu M.
Besides the awkward cashier asking to hang out with us, the food was amazing. Service prompt. Loved the sampler they gave to first timers. We had a combo dish that was good to eat 2 days later! So much food. Come here if you don't want to cook tomorrow. And the ingredients tasted fresh to me. I'm a big fan of Lebanese food, but this Turkish establishment is fine by me.
(4)
Lia P.
Fresh and affordable Greek food. What's not to love? The parking here was easy so that's a huge plus. It was a little dead when we went because they had just opened for the day but our server was still polite and prompt. He even started us off with a few samples! Next time I'm definitely ordering the hummus. For lunch I had the agora salad with lamb. HUGE salad loaded with all the good stuff. The lamb was soooo good. So well seasoned. So not overly processed. My husband could barely finish his gyro but he really enjoyed it. Honestly you could probably just share a few things here and go home full and happy. Adding to my short list of places to go in Buckhead!
(4)
Sherry A.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants! The quality of the food is always good, fresh and consistent! A go-to place in Buckhead that will never disappoint!
(5)
Sarah M.
So delicious! We went on a Saturday at 5 pm. Very empty They have a great patio, but we sat inside due to the heat and the fact we have a 5 month old. Service was mediocre, probably due to the odd time. But the food was amazing! I have been craving Mediterranean food all week! Already dreaming of my next visit. I got the chicken and lamb platter. Everything was perfect. Portions huge. I had enough for another meal later... That I really looked forward to! Tzaziki sauce and hummus were yummy too! Please go here. You won't regret it!
(5)
Tracy M.
My boyfriend is Turkish he showed me this place. Good food, My favorite one Chicken Doner Plate and Red lentil Soup. Cashier is very nice guy and have good sense of humor. Clean and nice looking interior. In the best traditions of Middle East
(4)
Stephanie C.
Honestly I can not really say much on the service here simply because my boyfriend and I went here to eat right when they were about to close everything, My boyfriend knows the owner Al so we got to eat anyways. The vibe that the place gives you is exciting. I am going to have to go back when its open and busy. The food is really good and they have some good cocktails. It is a very clean resturant and I will be back and update my review!
(5)
Miranda C.
The food was 5 star but only gave 4 stars because of the cleanliness of the restaurant. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint and the floors were in desperate need of a mopping. Other than that I loved the place! I have had chicken kabobs in morocco and Egypt but these were by far my favorite of all the kabobs I have had. They were tender and had a crust of amazing seasonings. I would definitely come back. My mom had the falafel and it was very fresh. However we found it to be a little on the spicy side. Not sure if that is normal for their falafel. We also had the meze plate as an appetizer and it was really good. Lots of little salads and hummus to try. For dessert we got the baklavah and the rice pudding. The rice pudding was a little bland but the baklavah was amazing. I will be coming back when I make it back to Buckhead.
(4)
Sungjae J.
I've tried left overs and takeout from cafe agora in the past and I always wanted try them because I was thinking, if its this good hours later after being nuked, the just served dishes should be better... Huge disappointment :( I got an appetizer..I forgot the name of the dish but it looked like an eggroll. When I cut it half to eat it, it was dripping with oil.. all 3 of them were so oily that it was not edible.. I got the gyro plate and the sliced lamb meat was really dry and crusty... What the hell??? how can the leftovers or takeout be better than my meal there. Put me in an awful mood I liked the decor... too bad the food sucked.. A bad day in the kitchen?? I had such high hopes.. will not return.
(2)
Ryan D.
Cafe Agora Buckhead: The bullcrap place that says they deliver, but when you call, they don't actually deliver. Shady practices.
(1)
Macario V.
I've been there once, but everything was delicious. Service was great also. Just picked up a take out order, so can't really say much about the restaurant. While I was waiting for my order, the manager (maybe the owner) gave me a few samples and made sure I was doing well. I'm about to try delivery through eat24 and I'll see how that goes. For that one experience I'm giving them 5 stars, I'll eat here more often.
Went in one night late for a little nosh. The owner is so nice and accommodating. I love this place. Great atmosphere, great food, great service.
(4)
Brandon R.
Huge portions for the price! Started with the baba ganoush. Got the lamb and beef platter for dinner and still had some leftover when I was done. My family ordered the gyros and it was also a great size. If it's not big enough you can still get a large. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)
Thomas C.
Summary: Great mediterranean food with a mom-and-pop feel. Ambience/Service: First, parking seems to be a challenge here but luckily I was able to find some street parking 1 block away. The ambience is great. I sat outside on their patio where most were, even in October. I was greeted by a waiter soon after seating and asked if I had ever been there before, which I had not. Overall he was very attentive and explained all the menu items. Food: Perhaps because this was my first time, the waiter brought me an appetizer on the house. It had basically 4-5 different items on it, all different colors. The plate was very vibrant and beautiful to look at but more importantly was delicious. It had pretty much every flavor that encompasses mediterranean food. Outstanding. I ordered the falafel plate. The falafels were perfectly cooked, not too greasy and the whole thing was cooked through. The rest of the plate was also delicious. Overall: I'd come back here again. Reading all the other reviews, I'm surprised at the reviews particularly of the service because I had such a great waiter (I recall giving a very sizable tip, which was deserved). Nevertheless, I was texting my girlfriend about this immediately after and told her I'd need to bring her there next time we're in town.
(4)
Michelle L.
One of the best dinners in town, seriously. Folks looking for a great place to take a first date, take note!! Lovely murals, low light, a charismatic owner, and such delicious food will set you at ease! Entrees range from 11.99 for the gyro sandwiches to upwards of 18 for the plates, which is still pretty reasonable overall. You MUST try the Maza platter! I have come here with the bf on a couple of occasions when we weren't super hungry and just split that with the pita bread. Note that a large Maza platter is definitely plenty if you have three ravenous adults who are still planning to tackle their respective separate entrees; if you are planning something along these lines I recommend opting for the SMALL platter, or maybe cutting back on the pita bread (which will be hard-- trust me; it is served cut up into tiny squares, warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and is utterly delicious). I love each and every item on the Maza platter, from the hummus to the baba ghanoush to the kidney beans and potatoes. My favorite, though, is the carroty dip that is usually nestled in the middle of the plate. Try it all! I definitely encourage you to bring your sense of adventure. Oh my god, though, the chicken gyro sandwich was a revelation. I have eaten quite a few unmemorable chicken gyros in my life; thankfully Agora's does not fall into this category. The finely shredded lettuce, drizzle of tzaziki sauce, cubed marinated chicken and warm pita bread combined in messy Mediterranean perfection in my mouth. Yep, use of the foil wrap that accompanied the gyro sandwich might have been useful but I couldn't be bothered with all that. I stripped that baby naked and inhaled at least half in less than a minute. My favorite part of dinner might be the tiny samplings of creamy rice pudding they provide at the end of the meal- just sweet enough to be the perfect cap to a deliciously spiced meal. A note on parking: when we went on a Friday night around 7:30pm m there was no wait, but complimentary valet parking: it did start to fill up a bit around 8 or 8:30, though.
(5)
Mona T.
I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the mixed chicken and lamb gyro and both were so flavorful! Definitely will be back and definitely recommend. We came on a Monday for late lunch and it was pretty empty so it was nice to have a yummy quiet lunch :)
(4)
Jim P.
The gyro platter was excellent...served with a salad that was also excellent. A great spot for lunch with a bar area to sit and eat at if you prefer. Owner has always been present when I make my Friday visits. Highly recommended!
(5)
Celine S.
Authentic turkish cuisine. I really love it. Be sure to get the baba ghanoush with the pita bread when you get there. You'll be impressed at the appetiser but there's still room for surprise when you hit the main course. I just love eggplants and if you crave the same, get the turkish moussaka! It comes with yummy melted cheese, grilled vegetables and minced beef. Don't hold back asking for rice to go with that. You'll find their fragrant rice going so well with your eggplant you can't put your spoon down. Enjoy.
(5)
Mary Margaret B.
Loved Cafe Agora, I always saw the small little hole in the wall (old location) and never had a chance to stop in. The new location is next to Aspen Bartini and across from the Aaron Building on E. Paces.. I love the open and spacious layout of the restaurant. It has a very large patio and another quaint front patio to the side of the building. Small wall fountains with trickling water and classic Greek music played softly as we walked up the front steps. We were greeted warmly and opted to sit at the bar as it was the first officially hot day of summer this year and we were stopping in before work (black on black pants boots etc.) so we wanted a cooler spot. The bar is white and beautiful, they carry a vast array of wine, beer and liquor. Sonoma Cutrer, 3am vodka, Macallan, Beefeater, things like that. Now the food. We ordered the Lamb Gyros and it comes with a traditional Greek salad. The Gyro was huge and so so delicious..Possibly the best lamb gyro I've ever had. I don't typically finish my food and I ate every last bite. The red onions are perfect compliment and they give you a plate with some different herbs, sauces and yogurts on the side like Hummus, Tabouli, dill, and my favorite tzatziki! All were tasty, the tabouli was a little chunky, oily and herbal for my liking (I prefer more citrus and tang) but I enjoyed the others. The Greek salad wasn't my thing, I like the Americanized creamy Greek dressing over a balsamic, but the lettuce cucumbers onions peppers etc were very fresh and tasty. I highly highly recommend Cafe Agora to everyone. I can't wait to explore the menu a bit more!
(5)
Matt P.
Worst experience in my life at agora. Waitress had no clue what she was doing. Took 30 minutes to get lunch with no one in there. Never refilled drink. Ordered extra meat yet was still the same told her she still wouldn't take it off. Don't go for lunch better at night with the big boss there. Employees just sitting around doing nothing during the day.
(1)
Kristie V.
Four of us came here on a Saturday night at 7:45pm. They had complimentary valet so we all did that instead of trying to find street parking on a Sat. night. We came in and told the host that it was a party of four, but three other people may be joining us in a little bit. They host said that was fine. We came in and the restaurant was only around 30% full, not even, so we were glad it wasn't busy at all. We sat down and the server gave us water (and that was literally the only thing she did the entire night, but I'll get into that later). We saw on yelp that they give you a complimentary sampler if you say it was your first time, which it was for all four of us so we told the waitress it was our first time. She awkwardly said "be right back" and left for ten minutes, without introducing us to the restaurant, the menu options, without getting our drink orders, or anything. We told her that three more people were joining us and she said she will pull a table next to us. She came back ten minutes later with a tiny sampler of different dips. We were all expecting to order a ton of food from the appetizer and grill section, but we tried the dips and none of us liked any of it. The hummus was very bland and the other dips had seasoning that didn't go well together. So none of us ordered anything from the appetizer section, and were right off the bat pretty disappointed at the service and the food. But we were here and ordered anyways. My friend ordered the falafel appetizer, my friend ordered the falafel gyro, and my boyfriend and I ordered the mixed grill and I asked for an extra plate so we can share. We reminded her again that three more people were coming to join us. Ten minutes later the manager seats a large party beside us, so there was no room to pull in a table next to us. The server comes five minutes later and we tell her for the third time that three more people are joining us, and she was like "oh, you can just move across the room later" and points to a table across the room. Five minutes later the manager seats a party at the table the waitress pointed us to move to later, so we weren't able to sit there either. The waitress comes again and sees that the table is full, so she pulls apart a table that seats 15 people into a table of 7 and 8 people. She told us to move there so we all grabbed our sampler dish, our drinks, and our silverware to the table next to us. While being seated at the new table for a couple minutes (this was the third table she redirected us if you lost count), the manager comes and starts telling us that this table is reserved for a party of 15 people and we were not allowed to sit here. He made it seem like it was our fault for sitting here. He sat there explaining that to us for five minutes, while our server didn't say a word and was serving a table next to us but could hear everything. I point to our server and told the manager that our server told us to sit here. The manager was like "what?" and then our waitress finally comes over to us and ushers us to sit in a table in an entirely different room (fourth table we moved to). She never apologized once for anything. Well, we finally got our food at our new fourth table by a friendly food runner (the food runner did more than our waitress did the entire night). Of course, the server didn't bring an extra dish for me to share the mixed grill. My friend's falafel appetizer came with three falafel balls and she was very disappointed. She expected pita bread or something to come with it. My other friend tasted her falafel gyro and said it was "okay, but not good". Our server the entire time, never once actually came to our table and asked if everything was okay. We basically had to flag her down. My friend asked the waitress for some pita bread and the waitress was like "sure." I jokingly said to my friend that you're not gonna see that pita bread for a long time. The mixed grill platter was okay. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back here just for that. Anyways, my boyfriend and I ran out of water halfway through the dinner. We once again flagged down our waitress to give us refills and she was like "sure." Our four friends joined us halfway through the dinner and asked us how was our food. They tried the falafel and decided they didn't like it and asked us how our food was and we said it was okay, nothing special, so they decided not to order. We also told them not to order since our waitress was terrible. The manager told us he was annoyed our friends didn't order and that we took up a table, but I looked around and the restaurant was still 50% empty. The waitress brought us our checks at the end. Guess what? She never refilled any of our waters. Not once. And the pita bread? Oh, it never came out. What is worse is that our waitress brought back the wrong change and we were short some cash and she had to recalculate it and give us the correct change. She never apologized for anything. Never coming back!
(1)
Clara C.
The classic debate of 3 vs 4 stars. To be fair, I only ordered pick-up so I did not have the full dining experience to base my judgement on. However, the service seemed a bit rude and rushed from what I gathered while waiting on my order. Also, they forgot my tsatziki sauce with my combination meat kabob platter. Big no no since kabob meat is typically on the dry side. The meat was flavored well, but the rice a bit salty for my taste. The salad that comes with the platter was fresh and flavorful (tomatoes, lettuce, feta, cucumbers, red onions) and the pita bread was good as well. I think the missing tsatziki would have mellowed out the saltiness of the rice and the dryness of the meat, and would have made this meal 4 stars rather than 3. I'll have to update my review next time I dine in.
(3)
Gabriella R.
Growing up in a Greek family and living on the south side of Atlanta, it is always refreshing coming to Cafe Agora. It is hands down one of the best spots for Mediterranean cuisines in Atlanta. The wait staff is very attentive and eager to help with any requests. I loved this spot before the move down the street, but even more now. Huge kudos to the owners, it is beautiful and makes me feel like I am back home in Greece. All the dishes are always delicious! Also, great beverage selection. Loved the wine! If you have not visited yet, you must. Highly recommend the patio! :) You can't leave without rice pudding and lady fingers for dessert!
(5)
A A.
Food is always delicious. I recommend the beef & lamb gyro plate. Portions are very generous and you will leave full. Their pita bread is my favorite! Friendly staff and they are open late hours.
(4)
Beth B.
We went last night to Cafe Agora with a reservation made in the afternoon to sit outside, They were not prepared to seat us,waited several minutes to get a table set and they told us someone with the same last name was seated at our table,It did not get better from there, we never got our appetizer ,told them when they brought our dinner but it was too late for it, The 2 lamb orders were overcooked and when we complained,they said they were very busy and could make another but we would have to pay for half. They never offered to make it good,never asked about dessert although all the other tables were served sample desserts, We will not be back!
(1)
Loni S.
Great Greek food! Best Homemade Strawberry Cake ever. So light and yum. Owner really nice and gets it.
(5)
Hugo R.
First meal in Atlanta that wasn't a chain restaurant and Wow if we can expect the food at other local places to be as good as this was Its going to be a helluva summer Fantastic food and at a great value. Bring your kids. They have a children's $5 meal of rice and chicken that my twin 18month olds inhaled. It was Delicious with a Capitol D. You can't go wrong here. Oh and free valet parking. Love Love Love this place!!
(5)
Sandy L.
Excellent food and service! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant....try it out you will love it. Sandy
(5)
Brad B.
Thursday Night Football, take a hike. I'm getting on my Thursday night takeout game with Cafe Agora. I had the chicken gyro and Kelly had the chicken Agora Salad. Both were outstanding. The porch was packed out on this beautiful fall night and I know why, from the service to the food, you can't beat this place. I will most likely be back next Thursday night and possibly at the beginning of a tradition. This was some of that too good...
(5)
Aesthete T.
Nothing special. We came on St Patrick Day at night and we had a rude waiter inside. The food was average at best. The owner could tell maybe we weren't happy and gave us some sort of dessert on the way out. That want good either, but he tried
(2)
Amy M.
We came in for an early dinner/late lunch, so we beat the dinner crowd. One of the managers or owners came out and talked to us right away and asked if we had ever been there before. When we said no, he sent his waiter to get something and brought it back in a few minutes. It was a small sampler plate, with emze, hummus, and other dips. It was so good! We placed our order, the mixed maza platter and the Agora mixed grill. When the maza platter came out in a few minutes, he told the waiter to make us some special balloon bread that wasn't on the menu. The dips on the platter were so good and the balloon bread was phenomenal! It was puffed up like a balloon that we had to pop and tear off pieces to dip in the different sauces. Everything was so fresh and tasty. The mixed grill was great too! All the meats were so tender and flavorful! We shared both plates with just 2 people, and had a lot left over. We also got a piece of coconut cake to go, and it was also really fresh tasting and moist. We had an amazing experience and will definitely come back!
(5)
Ty M.
Where do they source their ingredients? How can such a simple combination of parsley, olive oil, salt, and the precious few other elements that go into their dishes taste so lively and delightful? Honestly, this place is extraordinary. Their mezze platter will make you feel alive. The mixed grill is astonishingly good for such a simple dish. And the dude that runs it is great--affable, professional. I love it.
(5)
Heather M.
I feel so lucky to have found this little gem in Buckhead!!! Great weekend lunch, great prices, huge portions, and terrific service. The meze plate was delicious - especially the carrot dip, the gyro was some of the best that I've ever had, and the chicken agora salad was fresh and flavorful. The owner was so friendly and welcoming - we had a great time! Bonus points for the dessert. I loved the rice pudding and the baklava cigars! If I find myself in Buckhead again, I will be sure to come back for a visit!!
(4)
Julie H.
This was the best food I haver ever had in my life. The gyro and side salad was amazing and the baklava will change your life. Desert is expensive, but worth it.
(5)
Prince R.
Absolutely DELICIOUS Mediterranean food with a Turkish influence. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with great staff who are big on providing a personal touch.
(5)
Simon K.
When my friend told me this was the best Mediterranean food she's ever had, I was a little skeptical. If you've read my previous reviews, you know my affinity for Pita Inn in the Chicagoland area. In order to try it and prove her wrong, I ordered from Cafe Agora. Now, I may never be able to experience Pita Inn the same way again... - Combination/Sampler Platter: EVERYTHING is delicious. Nothing is too tough or too salty. It's all just too tasty. The Kofte Kabob was my favorite though. - Hummus: At most places, you can turn the hummus plate upside down and it will stick to the plate/bowl because it isn't creamy enough. The hummus here is so creamy that you can put it on anything. It literally becomes another sauce for you to use to add flavor to any of your dishes. - Falafel Sandwich: First off, these falafels are the perfect size. At some places, they are too small and you end up with too much overcooked shell. At other places, they are too big and the inside isn't cooked thoroughly or you just don't have the right proportion of crispy to soft. At Cafe Agora, it is perfect. And the tzatziki sauce might be the best I've ever had. - Baklava: Perfect amount of phyllo, honey, and nuts to give it a nice crunch without being overtly sweet. Eat it quickly though or the phyllo will get soggy. It is a little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Note: They do deliver but you have to have $30 minimum. So don't do it if you're only ordering for yourself.
(5)
Atlanta G.
New location is great. The old place had very good food, but parking was terrible and the staff was often unprofessional / rude. Now even for lunch - free valet, courteous staff in nice uniforms, food runners, etc, extremely fast food service (our party of 5 had all of our food in about 6 minutes from ordering), and still the same great dishes and food. And the owner came out and gave us a free sample size of the rice pudding. Only comment is it is huge portions, but since its reasonably priced why not take the extra food (i took mine to go).
(5)
Daniel B.
Cafe Agora specializes in Turkish, Greek, and other Mediterranean cuisine. They have a picture menu posted above the kitchen of various Mediterranean foods such as gyros and kebabs as well as these huge glass cases where they show off some of their appetizers, spreads, pies, and desserts. These help out a lot when you're trying to decide what to order. As soon as we sat down at our table, the owner Al, brought us a small sampler of hummus, ezme (tomato-based spread), and tabouli (green herb-based spread). He then took a small disposable fork, mixed the three spreads together, and boldly fed us samples while we waited. Each of the spreads were freshly made and the ezme and tabouli were tangy. While it was a nice gesture of the owner to have us sample these, he ended up charging us for it, when we never ordered it to begin with. Not cool. I tried out two chicken dishes: the chicken shish kebab and the chicken gyro. The chicken shish kebab was served off-the-stick, in between pieces of pita bread and a bed of white rice. The pieces of chicken were chargrilled, so the meat was a little crispy on the outside. The entree is also served with a small side salad with mint dressing and a small cup of tzatziki sauce. The meat was dry, so the sauce really helped. The pieces of chicken in the gyro were much better and tasted great with the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and tzatziki sauce. While it's a lot of food, the kebabs are a little overpriced as each plate will set you back about $15 which seems like a lot for a dive such as this. Gyros are about half the cost. We also tried a slice of their strawberry cake, which we'd seen earlier sitting behind the glass. We asked for just a small piece, but Al gave us a huge chunk. It was as delicious as we'd hoped. The strawberries were sweet and ripe and icing was rich. As mentioned previously, the restaurant itself is small and divey. The space can get cramped when the restaurant is busy. Cafe Agora is located next door to Buckhead Bottle Bar on East Paces Ferry Rd. We came on a weeknight and were told by the valet guys at BBB that we could park in the HiFi Buys parking lot across the street for free, even though that lot has one of those metal boxes that you insert cash into (it turned out to be fine).
(3)
Camilo R.
Terrible service! From the Valet all the way to the owner Al! I start the night by being force to hand over my keys to the valet parker when I had already found a spot. Valet parker was not courteous at all about it, to the point where he got in my face and demanded my keys as I'm walking away. I said no, I will go inside and talk to Al and he says it doesn't matter I will be back inside later to get the keys. I decided to speak to Al's uncle, (manager) about the situation and he just seemed to be having a bad day, disregarded my concern and told me not to mix parking with food and go sit down. The fact that his valet parker had already ruined my mood didn't matter to him. We order our an appetizer and according to the menu it was supposed to be served with garlic sauce. When we asked the server what kind of sauce it was he said garlic sauce. We proceed to ask another server what kind of sauce it was brought to us and she told us tomato sauce which I am allergic to. The other server went on to try to convince me that the red sauce on the table was garlic sauce. Terrible!!!We asked for lemons and they bring us limes. Throughout the whole night you could see Al visiting's everyone's table to make sure everything was okay. Walked by mine 8 times!! Not once did he check on us. He lost his cool in public and started to yell at two of his servers. Very humiliating! Got the check and left without leaving a tip. Go get car from valet which happens to get smart with me and tells me not to come back to the restaurant if I don't want to valet. I go inside and speak to Al directly about the whole experience and tells me that it was a terrible night, he admitted to loosing his tempter with his employees, said he was going to fire one of them, said that his uncle had a loss in the family so therefore his attitude was justifiable and all I get is an apology while he slowly walks me to the door. On top of it, I come to find out the restaurant charged my account a TIP for the service after I had written a zero on it and signed it which means they added money that I had not agreed to. This is consider stealing! It was not a party of 6 or more where a tip is added to the bill, nor did the bill stated that!!! I will never go back! I will never refer anyone or have anything positive to say about Cafe agora going forward. It's sad to say that I've been a customer for 6 years!
(1)
Gina S.
Delicious lamb gyro! Moist, decadent chocolate cake. Easy parking, excellent location, fast, friendly service in a comfortable setting.
(5)
Adam E.
Not sure about the whole lovefest on here. Gonna buck the trend here and challenge everyone's "groupthink" mentality. Let's get real about this place. If you rate this a 4 or a 5, then chances are you have not tried out other Turkish-Med places here in Atlanta. Food is average. Parking and restaurant are below average...especially for the Buckhead area. I like hole-in-the-wall places as much as the next guy. But at the same time, I expect lower prices and yummy, can't-put-it-down kinda food. Sure, it might be good for a quick gyro on your lunch break, but not otherwise. I have come here for dinner twice. Both times I'm thinking we should have gone somewhere else. I mean you're paying a restaurant price for average food in a below average setting. Why not pay the same price and have a nice dinner in a real restaurant at a place like Mykono's. Anyways, we had the chicken gyro platter and lamb gyro platter and got to sample everything they had. Gyro meat is chipped into small pieces and is dry, overcooked. Salad is plain. Lots of rice and bread to fill you up on carbs. If they have not fileld you up on carbs alreay, I bet you can't wait to try the rice pudding. Hmmm...sooo...average. One bite and you've had enough. There is nothing that would make me return. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Brittany P.
Love the new location. Lots of outdoor seating. The platter appetizer is a must to sample true authentic Mediterranean dips and apps. I ordered the chicken kabobs but couldn't finish it. It was really tasty. The owner is pretty chatty. Funny guy though. Ambience and great authentic greek.
(5)
Sarah T.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had and the owner is amazing! I feel like I'm at home every time I go here!
(5)
Hannah E.
To be completely honest, the first several times I visited this restaurant were after having drinks with friends in the nearby bar district - it's open 'til 4am. The food was always delicious, so I decided to take my mother for lunch, and it was still just as great. As a baklava fiend, I never fail to order this dessert anywhere I can find it, but Cafe Agora's is the best in Atlanta. The baklava here is absolutely divine! They make it in house, fresh, and it is drenched with honey goodness. As far as other recommendations, you can't go wrong with the Mezze Platter!
(5)
Anurag G.
It's a great place. The food is amazing, fresh, and the portion sizes are enormous. Service is fast and good. I really liked the falafels, and maza platter for appetizers. They have a pretty nice complimentary stuff like hummus tasting in the beginning, and dessert at the end; not to mention the complimentary valet parking. ;)
(5)
Lauren H.
We love Cafe Agora. It's a staple in Buckhead that never gets old. The food is fresh and delicious and I always leave happy and full. Al is a character and it's always a good time and good conversation when he's around the restaurants. Definitely check out this place for authentic Turkish/ Mediteranean food. We also heard that Al is opening a full sit down restaurant down the street (with a lot!), so look for that coming soon!!
(5)
Holy Guacamole M.
Yeah, I'm a fan! Their food has such great flavor! Anything you order will be great, but I usually tend to get the "small" mixed Maza platter appetizer (which isn't small at all) and a lamb & beef gyro. This is a quaint family owned/operated establishment. They always give you a complimentary rice pudding and baklava (samlper size) at the end of your meal. The prices are a bit higher here, but you get what you pay for... Really Great Food!!! I would give it 5stars if I were grading it on food alone, but the bathroom needs a little improvement and the parking can be challenging sometimes. There is another location in Midtown, but I haven't been there... yet!
(4)
Anuj S.
I think Cafe Agora could not live up to the super high expectations yelp has created for it. With so many reviews and such a high average, I was expecting much more. This place is one of those hole in the wall places - no problem... sometimes the best food is served at small mom/pop shops. It wasn't clear where to park. Was going to initially park at a meter in front of the restaurant. I went inside to ask if they had other parking available... it was difficult to even get the person's attention. He did tell me that parking was available a 1/4 block away. A bit confusing as the parking lot says it's paid, but it's not clear how you even make a payment. Upon returning I asked about the payment situation and the guy says, "no", in response to whether or not I needed to pay without even looking at me. Not looking for good service after this point. The food itself was good. First off we got a side of hummus. It was just OK. It comes with very little bread which is all cut up in to small squares. I didn't really like that. I'd rather they provide me with the full bread which I can break myself. Plus, they give so little. It's probably one pita for the entire plate of hummus. We asked for more bread and he forgot so we didn't get that until we were done with the entrees. He did apologize for forgetting. After bringing out the falafel sandwich, he never came back even once to check up on us. I wanted to get some hot sauce, but failed multiple times to get his attention. The falafel themselves were nice. Can't complain. I haven't had Turkish food very often, but it seemed to be a mix of Lebanese and Greek to me - the falafel being the Labanese part and the Tzaziki being the Greek part. That as opposed to having the normal tahini and hot sauce. It was still good, though. Good to have something different. Just wish the service had been better. After that, one nice touch was that we got these two little complementary sampler desserts. We got a little cup of rice pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on top. That one was just OK. We also got this baklava variant which was basically baklava wrapped in a roll with some pistachio stuffed inside. I remember they called these lady fingers on the menu. These were amazing! Just wish these things weren't so rich and sugar-full or I'd order some of them to go. Overall, I don't know what other Mediterranean options there are in and around the greater Atlanta area and more specifically in Buckhead. Hopefully there are some others. If not, I guess I might give Cafe Agora another try.
(2)
Farida A.
3.5 stars, really. Look I'll admit it, the food is pretty darn good. The meats are cooked extremely well and my goodness the pita is heavenly! Hummus, not so much (bland and watery). But the clincher here is the price. I thought food was cheaper in AT? For a place with zero ambiance I'm surprised they can get away with charging SO much so simple kabob platters. It was good, but I wouldn't come back unless someone else was paying for it!
Twice in 24 hours. That stinking good. I love authentic, hole in the wall, unpretentious places. Cafe Agora is right up that alley. My first time me and my boyfriend shared the Mixed Maza Platter as an appetizer and Agora Mixed Grill for entree. Although I am not an eggplant fan, we still managed to clean the plate(Mixed Maza Platter). I would highly recommend this for your first time. it's a great way to get to know the appetizer menu and a great way to educate yourself on Mediterranean cold dishes. As for entree, we got the Agora Mixed Grill, simply because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and get a feel of what's good and what to stay away from. Everything was good, but it did leave me wishing for more lamb and a big fat gyro. GUESS WHAT, the next day we visited again. IT WAS THAT GOOD. To sum things up: * park at hifi buys and keep receipt for validation. * Try the mix maza platter * Get the lamb gyro * try the TO DIE FOR & FREE baklava & rice pudding. OMG, I really want some now.
(5)
Stephen V.
First, I was stationed in Turkey for 2.5 years, so I KNOW Turkish food! This place is a wonderful place for me to get my Turkish fix when I start craving that excellent culinary tradition. The food is always superb and quick. The owners are wonderful and friendly. Their new bartender at the new location is sweet, cheerful and charming....doing everything she can to make one feel comfortable, whether eating there or grabbing takeout. The new digs are a huge step up from the old place! It is drenched with very pleasant blue lighting and Turkish music playing in the background. They just moved in, so the armoire shelves are empty and it has a sense if incompleteness, but ironically, this is very common throughout Turkiye proper. I tend to get the Adana kabobs, while my wife gets the mixed grill - both excellent! We've had the gyros, several other entrees, the meze plate really guys the spot. My wife can't get enough of the carrot salad and the rice pudding, while we both agree the baba ganoush is the best we've ever had. They usually have Turkish Efes beer on hand, as well as the usual American suspects. Pricing is a tad higher than I would like, but you won't feel like you were taken advantage of by any means. If you've never had Turkish, go explore a wonderful new horizon. If you're an experienced Mediterranean/Turkish foodie, go get a reminder of how good it can be. Afiyet olsun.
(5)
Francine L.
I went with a a large group tonight. The people that got there early had their orders taken, so that when I sat down, the Waitress never noticed me and it was not until all the others were being served that I realized that the orders had already been taken, It was downhill from there. I tried to order several times with three different servers ever since they brought the appetizers out to the others, but I was still ignored even though myself and other guests from the table made it known that I had not ordered. and since they continued to be busy with the main entrees, I got ignored till most of the others were done with their meals.. One man came out to take my order, but with all the loud conversation, I could not hear him and he said, "you must not be hungry" and he walked away. I had to walk to the front desk and complain about it to the Management. The Manager told me to "calm down", not a mere word of an apology. When I finally got my food, they brought out the soup and right after, brought out my main dish. I had to send it back since the food would get cold while I was still eating the soup. I specified that I did not want anything that was hot and spicy and was brought out a dish that was very spicy, so I returned it. The other dish that I ordered was not very tasty to me, so I just took a few bites. The Waitress asked me "Didn't you like your meal?" and I said no. At that point, I didn't want to complain again after all the other disaster and the management telling me to 'calm down' when I complained about the poor service. So, I just left it alone. I was surprised that the Management did not offer me any compensation like a comp drink or something after all the bad service. That just added to the perception of this restaurant of which I will never go back.
(1)
Chris And Tanja B.
Food is fantastic and service is awesome. We have been in for both dine in and take out about 10 times now and have been very pleased with every experience. They finally fixed the one issue we ever had, parking, by now offering free valet. So far, our favorite entrees have been the Lamb and Beef Gyro, the Chicken Kebab and on our last visit we tried the Falafel and it was fantastic. Casual atmosphere and great place to meet up with some friends. Would also say the $ value of both food and drinks is pretty good too, especially for Buckhead.
(5)
Charlie S.
Nice place and friendly owners but the food was somewhat bland. I like my hummus with more flavor, just seemed too bland. Lamb was seasoned correctly. Falafel was good, but so are the ones at Falafel King. I wouldn't rate this as 4 or 5 stars for food.
(3)
Jie Y.
It has great dishes and tastes for sure. But is it the best turkish one? nope, I have had better before. But considering its prices, this is a great store. However, the atmosphere and service is average or below average. The parking is okay but I don't like the feeling of paying for parking in Atlanta for a meal. Overall, a good one but not excellent.
(4)
Ozge U.
I was visiting Atlanta with my family and wanted to eat at a Turkish restaurant. Agora more than exceeded my expectations with both the food and hospitality. I am from Turkey and know a thing or two about both. The owner Alaadin Bey welcomed us and offered us delicious (meze) maza -with hummus, carrots and ezme....hmmmmm..... Their Adana was delicious, my husband loved the Iskender and my picky children shared a chicken kebab. The lady finger (baklava type dessert) was better than any I had. Thank you Agora for giving me a slice of home.
(5)
Wana A.
Small place. Friendly owner. Gave us some complimentary condiments to start off with while we waited for our food. Ordered the chicken kebab and the mixed grill. Portion was alright. A tad bit too little for the price that we paid. Owner also gave us some baklava and rice pudding after we finished. Both of which were very delish.
(3)
Chris C.
A local gem! This was very good tasting food with generous portions. The Maza sampling platter is quite a nice starter to share but ask for extra pita. The grilled beef kebab was smoky and had a rich flavor from some combination or spice I could not quite place. The owner is a friendly character and an active manager with obvious pride in the food and establishment. He might be the Turkish Gordon Ramsey. Don't be put off if he is scolding his staff-- it adds to atmosphere! They have outgrown their current location and will be moving down the street in the future. (new site under construction, still open at old location).
(5)
Jake K.
I wasn't sure what to expect but with two friends giving it four and five stars, respectively, I couldn't resist. Came here and was seated quickly. Decor is lacking - this is a no frills establishment that is here to serve you food and drink. A server came up to the group, gave us menus and came back in about five minutes. After ordering the food, it came out rather quickly. I got the combo and immediately regretted it. Why you ask? Well, because I was a traveler and would have loved to save about 2/3 of the plate as it was overwhelming and offered plenty to eat. The meats were charred well and there was different shwarma, gyro meat, and kebabs to satisfy the palate. Throw on some rice and salad, and you have a winner. Didn't even need beer. If I'm back in Buckhead, I'll be back!
(4)
Allison N.
Delicious food and wonderful staff! I wish I lived closer because then I could come here all the time.
(5)
Scott R.
Al the owner is a trip. Great guy took the time to get to know us. Great food so yummy!!!!
(5)
Loren B.
I read the other yelp reviews and gave it a shot. I don't live in Atlanta, traveling on business, so this was one of my few local meals. When I walked in it wasn't what I expected. It felt more like a deli. But ohhhh my opinion quickly changed. The smile and graciousness of the guy behind the counter who told me, "please sit I will take care of you." The super fresh look of every food item behind the counter. The Turkish music playing (it was really good and I'm picky), the great Turkish wine they suggested instead of my request for Cabernet. Very quickly I realized I was in someone's home. Then my meal arrived. The Mixed Maza Platter. Heaven. And then the baklava. That's what put me over the edge and got me to write probably my 2nd or 3rd yelp review. This place is super legit and authentic. Oh yeah, and thanks to all you yelpers that write many more reviews than I do.....
(5)
Sabrina C.
Cannot say enough good things about this place! The food is delish, the staff/owner are so friendly you are almost guaranteed to be hand fed - no joke on the 2-3 occasions I have visited the owner has been ready fully spoon in hand to feed me like I was a toddler. He is a very lively personality and claims his wife cooks all the food :). Don't forget to grab some baklava on your way out the pistachio is amazing. The star is only removed for the lack of seating... this place is packed at lunch and sometimes you have to wait for a spot.
(4)
Steve T.
One of my favorite places in Atlanta. Great food and service. They always make our kids feel special. Looking forward to the new and improved Buckhead space!
(4)
Angela L.
Hands down the best Mediterranean food joint I have been to in Atlanta. I bring all my out-of-town visitors here, and we never leave disappointed. I usually order the Kofte Kabob, and the lamb is consistently juicy and tender. The salad on the side is fresh and crisp which provides a perfect balance to flavorful, succulent meat. Don't forget to try the hummus and the baklava too. Just want to point out that the restaurant can't accommodate for larger parties (4+), but their service is quick and welcoming. I can't rave enough about how fantastic this place is--a must-try if you are visiting Atlanta!
(5)
Thomas F.
Beeeeeeest mediterranean food I've ever had. Kind of pricey but well worth it!! The owner is very proud of his food and you can tell why. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, hummus and falafel. Little grease in the gyro which is what I love and the hummus was the best I've had. We even got some to go!
(5)
Lisa G.
A**holes hung up in our face on the phone when we tried to order delivery he couldn't understand the address!!!!! What in god's name kind of service is this!!!
(1)
Brian S.
The food is good. The humus was a really nice treat. Definitely give this place a try for lunch. Be careful they charge you correctly. The guy had charged me for a platter when all I had was a sandwich. he promptly voided the charge and charged me correctly. But just be sure you keep an eye on that.
(3)
Thanh N.
My boyfriend and I ordered here a week ago and we loved it. He had the beef and lamb platter and I had the chicken platter and it was so good. The platters came with rice, a side salad, extra packed sauce and a huge piece of pita. I've mixed everything together (except of the bread) and it was really delicious. The only bad thing is, that you have to order for at least $30, so I got lady fingers, but didn't really like them since they were too sweet. But it was an overall good meal. We highly recommend this place.
(4)
Nafaax B.
I love agora.. A small joint with amazing food that is open late at night. Its a perfect place to go for food if ur partying late in that area. I don't know how they make their lamb so thin and so tasty..my standard is the lamb and beef plater... I rather replace all the beef with lamb. The old guy behind the counter was so sweet...he kept us providing sides... After food try the baklava . I am a big fan. In a months time they will be moving to a new couple of yards away... The place is suppose to be bigger... Which I don't care for... I just want good food.... I keep going there and love to take my friends
(5)
Brian P.
Fantastic owner! He wouldn't stop giving friends and me samples of his mixed mezes. I love the carrot salad stuff here, it's just halfway like sweet cheesy spread for pitas. It's got great mouthfeel. I really now understand the value of simply grilled meat--there's beauty in the simplicity of the way they handle their meats here. You'll understand if you get the simple meat platter on rice. Combine it with a little nice red wine, and you're really in for a world of flavor. Without the wine, it's really bleh. Trust me, the food you eat here really should pair with a spicy red wine, it's like the cook's tastebuds are drowning in the red stuff (and that's a good thing).
(4)
M C.
Great place! One of the employees even came out and moved his car to let us park in his spot when we couldn't find a space. Waiter made great suggestions for food for us, brought out complimentary little desserts for the table. Will definitely come back if we're ever back in Atlanta again.
(5)
Rick F.
Best Gyro in Atlanta Hands Down! Best Baklava I've ever Had! I love the owner he is very colorful and a great host! Appetizer combination plate was fresh and delicious! Pita was very flavorful! I've been looking for an authentic Gyro for 18 months tried half a dozen places this is the place! Baklava and Rice Pudding arguably the top of the line fresh. AMAZING! Bonus is they are open for lunch and right near my office!
(5)
Michelle B.
3.5 stars, if that is possible. Location is good. Parking is stupid, but it IS Buckhead. Our choices appeared to be paying a parking meter ($2/hour) or the $5 lot on a Saturday night. We chose the meter and got our food to go. The space is very small, but it is clean and they do have a full bar. The service was a little strange but friendly. We did not experience the owner. The food itself was really good. I wouldn't call it the best, but it was different than other falafel I've had in Atlanta and it was good in it's own way. We also had tabouli, which was really good, and some baklava, which was decent. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area!
(3)
Brenna S.
Well..... After reading reviews I wanted so badly to love this place. And I always hate reading and writing a bad review and don't find myself doing this pretty often. But I had to share my experience (and what seemed to be a similar experience to the patrons who left as I arrived here). So, when I found the place, I wasn't sure where to park, but found a spot on the side of the street with a parking meter. I ran in to ask for change for a five so I could pay the meter (which charges $2 per hour), but the guy behind the counter (I'm assuming it was this Al guy everyone talks about) assured me I could park at HiFi Buys for free (despite multiple signs posted that state the contrary). Regardless I didn't feel like going through the trouble as it was a cold and rainy day, and Al actually just GAVE me four quarters to go pay the meter and commented on my laziness. I laughed to myself and thought, "Hey, good guy, I'll tip him extra". ;D When I went back in I was mulling over the menu and different items in the display thingy. He asked me what I like, and I responded "I'm not sure what most of this is". Honest answer, as I don't know the name of every sauce and mediterranean concoction behind the counter and I always like to learn more. So he offered me a little sampler platter. Cool! A much appreciated gesture, once again, and I'm thinking I'll tip him even a little extra... DESPITE the fact that he creepily insisted on feeding it to me himself..... :\ But we'll get over it. It's just lunch and a bite of tabouli, eh? Ehhh? :\ Anywho, my friend arrives and we order our food, I was craving a falafel so I went that route, my friend just got the Spanakopita, I think. Well, when the food was served up, it smelled GREAT, but not falafel-y. In fact it wasn't falafel at all, not even a sandwich of any sort, it was lamb on rice with a side salad. Well, I'm thinking they obviously took their time to make this, its warm and fresh and smells good, so I won't complain, I'll just try something a little unexpected rather than put him and the kitchen staff through the extra trouble. (we were the only people in there so it wasn't like it was someone else's order either) The food was enjoyable, and time came to pay. My friend insists on paying for me when we go to eat (just a gentlemanly thing I guess), so he actually approaches another woman behind the counter to pay. She asks what we had, he replied with the numbers from the menu that we originally ordered. He tried to explain, he doesn't know what was actually given but that what we ordered was that number, so the man comes over at this point and just randomly starts YELLING. I turn around to see what's going on and he looks straight at me and starts YELLING at me! Why didn't I tell them he gave me the wrong order blah blah blah "NEVER COME BACK TO THIS PLACE!" he says. He starts spitting out random numbers for totals, and my friend is calmly saying he doesn't think that's what the menu says, so he spits out a new number for the total and says JUST GIVE ME THAT AND LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK! Confused? Me too. Apparently this guy just likes to raise his voice and make up numbers and run customers away. As I was leaving I remembered walking in and hearing the SAME situation going on with two gentlemen who were trying to pay, and getting yelled at, but since I wanted my experience to be good I had perhaps naïvely written it off. SO, all in all. Go ahead, take your chances for a fresh and tasty meal and so-so atmosphere. Just maybe take this account into consideration. The only way I'll ever support this establishment again is: A. if I can't find a good substitute elsewhere in sprawling Atlanta, B. I can call in an order ahead of time for take-out, C. I have a friend go in to pick it up, and D. we have our totals UP FRONT.
(1)
ILAN S.
Love this place,. Always had great food, great service. Don't like anything? Tell the owner, Al. Mezze platter, grilled chicken salad or gyro, then tiramisu with a raki...beautiful thing!
(5)
Phoebe T.
You know, I had expected more from these rave yelp reviews but I just wasn't all that into Cafe Agora. I felt like the decor of this place was lacking and the owner seems a bit sketchy. We were with some friends so thankfully it seemed like they knew what to order and sort of knew the owner, but I would kind of be scared that they'd charge us random prices and offer us things and then charge us for things if we came here ourselves. Also, the parking situation is a disaster. I'll pass.
(2)
Jeremy S.
Always satisfied. This place is small but very cool. The gyros are awesome. The mezza plate is a must. The baklava is amazing. The owners are great. Can't say enough positive about this place. The only down side is parking can be tough but you can always find a space within a block or two.
(5)
Helena W.
Everything was great!! Ordered the grapes leaves as an app and shared them with my lunch guests. Also ordered the chicken gyro sandwich. Huge! and quite yummy. They threw in some rice pudding. This was my first time trying; it was pretty good. Company was wonderful and looking forward to doing it again.
(5)
Semra E.
It's as if I'm back in Istanbul visiting my family. It's hard to find a hole in the wall Turkish place where I can get my fix, but I believe I have found it. Not only is the food delicious, but the owner will feed you. Now anywhere else I would be worried about this, but here, it isn't odd or anything, in fact it adds to the atmosphere & is absolutely some of the best Turkish food I've had in the states in a long time. I shared the adona kabob with my sister-in-law, which came with rice (which tasted exactly how my grandmothers rice used to taste), rich tomato's that are shaved and semi-sauted in it. It was one of the most delicious tasting rice I've had, the meat was also tender & just right. We were given a sample of the rice pudding, which I highly recommend. Also the Baklava is made fresh, it's warm & melts in your mouth....it was some of the best I've ever had, even beat some places I had it in Istanbul! Now that's good Baklava ;-)
(5)
P H.
This place is hands down the BEST Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish restaurant in Atlanta. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the owner is joyful and welcoming. We always have the best time here. I would recommend it to anyone. The remodeling means that the seating is quite nice now but the prices remain reasonable.
(5)
David L.
UNREAL! The owner was incredibly inviting and hospitable, offering a free sampling of his hummus and tablueh. I wish I lived here so I could visit Cafe Agora more!
(5)
Shazia T.
i had been wanting to try this place for the longest time and i'm glad i can cross it off my list now. it's good food, but it made my stomach feel a little funny the next day. also i'm not sure how halal this place is cuz i asked the waitress and she pointed to a totally vegetarian dish and said it was not halal. i tried the mixed plate of appetizers and it was good. the eggplant was probably my favorite thing on there. i had a chicken kabob plate. the chicken was good, but the rice it was on tasted like uncle ben's. i was a little disappointed. also parking here is a bitch. pay the meter if you parallel park near the entrance or find a parking lot.
(3)
Janelle D.
A group of us had a concert to see at the Buckhead Theater on Sunday night 11/14/10, so we looked for places to eat a day before the show and decided on Cafe Agora since it was only a block away and we were on the lookout for a good Mediterranean place. Upon walking up to the door, the owner, who was outside, summoned us inside, claiming over and over how good the food was. He was friendly, but by the middle of our meal, we were all just a little worn out and thought it was over the top. Maybe it's just a cultural thing, but he was loud and in-your-face and kind of pushy. Fortunately, his claims about the food being delicious was TRUE - it was!! - but ambiance is important, too. I'd give this place a five if it weren't for the following issues: 1. I was put off by being pressured to step inside and try his food. I mean, we were on our way there anyway so it worked out, but that's kind of annoying. He got up and in our way and tried to usher us inside! 2. There were people who arrived way after us and got their food before us. 3. He brought out a sampler of some sort, which was really good, and ended up charging us for it. I'm not an idiot - I figured he would, but this is just tacky in my book. Also, it was $10 platter. You can't just assume someone can pay for that. When we ran out of pita bread pices for the platter (there were 6 of us!) he said he wouldn't give us anymore because then we wouldn't order food because we'd get full. 4. Never got refills on our water. 5. We waited fooorever for a menu. Another employee came to us with pen and paper ready to take our order and he seemed put off that we didn't know what we wanted. When we said it was our first time, he chuckled and said something about how "people usually know what they want when they come in there." 6. The owner was loud. Very. He talked loud, he was aggressive, and he tried to feed me - FEED ME - a gyro that I ordered (which, again, was probably the best I've ever had). Nooo thank you. I'm not even weird about my personal space but that's a bit much - to have a stranger feed me my food? Nuh uh. 7. It also took foooorever to get our bill. It was a Sunday night. Not many people in there. A group came in about an hour after we did he started in on them again about how good the food was. It's one thing to be proud of your food but to push it like that is just tacky. 8. He did give us a sample of baklava desserts, which were wonderful. All in all, the food was great. I'd go back to try new things, but inside, I dread having to deal with him, and I'm an outgoing people person! Just no yelling at me when I'm trying to eat or adding stuff to my bill and not telling me or trying to feed me and we're good, okay? Okay! For the record, everyone loved what they had - we stuck to falafels and gyros and it was really tasty and not bland at all. Mmm! FYI: Aside from the sandwiches, the other dishes like the kebabs and platters hover around $15.
(3)
Tramaine W.
I went early afternoon on a Thursday so I got to park directly in front of the door, good start. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro and a baklava. The baklava was a little too sweet but the flavor was great. I loved the baklava but I kept wishing I had a bottle of water to wash the sweetness down. The gyro was exactly OK, no complaints but it is not something I would particularly attempt to eat again in life. I would not question the authenticity of this place because I don't doubt this is the real deal but I have had better seasoned and tasting lamb and beef gyros. My gyro and baklava was $9.
(3)
Alex B.
Some of the best food I've had in Atlanta. I make a point of stopping by every time I'm in town. And you gotta love the atmosphere too. Al, you're the man. Get the mixed grill, and some baklava for dessert. That sampler plate of pita and dips is fantastic as well.
(5)
Mark M.
Great food. Great service! Atmosphere is ok, but all else made up for it. Had the mixed grill and a mixed appetizer of sauses and pita bread. Very different. Service was ver friendly. I highly recommend!
(5)
Danelle J.
The first time I ate from here I ordered takeout, and my food was delicious. Dining in is a little odd, I like places like this but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very small when you first walk in and can be a bit cramped depending on how many other people are dining in. The first time I ordered the Mezze plate and it was very tasty, I think the pita bread could be slightly fresher but not a big deal. Both times I ordered the gyros and the meat was juicy and very well seasoned. My friend ordered the lamb kabobs, she mentioned the food could be a little more spicy, so if you like spicy you may want to let them know to add a little fire, b/c it's not spicy at all. This is the perfect spot for dining with a friend or a no fuss date!
(4)
Jonah K.
Let me start off by saying the owners are very nice. The service was very slow, they need more people to handle the lunch rush. The problem is that its so small, I'm not sure you could have 2 people handling the counter. The Gyro was okay, I have had better in the city. The pita was excellent, the rest so/so. They don't make their own Gyro blend, something I would have expected from a place that gets such high respect on yelp. The mixed masa app platter was a good sampler. The humus was very good, as was the tabbouleh. The rest were nothing special. It took 15 minutes to pay for our meal after, which was kind of annoying. People were cutting in line all over the place. Would rather be at Nick's any day of the week.
(2)
Elaine S.
Great food BUT be careful at dinner. I was given a menu and NOT told that the prices were for to go and lunch. I got a small maza plate and drink. I paid $10.00 more than the price that was in the menu. Very disappointed.
(2)
Inna B.
MMM delicious. We found this "almost a hole in the wall" through yelp as it was walking distance to our hotel. Although the atmosphere is non-existent, the food was very good. My boyfriend and I shared the mixed meze plate and licked it clean. I do wish they gave more accompanying pita bread than the tiny squares this dish came with. We also split the mixed grill. The portion was not huge, but we both left satisfied. My favorite of all the meats would have to be the lamb shish kabobs. We also had turkish coffees and complimentary rice pudding and baklava samples (the baklava was probably the best I've had.) I would recommend coming here for a quick bite or getting take out.
(4)
Max S.
Went with people in the office (4) What was ordered: lamb gyros-some of the best I've ever had, very fresh *make sure you use the hot sauce they have in the squirt bottle...its awesome Service: order at the register, sit down, they bring out the food, tell the cashier what you ordered when you are finished to pay Atmosphere: nothing special the owner is like the soup nazi from Seinfeld...will yell at you a little but its all in good fun...and the food is awesome
(4)
Ken K.
Came here for the first time with my lady after rock climbing, so we were fairly hungry. We stared at the menu for a few seconds and I guess the man behind the counter could tell we were new and asked if we were first time customers. We confirmed his suspicions and asked if he had any recommendations. He suggested the Mixed Maza Platter, which is a combo of humus, eggplant salad, babaganush, ezme, kisir, and piyaz, plus the daily appetizer special as well as the Mixed Grill kebabs for the two of us. I have a fat kid inside me, so I double checked to make sure he thought this was enough for the two of us. My fingers are still numb from rock climbing, so I'll make this short. The food was delicious. The prices are reasonable, but maybe a tad on the pricier side. The staff was very nice and even gave us complimentary baklava, which was super yummy. We left happy and hope we get another opportunity to eat here soon! Try it, you'll like it.
(5)
David K.
My gf took me out to this neat place for my birthday, yay! She loves this place and wanted to share the goodness with me so I did not hesitate to check it out. Verdict: the dinner was fantastic! We got the Hummus Platter and the Lamb Kebab? Platter? I forget. The Hummus Platter is where it is at. I didn't know what half the things on it were, but they were all fantastic. The gf said they place each dish next to each other in terms of how well they complement each other. I'm not sure if they are purposely laid out in the platter like that, but if so, it's genius! The adjacent sides to each dish complemented each other really well and it was fun to play around and mix different sides together with the fluffy pita bread bites. I would love to have this platter for guests at home. The Lamb Kebab was served with a good portion of chunks of grilled lamb over rice and a salad. The tzatziki sauce that came with the lamb had a light subtle taste which I wasn't really sure about, but appreciated it none the less. The lamb was delicious, though it left a sort of salty aftertaste in my mouth. Not sure if it's because it's lamb, grilled, or straight up because of too much salt/spices, but it was still enjoyable with an easy to eat consistency. The owner at the end gave us complimentary baklava and rice pudding! Both were scrumptious and was a perfect way to finish the meal. Caveats of the place might be the fact that it's pretty small, and you may have to pay at metered parking spaces OR if you want free parking, park at the Hi-Fi Buys parking lot and walk a bit.
(4)
Aaron B.
Fantastic gyros and food in general. The gyros are a little on the pricey side, but the one I had was definitely in my top 5. I also tried the falafel, and while it was not Israel quality (or Best Bread Baking Company.. which unfortunately has closed their cafe for the summer) it was very good and moist. The outside had a really nice crisp without tasting oily. The folks had kafta, which was seasoned perfectly and was very tender. It comes with 2 kebabs, rice, and salad. The tzatziki is among the best I have had, with a nice yogurt flavor. The baba ganoush was excellent, with not *too* much of a smokey flavor as I have elsewhere, but well seasoned nonetheless. For dessert I went with the baklava (of course), and although it isn't the most visually appealing I have laid eyes on, the flavor was great, big in the honey department. I was there at off-hours so I was able to park right in front without any problems. The staff is nice and seem very appreciative.
(5)
Katie D.
What a great restaurant! Went here with my husband and son and it could not have been a more pleasant experience. Food was good and authentic. They even have the Turkish beer Efes that we drank so much of on our trip to Turkey. Will definitely go here again!
(5)
Ebony B.
Picture drunken seminary students leaving the mosh pit and starving for food. Any food. Just FOOD. McDonald's? Bah Humbug... My palette, even SUI (starving under the influence), is too discriminating for most Fast Food. I go to my trusty Yelp iPhone App and this place pops up. The only thing open aside from Micky Ds, and Waffle House (double Bah Humbug). We order gyros, some drinks, and some tablouli (my fave). Then we ordered more gyros, extra tzaziki sauce and more tabouli. Mannnn we dogged those gyros. I dunno if it was bc I was SUI or just--- I dunno but it definitely sent us on a kick for a few months "in search of ATLs best Gyro, and so far, Cafe Agora wins. Lost a star bc it's like a cafe joint without true waiter service and it's kinda a hole in the wall. Either way, it hit the spot and was a job very well done!
(3)
Kunal K.
I went to this restaurant a few months ago and had the displeasure of running into the owner. I placed a to-go order, yet the owner refused to let me take the order to-go even though they clearly have a to-go menu. When he brought my appetizer in a plate and placed it on a table, I told him that I'd like it packed in a to-go box and he started yelling. When I got back home, I tried the food and it was mediocre at best. I had the chicken gyro and it was relatively dry. Due to the exceptionally unprofessional service, I won't be going back to this restaurant.
(1)
Devin N.
I was traveling on biz with my cohorts, desperate for a drink and some good food. Had MAJOR reservations when we drove up to the place. But my colleague insisted we park and walk by for closer look. Alatini was sitting outside and greeted us as we walked up. Immediately his charm and welcome sucked us in. No turning back. Once we sat down, he treated us like kings. Amazing food! Sample everything when you go. The lamb, the beef, the chicken, the gyros... OMG. Fantastic! We had such a good time. It was the best meal of the week. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)
Jeremy H.
This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Atlanta! Al, the owner, is a character, but he makes the whole experience memorable. The food is awesome! Oftentimes Al will serve up a mezza platter to start with hummus, tabouli, and some other turkish foods I'm not sure the name of. It comes with pita to dip. I highly recommend ordering the Adana kebob (spicy ground lamb) - it is awesome and comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. The gyro is also great here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options such as the felafel. After the meal, you have to try the baklava - it's the best I've had in Atlanta! If you haven't been here before, Al makes it quite the experience. If you're one of those people who get stressed out not knowing the price before you order, you might be uncomfortable here. Some reviewers have complained about that, but to me it's just all part of the magical experience of Al's Agora Cafe. Some practical tips - you can park in the street out front or in the lot around back. You order at the counter, sit down and are served, and then pay afterwards at the counter. Ordering a drink doesn't usually seem to increase the price so you may as well order one. I definitely recommend trying Al's out - enjoy the great Turkish food and unique experience in the heart of Buckhead!
(5)
Anna D.
Love Cafe Agora. Given the huge number of reviews, I guess it isn't a hidden gem, but it still seems that way to me every time I come. It's always jam packed at lunch, but they should be fixing the crowd issue when they move to their new location in 2 months. I love their dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and their chicken gyros . Also, they are open super late on the weekends which comes in handy!
(4)
J D.
Maybe went in there on a bad night, but was terrible service. The manager was screaming at one of the people in the back for messing up an order, then the guy came out who was waiting on us and quit on the job. Food came really late, but was still delicious... I should probably give the place a 1 for the very terrible and unprofessional service that surely made everybody feel uncomfortable. Falafels were really good, as was the mezze plate though. I'd probably give it a 4 for food but the dining experience dropped it 2 stars. This would be a good place to have on mystery diners, if the manager actually cared but he seemed to be the one screaming at the waiter for messing up a take out order. Can they make some kind of reverse mystery diners like horrible bosses for restaurants?
(2)
Sree N.
Truly a hole in the wall joint thats easy to be missed even when driving around the buildings looking for the place. Based on other yelpers recommendations, we parked at the $5 lot across since street. Place was 1/2 way packed and we were initially confused as to if we should grab a seat or only sit after ordering in the front. Employee quickly told us that we should order first - we ordered the mixed agora platter, lamb shawarma sandwich and a spanakopita (spinach pie). Shawarma was good - meat was excellent, but I hoped for a some sauce (perhaps Garlic based?) to make the sandwich less dry. Mixed plater was really good - wife loved the chicken kabobs. Now that I'm writing this review, I have no idea why I didn't order either the hummus or the baklava - for another time, I suppose. Overall, an authentic Mediterranean hole in the wall joint. I will definitely be back to try other dishes here.
(4)
Bruce B.
This place is solid. The service was quick and the food was authentic. The only serve you a little bit of pita bread, but you can always order more. I would order the mixed grill plate.
(4)
Zeno J.
Wow amazing and quick I got delivery in about 28 mins the rice pudding was amazing with Turkish tea. Agora Mixed Grill was great should have gotten more tahini sauce and asked for a small hummas. will order from again this week! well worth five stars this spot made me finally sign up for yelp! Only Con was the delivery minimum of 30$ this should be at least 25$
(4)
Erik B.
Delicious, delicious delicious. I cant live without this place . Whenever I go to Buckhead, Agora is my place to stop by and enjoy the kebaps. Highly recommended. Family oriented restaurant. They care about their customers satisfaction.
(4)
Mike I.
I have never had a falafel. Today I had lunch with a couple of coworkes at this place and it was great. We order the falafel as an appetizer. Also, I had the lamb and beef gyro and it was delicious. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Tom S.
Really good ! Super busy. I want o go back.
(4)
Dawn L.
Quite simply, one of the best Falafels Ive ever tasted... and the app sampler platter was nothing short of amazing either! The entire staff is SO very friendly, warm and welcoming, a place I will be returning to, time after time.
(4)
They Call Me L.
Oooooh - so torn, but I have to give 'em just 3 stars. Why no prices listed, either on the website menu or the display inside? Is it to surprise people? I know I definitely was when I found out that our bill was $55 bucks for lunch - 2 adults and 2 kids at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. Now, the food was definitely delicious, but the after-the-fact sticker shock kinda soured things. Yowzah.
(3)
Daniel K.
One of the best Mediterranean places I've been to. Amazing food, amazing service! Owner is friendly and very welcoming! Had the chicken skewer & hummus & rice. All great! Owner gave us free dessert, baklava and tapioca pudding are amazing!
(5)
Swavino T.
Try the ladyfingers.
(4)
Gregory D.
Best Mediterranean restaurant I've been to. Most places can be pretty bland, but everything here is soo good. I'm not a fan of Medit. desserts but this place challenges that. The ingredients all tasted so fresh and had great flavor. The staff always give a free dessert it seems. It's a bit pricey for the usual price of Mediterranean food seen in other restaurants, but it's worth it.
(5)
Jennifer P.
I wouldn't give out 5 stars unless I felt it absolutely necessary. This little order-at-the-counter hole-in-the-wall family-run establishment epitomizes everything I love about people taking pride in their food and offering up something which is of the highest quality, culturally authentic to their roots and so delicious you'll crave it often. Hands down the best gyro in Atlanta....no...the best I've ever had. The shaved lamb and beef kebab is juicy and flavorful, the lettuce and vegetables are fresh and the tzatziki sauce on top is so good you'll want to go ahead and ask for more. When you go, get the hummus plate as an appetizer (it rivals that of my Lebanese grandmother), then a lamb kebab and the baklava for dessert. Don't like baklava? You will after you have it here. Their baklava changed me forever, and now it's one of my favorite desserts of all time. This little gem is successful because the family who runs it loves what they do and loves the food they make and share with us. They cut overhead costs by having a simple, small no-frills restaurant, and they pass that value down to us by offering exceptional prices. You'll order at the counter, eat off a paper plate and sit at a metal table, and it will be the best damn dinner you've had in a long time.
(5)
Ashley B.
I work around the corner from Cafe Agora, and this is one of my favorite places to grab lunch. Everything I'd had here has been delicious - solid falafel (can be vegan without the yogurt sauce), yummy baklava, good dolmas, and AMAZING meat, and perfect bread - the kind that is more flatbread than pita (which is my favorite.) The mixed meze platter is fantastic and can be made vegan. The small is plenty of food for one person and is $7.99. My favorite thing to get is the Agora salad with lamb. The lamb is wonderfully seasoned and perfectly tender. It comes with fantastic dressing, feta cheese, good crisp lettuce and huge piece of that delicious flatbread. At $8.75, it's comparable to other Buckhead lunch options. I've only ever done takeout, but the service is always really friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. One time I came to pick up my food and it wasn't ready yet, so I sat at the counter and they brought me free [delicious] hummus. I always get a nice greeting when I pop in to pick up my food. Definitely the best Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish food in Atlanta, and some of the best I've ever had, period!
(5)
Edward C.
I had a problem ordering the first time but to be honest the food is awesome and the baklava is amazing with a southern twist. Probably the best I've had.
(5)
Suzy J.
Maza Platter was worth every penny and went perfectly with the Agora Mixed Grill. The Maza platter had hummus, tabuli, haydari, piyaz, ezme, babaganush, eggplant salad. As other posters mentioned the hummus was a little runny but still full of flavor. The Agora mixed grill had Chicken and lamb shish kebabs, adana and kofte kebabs, and lamb and beef gyros meat. If you go with friends for lunch and like myself have never been here order the two dishes mentioned. Meeting a friend here for lunch was PERFECT! Placed our order before the lunch rush and got out as it was getting busy but the food made for a nice leisurely lunch. Would go again in a heartbeat not to mention getting baklava to go.
(5)
Alisa B.
Our family has been a fan of Cafe Agora for years. Flavorful, tender meats to die for. Wonderful hummus and pita bread that is always fresh and delicious. It is (or can be if you order right) a healthy, delicious option. They are NOW OPEN in their new location just 2 doors down. They have a very pleasant atmosphere, ample seating space, outside patios beautiful decor and bar. My only complaint is some staff can be on grumpy side... . But I will not let that detract from my 5 star rating.
(5)
Cherry L.
yea, guess who went last week the day that she wrote her first review bc she was craving it after she wrote the review???!! haha I convinced 3 of my Agora Virgin Friends to come along too and converted them as well 5 stars this time....IM A HUGE HUGE HUGE FAN FAN FAN everything here just tastes so good. the pita here is SO FREAKKINNN YUMS. they serve it toasted so it comes out warm and chewy and BITE SIZE (my fave) that goes perfect with the meza platter or hummus. I got the mixed super awesome spit fire grilled gyro with lamb/beef/chicken. the meat was all tender and charred to perfection...i want one now!!! Al was there when i went, but his son/worker/other guy thats there all the time was our waiter/cook/cashier and he was really really phenomenal!!!!! soooooooo nice and understood everything and was just all sorts of great. We were totally going to just order baklava and stuff our faces, but he somehow knew, that just a "sampling" of it would be the perfect end to our meal.
This place is awesome. Yelp definitely did not do us wrong. We've been here several times, it's a place I always suggest when meeting people for lunch or dinner to catch up. It is the true definition of hole in the wall - nothing fancy about the decor or restroom, but lack of pretense in this city - particularly in Buckhead - can be refreshing. Man, the food here is so GOOD. Definitely recommend starting off with the mixed maza platter. Wow. The hummus, tahini, tabbouleh - all so delicious with their perfectly warmed pita bread. It's hard not to overdo it and leave room for your meal. I've had the chicken kabobs and the gyros. Both were delicious. The side salad that comes with the meals does not disappoint either, between the feta and the homemade dressing. I would be surprised to order something on this menu that I didn't like. Parking can be a little dicey, since it's street parking only, but truthfully, I've never really had a problem. Most times I can pull up right in front of the place or drive around for less than 5 minutes to find a spot up the street. You won't be disappointed by this place. One of my favorites in Atlanta.
(5)
Sarah S.
If you're looking for some delicious Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Easy to find - right next to Bottle Bar and across from The Capital Grille. Park in the lot next to bottle bar, first 1.5 hour is free with receipt from restaurant. Ordered food to go, was ready in 15 minutes! Tiny spot, so ordering to go was definitely the better option since when it's busy, it's pretty crowded. Ordered the Chicken Shish Kabob...so good! The rice, salad, and flat bread are all freaking awesome, but throwing in the chicken into the mix, it can't be beat. Let's just say it won't be my last time eating here!
(4)
Jennifer L.
I should preface this by stating that these guys normally don't deliver to Brookhaven in North Buckhead, where I stay when I'm in ATL but they made an exception for us since we ordered a good amount of food ($50.00), and delivered within 30 minutes of me placing my order. This was the perfect place to satisfy the varied and ravenous appetites of my group (foodie ladies, voraciously hungry men). We ordered the lamb/beef gyro plate, chicken kabob plate, a mixed grill plate, a greek salad, and walnut baklava. Everything tasted amazing, the gyro and chicken were juicy and flavorful and came with a generous side of rice. My only minor gripe was that only one piece of bread and a tiny bit of tzaziki sauce were provided with each plate. Not nearly enough to accommodate the portion of meat/rice.
(4)
Wendy M.
The food was good and the total experience even better. Hope they can maintain the vibe when they move into their bigger and fancier new space down the block....
(4)
Deniz G.
Good value for the price you pay, that is for sure. The food, if the cook is in a good mood, tastes perfect. Almost like you are actually in Turkey. Sometimes however, the meat is a bit dry and salty. It's highly recommended that you ask the server what the freshest item is (from the display in the fridge; see pictures above). Do not just go here to get a tasteless plate of gyro, which I think is an ugly copy of the traditional Iskender plate from Turkey -specific to not only this place, but the US in general, but go and get kofte, or Adana kebap, kusbasi etc. Get the yogurt drink ayran. Ask if they have any salgam. (Though they didn't have any in the past couple times we've been there - maybe they don't serve it anymore). They also have a bar, and serve alcohol. Go and get yourself a drink of Raki and the 'small' appetizer platter. Small is actually really big and good enough for 2-3 people. Aside from all, even though the service is a bit inconsistent depending on the server, they are all very kind and try to be welcoming. They have a parking lot across the street. It's rather hidden, so if you can't find it, go inside and ask for the directions. It's not gonna be an issue when they move to the new location in a couple months, hopefully. My favorite of all is, they are open late on Friday and Saturday, great for a late dinner, or after drinking food around 2 am.
(4)
J. G.
Great food. Some of the best middle eastern I've had outside of NYC. Update: This is now my favorite restaurant. Mixed grill plate is amazing every time. It's worth driving all the way up town for but they're opening a Midtown location soon.
(5)
Lauren S.
Great restaurant. I'm a fan of Turkish Mediterranean food. I had the hummus as an appetizer and the mix lamb and chicken gyro entree... Both were heavenly. The entree comes with a Greek salad, rice and warm pita. The atmosphere was great as well. I felt as if I were in another country. The space is small, but inviting. It looks as if they're building a new location just a block up the street. I'm not sure how this will effect things. I've been telling everyone about this restaurant and I'm sure I'll become a regular of this hidden gem of Buckhead.
(5)
Dru J.
A party celebrating the relocation of a midtown art gallery to Buckhead provided the excuse for me and companion to meet at Agora (No excuse needed to go to Agora, just to go to Buckhead). As I'm on my cell directing date to the spot, owner "Al" slides a plate of amuse bouche under my nose. Hummus, tabouli, veggies. I ask Al for a beer and not surprisingly, its an Efes, Turkey's great beer, uniquely flavored with rice. Date immediately falls in love, not with me but with Al. Actually, with just about everything in the spot. So its the Mixed Maza; eggplant salad, hummus, babganush, ezme (spicy salad), kasir (a bulgar based dish) and piyaz (Turkish bean salad), that provides date with an eye, and belly, popping culinary tour of the Med. And at 8 bucks it beats joining the Navy. As we head to the gallery, Al entreats us to return. Is it the prospect of seeing beautiful companion again that prompted the invite? Nahhh, Al's that way with everybody. But if so, I ain't mad at ya. Authentic, affordable Mediterranean food served in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. An Atlanta treasure.
(5)
Shalin P.
Our dinner experience here was very consistent with what everyone else is reporting. Once Al found out it was our first visit, he gave us the free sampler plate. It actually contained pretty big and tasty portions of everything, and we had to ask for extra pita bread to finish up the sampler. For dinner I ordered a chicken gyro wrap and a falafel wrap. The gyro was terrific and the chicken had an excellent flavor. Unfortunately, the falafel was a disappointment as the patties were too dry. One other negative was that the hot sauce they had on the counter was just generic wing sauce. I don't want my gyro tasting like a buffalo wing. Next time I'll have to ask if they have any authentic homemade hot sauce. We got a sampling of the strawberry cake on the way out. He added up the price in his head, and honestly it was higher than I expected based on the Yelp reviews. But a solid meal overall, and a great non-chain option in the Buckhead area. Parking can be tough. There is a free lot across the street, but it tends to fill up fast. There is some limited street parking, and a $5 pay lot next door.
(4)
Jeff L.
Cafe Agora serves up great food on the cheap - which makes it an ideal place for lunch. The only real issue is that seating is limited, and it seems like it can get quite busy at lunch. We got there just before the lunch crowd, and at it's peak, there wasn't nearly enough seating for everyone. A group of us came here and we ended up ordering quite a bit off food - we started off with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with pita + a whole bunch of things to dip the pita in. Most of it was great, aside from the heavy use of cilantro. I can't necessarily fault them for this, but I'm just not a fan of cilantro. One of us also ordered the stuffed grape leaves, which were also quite yummy. I have a very difficult time resisting a gyro if I see it on the menu, so this is what I ended up ordering. It was fantastic! It ranks as my second favorite gyro in the area. The flavor was incredible, but overall it was a bit sloppy ... not that it was messy to eat (which I'm perfectly fine with), but that it was not as well put-together as I would like. Most of the tzatziki sauce was concentrated in one area, and not every bite had all of the components in it. But, the taste was great, so I can't complain too much!
(4)
Phe M.
Great late night spot. I moved away a few months ago and I still crave this place after I've been out for a night. Very traditional fare, friendly staff, cute & cozy environment ok except when you get the obnoxious drunks at 2 am. but you can always get it to go! chicken gyro is my favorite if you've got a sweet tooth get a couple slices of baklava too. perfect amount of sweetness and spice :) always perfectly cooked and tasty, my kind of comfort food. Making my mouth water thinking about Agora.
(5)
Lori R.
Amazing food and incredibly friendly owner. Had hummus, gyro, baklava, and Turkish coffee--all outstanding. Food was flavorful, meat very tender and juicy. It's a tiny place but they work to fit people in, and I saw a lot of takeout orders. Limited street parking but some lots nearby.
(5)
Bobby D.
Delicious Mediterranean sampler platter or mezze platter was the best i've had.
(5)
Danny M.
The food is excellent. I think the problems customers have primarily arise with the owner. My aunt and I went, and we found the experience delightful. He was an old school Greek (?) guy who was very engaging from the moment we walked through the door. He stopped over at our table when we were eating and brought two cups of rice pudding and some baklava. We ordered two rice puddings to go, however he brought a baklava as well, which we did not order. My aunt was paying so I didn't say anything, and admittedly the baklava was very good. The way we were charged was murky. We got two plates of lamb, 2 drinks, 2 rice puddings to go and 1 baklava to go. I don't believe the owner attempted to charge us for the 2 cups of rice pudding he brought us or the baklava or the plate of hummus, but there really is no way to tell. **CAUTION** Be cautious about the pricing and about being offered freebies. Make your order very clear. If you are concerned about being charged for items you are given but did not order, specify with the owner. If money isn't that big an object to you, I think you will have a lovely experience. If you start asking too many questions, as with others who have reviewed this restaurant, I think you might run into some issues. Total price for two people: $40.00.
(4)
D L.
So... Still love this place. I enjoy the grilled meats more than the gyros. Really great tiramisu dessert. So moist and delicious... Pricing can still be random, but I think the staff are getting a handle on that...
(5)
Robin D.
Fresh and delicious. The best hummus I've ever had. I made the mistake of parking on the street in front of the restaurant, and got harassed by the Atlanta parking enforcers when my meter ran out. However, I found that there is free parking for customers in the next block. My suggestion is that they post a big sign about it!
(5)
Ayon J. R.
Very, very good mediterranean food at reasonable prices. The service is fine as well.
(4)
Addy C.
Great Mediterranean dive in Buckhead with all the elements that deserve a return visit - authentic food, variety of selection, reasonable prices, generous portions, & a charming owner who really likes to delight his customers. I came with fellow Yelper Nancy R, and we decided to share the Falafel appetizer ($5.95), the Mixed Grill ($17.25), & the Chicken Shish Kebab ($13.85). All dishes were fantastic - if I had to do it over again, I'd skip the Chicken Shish Kebab & get something else since the Mixed Grill does include several pieces of chicken shish kebab. All entrees include salad & rice, too. Our dinner was great but honestly greater (& memorable) b/c of Al. Let me tell you about Al - this guy really genuinely likes to know his customers - he sat down with us several times, asked us what we do for a living, talked about his food, shared words of wisdom, ... and later brought us a sampler platter of all his apps (all delicious by the way) and then later brought us samples of his baklava (fresh & best I've had!) - funny guy even fed the baklava into my friend's mouth. When I told him the apps were all delicious, he said our plate better be all clean if we really thought so :) The place is kinda small so you probably want to get there early. I love that the place is also open very late on Fridays & Saturdays - something to keep in mind if you're looking for a late night option besides Waffle House. If you're lucky, there are a few parking spaces in back of the restaurant, and a few spots in front - otherwise you'll have to do the $5 lot. Definitely worth a visit if you love Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean food.
(5)
Jacob P.
Cafe Agora was good. Beef and Lamb gyro, authentic hummus and an excellent tiramisu. Definitely one of those authentic Greek decor restaurants. Dont worry about the decor, it is good food.
(4)
Nyssa D.
Ate here tonight and was reasonably satisfied. We got a ton of food for our money (but more on this later), and it was all pretty yummy. I had two complaints, though: my gyro meat was rather charred, lacking the juicy gyro flavor I was hoping for. It was actually kind of...crunchy. Bad batch maybe? Who knows. The other thing I frowned at was when the waiter came by and took away our plate of hummus (still half-full) without asking. I mean, sure, our pita (warm and delicious!!) had all been long-since scarfed, but I'd still have appreciated a, "May I take this?" before it disappeared. My salad was good, and reasonably fresh. I enjoyed the bell peppers chopped into it. The hummus was good, the tabbouleh was well-prepared (not too much of any one ingredient, which was great), and whatever the pepper/tomato salad was with the hummus and tabbouleh was really good too, with an unexpected spiciness. For two gyro plates, one drink, and a hummus plate, we only paid $22 - quite reasonable!! I do suspect that the hummus plate was maybe left off accidentally, though...the gyro plates were supposed to be $10 apiece. I was fairly "meh" about this experience - I enjoyed it, but wasn't wowed. However, I HAVE been here once before, about a year ago, and I vaguely remember being MUCH more impressed. Perhaps I came on an off-night. I will definitely come again, just to see!
(3)
Pat W.
Visited Cafe Agora last week for the first time. We had just returned from Greece and Turkey so we were dying for some authentic food. Cafe Agora is the real deal. Can't wait to visit their new location in October.
(5)
AmyJon J.
Food really is good here. Expensive and they will charge you different prices depending how they feel (at least that's how it seems). I still rated it 5 stars because I like the food and wouldn't change much on that.
(5)
Maple C.
Cafe Agora is pretty inconspicuous/unassuming from the looks of the place, but omg this place is so good. The owner is really friendly and chatty - he's great! We got hummus (best hummus I've ever had in my life btw) and baklava *drool* on the house! The beef and lamb gyro was so good that I was a little devastated when some of it dropped onto the floor. If I had to describe it, my reaction was probably like you'd see in a movie, when something bad is happening and everything goes in slow motion and you see someone screaming "noooooooo"... hahaha at least that's how I reacted in my head. :)
(5)
Alison B.
Visited again this week for a casual weeknight date and we both enjoyed it very much. The mezze platter is just terrific- I should really just get this as my meal as the hummus is so delicious and it is fun to try little bites of a variety of Turkish specialties which I wouldn't necessarily be courageous enough to order separately. What can I say? I am a meat and potatoes girl at heart. I ordered the chicken kabab and my date ordered the lamb kebab- both were good in terms of being well spiced and certainly served in a generous portion, but honestly, I thought the meats were a tiny bit overcooked this time, but he loved the lamb prepared the way it was, so maybe I am off base. No matter, it was a very pleasant meal with Al making sure we were happy, as always.
(4)
Ashley A.
Cafe Agora, aka "Al's", is a gem. We miss it dearly! You won't walk away hungry. The food is simple, but well made. His maza offerings go far behind any other I've been to in the now 3 cities I have lived. Heart ya Al. Will definitely come in next time we are back in Atlanta!
(5)
vimal p.
wow this place is awesome, The Experience: we walked in just before they were closing, the owner came out and said its cool to stay and eat. he asked us what we felt like eating and just started bringing out food, we never looked at a menu and all the food he bought out was awesome! The Food: Food was solid, I have eaten at many different Greek/Med places all over the country and this place is def in my top 5. We a hummus platter, then 2 meat platters, all with pita, very good and nice flavour. The baklava was prob one of the best I had ever had, extra syrup solid!
(5)
Nancy R.
I came here after reading a few Yelp reviews. I knew it was casual, but it's really casual. It's a great hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean restaurant. Al, the owner/manager, is an older gentleman who greets and converses with you at your table. FOOD: Chicken kabob, mixed plate, and falafel apps. If you ask, you should get a sampling of all their dips/sauces that are displayed. The bean salad is my favorite. Tahini sauce is good, not tart. Chicken kabob and the mixed plate comes with a salad and rice. You can substitute french fries instead of rice. TIPS: Don't be fooled when they offer/give you complimentary hummus/dips, you pay for it in the end. If you eat in, Al doesn't give you a check, he just asks you to pay a certain amount, which you think is a bargain, but it's not. Keep in mind of prices of things you order. Get there kind of early (dinner) and there's about 4 parking spots in the back. There's only about 8 tables there.
(4)
Max J.
Food is not good , Service is Bad ...
(1)
Jack H.
Okay, come on -- relax people. Al is a jewel in the world of Buckhead restaurants. The lamb kebab is absolutely to die for. So is the mixed maza platter. Al, the owner, is a colorful Turkish character straight out of Saturday Night Live and, best of all, the food is damn good! One does not leave this restaurant without trying the baklava. The pricing is heavily dependent on whether or not Al likes you as a person. If you are a drunken dick head, yes, he will charge you more than his regulars. And this is what makes America great.
(5)
Sarah E.
My friend and I were looking for a place to get dinner on Sunday night, and we ended up here. Initially, we were put off by the lack of prices anywhere in the restaurant, but the owner quickly made us feel right at home. He insisted on giving us samples of the mezzas. He put a plate together, and instead of just handing it to us, he, um... fed us. This didn't come off as creepy as it sounds. He just seemed really enthusiastic about giving us tastes of the food. After he fed us each a bite, he did pass the plate over and let us feed ourselves. We ordered sandwiches (I got the falafel) and the Mixed Maza Platter. This was kind of a mistake because we were full after the sandwiches and didn't need to eat more. I ended up taking the platter home and eating it the next day (it was good, though I really wish I had asked what all of the items on it were). My falafel was good and was clearly made fresh. I'd say it wasn't quite as good as the falafel at my favorite place, but I'm going to reserve judgment about authenticity until I get back from my trip to Israel this October. Y'all best believe I'll be eating a ton of falafel there - is there a Yelp Israel? Between the food and the helpful and welcoming owner, I'd definitely eat here again. I just wish there was a way to know how much the items cost.
(4)
Julia R.
How could you not simply adore this unpretentious, neighborhood gem of a restaurant when its owner literally hand feeds you a mouthful of freshly made baklava at the end of the meal, undoubtedly the best you will find outside of the Middle East? The antithesis of all that Buckhead implies to Atlantans, Cafe Agora has some of the best hospitality I've ever encountered while dining...not to mention some of the best food as well. After discovering this restaurant while Yelping, a group of friends and I decided to give it a try. We were so pleased that we did! We started off with a large sampler platter which was filled to the brim with all sorts of homemade Mediterranean delights, some old favorites and some new palate teasers that defined the word "delicious." If licking plates were socially acceptable, I can guarantee that it would have happened here. What followed was something that the restaurant owner decided on his own to feed us...a combination of various meats marinated in mouth-watering Mediterranean spices served with perfectly cooked rice and very fresh salad doused in balsamic vinaigrette. Melt-in-your-mouth baklava sealed the deal and we were one happy, and very full, group! The best thing about Cafe Agora, by far, was the stellar hospitality and the fact that every bite of food was packed with pride and love. I can't wait to return and experience it all over again!
(5)
EJ S.
Cafe Agora: The perfect fix for a 3 am drunken rage, but just as delectable as an afternoon snack. Al is AMAZING! Always greeting guests with a smile and a gratis round of baklavah. I'm not completely sold on the hummus, but the tzatziki is creamy greek yogurt goodness with cucumber and dill folded in like angels' wings. DELISH. The falafel is also a fan fave. If you're stumbling drunk around buckhead and looking for the next hot spot, swing by Cafe Agora for a quick taste of heaven before going on your merry way.
(4)
P S C.
The food here is really good. I have been there at different times, and mostly it has been very satisfying. The service is quick, and the owner is a good guy. However, one problem I feel is that there is no receipt given with all the itemized prices, and it is hard to add up all the prices to the total we are charged. Not sure if that can be fixed at this place.
(4)
Gina M.
Huge portions and the Hummus is amazing. Yelp reviews were right on. Not a negative thing to say.
(5)
Amber S.
Best gyro I've ever had... and I've had a lot. Also phenomenal Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
(5)
Reid L.
Al, the owner, is the most hospitable host. I asked for a full mediterranean dinner and he came to our table with one of every appetizer and fed my girlfriend and me a sample of each. If a little hands on, which wasn't intrusive, he is definitely in the business of making sure his customers get his family restaurant's unique experience. As for the food, everything we had was great. The appetizers were all traditionally done and delicious. The chicken in our kebabs was charred perfectly with a large Greek salad on the side that wasn't soaked with olive oil. Awesome. I'd go back tomorrow...or any day really.
(5)
Luke F.
Very authentic and awesome restaurant. The owners are still running this quaint, hidden gem and they gave me a complimentary dessert when they found out it was my first time visit. This is how dinning is suppose to work!
(5)
Alexa G.
With the vast reviews listed for Cafe Agora there is not much else I can say. Although here are some tips that might help you when visiting this quaint establishment: 1. It's seat yourself and you order your food at the counter, I also did not see menus available. If you immediately take a seat, and wait for a waiter to come in you will surely be outed as a newbie there. There is limited parking around back, and street parking around front. 2. Listen to whatever Al tells you to order, you will not go wrong! I mistakenly tried to order a chicken gyro which was then met with a "No, you don't want that, you'll have a real gyro!" The mezza plate was amazing (roasted eggplant, hummus, and all sorts of veggie spreads)...but we had to eat everything on that plate before we were allowed to order their amazing gyros! 3. The owner really cares about the food, and his customers! The gyro was an amazing mix of beef and lamb ( his mix has more lamb) and was juicy and flavorful..not like all the other dry gyros I have consumed. 4. Seating is limited, there are probably 8 tables, comfy but might be pretty tight for a large group dining in. 5. " Sweets in moderation" as Al put it. .. the baklava was sooo good I attempted to get some to go, to savor later at home, But was denied!...DAMN! Just means I will have to take another trip out there...ASAP!
(5)
Jillian F.
I found this place using Yelp. 3 of us went on a Sunday afternoon at about 1:30 and the place was empty and we got a free parking spot steps away from the front door. The owner or host asked us if we had ever been there before and we told him no. He recommended we try the Mixed Maza Platter that came with about 6 different types of appetizers. Everything was absolutely delicious. One of the cooks also brought falafel to our table on the house for us to try. It was incredible. I'm not a big fan of falafel and this was definitely the best I've had. After all the appetizers, we decided to split a meal because we were getting pretty full. The 3 of us split the Agora Mixed Grill which is a plate of chicken, beef and lamb with rice and a salad. Again, all of it was amazing. The flavor of the meat was incredible and the rice was cooked perfectly and tasty. For dessert, we tried the rice pudding. It was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. The reason for 4 stars, not 5, is that (as others have noted) no prices are printed anywhere, which is odd. For 1 appetizer, entree and dessert, our total came out to $32. Not bad since 3 of us shared everything, but that is a lot if 1 person were to order it all. We were all very happy with our meal and the friendliness of the staff. We will definitely be back again.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
After living in the northeast for many years, I became accustomed to flavorful Mediterranean food. Usually, they were mom and pop places that may have lacked fancy finishes but delivered on the good flavors. I ventured out a solo lunch date to Agora after a recommendation from a co-worker. I was looking for a great gyro. Agora is a nice location on East Paces Ferry next door to the new Bottle Bar. The inside was neat with a clear menu above the kitchen and of course as you have read, I was greeted by Al. To be welcomed to a restaurant by the person who is clearly in charge is a rare, rare thing. I gladly told him I was referred by friends who raved about the place. He smiled knowingly and proclaimed that his restaurant was the best....I soon would agree. I had gone to Agora planning to feast on a delicious gyro. However, once I walked in and saw the offerings, my plan fell apart. I knew that I needed to try everything. I ordered the mixed grill. This is the granddaddy of them all platter. 4 types of cooked meats, slices of seasoned pita and then fresh sides. It was a very healthy portion and I could easily tried to keep some for later. But there was no freaking way that was going to happen. DOWN THE HATCH!!!! It was freaking delicious. I want to go back and try everything on the menus. As I walked in I was given a sample of the hummus and salad and as I left I was offered a delicious lady finger like baklava.... sweet, exotic and a delicious finish to a very good lunch. See you soon, Al and Agora!!!!!
(4)
Liz H.
I love how the small interior gives it a homey feel. The people working here are super nice. Anything with the gyro is delish. Came here for dinner with a couple friends and we ordered various dishes. Prices are a tad high, but the portions are plentiful and flavorful. I have no complaints about the food - presentation was also above average (for gyros, it comes like a cone with the filling artfully spilling out). Not a huge fan of the hummus platter; I would recommend sticking to anything with lamb/gryo. My favorite part, however, is the pistachio baklava. The best baklava I have ever experienced. anywhere. I wish for the price you pay, the serving size was bigger, but I guess you can charge what you want when it's that good. I'll keep coming back just for that! Pros: -Late hours -Pistachio Baklava Cons: -Parking -Small space/seating # -Not a cheap eats place
(4)
Cooper B.
The best thing I can say about this place is that I had no idea that I liked Mediterranean food before I ate here. If you've never been you'll definitely want to get a meza platter (sp?) to split with the table before ordering entrees. One thing that not many people are mentioning on here is that they are open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays... you're not going to get better drunk food than a fresh cooked gyro. Parking can be a pain, but there's a lot behind the building where I always park for lunch and have never had a problem.
(5)
Eric S.
This place is small, but don't let that fool you. The food is great. They do take out or eat-in. I had the traditional gyro and hummus as well. I loved it. I've had it for dinner and also late at night after coming back from the bars. I think I found a new regular place.
(4)
Claire S.
This place is one of my regular spots. I love the owner, he hand-fed my coworker Jessica while I was moving my car; which I think made her mildly uncomfortable but I was extremely jealous as I love to be hand-fed by strangers. The lamb salad is the only entree I've ever ordered here because it is so good I always want it. Also the "lady fingers" dessert is amazing. The humus is pretty good but not the best ever. For 2 people the price always magically turns out to be around $30 with tip regardless of what you order, which is a little strange, but right for the food because it is really good. I would go here for casual lunch, not really a date spot. I love this place because they are so friendly and the food is yummy.
(5)
Alex G.
Are you even the slightest bit hungry? Drop what you are doing and go to Cafe Agora RIGHT NOW. After reading the reviews I was intrigued, as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is definitely my favorite, and I stopped in to try the Agora mixed grill. The salad was fresh and very tasty, the meat was extremely flavorful, delicately textured, and cooked just perfectly. Even the pita bread was packed with flavor. I can't think of anything I would want differently, it is rare to have a perfect meal but this is it. Before heading off to the airport I got a lamb shish kebab to go and then waited to go through airport security until I was hungry enough to eat it. I never want to eat food again if its not from Cafe Agora.
(5)
Tukuli H.
I had the gyro and it was the best gyro that I have had in years.
(4)
Angelica T.
This place is awesome! I was in Atlanta visiting a friend for a week and we found this place after deciding on having some Mediterranean food. I love that this little eatery is so family oriented and the owner made us feel welcome. My friend and I shared a mezza platter which was deeeelish. I had the chicken kabob and she had the lamb. I'm not a big lamb fan but I did try it and it was pretty tasty. The portions are large as well, which may be good for sharing. In our case though, we cleared our plates. The owner saw that we finished everything and fed us some baklava, which of course was yummy as well. Overall, love this place! Now if I can find something similar in San Diego =P
(5)
Dee T.
I was in town for a conference during the SEC football championship, so needless to say everything was a cluster. I called the restaurant to see about making a delivery. Initially, I was shut down by whomever answered the phone, but I then mentioned that I was staying at the Grand Hyatt, less than a mile away, and he consented. Thank God! The food was delicious and fed me all.weekend with still more leftovers to boot. The mixed maza platter was by far my favorite part of the order. It had several items that I've not tried before, from the piyaz (white bean and veggie dip) to ezme (broiled eggplant dip). Everything in the platter was very fresh and seasoned well. I wish that I'd gotten more pita with it, but I made do ;) The chicken doner was less successful for me, as it was pretty salty. But the rice and the house salad more than made up for it. I found this place thanks to Yelp, and I'm very glad that I did.
(4)
Ilya P.
This place is great all around.
(5)
JEWELe M.
Absolutely FABULOUS! The chicken gyro, baklava (with and without pistachios), and the Turkish coffee were absolutely fabulous here! You can taste the made to order, fresh ingredients in the dishes. Make sure to take a bite of the baklava and sip on the Turkish coffee all together...the strong coffee melts the flaky baklava in your mouth, making a wonderful texture that makes your tastebuds dance! Or give you an excited urge to drop your dishes on the ground! ;) Whenever iCrave Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish, iWill have to come back to Cafe Agora! iOpa!
(5)
Melanie P.
I was in dismay as to the actual structure of this place but from a food perspective; this place deserves my vote of 5 stars!! Since I was eating there, I wasn't sure what to do - go to the counter to order from the menu above or sit down at a table and wait patiently for a waiter (of some sort) to ask what it is I will be eating? So I went for the counter - I suggest doing the same as this seems to be the way things are run. If they do not openly say this, ask for the dine-in menu (it's different from the board above). They have a full bar, a variety of Mediterranean food from Greek to Lebanese to Turkish to choose from, and a very casual, laid back atmosphere to enjoy this amazing food. I had the lamb kebab that came with a side Greek salad; pita spread a top of two very large slabs of lamb that rested atop a bed of white rice. If the spice of the meat is too much for you, have no fear, they serve a side of Tzatziki spread. In addition to this, I also ordered Grape Leaves which are such a Mediterranean signature favorite and get them whenever I can - these were awesome! After the meal, your food runner brings you out a free slice of baklava. I have had my fair share of baklava and this was some of the best I have ever had. It was drizzled with pecan glaze and just melted in my mouth. I was so impressed, I actually bought some to go. Its a bit steep in terms of price but I think that this quality of food sure fits the price tag. You just have to get over the joint that this food comes from and concentrate more on how delicious your entire meal is and will be if you come here! Where the food is better than the actual look and feel of this restaurant, I suggest coming here when you are in the mood to be relaxed and casual either with one or a group of people. Don't forget that it is also a great take-out place and switch up from your regular Chinese and Italian Pizzeria's for a late Saturday night intoxicated decision.
(5)
Timber W.
Sometimes I can be a picky eater. One of my pet peeves is excessive bread on a sandwich. I can always skip eggplant. And, most of all, I rarely eat meat. I avoid it not out of some ethical objection, but because the texture and taste are completely unappetizing to me. Cafe Agora may have changed that. Having abandoned falafel forever, I had a hard time deciding what to order. (I'm ALWAYS the last to order at Mediterranean restaurants.) After much deliberation, I chose the lamb and beef gyro. As I sat waiting on my food, I started to doubt my choice, but my mind was set at ease and then reeled into ecstasy when I tried the first bite. The meat was actually really tender and flavorful, and I devoured the gyro, gulping orange-carrot juice between bites. I also ordered pistachio baklava, which was moist and delicious. As discovered by my sister, Turkish tea=Earl Grey. ...really? Thanks to Cafe Agora, I'm now a big fan of Mediterranean food. It was totally worth the $5 rate for just one measly hour of parking to have lunch there.
(5)
Shane A.
This place is a great Mediterranean spot with awesome, fresh food! It's a small place that is reminiscent of a cafe you would find in Eastern Europe, a few tables and counter to eat at with ingredients in a deli case so you can see your fresh lamb/chicken/hummus/tabouli/whatev! Al, the owner, MAKES this place! He is awesome and will talk to anyone... if your willing or not! As for me, I'll talk to anyone... so I got his suggestions and told him that I was allergic to tomatoes and he was very careful to only serve me things that I could eat! GREAT SERVICE!! He suggested a half and half kabob - Half lamb regular and half spicy ground lamb. We also ordered some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and veggies). After we sat down, he brought out a surprise app plate with tabouli, hummus, pita and yogurt. The dolma was great and Al had to brag about how his were made in house... and they beat any other dolma that I've had lately! YUM! Then our lamb came out on a huge plate with rice, greek salad, pita, and yogurt sauce. One word... AWESOME! I enjoyed the regular lamb better, because I love how lamb tastes, but they were boh great! Al gave us some baklava after the meal and we drank some raki (ouzo) with a greek beer! DELICIOUS! Again, Al is awesome and a great, hardworking owner from Cypress (not Greece) who will do his best to make you happy!! The check was reasonable (for all the booze I drank) about $15 for the Lamb kabob plate and $4 or $5 for the dolma... I think! Give this place a try! I guarantee you'll want to come back! I'll meet you at the bar with a glass of Raki!
(5)
Kiya H.
Cafe Agora. I am really trying to like this place. First off! I can absolutely agree with the yelpers who mentioned "pricing scams." Dear Al or whom this may concern, Would you please, for your customers sake and sanity, create a menu that states the expense I will incur after placing an order. That way, when you charge me $13 for a mezza platter, I can easily confirm that is the correct price by viewing the menu. Although, I have seen a menu or two; it seems a bit inconspicuous. I am a little disturbed when every other visit I order the same thing but pay a different price. How difficult can it be to display a menu with the prices. Yes, I care about my quarters and my dollars because I earn them! So, I would not like to be charged what ever you decide you want me to pay. Now after that vent...Let us move forward! The food: My first visit consisted of two platters consisting of gyro meat and grilled chicken. The meat: in my opinion; dry and old tasting. It had the traditional flavor; however, it made me contemplate becoming a vegetarian. (Especially after seeing the raw kabobs displayed in the same case as the salads.) What keeps me coming back is the mezza platter; which, I always get to go because the atmosphere shuts down my taste buds. Thanks to the little sampler platter provided on our first visit, the mezza platter is all that I order. The hummus, tabouli, ezme, and yogurt are tasty. The dessert: The baklava is a nice treat. Pretty tasty but again: How much does it cost? Yes, I will continue to patronize this place as long as I crave a good mezza platter or until I find a place that can top it. I think Cafe Agora is a restaurant set in its ways...so when you visit, just go along with it.
(3)
Leeanna L.
It doesn't get any easier than this. We scored a parking space out front--free since it was Sunday night--walked up to the counter, and ordered a mezza plate and the grill sampler. Al had our mezza plate ready in 5 and shortly after that, the grill sampler came out. Yelp was spot on -- fantastic food! At the end of the meal, Al dropped by some baklava "shots" on the house. Sure fire way to win my heart any day. Oh, and if you're lucky or maybe unfortunate depending on how you look at it, Al will hand feed your husband a few bites from the mezza platter. He decided that my husband looked like a picky eater. Mwahaha.
(4)
Adam S.
This is a really nice little lunch spot that offers above average Mediterranean food. The gyros here are some of the best I've had and the lamb agora salad is really great as well. The desserts are fantastic (and I'm not a dessert guy). The owner is friendly and enthusiastic. If you are looking for a nice place to grab a quick lunch, this may be your spot in the buckhead area.
(4)
Anna I.
I can't even handle how delicious the food is at Cafe Agora. I ordered the mix grill plate and was delighted to see a plate full of meat. Lamb, chicken, gyro... oh my! No two meats tasted the same. You can distinctly make out the individual spices and flavors in each lovable bite. Also had the meze platter which is as good as everyone says it is. Very light, fresh, and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back!!!!! BTW the lady finger baklava is to die for. Melts in your mouth. Oh god, so good..
(5)
Robert M.
This is really a 4 star joint, rounded down because of abracadabra pricing and boxed rice. Food here is good, pricing is weak. There is something about someone looking at you for a few seconds while going 'ahhhh' before blurting out a price. $13 for you! Coke, no Pepsi! Weak. Weak. Weak. The Kebabs are good, meats are cooked perfectly with good spice, the pita has nice chew, but the rice seems straight outta Rice-A-Roni (the Atlanta treat). $13 for this type of meal lightens the wallet too much for my taste for a quick lunch. Especially when the price is made up on the spot. I like Al, a good personality, but that doesn't make up for everything. Oh, don't forget your "free" dessert (of course just built into the mysterious pricing). Parking is a bitch, good luck.
(3)
Tyler P.
Great lamb kabob! Went here for dinner, and although the place was empty (maybe serves more of a Buckhead lunchtime crowd?), the food was good, and the staff was friendly. We placed our orders and were offered free hummus that was fresh and delectable. The lamb kebob was definitely a sizable portion. There was plenty of meat and rice, with a side salad that included roasted red peppers. There was probably enough for two people, even though there was only enough pita for one. The meat was not overcooked and dry like I've had other places; it was tender and well-marinated. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu (can't wait to try the gyro!). Overall I had a great experience and recommend this place to anybody looking for a new Mediterranean place in the area.
(4)
Angelica T.
Went here for lunch with coworkers last Friday. Al is hilarious, he fed each of us Baklava after we finished our entrees. The portions are pretty big, and the food was pretty darn good. We shared a mezza platter and it was awesome. I had the chicken kabob, it comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. Other people in the group had the gyros and a falafel, they all said their food was fantastic. The only con is parking can be hard to find in that area.
(4)
Michael D.
I am writing this review to comment on the experience as a whole and not just the food (which was very good.) I went there with a large group of people, but was paying only for the two of us. My food: $16.00 His food: $7.00 Drinks (3 beer @ $4.50): $13.50 Subtotal: $36.50 Tax: $ 2.55 Total: $39.05 Actual bill $47.00 Nobody in our group ordered appetizers. No one ordered dessert. There were about 15-20 of us there and we assumed that the owner was putting this stuff out there "Hey, you all try this stuff! Eat! Eat! eat it all of I don't serve anything else!") because we were spending a fortune with him anyway. Well, it turns out to not be the case. This stuff is pushed on you - you are never asked if you want it. BUT YOU ARE CHARGED for it, about $4-5 per person. That's not a lot, but it is not something you are expecting, and I consider it unfair of the owner to put food on your table that you did not ask for and then charge you for it in the end. I may go back to Cafe Agora with friends, but I will warn them that if they accept what appears to be the owner's generosity, they will be charged for it in the end. If this did not happen to us, I would have given this place 3-4 stars. EDIT: I also agree with another reviewer that the owner appears to just pull prices out of the air and put them on the bill. Just be careful when you pay.
(2)
Luciana Y.
I love Cafe Agora. I discovered it about 3 years ago when I was somehow new to the city and wanted to try, as always, food from other countries. I tried it once and I can't stop going there. I always encourage people to try it and take my friends with me there as well. The food is always fresh, great taste and I have to say that they try to do their best to serve well to the customers. The place is small and sometimes it gets packed and you have to wait but it's totally worth it. I don't care if they might take a while to take your order or bring the check or make you order at the bar instead of coming to the table during the day, it's all worth it! Food is always good and the portions very generous.
(5)
Sanjay S.
I'd been meaning to write this review for a while, but laziness had prevented me from doing so. I dropped into Cafe Agora on July 4th while doing some shopping with the wife. Since July 4th was on a Wednesday this year, it was an in-town day off. We walked in and even though it wasn't that crowded, we decided to sit at the bar. The owner was at the bar and helped us out with the menu and gave us some samples of different things as well. He even introduced us to Efes, a Turkish beer that I had not tried before, but was excellent. He was an excellent ambassador for the restaurant. I ordered the falafel and my wife had the gyro. Both appeared fairly quickly and I have to say that my falafel was the best I've had. Of course, my experience consists only of places in Atlanta so I don't have too many places with which to compare. It was tasty nonetheless. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Angie S.
Yummy! I had the chicken gyro & a Greek salad. It was very tasty! Service for take out was slow.
(4)
Kozby K.
This place is fantastic! I travel frequently and search out great Mediterranean food wherever I go, and Cafe Agora ranks among the best ever. The person behind the counter who runs it (and perhaps owns it) is very friendly and definitely goes out of his way to ensure you have a great experience. I couldn't believe the high quality of the food in relation to the really great prices. Hands down their Lamb kabobs were the best I have ever eaten, and their hummus was deliciously lemony with the right amount of salt. Their pita bread was soft and warm and clearly homemade. The pita came with an olive oil/red pepper paste brushed on the top, and when I asked for them to exchange my pitas for plain ones, the staff did so quickly, without hesitation and with a smile and apology. Fantastic! The crowd ranged from young families to senior citizens, and included solo diners like me and large families. Everyone seems welcomed there, and I would recommend that you add yourself to that list if great Mediterranean food in Atlanta is what you are seeking.
(5)
Tim M.
Good solid kabob joint. I suggested Turkish food to my fellow 3 out-of-town business visitors, after overcoming some initial resistance ("But I don't like curry") I convinced them to go. They hesitated again when we got there (the place doesn't look like much from the outside), but once I saw that they had Efes I figured it was the real deal and I insisted that we stay, and not go to the Capital Grille across the street And boy were we glad we did! The large plate was excellent - who knew carrots could be so yummy. I had the adana kabob which was excellent, and also had one of my co-workers kefte which was good. My colleagues could not stop raving about the food We got there early, so initially the service was good, it tailed off once the place got crowded. Despite there being a long line, they ignored us for a long time after we finished eating, and we had to beg for the hesabu - not that it was bad for us, just the people waiting. The kavessi and baklava were soso. But this was a great find (thanks once again Yelp) and I would definitely come here again
(4)
Jinny Y.
I LOVE LOVE cafe agora~ okay, so it might not be as cheap as I'd like, but the falafel and baklava here are to DIE for! The friend, Mike P. who introduced me to Cafe Agora said on his first visit he ordered a gyro to go and Al promptly said "No". Mike repeated his order: "um... could I please have a gyro to go?" Al: "No, you take gyro to go, it gets cold, then it's no good. You eat here! (pointing at the counter)" Mike: ...sits down. I had a similar experience my first visit. After a wonderful meal of falafel, hummus, and salad, Al offers me a piece of Pistachio baklava~ At this point in time, I didn't like baklava so I respectfully declined. Al said, "no, you try it. It's good!" Next thing I know he SHOVES a piece of baklava into my mouth!! o_O!?? the first thing I thought was, "what the heck!?!" then as i chewed, this LIGHT, FLAKY, LAYERED DESSERT OOZING IN HONEY overcame my senses and I saw Al's face light up with delight ^___^ 'til this day I can't bare to eat baklava anywhere else. It's just not the same!
(5)
Diana C.
My mouth is still drooling from my trip to Cafe Agora two weeks ago. A friend and I shared the lamb gyro (but I wished I had it all to myself at the end of it.) The meat was cooked perfectly with the right amount of spices. The vegetables tasted crisp and fresh, though the onions were a bit too strong. The tzatziki sauce added a cool refreshing taste. But my favorite part of the meal has got to be the pita bread. SO SO good. I will be back at this cozy little place soon.
(4)
Jason L.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Food: + Excellent hummus with different sides accompanied by warm pita; had a bit of a gaminess to it for some reason.. but it was fine + Lamb/beef gyro was excellent; entire package was fresh and popping with flavor + Tried some of the chicken kebab which was excellent as well + Pistachio baklava was oozing with moisture (honey) and the filo crust was full of light flaky goodness Location: + Store is a bit small but wasn't too full when we sat down for lunch on a Wednesday + Owner is very friendly although I found it hard to understand some of his mannerisms Good Things to Know: + They deliver for free within a 3-mile radius; it's a $3 delivery charge outside of the 3-mile radius + The kabobs are fresh and massive; check the front glass display to see them in their full uncooked glory + Accepts Visa, MC, and AMEX (good for those of us on corporate cards)
(5)
Alex K.
Al is a pal!!! Its hard to find good Mediterranean food around town that serves delectable and carefully prepared fresh kebob meat and vegetables. It just doesn't have that "sitting around all day" food taste like a lot of those Mediterranean places have. Great thing is, you can go there anytime, even late at night. If you like soccer, it's your place, as they usually have GolTV on.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I walked in to a near-brawl at Cafe Agora, between Al and a guy who seemed to be a regular. As I didn't catch the beginning of their conversation, I can't say who was in the wrong, but there was definitely some serious anger being thrown back and forth. The customer stormed out in a huff, Al shook things off and smiled. There's no direction as to what to do when you come in here. Order at the counter? Wait for a server? Pay before or after? While I'm still not positive of the regular order of things, we ended up placing our orders at the counter and waiting until Al delivered our wonderful, wonderful food to us. We split an order of hummus, and dare I say it was the best hummus to cross my lips. Heaven, and the pita was equally great. My chicken gyro was equally great: well marinated, fluffy pita, and fresh tasty tzatziki. It was a ton of food, but I managed to scarf it down. Al brought out some pistachio baklava to end the meal and it was equally divine. He truly is a character and makes the experience all the more fun, just be sure to bring friends who are cool with this kind of thing. Not exactly the spot for stodgy business lunches or first dates.
(4)
Brett H.
Lamb Gyros - 2 Shared Hummus Platter - 1 Root Beers - 2 1 tasty lunch Best Gyro's around.... They are BIG, Juicy, and full of love.
(5)
Robert M.
I stopped in on a Tuesday night. The place is small, but the owner made it clear he is planning to expand. We had a mixed grilled plate and a gyro, both came with fresh salads. Everything was great. They have menus, both regular and to go, but you have to ask. Otherwise, you can order by the pictures posted.
(5)
M A.
I've been here so many times with a giant group of people, and even though we're packed in like sardines it's never a disappointment. The staff is very friendly, always joking with our group about our need for chairs and tables as he makes Tetris shapes to squeeze us all in on. The food here is very, very good. Everything from the tzatziki to the lamb kebobs is made fresh and tastes excellent. I never leave here hungry; it's impossible to do so! Even my bottomless pit friends can hardly finish a meal here. The food is hearty and wholesome. I've yet to do takeout myself, but watching five large boxes weighed down with food walk out with a fellow patron make me feel safe in my assumption that you get just as much food even if you don't take a seat. A friend of mine reports that catered meals are large and come with plenty of leftovers, so if you can't find a seat or need some food for a party, you've found your guy! My only gripe is that the owner will give you a mezze platter and demand you eat it, only to charge you a dollar for touching it. I'm also told he just makes up prices when you go to pay, but it seems to be relatively spot on. Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
(5)
M P.
Enjoyed everything we ordered and the service was great!! The portions were really generous... What a pleasant experience!!!
(4)
Foo B.
It was my turn to get food for group meeting again, and I was feeling adventurous, so I drove up to Buckhead (Agora: "Uh... we don't know where Georgia Tech is... so we can't deliver") to check out the goods. The trip was totally worth it. Rave reviews at the meeting, including from my boss, hopefully improving my job security. I initially wanted to just order one of each of their appetizers, but the lady over the phone told me that would be way too much and it would be a lot cheaper just to get a few of their platters. I was pretty skeptical that that would feed all 10 of us, but I took her advice, and it turned out to be just the right amount of food. It was quite economical too... the platters were only $39 in total. The only downside was that the baklava was expensive and had too much syrup, making them soggy.
(5)
Jim H.
This place is freakin great. The owner is insane but a great guy. The food is superior and at a reasonable price. Well done folks.
(5)
Chloe M.
I really love this place and can't imagine why I'm the last one in the city to tryi it. The Maza Platter is a beauty to behold. It has about 9 appetizers/dips. The hummus was creamy with just the right amount of garlic and lemon juice, the sour cream-dill dip was divine -- thick and creamy. The eggplant salad was very flavorful. I found a new favorite in their Havuc Salatasi (a carrot salad of sorts) with shredded carrots, parsley, dill, yogurt, and spices. It was so good. The tabouli was perfect, as were the babaganush (an eggplant dip), the red bean salad, and everything else on the plate. The grilled pita bread that came on the side was the perfect accompaniment, although the size of the pieces made it very hard to actually get a good chunk of dip onto them. No matter, forks to the rescue and rescue they did. The grilled platter came with an assortment of meats: beef and lamb gyros, lamb, chicken, beef, ground lamb. Every bit was as delectable as the next with my mouth sinking into tender, juicy morsels of meat that are full of flavor and grilled perfectly. I haven't had it any better than this. But the best came in the form of a Gyro -- grilled soft, warm pita bread topped with tender slices of spit-roasted lamb and beef then topped with fresh shredded lettuce and tzatziki sauce. Tasty. Delicious. And the best in town. I love everything about this place and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Arindam P.
Very small place - reminded me of street food in India but once the food came, it was out of this world. We got a complimentary baklava and ended up paying for four of those orders. Best Baklava I have ever tasted
(4)
Darryl D.
Great little greek/turkish restaurant. The Meze is a highlight, along with the pistachio baklava. Good, quick, and cheap.
(4)
Lee L.
Something sketchy about this place is that there is no set menu prices... And looking back on my past credit bill, they charged me $2 extra! I had probably given a tip, but adding a little extra is just messed up!! Be sure to ask how much something costs so you're not ripped off.
(2)
Enoch C.
good food. let's start with that. if you're looking for a good mediterranean dive, this is it. if you're thinking, "hmmm... i feel like good mediterranean tonight." for goodness' sake, check this place out. i went with a group of four for lunch on a friday. not sure if it gets packed later on in the lunch hour but there weren't too many people there (which is good cause it's pretty small). 2 friends had the gyro, another had the chicken kebab and i had to have the lamb kebab. i'm a sucker for lamb. didn't try the gyro, but seemed like an excellent lunch portion. the chicken kebab was really good. the chicken meat was super tender and had me wishing i had ordered the chicken instead of the lamb, which was ok, but nowhere near as tender as the chicken. the kebabs come over rice and with a greek salad. salad was good, no surprises or anything there. so after reading reviews of this place, i had heard about the "complimentary hummus." the dude gave us a huge plate of hummus and other mediterranean goodies and mixed the hummus and some pepper sauce thing and fed it on a toasted pita square to one of my friends which i hear is just how they do things here. SURPRISE! they charged us for the hummus plate at the end of the meal. however, for $5 it is actually a great deal. but who knows what you'll be charged if you come in cause there's no fixed prices on anything. when we went, the gyros were around 7 bucks and the kebabs were around 12. didn't really want to spend 12 bucks for lunch, but it was worth going at least once. at the end of the meal, we got actual complimentary baklava and some kind of rice pudding. wasn't a fan of the rice pudding and i thought the baklava was aight. maybe i'm just not a fan of baklava, but it just tasted like any other baklava i've ever had. so if you want great mediterranean food, come here. if you don't want to deal with hidden fees, people feeding you stuff, or spontaneous price changes, then pick a different place. to me, i thought the food and the other random stuff that goes on during your meal balance each other out. 3 stars.
(3)
Vy A.
I had to try this place after hearing all the rave on Yelp. The food was ok and the people are pretty friendly. Why a 2? There were some serious problems. The biggest problem is that I have to agree with Lee L. about the "sketchiness" in the way they charge you. For that, I will never return. The experience was pretty good initially. We got the nice greeting and he practically forced us to try this sampler place in a way that implied that it was gratis. We really weren't expecting such a large sampler so we all felt bad and ordered much more food than we normally would have been to be polite. They definitely charged us for the sampler even after suggesting that we wouldn't be. There also aren't any prices on the menu, which added to the surprise. Perhaps there was some problem with communication on the sampler. In that case, I feel a bit uncomfortable with his forcefulness in making us order the item. I was also a bit concerned with his handling of the food - preparing dips onto the bread and handing them to you to eat??? I'm not thrilled with people putting their bare hands all over my food right before I eat it. There was also some carrot dish that smelled and tasted of chlorine. I'd detail the food here normally but I think there are plenty of people who have done that here. Summary: Decent food. Maybe some concerns on cleanliness. I'd give this place a 3.5 if Al would be more up-front with the billing.
(2)
Michael Milton B.
Mezze platter + lamb/beef gyro + ouzo = happiness. I love this place, the food and the staff. Having Greek blood and a yaya (Greek for grandmother) who's a great cook, I can legitimately judge the food. The mezze platter is amazing--a little something for everybody with plenty of flat bread for dipping. The hummus especially stands out as a very rich, fresh flavor. Al and his staff are accommodating and are eager to have you enjoy their delights. Al will literally hand feed you if you're not eating a gryo correctly. It's a humorous experience. He almost always includes a generous gift of baklava or extra bread as an extra treat. Plus, being located adjacent to the Park Bench bar, they close at 4 AM Friday and Saturday. This makes for great late-night gorging. Gotta love it.
(5)
Mina S.
As a huge middle-eastern food fan...this place was overall unimpressive. The staff was very friendly, and the menu had quite a bit to choose from. The sides were delicious, minus the hummus made of blah. I ordered the lamb kabobs because I felt like spending the extra money on it--lamb ain't cheap. The lamb was beautifully delicious, but a tad too greasy. The only problem? After paying over $12 for that platter, IT WAS SERVED WITH BOX RICE. Seriously. It had to have been. Those little elongated orbs of chewy brownish rice-intruders? You have GOT to be kidding me. No no no. Not with my expensive lamb kabob. Imma bring the smackdown. Where the heck is my basmati?! I won't be wasting my time or money here again because there are simply better places to go. Which will use the correct rice. BAH! However, don't completely nix this place--it was an overall good experience and if you're looking for something close to meet with friends, it's perfect.
(3)
Jesse W.
Well, even without Al's personal attention during our dining experience, this was the best Med food that any of us have ever eaten. From the awesome appetizer, to the most tender and tasty chicken kebobs we've ever eaten, this place passed our test with flying colors. When my girlfriend mentioned that she had only ever eaten good falafel when she was in Israel, Al quickly went in the back and had the bring up some of his falafel for the Pepsi challenge. It was terrific; I mean really, really good. The only thing that probably wasn't a slam dunk with everyone at the table was the dessert, but Greek/Med desserts have never been my favorite thing. And what can you say about Al? He's terrific. A genuinely kind and enjoyable person who certainly adds a whole other dimension to your dining experience. Be warned though, if you are the kind of person that likes to be left alone while you are dining, this place is not for you.
(5)
Jay P.
The lamb was as tender as .....I have no clue....All I know is that this was a great dining experience. Al definitely provided us all with top notch service. I had heard rumors of this guy, and he lived up to every one. From complimentary dips and deserts to a few jokes that I didn't quite understand, Al was the hilight of the evening behind the the lamb. This might have been some of the best lamb these teeth have ever met. He doesn't really tell you the prices until the meal is over and he rings up the bill so I would ask ahead of time. The parking situation is pretty crappy but the meal is worth every penny. At the end of the meal, he gave us to go boxes filled with dips and a special dessert. Al really knows what he's doing and for that, I'll be back again!
(4)
Susan F.
Cafe Agora made all the other Greek restaurants I've eaten at look like child's play. The food was incredible! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We started off with a sample plate served to us by the owner. I couldn't tell you what he included (other than hummus), but it was delicious. For lunch I ordered the beef and lamb gyro. Amazing. I wish I could have eaten five. For first timers, there are a few things you should be warned about. 1) Parking's a pain. There are a few spaces in front and behind the building. Otherwise it's paid parking (in a lot) or you have to fend for yourself on the street. 2) When you walk in, go straight to the cash register. Order, then find a table and sit. 3) Go back to the register and pay when you're done. I don't think prices were posted, but they were reasonable.
(5)
Anna F.
Y'all: if you do nothing else this week, go to Cafe Agora. I can't stress enough how much I adore this place. I've been 3 or 4 times now, and it's always been fantastic. The owners are lovely, and the man will likely come to your table at least twice to check on you, share a funny joke, and bring a complimentary bite of baklava (which is to die for, btw). I highly recommend the Maza (masa?) platter: it's a plate full of every kind of Mediterranean dipping sauce/spread/concoction you could ever want, with another plate full of bite-sized, warm, fluffy pita bread. It's a great way to get a little taste of everything, either as an appetizer before dinner, or a healthy lunch. Also note that you can park for free in the parking lot by the Hifi Buys building.
(5)
Pranjal V.
Best Turkish food in town.
(5)
Michael L.
I finally got to meet Al, and though we just dropped in to take a few falafel and gyro sandwiches to go, Al gave us a small plate of hummus and two other dips alongside a small dish of cut up pita for us to eat while we waited. That's the kind of hospitality one encounters in middle eastern countries that I've been to. Thanks Al, we really appreciated it. I will gladly say that this place by far makes the best gyros and falafels that I've had in ATL- because it's just true!
(5)
Tricia C.
I was really disappointed when I tried to come here for lunch and somehow missed this place, but instead only saw the "Agora" restaurant a few doors down that was closed. I had read the reviews on Yelp and was really looking forward to the place. But my curiosity got the better of me and I called them later on and figured out my mistake. So, we came back for dinner! We were greeted by Al, who asked us if we had been there before and how had we heard about it. He told us about all the glowing reviews he's gotten on Yelp and Citysearch (except for the one bad review on Citysearch that was based on "opinion and not fact", haha). He made us the sampler plate o' hummus-es and other treats (many of which I have no idea what they were), but they were all DELICIOUS. I typically just stick to more Greek-style stuff since that's what I know, but everything he gave us to try was really really good (he literally prepared the first bites for us at the counter, mixing things in fairly precise ratios). I do wish he had given us bigger pieces of pita bread though. After he commended us for finishing that sampler, he allowed us to order gyros. I wouldn't say that the gyros were the best I've had, but they certainly hit the spot. I would have liked a little more tzatziki (since my meat was not as juicy as some others have said) and I would have liked to have some tomatoes on my gyro. But still, pretty solid. The best part about the meal (yes, even better than the hummus platter) was the baklava. Oh sweet Jesus, the baklava. He gave us each a half piece to sample, and it was like a chorus of angels burst into song in my mouth. It was far and away the best I've ever had. It had the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. It was very light, and not packed so tight that it takes you two minutes to chew. The honey was not so thick and gooey that you feel like your mouth is temporarily glued shut. It was not too drippy, it was not too dry. It was crisp and perfect, and had a sprinkling of pistachios on top. We bought 6 more pieces to take home and share, and he threw in 3 extra for good measure. (They were gone that night.) I really wanted to come back and get some to take back to Dallas with me but we didn't have time. Also, I noticed lots of people ordering food to go or for pickup, and most of them seemed like regular customers. It seems Al has realized a key ingredient of a great restaurant: there are so many restaurants out there these days and with review sites like Yelp available to savvy researchers wanting new and different places to try, that little extra of great customer service goes a long way in setting yourself apart from the rest. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Atlanta!
(5)
Brian H.
I go to this place regularly. Al's got a great product here and the service is hard to beat. 2 thumbs up, way up.
(5)
John R.
A friend and I went tonight for the first time. I'm kicking myself right now for having lived around the corner for 5 years and never ventured into this restaurant. Our server was friendly, and the food was great! We both had the falafel with a starter of hummus. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The dessert brought at the end (a little piece of bakalava) was omg....delicious. We both left very satisfied, just the right amount of full. I can't wait to go back and explore many more of the dishes that were in the refrigerator case. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)
Saloni L.
Very nice and welcoming place! loved the food and ambience. Owner is extremely friendly and ensures you have a good time!
(5)
Isabel Y.
Great food, absolutely no question! I love hole in the wall joints like this one by Park Bench. It's great if you are just chilling one night and don't mind lingering over some over the counter philosophizing with Al. BONUS: Being hand fed some amazing baklava is NEVER a bad thing. But if you're looking to quickly eat and then head somewhere else, you may want to go to elsewhere. Between finishing our food (SO GOOD i'm not kidding) and leaving the restaurant took a good 15 min last time, and we were in a hurry to meet up with some other friends. Not a big deal but just a heads up. My main complaint: Al just tells you how much you owe and gives you a piece of paper with that number. Like everyone else, I like free appetizers and free dessert, but I would like the place more if whenever I came, the price was SEMI-on par with last time (and yes I order the same things). Sometimes it's $14, sometimes it's $25...(???) I'd like an itemized receipt please. Just go on a weeknight after work with a friend, sit at the bar, let Al bring you food, and consider it great bang for your buck, all things considered.
(4)
louis n.
I didn't know what to expect when I came to Cafe Agora. It's definitely not a "date spot" by any means. I came for lunch with two of my close friends. We didn't receive a proper greeting nor prompt seating. The three of us ordered the Chicken, Lamb, and Mix Gyros. They were all tasty and filling, great food portions. The hummus w/ falafel was as good as it gets. The hummus was smooth and had the right amount of olive oil for taste and texture. The tabouli was fresh and seasoned with just the right amount of zest. Parking is limited on E. Paces Ferry Rd. Try parking behind the building or across the street at the vacant HiFi Buys.
(3)
S B.
Wonderful! I'm sitting in Cafe Agora now and everything from atmosphere to food was excellent. We will definitely be back
(5)
Matt T.
This place was a really pleasant surprise. My girlfriend and I were driving around Buckhead looking for a good, new place to eat and she looked up local restaurants on yelp. She stumbled across this place and we decided to give it a shot. The restaurant is fairly small and sort of a hole in the wall type place. However, like many other holes in the wall, the food was delicious. The owner is very welcoming and friendly. He offered us free samples of hummus, ezme, and tabbouleh because it was our first time there and he wanted to show us how good his food was. I ordered the iskendar kabob and my girlfriend got the falafel sandwich, both of which were delicious. The lamb was probably the best I've had in Atlanta so far and the falafel was very tasty and perfectly golden on the outside. When we left, the owner insisted that we take some rice pudding on the house and I have to say, it was outstanding. Overall, great place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone/go back.
(5)
Blake K.
Okay, so maybe this is the more realistic rating that Cafe Agora deserved in the first place based on solely food. This time around the place was too busy for Al to spend his sweet time with us, and so the experience suffered. Please, Please, Please, read my other review for all the AWESOME positive things about this place. This review, on the other hand, will simply spot out a few qualms I had this time around. I got the platter again. Most everything was amazing (as I remembered) except for the humus. It seemed to be missing something. It just tasted like plain ol' humus, like the kind of stuff you can get at Publix. I mean it's good, just not great. And the rice. My girlfriend had the kabob platter. She swears the rice was boxed. I can't say I know my rice that well, but it did have a weird texture to it. But maybe it's just weird rice. The meat was delish. The place is awesome. I'll definitely be bringing friends here again.
(4)
jimmy s.
Quick summary: fantastic metza platter, unreal gyro, and Al is a trip. A little pricey compared to many quick lunch spots in this genre, but this different in quality is incomparable. Best gyro in town should be enough reason to visit.
(5)
Alan B.
I have lived in buckhead for a year, eaten @cafeagora for a year. And i have eaten authentic homemade turkish for a long time. And this is it, home made authentic for 99.9% of it... anyways go eat there, order the efes beer and chow down on some ezma, kabob, and sarma...
(5)
David S.
Dear Yelp, can I give 6 stars? Please? I just went back today, and basically was indecisive on what to order, so Al suggested the mixed grill. This is friggin GENIUS. Why decide when you don't have to, when you can have it all? It was superb, so much food, so many tastes, thank Zeus that my stomach has the ability to expand in cases of dire culinary emergency. And, maybe even more important than getting yummy food, Al gave me a bit of advice from his own life. The jist of it was this "The best way to get ahead in life is with intelligence and kindness". All this and gyros, too??
(5)
Arjun R.
Really enjoyed it. Was excellent quality food. Had only two significant gripes - a tad overpriced and just a little under-spiced for my liking.
(4)
Kevin P.
I love Agora. Small place. Parking can be frustrating , although you can park for free down street. Food is great. Prices reasonable. Don't let your first dish lock you into a favorite. Try several things on the menu. You will end up with many favorites. I love the lamb kabob, turkish lamb meatballs, carrot appetizer, and the chicken kabob.
(4)
Dio S.
Why does Al love Yelp? Because Yelp loves Cafe Agora! My friend told me Al wants to meet some yelpers, because he's thrilled about all the positive reviews. I can personally confirm that the raves are well justified. Here can be found one of the most delicious gyros I've ever had, with tangy fresh tzatziki, aromatic lamb, chewy pita, overloaded with juicy goodness, mmm...my mouth waters uncontrollably as I think about it. The hummus, kebabs, and salads are likewise fantastic. All the cold salads have just the right tartness in their dressings. I had stale iced tea once, and that's about the only spotty experience. With all those upscale places around this part of Buckhead, this offers one of my favorite casual options (great for to-go too) in the area. Much better than Fellini's, Johnny Rockets, Rio Grande and the like close by. Must try!
(4)
Kyle J.
This is my favorite place to grab a bite in the Metro. I was first taken here one late night without all of my capacities intact and was blown away by the food. Since McDonald's Fries also falls into the same category in that state I decided to go back a couple of days later for lunch and the food was just as good and Al was just as inviting and witty. So now I frequent the place. I recommend the kebabs and the vegetarian fare. Not the gyro which typically comes out a little dry. If you do not like spicy food do not order the lamb and stick with the chicken or beef. Also good luck ordering food off of the signs hanging above , as most of the items are not available. But for a great place to grab a bite for lunch or late this is the place. Don't forget to use the hot sauce though. FYI: Food is cooked to order.
(5)
M G.
If you've been to a Bazaar in Istanbul, you are quite familiar with the talkative shop owners, who implore and cajole you to look and try everything in their store. Al, owner of Cafe Agora, is no different, but even if he wasn't the friendly and quite expressive guy that he is, you'd still want to try every single thing on the menu, because it speaks for itself. Al doesn't need to lobby the customer or recommend his favorites, because it is all excellent, but his presence behind the bar makes the experience that much more enjoyable. As has been noted in other reviews, he'll set you up with a sampler and some desserts while you wait, and chances are you'll tear through the pita and dips and your mouth will be watering for more by the time the meal comes. It's such a pleasant experience, made more worth while with the kind of old world interaction with the owner that is so rare nowadays.
(5)
Travis M.
First and foremost, I feel like i should note that I have never been here 100% sober, but its fantastic location within walking distance of most of my favorite bars in Buckhead make it a real late night treat. I've never ordered anything but a gyro but Al has always been fastastic and brings me out samples of many other items. I think their gyros are some of the best in Atlanta (trust me, i've eaten a lot of gyros after a late night drinking session - i'd like to consider myself somewhat of an expert) and their baklava is also quite delicious.
(4)
Chef Invisible T.
Why 4 stars--because it was hard for me to give five for a gyro but it is close. Hey Al, your the hottest on Yelp....congrats. But at last my dreams are over-I have findly found a Lamb Gyro in the Atl that I can say is better or as good as what I have tried anywhere. The owner(AL) is great which pushes this review to 4.5 stars. They lost half a star and a round down just on the A-kebab being ok. But wait... this place has to be the go to for anyone out after 1pm on a fri-sat night in the ever condo-hotel dining Buckhead. I have the great advantage of my girlfriend being a chef at a local hot spot in the area and my to -go gyro is now a regular staple for my late nite chef dinner. Can you believe I worked in this area for years and did not find out about this Med Food Find until Yelp users steered me in the direction. Thank You Yelp and I have to say that this is one of the best examples of what the ATL needs--small affordable dining- that is what makes great food cities so great.
(4)
Laila S.
pretty good mediterranian food. its small on the inside, but its nice.
(3)
Chris R.
We strolled in this past Saturday (1.24.09) for a late lunch after running a few errands in the neighborhood. It is definitely is in a blighted area that only 5 years ago used to be the nexus of night life is the now diminished going-out "scene" of Buckhead. But no matter...the Mediterranean food was awesome! The restaurant is fairly small and not the prettiest of interiors, but for the price and tastiness I certainly would go back. We ordered the Mixed Maza Platter and the Chicken Shish Kebab. The hummus was so good that we bought some to go and had some as our appetizer with our at home prepared dinner that night. By the time we finished eating the mixed maza platter we were nearly too stuffed to continue on we opened up our hollow leg and made a go at the Chicken Shish Kebab. The chicken was quite tasty in that it had a spicy very very faint taste of barbecue and the tzatziki sauce made for a tasty morsel. The house salad was so so..and the same with the basmati rice...but overall it was quite good. We finished it off with a little sample of the baklava. By then I was stuffed...but the little taste of sweetness ended a great lunch. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely go back when we're in the neighborhood.
(5)
Justin B.
We walked into cafe agora on a Sunday night. From across the room Al saw us and asked if we'd been there before which led us directly to the beautiful display of his yummy looking wares. There weren't many people in the restaurant with us but the food was delightful and so was Al. His personal recommendations turned out to be great and the whole experience was memorable and commendable. I'd definitely go back.... and considering my parents live only a few blocks from him... we definitely will.
Very friendly, comfortable restaurant with great food!
(5)
scott h.
Amazing Place!!! Great first time experience tonight, so great I made a Yelp account just to write a great review on this restaurant! The food was great! The hummus was the best i have ever had, and they had this carrot salad, wow, im not even a fan of carrots and i nearly exploded i ate so much carrot stuff!!!! the gyros were also fantastic.. i am used to a much less traditional style gyro, so i am used to more sauce, but i have to say, the meat in these gyros is by far the best! it was cooked perfectly!!! and as for the owner of the place, Al, he is a fantastic guy, on a first name basis with many of his customers and treats them well! as a first timer, he let us try so many things and treated us as if we had been coming there for years. overall, great experience and i will be visiting many many times!!!
(5)
Kelly O.
This place has consistently good reviews for a reason. While it doesn't look like much from the outside, once you walk inside, you are treated like royalty. I ventured here for the first time with a friend the other night and got to experience Al's doting firsthand. He could tell we hadn't been before and insisted we try the mezza sampler plate - he literally hand fed us bites so we could see what went together. Since I don't know what all was on the plate, I can't say what my favorite was, but I highly recommend getting this if it is your first time there to try a little bit of everything - and it was ALL good - no joke, we cleaned the plate. A little full from the sampler, we split a lamb kabob plate, which was the perfect amount of food for two girls - the lamb practically melted in your mouth and the Greek salad was the best I have ever had, with the white dipping sauce just adding to the meal. To finish off the meal, he brought over some baklava and fed it to us (he is really into feeding you, so if you are uncomfortable with being hand fed, this might not be the place for you), which was amazing!! A great meal, great experience overall and with such personal service, I will be back all the time!
(5)
Dave G.
I love this place. The gyro is the best ever. However, parking is very difficult and the food is a bit expensive. In addition, while the owner did hook us up with a sample platter, I understand that isn't the normal case. Therefore, for $9 or so, you get a Gyro and a drink - no sides. Just seems a little expensive (especially with the parking hassle). * Update - return trip - parking not a problem, just go earlier. Drink, gyro and side salad for $10. Very delicious! Upgraded to 5 stars! Yea!!!
(5)
Todd P.
When my friend and I walked up to the counter to order dinner, Al showed us a print-out of the Yelp Atlanta home page listing Cafe Agora in the coveted #1 spot for Hot on Yelp restaurants. I've noticed it highlighted there several times the past few months and that's what lead me to his restaurant. He's definitely proud of the support he's received from the Atlanta Yelp community. Suffice it to say the food was fantastic, just as others have described in their reviews -- from the sampler plate of hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, etc. to the gyro meat, rice and pita there was not one thing that was a miss for me. Thanks Yelpers for leading me to a fantastic experience, and thanks to Al for showing us the hospitality that is abundant for all your customers.
(4)
Rei W.
Tiny little restaurant with tons of personality. If you're going with a group of friends, get a mezza plate to share. Warm pita squares with grilled eggplant and hummus...mmmm Al, the owner, will make your meal an experience. The most entertaining owner I've ever met. If you don't know what to order, have no fear, Al will guarantee you something delicious. Don't forget the Baaklava. Their Baaklava comes in traditional squares, rolls and pinwheels- my favorite. Ground pistachios on top add a nice touch.
(5)
Christopher P.
Al + Mezza Plate + Baklava = Goodness Cafe Agora.... Mezza Plate... do it... do it... now....
(4)
Deanna J.
If six were allowed, this would be my first six-star review for the simple fact that it provided me with one of the funniest dining experiences of my life. More on that later. Cafe Agora is located in the general area near 'Old Buckhead,' where there are still open restaurants and galleries - and if it wasn't for yelpers (thanks, yall!!) I would have never known about this place. I literally worked right across the street for over a year, and still never knew about it! Sad, but true. The little place is perched on a corner, with a bright blue awning. There are no more than a dozen tables in there, and you get the feeling that it's a lunch only kind of place, until you spot the wall o' bar - definitely enough libations to get you going on a Friday night. You can also imagine how dim lighting would create a whole new ambiance in the evening, too. A friend and I met up for lunch just before the usual big lunch rush - both of our first times to Cafe Agora. We were greeted by the owner (who I think his name is Ali). I mentioned was excited to try the restaurant and was with and head about it on Yelp. He suggested that we split a mixed maza platter, which includes hummus, eggplant, babaganush, and pretty much every possible thing behind the shiny glass counter. It was amazing. It's actually a good thing I didn't know about this place when I worked across the street, or I would have become verrryyy familiar with the sampler platter! We looked around as everyone else got their gyros, since we planned to split one of those as well, but ours never came out. Finally, Ali came over, admonished us for not finishing our platter, and denied our request for ordering more pita bread to finish it off - explaining that we would be too full to eat out gyro after. Now, mind you, he didn't say any of this in an unfriendly way, but more in a 'hilarious uncle' kind of way - just one of those owners with lots (LOTS) of character, a la Ann of Ann's Snack Bar. Since we were splitting the gyro, instead of giving us a knife, he explained how we were to just pass the gyro across the table to each other (but only if we were friends) and each take a bite out of it - which we did, juices flowing from the gyro and laughing from what was transpiring. But wow. The flavor of the gyro was ridiculously tasty. He also sat down to tell us the health benefits of the food, that the meza was extremely time consuming to make, urged us to finish our plate, and we also saw when he was back in the kitchen fighting off the lunch rush, had a girl at the next table go get her own ice and cup for her drink. He also gave us a baklava (and tried to comp our meal, but we circumvented that by stuffing cash in the tip jar!), which, surprise, surprise, was awesome, too. Though many of these sound like customer service faux pas, the character really just added to the experience - one of those unique, very local, very yelpy times - only enhanced by the hilariously unique and friendly owner. Good yelpy times! I officially love it here. Even if your visit isn't as entertaining as mine was, there's still plenty reason to go to Cafe Agora. The food was extremely good, and it's a versatile spot for everything from a quick lunch, to a really cute 'hidden unique date-y' kind of spot for the evening!
(5)
Gina C.
My friend suggested this place for dinner and I was so glad she did! I've been wanting to try it out for a while. It is a little hole in the wall restaurant, but the food is superb! My friend and I were the only ones there tonight, besides the guy that works there and his family. It wasn't Al, but a younger guy. For starters, we ordered the hummus. It was probably the best I've ever had! I couldn't stop eating it! We also ordered a small greek salad, which was very good with the balsamic dressing and all the veggies. I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the falafel. My gyro was very good. I loved every bite of it. The portion is pretty big, but I still finished it. My friend's falafel was delicious as well, but I liked my gyro better. Towards the end of our meal, Al came in and talked to us for a bit. He asked us if we've been here before and then he gave us a sample portion of baklava which he fed to the both of us. When we went up to pay, our bill came out to be $24 and some change, but Al told the guy to charge us $20. I do agree with the others about the parking. There is a lot in the back and some street parking. Also, the restaurant is really small so get there early! I'll def be back for more gyros. They are the best in Atlanta!
(5)
MICHAEL N.
I always get the gyro but it is excellent. Best part about this place are the late hours on the weekends.
(4)
Achille Y.
The food is decent but this establishment has several issues; 1: Parking; it's very had to park. 2: The prioprietor (ED?) Is extremely LOUD AND OVERBEARING. He will just bring you food to try. He actually yelled at me for eating all the bread. He then put some food on the bread and handed it to me to eat "properly". Whoa. 3: He will randomly bring food to try. It's free right? -- Yeah... NO! He charged me for that. 4: There are no posted prices, and the whole pricing is extremely sketchy. I got the same food several times and it cost different amounts. Each time it's been an even amount charged ($35, $40)
(1)
Jonathan P.
I am in Buckhead on business for the week and was checking out Yelp for a place to eat. I came across Cafe Agora and had to try it based on the reviews. It was a bit of a hike from my hotel, but well worth it. Al was very friendly and wanted me to try everything. He brought out the Maza platter and started feeding me from it. Can't say I've ever experienced that before, but I didn't mind, it just adds to the eccentricity of the place. Everything that can be said about the food already has. I was not disappointed and will definitely be making a return trip before I leave.
(5)
Britny P.
I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! It is so authentic and the owner, Al, is super nice and loyal to his customers. I remember the very first time I went to Al's and thinking that it looked a little sketchy...this was pre-yelp days and when Al's had just opened up. It did not have a bar or barely a table but I remember the wonderful service and the AMAZING food! I was able to relive that moment when I brought my boyfriend and friend for their first experience. I really enjoyed seeing their expressions and enjoying the atmosphere that Al had created since my first time. The food is so authentic and you can see it with the preparation and presentation. Huge portions and very fresh. It is also very reasonably priced! I gave it 4 stars because of he parking...there is none. Other than that, you must stop in and say hi to Al. Become one of his loyal customers...he treats you well! Thank you Al for always making my experience like the first one.
(4)
Kyle P.
This place is fan freaking-tastic. Order the Maza platter to start, everything on it is super tasty and authentic. This was my first time there so I had to go with the traditional gyro, it was perfect...especially when I added some of the Maza plate toppings. We capped off with a Baklava and my friend Jamison was quoted as saying that if his car was on fire, he wouldn't have left his baklava to save it. This place is the real deal.
(5)
Kris L.
WARNING: I'm about to do my best Tony Bourdain impression in this review. So what does one do when stuck in Buckhead on a frigid, frozen rainy night? What does one select for an evening solo meal amongst so many tantalizing choices in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood? Does one overpay for a filet at one of the numerous steakhouses? Does one chicken out and eat at the at-best mediocre room service food? No, I say! No! Not me. Not this guy. I'm takin' it to the street. And I'm going for Turkish food, my friends. That's right. Turkish food. In Atlanta. In Winter. Thanks once again to the savvy writers of Yelp, my cravings were satisfied a 'very' brisk 12 minute walk later (brisk being defined in this case as a near-sprint) to Cafe Agora. I braved the elements seeking an authentic doner (or Turkish gyro) and the men of Cafe Agora did not disappoint. First, a complimentary selection of meze salads and pita bites to go with my ice cold Efes beer. Then the moment arrives. Oh yes, here it is - the gyro. And it was outstanding. Stupendous! And it was, um, rather brief in its existence. Down it went, along with the Efes and a dash of Turkish hot sauce. Absolutely perfect. What? What did you say, my new Cafe Agora friends? You want to offer me ANOTHER gyro and a SECOND cold Efes beer? Why, yes please! Gluttonous? Perhaps? Over the top? Definitely. Worth every frickin' painful frozen step home to my hotel. No doubt. So when in Buckhead, go to Cafe Agora. And when you drink your Efes and stuff yourself silly with Turkish meat products, think of me. And don't forget the baklava..
(5)
Austin C.
Humble, healthy, and overall happy experience! First, let me begin with Al. He is very humble and his mission is to serve his patrons with the best service possible. He always greets us with a warm smile and laughs when we walk in because he knows how difficult my girlfriend and I are with food. We always change up the entire menu as we are constantly striving to only put foods that will enrich our lives in our system. Kudos Al! We usually order the hummus to start and then a grilled chicken salad. They have this tomato salad that is filled with vegetables and he knows to load us up with that side. For serious antioxidants and vitamins I highly suggest the tomato salad. The food is not that expensive and at the end of the meal Al usually gives you a treat that rhymes with Maklavah. He also gives me great insight on how to serve people better and be a leader in the community.
(5)
Stacy A.
Finally tried this place and was very disappointed. Black olives, not kalamatas, were used in their salad. Mezza platter was disappointing. The place is really small and dinghy, not an environment to boost the appetite. I'm not sure why this is so highly rated---I'd rather drive up to Aladdin's in Roswell for a meditterranean feast.
(1)
Ndamukong S.
One of the best lamb gyros I've ever had. The flavor of the meat and tzatziki was excellent. (Portion was filling as well.) Enjoy it with a Turkish Efes beer. All food orders come with rice pudding (for after your meal) but if you have room for a little more, try the baklava. It is different, in a very good way.
(4)
Jessica C.
Very tasty. I think the owner was at an event, which I was a little disappointed about, but I will definitely be back again to try to catch him! I took an adventurous coworker here for an informal lunch meeting, and it turned out perfectly. We both ordered the sampler appetizer platter, which was a great size for lunch, and the sweet girl who served us brought out a pile of warm pita squares. Really tasty! Since we arrived a little after 1pm, it wasn't very crowded and we could talk freely.
(5)
Per C.
I decided to come here after reading all the rave reviews. I'd never really had mediterranean food before so I decided to try something new. I have no idea what I ordered...I think it was the combo? It came at the recommendation of the guy i assumed to be the owner. He seemed eager to show me what mediterranean food had to offer. He proceeded to give me whole medley of shit to try - 3 courses of it. The first course was a salsa looking thing with some green stuff and what I believe to be hummus. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to dip bread in it or eat it like an appetizer. It didnt come with bread so I just ate it as is. Verdict - It was good. The main course was a concoction of different types of bbq'd meat, rice, flatbread, and some sort of creamy substance. The chicken was a little dry, but still good. The other meats were cooked well and everything on the plate was great. Verdict - It was good. The third course was some egg roll looking dessert. It was buttery, nutty, and sweet. Verdict - It was good. The portions are huge, the price is right, the food is good. I'd be here all the time if I lived in Atlanta.
(4)
Juna D.
BEWARE. You will be served a platter of mezza without asking for it, believe it is complimentary, and then pay $15 for it!! The food is great, but be careful with your bill.
(2)
Mark D.
Grape leaf rolls were fantastic like everything else!
(5)
Stephanie B.
This place is my new favorite restaurant! The best Turkish food I have had outside Istanbul! I will be making this a weekly destination. Al, the owner, was great!
(5)
Nishal O.
After reading good reviews, we decided to check this place out. We were very disappointed with the service and will not return again!!! We asked for a "to go" order and a menu and the older gentleman (I am assuming the owner) was very rude. We ordered an appetizer and a gyro. He left our appeitzer out for us to bag ourselves and took the "to go menu" away from us after yelling at us for not letting him know we wanted a to go order (when we stated it at the beginning). I am shocked that we were treated so poorly. Aside from the poor service, the quality of the food was mediocre.
(1)
Brian R.
So. Awesome. It was empty when E and I went this weekend which probably lead to us having a great experience. Al (the owner) hooked us up with a sample platter of all the sides they have, e.g. taboule, ezme, hummus, goat cheese, &c. All were fantastic. I attempted to order a chicken gyro to which he responded, "What, you don't like beef & lamb? You get chicken next time." This proved sound advice as it was the best gyro I've had in town so far. After our meal he brought us a couple bites of baclava (absolutely the best). I highly recommend you check it out. Al's philosophy seems to be that you should open yourself up and try new food. An excellent place to go for a tete-a-tete, to hear a story, and get some great mediterranean food.
(5)
Dean M.
Tried this for the first time as delivery last night, amazingly good. The Hummus was the best we've ever had. The Falafel was delicious, the Masa platter is a great way to try some of the appetizers, what a great selection of delicacies. The Lamb Kebob meat was very good, but I thought it could use more, it was just meat and rice. The Baklava to end the meal was very delicious too. I would recommend Agora to everyone.
(4)
Dustin W.
The food was great had the beef & lamb gyro since it was my first time. The baklava was tasty. I'm glad I live so close to this place and the reviews are all true about this place is amazing !
(5)
Liz M.
Absolutely incredible... I have a huge smile on my face the whole time I'm eating either the greek chicken salad or the chicken kebabs platter.. I know I have to be more adventurous with my selections but those two are just so delicious. The last few times I've gone with my coworkers for lunch we get some sort of free dessert which is also AMAZING! So so good.
(5)
Tara M.
So far the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food I've had in Atlanta. All the meats are very well seasoned and usually juicy and moist. I like the little spicy kick in the falafel. The marinated kidney bean salad is awesome. Drink refills could be a little quicker or glasses bigger. A lot of times they give you a little bite of rice pudding or baklava at the end with your check even if you don't order dessert. It's a sweet touch - no pun intended.
(4)
Joe K.
Based on a friend's recommendation and the reviews here on Yelp, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... For the main course, my wife loved the "sampler plate" Al made us so much that she ordered another for her full meal. I had tender, juicy lamb with yogurt sauce, delicious salad, and rice. I also ordered a glass of ouzo, but Al insisted I try the Turkish version called Raki. IT was an excellent suggestion, as it perfectly complimented the food. The only knock is that you have to pay for parking, but it is worth it to sample the fresh, flavorful food and familial service.
(5)
Leanne B.
Cafe Agora would have gotten another star if we hadn't been made to feel so uncomfortable on our visit. We walked in and even though there were only 3 other tables of people, they seemed overwhelmed. Those 3 tables had managed to spread themselves out and we had trouble even getting to a table (no one moved out of our way and the servers did nothing to help). Eventually we sat down and they brought us a sampler mezza platter, which we were eventually charged $9.99 for (it was good, but $10?? Are you kidding? and you didn't even tell us that it would cost that). Then we ordered falafel and the waiter acted like we were crazy and he told us we wouldn't be able to eat that and two entrees, so we ordered one meat platter. The food was very good, which made up for a lot of the discomfort. Oh yeah, and no one ever asked us if we wanted drinks-they just brought us water. When it came time to pay, they gave us a few dessert samples which were delish. But the total was $35 for basically one entree and two appetizers, no drinks. It seemed a little high and overall led me to think I am not very likely to go back, except maybe to grab a gyro to go.
(2)
Jessica Y.
We LOVE Al & Cafe Agora,and eat there frequently. Whether just for a late night baklava and kahve stop or for a lunch or evening meal the Turkish cuisine served at Cafe Agora is the nearest to authentic fast food Turkish that can be found in Atlanta. In sort, the food is tasty, and Al is simply the best proprietor that I've ever met the States! PROS: Late night hours, Al, baklava CONS: No authentic cay
(5)
Mary K.
My first experience was awesome! Can't wait to go back for more. :)
(4)
Miggy D.
Decided to check out the place on a Friday night after reading it on Yelp. When we walked in, I was surprised that it looked more like a mediterranean cafeteria instead of a restaurant. We looked at the display of food and asked the owner which one was the best. The obvious answer was "everything is good." We then decided to try the Kebab and a Lamb Gyro but since we were starving when we got there we also added the platter. On the platter, I only recognized the hummus and the rest was some eggplant, tomato thingys, and some other stuff. Whatever was in that platter, we just wiped it out. Not because we were hungry but more because it was really good. By the time our main dish came, we had gone through 4 pitas. The Lamb and the Kebab was superb but didn't feel we had enough space in our tummies. The owner was also kind enough to give us a small tasting of their Baklava. I'm not a big fan of dessert but this one was pretty good! The only downside is that there are no prices on the dishes so when we were checking out, I just felt they randomly entered the amount. No big deal because for what we ate, we ended up spending $30 (which is a deal, I hope!).
(4)
Bobbin W.
I love eating out and have been called a foodie by many people, but I've never been one to squander my money on high-end Buckhead Life meals. Based on value, service and atmosphere, I think budget-friendly Cafe Agora is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. A former coworker treated me to an amazing lunch there yesterday. The server, Tony, took his time explaining the menu to us, while I salivated over the various salads in the front case. I decided on the Falafel Platter, which included four huge deep-fried chickpea patties served with a Greek salad and hummus. The Greek salad permanently raised the bar, with its fresh red pepper and cucumber, tiny feta crumbles, marinated red onion and crispness overall. The only so-so ingredient the salad contained were canned, sliced olives, as opposed to fresh, juicy, whole kalamata olives--a truly shocking detriment to an otherwise ethereal heap of roughage. Tony also brought us a sample plate of tabbouleh--the freshest of the fresh. My former colleague had his way with the Agora Mixed Grill: a hearty heap of kabobs: chicken, lamb, adana and kofta, plus gyro slices. His pita bread appeared different from mine with a deep orange hue--I'm assuming it had been yummi-fied with spices. Our other vegetarian dining companion eagerly ate her Mixed Maza Platter: a combination plate of hummus, eggplant salad and baba ganoush. I was most interested in the carrot puree with yogurt and dill. I sipped both Turkish tea and Turkish coffee during our stay. Served in a tiny cup on a delicate saucer, the more-than-strong coffee stunned me with a jolt of energy. A fourth-inch of coffee grounds had settled in the bottom; I resorted to diluting the beverage with milk, much to Tony's amusement. Tony also brought us a sample of pistachio baklava on a plate. When I bit into the square, moisture shot across my chin, releasing a burst of amazing flavors. I've never craved baklava because I associate it with dry, bland layers, but Cafe Agora's version rocked my world. I have to mention the atmosphere, too: the chandeliers, textured walls, wooden/rope combo trim and other decorative items perfectly complemented the food. And the service: Tony was charming and awesome. Oh, Cafe Agora, where have you been all my life?
(5)
Pedro S.
Astonishingly good food in this little tucked-away hole in the wall. One of the best gyros in the city and the hummus platter is superb.
(5)
Leslie G.
My husband(fiance at the time ) found this place on our first trip together to Atlanta. It was just indescribably good. A tad pricey.( FYI) if you order at the counter and if you don't ask for a menu, you don't get one. My husband just pointed to several dishes on display in the counter and ordered. so we really didn't know how much it was all gonna be till the end. I think it was like 50 for the two of us. but the entire reason we went back was not just the great food but it was the baklava that absolutely changed the way I thought about desserts O.M.G. It was the best dessert I have ever put in my mouth. I'm not sure if the reason it was so good cuz maybe it was fresh from the oven? i don't know. but what I do know is when we came back on our honey moon specifically to have that baklava, it was just as good as I had remembered it to be.
(5)
Helen H.
not entirely sure what the hub bub about this place is.. first came here a long time ago with Cherry L. I was one of the virgin friends in her review.. and I can't say I was converted haha~ That time we got the hummus, spanokopita, agora mixed grill plate, and they gave us little pieces of baklava to try at the end. - The hummus... was AMAZING.. it wasn't actually the hummus itself that was so good.. but the little pieces of squishy on the inside but toasted on the outside pita that was so good. - The baklava was also very very good. The little piece they gave us was just the right amount though because it was VERY sweet. To the point where I would not have gotten my own piece. Now for the not so good... - The spanokopita was mushy and a little stale-tasting. I like flaky just the right amount of crispy filo dough, and this spanokopita fell flat. - The agora grill plate is a mix of all the meats they have and everything on the plate was INCREDIBLY dry bordering on burnt. The rice was also very dry and didn't seem fresh (Zattaran's rice maybe???) My boyfriend didn't even want to finish the plate of food which is pretty much unheard of. So willing to think of this as a fluke... we went back later and I got the kufta kebab platter and my bf got lamb/beef gyro. DRY AGAIN dammit. All in all - I love that it's open late and that it's like 2 mins away from my apartment. However, it comes nowhere close to being the best Mediterranean I've had... but to give it credit I can't think of a place in Atlanta that is much better either, so.... *shrug*
(3)
Lauren D.
Continuing my foray into Greek delicacies, I've been to Cafe Agora twice and can I just say, YUM. Decent portions, extremely authentic and absolutely delicious. The best part is that they're open late....WAY WAY better than a trip to Waffle House after a night of drinking!
(5)
Clare D.
We ordered the mixed grill for delivery, and it was outstanding!!! It tasted like it had been grilled over a charcoal or wood fire. Will definitely save their phone #!
(5)
Austin R.
I really enjoyed my experience with this place. My sister and I were driving through Atlanta and decided to make a day of it. We went here for lunch after I found it on yelp. We got there a bit after 11, probably the first customers of the day. The owner greeted us and after we said it was our first time there and asked some leading questions about Turkish food and Turkey in general, he proceeded to educate us extensively on both subjects. We ended up ordering the mezze platter and a falafel sandwich to go. While we were waiting he gave us a couple free shots of rice pudding which was freaking delicious and brought out a little plate of hummus, tabouli, and ezme for us to try to make sure we liked what we ordered. For some odd reason he insisted on feeding me himself (in a sort of paternal way). To finish our sampling he gave us each a small piece of pistachio baklava that he insisted I eat in one bite. To his disdain, my sister took 3 baby bird bites because she "wanted to taste it more!" The guy was hilarious if a little odd. And now of course the food: the hummus was great, heavy on the garlic and olive oil, the ezme was also very good. The tabouli was pretty much all parsley which I guess could be a Turkish thing; I like a bit more bulgur. The tzatziki was much richer than I like with what tasted like a sour cream base instead of yogurt. The pita was very thick, pocketless and delicious, and finally the falafel was unbelievable. Served in a pita gyro style with a little tzatziki and hummus, it was a nice greenish hue inside and had just the right amount of spiciness for me.
(4)
Jeannine G.
Love, Love, Love Cafe Agora! the lamb gyro is the best!
(5)
Nadia H.
What would Buckhead do without Cafe Agora? It is after all, the best lunch spot in Buckhead. If you are a foodie, try their Lamb Kabab next time when you go there. The meat is out of this world. The rice that comes with the kabab needs some improvements. Make sure to ask for Turkish coffee before you go back to work. It keeps you up for the rest of the day.
(4)
Will L.
I can't believe I did not already know about this place. All of the reviews are consistent with my experience. What a fun place to take a friend! I walked in with my GF and Al immediately piped up and and had us sample a variety of food from the case up front. We ordered a Gyro and the mixed grill. I have been looking for good kabob since returning from Southwest Asia 2 years ago....the journey is over. The chicken was great, the tabbouleh was great, all of the vegetables were fresh. The mixed grill was served on rice with some orzo, I wish I could get pint containers of the stuff! I think this place is going to make me fat. I am profoundly happy to have found a place that does lamb right. The deserts! I really don't eat sweets, Al brought out baklava and it blew my mind. Then, as we paid the check, he handed us two lady fingers in a to go box and related that they would make an excellent breakfast in the morning. The atmosphere is very laid back, the prices are good and the location is very convenient. I think a lot of people head there for takeout, I know I will.
(4)
Mel I.
I probably eat here at least once a week. You can tell that it all homemade from scratch. I personally get the hummus and the chicken gyro even though without a doubt they are always trying to offer you something new from the case to try - hand fed ONLY to men of course. Pretty funny actually not to mention the large amount of security cameras for smaller sizer space. LOL.
(4)
Lydia S.
This was not just good food, but the food was a great experience. When I say good food, I am speaking as a person with a very critical palate. We started with the Mixed Maza Platter and continued to the Agora Mixed Grill...AWESOMELY GOOD! The humus was the best I have tasted, and the Baba Ganoush, potato salad, mushrooms ...I don't even know the rest of what we ate on that Maza Platter, but it was GREAT! The hot Agora Mixed Grill has the best seasoned lamb, beef, and chicken over a cheese pilaf...DYNAMIC! My friends and I have marked this as a favorite spot when we are in town.
(5)
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Address :318 E Paces Ferry Rd NE
Atlanta, GA, 30305
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sree N.
Truly a hole in the wall joint thats easy to be missed even when driving around the buildings looking for the place. Based on other yelpers recommendations, we parked at the $5 lot across since street. Place was 1/2 way packed and we were initially confused as to if we should grab a seat or only sit after ordering in the front. Employee quickly told us that we should order first - we ordered the mixed agora platter, lamb shawarma sandwich and a spanakopita (spinach pie). Shawarma was good - meat was excellent, but I hoped for a some sauce (perhaps Garlic based?) to make the sandwich less dry. Mixed plater was really good - wife loved the chicken kabobs. Now that I'm writing this review, I have no idea why I didn't order either the hummus or the baklava - for another time, I suppose. Overall, an authentic Mediterranean hole in the wall joint. I will definitely be back to try other dishes here.
(4)Bruce B.
This place is solid. The service was quick and the food was authentic. The only serve you a little bit of pita bread, but you can always order more. I would order the mixed grill plate.
(4)Zeno J.
Wow amazing and quick I got delivery in about 28 mins the rice pudding was amazing with Turkish tea. Agora Mixed Grill was great should have gotten more tahini sauce and asked for a small hummas. will order from again this week! well worth five stars this spot made me finally sign up for yelp! Only Con was the delivery minimum of 30$ this should be at least 25$
(4)Erik B.
Delicious, delicious delicious. I cant live without this place . Whenever I go to Buckhead, Agora is my place to stop by and enjoy the kebaps. Highly recommended. Family oriented restaurant. They care about their customers satisfaction.
(4)Mike I.
I have never had a falafel. Today I had lunch with a couple of coworkes at this place and it was great. We order the falafel as an appetizer. Also, I had the lamb and beef gyro and it was delicious. Great atmosphere.
(5)Tom S.
Really good ! Super busy. I want o go back.
(4)Dawn L.
Quite simply, one of the best Falafels Ive ever tasted... and the app sampler platter was nothing short of amazing either! The entire staff is SO very friendly, warm and welcoming, a place I will be returning to, time after time.
(4)They Call Me L.
Oooooh - so torn, but I have to give 'em just 3 stars. Why no prices listed, either on the website menu or the display inside? Is it to surprise people? I know I definitely was when I found out that our bill was $55 bucks for lunch - 2 adults and 2 kids at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. Now, the food was definitely delicious, but the after-the-fact sticker shock kinda soured things. Yowzah.
(3)Daniel K.
One of the best Mediterranean places I've been to. Amazing food, amazing service! Owner is friendly and very welcoming! Had the chicken skewer & hummus & rice. All great! Owner gave us free dessert, baklava and tapioca pudding are amazing!
(5)Swavino T.
Try the ladyfingers.
(4)Jose P.
Food is very good, it's as close to Greek as you'll get in Atlanta. PROS: - Clean establishment - Great staff - Great food - Good portions CONS: - Prices are about 20% higher than expected, but it is Buckhead and the place is pretty nice so it's not that bad, but just wish it was a tad more reasonable. - Food is pretty much as you would expect "very good", but I was hoping it could have been "excellent". There are minor details with the food that keep it from being excellent, but don't get me wrong at all this is splitting hairs. - Parking can be a pain, but again this is expected due to the location. I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could.
(4)Sammy A.
Hummus/Pita Is the bomb. Portions are fantastic! Entertaining/Charming owner.
(4)Charlene D.
Pathetic! This is my second time at Cafe Angora. I came again because I wanted to give it a second chance. The service is the worst that I have ever experienced. Our table was dirty, no water for 15 minutes, cracked wine glass, cold appetizer served with no silverware, and the waiter forgot to bring out the second entree. The worst part was that the owners son, our waiter never apologized. Atlanta has too many good restaurants to put up with such horrible service.
(1)Mackenzie B.
Great Greek food. Always nice people working there. It's a great place to head out for lunch or easy pick up for dinner. I highly suggest trying this place if you haven't already
(4)Tori T.
Food is amazing for the price. Felt like I was in Greece! Get the chicken pita and lamb salad.
(5)Dan B.
The food is excellent, and the service could not be better. It is a family-owned establishment, and by your second visit, they will recogize you and say, "Welcome back, friend." The mezze platter and rice pudding are highlights.
(5)Stef T.
I've actually never dined in here, but it's my go to spot for takeout. Maybe I'm biased because Mediterranean is my favorite cuisine, but this place always hits the spot. Last time I picked up, the owner gave us free dessert because "it's just so good!" He made me want to come back and be part of his big Greek family!
(5)Jeff K.
The gyro salad, hummus, and tabulleh is good and the service is usually friendly as well... I really enjoy this place for a medeterranian lunch.
(4)Carol D.
A great Greek restaurant that offers great food!! I love the owner Al! He is very personable and friendly!
(4)Jose O.
Just an extraordinary turkish cuisine experience, everything was fresh and delicious, the service top notch and Al..the owner, a real nice person...a must in my next stop on Atlanta.
(5)R P.
I told my waitress that I could not eat anything with gluten or dairy in it. She steered me away from those dishes and I decided on the lamb adana kebab. She brings the plate out with pita bread and cheese on the salad. She says "I know you said you were allergic to dairy, but is there a problem with the cheese on the salad?" Duh. Restaurant owners need to know that your wait staff can make or break your business. The lamb was excellent, along with the hummus and replacement salad. Food: 5 stars Service: 0 stars
(1)Shamayim F.
Food is amazing but service is dry and leaves a lot to be desired. Positives first. I had the falafel sandwich with the Greek salad. Truly amazing falafel and well seasoned with a great sauce with it. The Greek salad was one of the best I've ever had any where. The waiter wasn't rude just "dry". It took him forever to check on me and my party, had to ask for water a few times from another server, and honestly I think I may have only seen him twice (that includes when he took the order and brought the food). It's a nice atmosphere and the food is great but service is a 1 star.
(3)Tiff H.
We brought in a large group after a failed attempt to enter Holeman and Finch... There was trouble seating us all here too, but it worked out. Our server was extremely hospitable, and offered us free appetizer samples, such as the mixed maza platter and various hummus/yogurt samples. Though for me, some of the flavors were just too much for me to handle, I really enjoyed the effort and that carrot stuff (that sounds so uncultured of me not calling that by the proper name...) Ordered the lamb gyro sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. tender and flavorful meat, hearty and i could barely finish. I'm pretty sure I was the last to finish at the table! The end of the meal, the waiter brought over dessert samples as well. We each got some hot baklava and a small serving of rice pudding. The baklava was AMAZING, especially since it was fresh and crispy. The rice pudding was just... rice pudding, but went well with the baklava. Cafe Agora serviced us so well that day, and it was a perfect meal. 5 stars!
(5)Lexi S.
The food was stellar! I ordered a nice glass of white wine and the chicken kabobs. The seasoning was perfect! I asked our server for a kids menu and he never brought one to us, so I'm assuming they didn't offer one. My five year old settled on the Turkish meatballs, and he devoured them! This says a lot as he can be finicky with food at times! My date ordered the gyro and loved it! The only issue we had was waiting a while for the food, 40 minutes at least. However, it was worth the wait! We will def.return to try other items on the menu!
(4)Rohaneh E.
My go to friday night dinner place with my best friend. We go there every friday after our shift and always order the falafal sandwich, and the Chicken kebab platter. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, and the Owner is extremely friendly, he speaks to all his customers and makes sure everyone is enjoying their dinner. If you're looking for delicious reasonably priced middle eastern food I would point you in Cafe Agoras direction.
(4)Harrison W.
The owner Al is awesome and the food is delicious. Al came over to the table and was extremely friendly. The food was reasonably priced and extremely good. Awesome Mediterranean place.
(5)Richard R.
Where do I begin? I got an invite to lunch by Yelp friend Carrie Neal and we decided to meet today @ Cafe Agora. She knows from recent talk threads that I am a huge fan of gyros and thought this would be a great spot for some eats. She was absolutely right! I hate coming into the city during heavy traffic hours because I have a big truck and Atlanta streets make me feel like I'm about to loose some paint. Parking is also another huge problem, but thankfully I read Daniel B's tip to park across the street in the HHGregg parking lot (which looks like a $5 public lot). Cafe Agora is a small place, even the tables are small and it's hard to imagine 4 real sized people actually sitting down for a meal... but our party of three fit nicely. My girl Helena W (who is quickly becoming one of my best homies) joined us. The girls ordered some app's, but my full attention was in anticipation of this amazing gyros I've heard so much about. It arrived and I was in heaven from the very first bite! Delicious meat, very nice pita, and the fries I managed to eat (with out Helena stealing them... lol) were excellent. I would come back alone JUST for the fries!. The gyros meat was a little overcooked and dry (also crunchy), but it was still amazing. I can only imagine how awesome it would have been with perfectly cooked meats and feta cheese, which my gyros was absent of *sad face insert here* The overall tightness of the area will likely prevent me from becoming a regular, but definitely worth mentioning in the 'Best Of' category for Atlanta. Thanks for the great company ladies. I know everyone was probably wondering how I guy like me got to sit with hot gals like you, but hey... I enjoyed the short lived stud status! LOL
(4)Jarz R.
Just popped in to the new Buckhead location for the first time since they relocated. Amazing. Not that I don't love the charm of hole-in-the-wall (I say that with all due respect and endearment), the improvement in seating, PARKING, bathroom, and ambience is phenomenal. I've only been a couple of times, and those times haven't been at the busiest times of the day, so keep that in mind. In my experience, the food is reliably good, and the service has been great. We usually order the big cold mezze platter as an appetizer. It's definitely a lot of food, so I wouldn't order the BIG one as an appetizer unless you've got at least 4 people splitting (or 2 rugby players). I usually opt for the mixed gyro plate because. I'm salivating just thinking about that balsamic vinaigrette. Damn, I love when you can actually enjoy the bite of the vinegar. If you manage to have room for dessert, order the rice pudding. Trust me. Like, you think you've had rice pudding, but you haven't. This is completely different. Seriously. Do it. Don't waste your stomach space on baklava. Pudding. Oh, it's got a generous dusting of cinnamon on top, so if you have an allergy, I'd see if they have some without it. If you aren't allergic, I recommend you keep it on there. I'm so-so on cinnamon, but I love it, so there you go.
(5)Felipe V.
I love this place. It might not be logical, but try the pizza. All in all it seems to be effortlessly authentic, and you don't come by that often. It's definitely a place to go a few times and with a group to try as many items on the menu as possible.
(5)Jack B.
The food here is quite good, if a bit expensive. But the service is utterly BIZARRE! Our first time here, a couple months ago, we ordered the maza platter, which is an appetizer of several different spreads - hummus, haydari, havuc ezme, etc. - and the waitress brought it out with a little basket full of pita bread squares. So on our second trip, when we ordered the same platter and it came out without the pita bread, I asked our waiter for it. Cue his return with a basket with maybe 6 little squares in the bottom, and a joint lecture from the waiter and the owner about how this platter isn't meant to be eaten with pita bread, and that it would ruin our appetite for our entrees. Okay...? I wouldn't have asked had it not been automatically brought with the platter on our first visit. Then when we were attempting to eat our hummus with forks, the owner swung by again to tell us we were taking "little baby" bites and needed to take a "real" bite. What??? When our entrees arrived, our waiter commented again, "See, this is why you needed your appetites." But the topper actually happened to a couple at a nearby table. They had apparently made the same mistake we had in asking for pita bread, and were getting the same lecture, when owner literally picked up the husband's fork, scooped up some dip, and FED IT TO HIM LIKE A BABY. My spouse and I were looking at each other like O.O???? Honestly, had we not had a relatively normal meal here on our first visit, I would think this place was supposed to be one of those "wacky service" joints like Ed Debevic's. I think I'll be searching for another decent Mediterranean place before I come back here to pay $42 before tip for two gyro platters and an appetizer, and risk extremely strange service in the process.
(2)Quel Y.
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY SELF RESPECT!!!! First of all, the first time I came here with my boyfriend it was great, the food was great, and the owner was friendly and came to our table and brought us complimentary dessert. This time however, I came with my dad and boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a Vodka soda and they brought out a Vodka tonic and when he told them very politely the waitress stated that the bartender put soda in the drink which was definitely a LIE. I found this to be extremely rude and I am appalled that the bartender would send the drink back and not even attempt to correct the order. The worst part of my experience tonight was when I went up to the counter to get change for a $20 so I could get change to tip the valet. The owner,who had been so nice to me the last time I had come, rudely said "what do you think this is, bank of america"? I thought he was being sarcastic at first even though I found it offensive. He then proceeded to hand me two $10 dollar bills when I clearly needed change to tip. He then threw the singles on the counter and appeared extremely annoyed. We had asked the valet guys for change and they did not have any. I must add that the first time we ate here our waitress told us that none of the staff lasts for more than 2 months because the owner is so incredibly abusive to his employees. There are plenty of great mediterranean/greek restaurants in the buckhead area, do not waste your time at this rude establishment.
(1)Chris W.
Maza platter is an excellent app. Agora chicken salad is my go-to entree. Lamb and chicken gyros are great.
(5)Kaialaia T.
The owner is hilarious you'll be laughing eating at the same time the food is great customer service fantastic .
(5)MJ A.
Walking distance from my home, Café Agora is a solid go to spot. I never had the pleasure of visiting the old location but I know the move to this one was a good one. Plenty of tables and good service. The food is right on point. I grew up with relatives of all ages cooking Greek food all hours of the day. When I eat here I taste authentic Greek good. Dolmas are great. Lamb is tender. Coconut cake is out of this world. Salads are cold and fresh. I always get the lamb and beef gyro platter. Added bonus- the owner always greets you personally. Come and try Café Agora. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Melanie V.
The best Mediterranean restaurant in Buckhead and all of Atlanta! The friendliness of the owner and staff make you feel as if you are having dinner in someone's home. A delightful experience! Today's delight is tiramisu and Turkish coffee. After you eat Agora's tiramisu, you will not want anyone else's.
(5)Crystal D.
Love this place!!! Recently moved to buckhead and have been trying new places. This will definitely be on my list to go back to!!! Food was great. Complimentary valet. Restaurant was clean. And servers were so friendly!
(5)Alex P.
Ah, this place is unreal good. From atmosphere to food, everything is just done right. Feels like you made a quick pit stop for lunch as you were driving through a sandy road in the middle east.
(5)Sarah B.
This is the real deal. The place is small, not a lot of room for dining in, but a worthwhile experience if you do (not from the ambiance). I think they are opening a larger location very close to this one in January. I had chicken kabob, my friend had lamb gyro and we started with hummus and the meza plate. Everything was incredible down to the mini rice puddings and mini pistachio baklava, that showed up at our table after dinner. I will be back, my friends and family will be back. Generous portions, very reasonable prices.
(5)Marj R.
Our go to late nite place. Authentic gyro and baklava. Love it.
(4)Enrico N.
Was in for a late dinner, wasn't too hungry. Got the Lamb Gyro sandwich. Comes with a side salad. Service was friendly. Was a little annoyed I had to valet park. Salad was good but pretty much a standard greek salad. The Gyro came with lettuce, onions, tazaki. I'm use to Gyros coming with tomato, onions, tazaki. The lettuce on the gyro with a salad is a bit redundant. I ate alot of lettuce for one meal. They gave a nice helping of meat, cut off the spit. I would have liked it if the meat were a bit more "seared" and if the pita were ever so slightly toasted but not a huge deal. Meat had a good flavor, they had some sort of mild spicy sauce on it. Similar to the powder you get on Doners in germany. I wish I knew what it was. I would have liked more tazaki, especially with all that lettuce. Overall a decent meal. Not the best Gyro i ever had but better than average. The lady gave me some sort of tiny dessert in a little cup. Tasted like rice pudding with cinnamon
(4)Paige N.
So I was floored when I saw that not only does Cafe Agora have almost 300 reviews, but it also has an average rating of 4.5 stars! Especially when you see it's tiny little, hole in the wall location, directly across from the uber ritzy Capital Grille with its fancy parking lot full of Range Rovers, Mercedes and Bentleys. After seeing this (and for a nano-second thinking Cafe Agora had had its employees create hundreds of fake positive reviews), I had to try it out for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. Well my friends, it did. Although it's certainly not much to look at from the street (and can hold probably 40 people tops), this place is a gem of a Greek restaurant. I enticed my boyfriend to come with me for dinner there (he's a true Yelp believer even though I can't for the life of me get him to finish a single review), and we understood what so many others already know. The food is amazing and because it's such a small, intimate little space, the staff (a father, son team) are very friendly to every customer who walks in the door. As soon as we sat down, the son came out to get our drink orders and after looking at the menu (all of which sounded like great options), we got the mixed maza appetizer in order to try their hummus, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz, etc all in one go and the Agora mixed grill kebab plate to try their chicken, lamb, adana and kofta kebabs plus the gyro meat. I love places where I can try a little bit of everything all at once, and Cafe Agora did not disappoint in portion size or flavor. The maza appetizer than came out first came with a basket of fresh pita bread that was already conveniently sliced into bite sized squares. We dug in to hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz and a bunch of other goodies I've not tried before and it was all very tasty. The babaganoush wasn't quite as good as Opa's (in Suwanee), but I've yet to find anyone who can rival that one. Everything tasted fresh and light and definitely house-made. The Agora mixed grill was also excellent. Every different piece of meat was cooked well and laid over a bed of rice, a Greek salad and another fresh pita bread with some red sauce on top was served with it. My favorite meats by far were the gyro, the adana, and the kofta meats. They were just wonderfully seasoned and full of flavor. Mix that with a refreshing Greek salad, some pita and taziki sauce and you've got a winning combination. And Cafe Agora really scored points with its complimentary dessert for us: two mini baklava bites (light and airy and flaky), and two little servings of sutlac (Turkish rice pudding). It was the perfect bit of sweetness to end the meal, and I loved it. While Cafe Agora is certainly not much to look at (though I believe they're relocating to the old Thai Silk space just down the street, which would be a definite step up), they're a great find. The food's delicious, the staff's very friendly and attentive and the menu really deviates from the Greek cuisine you're used to seeing with some really special treats. Good job Cafe Agora, all the hype and your great rating is worth it.
(4)Doug C.
The mixed grill was great. The lamb and chicken were awesome. The owner was friendly and very helpful Service was good.
(5)Liz K.
I soooooo love Mediterranean food and Cafe Agora alone. I have been here several times but this is my first time writing about the best Mediterranean spot in Atlanta. (forgive me, if you don't believe so...) The owner of this place is so alive and happy. He is usually there. Or so he has been when I go... he always gives you a little sample of the hummus and tabouleh before you get your order. I normally get the lamb kabobs. The plates (all of them) are a good helping. The kabob plate comes with meat, rice, salad, and some pita bread. The owner will make sure to send you off with a tasting of the rice pudding and baklava before you leave. A little pricier than some of the other Med joints I've been to but I think it is well worth it. Also... parking can be a pain- but oh well. It's the City of Atlanta
(5)Bailey G.
The food is so authentic and fresh! The owner loves to come around and get everyone to try Turkish dessets- so delish!
(5)Anum A.
I went here for lunch and found that both food and environment have been severely compromised since cafe agora moved down the street. It just isn't the same. The food, decor, and service are mediocre at best.
(3)Melissa M.
Randomly came across this place with my husband. The food and service was excellent. We were not sure what to order at first and sp our waitress brought us a sampler appetizer to help with our decision for free! They also brought us a few dessert samplings at the end of our meal wven though we declined to order any dessert. You can tell they really care about satisfying their customers. My husband and I would definitely come back for a yummy meal!!!
(5)Cathy K.
Love to pick up the meza platter and the gyros plate. I usually order the large platter and enjoy for multiple meals. I need to figure out how to make the carrot salad which is to die for. I am getting hungry just writing this.
(4)Corrie B.
SOOOOO delicious! Everything was very fresh. I had the chicken salad and I had to make myself stop eating it. They give you a lot of food! My lunch buddy had the lamb salad. I'm not usually one for lamb but the lamb at Cafe Agora is something I will be going back for! My only negative comment has nothing to do with the actual restaurant, it's the parking. There isn't much space at all. They now have complimentary valet so maybe that will help the parking situation. Either way, if you like Greek food this is must try!!
(5)Paul F.
My wife and I are new to the city and this has quickly become our favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Hal the owner, walks around and greets all customers and runs a tight ship! The food is amazing and authentic. We consider ourselves to be gyro connoisseurs and these are the best in the city! The service is amazing as well!
(5)Kristen C.
So, I must admit, the food here is pretty good and it is really attractively priced! We came here on a Friday night before we headed out to grab a few drinks. It was our first time here, and as other diners mentioned, they do bring you our a few sampling of their appetizers. An older man came over to the table (maybe the owner?) and told me that the hummus was the best hummus out there. So, at the time, I had Invisalign and shouldn't really be eating food until I took them out. The older man pretty much force fed me this hummus, when I gently declined (since I had to take out my liners). He kept telling me to eat it, so eventually to not make a scene, I just ate it. Then we decided to go ahead and order our food. There was some confusion in the ordering process where they double charged us for something we did not order and then did not bring something else out but told us that they already brought it out to us... When we were eating, again, the food was pretty good, but the service isn't the best.
(2)Cali K.
The owner Al is so disrespectful to his employees. I was disappointed in him cause he seems really nice but it's just an act. I heard him yelling at customers on the phone then say stuff in Turkish didn't sound nice. I wasn't gonna write a review I've been there three time love the food but I won't be going back our server told us he steals there money they work all day 6 days a week if there lucky all the servers look tired seem cranky but I would understand why was told he's hit several workers I'm just truly disgusted. He smokes in the restaurant at the bar and then used he's hand to get my dessert after he smoked and blow he's noise didn't wash he's hand. I truly do not recommend this place makes me wonder about the back of the house.
(1)Amar P.
First, my review is for the old hole in the wall location. I haven't ate at the new Buckhead location yet. The food is Amazing! The owner is hilarious, great at customer service, and he often drops off free food at the tables to ensure everyone is satisfied.
(5)Shaye B.
This place is great! I was going to wait to write my review until I ate at the restaurant but I had such a great takeout experience that I am just going to go ahead now! The food here is delicious and portions are huge but prices are still not very high! I was able to get 2 gyro platters and a hummus app for $30. The restaurant space is great, has seating inside and outside. Temperature control is very effective which is important for hot Atlanta summers!! The staff here is phenomenal. I cannot think of a time I had better takeout service. The owner still spoke with me and wished me a happy first time eating their delicious food and the guy working at the bar who handled my takeout order was very nice. When I first picked up the food I was starving and sped home, only to realize that the hummus was left out! At first I was going to just let it go, but then after trying my platter and realizing the food was spectacular, I wanted that hummus. Luckily I only live a block or so away so it took me less than 5 minutes door-to-door-to-door to get that hummus! I was even able to pick up some more taziki sauce! The guy at the counter was so nice too that he threw in some desserts for us to try as well which was nice and very much appreciated on my end. I am honestly bummed that it took me almost a year of living a block away for me to try it! I will certainly be back....especially when I get the munchies late at night since the place is open til 3am!
(5)William C.
Incredible food and environment! Get friendly staff and the food is amazing!! Great place for lunch or dinner. The owner is very friendly and will talk with you while you eat. Parking is a little limited but that would be the only downfall. Since they have changed locations they have a much bigger dining area and a nice outside terrace. Ordered the lamb gyro and it melted in my mouth! Great restaurant!!
(5)Philip K.
This is my new favorite in Buckhead. Hands down, some of the best Greek food I've found. Al is a trip and made our first time there a fun and memorable experience. We tried the appetizer sampler, lamb kabobs, gyro, chicken, and rice pudding and baklava for desert and everything was a home run.
(5)Dave B.
Excelllent fallefel sandwich and gyro. It was medium pricey but considering the amount of food they give you, it was very good deal.
(5)Tram V.
Party of 3 ordered the mixed maza platter, dolma, agora mixed grill and calamari and we were so stuffed we couldn't finish the food. Everything was excellent although the calamari wasn't impressive. I loved the chicken which was tender and juicy and I could've eaten the entire plate of dolma on my own, it was so delicious. Definitely going back!
(5)Brad K.
I visited Cafe Agora for the first time yesterday. I had a large order for a company meeting that I dropped off earlier in the day, and asked for it to be ready at a specific time that evening. I do this at every restaurant that I order company meeting orders from, and it always still results in me waiting 30-45 minutes for the food to be ready once I arrive to pick it up at the time I said I would. Not at Cafe Agora, though! I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than I initially told them, and as soon as I walked in the staff remembered me, commented on how I was early, then sat me down at the bar and gave me a free drink and appetizer while I waited! My food order was in my hands and paid for exactly on time, and they even helped me carry the food out to my car. The food itself was very good! Everyone at the meeting kept going on and on about how yummy everything was. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone I know. Its the attention to detail in taking care of your customers that sets restaurants like this apart from the rest!
(5)Alan R.
Yuk and more yuk.Tried to talk my coworkers out of this place but they were paying and wanted to go. We had come from a meeting to shake shack and line too long at shack. Sorry, been there done that in NY, no need to wait in cold for a standard burger. Not into cults. So they suggested Agora and I cringed but since I need their business I did not protest, just gently tried to push them down to Buckhead diner, but they are a little cheap so they chose Agora. Complete indigestion. My tastebuds fully protested and stomach upset. Worst gyro platter ever. Dry meat shoved on lettuce and chicken even drier. Hommos is like water and taxzaki foul smelling. I knew better than to order anything else but they had other salads and everyone complained about the stale lettuce and dry meat.I think it is obvious this guy gets people to write these reviews or else I am surrounded by people that do not know good food. I realize some people will eat anything, hence our obesity issue.They just have bad food and wierd kaotic service with aggressive valet parkers expecting big tips!
(1)Ruksana H.
Happened to be our walk-in discovery when the place we wanted to eat at was found to be out of business. Friendly service, good food, good prices, nothing fancy with the ambience, just clean and practical. Reasonable pricing too and makes for good take-out as well.
(4)Yanfei L.
Large portion. Delicious food. Have been eating here for a while. Love the maza plate and the mixed grill. If you are a paleo guy definitely get the agora salad!
(5)The S.
Overall was a disappointment after reading the great reviews. Have had better Mediterranean food for less and at more convenient locations to me.
(3)Lucy F.
After a long morning of shopping in Buckhead - we were starving!! Decided to try Agora out for lunch, based on the reviews - and it was perfect! Great service, fresh food, and a clean space. The babaganoush was creamy and delicious and came with a warm basket of fresh pita bread. The Greek salad was crisp and fresh - with a perfectly balanced dressing. I will definitely go back!!
(5)N. A.
I love this place!! The owner is extremely nice and always happy to see you! I literally feel like family here! I come here every time I want to invite a friend as I know that they won't be disappointed! Food is fresh.. Service is wonderful.. The restaurant is run by very nice hospitable Turkish people! What else would you ask for! I would literally give them 10 stars not just 5!
(5)Jennifer T.
Been here three times now with colleagues for lunch. This place has top notch food and service. The owner is always around and he's SUPER nice and accommodating. The Lamb Salad and the Lamb Gyro are the best things on the menu. Just enough of everything (lettuce, feta, olives, dressing, etc.) for the perfect marriage.
(5)Alexander B.
Love this place! The platter and baklava are amazing! My family went here on a weekend away and it was spectacular! The new digs are great. We met the owner and he was great! Stop researching and get in the car and head here!
(5)Seema P.
Food was really tasty, esp for midnight run. Ordered the Maza Platter to share with friends along with a felafel sandwich. Flavors of both were on point and worth coming back for.
(4)James M.
Always a pleasure coming to cafe agora! From a hole in the wall to a beautiful restaurant. The owner Al may come off as being odd, however he's not! Truly a sweet man that only wants to provide his guests a first class experience. The food is always super fresh! Meza appetizer is always great with a variety of tastes. Gyros are amazing! As a Chicago transplant I can appreciate an owner with showmanship and charisma along with top notch quality. If you don't appreciate the quality and experience here have your head examined.
(5)Jo T.
Best gyros and delicious baba ganoush! If you do take out, they will put the sauce on the side so your gyro doesn't get soggy.
(5)Duc L.
Came on a Tuesday afternoon with a group about 10 people and I was surprised at how accommodating the place was for us. Keep in mind that this place isn't the largest of restaurants. In order to accommodate us all, we took about 5 tablets all together. Which only left about 4-5 2-person tablets left in the entire place excluding seating at the bar. Good thing no other large groups entered while we were there. Ordered 2 trays of mixed maza platters and man, were the hummas and havuc ezme oh so good. Pita bread were served on paper plates, nothing too fancy but it kept coming as quick as it was demolished. I just ordered the lamb gyro. Nothing too fancy or spectacular to rave about but it was a large portion. The order just comes with a side of salad. At the end of the meal, the owner gave us all a piece of lady fingers and a small cup of rice pudding. The rice pudding was legit rice pudding, you could taste the rice. It wasn't just tapioca rice pudding you are thinking of. But I think this was all done to the presence of my friend's daughter. That girl is SO adorable and hammed it up for the owner and he just adored her. Perks of having a child around sometimes. But can't complain. Good experience and they were accommodating so I'll give 4 stars. I'll be here again if I'm ever in the area.
(4)Scarlett W.
yummmmm. had the sampler plate, everything was awesome. was only in area for one day and just having a light lunch, but if i should ever find myself in atlanta again, i will go here. the owner is old school, comes and sits down, chats. great service. he brings you tiny samples of desserts, that baklava was so good, light and fluffy if that is possible. rice pudding too which i am not a fan of, but it was good.
(5)Jim Y.
Being from out of town, I'm willing to splurge a bit, especially with so many highly reviewed restaurants in the area. It turns out I don't have to. Cafe Agora is a bit of a hole in the wall, with 30 seats if you count the 4 at the bar/counter. Upscale dining it is not. Delicious meal it is! The hummus was terrific. For my meal, I ordered the lamb shish kabob. The pita was toasted slightly, and lightly spread with a tomato based sauce. I'm not at all familiar with Turkish food, so I don't know if this is common or if it's something they invented here. The lamb was grilled perfectly! A bit smokey, and tender. The flavor was uncommonly good. I don't order desert typically, but the owner came out with a small sample of baklava and price pudding. "My friend, just a taste." he said when he came over with the little treats. Wow! The baklava alone wild be worth a trip here. The care they take here in serving perfectly prepared dishes, with ridiculously good recipes, made me feel like they really respect everyone who comes into their place. Unlike most restaurants nowadays that make one feel like you're just a few bucks drifting in, with a mouth attached that they have to fill with something in order to separate the two.
(5)Salim H.
Recently moved from down the street. Same great food in a nicer setting!
(5)Ashley P.
Deeee-lish! Quaint, cozy atmosphere...typical hole-in-the-wall place, but hot damn, is it good! I tried the gyro and tabouli- very flavorful gyro meat! I will definitely be coming back here again. I'm so glad I found this gem on Yelp. Tip: you have to park up the street at their new building (which is under construction). This restaurant may not be good for a large party because it is pretty tiny inside.
(5)Liza W.
It's solid Mediterranean food- at least based on my typical American palate! Yes...we love our gyro, babaganoush, falafel, baklava, and rice pudding. :-) The service is pleasant, the place is usually packed at dinner, very reasonably priced (especially for the area), and they let you byow for a cork fee. Looking forward to their finished renovations right down the street so they'll have more space!
(5)Nemil S.
My go-to and most favorite spot for Mediterranean food. After moving to midtown, I probably order to-go once a week. I would recommend trying the meza plate if it is your first time, to get a small deliciousness of everything. If you want to dive right in, say hello to Al, order a gyro wrap and a side of baba ganoush and call it a day. Amazing for dinner and orgasmic after a late night on the weekends.
(5)Zach S.
Amazing gyro. I've been here a handful of times over the past 5 years and the best gyro I ever had was the last time I was here. It's always been good, but for some reason (maybe I was just really hungry, who knows) the last time I was here, in November, it was heavenly. When I first started going here five years ago I would always see Al, he would try to give us free food, and was always very friendly and talkative. I wish he was still around, maybe he is at the other location, but I haven't seen him in a long time. It's crowded, a small restaurant, and theres a tv playing a greek channel. Water is more or less self serve, they do come to your table to take your order now though. It's not exactly cheap, but there's also no where else you can go to get a gyro this good. Plus, there hasn't been a time they haven't given me something for free, like pita bread with hummus, baklava, or some sort of greek pudding for dessert.
(5)Michael S.
First time ...Not our last! Good was fresh, delicious, and service was very friendly. Great place to hang with friends.
(4)Jasmine S.
Let me start off by saying that I would give this 3.5 stars if possible. Hubby and I went here Sunday night. Let's talk about parking first-Not a good situation when it is crowded as we witnessed first hand. There is a circle shaped parking lot in front, but due to the space being so small we could not exit the other side and we had to back up and back into the street. Luckily there's an empty lot next to them that we parked in (obviously keeping an eye on it to make sure no tow man came). When we walked in there was a hostess stand but no hostess so we we went to the bar to place our takeout order. We got the large chicken gyro and greek salad. The bartender who took our order was not overly friendly and he did end up telling us that this location has only been open about 2 weeks-things started to make sense from there. We waited about 30 minutes for our food. When we got home the portions were large and it was plenty of food for both of us. The only complaint food wise would be that the gyro was VERY dry-as in hardly any tzaziki (sp?) sauce. Other than that tasted good. We will definitely be back and will order in.
(3)Alan J.
Not the best Mediterranean. I grew up eating Mediterranean food and this is not anywhere near the expectations I had set after reading all these raving reviews. If you've not had a variety of this food before, then you're probably going to think that this is delicious. I must say however that their eggplant salad was outstanding.
(3)Angela H.
I had heard great things about Cafe Agora, but I never made it a point to check it out. Recently on a Tuesday afternoon, my co-workers told me to pick a place for lunch. Since Cafe Agora is walking distance from our office, I suggested that we go there. A group of five of us arrived a little after 1 pm, and we were lucky that a group was leaving because the restaurant is tiny but apparently, always busy. Two employees were kind enough to put two tables together for us so that we wouldn't have to squeeze into one 4-seat table. As I was looking up at the picture menu on the wall and wondering how much the different entrees cost, an employee at the counter handed me a paper menu. That was a relief because it made it so much easier for me to choose what I wanted. I decided that I wanted a beef gyro, but it wasn't on the menu. The menu only listed the Lamb and Beef Gyro and a Chicken Gyro. Fortunately, the employee told me that it wouldn't be a problem if I only wanted beef in mine. I also asked them NOT to put onions in it. Once we were done ordering at the counter, we got cups of water (self-service at the counter) and sat at our table. After what felt like 20 minutes or so, two employees brought our food to the table. * Beef Gyro ($7.01 for the "Regular" size) - When I picked up my gyro to eat it, I noticed that there were a few onions sticking out. At first, I thought maybe it was just a bit of onions that was dropped in there and I could pick them out. However, I quickly realized that there were a lot more inside, so I told the employee who took my order. He took my gyro and brought out a fresh new one out after about a minute. It was a very simple gyro with just slices of beef, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. The beef was slightly charred, which I didn't particularly like, but the gyro was pretty good overall. Later, after looking at the paper menu I took with me, I realized that they didn't put tomatoes or cucumber in my gyro as it is stated in the menu. I guess I need to specifically ask for it next time. It probably would have tasted a whole lot better with those additional ingredients. I also found myself wishing the gyro was served with a side, such as fries. I'll have to order some fries next time, which I didn't realize they served until I re-read Richard R.'s review. It's not on their menu! =( When we were done, we got in line at the counter, individually told the server what we had ordered, and paid. As we paid, each of us was handed a small sample of rice pudding. It's slightly sweet and sprinkled with cinnamon. I really enjoyed it, but my co-workers weren't really fans. Overall, Cafe Agora gets 4 stars for their good gyro and friendly employees. The main downside of this restaurant is it's size because it is tiny and cramped. It also took longer than we had expected for the food to be served, but this was primarily because two of my co-workers ordered platters. However, I would definitely return to try one of their platters, such as the Chicken Shish Kebab and Kofte Kebab, which I heard were great! Can't wait! =) [Review 175 of 366]
(4)Michelle H.
Hummus was authentic, my Greek salad was mediocre and my taboulle was just okay. The people were nice enough that I will more than likely give it another try.
(3)Leah A.
Favorite hole in the wall place in Buckhead! Cannot wait for him to expand to his new location a few doors down! Definitely recommend the mezzo platter and chicken or fish shish kebab. So tasty!! And Al, the owner, is so nice! Ask him about his adventures coming to own Agora. He's very interesting and I love supporting him!
(5)Karly G.
It was almost 5 stars until Al said... Baklava is not good for you when I wanted to order some to go. Otherwise, this place is the best hole in da wall for Mediterranean food ever. We got the mixed grill platter which consists of grilled chicken, lamb and beef that comes with rice and a salad. it's also topped with some spiced grilled pitas. You must come early to get a table at this place, otherwise you might find yourself back to back against your unknown neighbor. It's a tiny place with very limited seating. It usually comes with a small plate which consists of hummer and some other stuff (sorry I couldn't remember what it is. lol) after your meal. you get a small treat of rice pudding and half a baklava which is nice. it leaves you with no desire to devour an entire piece of pie a la mode. :P
(4)Don B.
Glad I found this spot. We enjoyed the sampler appetizer. Just wish they would start us out with more pita bread so I don't have to keep asking for more! But the food was top notch. I usually go with a gyro platter at Mediterranean restaurants and have never had any this good. The combo platter was very filling and the meat was so juicy and full of flavor. I love how they tease you with the baklava at the end. It was so good. Made me want to buy a bunch to take home. Service was cool. It was not super evident what to do when we first arrived. Didn't know if we should sit or walk to the counter and order. But we ended up walking to the counter and letting them know we wanted to dine in. I'm a little disappointed about this Al guy though. Heard so many great things about how jovial he is but did not once look our way. I know I sound like an a-hole complaining about being offended by that but he gave everyone else there great attention and we got none. Maybe we didn't look like first timers or something.. Who knows.
(4)Holy Guacamole M.
Yeah, I'm a fan! Their food has such great flavor! Anything you order will be great, but I usually tend to get the "small" mixed Maza platter appetizer (which isn't small at all) and a lamb & beef gyro. This is a quaint family owned/operated establishment. They always give you a complimentary rice pudding and baklava (samlper size) at the end of your meal. The prices are a bit higher here, but you get what you pay for... Really Great Food!!! I would give it 5stars if I were grading it on food alone, but the bathroom needs a little improvement and the parking can be challenging sometimes. There is another location in Midtown, but I haven't been there... yet!
(4)Amber H.
Stopped in after hearing good things about this place. We were NOT disappointed! The owner, Al, is fantastic! Since it was our first visit he invited us to try a small sample plate before ordering (and no, we weren't charged for this)...delish! Ordered the hummus and yogurt apps, 2 (1 combo and 1 lamb) gyros, and the baklava for dessert. Everything was absolutely wonderful! Portions are quite large, especially for the price. Hummus was thick and creamy, and the pita - oh, lord! Wow. The yogurt, so good I actually used it on part of my gyro. The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I had to stop myself from eating so i could try dessert without immediately falling into a food coma. So good. It wasn't easy, but I don't have to cook dinner tonight, so bonus! The baklava was amaze zah zing! And after finishing that off (no way was any of that was making it home), Al brought ANOTHER plate of those crispy, flaky, sweet little pieces of heaven. Thank God I don't live closer, I'd never fit in real pants again (and for that baklava, it would somehow be an equal trade). I have no idea where people are eating lunch when they've complained about the prices being too high, especially for the amount of scrumptous food that you get. Service here is outstanding. They welcomed everyone that walked in like old friends. Al walked to each table checking on customers, providing light banter and laughter. He was contagious in his passion for his food. After our meal, we sat and chatted with him on the patio. This man clearly loves what he does and wants his customers to enjoy life through his food. I will be making the drive here regularly. Go, now! Do NOT skip dessert. You can thank me later!
(5)Shelly G.
After all the hype I heard about this place for a while, I decided it was time to try it out. Friday afternoon around 6 pm...traffic around the area was awful and parking was a nightmare. The parking lot across the street was full and the parking lot behind the building with 15 sweaty valet guys running around was only for patrons of the restaurant/bar/club next door. We ended up driving to the next side street and just parking at a meter. Since it was Friday afternoon we put in an hour and half for good measure. Upon entering the restaurant, it was obvious we didn't need it...there was only one other occupied table. We got the Mixed Maza Platter and the Lamb and Beef Gyro. Both were great, the mixed platter was an assortment of different spreads/hummus/other dippables and accompanied by a plate of hummus. The gyro was well seasoned...normally I'm not a big fan of lamb but I liked this one. The complimentary baklava for dessert was amazing. The total for the platter and gyro not including tip was about $22. If I were closer to my normal hunger scale it probably would've easily been in the $30+ range, which is why I can see how it could be seen as a little on the pricey side for the atmosphere. Service was fine, neither neglecting nor overbearing. Overall a pleasant experience, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Cindy W.
Ok, I still really like this place. Came here with another group of friends for a birthday dinner. My roomie's bf is actually Turkish, and that's how we learned that this place is actually Turkish, not really Greek. Everything was still delicious and exactly like I remembered it. Parking- next to Blue Bottle, or across (free for 2 hours, something reasonable like that), save your receipt from Agora though, just in case. Speaking of which, they mixed up our bills like 3 times....but they're fairly flexible, to a fault, as you'll read in some of the rest of the reviews. However, I would ask that Al, should he be reading this, to CALM DOWN. He was feeding my friend random stuff from our mezze platter with the same fork and my friend became more uncomfortable and embarrassed with each successive mouth-fed bite. I hate that. She's coming with me and paying $25 for a meal. I don't want her to have an uncomfortable experience in any way. I didn't say anything though...not sure how Turkish customs work. Anyone know?
(5)Carrie Neal W.
So, I love me some Yelpers and I love me some gyros. What does that add up to, you might be wondering?? Lunch with Richard R. and Helena W. So close to my office and with two super-fun people - what's better on a Friday?? We had a few things . . . I got the same classic (lamb and beef) gyro I typically like here and the yogurt/tzatziki (sp?? can never get that right) dip with pita bread that I love. Helena got the chicken gyro and also some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, parsley, spices, etc) and Richard got a gyro and fries. Crinkle cut and well-seasoned - Helena *may* have snuck a couple off of his plate . . . Such a nice lunch - and complimentary cups of rice pudding. We all agreed that it was tasty with the cinnamon and nutmeg. I had to duck out kinda quick to get back to work, so I'll have to find out if Richard got another order of anything to-go like he was considering . . . Lunch next week - location TBD but y'all should join us!!
(5)Kyle T.
All I have to say to anyone thinking about eating here is do it! I don't care for Turkish food most of the time but this was great. For appetizers we had cheese stick things and chicken noodle soup. The cheese sticks came with wonderful sauce. The chicken noodle soup was just like my grandmother's matzo ball soup without the matzo balls. For an entree I decided to have the mix grill. Out of the three meats it came with (lamb, chicken and beef) the lamb was the best but all were fantastic. If you come no matter what you get you MUST get the baklava. Not overly sweet and extremely moist it just melted in your mouth. We sat around for a bit chatting and the owner came by and say with us. It made for one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
(5)Rick F.
Best Gyro in Atlanta Hands Down! Best Baklava I've ever Had! I love the owner he is very colorful and a great host! Appetizer combination plate was fresh and delicious! Pita was very flavorful! I've been looking for an authentic Gyro for 18 months tried half a dozen places this is the place! Baklava and Rice Pudding arguably the top of the line fresh. AMAZING! Bonus is they are open for lunch and right near my office!
(5)Amy M.
We came in for an early dinner/late lunch, so we beat the dinner crowd. One of the managers or owners came out and talked to us right away and asked if we had ever been there before. When we said no, he sent his waiter to get something and brought it back in a few minutes. It was a small sampler plate, with emze, hummus, and other dips. It was so good! We placed our order, the mixed maza platter and the Agora mixed grill. When the maza platter came out in a few minutes, he told the waiter to make us some special balloon bread that wasn't on the menu. The dips on the platter were so good and the balloon bread was phenomenal! It was puffed up like a balloon that we had to pop and tear off pieces to dip in the different sauces. Everything was so fresh and tasty. The mixed grill was great too! All the meats were so tender and flavorful! We shared both plates with just 2 people, and had a lot left over. We also got a piece of coconut cake to go, and it was also really fresh tasting and moist. We had an amazing experience and will definitely come back!
(5)Ty M.
Where do they source their ingredients? How can such a simple combination of parsley, olive oil, salt, and the precious few other elements that go into their dishes taste so lively and delightful? Honestly, this place is extraordinary. Their mezze platter will make you feel alive. The mixed grill is astonishingly good for such a simple dish. And the dude that runs it is great--affable, professional. I love it.
(5)Heather M.
I feel so lucky to have found this little gem in Buckhead!!! Great weekend lunch, great prices, huge portions, and terrific service. The meze plate was delicious - especially the carrot dip, the gyro was some of the best that I've ever had, and the chicken agora salad was fresh and flavorful. The owner was so friendly and welcoming - we had a great time! Bonus points for the dessert. I loved the rice pudding and the baklava cigars! If I find myself in Buckhead again, I will be sure to come back for a visit!!
(4)Julie H.
This was the best food I haver ever had in my life. The gyro and side salad was amazing and the baklava will change your life. Desert is expensive, but worth it.
(5)Prince R.
Absolutely DELICIOUS Mediterranean food with a Turkish influence. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with great staff who are big on providing a personal touch.
(5)Brian S.
The food is good. The humus was a really nice treat. Definitely give this place a try for lunch. Be careful they charge you correctly. The guy had charged me for a platter when all I had was a sandwich. he promptly voided the charge and charged me correctly. But just be sure you keep an eye on that.
(3)Thanh N.
My boyfriend and I ordered here a week ago and we loved it. He had the beef and lamb platter and I had the chicken platter and it was so good. The platters came with rice, a side salad, extra packed sauce and a huge piece of pita. I've mixed everything together (except of the bread) and it was really delicious. The only bad thing is, that you have to order for at least $30, so I got lady fingers, but didn't really like them since they were too sweet. But it was an overall good meal. We highly recommend this place.
(4)Simon K.
When my friend told me this was the best Mediterranean food she's ever had, I was a little skeptical. If you've read my previous reviews, you know my affinity for Pita Inn in the Chicagoland area. In order to try it and prove her wrong, I ordered from Cafe Agora. Now, I may never be able to experience Pita Inn the same way again... - Combination/Sampler Platter: EVERYTHING is delicious. Nothing is too tough or too salty. It's all just too tasty. The Kofte Kabob was my favorite though. - Hummus: At most places, you can turn the hummus plate upside down and it will stick to the plate/bowl because it isn't creamy enough. The hummus here is so creamy that you can put it on anything. It literally becomes another sauce for you to use to add flavor to any of your dishes. - Falafel Sandwich: First off, these falafels are the perfect size. At some places, they are too small and you end up with too much overcooked shell. At other places, they are too big and the inside isn't cooked thoroughly or you just don't have the right proportion of crispy to soft. At Cafe Agora, it is perfect. And the tzatziki sauce might be the best I've ever had. - Baklava: Perfect amount of phyllo, honey, and nuts to give it a nice crunch without being overtly sweet. Eat it quickly though or the phyllo will get soggy. It is a little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Note: They do deliver but you have to have $30 minimum. So don't do it if you're only ordering for yourself.
(5)Atlanta G.
New location is great. The old place had very good food, but parking was terrible and the staff was often unprofessional / rude. Now even for lunch - free valet, courteous staff in nice uniforms, food runners, etc, extremely fast food service (our party of 5 had all of our food in about 6 minutes from ordering), and still the same great dishes and food. And the owner came out and gave us a free sample size of the rice pudding. Only comment is it is huge portions, but since its reasonably priced why not take the extra food (i took mine to go).
(5)Ozge U.
I was visiting Atlanta with my family and wanted to eat at a Turkish restaurant. Agora more than exceeded my expectations with both the food and hospitality. I am from Turkey and know a thing or two about both. The owner Alaadin Bey welcomed us and offered us delicious (meze) maza -with hummus, carrots and ezme....hmmmmm..... Their Adana was delicious, my husband loved the Iskender and my picky children shared a chicken kebab. The lady finger (baklava type dessert) was better than any I had. Thank you Agora for giving me a slice of home.
(5)Wana A.
Small place. Friendly owner. Gave us some complimentary condiments to start off with while we waited for our food. Ordered the chicken kebab and the mixed grill. Portion was alright. A tad bit too little for the price that we paid. Owner also gave us some baklava and rice pudding after we finished. Both of which were very delish.
(3)Daniel B.
Cafe Agora specializes in Turkish, Greek, and other Mediterranean cuisine. They have a picture menu posted above the kitchen of various Mediterranean foods such as gyros and kebabs as well as these huge glass cases where they show off some of their appetizers, spreads, pies, and desserts. These help out a lot when you're trying to decide what to order. As soon as we sat down at our table, the owner Al, brought us a small sampler of hummus, ezme (tomato-based spread), and tabouli (green herb-based spread). He then took a small disposable fork, mixed the three spreads together, and boldly fed us samples while we waited. Each of the spreads were freshly made and the ezme and tabouli were tangy. While it was a nice gesture of the owner to have us sample these, he ended up charging us for it, when we never ordered it to begin with. Not cool. I tried out two chicken dishes: the chicken shish kebab and the chicken gyro. The chicken shish kebab was served off-the-stick, in between pieces of pita bread and a bed of white rice. The pieces of chicken were chargrilled, so the meat was a little crispy on the outside. The entree is also served with a small side salad with mint dressing and a small cup of tzatziki sauce. The meat was dry, so the sauce really helped. The pieces of chicken in the gyro were much better and tasted great with the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and tzatziki sauce. While it's a lot of food, the kebabs are a little overpriced as each plate will set you back about $15 which seems like a lot for a dive such as this. Gyros are about half the cost. We also tried a slice of their strawberry cake, which we'd seen earlier sitting behind the glass. We asked for just a small piece, but Al gave us a huge chunk. It was as delicious as we'd hoped. The strawberries were sweet and ripe and icing was rich. As mentioned previously, the restaurant itself is small and divey. The space can get cramped when the restaurant is busy. Cafe Agora is located next door to Buckhead Bottle Bar on East Paces Ferry Rd. We came on a weeknight and were told by the valet guys at BBB that we could park in the HiFi Buys parking lot across the street for free, even though that lot has one of those metal boxes that you insert cash into (it turned out to be fine).
(3)Chris C.
A local gem! This was very good tasting food with generous portions. The Maza sampling platter is quite a nice starter to share but ask for extra pita. The grilled beef kebab was smoky and had a rich flavor from some combination or spice I could not quite place. The owner is a friendly character and an active manager with obvious pride in the food and establishment. He might be the Turkish Gordon Ramsey. Don't be put off if he is scolding his staff-- it adds to atmosphere! They have outgrown their current location and will be moving down the street in the future. (new site under construction, still open at old location).
(5)Thomas F.
Beeeeeeest mediterranean food I've ever had. Kind of pricey but well worth it!! The owner is very proud of his food and you can tell why. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, hummus and falafel. Little grease in the gyro which is what I love and the hummus was the best I've had. We even got some to go!
(5)Lisa G.
A**holes hung up in our face on the phone when we tried to order delivery he couldn't understand the address!!!!! What in god's name kind of service is this!!!
(1)Camilo R.
Terrible service! From the Valet all the way to the owner Al! I start the night by being force to hand over my keys to the valet parker when I had already found a spot. Valet parker was not courteous at all about it, to the point where he got in my face and demanded my keys as I'm walking away. I said no, I will go inside and talk to Al and he says it doesn't matter I will be back inside later to get the keys. I decided to speak to Al's uncle, (manager) about the situation and he just seemed to be having a bad day, disregarded my concern and told me not to mix parking with food and go sit down. The fact that his valet parker had already ruined my mood didn't matter to him. We order our an appetizer and according to the menu it was supposed to be served with garlic sauce. When we asked the server what kind of sauce it was he said garlic sauce. We proceed to ask another server what kind of sauce it was brought to us and she told us tomato sauce which I am allergic to. The other server went on to try to convince me that the red sauce on the table was garlic sauce. Terrible!!!We asked for lemons and they bring us limes. Throughout the whole night you could see Al visiting's everyone's table to make sure everything was okay. Walked by mine 8 times!! Not once did he check on us. He lost his cool in public and started to yell at two of his servers. Very humiliating! Got the check and left without leaving a tip. Go get car from valet which happens to get smart with me and tells me not to come back to the restaurant if I don't want to valet. I go inside and speak to Al directly about the whole experience and tells me that it was a terrible night, he admitted to loosing his tempter with his employees, said he was going to fire one of them, said that his uncle had a loss in the family so therefore his attitude was justifiable and all I get is an apology while he slowly walks me to the door. On top of it, I come to find out the restaurant charged my account a TIP for the service after I had written a zero on it and signed it which means they added money that I had not agreed to. This is consider stealing! It was not a party of 6 or more where a tip is added to the bill, nor did the bill stated that!!! I will never go back! I will never refer anyone or have anything positive to say about Cafe agora going forward. It's sad to say that I've been a customer for 6 years!
(1)Gina S.
Delicious lamb gyro! Moist, decadent chocolate cake. Easy parking, excellent location, fast, friendly service in a comfortable setting.
(5)Nafaax B.
I love agora.. A small joint with amazing food that is open late at night. Its a perfect place to go for food if ur partying late in that area. I don't know how they make their lamb so thin and so tasty..my standard is the lamb and beef plater... I rather replace all the beef with lamb. The old guy behind the counter was so sweet...he kept us providing sides... After food try the baklava . I am a big fan. In a months time they will be moving to a new couple of yards away... The place is suppose to be bigger... Which I don't care for... I just want good food.... I keep going there and love to take my friends
(5)Adam E.
Not sure about the whole lovefest on here. Gonna buck the trend here and challenge everyone's "groupthink" mentality. Let's get real about this place. If you rate this a 4 or a 5, then chances are you have not tried out other Turkish-Med places here in Atlanta. Food is average. Parking and restaurant are below average...especially for the Buckhead area. I like hole-in-the-wall places as much as the next guy. But at the same time, I expect lower prices and yummy, can't-put-it-down kinda food. Sure, it might be good for a quick gyro on your lunch break, but not otherwise. I have come here for dinner twice. Both times I'm thinking we should have gone somewhere else. I mean you're paying a restaurant price for average food in a below average setting. Why not pay the same price and have a nice dinner in a real restaurant at a place like Mykono's. Anyways, we had the chicken gyro platter and lamb gyro platter and got to sample everything they had. Gyro meat is chipped into small pieces and is dry, overcooked. Salad is plain. Lots of rice and bread to fill you up on carbs. If they have not fileld you up on carbs alreay, I bet you can't wait to try the rice pudding. Hmmm...sooo...average. One bite and you've had enough. There is nothing that would make me return. I would not recommend this place.
(2)Brittany P.
Love the new location. Lots of outdoor seating. The platter appetizer is a must to sample true authentic Mediterranean dips and apps. I ordered the chicken kabobs but couldn't finish it. It was really tasty. The owner is pretty chatty. Funny guy though. Ambience and great authentic greek.
(5)Sarah T.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had and the owner is amazing! I feel like I'm at home every time I go here!
(5)Hannah E.
To be completely honest, the first several times I visited this restaurant were after having drinks with friends in the nearby bar district - it's open 'til 4am. The food was always delicious, so I decided to take my mother for lunch, and it was still just as great. As a baklava fiend, I never fail to order this dessert anywhere I can find it, but Cafe Agora's is the best in Atlanta. The baklava here is absolutely divine! They make it in house, fresh, and it is drenched with honey goodness. As far as other recommendations, you can't go wrong with the Mezze Platter!
(5)Anurag G.
It's a great place. The food is amazing, fresh, and the portion sizes are enormous. Service is fast and good. I really liked the falafels, and maza platter for appetizers. They have a pretty nice complimentary stuff like hummus tasting in the beginning, and dessert at the end; not to mention the complimentary valet parking. ;)
(5)Lauren H.
We love Cafe Agora. It's a staple in Buckhead that never gets old. The food is fresh and delicious and I always leave happy and full. Al is a character and it's always a good time and good conversation when he's around the restaurants. Definitely check out this place for authentic Turkish/ Mediteranean food. We also heard that Al is opening a full sit down restaurant down the street (with a lot!), so look for that coming soon!!
(5)Anuj S.
I think Cafe Agora could not live up to the super high expectations yelp has created for it. With so many reviews and such a high average, I was expecting much more. This place is one of those hole in the wall places - no problem... sometimes the best food is served at small mom/pop shops. It wasn't clear where to park. Was going to initially park at a meter in front of the restaurant. I went inside to ask if they had other parking available... it was difficult to even get the person's attention. He did tell me that parking was available a 1/4 block away. A bit confusing as the parking lot says it's paid, but it's not clear how you even make a payment. Upon returning I asked about the payment situation and the guy says, "no", in response to whether or not I needed to pay without even looking at me. Not looking for good service after this point. The food itself was good. First off we got a side of hummus. It was just OK. It comes with very little bread which is all cut up in to small squares. I didn't really like that. I'd rather they provide me with the full bread which I can break myself. Plus, they give so little. It's probably one pita for the entire plate of hummus. We asked for more bread and he forgot so we didn't get that until we were done with the entrees. He did apologize for forgetting. After bringing out the falafel sandwich, he never came back even once to check up on us. I wanted to get some hot sauce, but failed multiple times to get his attention. The falafel themselves were nice. Can't complain. I haven't had Turkish food very often, but it seemed to be a mix of Lebanese and Greek to me - the falafel being the Labanese part and the Tzaziki being the Greek part. That as opposed to having the normal tahini and hot sauce. It was still good, though. Good to have something different. Just wish the service had been better. After that, one nice touch was that we got these two little complementary sampler desserts. We got a little cup of rice pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on top. That one was just OK. We also got this baklava variant which was basically baklava wrapped in a roll with some pistachio stuffed inside. I remember they called these lady fingers on the menu. These were amazing! Just wish these things weren't so rich and sugar-full or I'd order some of them to go. Overall, I don't know what other Mediterranean options there are in and around the greater Atlanta area and more specifically in Buckhead. Hopefully there are some others. If not, I guess I might give Cafe Agora another try.
(2)Farida A.
3.5 stars, really. Look I'll admit it, the food is pretty darn good. The meats are cooked extremely well and my goodness the pita is heavenly! Hummus, not so much (bland and watery). But the clincher here is the price. I thought food was cheaper in AT? For a place with zero ambiance I'm surprised they can get away with charging SO much so simple kabob platters. It was good, but I wouldn't come back unless someone else was paying for it!
(3)Alyssa M.
My fiancé and I came here for the first time tonight, and it's my new favorite spot! The restaurant is spacious, nicely decorated & has a great outdoor patio. We ordered the appetizer platter to share and each got a sandwich (falafel for me, lamb gyro for the boy). Everything was EXCELLENT!! Beyond the food, the service was phenomenal. The manager and especially our waiter made us feel right at home - like we were at a little neighborhood cafe. Our waiter surprised us with a sample of the rice pudding for dessert, and I will definitely be ordering it next time - simply out of this world! Thanks for a great dining experience, we will definitely be back soon!
(5)Shirley Z.
Twice in 24 hours. That stinking good. I love authentic, hole in the wall, unpretentious places. Cafe Agora is right up that alley. My first time me and my boyfriend shared the Mixed Maza Platter as an appetizer and Agora Mixed Grill for entree. Although I am not an eggplant fan, we still managed to clean the plate(Mixed Maza Platter). I would highly recommend this for your first time. it's a great way to get to know the appetizer menu and a great way to educate yourself on Mediterranean cold dishes. As for entree, we got the Agora Mixed Grill, simply because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and get a feel of what's good and what to stay away from. Everything was good, but it did leave me wishing for more lamb and a big fat gyro. GUESS WHAT, the next day we visited again. IT WAS THAT GOOD. To sum things up: * park at hifi buys and keep receipt for validation. * Try the mix maza platter * Get the lamb gyro * try the TO DIE FOR & FREE baklava & rice pudding. OMG, I really want some now.
(5)Stephen V.
First, I was stationed in Turkey for 2.5 years, so I KNOW Turkish food! This place is a wonderful place for me to get my Turkish fix when I start craving that excellent culinary tradition. The food is always superb and quick. The owners are wonderful and friendly. Their new bartender at the new location is sweet, cheerful and charming....doing everything she can to make one feel comfortable, whether eating there or grabbing takeout. The new digs are a huge step up from the old place! It is drenched with very pleasant blue lighting and Turkish music playing in the background. They just moved in, so the armoire shelves are empty and it has a sense if incompleteness, but ironically, this is very common throughout Turkiye proper. I tend to get the Adana kabobs, while my wife gets the mixed grill - both excellent! We've had the gyros, several other entrees, the meze plate really guys the spot. My wife can't get enough of the carrot salad and the rice pudding, while we both agree the baba ganoush is the best we've ever had. They usually have Turkish Efes beer on hand, as well as the usual American suspects. Pricing is a tad higher than I would like, but you won't feel like you were taken advantage of by any means. If you've never had Turkish, go explore a wonderful new horizon. If you're an experienced Mediterranean/Turkish foodie, go get a reminder of how good it can be. Afiyet olsun.
(5)Brian P.
Fantastic owner! He wouldn't stop giving friends and me samples of his mixed mezes. I love the carrot salad stuff here, it's just halfway like sweet cheesy spread for pitas. It's got great mouthfeel. I really now understand the value of simply grilled meat--there's beauty in the simplicity of the way they handle their meats here. You'll understand if you get the simple meat platter on rice. Combine it with a little nice red wine, and you're really in for a world of flavor. Without the wine, it's really bleh. Trust me, the food you eat here really should pair with a spicy red wine, it's like the cook's tastebuds are drowning in the red stuff (and that's a good thing).
(4)M C.
Great place! One of the employees even came out and moved his car to let us park in his spot when we couldn't find a space. Waiter made great suggestions for food for us, brought out complimentary little desserts for the table. Will definitely come back if we're ever back in Atlanta again.
(5)Francine L.
I went with a a large group tonight. The people that got there early had their orders taken, so that when I sat down, the Waitress never noticed me and it was not until all the others were being served that I realized that the orders had already been taken, It was downhill from there. I tried to order several times with three different servers ever since they brought the appetizers out to the others, but I was still ignored even though myself and other guests from the table made it known that I had not ordered. and since they continued to be busy with the main entrees, I got ignored till most of the others were done with their meals.. One man came out to take my order, but with all the loud conversation, I could not hear him and he said, "you must not be hungry" and he walked away. I had to walk to the front desk and complain about it to the Management. The Manager told me to "calm down", not a mere word of an apology. When I finally got my food, they brought out the soup and right after, brought out my main dish. I had to send it back since the food would get cold while I was still eating the soup. I specified that I did not want anything that was hot and spicy and was brought out a dish that was very spicy, so I returned it. The other dish that I ordered was not very tasty to me, so I just took a few bites. The Waitress asked me "Didn't you like your meal?" and I said no. At that point, I didn't want to complain again after all the other disaster and the management telling me to 'calm down' when I complained about the poor service. So, I just left it alone. I was surprised that the Management did not offer me any compensation like a comp drink or something after all the bad service. That just added to the perception of this restaurant of which I will never go back.
(1)Chris And Tanja B.
Food is fantastic and service is awesome. We have been in for both dine in and take out about 10 times now and have been very pleased with every experience. They finally fixed the one issue we ever had, parking, by now offering free valet. So far, our favorite entrees have been the Lamb and Beef Gyro, the Chicken Kebab and on our last visit we tried the Falafel and it was fantastic. Casual atmosphere and great place to meet up with some friends. Would also say the $ value of both food and drinks is pretty good too, especially for Buckhead.
(5)Charlie S.
Nice place and friendly owners but the food was somewhat bland. I like my hummus with more flavor, just seemed too bland. Lamb was seasoned correctly. Falafel was good, but so are the ones at Falafel King. I wouldn't rate this as 4 or 5 stars for food.
(3)Jie Y.
It has great dishes and tastes for sure. But is it the best turkish one? nope, I have had better before. But considering its prices, this is a great store. However, the atmosphere and service is average or below average. The parking is okay but I don't like the feeling of paying for parking in Atlanta for a meal. Overall, a good one but not excellent.
(4)Jake K.
I wasn't sure what to expect but with two friends giving it four and five stars, respectively, I couldn't resist. Came here and was seated quickly. Decor is lacking - this is a no frills establishment that is here to serve you food and drink. A server came up to the group, gave us menus and came back in about five minutes. After ordering the food, it came out rather quickly. I got the combo and immediately regretted it. Why you ask? Well, because I was a traveler and would have loved to save about 2/3 of the plate as it was overwhelming and offered plenty to eat. The meats were charred well and there was different shwarma, gyro meat, and kebabs to satisfy the palate. Throw on some rice and salad, and you have a winner. Didn't even need beer. If I'm back in Buckhead, I'll be back!
(4)Allison N.
Delicious food and wonderful staff! I wish I lived closer because then I could come here all the time.
(5)Scott R.
Al the owner is a trip. Great guy took the time to get to know us. Great food so yummy!!!!
(5)Loren B.
I read the other yelp reviews and gave it a shot. I don't live in Atlanta, traveling on business, so this was one of my few local meals. When I walked in it wasn't what I expected. It felt more like a deli. But ohhhh my opinion quickly changed. The smile and graciousness of the guy behind the counter who told me, "please sit I will take care of you." The super fresh look of every food item behind the counter. The Turkish music playing (it was really good and I'm picky), the great Turkish wine they suggested instead of my request for Cabernet. Very quickly I realized I was in someone's home. Then my meal arrived. The Mixed Maza Platter. Heaven. And then the baklava. That's what put me over the edge and got me to write probably my 2nd or 3rd yelp review. This place is super legit and authentic. Oh yeah, and thanks to all you yelpers that write many more reviews than I do.....
(5)Sabrina C.
Cannot say enough good things about this place! The food is delish, the staff/owner are so friendly you are almost guaranteed to be hand fed - no joke on the 2-3 occasions I have visited the owner has been ready fully spoon in hand to feed me like I was a toddler. He is a very lively personality and claims his wife cooks all the food :). Don't forget to grab some baklava on your way out the pistachio is amazing. The star is only removed for the lack of seating... this place is packed at lunch and sometimes you have to wait for a spot.
(4)Steve T.
One of my favorite places in Atlanta. Great food and service. They always make our kids feel special. Looking forward to the new and improved Buckhead space!
(4)Angela L.
Hands down the best Mediterranean food joint I have been to in Atlanta. I bring all my out-of-town visitors here, and we never leave disappointed. I usually order the Kofte Kabob, and the lamb is consistently juicy and tender. The salad on the side is fresh and crisp which provides a perfect balance to flavorful, succulent meat. Don't forget to try the hummus and the baklava too. Just want to point out that the restaurant can't accommodate for larger parties (4+), but their service is quick and welcoming. I can't rave enough about how fantastic this place is--a must-try if you are visiting Atlanta!
(5)Michelle B.
3.5 stars, if that is possible. Location is good. Parking is stupid, but it IS Buckhead. Our choices appeared to be paying a parking meter ($2/hour) or the $5 lot on a Saturday night. We chose the meter and got our food to go. The space is very small, but it is clean and they do have a full bar. The service was a little strange but friendly. We did not experience the owner. The food itself was really good. I wouldn't call it the best, but it was different than other falafel I've had in Atlanta and it was good in it's own way. We also had tabouli, which was really good, and some baklava, which was decent. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area!
(3)ILAN S.
Love this place,. Always had great food, great service. Don't like anything? Tell the owner, Al. Mezze platter, grilled chicken salad or gyro, then tiramisu with a raki...beautiful thing!
(5)Phoebe T.
You know, I had expected more from these rave yelp reviews but I just wasn't all that into Cafe Agora. I felt like the decor of this place was lacking and the owner seems a bit sketchy. We were with some friends so thankfully it seemed like they knew what to order and sort of knew the owner, but I would kind of be scared that they'd charge us random prices and offer us things and then charge us for things if we came here ourselves. Also, the parking situation is a disaster. I'll pass.
(2)Jeremy S.
Always satisfied. This place is small but very cool. The gyros are awesome. The mezza plate is a must. The baklava is amazing. The owners are great. Can't say enough positive about this place. The only down side is parking can be tough but you can always find a space within a block or two.
(5)Helena W.
Everything was great!! Ordered the grapes leaves as an app and shared them with my lunch guests. Also ordered the chicken gyro sandwich. Huge! and quite yummy. They threw in some rice pudding. This was my first time trying; it was pretty good. Company was wonderful and looking forward to doing it again.
(5)Semra E.
It's as if I'm back in Istanbul visiting my family. It's hard to find a hole in the wall Turkish place where I can get my fix, but I believe I have found it. Not only is the food delicious, but the owner will feed you. Now anywhere else I would be worried about this, but here, it isn't odd or anything, in fact it adds to the atmosphere & is absolutely some of the best Turkish food I've had in the states in a long time. I shared the adona kabob with my sister-in-law, which came with rice (which tasted exactly how my grandmothers rice used to taste), rich tomato's that are shaved and semi-sauted in it. It was one of the most delicious tasting rice I've had, the meat was also tender & just right. We were given a sample of the rice pudding, which I highly recommend. Also the Baklava is made fresh, it's warm & melts in your mouth....it was some of the best I've ever had, even beat some places I had it in Istanbul! Now that's good Baklava ;-)
(5)P H.
This place is hands down the BEST Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish restaurant in Atlanta. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the owner is joyful and welcoming. We always have the best time here. I would recommend it to anyone. The remodeling means that the seating is quite nice now but the prices remain reasonable.
(5)Brenna S.
Well..... After reading reviews I wanted so badly to love this place. And I always hate reading and writing a bad review and don't find myself doing this pretty often. But I had to share my experience (and what seemed to be a similar experience to the patrons who left as I arrived here). So, when I found the place, I wasn't sure where to park, but found a spot on the side of the street with a parking meter. I ran in to ask for change for a five so I could pay the meter (which charges $2 per hour), but the guy behind the counter (I'm assuming it was this Al guy everyone talks about) assured me I could park at HiFi Buys for free (despite multiple signs posted that state the contrary). Regardless I didn't feel like going through the trouble as it was a cold and rainy day, and Al actually just GAVE me four quarters to go pay the meter and commented on my laziness. I laughed to myself and thought, "Hey, good guy, I'll tip him extra". ;D When I went back in I was mulling over the menu and different items in the display thingy. He asked me what I like, and I responded "I'm not sure what most of this is". Honest answer, as I don't know the name of every sauce and mediterranean concoction behind the counter and I always like to learn more. So he offered me a little sampler platter. Cool! A much appreciated gesture, once again, and I'm thinking I'll tip him even a little extra... DESPITE the fact that he creepily insisted on feeding it to me himself..... :\ But we'll get over it. It's just lunch and a bite of tabouli, eh? Ehhh? :\ Anywho, my friend arrives and we order our food, I was craving a falafel so I went that route, my friend just got the Spanakopita, I think. Well, when the food was served up, it smelled GREAT, but not falafel-y. In fact it wasn't falafel at all, not even a sandwich of any sort, it was lamb on rice with a side salad. Well, I'm thinking they obviously took their time to make this, its warm and fresh and smells good, so I won't complain, I'll just try something a little unexpected rather than put him and the kitchen staff through the extra trouble. (we were the only people in there so it wasn't like it was someone else's order either) The food was enjoyable, and time came to pay. My friend insists on paying for me when we go to eat (just a gentlemanly thing I guess), so he actually approaches another woman behind the counter to pay. She asks what we had, he replied with the numbers from the menu that we originally ordered. He tried to explain, he doesn't know what was actually given but that what we ordered was that number, so the man comes over at this point and just randomly starts YELLING. I turn around to see what's going on and he looks straight at me and starts YELLING at me! Why didn't I tell them he gave me the wrong order blah blah blah "NEVER COME BACK TO THIS PLACE!" he says. He starts spitting out random numbers for totals, and my friend is calmly saying he doesn't think that's what the menu says, so he spits out a new number for the total and says JUST GIVE ME THAT AND LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK! Confused? Me too. Apparently this guy just likes to raise his voice and make up numbers and run customers away. As I was leaving I remembered walking in and hearing the SAME situation going on with two gentlemen who were trying to pay, and getting yelled at, but since I wanted my experience to be good I had perhaps naïvely written it off. SO, all in all. Go ahead, take your chances for a fresh and tasty meal and so-so atmosphere. Just maybe take this account into consideration. The only way I'll ever support this establishment again is: A. if I can't find a good substitute elsewhere in sprawling Atlanta, B. I can call in an order ahead of time for take-out, C. I have a friend go in to pick it up, and D. we have our totals UP FRONT.
(1)David L.
UNREAL! The owner was incredibly inviting and hospitable, offering a free sampling of his hummus and tablueh. I wish I lived here so I could visit Cafe Agora more!
(5)Shazia T.
i had been wanting to try this place for the longest time and i'm glad i can cross it off my list now. it's good food, but it made my stomach feel a little funny the next day. also i'm not sure how halal this place is cuz i asked the waitress and she pointed to a totally vegetarian dish and said it was not halal. i tried the mixed plate of appetizers and it was good. the eggplant was probably my favorite thing on there. i had a chicken kabob plate. the chicken was good, but the rice it was on tasted like uncle ben's. i was a little disappointed. also parking here is a bitch. pay the meter if you parallel park near the entrance or find a parking lot.
(3)Alex B.
Some of the best food I've had in Atlanta. I make a point of stopping by every time I'm in town. And you gotta love the atmosphere too. Al, you're the man. Get the mixed grill, and some baklava for dessert. That sampler plate of pita and dips is fantastic as well.
(5)Mark M.
Great food. Great service! Atmosphere is ok, but all else made up for it. Had the mixed grill and a mixed appetizer of sauses and pita bread. Very different. Service was ver friendly. I highly recommend!
(5)Danelle J.
The first time I ate from here I ordered takeout, and my food was delicious. Dining in is a little odd, I like places like this but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very small when you first walk in and can be a bit cramped depending on how many other people are dining in. The first time I ordered the Mezze plate and it was very tasty, I think the pita bread could be slightly fresher but not a big deal. Both times I ordered the gyros and the meat was juicy and very well seasoned. My friend ordered the lamb kabobs, she mentioned the food could be a little more spicy, so if you like spicy you may want to let them know to add a little fire, b/c it's not spicy at all. This is the perfect spot for dining with a friend or a no fuss date!
(4)Jonah K.
Let me start off by saying the owners are very nice. The service was very slow, they need more people to handle the lunch rush. The problem is that its so small, I'm not sure you could have 2 people handling the counter. The Gyro was okay, I have had better in the city. The pita was excellent, the rest so/so. They don't make their own Gyro blend, something I would have expected from a place that gets such high respect on yelp. The mixed masa app platter was a good sampler. The humus was very good, as was the tabbouleh. The rest were nothing special. It took 15 minutes to pay for our meal after, which was kind of annoying. People were cutting in line all over the place. Would rather be at Nick's any day of the week.
(2)Elaine S.
Great food BUT be careful at dinner. I was given a menu and NOT told that the prices were for to go and lunch. I got a small maza plate and drink. I paid $10.00 more than the price that was in the menu. Very disappointed.
(2)Janelle D.
A group of us had a concert to see at the Buckhead Theater on Sunday night 11/14/10, so we looked for places to eat a day before the show and decided on Cafe Agora since it was only a block away and we were on the lookout for a good Mediterranean place. Upon walking up to the door, the owner, who was outside, summoned us inside, claiming over and over how good the food was. He was friendly, but by the middle of our meal, we were all just a little worn out and thought it was over the top. Maybe it's just a cultural thing, but he was loud and in-your-face and kind of pushy. Fortunately, his claims about the food being delicious was TRUE - it was!! - but ambiance is important, too. I'd give this place a five if it weren't for the following issues: 1. I was put off by being pressured to step inside and try his food. I mean, we were on our way there anyway so it worked out, but that's kind of annoying. He got up and in our way and tried to usher us inside! 2. There were people who arrived way after us and got their food before us. 3. He brought out a sampler of some sort, which was really good, and ended up charging us for it. I'm not an idiot - I figured he would, but this is just tacky in my book. Also, it was $10 platter. You can't just assume someone can pay for that. When we ran out of pita bread pices for the platter (there were 6 of us!) he said he wouldn't give us anymore because then we wouldn't order food because we'd get full. 4. Never got refills on our water. 5. We waited fooorever for a menu. Another employee came to us with pen and paper ready to take our order and he seemed put off that we didn't know what we wanted. When we said it was our first time, he chuckled and said something about how "people usually know what they want when they come in there." 6. The owner was loud. Very. He talked loud, he was aggressive, and he tried to feed me - FEED ME - a gyro that I ordered (which, again, was probably the best I've ever had). Nooo thank you. I'm not even weird about my personal space but that's a bit much - to have a stranger feed me my food? Nuh uh. 7. It also took foooorever to get our bill. It was a Sunday night. Not many people in there. A group came in about an hour after we did he started in on them again about how good the food was. It's one thing to be proud of your food but to push it like that is just tacky. 8. He did give us a sample of baklava desserts, which were wonderful. All in all, the food was great. I'd go back to try new things, but inside, I dread having to deal with him, and I'm an outgoing people person! Just no yelling at me when I'm trying to eat or adding stuff to my bill and not telling me or trying to feed me and we're good, okay? Okay! For the record, everyone loved what they had - we stuck to falafels and gyros and it was really tasty and not bland at all. Mmm! FYI: Aside from the sandwiches, the other dishes like the kebabs and platters hover around $15.
(3)Tramaine W.
I went early afternoon on a Thursday so I got to park directly in front of the door, good start. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro and a baklava. The baklava was a little too sweet but the flavor was great. I loved the baklava but I kept wishing I had a bottle of water to wash the sweetness down. The gyro was exactly OK, no complaints but it is not something I would particularly attempt to eat again in life. I would not question the authenticity of this place because I don't doubt this is the real deal but I have had better seasoned and tasting lamb and beef gyros. My gyro and baklava was $9.
(3)Inna B.
MMM delicious. We found this "almost a hole in the wall" through yelp as it was walking distance to our hotel. Although the atmosphere is non-existent, the food was very good. My boyfriend and I shared the mixed meze plate and licked it clean. I do wish they gave more accompanying pita bread than the tiny squares this dish came with. We also split the mixed grill. The portion was not huge, but we both left satisfied. My favorite of all the meats would have to be the lamb shish kabobs. We also had turkish coffees and complimentary rice pudding and baklava samples (the baklava was probably the best I've had.) I would recommend coming here for a quick bite or getting take out.
(4)Max S.
Went with people in the office (4) What was ordered: lamb gyros-some of the best I've ever had, very fresh *make sure you use the hot sauce they have in the squirt bottle...its awesome Service: order at the register, sit down, they bring out the food, tell the cashier what you ordered when you are finished to pay Atmosphere: nothing special the owner is like the soup nazi from Seinfeld...will yell at you a little but its all in good fun...and the food is awesome
(4)Ken K.
Came here for the first time with my lady after rock climbing, so we were fairly hungry. We stared at the menu for a few seconds and I guess the man behind the counter could tell we were new and asked if we were first time customers. We confirmed his suspicions and asked if he had any recommendations. He suggested the Mixed Maza Platter, which is a combo of humus, eggplant salad, babaganush, ezme, kisir, and piyaz, plus the daily appetizer special as well as the Mixed Grill kebabs for the two of us. I have a fat kid inside me, so I double checked to make sure he thought this was enough for the two of us. My fingers are still numb from rock climbing, so I'll make this short. The food was delicious. The prices are reasonable, but maybe a tad on the pricier side. The staff was very nice and even gave us complimentary baklava, which was super yummy. We left happy and hope we get another opportunity to eat here soon! Try it, you'll like it.
(5)Anna D.
Love Cafe Agora. Given the huge number of reviews, I guess it isn't a hidden gem, but it still seems that way to me every time I come. It's always jam packed at lunch, but they should be fixing the crowd issue when they move to their new location in 2 months. I love their dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and their chicken gyros . Also, they are open super late on the weekends which comes in handy!
(4)J D.
Maybe went in there on a bad night, but was terrible service. The manager was screaming at one of the people in the back for messing up an order, then the guy came out who was waiting on us and quit on the job. Food came really late, but was still delicious... I should probably give the place a 1 for the very terrible and unprofessional service that surely made everybody feel uncomfortable. Falafels were really good, as was the mezze plate though. I'd probably give it a 4 for food but the dining experience dropped it 2 stars. This would be a good place to have on mystery diners, if the manager actually cared but he seemed to be the one screaming at the waiter for messing up a take out order. Can they make some kind of reverse mystery diners like horrible bosses for restaurants?
(2)Maureen D.
Super friendly staff. Best Baklava ever & I don't care for Baklava but theirs was awesome. Generous portions you'll need to take some home! Food was very fresh and great seasoning. I'll be back. You must check them out if you love Mediterranean food. 5 Stars!!
(5)Khurum U.
I visited Cafe Agora last and was treated to a wonderful Mixed Gyro plate. Thin sliced lamb cooked to perfection along with a generous amount of cubed grilled chicken. A nice Mediterranean salad in the side and some tasty pita/naan with some light marination. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. To top it all off, they provided a honey soaked piece of baklava that was out of this world. Don't skip this place, it's worth the hype!
(5)Charlotte S.
Al the owner is the best. Open until 2am at least. Covered patio, full bar, and tables. Great service. Good prices. Lots of desserts.
(5)Ryan S.
Excellent Greek and an owner who is so engaging and enthusiastic it makes the already-superb food taste even better. If you order the large Falafel...prepare for a LARGE falafel.
(5)Marko G.
Al is the best! He made me feel like I'm home. He served me a half Adana half lamb shish kebab entrée. It was the best ever! Everyone should try this place!
(5)Quality K.
I would never eat here again. Constant over charging and service is very very poor! Food is mediocre.
(1)Amy W.
The food is delicious and the portions are insane. So much food. Spanikopita is unique to this Cafe. It isn't flakey like most others. It may seem pricey when you see the menu but the portions are huge so it's really a deal.
(4)Rav J. M.
Man, some of the best customer service I've had. The owner is older yet makes a point to interact and spread his passion and love. He's proud of his establishment and food. How does it taste? Good.. like really good. I enjoy the chicken gyro and sampler plates immensely.
(4)Kevin Q.
I came here yesterday night with my coworkers and it was great! The menu is mainly focused on gyros, which I don't have a problem with. The hummus was good, and the pita bread was even better. There was even complimentary valet parking, even though the parking lot wasn't that big. The platter was among the biggest I've ever seen, even in the South. I would highly recommend coming here for dinner.
(5)Kim T.
This was a jackpot find, and why I love Yelp! Driving through Atlanta looking for dinner at 9 pm, we decided to take a break and try to find something the whole family would enjoy. This place looked different, and had 4.5 stars with over 300 reviews. That can't be easy to do. The food is fantastic. Very fresh ingredients, unique flavors with multiple subtle layers that are well balanced. Portion sizes are huge. One entrée is really about two meals. I recommend the gyro plates rather than gyros. It's so much food that you won't want a giant pita. Our kids (12 and 17) got to try some things they had never tried before from the Mazo app, which was fun. Our server was friendly, and took pride in his job and the restaurant. Before I left, I thanked one of the owners (I am assuming) who quickly asked if our waiter had given us samples of baklava, and when I said "no", he sent me out the door with four pieces. The building is new and very clean. I'm posting a pic of the sink in the restroom, because I have a secret belief that the state of the restroom is probably a fair reflection of the state of the kitchen in a restaurant. I have absolutely no evidence for this, but I'm not giving up my belief. That being said, the restroom was picture-worthy. Thank you for the great find, fellow Yelpers!
(5)Anita L.
Disappointing. Used to be much better. Falafel was way too spicy-the waitress thought it was funny, said the chef added too much heat but she offered to do nothing. The phyllo dough on the spanakopita was soggy, not the least bit crispy. The gyro meat was dry. Sounds like Momma is no longer in the kitchen. It'll be a while before I return.
(2)Theresa H.
This is my 2nd time to Cafe Agora. My last experience was excellent, the chicken shish kebab was delicious. Love the rice pudding and baklava too. My visit tonight left me lukewarm. Ordered the same dish, the chicken did not taste fresh nor was it as good as the last time. The chicken gyro tasted good though. A friend had to run to the bathroom right after she got home and her tummy did not feel too well. Did not know if it was the food she ate there or elsewhere. Service was alright. Ordered some baklavas to go. For me, the best baklava around. Most baklavas are way too sweet, those here are perfect. Rice pudding is good too but since I may be making some rice pudding with Gordon Ramsay's receipe this July 4th weekend, will skip the Cafe Agora's pudding this time. Hopefully my next experience will overall be a terrific one.
(3)Missy M.
Excellent service. Very attentive staff. The owner has quite the personality and visited every table while we were there. Now to the food: fresh and very flavorful. We had the mixed gril platter and a small plate of esme and hadari. Flavors were on point!! We almost licked the plate. Very reasonably priced as well. Coming from DC we were extremely impressed . I wish they would open a branch there.
(5)Emily T.
Delicious food and excellent service. The new location is beautiful and has much more seating, including a lovely patio in front. They serve a free (little) meza plate after you order; you can also purchase the larger appetizer portion. Fresh and delicious, including hummus, tabbouleh, and other dips. For dinner I enjoyed the gyro, stuffed with flavorful lamb, accompanied by a fresh greek salad w/feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a tasty dressing. I usually feel overwhelmed by dressing on salad but this was perfect. My companion enjoyed the mix grill entree--a succulent assortment of meats, alongside pita bread, rice, greek salad, and yogurt sauce. Everything was great, and our friendly server made us feel at home. For dessert, they serve a small portion of complimentary rice pudding that's phenomenal. Creamy, not too sweet, just right. The baklava is excellent. The food can be a little on the expensive side, but the quality and flavor are top notch. Highly recommended for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
(5)Kelly M.
Cafe Agora never fails... The owner truly loves this place. The food is awesome and the new location is spacious (although I do miss the hole in the wall vibe). Everything I've gotten here is incredible. I RECOMMEND TRYING EVERYTHING
(5)Dan G.
I've had the gyro platter twice now and it's reasonably good The service is solid and they always give you something small that is on the house The gyro meat has been a bit dry both times and the salad a little heavy on the dressing All that being said if you are in the area it's worth a meal I will return
(3)Sarah B.
Great food. The service was lacking. We arrived around 2 p.m. and were the only customers at the restaurant which raised a concern. Based on the rave Yelp! reviews we decided to give it a try. The server was busy trying to eat her lunch which was a total turn off and caused major delay in placing our order. I had to go get her to let her know we were ready. However once we got our food we were able to overlook her lackluster performance. We ordered an eggplant lasagna and the hummus. Both items were delicious and plentiful. There were two of us and we shared the lasagna and hummus and left very satisfied.
(4)Terence B.
I found this place while driving past one day and noticed that it had good reviews. It is located just off of Peachtree Road in Buckhead. It is very basic looking and feeling, both inside and outside. We were seated promptly and had good service throughout. We started with hummus, which was a good starter. I had the agora salad with both lamb and chicken, which was huge, filling and great tasting. My friend had the chicken euro, which was also good. It good for both small and large parties. The only dislike is that I thought that it was a bit pricy. liked this place and definitely plan to come back.
(4)Katherine K.
Alas they are only open till 10 on week nights, even for takeout, until 11 ish on weekends. New location but I'm pretty sure I googled delivery buckhead open now and this was one of the scant options. However if you call they don't deliver so I wish they would rectify their info online. It's 2014... However, baklava. Best baklava ever.
(3)Zulfiqar H.
WOW!!!! Had lunch there this afternoon; It was one the best and most enjoyable meals I have ever had Magnificent food with excellent service Whenever I am Atlanta next this is one place I am most definitely going to visit
(5)Nik T.
Finally great service. Sadly it is only at the bar...but ah well, food is still great
(5)Christopher T.
I love this place... It adds to the fact that ATL is the most underrated city for eats in america... Yes i said it. Besides the amazingly awesome food this place has to offer, what makes it soo special is from the second you walk in to the moment you leave they treat you as if you are the only customer they have. It doesn't matter if you went to their first location or their new building down the road, that has a very friendly and fun atmosphere, Cafe Agora's #1 priority is making the customer happy! GREAT Food GREAT customer service = 5 STARS
(5)Will H.
My favorite Mediterranean place in Buckhead. Great value for great food.
(5)Andrea P.
I love everything about the new location! It kept everything I liked about the old place (the food) and vastly improved everything I didn't. Easy parking, much larger restaurant that is beautifully decorated, very clean, and has an amazing patio. (There is also a private room you can reserve in the back.) Efficient counter ordering with the food coming out quickly. Prices are on the higher end but you really get what you pay for - great quality and lots of food. Love the small appetizer sampler platter Al continues to give out. Note - I learned that for weekday lunch the gyro sandwich comes just by itself, but nights and weekends it comes with a side salad (don't know if the price varies though). I thoroughly enjoyed one of the platters for lunch and am stuffed! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Chris H.
I dropped in here for lunch and was greeted by the owner like I was a good friend. Watched him bounce around his place and chat and interact with everyone is this bustling Turkish gem. I ordered the chicken/lamb gyro with the salad. I've been to the Middle East and even Istanbul but this place rocked them all! The salad was fresh and delicious with a dynamite dressing. The gyro was enormous and very tasty. Their tea ( probably Turkish) was delish. The baklava however stole the show. Definitely the best I have ever had. I will be back...with reinforcements.
(5)Shayla T.
I enjoyed the food though I feel it is overpriced. I had the chicken shesh kebabs that came with rice, sauce, flatbread, and salad. Then I ordered. a small potato salad. All were tasty but it came to about $17 and change. I wish the portions on the potato salad had been bigger and would have liked more meat, but I was full. So, I guess I'm just being greedy now. I will definitely be back.
(3)Astrid V.
Food is ok, service is appalling. The servers will lie to you, wave you off, insult your intelligence, ignore your needs and take the liberty of stealing your money. You are better off going somewhere else. Our party ordered calamari which came with cold marinara sauce, when the menu clearly says garlic sauce. When we asked the first server for the garlic sauce, he said; "that was it." Completely taken back; We asked him again, if that was garlic sauce? Waiter proceeded to say that was their garlic sauce. We asked a second server what kind of sauce it was, she told us it was tomato sauce and was thrown off when we told her what her co-worker had advised us. We then asked if they were out of garlic sauce, to which she quickly agreed that their was no garlic sauce. We asked for lemon, and then the wait began. Third server passes by, we asked for lemon. Still no lemon. Fourth server passes by, asked for lemon yet again and we eventually got "lime." Really?! Our food finally comes out with our second server and a reluctant apology for the unwanted lime vs not lemon. We gratified her for noticing and she abruptly answered back with; "as you can look around, we're busy." Days letter, we see that someone felt the need to add a $5 tip to both bills. When a three way call between the bank, Cafe Agora and myself was placed to dispute the charge; the owner hung up on us without saying a word for the act. Truth be told that was completely unnecessary. The owner was addressed. Apparently, this is acceptable in his business. Any smart and respectable person would seek business elsewhere, especially when you are paying for a service. Don't waste your time and money. Their are several similar restaurants in the area that offer better food and service; plus they won't try to steal from you.
(1)Jonathan F.
Amazing food! Extremely flavorful. I would recommend the chicken gyro plate. The seasoning is off the charts! Also, the service is wonderful and the owner is very friendly and checks to ensure you are having the best experience possible.
(5)Hr S.
Better ambience than before and now they have parking lots!! Always my pleasure to start with maza platter ~~~ Mixed grilled meats with rice was delicate and my server was very kind.
(5)Miranda P.
Good stuff! It was our first time here and we got a sampler plate with hummus tubule and other yummy things . I got the mixed gyro. Prices were a little high but the portions were good! Before we left he gave us a rice sampler pudding and baklava. It was really good. Not sure if we will be back, but I am glad we went and gave it a try. The bathroom was gorgeous I must add haha
(3)CeeCee S.
this place is AMAZING. I've been here about 2 or 3 times and every single time, it was great! the service is friendly and quick to say the least. the location and actual atmosphere could be better, but I love the small restaurant feel. both times I came, the man gave us something for free... amazing! long story short, the food is pretty decent for Atlanta midtown area, service is great, and food is delicious!!
(5)Katy N.
Holy cow. This place is fantastic! The service was incredibly attentive, but left you alone with your company. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split the falafel platter and the mixed grill which came with almost every meat on the menu, both of which were remarkable! We love Mediterranean and middle eastern food and this place really delivers. The owner, Al, came by and kept giving us free goodies which really cemented us leaving the burbs and making the trip back to Cafe Agora soon! The hummus and babaganoush were both delicious, and the tzatziki was definitely worth writing home about! We'll be coming back soon!
(5)Katie R.
I love this place! The food is delicious and portion size is generous. I've never been disappointed. The staff are super friendly and very attentive. We always have a great time here. Certainly the best Mediterranean food in Buckhead!
(5)Michelle W.
Amazing Mediterranean food. This is some of the best I've had in Atlanta. The owner, Al, is incredibly friendly and generous; he checked on our table multiple times and brought us complimentary tasting plates of appetizers and desserts. Will definitely be back with friends.
(5)Craig A.
I get the strong feeling the following could applied a large number of Atlanta restaurants: Sincerely friendly and warm service and absolutely unremarkable food. It's hard to give a low rating to nice people but, unfortunately, this is a middling neighborhood joint at best. In no reality is it a 4.5 star restaurant with 360+ reviews. Either a shillfest or Atlantans with no taste. Given that it's located in Buckhead, it could very well be the latter. On the plus side it's easy to order because everything tastes like bleh.
(2)Nihal S.
I should begin by stating that i am Turkish and this is the first Turkish restaurant I have been to in Atlanta. I loved the mazza and the Adana kabab. Excellent...
(5)Jeff S.
Easily the worst middle Eastern restaurant in the ATL. Cold felafel and bad service blah
(1)Diane E.
The awkwardness of the owner makes this restaurant one I will never return to. This is the second time I was here - I was somehow persuaded to come back and give it a second chance last night. In both instances, there were no men at the table, and the owner spoon fed a girl at the table against her wishes. He wouldn't then leave us alone. It felt like we were being groped publicly. The food was OK, but not spectacular. I will not return, nor would I suggest anyone else.
(1)Na L.
This place is delicious. The rice pudding is the best dessert ever! I could eat an entire tub! The gyros are also very good. Service was okay. I'll be back for the rice pudding.
(4)Allie B.
My boyfriend and I had an unpleasant experience dining here. We waited for twenty minutes for service after being sat. The waitress was not apologetic at all for the wait and put in our order. After waiting forty more minutes for a gyro and greek salad, we left the restaurant and abandoned our hope of eating there. The manager chased after us, and instead of apologizing, said that we should have just contacted him. Olive Bistro in Brookhaven and Vinings has much better greek food and much better customer service.
(2)Veronica X.
No frills, just great food. I never had mezze thrown together almost haphazardly onto a plate like this, but it didn't matter as the flavors quickly overwhelmed me. My favorites on the plate: smoky babaganoush, the other two eggplant thingies I had trouble distinguishing but both good, carrot salad, yogurt and hummus -- perhaps I should have listed my least favorites to save some space. Hubby said the gyro (mix lamb and beef) was one of the best he ever had, and I trust the man knows his gyro. That, and the fact that it was one of the rare occasions that he actually raved about a place I found via yelp prompted me to jump on the Cafe Agora bandwagon. This little hole in the wall deserves yet another glowing review. The sweet touch of rice pudding and baklava took it all the way to five stars. The only downside: they have probably ruined any future rice pudding and baklava for me.
(5)Hieu H.
Cafe Agora may be bigger, newer, and even flashier. But there was something about its old hole-in-the-wall location that gave it charm. The new location lacks that spirit, and the food lacks that heart and soul. The mezze platter just doesn't taste the same.
(3)Emma F.
Clean restaurant offering all the classic Turkish/Mediterranean fare you'd expect from this style of restaurant. I had the lamb salad and it was excellent and quite a lot of food. Wait staff and owner were friendly as well. I'd say anything with lamb is gonna be a good choice at this restaurant.
(4)R G.
This was a suggestion of a friend that is a foodie as well. The food was excellent and I will defiantly be returning. I had the beef kabobs and finished every last bite. Also had the rice pudding to top things off and that was a home run also. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes.
(5)Kelly H.
I have been to Cafe Agora about 6-7 times at this point, but today was my first experience at their new location. I was so excited that beyond having more space and a nicer environment, nothing has changed! The owner was still feeding newcomers, including my little boy who got his picture taken with some of their delicious bread! The food was still as amazing as always and the yummy rice pudding was a perfect way to finish the meal. Congrats to Cafe Agora on their new space. See you soon!
(5)Jeff L.
The best gyros in town. We get these bad boys delivered all the time.
(4)Claudio M.
When all said and done, it's a very ordinary restaurant with mediocre food preparation. The owner is very nice, but it doesn't add to the quality of food being served. I won't mind going there for a change, but a weekly visit would be hard to manage.
(3)Elaine L.
My favorite Mediterranean place is no more... :( Ever since they moved to their new location, I feel like they have lost part of it's charm (which is fine if the food stayed the same. I'm glad they were able to expand. However, I feel like their food has gone down. I got the platter sampler with all their dips. I used to love it! it was delicious and fresh and just fabulous. However, this time, it was just ok. I feel like it was better before...did the person preparing the food change? I will never know... I feel like it's time to search again even though I thought I finally found the best....
(3)Ashley T.
Have been to cafe agora about a dozen times and have finally made up my mind about it. This place obviously did well as a hole in the wall authentic family run reataurant. Since they upgraded their space, they have raised prices but keep serving average food. We always end up paying $40 for a meal that should cost no more than $30. I am also always confused about the "free small Meza plate " ... sometimes they give it to you for free and sometimes it's $8. Huh? The reviews about bizarre service are true and we have experienced many an awkward occasion. The most recent was when they added valet service (again an example of an attempt to get fancy) and we asked for some change for a 20 bill at the bar. The guy refused to give us change saying "no no valet is free!" Yet as we walked out the door the owner came running after us with two dollar bills to give as tip, which made us feel cheap somehow. We have left this place one too many times thinking "what just happened". Very soup nazi type atmosphere... I am always afraid I will violate some unspoken rule. Sounds like those who have accepted this bazaar culture love this place. I will not return as I find the food to be average and overpriced and the experience too uncomfortable.
(3)Anna S.
Visiting Cafe Agora after church. This place is heaven! The friendly, truly unique environment is what you notice first. The people are so great, the owner came and set with us and fed my friend with a fork! The music is relaxing, and overall, this is my new favorite place! Oh, did I mention food?! I have no words to describe
(5)Chris D.
Great food! Our favorite Babaganoush in town! Since they upgraded to the new location, it's no longer great food in a dive... now it's great food with a great location! Parking, Patio and bar!
(4)Ashley R.
Ate here during the week with a group of friends. The owner came to our table several times. He was very nice and funny. The food tasted fabulous! The rising bread was unbelievable. I will definitely put this restaurant in my weekly rotation.
(5)Eva I.
We love this place. This was the first good restaurant we found when we moved to ATL from Chicago 5 years ago and it's even better now with the larger location.
(5)Mina B.
One of the better Mediterranean restaurants we've tried. Price is good for the quantity AND quality of food. We shared the agora grill plate ($20) which has a variety of grilled meat, salad, rice, pita bread, and yogurt sauce. All the meat was delicious and cooked to perfection. The pita bread was also great. Best part of this meal was the free small maza plate and turkish rice pudding. Wow!
(5)Eric M.
I had the lamb kebab over rice w/ greek salad. Rice pudding, baklava, and chocolate cake were the desserts I sampled and all were delicious. The whole experience was great. From service to overall good quality food I think this is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around. The spices were amazing.
(5)Judy C.
The food is excellent. Dishes that I've tried so far: mezza plate, hummus, chicken gyro, lamb shish kebab, adana kebab, spanokopita, dolmas, baklava, rice pudding. They're all so delicious. One of my favorite things is the Greek salad that is included as a side for most entrees. The salad comes with crisp romaine, thin slices of red onion, cucumber, tomato, and a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette! Moving to their current location was a HUGE upgrade. There's plenty of space on the patio, bar, and inside dining area. Everything is very clean. Since opening up this location, Cafe Agora has hired more servers. The restaurant owner, Al, is still always 'on the scene' making customers feel welcome, however not all the servers are as attentive. On the past two visits, after we were seated inside, it took a while for a server to come by. The food came out without taking much time, but afterwards the server rarely came by to check on us. When I asked for hot sauce, it never came. The server apologized later when she realized she had forgotten, but by that time I was already done with my meal. In retrospect, I guess I really didn't need the hot sauce since the chicken gyro was flavorful. This place is still my go-to restaurant for quick and delicious Mediterranean food. The service isn't perfect, but their food makes up for it so I'll keep coming back.
(4)Joe S.
Must have the Mezza dip plate, mixed grill platter and a shot of Ouzo! Oh and the baklava is so sweet and drips with honey goodness. Mixed Mezza platter is a must
(4)Grant S.
Great customer service. Complementary valet parking, fresh food, and the owner comes out and talks with you. Great atmosphere yet still casual dining.
(5)Bonnie Y.
Holy KAZOWY!!! We were in Buckhead and hungry for lunch. Yelped around and saw Cafe Agora with 4.5 stars and 300+ reviews. SO DA BOMB! It's the little things--started with the ezme because of the reviews and it's so refreshing--tomatoes, parsley, walnuts and fluffy pita pieces, with a light spicy zing. Then the Greek salad--I think it's the best greek salad we'd ever tasted, a delicate hand on the dressing and the feta so lightly crumbled on top. A revelation! And finally the ground lamb (Adana) pita--I don't know the spices used, maybe sorrel? Challenging with the tzatziki oozing down my fingers, but oh so good! And then, even though we passed on dessert, they give us this sweet bite of rice pudding with cinnamon. The pudding has a hint of lemon, which distinguishes it from all others I've tasted before--a perfect end for a perfect lunch! We will return!
(5)Mario J.
The food was very good. I ordered the Izmir Kofte it was awesome. The drinks were mixed perfectly. The owner was present an interacted with each guest. He even gave us a free sample of a few dishes.
(4)Sophia J.
This place used to be good but asked for a gyro got meat in a platter. And there's was foil in my salad?! Horrible
(1)Stephanie M.
Big Gyro's can be made bigger if you feel the need ! The spreads all of them are tasty are all made fresh. I love the Baba Ganoosh(eggplant) with it's smoke flavor and the Parsley salad with tomatoes and lemon juice. Lamb, Chicken and Beef Kabobs are available in the case just waiting to be grilled. This place opens early and stays open late for foodies looking for your Gyro fix ! There can be a shortage of chairs at times the place is quite small but if you wait patiently most people eat and run. Agora also serves alcohol which got our group quite plowed a few years ago when I threw a surprise birthday party here. We pretty much took over the restaurant, we had a blast the owner took good care of us and some of the group tried new foods. We had a good meal before heading to the strip club. If you in the Buckhead area Agora is worth checking out.
(4)Lauren G.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave you'll be treated wonderfully. This is the best Mediterranean food I've had. The staff + food are excellent and answer any & all questions you may have. I was unsure what I wanted when I went in for the first time and the cashier made me up a little sample plate. Now the bigger version of that plate is what I get all the time. Check this place out if you're in the area because you won't be disappointed!
(5)El D.
I went to Cafe Agora on a Sunday evening. The reviews were quite good to give it a try. in summary, the service and food was really really poor. We sat in the patio. We ordered the food and in the meantime a small plate of different appetizers including hummus, carrot salad and so on was brought by the server. No pita bread, no extra dish for the guests. All we had on the table was two rolls of napkin wrapped around utensils and a small plate in the middle of the table. Later two glass of waters were added. Our meal was later served. What my husband ordered was a type of Kufta, which was sort of stew with pieces of meat in the liquid. No spoon was with the stew. So my husband was actually pouring the liquid on his rice directly from the kufta bowl. I ordered chicken gyro. Well the caesar side salad was purely romaine lettuce and the gyro was a bunch of hot dry chicken pieces on a pita bread. I have had gyro in other places and I know gyros are famous for their delicious sauce. Well, this wasn't the case here. Overall, I was disappointed for wasting our money there.
(1)Ariel R.
Worst service ever, and they tried to steal from me by adding a tip to my bill after I had put $0 tip. The bank called them to dispute the charges and they also hung up on the bank!!
(1)Shaun C.
The best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Simply wonderful. This place is now on our monthly rotation. The service is great, but the food is amazing. First timers get the hummus, tabouli, and the grilled platter.
(5)Virginia M.
Fun neighborhood restaurant. I only had appetizers here, but they were great! It also has nice outdoor seating. They also have Efes beer.
(4)George W.
How could anyone eat here and not be thrilled? Once again, I received the perfect Greek meal. Perfect!!
(5)David K.
My gf took me out to this neat place for my birthday, yay! She loves this place and wanted to share the goodness with me so I did not hesitate to check it out. Verdict: the dinner was fantastic! We got the Hummus Platter and the Lamb Kebab? Platter? I forget. The Hummus Platter is where it is at. I didn't know what half the things on it were, but they were all fantastic. The gf said they place each dish next to each other in terms of how well they complement each other. I'm not sure if they are purposely laid out in the platter like that, but if so, it's genius! The adjacent sides to each dish complemented each other really well and it was fun to play around and mix different sides together with the fluffy pita bread bites. I would love to have this platter for guests at home. The Lamb Kebab was served with a good portion of chunks of grilled lamb over rice and a salad. The tzatziki sauce that came with the lamb had a light subtle taste which I wasn't really sure about, but appreciated it none the less. The lamb was delicious, though it left a sort of salty aftertaste in my mouth. Not sure if it's because it's lamb, grilled, or straight up because of too much salt/spices, but it was still enjoyable with an easy to eat consistency. The owner at the end gave us complimentary baklava and rice pudding! Both were scrumptious and was a perfect way to finish the meal. Caveats of the place might be the fact that it's pretty small, and you may have to pay at metered parking spaces OR if you want free parking, park at the Hi-Fi Buys parking lot and walk a bit.
(4)Aaron B.
Fantastic gyros and food in general. The gyros are a little on the pricey side, but the one I had was definitely in my top 5. I also tried the falafel, and while it was not Israel quality (or Best Bread Baking Company.. which unfortunately has closed their cafe for the summer) it was very good and moist. The outside had a really nice crisp without tasting oily. The folks had kafta, which was seasoned perfectly and was very tender. It comes with 2 kebabs, rice, and salad. The tzatziki is among the best I have had, with a nice yogurt flavor. The baba ganoush was excellent, with not *too* much of a smokey flavor as I have elsewhere, but well seasoned nonetheless. For dessert I went with the baklava (of course), and although it isn't the most visually appealing I have laid eyes on, the flavor was great, big in the honey department. I was there at off-hours so I was able to park right in front without any problems. The staff is nice and seem very appreciative.
(5)Katie D.
What a great restaurant! Went here with my husband and son and it could not have been a more pleasant experience. Food was good and authentic. They even have the Turkish beer Efes that we drank so much of on our trip to Turkey. Will definitely go here again!
(5)Gregory D.
Best Mediterranean restaurant I've been to. Most places can be pretty bland, but everything here is soo good. I'm not a fan of Medit. desserts but this place challenges that. The ingredients all tasted so fresh and had great flavor. The staff always give a free dessert it seems. It's a bit pricey for the usual price of Mediterranean food seen in other restaurants, but it's worth it.
(5)Ebony B.
Picture drunken seminary students leaving the mosh pit and starving for food. Any food. Just FOOD. McDonald's? Bah Humbug... My palette, even SUI (starving under the influence), is too discriminating for most Fast Food. I go to my trusty Yelp iPhone App and this place pops up. The only thing open aside from Micky Ds, and Waffle House (double Bah Humbug). We order gyros, some drinks, and some tablouli (my fave). Then we ordered more gyros, extra tzaziki sauce and more tabouli. Mannnn we dogged those gyros. I dunno if it was bc I was SUI or just--- I dunno but it definitely sent us on a kick for a few months "in search of ATLs best Gyro, and so far, Cafe Agora wins. Lost a star bc it's like a cafe joint without true waiter service and it's kinda a hole in the wall. Either way, it hit the spot and was a job very well done!
(3)Kunal K.
I went to this restaurant a few months ago and had the displeasure of running into the owner. I placed a to-go order, yet the owner refused to let me take the order to-go even though they clearly have a to-go menu. When he brought my appetizer in a plate and placed it on a table, I told him that I'd like it packed in a to-go box and he started yelling. When I got back home, I tried the food and it was mediocre at best. I had the chicken gyro and it was relatively dry. Due to the exceptionally unprofessional service, I won't be going back to this restaurant.
(1)Devin N.
I was traveling on biz with my cohorts, desperate for a drink and some good food. Had MAJOR reservations when we drove up to the place. But my colleague insisted we park and walk by for closer look. Alatini was sitting outside and greeted us as we walked up. Immediately his charm and welcome sucked us in. No turning back. Once we sat down, he treated us like kings. Amazing food! Sample everything when you go. The lamb, the beef, the chicken, the gyros... OMG. Fantastic! We had such a good time. It was the best meal of the week. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)Jeremy H.
This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Atlanta! Al, the owner, is a character, but he makes the whole experience memorable. The food is awesome! Oftentimes Al will serve up a mezza platter to start with hummus, tabouli, and some other turkish foods I'm not sure the name of. It comes with pita to dip. I highly recommend ordering the Adana kebob (spicy ground lamb) - it is awesome and comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. The gyro is also great here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options such as the felafel. After the meal, you have to try the baklava - it's the best I've had in Atlanta! If you haven't been here before, Al makes it quite the experience. If you're one of those people who get stressed out not knowing the price before you order, you might be uncomfortable here. Some reviewers have complained about that, but to me it's just all part of the magical experience of Al's Agora Cafe. Some practical tips - you can park in the street out front or in the lot around back. You order at the counter, sit down and are served, and then pay afterwards at the counter. Ordering a drink doesn't usually seem to increase the price so you may as well order one. I definitely recommend trying Al's out - enjoy the great Turkish food and unique experience in the heart of Buckhead!
(5)Jennifer P.
I wouldn't give out 5 stars unless I felt it absolutely necessary. This little order-at-the-counter hole-in-the-wall family-run establishment epitomizes everything I love about people taking pride in their food and offering up something which is of the highest quality, culturally authentic to their roots and so delicious you'll crave it often. Hands down the best gyro in Atlanta....no...the best I've ever had. The shaved lamb and beef kebab is juicy and flavorful, the lettuce and vegetables are fresh and the tzatziki sauce on top is so good you'll want to go ahead and ask for more. When you go, get the hummus plate as an appetizer (it rivals that of my Lebanese grandmother), then a lamb kebab and the baklava for dessert. Don't like baklava? You will after you have it here. Their baklava changed me forever, and now it's one of my favorite desserts of all time. This little gem is successful because the family who runs it loves what they do and loves the food they make and share with us. They cut overhead costs by having a simple, small no-frills restaurant, and they pass that value down to us by offering exceptional prices. You'll order at the counter, eat off a paper plate and sit at a metal table, and it will be the best damn dinner you've had in a long time.
(5)Ashley B.
I work around the corner from Cafe Agora, and this is one of my favorite places to grab lunch. Everything I'd had here has been delicious - solid falafel (can be vegan without the yogurt sauce), yummy baklava, good dolmas, and AMAZING meat, and perfect bread - the kind that is more flatbread than pita (which is my favorite.) The mixed meze platter is fantastic and can be made vegan. The small is plenty of food for one person and is $7.99. My favorite thing to get is the Agora salad with lamb. The lamb is wonderfully seasoned and perfectly tender. It comes with fantastic dressing, feta cheese, good crisp lettuce and huge piece of that delicious flatbread. At $8.75, it's comparable to other Buckhead lunch options. I've only ever done takeout, but the service is always really friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. One time I came to pick up my food and it wasn't ready yet, so I sat at the counter and they brought me free [delicious] hummus. I always get a nice greeting when I pop in to pick up my food. Definitely the best Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish food in Atlanta, and some of the best I've ever had, period!
(5)Edward C.
I had a problem ordering the first time but to be honest the food is awesome and the baklava is amazing with a southern twist. Probably the best I've had.
(5)Suzy J.
Maza Platter was worth every penny and went perfectly with the Agora Mixed Grill. The Maza platter had hummus, tabuli, haydari, piyaz, ezme, babaganush, eggplant salad. As other posters mentioned the hummus was a little runny but still full of flavor. The Agora mixed grill had Chicken and lamb shish kebabs, adana and kofte kebabs, and lamb and beef gyros meat. If you go with friends for lunch and like myself have never been here order the two dishes mentioned. Meeting a friend here for lunch was PERFECT! Placed our order before the lunch rush and got out as it was getting busy but the food made for a nice leisurely lunch. Would go again in a heartbeat not to mention getting baklava to go.
(5)Alisa B.
Our family has been a fan of Cafe Agora for years. Flavorful, tender meats to die for. Wonderful hummus and pita bread that is always fresh and delicious. It is (or can be if you order right) a healthy, delicious option. They are NOW OPEN in their new location just 2 doors down. They have a very pleasant atmosphere, ample seating space, outside patios beautiful decor and bar. My only complaint is some staff can be on grumpy side... . But I will not let that detract from my 5 star rating.
(5)Cherry L.
yea, guess who went last week the day that she wrote her first review bc she was craving it after she wrote the review???!! haha I convinced 3 of my Agora Virgin Friends to come along too and converted them as well 5 stars this time....IM A HUGE HUGE HUGE FAN FAN FAN everything here just tastes so good. the pita here is SO FREAKKINNN YUMS. they serve it toasted so it comes out warm and chewy and BITE SIZE (my fave) that goes perfect with the meza platter or hummus. I got the mixed super awesome spit fire grilled gyro with lamb/beef/chicken. the meat was all tender and charred to perfection...i want one now!!! Al was there when i went, but his son/worker/other guy thats there all the time was our waiter/cook/cashier and he was really really phenomenal!!!!! soooooooo nice and understood everything and was just all sorts of great. We were totally going to just order baklava and stuff our faces, but he somehow knew, that just a "sampling" of it would be the perfect end to our meal.
(5)Sean P.
Absolutely delicious gyros. The beef&lamb gyro is generously stuffed with slices of meat, topped off with lettuce, red onions, creamy tzatziki and wrapped around a warm pita. Did I mention how so damn tender that meat is? Nothing went to waste from that wrap - lettuce and all. The Maza platter is a tasty plate of messy foodstuffs that goes brilliantly with their warm, grilled pita bread or just by the forkful. Sure the presentation isn't much to look at but when food's this good, screw how it looks. Just eat the damn thing. The one thing you should know about Café Agora is that there are no visible prices on the menu. The Maza Platter and 2 gyros cost me $28 even so I'm guessing $7 per gyro and $14 for the Maza Platter but again - that's only my guess. Al wasn't there on my visit but I wasn't disappointed with my incomplete experience. I'll be back again and again to eat their delicious gyros and anything that Al tells me to eat.
(5)Erin Q.
This place is awesome. Yelp definitely did not do us wrong. We've been here several times, it's a place I always suggest when meeting people for lunch or dinner to catch up. It is the true definition of hole in the wall - nothing fancy about the decor or restroom, but lack of pretense in this city - particularly in Buckhead - can be refreshing. Man, the food here is so GOOD. Definitely recommend starting off with the mixed maza platter. Wow. The hummus, tahini, tabbouleh - all so delicious with their perfectly warmed pita bread. It's hard not to overdo it and leave room for your meal. I've had the chicken kabobs and the gyros. Both were delicious. The side salad that comes with the meals does not disappoint either, between the feta and the homemade dressing. I would be surprised to order something on this menu that I didn't like. Parking can be a little dicey, since it's street parking only, but truthfully, I've never really had a problem. Most times I can pull up right in front of the place or drive around for less than 5 minutes to find a spot up the street. You won't be disappointed by this place. One of my favorites in Atlanta.
(5)Sarah S.
If you're looking for some delicious Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Easy to find - right next to Bottle Bar and across from The Capital Grille. Park in the lot next to bottle bar, first 1.5 hour is free with receipt from restaurant. Ordered food to go, was ready in 15 minutes! Tiny spot, so ordering to go was definitely the better option since when it's busy, it's pretty crowded. Ordered the Chicken Shish Kabob...so good! The rice, salad, and flat bread are all freaking awesome, but throwing in the chicken into the mix, it can't be beat. Let's just say it won't be my last time eating here!
(4)Jennifer L.
I should preface this by stating that these guys normally don't deliver to Brookhaven in North Buckhead, where I stay when I'm in ATL but they made an exception for us since we ordered a good amount of food ($50.00), and delivered within 30 minutes of me placing my order. This was the perfect place to satisfy the varied and ravenous appetites of my group (foodie ladies, voraciously hungry men). We ordered the lamb/beef gyro plate, chicken kabob plate, a mixed grill plate, a greek salad, and walnut baklava. Everything tasted amazing, the gyro and chicken were juicy and flavorful and came with a generous side of rice. My only minor gripe was that only one piece of bread and a tiny bit of tzaziki sauce were provided with each plate. Not nearly enough to accommodate the portion of meat/rice.
(4)Wendy M.
The food was good and the total experience even better. Hope they can maintain the vibe when they move into their bigger and fancier new space down the block....
(4)Deniz G.
Good value for the price you pay, that is for sure. The food, if the cook is in a good mood, tastes perfect. Almost like you are actually in Turkey. Sometimes however, the meat is a bit dry and salty. It's highly recommended that you ask the server what the freshest item is (from the display in the fridge; see pictures above). Do not just go here to get a tasteless plate of gyro, which I think is an ugly copy of the traditional Iskender plate from Turkey -specific to not only this place, but the US in general, but go and get kofte, or Adana kebap, kusbasi etc. Get the yogurt drink ayran. Ask if they have any salgam. (Though they didn't have any in the past couple times we've been there - maybe they don't serve it anymore). They also have a bar, and serve alcohol. Go and get yourself a drink of Raki and the 'small' appetizer platter. Small is actually really big and good enough for 2-3 people. Aside from all, even though the service is a bit inconsistent depending on the server, they are all very kind and try to be welcoming. They have a parking lot across the street. It's rather hidden, so if you can't find it, go inside and ask for the directions. It's not gonna be an issue when they move to the new location in a couple months, hopefully. My favorite of all is, they are open late on Friday and Saturday, great for a late dinner, or after drinking food around 2 am.
(4)J. G.
Great food. Some of the best middle eastern I've had outside of NYC. Update: This is now my favorite restaurant. Mixed grill plate is amazing every time. It's worth driving all the way up town for but they're opening a Midtown location soon.
(5)Lauren S.
Great restaurant. I'm a fan of Turkish Mediterranean food. I had the hummus as an appetizer and the mix lamb and chicken gyro entree... Both were heavenly. The entree comes with a Greek salad, rice and warm pita. The atmosphere was great as well. I felt as if I were in another country. The space is small, but inviting. It looks as if they're building a new location just a block up the street. I'm not sure how this will effect things. I've been telling everyone about this restaurant and I'm sure I'll become a regular of this hidden gem of Buckhead.
(5)Dru J.
A party celebrating the relocation of a midtown art gallery to Buckhead provided the excuse for me and companion to meet at Agora (No excuse needed to go to Agora, just to go to Buckhead). As I'm on my cell directing date to the spot, owner "Al" slides a plate of amuse bouche under my nose. Hummus, tabouli, veggies. I ask Al for a beer and not surprisingly, its an Efes, Turkey's great beer, uniquely flavored with rice. Date immediately falls in love, not with me but with Al. Actually, with just about everything in the spot. So its the Mixed Maza; eggplant salad, hummus, babganush, ezme (spicy salad), kasir (a bulgar based dish) and piyaz (Turkish bean salad), that provides date with an eye, and belly, popping culinary tour of the Med. And at 8 bucks it beats joining the Navy. As we head to the gallery, Al entreats us to return. Is it the prospect of seeing beautiful companion again that prompted the invite? Nahhh, Al's that way with everybody. But if so, I ain't mad at ya. Authentic, affordable Mediterranean food served in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. An Atlanta treasure.
(5)Shalin P.
Our dinner experience here was very consistent with what everyone else is reporting. Once Al found out it was our first visit, he gave us the free sampler plate. It actually contained pretty big and tasty portions of everything, and we had to ask for extra pita bread to finish up the sampler. For dinner I ordered a chicken gyro wrap and a falafel wrap. The gyro was terrific and the chicken had an excellent flavor. Unfortunately, the falafel was a disappointment as the patties were too dry. One other negative was that the hot sauce they had on the counter was just generic wing sauce. I don't want my gyro tasting like a buffalo wing. Next time I'll have to ask if they have any authentic homemade hot sauce. We got a sampling of the strawberry cake on the way out. He added up the price in his head, and honestly it was higher than I expected based on the Yelp reviews. But a solid meal overall, and a great non-chain option in the Buckhead area. Parking can be tough. There is a free lot across the street, but it tends to fill up fast. There is some limited street parking, and a $5 pay lot next door.
(4)D L.
So... Still love this place. I enjoy the grilled meats more than the gyros. Really great tiramisu dessert. So moist and delicious... Pricing can still be random, but I think the staff are getting a handle on that...
(5)Robin D.
Fresh and delicious. The best hummus I've ever had. I made the mistake of parking on the street in front of the restaurant, and got harassed by the Atlanta parking enforcers when my meter ran out. However, I found that there is free parking for customers in the next block. My suggestion is that they post a big sign about it!
(5)Jeff L.
Cafe Agora serves up great food on the cheap - which makes it an ideal place for lunch. The only real issue is that seating is limited, and it seems like it can get quite busy at lunch. We got there just before the lunch crowd, and at it's peak, there wasn't nearly enough seating for everyone. A group of us came here and we ended up ordering quite a bit off food - we started off with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with pita + a whole bunch of things to dip the pita in. Most of it was great, aside from the heavy use of cilantro. I can't necessarily fault them for this, but I'm just not a fan of cilantro. One of us also ordered the stuffed grape leaves, which were also quite yummy. I have a very difficult time resisting a gyro if I see it on the menu, so this is what I ended up ordering. It was fantastic! It ranks as my second favorite gyro in the area. The flavor was incredible, but overall it was a bit sloppy ... not that it was messy to eat (which I'm perfectly fine with), but that it was not as well put-together as I would like. Most of the tzatziki sauce was concentrated in one area, and not every bite had all of the components in it. But, the taste was great, so I can't complain too much!
(4)Phe M.
Great late night spot. I moved away a few months ago and I still crave this place after I've been out for a night. Very traditional fare, friendly staff, cute & cozy environment ok except when you get the obnoxious drunks at 2 am. but you can always get it to go! chicken gyro is my favorite if you've got a sweet tooth get a couple slices of baklava too. perfect amount of sweetness and spice :) always perfectly cooked and tasty, my kind of comfort food. Making my mouth water thinking about Agora.
(5)Lori R.
Amazing food and incredibly friendly owner. Had hummus, gyro, baklava, and Turkish coffee--all outstanding. Food was flavorful, meat very tender and juicy. It's a tiny place but they work to fit people in, and I saw a lot of takeout orders. Limited street parking but some lots nearby.
(5)Bobby D.
Delicious Mediterranean sampler platter or mezze platter was the best i've had.
(5)Danny M.
The food is excellent. I think the problems customers have primarily arise with the owner. My aunt and I went, and we found the experience delightful. He was an old school Greek (?) guy who was very engaging from the moment we walked through the door. He stopped over at our table when we were eating and brought two cups of rice pudding and some baklava. We ordered two rice puddings to go, however he brought a baklava as well, which we did not order. My aunt was paying so I didn't say anything, and admittedly the baklava was very good. The way we were charged was murky. We got two plates of lamb, 2 drinks, 2 rice puddings to go and 1 baklava to go. I don't believe the owner attempted to charge us for the 2 cups of rice pudding he brought us or the baklava or the plate of hummus, but there really is no way to tell. **CAUTION** Be cautious about the pricing and about being offered freebies. Make your order very clear. If you are concerned about being charged for items you are given but did not order, specify with the owner. If money isn't that big an object to you, I think you will have a lovely experience. If you start asking too many questions, as with others who have reviewed this restaurant, I think you might run into some issues. Total price for two people: $40.00.
(4)Ayon J. R.
Very, very good mediterranean food at reasonable prices. The service is fine as well.
(4)Addy C.
Great Mediterranean dive in Buckhead with all the elements that deserve a return visit - authentic food, variety of selection, reasonable prices, generous portions, & a charming owner who really likes to delight his customers. I came with fellow Yelper Nancy R, and we decided to share the Falafel appetizer ($5.95), the Mixed Grill ($17.25), & the Chicken Shish Kebab ($13.85). All dishes were fantastic - if I had to do it over again, I'd skip the Chicken Shish Kebab & get something else since the Mixed Grill does include several pieces of chicken shish kebab. All entrees include salad & rice, too. Our dinner was great but honestly greater (& memorable) b/c of Al. Let me tell you about Al - this guy really genuinely likes to know his customers - he sat down with us several times, asked us what we do for a living, talked about his food, shared words of wisdom, ... and later brought us a sampler platter of all his apps (all delicious by the way) and then later brought us samples of his baklava (fresh & best I've had!) - funny guy even fed the baklava into my friend's mouth. When I told him the apps were all delicious, he said our plate better be all clean if we really thought so :) The place is kinda small so you probably want to get there early. I love that the place is also open very late on Fridays & Saturdays - something to keep in mind if you're looking for a late night option besides Waffle House. If you're lucky, there are a few parking spaces in back of the restaurant, and a few spots in front - otherwise you'll have to do the $5 lot. Definitely worth a visit if you love Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean food.
(5)Jacob P.
Cafe Agora was good. Beef and Lamb gyro, authentic hummus and an excellent tiramisu. Definitely one of those authentic Greek decor restaurants. Dont worry about the decor, it is good food.
(4)Nyssa D.
Ate here tonight and was reasonably satisfied. We got a ton of food for our money (but more on this later), and it was all pretty yummy. I had two complaints, though: my gyro meat was rather charred, lacking the juicy gyro flavor I was hoping for. It was actually kind of...crunchy. Bad batch maybe? Who knows. The other thing I frowned at was when the waiter came by and took away our plate of hummus (still half-full) without asking. I mean, sure, our pita (warm and delicious!!) had all been long-since scarfed, but I'd still have appreciated a, "May I take this?" before it disappeared. My salad was good, and reasonably fresh. I enjoyed the bell peppers chopped into it. The hummus was good, the tabbouleh was well-prepared (not too much of any one ingredient, which was great), and whatever the pepper/tomato salad was with the hummus and tabbouleh was really good too, with an unexpected spiciness. For two gyro plates, one drink, and a hummus plate, we only paid $22 - quite reasonable!! I do suspect that the hummus plate was maybe left off accidentally, though...the gyro plates were supposed to be $10 apiece. I was fairly "meh" about this experience - I enjoyed it, but wasn't wowed. However, I HAVE been here once before, about a year ago, and I vaguely remember being MUCH more impressed. Perhaps I came on an off-night. I will definitely come again, just to see!
(3)Pat W.
Visited Cafe Agora last week for the first time. We had just returned from Greece and Turkey so we were dying for some authentic food. Cafe Agora is the real deal. Can't wait to visit their new location in October.
(5)AmyJon J.
Food really is good here. Expensive and they will charge you different prices depending how they feel (at least that's how it seems). I still rated it 5 stars because I like the food and wouldn't change much on that.
(5)Maple C.
Cafe Agora is pretty inconspicuous/unassuming from the looks of the place, but omg this place is so good. The owner is really friendly and chatty - he's great! We got hummus (best hummus I've ever had in my life btw) and baklava *drool* on the house! The beef and lamb gyro was so good that I was a little devastated when some of it dropped onto the floor. If I had to describe it, my reaction was probably like you'd see in a movie, when something bad is happening and everything goes in slow motion and you see someone screaming "noooooooo"... hahaha at least that's how I reacted in my head. :)
(5)Alison B.
Visited again this week for a casual weeknight date and we both enjoyed it very much. The mezze platter is just terrific- I should really just get this as my meal as the hummus is so delicious and it is fun to try little bites of a variety of Turkish specialties which I wouldn't necessarily be courageous enough to order separately. What can I say? I am a meat and potatoes girl at heart. I ordered the chicken kabab and my date ordered the lamb kebab- both were good in terms of being well spiced and certainly served in a generous portion, but honestly, I thought the meats were a tiny bit overcooked this time, but he loved the lamb prepared the way it was, so maybe I am off base. No matter, it was a very pleasant meal with Al making sure we were happy, as always.
(4)Ashley A.
Cafe Agora, aka "Al's", is a gem. We miss it dearly! You won't walk away hungry. The food is simple, but well made. His maza offerings go far behind any other I've been to in the now 3 cities I have lived. Heart ya Al. Will definitely come in next time we are back in Atlanta!
(5)vimal p.
wow this place is awesome, The Experience: we walked in just before they were closing, the owner came out and said its cool to stay and eat. he asked us what we felt like eating and just started bringing out food, we never looked at a menu and all the food he bought out was awesome! The Food: Food was solid, I have eaten at many different Greek/Med places all over the country and this place is def in my top 5. We a hummus platter, then 2 meat platters, all with pita, very good and nice flavour. The baklava was prob one of the best I had ever had, extra syrup solid!
(5)Nancy R.
I came here after reading a few Yelp reviews. I knew it was casual, but it's really casual. It's a great hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean restaurant. Al, the owner/manager, is an older gentleman who greets and converses with you at your table. FOOD: Chicken kabob, mixed plate, and falafel apps. If you ask, you should get a sampling of all their dips/sauces that are displayed. The bean salad is my favorite. Tahini sauce is good, not tart. Chicken kabob and the mixed plate comes with a salad and rice. You can substitute french fries instead of rice. TIPS: Don't be fooled when they offer/give you complimentary hummus/dips, you pay for it in the end. If you eat in, Al doesn't give you a check, he just asks you to pay a certain amount, which you think is a bargain, but it's not. Keep in mind of prices of things you order. Get there kind of early (dinner) and there's about 4 parking spots in the back. There's only about 8 tables there.
(4)Max J.
Food is not good , Service is Bad ...
(1)Jack H.
Okay, come on -- relax people. Al is a jewel in the world of Buckhead restaurants. The lamb kebab is absolutely to die for. So is the mixed maza platter. Al, the owner, is a colorful Turkish character straight out of Saturday Night Live and, best of all, the food is damn good! One does not leave this restaurant without trying the baklava. The pricing is heavily dependent on whether or not Al likes you as a person. If you are a drunken dick head, yes, he will charge you more than his regulars. And this is what makes America great.
(5)Sarah E.
My friend and I were looking for a place to get dinner on Sunday night, and we ended up here. Initially, we were put off by the lack of prices anywhere in the restaurant, but the owner quickly made us feel right at home. He insisted on giving us samples of the mezzas. He put a plate together, and instead of just handing it to us, he, um... fed us. This didn't come off as creepy as it sounds. He just seemed really enthusiastic about giving us tastes of the food. After he fed us each a bite, he did pass the plate over and let us feed ourselves. We ordered sandwiches (I got the falafel) and the Mixed Maza Platter. This was kind of a mistake because we were full after the sandwiches and didn't need to eat more. I ended up taking the platter home and eating it the next day (it was good, though I really wish I had asked what all of the items on it were). My falafel was good and was clearly made fresh. I'd say it wasn't quite as good as the falafel at my favorite place, but I'm going to reserve judgment about authenticity until I get back from my trip to Israel this October. Y'all best believe I'll be eating a ton of falafel there - is there a Yelp Israel? Between the food and the helpful and welcoming owner, I'd definitely eat here again. I just wish there was a way to know how much the items cost.
(4)Julia R.
How could you not simply adore this unpretentious, neighborhood gem of a restaurant when its owner literally hand feeds you a mouthful of freshly made baklava at the end of the meal, undoubtedly the best you will find outside of the Middle East? The antithesis of all that Buckhead implies to Atlantans, Cafe Agora has some of the best hospitality I've ever encountered while dining...not to mention some of the best food as well. After discovering this restaurant while Yelping, a group of friends and I decided to give it a try. We were so pleased that we did! We started off with a large sampler platter which was filled to the brim with all sorts of homemade Mediterranean delights, some old favorites and some new palate teasers that defined the word "delicious." If licking plates were socially acceptable, I can guarantee that it would have happened here. What followed was something that the restaurant owner decided on his own to feed us...a combination of various meats marinated in mouth-watering Mediterranean spices served with perfectly cooked rice and very fresh salad doused in balsamic vinaigrette. Melt-in-your-mouth baklava sealed the deal and we were one happy, and very full, group! The best thing about Cafe Agora, by far, was the stellar hospitality and the fact that every bite of food was packed with pride and love. I can't wait to return and experience it all over again!
(5)EJ S.
Cafe Agora: The perfect fix for a 3 am drunken rage, but just as delectable as an afternoon snack. Al is AMAZING! Always greeting guests with a smile and a gratis round of baklavah. I'm not completely sold on the hummus, but the tzatziki is creamy greek yogurt goodness with cucumber and dill folded in like angels' wings. DELISH. The falafel is also a fan fave. If you're stumbling drunk around buckhead and looking for the next hot spot, swing by Cafe Agora for a quick taste of heaven before going on your merry way.
(4)P S C.
The food here is really good. I have been there at different times, and mostly it has been very satisfying. The service is quick, and the owner is a good guy. However, one problem I feel is that there is no receipt given with all the itemized prices, and it is hard to add up all the prices to the total we are charged. Not sure if that can be fixed at this place.
(4)Gina M.
Huge portions and the Hummus is amazing. Yelp reviews were right on. Not a negative thing to say.
(5)Amber S.
Best gyro I've ever had... and I've had a lot. Also phenomenal Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
(5)Reid L.
Al, the owner, is the most hospitable host. I asked for a full mediterranean dinner and he came to our table with one of every appetizer and fed my girlfriend and me a sample of each. If a little hands on, which wasn't intrusive, he is definitely in the business of making sure his customers get his family restaurant's unique experience. As for the food, everything we had was great. The appetizers were all traditionally done and delicious. The chicken in our kebabs was charred perfectly with a large Greek salad on the side that wasn't soaked with olive oil. Awesome. I'd go back tomorrow...or any day really.
(5)Luke F.
Very authentic and awesome restaurant. The owners are still running this quaint, hidden gem and they gave me a complimentary dessert when they found out it was my first time visit. This is how dinning is suppose to work!
(5)Alexa G.
With the vast reviews listed for Cafe Agora there is not much else I can say. Although here are some tips that might help you when visiting this quaint establishment: 1. It's seat yourself and you order your food at the counter, I also did not see menus available. If you immediately take a seat, and wait for a waiter to come in you will surely be outed as a newbie there. There is limited parking around back, and street parking around front. 2. Listen to whatever Al tells you to order, you will not go wrong! I mistakenly tried to order a chicken gyro which was then met with a "No, you don't want that, you'll have a real gyro!" The mezza plate was amazing (roasted eggplant, hummus, and all sorts of veggie spreads)...but we had to eat everything on that plate before we were allowed to order their amazing gyros! 3. The owner really cares about the food, and his customers! The gyro was an amazing mix of beef and lamb ( his mix has more lamb) and was juicy and flavorful..not like all the other dry gyros I have consumed. 4. Seating is limited, there are probably 8 tables, comfy but might be pretty tight for a large group dining in. 5. " Sweets in moderation" as Al put it. .. the baklava was sooo good I attempted to get some to go, to savor later at home, But was denied!...DAMN! Just means I will have to take another trip out there...ASAP!
(5)Jillian F.
I found this place using Yelp. 3 of us went on a Sunday afternoon at about 1:30 and the place was empty and we got a free parking spot steps away from the front door. The owner or host asked us if we had ever been there before and we told him no. He recommended we try the Mixed Maza Platter that came with about 6 different types of appetizers. Everything was absolutely delicious. One of the cooks also brought falafel to our table on the house for us to try. It was incredible. I'm not a big fan of falafel and this was definitely the best I've had. After all the appetizers, we decided to split a meal because we were getting pretty full. The 3 of us split the Agora Mixed Grill which is a plate of chicken, beef and lamb with rice and a salad. Again, all of it was amazing. The flavor of the meat was incredible and the rice was cooked perfectly and tasty. For dessert, we tried the rice pudding. It was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. The reason for 4 stars, not 5, is that (as others have noted) no prices are printed anywhere, which is odd. For 1 appetizer, entree and dessert, our total came out to $32. Not bad since 3 of us shared everything, but that is a lot if 1 person were to order it all. We were all very happy with our meal and the friendliness of the staff. We will definitely be back again.
(4)Jeffrey C.
After living in the northeast for many years, I became accustomed to flavorful Mediterranean food. Usually, they were mom and pop places that may have lacked fancy finishes but delivered on the good flavors. I ventured out a solo lunch date to Agora after a recommendation from a co-worker. I was looking for a great gyro. Agora is a nice location on East Paces Ferry next door to the new Bottle Bar. The inside was neat with a clear menu above the kitchen and of course as you have read, I was greeted by Al. To be welcomed to a restaurant by the person who is clearly in charge is a rare, rare thing. I gladly told him I was referred by friends who raved about the place. He smiled knowingly and proclaimed that his restaurant was the best....I soon would agree. I had gone to Agora planning to feast on a delicious gyro. However, once I walked in and saw the offerings, my plan fell apart. I knew that I needed to try everything. I ordered the mixed grill. This is the granddaddy of them all platter. 4 types of cooked meats, slices of seasoned pita and then fresh sides. It was a very healthy portion and I could easily tried to keep some for later. But there was no freaking way that was going to happen. DOWN THE HATCH!!!! It was freaking delicious. I want to go back and try everything on the menus. As I walked in I was given a sample of the hummus and salad and as I left I was offered a delicious lady finger like baklava.... sweet, exotic and a delicious finish to a very good lunch. See you soon, Al and Agora!!!!!
(4)Liz H.
I love how the small interior gives it a homey feel. The people working here are super nice. Anything with the gyro is delish. Came here for dinner with a couple friends and we ordered various dishes. Prices are a tad high, but the portions are plentiful and flavorful. I have no complaints about the food - presentation was also above average (for gyros, it comes like a cone with the filling artfully spilling out). Not a huge fan of the hummus platter; I would recommend sticking to anything with lamb/gryo. My favorite part, however, is the pistachio baklava. The best baklava I have ever experienced. anywhere. I wish for the price you pay, the serving size was bigger, but I guess you can charge what you want when it's that good. I'll keep coming back just for that! Pros: -Late hours -Pistachio Baklava Cons: -Parking -Small space/seating # -Not a cheap eats place
(4)Cooper B.
The best thing I can say about this place is that I had no idea that I liked Mediterranean food before I ate here. If you've never been you'll definitely want to get a meza platter (sp?) to split with the table before ordering entrees. One thing that not many people are mentioning on here is that they are open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays... you're not going to get better drunk food than a fresh cooked gyro. Parking can be a pain, but there's a lot behind the building where I always park for lunch and have never had a problem.
(5)Eric S.
This place is small, but don't let that fool you. The food is great. They do take out or eat-in. I had the traditional gyro and hummus as well. I loved it. I've had it for dinner and also late at night after coming back from the bars. I think I found a new regular place.
(4)Claire S.
This place is one of my regular spots. I love the owner, he hand-fed my coworker Jessica while I was moving my car; which I think made her mildly uncomfortable but I was extremely jealous as I love to be hand-fed by strangers. The lamb salad is the only entree I've ever ordered here because it is so good I always want it. Also the "lady fingers" dessert is amazing. The humus is pretty good but not the best ever. For 2 people the price always magically turns out to be around $30 with tip regardless of what you order, which is a little strange, but right for the food because it is really good. I would go here for casual lunch, not really a date spot. I love this place because they are so friendly and the food is yummy.
(5)Alex G.
Are you even the slightest bit hungry? Drop what you are doing and go to Cafe Agora RIGHT NOW. After reading the reviews I was intrigued, as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is definitely my favorite, and I stopped in to try the Agora mixed grill. The salad was fresh and very tasty, the meat was extremely flavorful, delicately textured, and cooked just perfectly. Even the pita bread was packed with flavor. I can't think of anything I would want differently, it is rare to have a perfect meal but this is it. Before heading off to the airport I got a lamb shish kebab to go and then waited to go through airport security until I was hungry enough to eat it. I never want to eat food again if its not from Cafe Agora.
(5)Tukuli H.
I had the gyro and it was the best gyro that I have had in years.
(4)Angelica T.
This place is awesome! I was in Atlanta visiting a friend for a week and we found this place after deciding on having some Mediterranean food. I love that this little eatery is so family oriented and the owner made us feel welcome. My friend and I shared a mezza platter which was deeeelish. I had the chicken kabob and she had the lamb. I'm not a big lamb fan but I did try it and it was pretty tasty. The portions are large as well, which may be good for sharing. In our case though, we cleared our plates. The owner saw that we finished everything and fed us some baklava, which of course was yummy as well. Overall, love this place! Now if I can find something similar in San Diego =P
(5)Dee T.
I was in town for a conference during the SEC football championship, so needless to say everything was a cluster. I called the restaurant to see about making a delivery. Initially, I was shut down by whomever answered the phone, but I then mentioned that I was staying at the Grand Hyatt, less than a mile away, and he consented. Thank God! The food was delicious and fed me all.weekend with still more leftovers to boot. The mixed maza platter was by far my favorite part of the order. It had several items that I've not tried before, from the piyaz (white bean and veggie dip) to ezme (broiled eggplant dip). Everything in the platter was very fresh and seasoned well. I wish that I'd gotten more pita with it, but I made do ;) The chicken doner was less successful for me, as it was pretty salty. But the rice and the house salad more than made up for it. I found this place thanks to Yelp, and I'm very glad that I did.
(4)Ilya P.
This place is great all around.
(5)JEWELe M.
Absolutely FABULOUS! The chicken gyro, baklava (with and without pistachios), and the Turkish coffee were absolutely fabulous here! You can taste the made to order, fresh ingredients in the dishes. Make sure to take a bite of the baklava and sip on the Turkish coffee all together...the strong coffee melts the flaky baklava in your mouth, making a wonderful texture that makes your tastebuds dance! Or give you an excited urge to drop your dishes on the ground! ;) Whenever iCrave Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish, iWill have to come back to Cafe Agora! iOpa!
(5)Melanie P.
I was in dismay as to the actual structure of this place but from a food perspective; this place deserves my vote of 5 stars!! Since I was eating there, I wasn't sure what to do - go to the counter to order from the menu above or sit down at a table and wait patiently for a waiter (of some sort) to ask what it is I will be eating? So I went for the counter - I suggest doing the same as this seems to be the way things are run. If they do not openly say this, ask for the dine-in menu (it's different from the board above). They have a full bar, a variety of Mediterranean food from Greek to Lebanese to Turkish to choose from, and a very casual, laid back atmosphere to enjoy this amazing food. I had the lamb kebab that came with a side Greek salad; pita spread a top of two very large slabs of lamb that rested atop a bed of white rice. If the spice of the meat is too much for you, have no fear, they serve a side of Tzatziki spread. In addition to this, I also ordered Grape Leaves which are such a Mediterranean signature favorite and get them whenever I can - these were awesome! After the meal, your food runner brings you out a free slice of baklava. I have had my fair share of baklava and this was some of the best I have ever had. It was drizzled with pecan glaze and just melted in my mouth. I was so impressed, I actually bought some to go. Its a bit steep in terms of price but I think that this quality of food sure fits the price tag. You just have to get over the joint that this food comes from and concentrate more on how delicious your entire meal is and will be if you come here! Where the food is better than the actual look and feel of this restaurant, I suggest coming here when you are in the mood to be relaxed and casual either with one or a group of people. Don't forget that it is also a great take-out place and switch up from your regular Chinese and Italian Pizzeria's for a late Saturday night intoxicated decision.
(5)Timber W.
Sometimes I can be a picky eater. One of my pet peeves is excessive bread on a sandwich. I can always skip eggplant. And, most of all, I rarely eat meat. I avoid it not out of some ethical objection, but because the texture and taste are completely unappetizing to me. Cafe Agora may have changed that. Having abandoned falafel forever, I had a hard time deciding what to order. (I'm ALWAYS the last to order at Mediterranean restaurants.) After much deliberation, I chose the lamb and beef gyro. As I sat waiting on my food, I started to doubt my choice, but my mind was set at ease and then reeled into ecstasy when I tried the first bite. The meat was actually really tender and flavorful, and I devoured the gyro, gulping orange-carrot juice between bites. I also ordered pistachio baklava, which was moist and delicious. As discovered by my sister, Turkish tea=Earl Grey. ...really? Thanks to Cafe Agora, I'm now a big fan of Mediterranean food. It was totally worth the $5 rate for just one measly hour of parking to have lunch there.
(5)Shane A.
This place is a great Mediterranean spot with awesome, fresh food! It's a small place that is reminiscent of a cafe you would find in Eastern Europe, a few tables and counter to eat at with ingredients in a deli case so you can see your fresh lamb/chicken/hummus/tabouli/whatev! Al, the owner, MAKES this place! He is awesome and will talk to anyone... if your willing or not! As for me, I'll talk to anyone... so I got his suggestions and told him that I was allergic to tomatoes and he was very careful to only serve me things that I could eat! GREAT SERVICE!! He suggested a half and half kabob - Half lamb regular and half spicy ground lamb. We also ordered some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and veggies). After we sat down, he brought out a surprise app plate with tabouli, hummus, pita and yogurt. The dolma was great and Al had to brag about how his were made in house... and they beat any other dolma that I've had lately! YUM! Then our lamb came out on a huge plate with rice, greek salad, pita, and yogurt sauce. One word... AWESOME! I enjoyed the regular lamb better, because I love how lamb tastes, but they were boh great! Al gave us some baklava after the meal and we drank some raki (ouzo) with a greek beer! DELICIOUS! Again, Al is awesome and a great, hardworking owner from Cypress (not Greece) who will do his best to make you happy!! The check was reasonable (for all the booze I drank) about $15 for the Lamb kabob plate and $4 or $5 for the dolma... I think! Give this place a try! I guarantee you'll want to come back! I'll meet you at the bar with a glass of Raki!
(5)Kiya H.
Cafe Agora. I am really trying to like this place. First off! I can absolutely agree with the yelpers who mentioned "pricing scams." Dear Al or whom this may concern, Would you please, for your customers sake and sanity, create a menu that states the expense I will incur after placing an order. That way, when you charge me $13 for a mezza platter, I can easily confirm that is the correct price by viewing the menu. Although, I have seen a menu or two; it seems a bit inconspicuous. I am a little disturbed when every other visit I order the same thing but pay a different price. How difficult can it be to display a menu with the prices. Yes, I care about my quarters and my dollars because I earn them! So, I would not like to be charged what ever you decide you want me to pay. Now after that vent...Let us move forward! The food: My first visit consisted of two platters consisting of gyro meat and grilled chicken. The meat: in my opinion; dry and old tasting. It had the traditional flavor; however, it made me contemplate becoming a vegetarian. (Especially after seeing the raw kabobs displayed in the same case as the salads.) What keeps me coming back is the mezza platter; which, I always get to go because the atmosphere shuts down my taste buds. Thanks to the little sampler platter provided on our first visit, the mezza platter is all that I order. The hummus, tabouli, ezme, and yogurt are tasty. The dessert: The baklava is a nice treat. Pretty tasty but again: How much does it cost? Yes, I will continue to patronize this place as long as I crave a good mezza platter or until I find a place that can top it. I think Cafe Agora is a restaurant set in its ways...so when you visit, just go along with it.
(3)Leeanna L.
It doesn't get any easier than this. We scored a parking space out front--free since it was Sunday night--walked up to the counter, and ordered a mezza plate and the grill sampler. Al had our mezza plate ready in 5 and shortly after that, the grill sampler came out. Yelp was spot on -- fantastic food! At the end of the meal, Al dropped by some baklava "shots" on the house. Sure fire way to win my heart any day. Oh, and if you're lucky or maybe unfortunate depending on how you look at it, Al will hand feed your husband a few bites from the mezza platter. He decided that my husband looked like a picky eater. Mwahaha.
(4)Adam S.
This is a really nice little lunch spot that offers above average Mediterranean food. The gyros here are some of the best I've had and the lamb agora salad is really great as well. The desserts are fantastic (and I'm not a dessert guy). The owner is friendly and enthusiastic. If you are looking for a nice place to grab a quick lunch, this may be your spot in the buckhead area.
(4)Anna I.
I can't even handle how delicious the food is at Cafe Agora. I ordered the mix grill plate and was delighted to see a plate full of meat. Lamb, chicken, gyro... oh my! No two meats tasted the same. You can distinctly make out the individual spices and flavors in each lovable bite. Also had the meze platter which is as good as everyone says it is. Very light, fresh, and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back!!!!! BTW the lady finger baklava is to die for. Melts in your mouth. Oh god, so good..
(5)Robert M.
This is really a 4 star joint, rounded down because of abracadabra pricing and boxed rice. Food here is good, pricing is weak. There is something about someone looking at you for a few seconds while going 'ahhhh' before blurting out a price. $13 for you! Coke, no Pepsi! Weak. Weak. Weak. The Kebabs are good, meats are cooked perfectly with good spice, the pita has nice chew, but the rice seems straight outta Rice-A-Roni (the Atlanta treat). $13 for this type of meal lightens the wallet too much for my taste for a quick lunch. Especially when the price is made up on the spot. I like Al, a good personality, but that doesn't make up for everything. Oh, don't forget your "free" dessert (of course just built into the mysterious pricing). Parking is a bitch, good luck.
(3)Tyler P.
Great lamb kabob! Went here for dinner, and although the place was empty (maybe serves more of a Buckhead lunchtime crowd?), the food was good, and the staff was friendly. We placed our orders and were offered free hummus that was fresh and delectable. The lamb kebob was definitely a sizable portion. There was plenty of meat and rice, with a side salad that included roasted red peppers. There was probably enough for two people, even though there was only enough pita for one. The meat was not overcooked and dry like I've had other places; it was tender and well-marinated. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu (can't wait to try the gyro!). Overall I had a great experience and recommend this place to anybody looking for a new Mediterranean place in the area.
(4)Angelica T.
Went here for lunch with coworkers last Friday. Al is hilarious, he fed each of us Baklava after we finished our entrees. The portions are pretty big, and the food was pretty darn good. We shared a mezza platter and it was awesome. I had the chicken kabob, it comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. Other people in the group had the gyros and a falafel, they all said their food was fantastic. The only con is parking can be hard to find in that area.
(4)Michael D.
I am writing this review to comment on the experience as a whole and not just the food (which was very good.) I went there with a large group of people, but was paying only for the two of us. My food: $16.00 His food: $7.00 Drinks (3 beer @ $4.50): $13.50 Subtotal: $36.50 Tax: $ 2.55 Total: $39.05 Actual bill $47.00 Nobody in our group ordered appetizers. No one ordered dessert. There were about 15-20 of us there and we assumed that the owner was putting this stuff out there "Hey, you all try this stuff! Eat! Eat! eat it all of I don't serve anything else!") because we were spending a fortune with him anyway. Well, it turns out to not be the case. This stuff is pushed on you - you are never asked if you want it. BUT YOU ARE CHARGED for it, about $4-5 per person. That's not a lot, but it is not something you are expecting, and I consider it unfair of the owner to put food on your table that you did not ask for and then charge you for it in the end. I may go back to Cafe Agora with friends, but I will warn them that if they accept what appears to be the owner's generosity, they will be charged for it in the end. If this did not happen to us, I would have given this place 3-4 stars. EDIT: I also agree with another reviewer that the owner appears to just pull prices out of the air and put them on the bill. Just be careful when you pay.
(2)Luciana Y.
I love Cafe Agora. I discovered it about 3 years ago when I was somehow new to the city and wanted to try, as always, food from other countries. I tried it once and I can't stop going there. I always encourage people to try it and take my friends with me there as well. The food is always fresh, great taste and I have to say that they try to do their best to serve well to the customers. The place is small and sometimes it gets packed and you have to wait but it's totally worth it. I don't care if they might take a while to take your order or bring the check or make you order at the bar instead of coming to the table during the day, it's all worth it! Food is always good and the portions very generous.
(5)Sanjay S.
I'd been meaning to write this review for a while, but laziness had prevented me from doing so. I dropped into Cafe Agora on July 4th while doing some shopping with the wife. Since July 4th was on a Wednesday this year, it was an in-town day off. We walked in and even though it wasn't that crowded, we decided to sit at the bar. The owner was at the bar and helped us out with the menu and gave us some samples of different things as well. He even introduced us to Efes, a Turkish beer that I had not tried before, but was excellent. He was an excellent ambassador for the restaurant. I ordered the falafel and my wife had the gyro. Both appeared fairly quickly and I have to say that my falafel was the best I've had. Of course, my experience consists only of places in Atlanta so I don't have too many places with which to compare. It was tasty nonetheless. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Angie S.
Yummy! I had the chicken gyro & a Greek salad. It was very tasty! Service for take out was slow.
(4)Kozby K.
This place is fantastic! I travel frequently and search out great Mediterranean food wherever I go, and Cafe Agora ranks among the best ever. The person behind the counter who runs it (and perhaps owns it) is very friendly and definitely goes out of his way to ensure you have a great experience. I couldn't believe the high quality of the food in relation to the really great prices. Hands down their Lamb kabobs were the best I have ever eaten, and their hummus was deliciously lemony with the right amount of salt. Their pita bread was soft and warm and clearly homemade. The pita came with an olive oil/red pepper paste brushed on the top, and when I asked for them to exchange my pitas for plain ones, the staff did so quickly, without hesitation and with a smile and apology. Fantastic! The crowd ranged from young families to senior citizens, and included solo diners like me and large families. Everyone seems welcomed there, and I would recommend that you add yourself to that list if great Mediterranean food in Atlanta is what you are seeking.
(5)Tim M.
Good solid kabob joint. I suggested Turkish food to my fellow 3 out-of-town business visitors, after overcoming some initial resistance ("But I don't like curry") I convinced them to go. They hesitated again when we got there (the place doesn't look like much from the outside), but once I saw that they had Efes I figured it was the real deal and I insisted that we stay, and not go to the Capital Grille across the street And boy were we glad we did! The large plate was excellent - who knew carrots could be so yummy. I had the adana kabob which was excellent, and also had one of my co-workers kefte which was good. My colleagues could not stop raving about the food We got there early, so initially the service was good, it tailed off once the place got crowded. Despite there being a long line, they ignored us for a long time after we finished eating, and we had to beg for the hesabu - not that it was bad for us, just the people waiting. The kavessi and baklava were soso. But this was a great find (thanks once again Yelp) and I would definitely come here again
(4)Jinny Y.
I LOVE LOVE cafe agora~ okay, so it might not be as cheap as I'd like, but the falafel and baklava here are to DIE for! The friend, Mike P. who introduced me to Cafe Agora said on his first visit he ordered a gyro to go and Al promptly said "No". Mike repeated his order: "um... could I please have a gyro to go?" Al: "No, you take gyro to go, it gets cold, then it's no good. You eat here! (pointing at the counter)" Mike: ...sits down. I had a similar experience my first visit. After a wonderful meal of falafel, hummus, and salad, Al offers me a piece of Pistachio baklava~ At this point in time, I didn't like baklava so I respectfully declined. Al said, "no, you try it. It's good!" Next thing I know he SHOVES a piece of baklava into my mouth!! o_O!?? the first thing I thought was, "what the heck!?!" then as i chewed, this LIGHT, FLAKY, LAYERED DESSERT OOZING IN HONEY overcame my senses and I saw Al's face light up with delight ^___^ 'til this day I can't bare to eat baklava anywhere else. It's just not the same!
(5)Diana C.
My mouth is still drooling from my trip to Cafe Agora two weeks ago. A friend and I shared the lamb gyro (but I wished I had it all to myself at the end of it.) The meat was cooked perfectly with the right amount of spices. The vegetables tasted crisp and fresh, though the onions were a bit too strong. The tzatziki sauce added a cool refreshing taste. But my favorite part of the meal has got to be the pita bread. SO SO good. I will be back at this cozy little place soon.
(4)Jason L.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Food: + Excellent hummus with different sides accompanied by warm pita; had a bit of a gaminess to it for some reason.. but it was fine + Lamb/beef gyro was excellent; entire package was fresh and popping with flavor + Tried some of the chicken kebab which was excellent as well + Pistachio baklava was oozing with moisture (honey) and the filo crust was full of light flaky goodness Location: + Store is a bit small but wasn't too full when we sat down for lunch on a Wednesday + Owner is very friendly although I found it hard to understand some of his mannerisms Good Things to Know: + They deliver for free within a 3-mile radius; it's a $3 delivery charge outside of the 3-mile radius + The kabobs are fresh and massive; check the front glass display to see them in their full uncooked glory + Accepts Visa, MC, and AMEX (good for those of us on corporate cards)
(5)Alex K.
Al is a pal!!! Its hard to find good Mediterranean food around town that serves delectable and carefully prepared fresh kebob meat and vegetables. It just doesn't have that "sitting around all day" food taste like a lot of those Mediterranean places have. Great thing is, you can go there anytime, even late at night. If you like soccer, it's your place, as they usually have GolTV on.
(5)Kathleen M.
I walked in to a near-brawl at Cafe Agora, between Al and a guy who seemed to be a regular. As I didn't catch the beginning of their conversation, I can't say who was in the wrong, but there was definitely some serious anger being thrown back and forth. The customer stormed out in a huff, Al shook things off and smiled. There's no direction as to what to do when you come in here. Order at the counter? Wait for a server? Pay before or after? While I'm still not positive of the regular order of things, we ended up placing our orders at the counter and waiting until Al delivered our wonderful, wonderful food to us. We split an order of hummus, and dare I say it was the best hummus to cross my lips. Heaven, and the pita was equally great. My chicken gyro was equally great: well marinated, fluffy pita, and fresh tasty tzatziki. It was a ton of food, but I managed to scarf it down. Al brought out some pistachio baklava to end the meal and it was equally divine. He truly is a character and makes the experience all the more fun, just be sure to bring friends who are cool with this kind of thing. Not exactly the spot for stodgy business lunches or first dates.
(4)Brett H.
Lamb Gyros - 2 Shared Hummus Platter - 1 Root Beers - 2 1 tasty lunch Best Gyro's around.... They are BIG, Juicy, and full of love.
(5)Robert M.
I stopped in on a Tuesday night. The place is small, but the owner made it clear he is planning to expand. We had a mixed grilled plate and a gyro, both came with fresh salads. Everything was great. They have menus, both regular and to go, but you have to ask. Otherwise, you can order by the pictures posted.
(5)M A.
I've been here so many times with a giant group of people, and even though we're packed in like sardines it's never a disappointment. The staff is very friendly, always joking with our group about our need for chairs and tables as he makes Tetris shapes to squeeze us all in on. The food here is very, very good. Everything from the tzatziki to the lamb kebobs is made fresh and tastes excellent. I never leave here hungry; it's impossible to do so! Even my bottomless pit friends can hardly finish a meal here. The food is hearty and wholesome. I've yet to do takeout myself, but watching five large boxes weighed down with food walk out with a fellow patron make me feel safe in my assumption that you get just as much food even if you don't take a seat. A friend of mine reports that catered meals are large and come with plenty of leftovers, so if you can't find a seat or need some food for a party, you've found your guy! My only gripe is that the owner will give you a mezze platter and demand you eat it, only to charge you a dollar for touching it. I'm also told he just makes up prices when you go to pay, but it seems to be relatively spot on. Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
(5)M P.
Enjoyed everything we ordered and the service was great!! The portions were really generous... What a pleasant experience!!!
(4)Foo B.
It was my turn to get food for group meeting again, and I was feeling adventurous, so I drove up to Buckhead (Agora: "Uh... we don't know where Georgia Tech is... so we can't deliver") to check out the goods. The trip was totally worth it. Rave reviews at the meeting, including from my boss, hopefully improving my job security. I initially wanted to just order one of each of their appetizers, but the lady over the phone told me that would be way too much and it would be a lot cheaper just to get a few of their platters. I was pretty skeptical that that would feed all 10 of us, but I took her advice, and it turned out to be just the right amount of food. It was quite economical too... the platters were only $39 in total. The only downside was that the baklava was expensive and had too much syrup, making them soggy.
(5)Jim H.
This place is freakin great. The owner is insane but a great guy. The food is superior and at a reasonable price. Well done folks.
(5)Nishal O.
After reading good reviews, we decided to check this place out. We were very disappointed with the service and will not return again!!! We asked for a "to go" order and a menu and the older gentleman (I am assuming the owner) was very rude. We ordered an appetizer and a gyro. He left our appeitzer out for us to bag ourselves and took the "to go menu" away from us after yelling at us for not letting him know we wanted a to go order (when we stated it at the beginning). I am shocked that we were treated so poorly. Aside from the poor service, the quality of the food was mediocre.
(1)Chloe M.
I really love this place and can't imagine why I'm the last one in the city to tryi it. The Maza Platter is a beauty to behold. It has about 9 appetizers/dips. The hummus was creamy with just the right amount of garlic and lemon juice, the sour cream-dill dip was divine -- thick and creamy. The eggplant salad was very flavorful. I found a new favorite in their Havuc Salatasi (a carrot salad of sorts) with shredded carrots, parsley, dill, yogurt, and spices. It was so good. The tabouli was perfect, as were the babaganush (an eggplant dip), the red bean salad, and everything else on the plate. The grilled pita bread that came on the side was the perfect accompaniment, although the size of the pieces made it very hard to actually get a good chunk of dip onto them. No matter, forks to the rescue and rescue they did. The grilled platter came with an assortment of meats: beef and lamb gyros, lamb, chicken, beef, ground lamb. Every bit was as delectable as the next with my mouth sinking into tender, juicy morsels of meat that are full of flavor and grilled perfectly. I haven't had it any better than this. But the best came in the form of a Gyro -- grilled soft, warm pita bread topped with tender slices of spit-roasted lamb and beef then topped with fresh shredded lettuce and tzatziki sauce. Tasty. Delicious. And the best in town. I love everything about this place and can't wait to come back.
(5)Arindam P.
Very small place - reminded me of street food in India but once the food came, it was out of this world. We got a complimentary baklava and ended up paying for four of those orders. Best Baklava I have ever tasted
(4)Darryl D.
Great little greek/turkish restaurant. The Meze is a highlight, along with the pistachio baklava. Good, quick, and cheap.
(4)Lee L.
Something sketchy about this place is that there is no set menu prices... And looking back on my past credit bill, they charged me $2 extra! I had probably given a tip, but adding a little extra is just messed up!! Be sure to ask how much something costs so you're not ripped off.
(2)Rei W.
Tiny little restaurant with tons of personality. If you're going with a group of friends, get a mezza plate to share. Warm pita squares with grilled eggplant and hummus...mmmm Al, the owner, will make your meal an experience. The most entertaining owner I've ever met. If you don't know what to order, have no fear, Al will guarantee you something delicious. Don't forget the Baaklava. Their Baaklava comes in traditional squares, rolls and pinwheels- my favorite. Ground pistachios on top add a nice touch.
(5)Christopher P.
Al + Mezza Plate + Baklava = Goodness Cafe Agora.... Mezza Plate... do it... do it... now....
(4)Enoch C.
good food. let's start with that. if you're looking for a good mediterranean dive, this is it. if you're thinking, "hmmm... i feel like good mediterranean tonight." for goodness' sake, check this place out. i went with a group of four for lunch on a friday. not sure if it gets packed later on in the lunch hour but there weren't too many people there (which is good cause it's pretty small). 2 friends had the gyro, another had the chicken kebab and i had to have the lamb kebab. i'm a sucker for lamb. didn't try the gyro, but seemed like an excellent lunch portion. the chicken kebab was really good. the chicken meat was super tender and had me wishing i had ordered the chicken instead of the lamb, which was ok, but nowhere near as tender as the chicken. the kebabs come over rice and with a greek salad. salad was good, no surprises or anything there. so after reading reviews of this place, i had heard about the "complimentary hummus." the dude gave us a huge plate of hummus and other mediterranean goodies and mixed the hummus and some pepper sauce thing and fed it on a toasted pita square to one of my friends which i hear is just how they do things here. SURPRISE! they charged us for the hummus plate at the end of the meal. however, for $5 it is actually a great deal. but who knows what you'll be charged if you come in cause there's no fixed prices on anything. when we went, the gyros were around 7 bucks and the kebabs were around 12. didn't really want to spend 12 bucks for lunch, but it was worth going at least once. at the end of the meal, we got actual complimentary baklava and some kind of rice pudding. wasn't a fan of the rice pudding and i thought the baklava was aight. maybe i'm just not a fan of baklava, but it just tasted like any other baklava i've ever had. so if you want great mediterranean food, come here. if you don't want to deal with hidden fees, people feeding you stuff, or spontaneous price changes, then pick a different place. to me, i thought the food and the other random stuff that goes on during your meal balance each other out. 3 stars.
(3)Vy A.
I had to try this place after hearing all the rave on Yelp. The food was ok and the people are pretty friendly. Why a 2? There were some serious problems. The biggest problem is that I have to agree with Lee L. about the "sketchiness" in the way they charge you. For that, I will never return. The experience was pretty good initially. We got the nice greeting and he practically forced us to try this sampler place in a way that implied that it was gratis. We really weren't expecting such a large sampler so we all felt bad and ordered much more food than we normally would have been to be polite. They definitely charged us for the sampler even after suggesting that we wouldn't be. There also aren't any prices on the menu, which added to the surprise. Perhaps there was some problem with communication on the sampler. In that case, I feel a bit uncomfortable with his forcefulness in making us order the item. I was also a bit concerned with his handling of the food - preparing dips onto the bread and handing them to you to eat??? I'm not thrilled with people putting their bare hands all over my food right before I eat it. There was also some carrot dish that smelled and tasted of chlorine. I'd detail the food here normally but I think there are plenty of people who have done that here. Summary: Decent food. Maybe some concerns on cleanliness. I'd give this place a 3.5 if Al would be more up-front with the billing.
(2)Michael Milton B.
Mezze platter + lamb/beef gyro + ouzo = happiness. I love this place, the food and the staff. Having Greek blood and a yaya (Greek for grandmother) who's a great cook, I can legitimately judge the food. The mezze platter is amazing--a little something for everybody with plenty of flat bread for dipping. The hummus especially stands out as a very rich, fresh flavor. Al and his staff are accommodating and are eager to have you enjoy their delights. Al will literally hand feed you if you're not eating a gryo correctly. It's a humorous experience. He almost always includes a generous gift of baklava or extra bread as an extra treat. Plus, being located adjacent to the Park Bench bar, they close at 4 AM Friday and Saturday. This makes for great late-night gorging. Gotta love it.
(5)Mina S.
As a huge middle-eastern food fan...this place was overall unimpressive. The staff was very friendly, and the menu had quite a bit to choose from. The sides were delicious, minus the hummus made of blah. I ordered the lamb kabobs because I felt like spending the extra money on it--lamb ain't cheap. The lamb was beautifully delicious, but a tad too greasy. The only problem? After paying over $12 for that platter, IT WAS SERVED WITH BOX RICE. Seriously. It had to have been. Those little elongated orbs of chewy brownish rice-intruders? You have GOT to be kidding me. No no no. Not with my expensive lamb kabob. Imma bring the smackdown. Where the heck is my basmati?! I won't be wasting my time or money here again because there are simply better places to go. Which will use the correct rice. BAH! However, don't completely nix this place--it was an overall good experience and if you're looking for something close to meet with friends, it's perfect.
(3)Jesse W.
Well, even without Al's personal attention during our dining experience, this was the best Med food that any of us have ever eaten. From the awesome appetizer, to the most tender and tasty chicken kebobs we've ever eaten, this place passed our test with flying colors. When my girlfriend mentioned that she had only ever eaten good falafel when she was in Israel, Al quickly went in the back and had the bring up some of his falafel for the Pepsi challenge. It was terrific; I mean really, really good. The only thing that probably wasn't a slam dunk with everyone at the table was the dessert, but Greek/Med desserts have never been my favorite thing. And what can you say about Al? He's terrific. A genuinely kind and enjoyable person who certainly adds a whole other dimension to your dining experience. Be warned though, if you are the kind of person that likes to be left alone while you are dining, this place is not for you.
(5)Jay P.
The lamb was as tender as .....I have no clue....All I know is that this was a great dining experience. Al definitely provided us all with top notch service. I had heard rumors of this guy, and he lived up to every one. From complimentary dips and deserts to a few jokes that I didn't quite understand, Al was the hilight of the evening behind the the lamb. This might have been some of the best lamb these teeth have ever met. He doesn't really tell you the prices until the meal is over and he rings up the bill so I would ask ahead of time. The parking situation is pretty crappy but the meal is worth every penny. At the end of the meal, he gave us to go boxes filled with dips and a special dessert. Al really knows what he's doing and for that, I'll be back again!
(4)Susan F.
Cafe Agora made all the other Greek restaurants I've eaten at look like child's play. The food was incredible! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We started off with a sample plate served to us by the owner. I couldn't tell you what he included (other than hummus), but it was delicious. For lunch I ordered the beef and lamb gyro. Amazing. I wish I could have eaten five. For first timers, there are a few things you should be warned about. 1) Parking's a pain. There are a few spaces in front and behind the building. Otherwise it's paid parking (in a lot) or you have to fend for yourself on the street. 2) When you walk in, go straight to the cash register. Order, then find a table and sit. 3) Go back to the register and pay when you're done. I don't think prices were posted, but they were reasonable.
(5)Anna F.
Y'all: if you do nothing else this week, go to Cafe Agora. I can't stress enough how much I adore this place. I've been 3 or 4 times now, and it's always been fantastic. The owners are lovely, and the man will likely come to your table at least twice to check on you, share a funny joke, and bring a complimentary bite of baklava (which is to die for, btw). I highly recommend the Maza (masa?) platter: it's a plate full of every kind of Mediterranean dipping sauce/spread/concoction you could ever want, with another plate full of bite-sized, warm, fluffy pita bread. It's a great way to get a little taste of everything, either as an appetizer before dinner, or a healthy lunch. Also note that you can park for free in the parking lot by the Hifi Buys building.
(5)Pranjal V.
Best Turkish food in town.
(5)Michael L.
I finally got to meet Al, and though we just dropped in to take a few falafel and gyro sandwiches to go, Al gave us a small plate of hummus and two other dips alongside a small dish of cut up pita for us to eat while we waited. That's the kind of hospitality one encounters in middle eastern countries that I've been to. Thanks Al, we really appreciated it. I will gladly say that this place by far makes the best gyros and falafels that I've had in ATL- because it's just true!
(5)Shawanda M.
alright alright...here we go. went here for lunch. lovely. got the chicken gyro (again) it was delightful!! the experience alone, was enough! there was complimentary pita bread, hummus and some other delicious snacks as we waited for our food. the baklava was by far, the best little baklava i've tasted in a very long time! we ordered some for the table and when we went to pay, Al decided to feed us (yes, feed) more. and wouldn't take NO for answer. he literally got a fork and fed us baklava. pure hilarity! definitely some good stuff! can't wait for my next adventure to Cafe Agora!!!
(5)Tricia C.
I was really disappointed when I tried to come here for lunch and somehow missed this place, but instead only saw the "Agora" restaurant a few doors down that was closed. I had read the reviews on Yelp and was really looking forward to the place. But my curiosity got the better of me and I called them later on and figured out my mistake. So, we came back for dinner! We were greeted by Al, who asked us if we had been there before and how had we heard about it. He told us about all the glowing reviews he's gotten on Yelp and Citysearch (except for the one bad review on Citysearch that was based on "opinion and not fact", haha). He made us the sampler plate o' hummus-es and other treats (many of which I have no idea what they were), but they were all DELICIOUS. I typically just stick to more Greek-style stuff since that's what I know, but everything he gave us to try was really really good (he literally prepared the first bites for us at the counter, mixing things in fairly precise ratios). I do wish he had given us bigger pieces of pita bread though. After he commended us for finishing that sampler, he allowed us to order gyros. I wouldn't say that the gyros were the best I've had, but they certainly hit the spot. I would have liked a little more tzatziki (since my meat was not as juicy as some others have said) and I would have liked to have some tomatoes on my gyro. But still, pretty solid. The best part about the meal (yes, even better than the hummus platter) was the baklava. Oh sweet Jesus, the baklava. He gave us each a half piece to sample, and it was like a chorus of angels burst into song in my mouth. It was far and away the best I've ever had. It had the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. It was very light, and not packed so tight that it takes you two minutes to chew. The honey was not so thick and gooey that you feel like your mouth is temporarily glued shut. It was not too drippy, it was not too dry. It was crisp and perfect, and had a sprinkling of pistachios on top. We bought 6 more pieces to take home and share, and he threw in 3 extra for good measure. (They were gone that night.) I really wanted to come back and get some to take back to Dallas with me but we didn't have time. Also, I noticed lots of people ordering food to go or for pickup, and most of them seemed like regular customers. It seems Al has realized a key ingredient of a great restaurant: there are so many restaurants out there these days and with review sites like Yelp available to savvy researchers wanting new and different places to try, that little extra of great customer service goes a long way in setting yourself apart from the rest. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Atlanta!
(5)Brian H.
I go to this place regularly. Al's got a great product here and the service is hard to beat. 2 thumbs up, way up.
(5)John R.
A friend and I went tonight for the first time. I'm kicking myself right now for having lived around the corner for 5 years and never ventured into this restaurant. Our server was friendly, and the food was great! We both had the falafel with a starter of hummus. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The dessert brought at the end (a little piece of bakalava) was omg....delicious. We both left very satisfied, just the right amount of full. I can't wait to go back and explore many more of the dishes that were in the refrigerator case. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)Saloni L.
Very nice and welcoming place! loved the food and ambience. Owner is extremely friendly and ensures you have a good time!
(5)Isabel Y.
Great food, absolutely no question! I love hole in the wall joints like this one by Park Bench. It's great if you are just chilling one night and don't mind lingering over some over the counter philosophizing with Al. BONUS: Being hand fed some amazing baklava is NEVER a bad thing. But if you're looking to quickly eat and then head somewhere else, you may want to go to elsewhere. Between finishing our food (SO GOOD i'm not kidding) and leaving the restaurant took a good 15 min last time, and we were in a hurry to meet up with some other friends. Not a big deal but just a heads up. My main complaint: Al just tells you how much you owe and gives you a piece of paper with that number. Like everyone else, I like free appetizers and free dessert, but I would like the place more if whenever I came, the price was SEMI-on par with last time (and yes I order the same things). Sometimes it's $14, sometimes it's $25...(???) I'd like an itemized receipt please. Just go on a weeknight after work with a friend, sit at the bar, let Al bring you food, and consider it great bang for your buck, all things considered.
(4)louis n.
I didn't know what to expect when I came to Cafe Agora. It's definitely not a "date spot" by any means. I came for lunch with two of my close friends. We didn't receive a proper greeting nor prompt seating. The three of us ordered the Chicken, Lamb, and Mix Gyros. They were all tasty and filling, great food portions. The hummus w/ falafel was as good as it gets. The hummus was smooth and had the right amount of olive oil for taste and texture. The tabouli was fresh and seasoned with just the right amount of zest. Parking is limited on E. Paces Ferry Rd. Try parking behind the building or across the street at the vacant HiFi Buys.
(3)S B.
Wonderful! I'm sitting in Cafe Agora now and everything from atmosphere to food was excellent. We will definitely be back
(5)Matt T.
This place was a really pleasant surprise. My girlfriend and I were driving around Buckhead looking for a good, new place to eat and she looked up local restaurants on yelp. She stumbled across this place and we decided to give it a shot. The restaurant is fairly small and sort of a hole in the wall type place. However, like many other holes in the wall, the food was delicious. The owner is very welcoming and friendly. He offered us free samples of hummus, ezme, and tabbouleh because it was our first time there and he wanted to show us how good his food was. I ordered the iskendar kabob and my girlfriend got the falafel sandwich, both of which were delicious. The lamb was probably the best I've had in Atlanta so far and the falafel was very tasty and perfectly golden on the outside. When we left, the owner insisted that we take some rice pudding on the house and I have to say, it was outstanding. Overall, great place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone/go back.
(5)Blake K.
Okay, so maybe this is the more realistic rating that Cafe Agora deserved in the first place based on solely food. This time around the place was too busy for Al to spend his sweet time with us, and so the experience suffered. Please, Please, Please, read my other review for all the AWESOME positive things about this place. This review, on the other hand, will simply spot out a few qualms I had this time around. I got the platter again. Most everything was amazing (as I remembered) except for the humus. It seemed to be missing something. It just tasted like plain ol' humus, like the kind of stuff you can get at Publix. I mean it's good, just not great. And the rice. My girlfriend had the kabob platter. She swears the rice was boxed. I can't say I know my rice that well, but it did have a weird texture to it. But maybe it's just weird rice. The meat was delish. The place is awesome. I'll definitely be bringing friends here again.
(4)jimmy s.
Quick summary: fantastic metza platter, unreal gyro, and Al is a trip. A little pricey compared to many quick lunch spots in this genre, but this different in quality is incomparable. Best gyro in town should be enough reason to visit.
(5)Alan B.
I have lived in buckhead for a year, eaten @cafeagora for a year. And i have eaten authentic homemade turkish for a long time. And this is it, home made authentic for 99.9% of it... anyways go eat there, order the efes beer and chow down on some ezma, kabob, and sarma...
(5)David S.
Dear Yelp, can I give 6 stars? Please? I just went back today, and basically was indecisive on what to order, so Al suggested the mixed grill. This is friggin GENIUS. Why decide when you don't have to, when you can have it all? It was superb, so much food, so many tastes, thank Zeus that my stomach has the ability to expand in cases of dire culinary emergency. And, maybe even more important than getting yummy food, Al gave me a bit of advice from his own life. The jist of it was this "The best way to get ahead in life is with intelligence and kindness". All this and gyros, too??
(5)Arjun R.
Really enjoyed it. Was excellent quality food. Had only two significant gripes - a tad overpriced and just a little under-spiced for my liking.
(4)Kevin P.
I love Agora. Small place. Parking can be frustrating , although you can park for free down street. Food is great. Prices reasonable. Don't let your first dish lock you into a favorite. Try several things on the menu. You will end up with many favorites. I love the lamb kabob, turkish lamb meatballs, carrot appetizer, and the chicken kabob.
(4)Juna D.
BEWARE. You will be served a platter of mezza without asking for it, believe it is complimentary, and then pay $15 for it!! The food is great, but be careful with your bill.
(2)Mark D.
Grape leaf rolls were fantastic like everything else!
(5)Stephanie B.
This place is my new favorite restaurant! The best Turkish food I have had outside Istanbul! I will be making this a weekly destination. Al, the owner, was great!
(5)Dio S.
Why does Al love Yelp? Because Yelp loves Cafe Agora! My friend told me Al wants to meet some yelpers, because he's thrilled about all the positive reviews. I can personally confirm that the raves are well justified. Here can be found one of the most delicious gyros I've ever had, with tangy fresh tzatziki, aromatic lamb, chewy pita, overloaded with juicy goodness, mmm...my mouth waters uncontrollably as I think about it. The hummus, kebabs, and salads are likewise fantastic. All the cold salads have just the right tartness in their dressings. I had stale iced tea once, and that's about the only spotty experience. With all those upscale places around this part of Buckhead, this offers one of my favorite casual options (great for to-go too) in the area. Much better than Fellini's, Johnny Rockets, Rio Grande and the like close by. Must try!
(4)Kyle J.
This is my favorite place to grab a bite in the Metro. I was first taken here one late night without all of my capacities intact and was blown away by the food. Since McDonald's Fries also falls into the same category in that state I decided to go back a couple of days later for lunch and the food was just as good and Al was just as inviting and witty. So now I frequent the place. I recommend the kebabs and the vegetarian fare. Not the gyro which typically comes out a little dry. If you do not like spicy food do not order the lamb and stick with the chicken or beef. Also good luck ordering food off of the signs hanging above , as most of the items are not available. But for a great place to grab a bite for lunch or late this is the place. Don't forget to use the hot sauce though. FYI: Food is cooked to order.
(5)M G.
If you've been to a Bazaar in Istanbul, you are quite familiar with the talkative shop owners, who implore and cajole you to look and try everything in their store. Al, owner of Cafe Agora, is no different, but even if he wasn't the friendly and quite expressive guy that he is, you'd still want to try every single thing on the menu, because it speaks for itself. Al doesn't need to lobby the customer or recommend his favorites, because it is all excellent, but his presence behind the bar makes the experience that much more enjoyable. As has been noted in other reviews, he'll set you up with a sampler and some desserts while you wait, and chances are you'll tear through the pita and dips and your mouth will be watering for more by the time the meal comes. It's such a pleasant experience, made more worth while with the kind of old world interaction with the owner that is so rare nowadays.
(5)Travis M.
First and foremost, I feel like i should note that I have never been here 100% sober, but its fantastic location within walking distance of most of my favorite bars in Buckhead make it a real late night treat. I've never ordered anything but a gyro but Al has always been fastastic and brings me out samples of many other items. I think their gyros are some of the best in Atlanta (trust me, i've eaten a lot of gyros after a late night drinking session - i'd like to consider myself somewhat of an expert) and their baklava is also quite delicious.
(4)Chef Invisible T.
Why 4 stars--because it was hard for me to give five for a gyro but it is close. Hey Al, your the hottest on Yelp....congrats. But at last my dreams are over-I have findly found a Lamb Gyro in the Atl that I can say is better or as good as what I have tried anywhere. The owner(AL) is great which pushes this review to 4.5 stars. They lost half a star and a round down just on the A-kebab being ok. But wait... this place has to be the go to for anyone out after 1pm on a fri-sat night in the ever condo-hotel dining Buckhead. I have the great advantage of my girlfriend being a chef at a local hot spot in the area and my to -go gyro is now a regular staple for my late nite chef dinner. Can you believe I worked in this area for years and did not find out about this Med Food Find until Yelp users steered me in the direction. Thank You Yelp and I have to say that this is one of the best examples of what the ATL needs--small affordable dining- that is what makes great food cities so great.
(4)Laila S.
pretty good mediterranian food. its small on the inside, but its nice.
(3)Chris R.
We strolled in this past Saturday (1.24.09) for a late lunch after running a few errands in the neighborhood. It is definitely is in a blighted area that only 5 years ago used to be the nexus of night life is the now diminished going-out "scene" of Buckhead. But no matter...the Mediterranean food was awesome! The restaurant is fairly small and not the prettiest of interiors, but for the price and tastiness I certainly would go back. We ordered the Mixed Maza Platter and the Chicken Shish Kebab. The hummus was so good that we bought some to go and had some as our appetizer with our at home prepared dinner that night. By the time we finished eating the mixed maza platter we were nearly too stuffed to continue on we opened up our hollow leg and made a go at the Chicken Shish Kebab. The chicken was quite tasty in that it had a spicy very very faint taste of barbecue and the tzatziki sauce made for a tasty morsel. The house salad was so so..and the same with the basmati rice...but overall it was quite good. We finished it off with a little sample of the baklava. By then I was stuffed...but the little taste of sweetness ended a great lunch. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely go back when we're in the neighborhood.
(5)Justin B.
We walked into cafe agora on a Sunday night. From across the room Al saw us and asked if we'd been there before which led us directly to the beautiful display of his yummy looking wares. There weren't many people in the restaurant with us but the food was delightful and so was Al. His personal recommendations turned out to be great and the whole experience was memorable and commendable. I'd definitely go back.... and considering my parents live only a few blocks from him... we definitely will.
(5)Sonya S.
My husband and I walked inside and sat down. The busboys were clearing up adjoining tables and we looked around. We saw the pictured menu items on the wall but, prices were not indicated. Nobody said anything or came up to us. So, we got up and started eyeing the various appetizer dips in the refrigerated display case. That's when, we assumed it was Al, asked if I'd want the "sample plate". I said yes and wham, blam I was handed the plate with 5 to 6 varieties of smooth veggie dips and a plate of pita bread. Then I heard: 'You go and eat all of this before ordering any food'. I looked at Al with one eyebrow raised and my right forefinger pointed at him and said: 'Yea, look, I know all about you. We're going to order our food.' My husband chose the mixed grill plate and with that Al said that it would be plenty for the both of us. We sat at our table and began to eat away at the veggie appetizer fare. The babaganoush was pretty good as it had that smoky flavor I wanted. Hardly any garlic, though. We got the mixed grill plate and I looked at it. Man that was enough food just for my husband! So, I got up and ordered the Kofte Kebab plate. Al was adamant that we had enough food already. I just looked at him and said: 'Just get me my food' with a raised eyebrow. He obliged. Being our first visit we wanted to be food tasters. The char grilled lamb, beef and chicken were delicious. The rice was just the way I remembered it as a kid. I could eat that rice every day. The plates with meat are basically served with rice and salad with a sweet dressing. Al came over to check on us from time to time to see how we liked the food. I told him all was good, except there wasn't any garlic in the food. He proceeded to relate how he had to modify the garlic content for the American crowd. I told him, next time, I'm bringing my OWN garlic. Being the hospitable host, he said: 'Just tell me you want more garlic and we'll fix it special for you'. Time for dessert. Al started waxing poetic about his baklava and that he'd bring some out. I said that I already make my own, that I wanted to try my childhood favorite: Kunefe. Wouldn't you know they didn't have any? Al said that it's one of those things that don't move as fast on the menu so they often don't make it or if they do, it's a small amount. So, I gave him a counteroffer. I said: 'I'll give you my phone number and you can call me when it is available' We had a little laugh and ended with a small plate of some samplings.. Then, I got the Turkish coffee. When all was said and done our bill came to about $25 per person. We were stuffed like sausages. When you eat at this place, you DON"T know how much anything costs. Al begins to compute your bill when you approach the cash register at the end of your meal. Compared to regular American restaurants, this is an unconventional place. To be honest, it was a step out of my comfort zone the way the whole order/supply on hand/bill process went down. Except for the lack of garlic, the food is almost as authentic as you'd have at your multi-generational Middle Eastern/Mediterranean family get-togethers. (I say almost because families have their unique style of flavoring and cooking). Next time, I'll make sure to ask for the garlic and I'll call ahead to make sure they have Kunefe, Al is entertaining in a weird way. I know the culture and I enjoyed the banter. The main reason for being there is the food which is fresh. Café Agora has a selection of beers and liquor. I wouldn't say that there is a FULL bar. If you go, be prepared for an experience.
(4)Mary Ann O.
Very friendly, comfortable restaurant with great food!
(5)scott h.
Amazing Place!!! Great first time experience tonight, so great I made a Yelp account just to write a great review on this restaurant! The food was great! The hummus was the best i have ever had, and they had this carrot salad, wow, im not even a fan of carrots and i nearly exploded i ate so much carrot stuff!!!! the gyros were also fantastic.. i am used to a much less traditional style gyro, so i am used to more sauce, but i have to say, the meat in these gyros is by far the best! it was cooked perfectly!!! and as for the owner of the place, Al, he is a fantastic guy, on a first name basis with many of his customers and treats them well! as a first timer, he let us try so many things and treated us as if we had been coming there for years. overall, great experience and i will be visiting many many times!!!
(5)Kelly O.
This place has consistently good reviews for a reason. While it doesn't look like much from the outside, once you walk inside, you are treated like royalty. I ventured here for the first time with a friend the other night and got to experience Al's doting firsthand. He could tell we hadn't been before and insisted we try the mezza sampler plate - he literally hand fed us bites so we could see what went together. Since I don't know what all was on the plate, I can't say what my favorite was, but I highly recommend getting this if it is your first time there to try a little bit of everything - and it was ALL good - no joke, we cleaned the plate. A little full from the sampler, we split a lamb kabob plate, which was the perfect amount of food for two girls - the lamb practically melted in your mouth and the Greek salad was the best I have ever had, with the white dipping sauce just adding to the meal. To finish off the meal, he brought over some baklava and fed it to us (he is really into feeding you, so if you are uncomfortable with being hand fed, this might not be the place for you), which was amazing!! A great meal, great experience overall and with such personal service, I will be back all the time!
(5)Dave G.
I love this place. The gyro is the best ever. However, parking is very difficult and the food is a bit expensive. In addition, while the owner did hook us up with a sample platter, I understand that isn't the normal case. Therefore, for $9 or so, you get a Gyro and a drink - no sides. Just seems a little expensive (especially with the parking hassle). * Update - return trip - parking not a problem, just go earlier. Drink, gyro and side salad for $10. Very delicious! Upgraded to 5 stars! Yea!!!
(5)Todd P.
When my friend and I walked up to the counter to order dinner, Al showed us a print-out of the Yelp Atlanta home page listing Cafe Agora in the coveted #1 spot for Hot on Yelp restaurants. I've noticed it highlighted there several times the past few months and that's what lead me to his restaurant. He's definitely proud of the support he's received from the Atlanta Yelp community. Suffice it to say the food was fantastic, just as others have described in their reviews -- from the sampler plate of hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, etc. to the gyro meat, rice and pita there was not one thing that was a miss for me. Thanks Yelpers for leading me to a fantastic experience, and thanks to Al for showing us the hospitality that is abundant for all your customers.
(4)Deanna J.
If six were allowed, this would be my first six-star review for the simple fact that it provided me with one of the funniest dining experiences of my life. More on that later. Cafe Agora is located in the general area near 'Old Buckhead,' where there are still open restaurants and galleries - and if it wasn't for yelpers (thanks, yall!!) I would have never known about this place. I literally worked right across the street for over a year, and still never knew about it! Sad, but true. The little place is perched on a corner, with a bright blue awning. There are no more than a dozen tables in there, and you get the feeling that it's a lunch only kind of place, until you spot the wall o' bar - definitely enough libations to get you going on a Friday night. You can also imagine how dim lighting would create a whole new ambiance in the evening, too. A friend and I met up for lunch just before the usual big lunch rush - both of our first times to Cafe Agora. We were greeted by the owner (who I think his name is Ali). I mentioned was excited to try the restaurant and was with and head about it on Yelp. He suggested that we split a mixed maza platter, which includes hummus, eggplant, babaganush, and pretty much every possible thing behind the shiny glass counter. It was amazing. It's actually a good thing I didn't know about this place when I worked across the street, or I would have become verrryyy familiar with the sampler platter! We looked around as everyone else got their gyros, since we planned to split one of those as well, but ours never came out. Finally, Ali came over, admonished us for not finishing our platter, and denied our request for ordering more pita bread to finish it off - explaining that we would be too full to eat out gyro after. Now, mind you, he didn't say any of this in an unfriendly way, but more in a 'hilarious uncle' kind of way - just one of those owners with lots (LOTS) of character, a la Ann of Ann's Snack Bar. Since we were splitting the gyro, instead of giving us a knife, he explained how we were to just pass the gyro across the table to each other (but only if we were friends) and each take a bite out of it - which we did, juices flowing from the gyro and laughing from what was transpiring. But wow. The flavor of the gyro was ridiculously tasty. He also sat down to tell us the health benefits of the food, that the meza was extremely time consuming to make, urged us to finish our plate, and we also saw when he was back in the kitchen fighting off the lunch rush, had a girl at the next table go get her own ice and cup for her drink. He also gave us a baklava (and tried to comp our meal, but we circumvented that by stuffing cash in the tip jar!), which, surprise, surprise, was awesome, too. Though many of these sound like customer service faux pas, the character really just added to the experience - one of those unique, very local, very yelpy times - only enhanced by the hilariously unique and friendly owner. Good yelpy times! I officially love it here. Even if your visit isn't as entertaining as mine was, there's still plenty reason to go to Cafe Agora. The food was extremely good, and it's a versatile spot for everything from a quick lunch, to a really cute 'hidden unique date-y' kind of spot for the evening!
(5)Gina C.
My friend suggested this place for dinner and I was so glad she did! I've been wanting to try it out for a while. It is a little hole in the wall restaurant, but the food is superb! My friend and I were the only ones there tonight, besides the guy that works there and his family. It wasn't Al, but a younger guy. For starters, we ordered the hummus. It was probably the best I've ever had! I couldn't stop eating it! We also ordered a small greek salad, which was very good with the balsamic dressing and all the veggies. I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the falafel. My gyro was very good. I loved every bite of it. The portion is pretty big, but I still finished it. My friend's falafel was delicious as well, but I liked my gyro better. Towards the end of our meal, Al came in and talked to us for a bit. He asked us if we've been here before and then he gave us a sample portion of baklava which he fed to the both of us. When we went up to pay, our bill came out to be $24 and some change, but Al told the guy to charge us $20. I do agree with the others about the parking. There is a lot in the back and some street parking. Also, the restaurant is really small so get there early! I'll def be back for more gyros. They are the best in Atlanta!
(5)MICHAEL N.
I always get the gyro but it is excellent. Best part about this place are the late hours on the weekends.
(4)Achille Y.
The food is decent but this establishment has several issues; 1: Parking; it's very had to park. 2: The prioprietor (ED?) Is extremely LOUD AND OVERBEARING. He will just bring you food to try. He actually yelled at me for eating all the bread. He then put some food on the bread and handed it to me to eat "properly". Whoa. 3: He will randomly bring food to try. It's free right? -- Yeah... NO! He charged me for that. 4: There are no posted prices, and the whole pricing is extremely sketchy. I got the same food several times and it cost different amounts. Each time it's been an even amount charged ($35, $40)
(1)Jonathan P.
I am in Buckhead on business for the week and was checking out Yelp for a place to eat. I came across Cafe Agora and had to try it based on the reviews. It was a bit of a hike from my hotel, but well worth it. Al was very friendly and wanted me to try everything. He brought out the Maza platter and started feeding me from it. Can't say I've ever experienced that before, but I didn't mind, it just adds to the eccentricity of the place. Everything that can be said about the food already has. I was not disappointed and will definitely be making a return trip before I leave.
(5)Kat W.
Love this place for take out and lunch. Kind of small so don't prefer for dinner, but great service. The owner Al is always there, tasty, dependable food. They also deliver in Buckhead.
(5)Christian H.
okay, so it's not exactly cheap but oh sooo delicious. We'll be back.
(4)Juliet C.
This place is great, not the ambiance, but the food! The freshness was the top and so were the flavors. I would highly recommend it. Parking is not easy, but doable. I liked it so much I am having them cater my next party!
(4)Britny P.
I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! It is so authentic and the owner, Al, is super nice and loyal to his customers. I remember the very first time I went to Al's and thinking that it looked a little sketchy...this was pre-yelp days and when Al's had just opened up. It did not have a bar or barely a table but I remember the wonderful service and the AMAZING food! I was able to relive that moment when I brought my boyfriend and friend for their first experience. I really enjoyed seeing their expressions and enjoying the atmosphere that Al had created since my first time. The food is so authentic and you can see it with the preparation and presentation. Huge portions and very fresh. It is also very reasonably priced! I gave it 4 stars because of he parking...there is none. Other than that, you must stop in and say hi to Al. Become one of his loyal customers...he treats you well! Thank you Al for always making my experience like the first one.
(4)Kyle P.
This place is fan freaking-tastic. Order the Maza platter to start, everything on it is super tasty and authentic. This was my first time there so I had to go with the traditional gyro, it was perfect...especially when I added some of the Maza plate toppings. We capped off with a Baklava and my friend Jamison was quoted as saying that if his car was on fire, he wouldn't have left his baklava to save it. This place is the real deal.
(5)Kris L.
WARNING: I'm about to do my best Tony Bourdain impression in this review. So what does one do when stuck in Buckhead on a frigid, frozen rainy night? What does one select for an evening solo meal amongst so many tantalizing choices in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood? Does one overpay for a filet at one of the numerous steakhouses? Does one chicken out and eat at the at-best mediocre room service food? No, I say! No! Not me. Not this guy. I'm takin' it to the street. And I'm going for Turkish food, my friends. That's right. Turkish food. In Atlanta. In Winter. Thanks once again to the savvy writers of Yelp, my cravings were satisfied a 'very' brisk 12 minute walk later (brisk being defined in this case as a near-sprint) to Cafe Agora. I braved the elements seeking an authentic doner (or Turkish gyro) and the men of Cafe Agora did not disappoint. First, a complimentary selection of meze salads and pita bites to go with my ice cold Efes beer. Then the moment arrives. Oh yes, here it is - the gyro. And it was outstanding. Stupendous! And it was, um, rather brief in its existence. Down it went, along with the Efes and a dash of Turkish hot sauce. Absolutely perfect. What? What did you say, my new Cafe Agora friends? You want to offer me ANOTHER gyro and a SECOND cold Efes beer? Why, yes please! Gluttonous? Perhaps? Over the top? Definitely. Worth every frickin' painful frozen step home to my hotel. No doubt. So when in Buckhead, go to Cafe Agora. And when you drink your Efes and stuff yourself silly with Turkish meat products, think of me. And don't forget the baklava..
(5)Austin C.
Humble, healthy, and overall happy experience! First, let me begin with Al. He is very humble and his mission is to serve his patrons with the best service possible. He always greets us with a warm smile and laughs when we walk in because he knows how difficult my girlfriend and I are with food. We always change up the entire menu as we are constantly striving to only put foods that will enrich our lives in our system. Kudos Al! We usually order the hummus to start and then a grilled chicken salad. They have this tomato salad that is filled with vegetables and he knows to load us up with that side. For serious antioxidants and vitamins I highly suggest the tomato salad. The food is not that expensive and at the end of the meal Al usually gives you a treat that rhymes with Maklavah. He also gives me great insight on how to serve people better and be a leader in the community.
(5)Stacy A.
Finally tried this place and was very disappointed. Black olives, not kalamatas, were used in their salad. Mezza platter was disappointing. The place is really small and dinghy, not an environment to boost the appetite. I'm not sure why this is so highly rated---I'd rather drive up to Aladdin's in Roswell for a meditterranean feast.
(1)Ndamukong S.
One of the best lamb gyros I've ever had. The flavor of the meat and tzatziki was excellent. (Portion was filling as well.) Enjoy it with a Turkish Efes beer. All food orders come with rice pudding (for after your meal) but if you have room for a little more, try the baklava. It is different, in a very good way.
(4)Jessica C.
Very tasty. I think the owner was at an event, which I was a little disappointed about, but I will definitely be back again to try to catch him! I took an adventurous coworker here for an informal lunch meeting, and it turned out perfectly. We both ordered the sampler appetizer platter, which was a great size for lunch, and the sweet girl who served us brought out a pile of warm pita squares. Really tasty! Since we arrived a little after 1pm, it wasn't very crowded and we could talk freely.
(5)Per C.
I decided to come here after reading all the rave reviews. I'd never really had mediterranean food before so I decided to try something new. I have no idea what I ordered...I think it was the combo? It came at the recommendation of the guy i assumed to be the owner. He seemed eager to show me what mediterranean food had to offer. He proceeded to give me whole medley of shit to try - 3 courses of it. The first course was a salsa looking thing with some green stuff and what I believe to be hummus. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to dip bread in it or eat it like an appetizer. It didnt come with bread so I just ate it as is. Verdict - It was good. The main course was a concoction of different types of bbq'd meat, rice, flatbread, and some sort of creamy substance. The chicken was a little dry, but still good. The other meats were cooked well and everything on the plate was great. Verdict - It was good. The third course was some egg roll looking dessert. It was buttery, nutty, and sweet. Verdict - It was good. The portions are huge, the price is right, the food is good. I'd be here all the time if I lived in Atlanta.
(4)Brian R.
So. Awesome. It was empty when E and I went this weekend which probably lead to us having a great experience. Al (the owner) hooked us up with a sample platter of all the sides they have, e.g. taboule, ezme, hummus, goat cheese, &c. All were fantastic. I attempted to order a chicken gyro to which he responded, "What, you don't like beef & lamb? You get chicken next time." This proved sound advice as it was the best gyro I've had in town so far. After our meal he brought us a couple bites of baclava (absolutely the best). I highly recommend you check it out. Al's philosophy seems to be that you should open yourself up and try new food. An excellent place to go for a tete-a-tete, to hear a story, and get some great mediterranean food.
(5)Dean M.
Tried this for the first time as delivery last night, amazingly good. The Hummus was the best we've ever had. The Falafel was delicious, the Masa platter is a great way to try some of the appetizers, what a great selection of delicacies. The Lamb Kebob meat was very good, but I thought it could use more, it was just meat and rice. The Baklava to end the meal was very delicious too. I would recommend Agora to everyone.
(4)Dustin W.
The food was great had the beef & lamb gyro since it was my first time. The baklava was tasty. I'm glad I live so close to this place and the reviews are all true about this place is amazing !
(5)Liz M.
Absolutely incredible... I have a huge smile on my face the whole time I'm eating either the greek chicken salad or the chicken kebabs platter.. I know I have to be more adventurous with my selections but those two are just so delicious. The last few times I've gone with my coworkers for lunch we get some sort of free dessert which is also AMAZING! So so good.
(5)Tara M.
So far the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food I've had in Atlanta. All the meats are very well seasoned and usually juicy and moist. I like the little spicy kick in the falafel. The marinated kidney bean salad is awesome. Drink refills could be a little quicker or glasses bigger. A lot of times they give you a little bite of rice pudding or baklava at the end with your check even if you don't order dessert. It's a sweet touch - no pun intended.
(4)Joe K.
Based on a friend's recommendation and the reviews here on Yelp, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... For the main course, my wife loved the "sampler plate" Al made us so much that she ordered another for her full meal. I had tender, juicy lamb with yogurt sauce, delicious salad, and rice. I also ordered a glass of ouzo, but Al insisted I try the Turkish version called Raki. IT was an excellent suggestion, as it perfectly complimented the food. The only knock is that you have to pay for parking, but it is worth it to sample the fresh, flavorful food and familial service.
(5)Leanne B.
Cafe Agora would have gotten another star if we hadn't been made to feel so uncomfortable on our visit. We walked in and even though there were only 3 other tables of people, they seemed overwhelmed. Those 3 tables had managed to spread themselves out and we had trouble even getting to a table (no one moved out of our way and the servers did nothing to help). Eventually we sat down and they brought us a sampler mezza platter, which we were eventually charged $9.99 for (it was good, but $10?? Are you kidding? and you didn't even tell us that it would cost that). Then we ordered falafel and the waiter acted like we were crazy and he told us we wouldn't be able to eat that and two entrees, so we ordered one meat platter. The food was very good, which made up for a lot of the discomfort. Oh yeah, and no one ever asked us if we wanted drinks-they just brought us water. When it came time to pay, they gave us a few dessert samples which were delish. But the total was $35 for basically one entree and two appetizers, no drinks. It seemed a little high and overall led me to think I am not very likely to go back, except maybe to grab a gyro to go.
(2)Jessica Y.
We LOVE Al & Cafe Agora,and eat there frequently. Whether just for a late night baklava and kahve stop or for a lunch or evening meal the Turkish cuisine served at Cafe Agora is the nearest to authentic fast food Turkish that can be found in Atlanta. In sort, the food is tasty, and Al is simply the best proprietor that I've ever met the States! PROS: Late night hours, Al, baklava CONS: No authentic cay
(5)Mary K.
My first experience was awesome! Can't wait to go back for more. :)
(4)Miggy D.
Decided to check out the place on a Friday night after reading it on Yelp. When we walked in, I was surprised that it looked more like a mediterranean cafeteria instead of a restaurant. We looked at the display of food and asked the owner which one was the best. The obvious answer was "everything is good." We then decided to try the Kebab and a Lamb Gyro but since we were starving when we got there we also added the platter. On the platter, I only recognized the hummus and the rest was some eggplant, tomato thingys, and some other stuff. Whatever was in that platter, we just wiped it out. Not because we were hungry but more because it was really good. By the time our main dish came, we had gone through 4 pitas. The Lamb and the Kebab was superb but didn't feel we had enough space in our tummies. The owner was also kind enough to give us a small tasting of their Baklava. I'm not a big fan of dessert but this one was pretty good! The only downside is that there are no prices on the dishes so when we were checking out, I just felt they randomly entered the amount. No big deal because for what we ate, we ended up spending $30 (which is a deal, I hope!).
(4)Bobbin W.
I love eating out and have been called a foodie by many people, but I've never been one to squander my money on high-end Buckhead Life meals. Based on value, service and atmosphere, I think budget-friendly Cafe Agora is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. A former coworker treated me to an amazing lunch there yesterday. The server, Tony, took his time explaining the menu to us, while I salivated over the various salads in the front case. I decided on the Falafel Platter, which included four huge deep-fried chickpea patties served with a Greek salad and hummus. The Greek salad permanently raised the bar, with its fresh red pepper and cucumber, tiny feta crumbles, marinated red onion and crispness overall. The only so-so ingredient the salad contained were canned, sliced olives, as opposed to fresh, juicy, whole kalamata olives--a truly shocking detriment to an otherwise ethereal heap of roughage. Tony also brought us a sample plate of tabbouleh--the freshest of the fresh. My former colleague had his way with the Agora Mixed Grill: a hearty heap of kabobs: chicken, lamb, adana and kofta, plus gyro slices. His pita bread appeared different from mine with a deep orange hue--I'm assuming it had been yummi-fied with spices. Our other vegetarian dining companion eagerly ate her Mixed Maza Platter: a combination plate of hummus, eggplant salad and baba ganoush. I was most interested in the carrot puree with yogurt and dill. I sipped both Turkish tea and Turkish coffee during our stay. Served in a tiny cup on a delicate saucer, the more-than-strong coffee stunned me with a jolt of energy. A fourth-inch of coffee grounds had settled in the bottom; I resorted to diluting the beverage with milk, much to Tony's amusement. Tony also brought us a sample of pistachio baklava on a plate. When I bit into the square, moisture shot across my chin, releasing a burst of amazing flavors. I've never craved baklava because I associate it with dry, bland layers, but Cafe Agora's version rocked my world. I have to mention the atmosphere, too: the chandeliers, textured walls, wooden/rope combo trim and other decorative items perfectly complemented the food. And the service: Tony was charming and awesome. Oh, Cafe Agora, where have you been all my life?
(5)Pedro S.
Astonishingly good food in this little tucked-away hole in the wall. One of the best gyros in the city and the hummus platter is superb.
(5)Leslie G.
My husband(fiance at the time ) found this place on our first trip together to Atlanta. It was just indescribably good. A tad pricey.( FYI) if you order at the counter and if you don't ask for a menu, you don't get one. My husband just pointed to several dishes on display in the counter and ordered. so we really didn't know how much it was all gonna be till the end. I think it was like 50 for the two of us. but the entire reason we went back was not just the great food but it was the baklava that absolutely changed the way I thought about desserts O.M.G. It was the best dessert I have ever put in my mouth. I'm not sure if the reason it was so good cuz maybe it was fresh from the oven? i don't know. but what I do know is when we came back on our honey moon specifically to have that baklava, it was just as good as I had remembered it to be.
(5)Sweet S.
Best Gyro in Georgia!
(5)Helen H.
not entirely sure what the hub bub about this place is.. first came here a long time ago with Cherry L. I was one of the virgin friends in her review.. and I can't say I was converted haha~ That time we got the hummus, spanokopita, agora mixed grill plate, and they gave us little pieces of baklava to try at the end. - The hummus... was AMAZING.. it wasn't actually the hummus itself that was so good.. but the little pieces of squishy on the inside but toasted on the outside pita that was so good. - The baklava was also very very good. The little piece they gave us was just the right amount though because it was VERY sweet. To the point where I would not have gotten my own piece. Now for the not so good... - The spanokopita was mushy and a little stale-tasting. I like flaky just the right amount of crispy filo dough, and this spanokopita fell flat. - The agora grill plate is a mix of all the meats they have and everything on the plate was INCREDIBLY dry bordering on burnt. The rice was also very dry and didn't seem fresh (Zattaran's rice maybe???) My boyfriend didn't even want to finish the plate of food which is pretty much unheard of. So willing to think of this as a fluke... we went back later and I got the kufta kebab platter and my bf got lamb/beef gyro. DRY AGAIN dammit. All in all - I love that it's open late and that it's like 2 mins away from my apartment. However, it comes nowhere close to being the best Mediterranean I've had... but to give it credit I can't think of a place in Atlanta that is much better either, so.... *shrug*
(3)Lauren D.
Continuing my foray into Greek delicacies, I've been to Cafe Agora twice and can I just say, YUM. Decent portions, extremely authentic and absolutely delicious. The best part is that they're open late....WAY WAY better than a trip to Waffle House after a night of drinking!
(5)Clare D.
We ordered the mixed grill for delivery, and it was outstanding!!! It tasted like it had been grilled over a charcoal or wood fire. Will definitely save their phone #!
(5)Mel I.
I probably eat here at least once a week. You can tell that it all homemade from scratch. I personally get the hummus and the chicken gyro even though without a doubt they are always trying to offer you something new from the case to try - hand fed ONLY to men of course. Pretty funny actually not to mention the large amount of security cameras for smaller sizer space. LOL.
(4)Lydia S.
This was not just good food, but the food was a great experience. When I say good food, I am speaking as a person with a very critical palate. We started with the Mixed Maza Platter and continued to the Agora Mixed Grill...AWESOMELY GOOD! The humus was the best I have tasted, and the Baba Ganoush, potato salad, mushrooms ...I don't even know the rest of what we ate on that Maza Platter, but it was GREAT! The hot Agora Mixed Grill has the best seasoned lamb, beef, and chicken over a cheese pilaf...DYNAMIC! My friends and I have marked this as a favorite spot when we are in town.
(5)mark c.
I had the Mixed Maza Platter, while my wife had the Beef and Lamb Gyros Entree. Tasty, well seasoned Turk/Greek/Med specialties in good portions! We'll be back!
(4)Richard T.
The meat tastes good....
(4)Austin R.
I really enjoyed my experience with this place. My sister and I were driving through Atlanta and decided to make a day of it. We went here for lunch after I found it on yelp. We got there a bit after 11, probably the first customers of the day. The owner greeted us and after we said it was our first time there and asked some leading questions about Turkish food and Turkey in general, he proceeded to educate us extensively on both subjects. We ended up ordering the mezze platter and a falafel sandwich to go. While we were waiting he gave us a couple free shots of rice pudding which was freaking delicious and brought out a little plate of hummus, tabouli, and ezme for us to try to make sure we liked what we ordered. For some odd reason he insisted on feeding me himself (in a sort of paternal way). To finish our sampling he gave us each a small piece of pistachio baklava that he insisted I eat in one bite. To his disdain, my sister took 3 baby bird bites because she "wanted to taste it more!" The guy was hilarious if a little odd. And now of course the food: the hummus was great, heavy on the garlic and olive oil, the ezme was also very good. The tabouli was pretty much all parsley which I guess could be a Turkish thing; I like a bit more bulgur. The tzatziki was much richer than I like with what tasted like a sour cream base instead of yogurt. The pita was very thick, pocketless and delicious, and finally the falafel was unbelievable. Served in a pita gyro style with a little tzatziki and hummus, it was a nice greenish hue inside and had just the right amount of spiciness for me.
(4)Jeannine G.
Love, Love, Love Cafe Agora! the lamb gyro is the best!
(5)Nadia H.
What would Buckhead do without Cafe Agora? It is after all, the best lunch spot in Buckhead. If you are a foodie, try their Lamb Kabab next time when you go there. The meat is out of this world. The rice that comes with the kabab needs some improvements. Make sure to ask for Turkish coffee before you go back to work. It keeps you up for the rest of the day.
(4)Will L.
I can't believe I did not already know about this place. All of the reviews are consistent with my experience. What a fun place to take a friend! I walked in with my GF and Al immediately piped up and and had us sample a variety of food from the case up front. We ordered a Gyro and the mixed grill. I have been looking for good kabob since returning from Southwest Asia 2 years ago....the journey is over. The chicken was great, the tabbouleh was great, all of the vegetables were fresh. The mixed grill was served on rice with some orzo, I wish I could get pint containers of the stuff! I think this place is going to make me fat. I am profoundly happy to have found a place that does lamb right. The deserts! I really don't eat sweets, Al brought out baklava and it blew my mind. Then, as we paid the check, he handed us two lady fingers in a to go box and related that they would make an excellent breakfast in the morning. The atmosphere is very laid back, the prices are good and the location is very convenient. I think a lot of people head there for takeout, I know I will.
(4)Tim S.
When you see this place, you might be tempted to pass it up. It is very small, and more along the lines of a take out place than a dine in, but to get the full experience, I recommend taking a seat. You will be greeted very quickly by the owner in most cases, and he is a very colorful guy! Friendly, inviting, and easy to talk to, Al will make you feel at home. Like others have said on here, he will suggest you start with the Meza Platter, and it won't be free, but it is good, so go ahead and give it a try. Both my date and I had the falafel platter, and we really enjoyed them. Being vegetarians (mostly) it was just easier to go with this for our dinner. Perhaps I will try something with chicken next time. The pricing is a bit of a surprise, as there is no posted price, but it came out to about $8 per plate (including the sampler platter) so that isn't so bad.
(4)Chris S.
Went for a late lunch and was not disappointed. The chicken and lamb Shish Kebab were very good but the Pistachio Baklava was amazing.
(5)Eric L.
I loved this place until today. I always get the lamb Gyro. It was delicious as always, but here is the rub: Today, it was busy. Al was barking at everyone, including us. During the middle of our meal (3 of us at an already very small table), he asked us to move to a two-top that was pushed up against the wall so the party of four waiting for a table could be seated. We politely declined to move. As soon as we were finished, Al was there to pick up our plates and usher us up from the table. He then had the audacity to "defend" himself by telling us we need to be faster. All three of us had to be showing signs of disappointment in our body language, but we all remained quiet as we walked out. We all agreed that we had just been kicked out. As good as the food tastes, I doubt I'll be back. Certainly not if it is anywhere close to being busy.
(1)Foodie C.
If you go here for Greek food, you're a fool. This is a Turkish restaurant. I grew up in Adana, Turkey and this place makes better Adana kebab than I had in Adana. I haven't had anything I don't like. Best hummus in the city. The owner is from Izmir and spent years as a corporate mogul. As such, he enjoys running a place where he can turn you away because he doesn't like jerks. I have seen him yell at idiot drunks who come in acting badly. When he is done yelling at you, then he tells you he will not serve you. Awesome. Don't act like a jerk and he will remember you every time and welcome you loudly. I love this place. FYI, if you are a jerk, you will not like this place so go to Applebee's instead. Isn't that your more suited to your tastes?
(5)Kyle P.
I'm a bit of a gyro snob and usually am never fully satisfied with those I get from most restaurants. I have to say, Cafe Agora's are the best I have ever tasted. The quality of the meat is just top notch and the owner is just absolutely the most friendly guy you could meet and you can tell he is proud of the food they make...and with good reason. Get the mixed mezze plate! It's a must.
(5)Foodie Buddha F.
A good buddy of mine joined me for lunch at Café Agora this past Friday; the experience was yet another in a long line of tasty meals at this Mediterranean eatery. With the demise of Shipfeifer, Agora is now the only spot in the ATL I go for a quality gyro and tasty Turkish food. While there are a handful of options in the burbs (that's you Alpharetta), this is the best place in town and well worth the drive from Midtown. Overall, I rate the food here very highly, but there two or three problems with the experience that prevent the perfect score. My experience on Friday was pretty much par for the course. I walked in around 12:30 and there were three tables with patrons. Al, the owner, must have been outside because I didn't notice him when I walked in. They only have about 10 tables in the entire restaurant, yet they never do a good job keeping the place clean. They use paper products - which should make it easy for them to clean up. They fail pretty badly in this department. Friday's meal: Four of those tables had trash on them and the rest were all covered in various sauces and sticky substances left by messy patrons. They only clean up sporadically and when they do - watch out because they plaster the glass top tables with Windex. If you're nearby, cover up because you'll almost certainly get caught in the line of fire. I found a spot near the front and parked myself in anticipation - Chris R was running late. Sure enough, Al was outside; he walked in a moment or two after I sat down. He was very attentive and made sure I was not ignored - I told him I was waiting and he smiled, gave me the usual "Thank you my friend" and continued on his way. What a jolly guy. After a few minutes of waiting, I decided to order an app. There is no wait staff, so you have to order from the line. I asked for the hummus and Al went to work. He delivered a gorgeous spread of Hummus, Tabouli, and Turkish meze (i.e., a group of Turkish side dishes). I was really excited that he served Havuc Salatasi (shredded carrots with garlic, some yogurt, dill, and a few other spices). I had sampled it there, and I was quite pleased with the composition and flavor. The platter comes with diced pita. This has always bugged me as it makes it hard to scoop the hummus. I always end up having to ask for more pita. As I have never traveled to Turkey, I am not sure if this is their traditional method of serving pita - but it bothers me nonetheless. Moments after I returned to the table, CR walked in (followed by about 10 others). It was obvious they had been to Agora before as they all made a beeline for the cash register and not for the tables. Al yelled to the cooks to clean up the tables while he held down the fort. Meanwhile, we chowed on some of the delicious hummus and were then squeezed ourselves in line before a more patrons showed up. Whenever Café Agora gets busy (often), you see Al sweat a little. He never writes things down and you don't pay until you are done - so he seems to get a little lost. What follows is an odd dance that Al is quite adept at. As they come in, he will repeat orders to the chefs in the back (90% of which are for Gyros), then as they come up - he'll call and point to the person he thinks ordered the dish. The kitchen (almost) always seems to get the orders right, but it usually takes Al a couple of tries before he matches each order with the proper customer. Think of this as an abstract match game. I'm quite amazed actually - if I had to deal with all the "no onions, add tzatziki, etc... etc," my customers would be lucky to get something from the correct culinary family, let alone the right order. CR orderd the adana kebab and I, failing to be sensible (as in - go for something light), chose the gyro. I got over my indecisiveness 2 seconds later when I remember what a treat I was in for. CRs Adana kebab was perfect. I had never sampled the adana, but like the kuzu, iskender, or kofte kebab - it was spot on. The meat was cooked and seasoned perfectly, and there was plenty of pita, rice, and bulgur. My gyro was exceptional. As always - the lamb and beef were well marinated, juicy, cooked exactly right. The cooks do a good job of adding just the right amount of tzatziki sauce. Consistent and excellent are two great ways to describe the food here. To top it off, Al made rounds and dropped off a piece of cevizli for each of the patrons. This doesn't always happen, but it's not unusual either. I've never had a bad meal here and in fact, I've never had a bad dish here. Whether you are a meatatarian or a vegetarian, a lamb fan or a chicken lover, you cannot go wrong. Despite the cleanliness issues and the organized confusion when Agora gets busy, your meal will almost definitely be wonderfully delicious.
(4)Kelly H.
Although I ordered the wrong thing after studying their menu online, it turned out to be a GREAT mistake! I just ran over there tonight at about 1am but their open till 3:30am.......great late night spot!! Anywayz i was the only one in the restaurant...most people were over at some kind of tavern drinking. I ordered the chicken gyro....but i guess i meant to order the chicken plate..or the chicken dinner. I still don't know which one. He brought my gyro and it was sooooooooooooooooooooo freakinnnnnnnnnnnnn good!!!! I think i'm goin to go there every fri. night at 2 am to get it. So tasty. Thats real greek food!!! Plus it was only 8.50! Al tried to get me to get the lamb and beef mix but I told him i'll pass. Boy was that the best decision I made tonight! Parking is a hassle....since noone was out because of the rain i parked at some meters. But there is a $5 parking lot right next door :).
(5)Sara R.
One of the best "hole in the wall" restaurants in Atlanta. I was shocked when I first walked in - no tables or chairs (or silverware) match and its on E. Paces Ferry. So don't go for decor but the food is delicious. There's no menu so its makes it challenging for a first timer. My suggestion is just ask Al, the owner and trust what he gives you. He has a strong opinion so you are warned of that too. The food is great - the best falafel in Atlanta. Kabobs are excellent too. And then there's the baklava!!!!!!!
(3)Laura B.
Good stuff. You order at the counter, they bring you your food. Hard to order by the chinese take out style picture menu on the wall, but tried the falafel platter and hummus. Not super healthy but super tasty. And free baklava for desert. Didn't try it, but nice gesture
(4)Tracy L.
ATMOSPHERE: Well, Al is the atmosphere. The place is very casual and as soon as you walk in you are greeted by the very rambunctious owner named Al. He is such a quirky, entertaining, welcoming guy even though I didn't understand what he was saying 1/2 the time. (I went with Turkish peeps so he talked Turkish most of the time). Good mix of people. College kids, out-of-towners, young professionals. There were definitely some regulars that came. A couple dressed up for a date it looked like and others in sandals/t-shirt. One girl who appeared to be a regular brought her Dad to introduce to Al. FOOD: Yummm!! with lots of vegetarian options. 1. Combo appetizer platter and everything was vegetarian!! Babaganoush, hummus, 2 eggplant dishes, some carrot dish, tzaziki, parsley salad, some tomato dish. All of it was really good - but I wasn't a fan of the carrot dish. My favorites were the babaganoush and eggplant dish (there were 2 but I don't know what each were called). 2. Dessert - combo of 4 which included some pistachio, baklava, some whip cream topped thin noodle type of dessert, dessert that looked like rolled up something with pistachio on top... I know I'm not being descriptive but everything was really good! SERVICE: It's self service for everything except for your food. I don't know the prices of anything.... Al thinks about it and comes up with something, but it's usually really cheap for such good food. All of our food + dessert, which fed 3 people was $25 even! PARKING: Right in front of the restaurant is some... but I think we illegally parked.... there were zebra stripes there. CONCLUSION: I really like this place and was pleasantly surprised with both food and atmosphere. I definitely will come back here again!
(5)Tristan T.
My wife and I ate at Cafe Agora two weeks ago for the first time after being told by a friend we had to try it. The restaurant is small, no more than 7 tables with a small bar area. You order at the register where there is also a display case with fresh hummus, baklava and other items which are still unknown to me but will try soon. We had the hummus for an appetizer which was awesome. I had a gyro and she had the chicken kabobs followed by the complimentary (I believe) baklava. Everything was excellent. We even ordered extra baklava to go and the owner (who is really helpful) gave us a sampler of the different types they make. In regards to the prices, there is a takeout menu on the bar which lists prices for everything if you feel you are being ripped off. Highly recommend eating here as I will be back to try the rest of the menu. They also deliver for a $5 charge.
(5)Lindsay H.
This place was great! The gyros are great! The owner is hilarious, and very willing to please! The backlava, well, let's just say you MUST have some before you leave! It's FABULOUS! The yogurt . . . FABULOUS! And let's not forget that spicy sauce to put on your gyro! Delish! You MUST eat here!
(5)j l.
my favorite falafel in town!! i love the pickly red onions :) this place is hands-down awesome--like Al says, anything you order is going to be good. nice people make it extra special, too. i have no idea what all those delicious things in the cold case are called--the random samplings i've had always leave me wanting more, especially the eggplant dishes. and open til the wee hours on weekends???? HUGE PLUS!! (anything to keep me from taco cabana.) 5 miiiillion stars!!
(5)Matt M.
Great stuff. I had a falafel wrap that was out of this world. Like some of the others, I was treated by Al to the hummus plate while waiting. Outstanding quality of food for the price. I just did lunch, but would definately come back for lunch or dinner. Muchos kudos!
(5)Todd Q.
Al always takes good care of his guest. He will always give you some dessert before you go. He is family. He has been showing my son around his restaurant since he was 6 months.
(5)Nick A.
Awesome food. The owner is hysterical. This is now a weekly requirement.
(5)Brad K.
I've been here a million times and it never ceases to amaze me. Great for lunch or after a late night at the bars.
(5)RJ L.
I tried this place while in town for work, and the food and service were really great. I sat at the counter, and I was greeted immediately. After asking me if it was my first time (it was) I was given a free sampler platter with their hummus and tabouli. I tried the Lamb Shish Kebab "Kuzu Kebab," and the flavor was rich with a lot of depth, and not greasy. After working my way through all of that with a glass of Turkish wine, they gave me a free piece of Baklava for dessert. All of the food was good, but the baklava made the place worth of review. Entire meal with a beer to wash it all down was about $22. Also, luckily for people who work in the area, they are going to start delivery.
(4)S A.
The food gets 4-5 stars and is tasty, fresh, and authentic. Frankly, it's one of the few places in Atlanta where one can get good middle eastern food. Why the two star rating then? It's the ownership. EVERY time I have been to Cafe Agora I have either been overcharged or watched the owner pretend that he is a customer's best friend, only to overcharge them. EVERY time. I'm not exaggerating. So if you want one of the few really good middle eastern meals in Atlanta, go here. However, bring at least $30 because no matter how little you intend to order, the owner won't let you out of there without charging you that much or more.
(2)Jacob M.
terrible terrible food, stay away!!
(1)Marie D.
What can I say that hasnt already been stated. Al was there and came over to greet us. Brought us a sampler appitizer plate and everything on it was delicious. We needed more pita to completely clear the plate. The gyro was tasty and the tatziki was creamy and had a wonderful flavor. I had a gyro and the BF had the falafel. Both were great and of course we were treated to a little baklava bite after the meal. This place has a lot of charm and not a big pricetag, unlike most of the restaurants in the area. I will defineitely be bag again.
(4)Johnston O.
Best gyro in town, no question. It's difficult to give 5 stars to a place so far from qualifying as fine dining, but the food is honestly that good. The meze plate and bakalava are awesome accompaniments, and I hear the falafel is excellent too. I've taken many friends to this place, no one has been disappointed. Some people complain about the owner being a little too friendly, but he's usually just encouraging people to try new foods, which doesn't bother me so much. Highly recommend it.
(5)Michael G.
Until tonight I've been a Pita Palace evangelist but I have to say cafe agora has the best gyro in town. The owners were super friendly but more importantly the food is authentic and out of this world.
(5)Brandon T.
All I can say is... "AMAZING"... The food has great flavor and they give you so much! Gyro's are to die for and I usually get a Greek salad to split... I don't own it, work there, nor want to, but for great food and a great price, this is the place to go! You can even get uncooked food to go! A+ in my book!
(5)Brien M.
Probably the best hummus i have had and one of the best gyros.
(5)Bobby G.
This place is amazing. The perfect drunken snack after a night of binge drinking or hitting up the strip club....or both! The Gyro's are great and made to order.
(4)Stu G.
Simple, tasty Mediterranean food and Al is a great dude.
(3)Tiffany S.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
(5)Dhawal B.
Love mediterranean food so went out to try cafe agora in buckhead. Biggest mistake of my life. Crappy place, sucky ambience and horrible service and the food itself was just ok, nothing great. The owner and his family seemed to be running the entire place and probably is the most unprofessional restaurant I have ever been to in Atlanta. We sat down and the waiter (who was owner's son and could barely speak english) just came in with water, without even asking us what we want to drink. Then he came with the menu and had no idea what all the items were about. Couldn't clear any doubts we had and just kept repeating what we were saying. So we just decided to go with a couple of appetizers at first. After few mins of waiting and after a few people who came in after us got their order first, we finally got only one appetizer. We were waiting for the next one and the owner himself comes with it. To our surprise instead of getting us falafel the appetizer, he gets the main course falafel sandwich which is priced at 12$. We didnt realize at first and when we did we immediately brought it to his notice, at which he gets angry and tells us that we accepted it when the waiter came with it so we must have ordered this only. After we clarified the mistake his retarded son had made, he brings out original order after 15 mins of more wait (I stress on the waiting times as there were only 2-3 other groups in the place). On top of that he was reeking of cigarettes every time we were talking to him. So after eating we decided to leave and not try anything else. All in all im glad its over and i wont be going back there to try out anything. Its an overpriced place with mediocre food and the worst service I have ever seen in Atlanta.
(1)eileen p.
i can't really say much about the food because i never got to taste it. i ordered a delivery, which they offer btw. two phone calls and an hour and a half later the food arrived very cold. when i called, the man answering blamed me for his delivery person not being able to find my house. fyi i live at the intersection of piedmont and roswell rd. really no excuse for not finding the place but absolutely not ever a reason to be treated this rudely. he actually yelled at my husband and i am not kidding. i don't often take the time to offer my opinion but this person was so crap that he brought out the nasty in me. wish i had a name but if there's a manager reading, i placed my order the evening of friday, april 8 so there's your man and i hope you get him......
(1)D S.
Awesome turkish food - the platter with beef and lamb was phenomenal, as were the ladyfingers. Highly recommended
(5)Clare L.
Today was my first visit - and WOW, was I blown away! I ordered a chicken gyro and side of hummus. Both were excellent, prepared fast, and the proportions were HUGE! I could hardly finish the gyro and only had a few tastes of my hummus (will eat it for dinner later!). I had found the restaurant while searching for Greek restaurants in Buckhead on the internet, and was pleasantly surprised when I found that Cafe Agora was located within walking distance of my apartment. I was hopeful - and let me say, my expectations were certainly exceeded. One of my favorite parts about my first visit to Cafe Agora was the atmosphere. It was lively and fun - and Al, the owner - made my first time here very memorable. When I told him it was my first time at the restaurant, he gave me a nice big plate of samples of some of their yummy sides - hummus, tabouleh, etc. He made me feel welcome and right at home. He didn't have to do that - to give me the sampling - but he did and it showed me that he really cares about the quality of the food and about the happiness of his customer. The whole experience was wonderful and the food was excellent and truly authentic. I'll be back again (and again, and again, and again). :)
(5)Nate C.
Absolutely delicious Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is nothing exciting, but I think the food makes up for the lack of sexy. I wouldn't bring a date here, but I do stop by quite often for my favorite dish ... a $7 beef and lamb gyro. The baklava is also excellent.
(4)J J.
YUCK!! I was really excited to go to this place and get some good food. Being Lebanese I grew up around all of this food and was really looking forward to a good meal. What I ended up with was a disappointing meal and a HUGE bill!! I asked for 2 grape leaves and before I knew it the gentleman was filling up a small plate with just about everything in the case. When he finally got to the grape leaves he decided not to include them on my plate. Great, I just got a plate full of food I didn't order. The mezzo wasn't bad, in fact the hummus was great....that's where it stops. Shortly after we finished the mezzo our food came out. I ordered the lamb kabob plate and my bf the gyro. My lamb was cooked to the likeness of a shoe sole. Where I come from Lamb is served med rare or at worst med NOT well done. Yuck! No taste at all. The salad was not appealing and not "authentic" either. My dish was overall terrible. My bf ordered the gyro but the decided to give him the gyro plate instead. His was a step up but not at all tasty. The lamb seems to be frozen and tastes pretty generic. The highlight of this disappointing meal was the lady fingers and baklava that the owner insisted we eat. They were great, perhaps the only great this about this cafe. Here is the best part....our bill......$42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then they wanted a TIP!!! OMG! For 2 crappy entrees, 2 TEAS, and 2 pcs of baklava????? I felt violated! No wonder they won't let you pay until after the meal! If you were asked to pay before you'd walk out of this place! It would be interesting to see how the intoxicated late night (they are open until 4) crowd takes it. I'd have to be drunk to ever return, even then I wouldn't dare let my Lebanese toes cross that threshold! If you want a taste of Mediterranean eats head to "Once a Week Go Greek" in Tucker. It's 100 times better at the fraction of the price.
(1)Mlle. H.
This place is incredible! You have not had a gyro until you've been to Cafe Agora. The prices are reasonable (and sometimes negotiable) and the food is great. The owner, Al, will make you feel welcome as soon as you set foot in the door. Don't know what to order? Al will let you sample a variety of dishes before choosing. Al is also great at accommodating any palate. Don't like onions or tomatoes? No problem. All food is cooked to order and Al will make sure everything is made to your satisfaction. Also, if you're out in Buckhead on the weekends, Cafe Agora is often open until 3am or later if you're looking for some late-night munchies. Must trys: hummus, gyros (lamb or chicken), greek salad, and baklava (various varieties). Only downside: Can be crowded at lunch.
(5)Mekaylah R.
this place has the best hummus!!! i love the hummus appetizer and definitely want to try the mixed metza next time! i had the falafel, which was totally delish, and also the first time i have had it where it was green on the inside. i got the platter and it came with a side of greek salad, awesome, and two dippers, one being more hummus, would have preferred tzatziki, and the other being a creamy tahini dressing. it also had a small scoop of tabhouli. so good! my friends enjoyed their meals also. one friend had the same as myself and the other got the falafel wrap. she loved it. more food that you should eat really! we also got free baklava. my friend ate it and wasn't really into it so i didn't partake. maybe if it were chocolate though. i'll be back for more hummus before i skip town!
(4)J C.
I have heard very mixed reviews via word of mouth - usually they are either on the extreme positive or the extreme negative. I really really tried hard to be objective on this place..but it just didn't win me over. 1. The owner, I admit, works very hard to be personable and "win you over" or whatever you call it but he is just flat weird. He certainly is proud of the food there - which, I agree, tasted good. 2. The quality of service was very unsatisfactory. It took a very long time for us to order - and I notice a nearby couple angry b/c our order was taken before theirs - which also should not have occurred. I wouldn't say anyone else that works there is friendly at all. 3. WATER is important to me. It should be the first thing we get and constantly refilled. Never happened. 4. We had to ASK for our forks to eat our food! 5. Some woman that works there walks up to me and asks me if I am done eating, I say yes, and instead of clearing our plates, she only took my knife and walked away...very peculiar. 6. The owner tried to FEED me something I ordered, trying to sell me on how awesome his food was, but I told him I didn't want that and he threw down the fork on our table. I don't appreciate that kind of temperament when I only seek to enjoy my dinner. I can feed myself.
(1)Andrew M.
Traditional Turkish in the heart of Buckhead... go figure. Very small shop, but has a very loyal customer base.
(3)The Broke Socialite S.
Cafe Agora has evolved into one of my favorite greasy spoons. If you're into (or easily offended by the lack of) aesthetics and fluff, this really isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're avant garde in your pursuit of ethnic fare, you should try it at least once. The owner (who I have officially dubbed Mr Papoudopoulis---darn, I always forget to ask his name) makes the experience so much more wonderful. I almost always get the lamb gyro...it's fresh and juicy with just the right amount of the yogurt dressing. Did I say To. Die. For.? Another favorite is the healthy plate of spreads/dips that Mr P serves up---I've not yet figured out if this appetizer is complimentary. Anywho it is comprised of various and sundry tabouelle, eggplant spread,etc. I think that I issued my To. Die. For. prematurely....don't leave without a piece of the baklava----it's so light and flaky. I've awakened in the middle of the night craving a piece on occasion. It's hard to describe; for it's the right combination of pastry, sweet and nuts. The only matter is parking: if you go throughout the week, go after 1 PM and weekends are best if your patience is thin. All hail, Mr P!
(5)David H.
great food best in all of Atlanta
(5)Beth B.
We went last night to Cafe Agora with a reservation made in the afternoon to sit outside, They were not prepared to seat us,waited several minutes to get a table set and they told us someone with the same last name was seated at our table,It did not get better from there, we never got our appetizer ,told them when they brought our dinner but it was too late for it, The 2 lamb orders were overcooked and when we complained,they said they were very busy and could make another but we would have to pay for half. They never offered to make it good,never asked about dessert although all the other tables were served sample desserts, We will not be back!
(1)Loni S.
Great Greek food! Best Homemade Strawberry Cake ever. So light and yum. Owner really nice and gets it.
(5)Jeanette M.
Love! The food was so good! Baba ganouj was delish! I got the mixed Agora salad, amazing and shareable. Rice pudding was perfect, not too sweet and topped with cinnamon. Yum!
(5)S L.
Wow! I must've gone on an off night. Our meal and drinks were SUPREMELY UNREMARKABLE!!. We were excited to try because of all of the good reviews, but were quite disappointed. Part of our group was from the Mid East and I travel there frequently, so we are quite familiar with the food. Our waitress was sweet, but clueless. Ordered pineapple/cranberry martini and ended up adding lime and more cranberry to make it drinkable. Babaganoush salad, esme, tabouli and hummus were just ok. Kefte (sp?) kabob was dry and bland--even the Greek salad dressing was BEYOND mediocre! Plentiful portions tho. The best part of the meal was the rice pudding--that was delicious! Deck was nice. Agree with other reviewers regarding parking, but if the food is good wouldn't be a problem. I MAY return for the rice pudding, but def not food or drinks. My friends DEF will NOT return. Two stars for pudding and deck.
(2)Gabriella R.
Growing up in a Greek family and living on the south side of Atlanta, it is always refreshing coming to Cafe Agora. It is hands down one of the best spots for Mediterranean cuisines in Atlanta. The wait staff is very attentive and eager to help with any requests. I loved this spot before the move down the street, but even more now. Huge kudos to the owners, it is beautiful and makes me feel like I am back home in Greece. All the dishes are always delicious! Also, great beverage selection. Loved the wine! If you have not visited yet, you must. Highly recommend the patio! :) You can't leave without rice pudding and lady fingers for dessert!
(5)A A.
Food is always delicious. I recommend the beef & lamb gyro plate. Portions are very generous and you will leave full. Their pita bread is my favorite! Friendly staff and they are open late hours.
(4)Khoi T.
I've been going to Café Agora when it was a hole in the wall down the street. The new location is spacious and better served for large groups. If you're looking for it, it's right next to Meehan's, across the street from Blue Moon Pizza and just down the street from Georgetown Cupcakes. Food: Great. Amazing food and large portion at a reasonable price! And best of all, free Turkish rice pudding at the end of your meal! My favorites are: Mixed Agora salad, Mixed Maza Platter (platter for various dips) and Agora Mixed Grill if you're in the food for MEAT. Service: OK. It isn't amazing, but could be better. Parking: Eh. What can I say? It's Buckhead. Due to the small parking lot, there is complimentary valet parking which you have to use if you're dining in. Honestly, it's a joke, but it's what it is. If you can't be bothered with valet parking, there is a parking deck across the street. Tip: 1) If you get the salad, I'd recommend the mixed Agora Salad. It comes with chicken, beef and lamb. A lot more meat than if you were to get a single meat. 2 )Part of the amazing eating experience of Café Agora is eating while Al, the owner, is there. He's very nice, known to give free samples and will feed you himself. Just tell him it's your first time there and the free food just keep coming.
(4)John E.
This location of Cafe Agora is located on East Paces to the left of the Buckhead location of Meehan's Public House and across the street from a bunch of Buckhead galleries. Cafe Agora is a Turkish style Mediterranean restaurant - the influences are Greek, Arabic and Persian, so it's a bit of a mixed-bag (not in a bad way) of complimentary cuisines. The restaurant was just starting to get busy (this was a Monday night) - the patio was mostly full and the interior about half. I think this is a good location for a casual business meeting or to kick back with a glass of wine to observe the antics of Buckhead locals or obnoxious visitors (like me!). The restaurant is fairly new at this location and still well kept and clean. We sat on the patio and were immediately greeted. The menu is fairly extensive with many of the usual options like hummus, dolma, babaganoush, tabouli and the like, along with your typical gyro-like meat concoctions. There are also some interesting bits you don't typically see, like the haydari, plyaz and soups like Mercimek (lentils) or Sehriyeli Tavuk (chicken noodle) Corbasi. While viewing the menu the owner came by and offered up a sampler of apps to try - I believe it was a small Maza platter. Besides some hummus and tabouli, the other very strongly flavored spreads were quite very good. The flavors were subtlety different from our average Mediterranean and I found that to be so in the entree as well. I ordered the Mix Gyro plate with included both chicken and beef/lamb, over rice with a Greek salad - the marinated pita had a bit of red tint to it (tomato I think?) that wasn't immediately identifiable but added just a hint of acid that did a good job cutting through the meats. Both my dining companions ordered the Adana Kebab - grilled minced lamb on skewer with marinated pita and Greek salad. I thought the food very good and the service exceptional. Parking, on the other hand, was a bit of a PITA (pain in the ass - see what I did there?). Agora has valet as do most restaurants in Buckhead but frankly it was easier to just walk out with the valet and get in the car to drive off - I find the whole process in general to be cumbersome. But I digress... Give Cafe Agora a try - I think you'll like you find here. (longer review posted to my food blog)
(4)Vats A.
Have passed this place many times while out and about in Buckhead, but never tried it. Finally got the courage to stop in on a weekend with my friends and we were all very pleased. The interior is a bit drab, so we sat outside since it was the perfect evening. Ordered a chicken gyro plate and an Efes (Turkish) beer. The portion was huge and came with a Greek salad. I thought I wouldn't like the salad since it had feta or some sort of cheese topping, but turned out to devour that first. The Gyro plate came with bread and some dipping sauce all of which tasted delicious. I ate as much as I could and packaged the rest for later. Our waitress was very pleasant, but some of the other staff were kind of off. They all delivered on our requests, so I can't really complain about them. The bill per person came out to around $20, which is expected for Buckhead and also for higher quality meat.
(5)Al M.
Tucked just a block or so off busy Peachtree in the heart of Atlanta's toney Buckhead neighborhood, the 4-star Cafe Agora is a hit with its regulars that appreciate fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish twist. Our group which included two of those regulars, my son and his fiancé, who guided us through the menu for an early dinner before the movie premier of Mad Max: Fury Road. We started with a large Maza Platter, a delicious cold appetizer combination of Hummus, Ezme, Eggplant salad, Babaganush, Pyaz, Potato Salad, Fried Eggplant, Haydari, Tabuli and Carrot Salad...wow...A great deal for just $ 15.50. For our individual entrees, we pretty much worked the Gyro and Kabab theme and were pleased all around. The Sehriyeli Tavuk Corbasi, otherwise known to us non-Turks as homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, deserves a special call-out for being the best I've ever had....highly recommended. We finished some delicious Baklava which was lighter and flakier than most. One of the things we enjoyed the most was chatting with Al, the gregarious owner, who came around to our table just to check in and make sure we felt welcomed in his house...a very nice touch. Mad Max here we come....
(4)Nicole S.
I cannot believe it took me so long to make it here. I walked in to place an order to go, and was immediately was greeted by Al (the owner/manager?). He was so friendly. When I told him it was my first time there, he instantly told me he'd give me some samples. He brought out a mini Mazza platter to try. He was very enthusiastic and wanted to feed me, no joke. So friendly ha. Then Al gave me a sample of the rice pudding and some other dessert (grape leave maybe?). Everything was delicious. I decided to get the beef and lamb gyro. Absolutely delicious. I also got the carrot salad, which was very different than anything Mediterranean I've ever had. Different in a good way. I devoured everything. Would definitely return and highly recommend! All flavor a were spot on.
(5)Stephanie C.
Honestly I can not really say much on the service here simply because my boyfriend and I went here to eat right when they were about to close everything, My boyfriend knows the owner Al so we got to eat anyways. The vibe that the place gives you is exciting. I am going to have to go back when its open and busy. The food is really good and they have some good cocktails. It is a very clean resturant and I will be back and update my review!
(5)Mit P.
I found this place somewhat disappointing although there are some positive attributes as well. Strengths: 1) Large portions 2) Solid menu with good selection 3) Ingredients for food appear to be fresh and tasty What I did not like: 1) Seems they can't coordinate timing of dishes so some dishes will be hot and others cold. My Kebab was cold, while my fiancee's falafel was hot. 2) Falafal was burned and not that great. 3) Service was incredibly slow. Waiter would disappear for 10 minutes at a time and not be seen 4) Food was really not that tasty. Seemed very standard, and some things were just odd. e.g. the babaganoush was made with a lot of yoghurt and really was nothing like the babaganoush you get in greece (mostly just eggplant pureed with some lemon juice and light seasoning). 5) Very little parking
(2)Christina K.
I feel so sad writing this review for I truly, truly loved my meals at Cafe Agora, but since they moved to a new building down the street, their level of service and food quality has just gone downhill. I brought the SO here one day for lunch and left crushed that nothing was as good as I had raved. Against my better judgement, we ordered these appetizers that aren't even on their online menu so I cannot tell you the exact name, but it is basically a beef eggroll. The eggrolls came out, and with one bite, a flood of grease comes pouring out the other side. The beef was overcooked and had bits of nuts in there but were otherwise bland. We flagged down our waitress and asked her if this was how it was supposed to be, and she said yes, I see they are greasy and proceeds to grab some napkins and blots them with her hand. I was just in shock... like, um, your hand is on my food. Our gyros came out very quickly and the food portion was huge as usual. However, the gyro meat was cold like it had been sitting out. It too was dry and just overall gross. I thought that it was just an off-day and every place has them, so after 2 weeks, I went back for lunch. This time, they changed the procedure: you stand in line, look up at their menu (like at McDonald's) and place your order with either the rude bartender or the nonchalant waitress. We ordered the small appetizer platter and 2 gyros. The food all came out very quickly, but I had to go back to the front to ask about our drinks. That's when the waitress said oh, you pour it yourself over there. Like I said, like McDonalds. I returned back to my seat and found that the gyro meat was cold (again) and asked my lunch mate if hers was and she said yes. I just can't fathom why the meat would be so cold, even if it were sitting under a heat lamp there would be some kind of warmth to it, but it was just cold. This and the poor service really makes me hesitate in coming back again.
(1)Aesthete T.
Nothing special. We came on St Patrick Day at night and we had a rude waiter inside. The food was average at best. The owner could tell maybe we weren't happy and gave us some sort of dessert on the way out. That want good either, but he tried
(2)Michael W.
Came to this place from a friend suggestion. They were about to close but they let us in. Food: I ordered a mix chicken and beef gyros and falafel platter with a friend. So we decided to share both platters. I was surprised how good the falafel was cooked. It was not dry, not overpowered with black pepper and seasoned well. i really enjoyed the chicken on my platter. The chicken was not overcooked. But my favorite part about this was the hummus..... fresh yummy hummus. The platter came with a nice spring mix salad with a very delicious olive oil vinagrette dressing. 4/5 Atmosphere: This is a very nice with full size bar as soon you walk in and very well decorated. The owner took to the time to set up the place very efficiently. 4/5 Service: Great service! The food came out in a rapid manner while providing a good quality of food. The owner came by and let us try their different hummus and even gave us little desserts at the end of our meal. You can tell that he is striving to provide great quality mediterrenean food so he gets mouth to mouth referral. Well it worked!
(4)Thu M.
Besides the awkward cashier asking to hang out with us, the food was amazing. Service prompt. Loved the sampler they gave to first timers. We had a combo dish that was good to eat 2 days later! So much food. Come here if you don't want to cook tomorrow. And the ingredients tasted fresh to me. I'm a big fan of Lebanese food, but this Turkish establishment is fine by me.
(4)Lia P.
Fresh and affordable Greek food. What's not to love? The parking here was easy so that's a huge plus. It was a little dead when we went because they had just opened for the day but our server was still polite and prompt. He even started us off with a few samples! Next time I'm definitely ordering the hummus. For lunch I had the agora salad with lamb. HUGE salad loaded with all the good stuff. The lamb was soooo good. So well seasoned. So not overly processed. My husband could barely finish his gyro but he really enjoyed it. Honestly you could probably just share a few things here and go home full and happy. Adding to my short list of places to go in Buckhead!
(4)Sherry A.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants! The quality of the food is always good, fresh and consistent! A go-to place in Buckhead that will never disappoint!
(5)Sarah M.
So delicious! We went on a Saturday at 5 pm. Very empty They have a great patio, but we sat inside due to the heat and the fact we have a 5 month old. Service was mediocre, probably due to the odd time. But the food was amazing! I have been craving Mediterranean food all week! Already dreaming of my next visit. I got the chicken and lamb platter. Everything was perfect. Portions huge. I had enough for another meal later... That I really looked forward to! Tzaziki sauce and hummus were yummy too! Please go here. You won't regret it!
(5)Tracy M.
My boyfriend is Turkish he showed me this place. Good food, My favorite one Chicken Doner Plate and Red lentil Soup. Cashier is very nice guy and have good sense of humor. Clean and nice looking interior. In the best traditions of Middle East
(4)Miranda C.
The food was 5 star but only gave 4 stars because of the cleanliness of the restaurant. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint and the floors were in desperate need of a mopping. Other than that I loved the place! I have had chicken kabobs in morocco and Egypt but these were by far my favorite of all the kabobs I have had. They were tender and had a crust of amazing seasonings. I would definitely come back. My mom had the falafel and it was very fresh. However we found it to be a little on the spicy side. Not sure if that is normal for their falafel. We also had the meze plate as an appetizer and it was really good. Lots of little salads and hummus to try. For dessert we got the baklavah and the rice pudding. The rice pudding was a little bland but the baklavah was amazing. I will be coming back when I make it back to Buckhead.
(4)Sungjae J.
I've tried left overs and takeout from cafe agora in the past and I always wanted try them because I was thinking, if its this good hours later after being nuked, the just served dishes should be better... Huge disappointment :( I got an appetizer..I forgot the name of the dish but it looked like an eggroll. When I cut it half to eat it, it was dripping with oil.. all 3 of them were so oily that it was not edible.. I got the gyro plate and the sliced lamb meat was really dry and crusty... What the hell??? how can the leftovers or takeout be better than my meal there. Put me in an awful mood I liked the decor... too bad the food sucked.. A bad day in the kitchen?? I had such high hopes.. will not return.
(2)Ryan D.
Cafe Agora Buckhead: The bullcrap place that says they deliver, but when you call, they don't actually deliver. Shady practices.
(1)Macario V.
I've been there once, but everything was delicious. Service was great also. Just picked up a take out order, so can't really say much about the restaurant. While I was waiting for my order, the manager (maybe the owner) gave me a few samples and made sure I was doing well. I'm about to try delivery through eat24 and I'll see how that goes. For that one experience I'm giving them 5 stars, I'll eat here more often.
(5)Hugo R.
First meal in Atlanta that wasn't a chain restaurant and Wow if we can expect the food at other local places to be as good as this was Its going to be a helluva summer Fantastic food and at a great value. Bring your kids. They have a children's $5 meal of rice and chicken that my twin 18month olds inhaled. It was Delicious with a Capitol D. You can't go wrong here. Oh and free valet parking. Love Love Love this place!!
(5)Sandy L.
Excellent food and service! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant....try it out you will love it. Sandy
(5)Brad B.
Thursday Night Football, take a hike. I'm getting on my Thursday night takeout game with Cafe Agora. I had the chicken gyro and Kelly had the chicken Agora Salad. Both were outstanding. The porch was packed out on this beautiful fall night and I know why, from the service to the food, you can't beat this place. I will most likely be back next Thursday night and possibly at the beginning of a tradition. This was some of that too good...
(5)Praise Chanme K.
Café Agora is located in the heart of Buckhead, right near the Shake Shack plaza and across from Georgetown Cupcakes/Qing Mu/Doraku. Conveniently, it's located right next to my office and only a 2-3 minute walk, so I've stopped by several times during my lunch breaks. The owner here, a guy named Al (whom I'm sure many reviews have featured), is extremely friendly, expressive, and quite theatrical, haha. You can hear his voice booming from the bar/cash register at any given time, but it adds character to the place. I've tried their salads and both the chicken as well as lamb/beef gyros. I believe both the regular and large gyros cost under $10 before tax, and a regular is definitely enough to fill you up for a meal; I always leave filled. They stuff the gyro with thinly sliced meat, marinated onions, fresh lettuce, and cilantro. The balance between the flavors as well as meat/veggies is really good, and I love their tzatiki sauce - I feel like a lot of tzatiki sauces I've tried are overly sour or too strong on the dill/parsley and cucumber, but Café Agora's sauce is a really delicate blend of the yogurt, garlic, cucumbers, and seasoning. The pita bread that the gyro is on can sometimes be a little tougher than expected - can be a little hard to cut through easily with a plastic or duller knife, but a soft pita should have no problem doing so. For the dishes that I've tried so far, they've always been consistent and arrive in a timely manner (earlier today, I ordered a chicken gyro to-go and I received my order in within 5 minutes, which I appreciated). For dining in, you'll grab your own utensils + drinks at the counter behind/to the side of where you order and you also have the option of sitting indoors or in their outdoor section, which is nice as well.
(4)Mike P.
Went in one night late for a little nosh. The owner is so nice and accommodating. I love this place. Great atmosphere, great food, great service.
(4)Brandon R.
Huge portions for the price! Started with the baba ganoush. Got the lamb and beef platter for dinner and still had some leftover when I was done. My family ordered the gyros and it was also a great size. If it's not big enough you can still get a large. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Thomas C.
Summary: Great mediterranean food with a mom-and-pop feel. Ambience/Service: First, parking seems to be a challenge here but luckily I was able to find some street parking 1 block away. The ambience is great. I sat outside on their patio where most were, even in October. I was greeted by a waiter soon after seating and asked if I had ever been there before, which I had not. Overall he was very attentive and explained all the menu items. Food: Perhaps because this was my first time, the waiter brought me an appetizer on the house. It had basically 4-5 different items on it, all different colors. The plate was very vibrant and beautiful to look at but more importantly was delicious. It had pretty much every flavor that encompasses mediterranean food. Outstanding. I ordered the falafel plate. The falafels were perfectly cooked, not too greasy and the whole thing was cooked through. The rest of the plate was also delicious. Overall: I'd come back here again. Reading all the other reviews, I'm surprised at the reviews particularly of the service because I had such a great waiter (I recall giving a very sizable tip, which was deserved). Nevertheless, I was texting my girlfriend about this immediately after and told her I'd need to bring her there next time we're in town.
(4)Michelle L.
One of the best dinners in town, seriously. Folks looking for a great place to take a first date, take note!! Lovely murals, low light, a charismatic owner, and such delicious food will set you at ease! Entrees range from 11.99 for the gyro sandwiches to upwards of 18 for the plates, which is still pretty reasonable overall. You MUST try the Maza platter! I have come here with the bf on a couple of occasions when we weren't super hungry and just split that with the pita bread. Note that a large Maza platter is definitely plenty if you have three ravenous adults who are still planning to tackle their respective separate entrees; if you are planning something along these lines I recommend opting for the SMALL platter, or maybe cutting back on the pita bread (which will be hard-- trust me; it is served cut up into tiny squares, warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and is utterly delicious). I love each and every item on the Maza platter, from the hummus to the baba ghanoush to the kidney beans and potatoes. My favorite, though, is the carroty dip that is usually nestled in the middle of the plate. Try it all! I definitely encourage you to bring your sense of adventure. Oh my god, though, the chicken gyro sandwich was a revelation. I have eaten quite a few unmemorable chicken gyros in my life; thankfully Agora's does not fall into this category. The finely shredded lettuce, drizzle of tzaziki sauce, cubed marinated chicken and warm pita bread combined in messy Mediterranean perfection in my mouth. Yep, use of the foil wrap that accompanied the gyro sandwich might have been useful but I couldn't be bothered with all that. I stripped that baby naked and inhaled at least half in less than a minute. My favorite part of dinner might be the tiny samplings of creamy rice pudding they provide at the end of the meal- just sweet enough to be the perfect cap to a deliciously spiced meal. A note on parking: when we went on a Friday night around 7:30pm m there was no wait, but complimentary valet parking: it did start to fill up a bit around 8 or 8:30, though.
(5)Mona T.
I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the mixed chicken and lamb gyro and both were so flavorful! Definitely will be back and definitely recommend. We came on a Monday for late lunch and it was pretty empty so it was nice to have a yummy quiet lunch :)
(4)Jim P.
The gyro platter was excellent...served with a salad that was also excellent. A great spot for lunch with a bar area to sit and eat at if you prefer. Owner has always been present when I make my Friday visits. Highly recommended!
(5)Celine S.
Authentic turkish cuisine. I really love it. Be sure to get the baba ghanoush with the pita bread when you get there. You'll be impressed at the appetiser but there's still room for surprise when you hit the main course. I just love eggplants and if you crave the same, get the turkish moussaka! It comes with yummy melted cheese, grilled vegetables and minced beef. Don't hold back asking for rice to go with that. You'll find their fragrant rice going so well with your eggplant you can't put your spoon down. Enjoy.
(5)Mary Margaret B.
Loved Cafe Agora, I always saw the small little hole in the wall (old location) and never had a chance to stop in. The new location is next to Aspen Bartini and across from the Aaron Building on E. Paces.. I love the open and spacious layout of the restaurant. It has a very large patio and another quaint front patio to the side of the building. Small wall fountains with trickling water and classic Greek music played softly as we walked up the front steps. We were greeted warmly and opted to sit at the bar as it was the first officially hot day of summer this year and we were stopping in before work (black on black pants boots etc.) so we wanted a cooler spot. The bar is white and beautiful, they carry a vast array of wine, beer and liquor. Sonoma Cutrer, 3am vodka, Macallan, Beefeater, things like that. Now the food. We ordered the Lamb Gyros and it comes with a traditional Greek salad. The Gyro was huge and so so delicious..Possibly the best lamb gyro I've ever had. I don't typically finish my food and I ate every last bite. The red onions are perfect compliment and they give you a plate with some different herbs, sauces and yogurts on the side like Hummus, Tabouli, dill, and my favorite tzatziki! All were tasty, the tabouli was a little chunky, oily and herbal for my liking (I prefer more citrus and tang) but I enjoyed the others. The Greek salad wasn't my thing, I like the Americanized creamy Greek dressing over a balsamic, but the lettuce cucumbers onions peppers etc were very fresh and tasty. I highly highly recommend Cafe Agora to everyone. I can't wait to explore the menu a bit more!
(5)Matt P.
Worst experience in my life at agora. Waitress had no clue what she was doing. Took 30 minutes to get lunch with no one in there. Never refilled drink. Ordered extra meat yet was still the same told her she still wouldn't take it off. Don't go for lunch better at night with the big boss there. Employees just sitting around doing nothing during the day.
(1)Kristie V.
Four of us came here on a Saturday night at 7:45pm. They had complimentary valet so we all did that instead of trying to find street parking on a Sat. night. We came in and told the host that it was a party of four, but three other people may be joining us in a little bit. They host said that was fine. We came in and the restaurant was only around 30% full, not even, so we were glad it wasn't busy at all. We sat down and the server gave us water (and that was literally the only thing she did the entire night, but I'll get into that later). We saw on yelp that they give you a complimentary sampler if you say it was your first time, which it was for all four of us so we told the waitress it was our first time. She awkwardly said "be right back" and left for ten minutes, without introducing us to the restaurant, the menu options, without getting our drink orders, or anything. We told her that three more people were joining us and she said she will pull a table next to us. She came back ten minutes later with a tiny sampler of different dips. We were all expecting to order a ton of food from the appetizer and grill section, but we tried the dips and none of us liked any of it. The hummus was very bland and the other dips had seasoning that didn't go well together. So none of us ordered anything from the appetizer section, and were right off the bat pretty disappointed at the service and the food. But we were here and ordered anyways. My friend ordered the falafel appetizer, my friend ordered the falafel gyro, and my boyfriend and I ordered the mixed grill and I asked for an extra plate so we can share. We reminded her again that three more people were coming to join us. Ten minutes later the manager seats a large party beside us, so there was no room to pull in a table next to us. The server comes five minutes later and we tell her for the third time that three more people are joining us, and she was like "oh, you can just move across the room later" and points to a table across the room. Five minutes later the manager seats a party at the table the waitress pointed us to move to later, so we weren't able to sit there either. The waitress comes again and sees that the table is full, so she pulls apart a table that seats 15 people into a table of 7 and 8 people. She told us to move there so we all grabbed our sampler dish, our drinks, and our silverware to the table next to us. While being seated at the new table for a couple minutes (this was the third table she redirected us if you lost count), the manager comes and starts telling us that this table is reserved for a party of 15 people and we were not allowed to sit here. He made it seem like it was our fault for sitting here. He sat there explaining that to us for five minutes, while our server didn't say a word and was serving a table next to us but could hear everything. I point to our server and told the manager that our server told us to sit here. The manager was like "what?" and then our waitress finally comes over to us and ushers us to sit in a table in an entirely different room (fourth table we moved to). She never apologized once for anything. Well, we finally got our food at our new fourth table by a friendly food runner (the food runner did more than our waitress did the entire night). Of course, the server didn't bring an extra dish for me to share the mixed grill. My friend's falafel appetizer came with three falafel balls and she was very disappointed. She expected pita bread or something to come with it. My other friend tasted her falafel gyro and said it was "okay, but not good". Our server the entire time, never once actually came to our table and asked if everything was okay. We basically had to flag her down. My friend asked the waitress for some pita bread and the waitress was like "sure." I jokingly said to my friend that you're not gonna see that pita bread for a long time. The mixed grill platter was okay. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back here just for that. Anyways, my boyfriend and I ran out of water halfway through the dinner. We once again flagged down our waitress to give us refills and she was like "sure." Our four friends joined us halfway through the dinner and asked us how was our food. They tried the falafel and decided they didn't like it and asked us how our food was and we said it was okay, nothing special, so they decided not to order. We also told them not to order since our waitress was terrible. The manager told us he was annoyed our friends didn't order and that we took up a table, but I looked around and the restaurant was still 50% empty. The waitress brought us our checks at the end. Guess what? She never refilled any of our waters. Not once. And the pita bread? Oh, it never came out. What is worse is that our waitress brought back the wrong change and we were short some cash and she had to recalculate it and give us the correct change. She never apologized for anything. Never coming back!
(1)Clara C.
The classic debate of 3 vs 4 stars. To be fair, I only ordered pick-up so I did not have the full dining experience to base my judgement on. However, the service seemed a bit rude and rushed from what I gathered while waiting on my order. Also, they forgot my tsatziki sauce with my combination meat kabob platter. Big no no since kabob meat is typically on the dry side. The meat was flavored well, but the rice a bit salty for my taste. The salad that comes with the platter was fresh and flavorful (tomatoes, lettuce, feta, cucumbers, red onions) and the pita bread was good as well. I think the missing tsatziki would have mellowed out the saltiness of the rice and the dryness of the meat, and would have made this meal 4 stars rather than 3. I'll have to update my review next time I dine in.
(3)mark c.
I had the Mixed Maza Platter, while my wife had the Beef and Lamb Gyros Entree. Tasty, well seasoned Turk/Greek/Med specialties in good portions! We'll be back!
(4)Richard T.
The meat tastes good....
(4)Kat W.
Love this place for take out and lunch. Kind of small so don't prefer for dinner, but great service. The owner Al is always there, tasty, dependable food. They also deliver in Buckhead.
(5)Christian H.
okay, so it's not exactly cheap but oh sooo delicious. We'll be back.
(4)Juliet C.
This place is great, not the ambiance, but the food! The freshness was the top and so were the flavors. I would highly recommend it. Parking is not easy, but doable. I liked it so much I am having them cater my next party!
(4)Tim S.
When you see this place, you might be tempted to pass it up. It is very small, and more along the lines of a take out place than a dine in, but to get the full experience, I recommend taking a seat. You will be greeted very quickly by the owner in most cases, and he is a very colorful guy! Friendly, inviting, and easy to talk to, Al will make you feel at home. Like others have said on here, he will suggest you start with the Meza Platter, and it won't be free, but it is good, so go ahead and give it a try. Both my date and I had the falafel platter, and we really enjoyed them. Being vegetarians (mostly) it was just easier to go with this for our dinner. Perhaps I will try something with chicken next time. The pricing is a bit of a surprise, as there is no posted price, but it came out to about $8 per plate (including the sampler platter) so that isn't so bad.
(4)Chris S.
Went for a late lunch and was not disappointed. The chicken and lamb Shish Kebab were very good but the Pistachio Baklava was amazing.
(5)Eric L.
I loved this place until today. I always get the lamb Gyro. It was delicious as always, but here is the rub: Today, it was busy. Al was barking at everyone, including us. During the middle of our meal (3 of us at an already very small table), he asked us to move to a two-top that was pushed up against the wall so the party of four waiting for a table could be seated. We politely declined to move. As soon as we were finished, Al was there to pick up our plates and usher us up from the table. He then had the audacity to "defend" himself by telling us we need to be faster. All three of us had to be showing signs of disappointment in our body language, but we all remained quiet as we walked out. We all agreed that we had just been kicked out. As good as the food tastes, I doubt I'll be back. Certainly not if it is anywhere close to being busy.
(1)Foodie C.
If you go here for Greek food, you're a fool. This is a Turkish restaurant. I grew up in Adana, Turkey and this place makes better Adana kebab than I had in Adana. I haven't had anything I don't like. Best hummus in the city. The owner is from Izmir and spent years as a corporate mogul. As such, he enjoys running a place where he can turn you away because he doesn't like jerks. I have seen him yell at idiot drunks who come in acting badly. When he is done yelling at you, then he tells you he will not serve you. Awesome. Don't act like a jerk and he will remember you every time and welcome you loudly. I love this place. FYI, if you are a jerk, you will not like this place so go to Applebee's instead. Isn't that your more suited to your tastes?
(5)Kelly H.
Although I ordered the wrong thing after studying their menu online, it turned out to be a GREAT mistake! I just ran over there tonight at about 1am but their open till 3:30am.......great late night spot!! Anywayz i was the only one in the restaurant...most people were over at some kind of tavern drinking. I ordered the chicken gyro....but i guess i meant to order the chicken plate..or the chicken dinner. I still don't know which one. He brought my gyro and it was sooooooooooooooooooooo freakinnnnnnnnnnnnn good!!!! I think i'm goin to go there every fri. night at 2 am to get it. So tasty. Thats real greek food!!! Plus it was only 8.50! Al tried to get me to get the lamb and beef mix but I told him i'll pass. Boy was that the best decision I made tonight! Parking is a hassle....since noone was out because of the rain i parked at some meters. But there is a $5 parking lot right next door :).
(5)Sara R.
One of the best "hole in the wall" restaurants in Atlanta. I was shocked when I first walked in - no tables or chairs (or silverware) match and its on E. Paces Ferry. So don't go for decor but the food is delicious. There's no menu so its makes it challenging for a first timer. My suggestion is just ask Al, the owner and trust what he gives you. He has a strong opinion so you are warned of that too. The food is great - the best falafel in Atlanta. Kabobs are excellent too. And then there's the baklava!!!!!!!
(3)Laura B.
Good stuff. You order at the counter, they bring you your food. Hard to order by the chinese take out style picture menu on the wall, but tried the falafel platter and hummus. Not super healthy but super tasty. And free baklava for desert. Didn't try it, but nice gesture
(4)Tracy L.
ATMOSPHERE: Well, Al is the atmosphere. The place is very casual and as soon as you walk in you are greeted by the very rambunctious owner named Al. He is such a quirky, entertaining, welcoming guy even though I didn't understand what he was saying 1/2 the time. (I went with Turkish peeps so he talked Turkish most of the time). Good mix of people. College kids, out-of-towners, young professionals. There were definitely some regulars that came. A couple dressed up for a date it looked like and others in sandals/t-shirt. One girl who appeared to be a regular brought her Dad to introduce to Al. FOOD: Yummm!! with lots of vegetarian options. 1. Combo appetizer platter and everything was vegetarian!! Babaganoush, hummus, 2 eggplant dishes, some carrot dish, tzaziki, parsley salad, some tomato dish. All of it was really good - but I wasn't a fan of the carrot dish. My favorites were the babaganoush and eggplant dish (there were 2 but I don't know what each were called). 2. Dessert - combo of 4 which included some pistachio, baklava, some whip cream topped thin noodle type of dessert, dessert that looked like rolled up something with pistachio on top... I know I'm not being descriptive but everything was really good! SERVICE: It's self service for everything except for your food. I don't know the prices of anything.... Al thinks about it and comes up with something, but it's usually really cheap for such good food. All of our food + dessert, which fed 3 people was $25 even! PARKING: Right in front of the restaurant is some... but I think we illegally parked.... there were zebra stripes there. CONCLUSION: I really like this place and was pleasantly surprised with both food and atmosphere. I definitely will come back here again!
(5)Sweet S.
Best Gyro in Georgia!
(5)Kyle P.
I'm a bit of a gyro snob and usually am never fully satisfied with those I get from most restaurants. I have to say, Cafe Agora's are the best I have ever tasted. The quality of the meat is just top notch and the owner is just absolutely the most friendly guy you could meet and you can tell he is proud of the food they make...and with good reason. Get the mixed mezze plate! It's a must.
(5)Foodie Buddha F.
A good buddy of mine joined me for lunch at Café Agora this past Friday; the experience was yet another in a long line of tasty meals at this Mediterranean eatery. With the demise of Shipfeifer, Agora is now the only spot in the ATL I go for a quality gyro and tasty Turkish food. While there are a handful of options in the burbs (that's you Alpharetta), this is the best place in town and well worth the drive from Midtown. Overall, I rate the food here very highly, but there two or three problems with the experience that prevent the perfect score. My experience on Friday was pretty much par for the course. I walked in around 12:30 and there were three tables with patrons. Al, the owner, must have been outside because I didn't notice him when I walked in. They only have about 10 tables in the entire restaurant, yet they never do a good job keeping the place clean. They use paper products - which should make it easy for them to clean up. They fail pretty badly in this department. Friday's meal: Four of those tables had trash on them and the rest were all covered in various sauces and sticky substances left by messy patrons. They only clean up sporadically and when they do - watch out because they plaster the glass top tables with Windex. If you're nearby, cover up because you'll almost certainly get caught in the line of fire. I found a spot near the front and parked myself in anticipation - Chris R was running late. Sure enough, Al was outside; he walked in a moment or two after I sat down. He was very attentive and made sure I was not ignored - I told him I was waiting and he smiled, gave me the usual "Thank you my friend" and continued on his way. What a jolly guy. After a few minutes of waiting, I decided to order an app. There is no wait staff, so you have to order from the line. I asked for the hummus and Al went to work. He delivered a gorgeous spread of Hummus, Tabouli, and Turkish meze (i.e., a group of Turkish side dishes). I was really excited that he served Havuc Salatasi (shredded carrots with garlic, some yogurt, dill, and a few other spices). I had sampled it there, and I was quite pleased with the composition and flavor. The platter comes with diced pita. This has always bugged me as it makes it hard to scoop the hummus. I always end up having to ask for more pita. As I have never traveled to Turkey, I am not sure if this is their traditional method of serving pita - but it bothers me nonetheless. Moments after I returned to the table, CR walked in (followed by about 10 others). It was obvious they had been to Agora before as they all made a beeline for the cash register and not for the tables. Al yelled to the cooks to clean up the tables while he held down the fort. Meanwhile, we chowed on some of the delicious hummus and were then squeezed ourselves in line before a more patrons showed up. Whenever Café Agora gets busy (often), you see Al sweat a little. He never writes things down and you don't pay until you are done - so he seems to get a little lost. What follows is an odd dance that Al is quite adept at. As they come in, he will repeat orders to the chefs in the back (90% of which are for Gyros), then as they come up - he'll call and point to the person he thinks ordered the dish. The kitchen (almost) always seems to get the orders right, but it usually takes Al a couple of tries before he matches each order with the proper customer. Think of this as an abstract match game. I'm quite amazed actually - if I had to deal with all the "no onions, add tzatziki, etc... etc," my customers would be lucky to get something from the correct culinary family, let alone the right order. CR orderd the adana kebab and I, failing to be sensible (as in - go for something light), chose the gyro. I got over my indecisiveness 2 seconds later when I remember what a treat I was in for. CRs Adana kebab was perfect. I had never sampled the adana, but like the kuzu, iskender, or kofte kebab - it was spot on. The meat was cooked and seasoned perfectly, and there was plenty of pita, rice, and bulgur. My gyro was exceptional. As always - the lamb and beef were well marinated, juicy, cooked exactly right. The cooks do a good job of adding just the right amount of tzatziki sauce. Consistent and excellent are two great ways to describe the food here. To top it off, Al made rounds and dropped off a piece of cevizli for each of the patrons. This doesn't always happen, but it's not unusual either. I've never had a bad meal here and in fact, I've never had a bad dish here. Whether you are a meatatarian or a vegetarian, a lamb fan or a chicken lover, you cannot go wrong. Despite the cleanliness issues and the organized confusion when Agora gets busy, your meal will almost definitely be wonderfully delicious.
(4)Shawanda M.
alright alright...here we go. went here for lunch. lovely. got the chicken gyro (again) it was delightful!! the experience alone, was enough! there was complimentary pita bread, hummus and some other delicious snacks as we waited for our food. the baklava was by far, the best little baklava i've tasted in a very long time! we ordered some for the table and when we went to pay, Al decided to feed us (yes, feed) more. and wouldn't take NO for answer. he literally got a fork and fed us baklava. pure hilarity! definitely some good stuff! can't wait for my next adventure to Cafe Agora!!!
(5)Tristan T.
My wife and I ate at Cafe Agora two weeks ago for the first time after being told by a friend we had to try it. The restaurant is small, no more than 7 tables with a small bar area. You order at the register where there is also a display case with fresh hummus, baklava and other items which are still unknown to me but will try soon. We had the hummus for an appetizer which was awesome. I had a gyro and she had the chicken kabobs followed by the complimentary (I believe) baklava. Everything was excellent. We even ordered extra baklava to go and the owner (who is really helpful) gave us a sampler of the different types they make. In regards to the prices, there is a takeout menu on the bar which lists prices for everything if you feel you are being ripped off. Highly recommend eating here as I will be back to try the rest of the menu. They also deliver for a $5 charge.
(5)Lindsay H.
This place was great! The gyros are great! The owner is hilarious, and very willing to please! The backlava, well, let's just say you MUST have some before you leave! It's FABULOUS! The yogurt . . . FABULOUS! And let's not forget that spicy sauce to put on your gyro! Delish! You MUST eat here!
(5)j l.
my favorite falafel in town!! i love the pickly red onions :) this place is hands-down awesome--like Al says, anything you order is going to be good. nice people make it extra special, too. i have no idea what all those delicious things in the cold case are called--the random samplings i've had always leave me wanting more, especially the eggplant dishes. and open til the wee hours on weekends???? HUGE PLUS!! (anything to keep me from taco cabana.) 5 miiiillion stars!!
(5)Matt M.
Great stuff. I had a falafel wrap that was out of this world. Like some of the others, I was treated by Al to the hummus plate while waiting. Outstanding quality of food for the price. I just did lunch, but would definately come back for lunch or dinner. Muchos kudos!
(5)Todd Q.
Al always takes good care of his guest. He will always give you some dessert before you go. He is family. He has been showing my son around his restaurant since he was 6 months.
(5)Nick A.
Awesome food. The owner is hysterical. This is now a weekly requirement.
(5)Brad K.
I've been here a million times and it never ceases to amaze me. Great for lunch or after a late night at the bars.
(5)RJ L.
I tried this place while in town for work, and the food and service were really great. I sat at the counter, and I was greeted immediately. After asking me if it was my first time (it was) I was given a free sampler platter with their hummus and tabouli. I tried the Lamb Shish Kebab "Kuzu Kebab," and the flavor was rich with a lot of depth, and not greasy. After working my way through all of that with a glass of Turkish wine, they gave me a free piece of Baklava for dessert. All of the food was good, but the baklava made the place worth of review. Entire meal with a beer to wash it all down was about $22. Also, luckily for people who work in the area, they are going to start delivery.
(4)S A.
The food gets 4-5 stars and is tasty, fresh, and authentic. Frankly, it's one of the few places in Atlanta where one can get good middle eastern food. Why the two star rating then? It's the ownership. EVERY time I have been to Cafe Agora I have either been overcharged or watched the owner pretend that he is a customer's best friend, only to overcharge them. EVERY time. I'm not exaggerating. So if you want one of the few really good middle eastern meals in Atlanta, go here. However, bring at least $30 because no matter how little you intend to order, the owner won't let you out of there without charging you that much or more.
(2)Jacob M.
terrible terrible food, stay away!!
(1)Marie D.
What can I say that hasnt already been stated. Al was there and came over to greet us. Brought us a sampler appitizer plate and everything on it was delicious. We needed more pita to completely clear the plate. The gyro was tasty and the tatziki was creamy and had a wonderful flavor. I had a gyro and the BF had the falafel. Both were great and of course we were treated to a little baklava bite after the meal. This place has a lot of charm and not a big pricetag, unlike most of the restaurants in the area. I will defineitely be bag again.
(4)Johnston O.
Best gyro in town, no question. It's difficult to give 5 stars to a place so far from qualifying as fine dining, but the food is honestly that good. The meze plate and bakalava are awesome accompaniments, and I hear the falafel is excellent too. I've taken many friends to this place, no one has been disappointed. Some people complain about the owner being a little too friendly, but he's usually just encouraging people to try new foods, which doesn't bother me so much. Highly recommend it.
(5)Michael G.
Until tonight I've been a Pita Palace evangelist but I have to say cafe agora has the best gyro in town. The owners were super friendly but more importantly the food is authentic and out of this world.
(5)Brandon T.
All I can say is... "AMAZING"... The food has great flavor and they give you so much! Gyro's are to die for and I usually get a Greek salad to split... I don't own it, work there, nor want to, but for great food and a great price, this is the place to go! You can even get uncooked food to go! A+ in my book!
(5)Brien M.
Probably the best hummus i have had and one of the best gyros.
(5)Bobby G.
This place is amazing. The perfect drunken snack after a night of binge drinking or hitting up the strip club....or both! The Gyro's are great and made to order.
(4)Stu G.
Simple, tasty Mediterranean food and Al is a great dude.
(3)Tiffany S.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
(5)Dhawal B.
Love mediterranean food so went out to try cafe agora in buckhead. Biggest mistake of my life. Crappy place, sucky ambience and horrible service and the food itself was just ok, nothing great. The owner and his family seemed to be running the entire place and probably is the most unprofessional restaurant I have ever been to in Atlanta. We sat down and the waiter (who was owner's son and could barely speak english) just came in with water, without even asking us what we want to drink. Then he came with the menu and had no idea what all the items were about. Couldn't clear any doubts we had and just kept repeating what we were saying. So we just decided to go with a couple of appetizers at first. After few mins of waiting and after a few people who came in after us got their order first, we finally got only one appetizer. We were waiting for the next one and the owner himself comes with it. To our surprise instead of getting us falafel the appetizer, he gets the main course falafel sandwich which is priced at 12$. We didnt realize at first and when we did we immediately brought it to his notice, at which he gets angry and tells us that we accepted it when the waiter came with it so we must have ordered this only. After we clarified the mistake his retarded son had made, he brings out original order after 15 mins of more wait (I stress on the waiting times as there were only 2-3 other groups in the place). On top of that he was reeking of cigarettes every time we were talking to him. So after eating we decided to leave and not try anything else. All in all im glad its over and i wont be going back there to try out anything. Its an overpriced place with mediocre food and the worst service I have ever seen in Atlanta.
(1)eileen p.
i can't really say much about the food because i never got to taste it. i ordered a delivery, which they offer btw. two phone calls and an hour and a half later the food arrived very cold. when i called, the man answering blamed me for his delivery person not being able to find my house. fyi i live at the intersection of piedmont and roswell rd. really no excuse for not finding the place but absolutely not ever a reason to be treated this rudely. he actually yelled at my husband and i am not kidding. i don't often take the time to offer my opinion but this person was so crap that he brought out the nasty in me. wish i had a name but if there's a manager reading, i placed my order the evening of friday, april 8 so there's your man and i hope you get him......
(1)D S.
Awesome turkish food - the platter with beef and lamb was phenomenal, as were the ladyfingers. Highly recommended
(5)Clare L.
Today was my first visit - and WOW, was I blown away! I ordered a chicken gyro and side of hummus. Both were excellent, prepared fast, and the proportions were HUGE! I could hardly finish the gyro and only had a few tastes of my hummus (will eat it for dinner later!). I had found the restaurant while searching for Greek restaurants in Buckhead on the internet, and was pleasantly surprised when I found that Cafe Agora was located within walking distance of my apartment. I was hopeful - and let me say, my expectations were certainly exceeded. One of my favorite parts about my first visit to Cafe Agora was the atmosphere. It was lively and fun - and Al, the owner - made my first time here very memorable. When I told him it was my first time at the restaurant, he gave me a nice big plate of samples of some of their yummy sides - hummus, tabouleh, etc. He made me feel welcome and right at home. He didn't have to do that - to give me the sampling - but he did and it showed me that he really cares about the quality of the food and about the happiness of his customer. The whole experience was wonderful and the food was excellent and truly authentic. I'll be back again (and again, and again, and again). :)
(5)Nate C.
Absolutely delicious Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is nothing exciting, but I think the food makes up for the lack of sexy. I wouldn't bring a date here, but I do stop by quite often for my favorite dish ... a $7 beef and lamb gyro. The baklava is also excellent.
(4)J J.
YUCK!! I was really excited to go to this place and get some good food. Being Lebanese I grew up around all of this food and was really looking forward to a good meal. What I ended up with was a disappointing meal and a HUGE bill!! I asked for 2 grape leaves and before I knew it the gentleman was filling up a small plate with just about everything in the case. When he finally got to the grape leaves he decided not to include them on my plate. Great, I just got a plate full of food I didn't order. The mezzo wasn't bad, in fact the hummus was great....that's where it stops. Shortly after we finished the mezzo our food came out. I ordered the lamb kabob plate and my bf the gyro. My lamb was cooked to the likeness of a shoe sole. Where I come from Lamb is served med rare or at worst med NOT well done. Yuck! No taste at all. The salad was not appealing and not "authentic" either. My dish was overall terrible. My bf ordered the gyro but the decided to give him the gyro plate instead. His was a step up but not at all tasty. The lamb seems to be frozen and tastes pretty generic. The highlight of this disappointing meal was the lady fingers and baklava that the owner insisted we eat. They were great, perhaps the only great this about this cafe. Here is the best part....our bill......$42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then they wanted a TIP!!! OMG! For 2 crappy entrees, 2 TEAS, and 2 pcs of baklava????? I felt violated! No wonder they won't let you pay until after the meal! If you were asked to pay before you'd walk out of this place! It would be interesting to see how the intoxicated late night (they are open until 4) crowd takes it. I'd have to be drunk to ever return, even then I wouldn't dare let my Lebanese toes cross that threshold! If you want a taste of Mediterranean eats head to "Once a Week Go Greek" in Tucker. It's 100 times better at the fraction of the price.
(1)Mlle. H.
This place is incredible! You have not had a gyro until you've been to Cafe Agora. The prices are reasonable (and sometimes negotiable) and the food is great. The owner, Al, will make you feel welcome as soon as you set foot in the door. Don't know what to order? Al will let you sample a variety of dishes before choosing. Al is also great at accommodating any palate. Don't like onions or tomatoes? No problem. All food is cooked to order and Al will make sure everything is made to your satisfaction. Also, if you're out in Buckhead on the weekends, Cafe Agora is often open until 3am or later if you're looking for some late-night munchies. Must trys: hummus, gyros (lamb or chicken), greek salad, and baklava (various varieties). Only downside: Can be crowded at lunch.
(5)Mekaylah R.
this place has the best hummus!!! i love the hummus appetizer and definitely want to try the mixed metza next time! i had the falafel, which was totally delish, and also the first time i have had it where it was green on the inside. i got the platter and it came with a side of greek salad, awesome, and two dippers, one being more hummus, would have preferred tzatziki, and the other being a creamy tahini dressing. it also had a small scoop of tabhouli. so good! my friends enjoyed their meals also. one friend had the same as myself and the other got the falafel wrap. she loved it. more food that you should eat really! we also got free baklava. my friend ate it and wasn't really into it so i didn't partake. maybe if it were chocolate though. i'll be back for more hummus before i skip town!
(4)J C.
I have heard very mixed reviews via word of mouth - usually they are either on the extreme positive or the extreme negative. I really really tried hard to be objective on this place..but it just didn't win me over. 1. The owner, I admit, works very hard to be personable and "win you over" or whatever you call it but he is just flat weird. He certainly is proud of the food there - which, I agree, tasted good. 2. The quality of service was very unsatisfactory. It took a very long time for us to order - and I notice a nearby couple angry b/c our order was taken before theirs - which also should not have occurred. I wouldn't say anyone else that works there is friendly at all. 3. WATER is important to me. It should be the first thing we get and constantly refilled. Never happened. 4. We had to ASK for our forks to eat our food! 5. Some woman that works there walks up to me and asks me if I am done eating, I say yes, and instead of clearing our plates, she only took my knife and walked away...very peculiar. 6. The owner tried to FEED me something I ordered, trying to sell me on how awesome his food was, but I told him I didn't want that and he threw down the fork on our table. I don't appreciate that kind of temperament when I only seek to enjoy my dinner. I can feed myself.
(1)Andrew M.
Traditional Turkish in the heart of Buckhead... go figure. Very small shop, but has a very loyal customer base.
(3)The Broke Socialite S.
Cafe Agora has evolved into one of my favorite greasy spoons. If you're into (or easily offended by the lack of) aesthetics and fluff, this really isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're avant garde in your pursuit of ethnic fare, you should try it at least once. The owner (who I have officially dubbed Mr Papoudopoulis---darn, I always forget to ask his name) makes the experience so much more wonderful. I almost always get the lamb gyro...it's fresh and juicy with just the right amount of the yogurt dressing. Did I say To. Die. For.? Another favorite is the healthy plate of spreads/dips that Mr P serves up---I've not yet figured out if this appetizer is complimentary. Anywho it is comprised of various and sundry tabouelle, eggplant spread,etc. I think that I issued my To. Die. For. prematurely....don't leave without a piece of the baklava----it's so light and flaky. I've awakened in the middle of the night craving a piece on occasion. It's hard to describe; for it's the right combination of pastry, sweet and nuts. The only matter is parking: if you go throughout the week, go after 1 PM and weekends are best if your patience is thin. All hail, Mr P!
(5)David H.
great food best in all of Atlanta
(5)Ryan S.
Excellent Greek and an owner who is so engaging and enthusiastic it makes the already-superb food taste even better. If you order the large Falafel...prepare for a LARGE falafel.
(5)Marko G.
Al is the best! He made me feel like I'm home. He served me a half Adana half lamb shish kebab entrée. It was the best ever! Everyone should try this place!
(5)Quality K.
I would never eat here again. Constant over charging and service is very very poor! Food is mediocre.
(1)Amy W.
The food is delicious and the portions are insane. So much food. Spanikopita is unique to this Cafe. It isn't flakey like most others. It may seem pricey when you see the menu but the portions are huge so it's really a deal.
(4)Kim T.
This was a jackpot find, and why I love Yelp! Driving through Atlanta looking for dinner at 9 pm, we decided to take a break and try to find something the whole family would enjoy. This place looked different, and had 4.5 stars with over 300 reviews. That can't be easy to do. The food is fantastic. Very fresh ingredients, unique flavors with multiple subtle layers that are well balanced. Portion sizes are huge. One entrée is really about two meals. I recommend the gyro plates rather than gyros. It's so much food that you won't want a giant pita. Our kids (12 and 17) got to try some things they had never tried before from the Mazo app, which was fun. Our server was friendly, and took pride in his job and the restaurant. Before I left, I thanked one of the owners (I am assuming) who quickly asked if our waiter had given us samples of baklava, and when I said "no", he sent me out the door with four pieces. The building is new and very clean. I'm posting a pic of the sink in the restroom, because I have a secret belief that the state of the restroom is probably a fair reflection of the state of the kitchen in a restaurant. I have absolutely no evidence for this, but I'm not giving up my belief. That being said, the restroom was picture-worthy. Thank you for the great find, fellow Yelpers!
(5)Anita L.
Disappointing. Used to be much better. Falafel was way too spicy-the waitress thought it was funny, said the chef added too much heat but she offered to do nothing. The phyllo dough on the spanakopita was soggy, not the least bit crispy. The gyro meat was dry. Sounds like Momma is no longer in the kitchen. It'll be a while before I return.
(2)Theresa H.
This is my 2nd time to Cafe Agora. My last experience was excellent, the chicken shish kebab was delicious. Love the rice pudding and baklava too. My visit tonight left me lukewarm. Ordered the same dish, the chicken did not taste fresh nor was it as good as the last time. The chicken gyro tasted good though. A friend had to run to the bathroom right after she got home and her tummy did not feel too well. Did not know if it was the food she ate there or elsewhere. Service was alright. Ordered some baklavas to go. For me, the best baklava around. Most baklavas are way too sweet, those here are perfect. Rice pudding is good too but since I may be making some rice pudding with Gordon Ramsay's receipe this July 4th weekend, will skip the Cafe Agora's pudding this time. Hopefully my next experience will overall be a terrific one.
(3)Missy M.
Excellent service. Very attentive staff. The owner has quite the personality and visited every table while we were there. Now to the food: fresh and very flavorful. We had the mixed gril platter and a small plate of esme and hadari. Flavors were on point!! We almost licked the plate. Very reasonably priced as well. Coming from DC we were extremely impressed . I wish they would open a branch there.
(5)Jose P.
Food is very good, it's as close to Greek as you'll get in Atlanta. PROS: - Clean establishment - Great staff - Great food - Good portions CONS: - Prices are about 20% higher than expected, but it is Buckhead and the place is pretty nice so it's not that bad, but just wish it was a tad more reasonable. - Food is pretty much as you would expect "very good", but I was hoping it could have been "excellent". There are minor details with the food that keep it from being excellent, but don't get me wrong at all this is splitting hairs. - Parking can be a pain, but again this is expected due to the location. I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could.
(4)Stef T.
I've actually never dined in here, but it's my go to spot for takeout. Maybe I'm biased because Mediterranean is my favorite cuisine, but this place always hits the spot. Last time I picked up, the owner gave us free dessert because "it's just so good!" He made me want to come back and be part of his big Greek family!
(5)Jeff K.
The gyro salad, hummus, and tabulleh is good and the service is usually friendly as well... I really enjoy this place for a medeterranian lunch.
(4)Carol D.
A great Greek restaurant that offers great food!! I love the owner Al! He is very personable and friendly!
(4)Jose O.
Just an extraordinary turkish cuisine experience, everything was fresh and delicious, the service top notch and Al..the owner, a real nice person...a must in my next stop on Atlanta.
(5)Emily T.
Delicious food and excellent service. The new location is beautiful and has much more seating, including a lovely patio in front. They serve a free (little) meza plate after you order; you can also purchase the larger appetizer portion. Fresh and delicious, including hummus, tabbouleh, and other dips. For dinner I enjoyed the gyro, stuffed with flavorful lamb, accompanied by a fresh greek salad w/feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a tasty dressing. I usually feel overwhelmed by dressing on salad but this was perfect. My companion enjoyed the mix grill entree--a succulent assortment of meats, alongside pita bread, rice, greek salad, and yogurt sauce. Everything was great, and our friendly server made us feel at home. For dessert, they serve a small portion of complimentary rice pudding that's phenomenal. Creamy, not too sweet, just right. The baklava is excellent. The food can be a little on the expensive side, but the quality and flavor are top notch. Highly recommended for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
(5)Kelly M.
Cafe Agora never fails... The owner truly loves this place. The food is awesome and the new location is spacious (although I do miss the hole in the wall vibe). Everything I've gotten here is incredible. I RECOMMEND TRYING EVERYTHING
(5)Dan G.
I've had the gyro platter twice now and it's reasonably good The service is solid and they always give you something small that is on the house The gyro meat has been a bit dry both times and the salad a little heavy on the dressing All that being said if you are in the area it's worth a meal I will return
(3)Sarah B.
Great food. The service was lacking. We arrived around 2 p.m. and were the only customers at the restaurant which raised a concern. Based on the rave Yelp! reviews we decided to give it a try. The server was busy trying to eat her lunch which was a total turn off and caused major delay in placing our order. I had to go get her to let her know we were ready. However once we got our food we were able to overlook her lackluster performance. We ordered an eggplant lasagna and the hummus. Both items were delicious and plentiful. There were two of us and we shared the lasagna and hummus and left very satisfied.
(4)Terence B.
I found this place while driving past one day and noticed that it had good reviews. It is located just off of Peachtree Road in Buckhead. It is very basic looking and feeling, both inside and outside. We were seated promptly and had good service throughout. We started with hummus, which was a good starter. I had the agora salad with both lamb and chicken, which was huge, filling and great tasting. My friend had the chicken euro, which was also good. It good for both small and large parties. The only dislike is that I thought that it was a bit pricy. liked this place and definitely plan to come back.
(4)Katherine K.
Alas they are only open till 10 on week nights, even for takeout, until 11 ish on weekends. New location but I'm pretty sure I googled delivery buckhead open now and this was one of the scant options. However if you call they don't deliver so I wish they would rectify their info online. It's 2014... However, baklava. Best baklava ever.
(3)Charlene D.
Pathetic! This is my second time at Cafe Angora. I came again because I wanted to give it a second chance. The service is the worst that I have ever experienced. Our table was dirty, no water for 15 minutes, cracked wine glass, cold appetizer served with no silverware, and the waiter forgot to bring out the second entree. The worst part was that the owners son, our waiter never apologized. Atlanta has too many good restaurants to put up with such horrible service.
(1)Mackenzie B.
Great Greek food. Always nice people working there. It's a great place to head out for lunch or easy pick up for dinner. I highly suggest trying this place if you haven't already
(4)Tori T.
Food is amazing for the price. Felt like I was in Greece! Get the chicken pita and lamb salad.
(5)Dan B.
The food is excellent, and the service could not be better. It is a family-owned establishment, and by your second visit, they will recogize you and say, "Welcome back, friend." The mezze platter and rice pudding are highlights.
(5)Maureen D.
Super friendly staff. Best Baklava ever & I don't care for Baklava but theirs was awesome. Generous portions you'll need to take some home! Food was very fresh and great seasoning. I'll be back. You must check them out if you love Mediterranean food. 5 Stars!!
(5)Khurum U.
I visited Cafe Agora last and was treated to a wonderful Mixed Gyro plate. Thin sliced lamb cooked to perfection along with a generous amount of cubed grilled chicken. A nice Mediterranean salad in the side and some tasty pita/naan with some light marination. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. To top it all off, they provided a honey soaked piece of baklava that was out of this world. Don't skip this place, it's worth the hype!
(5)Charlotte S.
Al the owner is the best. Open until 2am at least. Covered patio, full bar, and tables. Great service. Good prices. Lots of desserts.
(5)Rav J. M.
Man, some of the best customer service I've had. The owner is older yet makes a point to interact and spread his passion and love. He's proud of his establishment and food. How does it taste? Good.. like really good. I enjoy the chicken gyro and sampler plates immensely.
(4)Kevin Q.
I came here yesterday night with my coworkers and it was great! The menu is mainly focused on gyros, which I don't have a problem with. The hummus was good, and the pita bread was even better. There was even complimentary valet parking, even though the parking lot wasn't that big. The platter was among the biggest I've ever seen, even in the South. I would highly recommend coming here for dinner.
(5)Zulfiqar H.
WOW!!!! Had lunch there this afternoon; It was one the best and most enjoyable meals I have ever had Magnificent food with excellent service Whenever I am Atlanta next this is one place I am most definitely going to visit
(5)Nik T.
Finally great service. Sadly it is only at the bar...but ah well, food is still great
(5)Christopher T.
I love this place... It adds to the fact that ATL is the most underrated city for eats in america... Yes i said it. Besides the amazingly awesome food this place has to offer, what makes it soo special is from the second you walk in to the moment you leave they treat you as if you are the only customer they have. It doesn't matter if you went to their first location or their new building down the road, that has a very friendly and fun atmosphere, Cafe Agora's #1 priority is making the customer happy! GREAT Food GREAT customer service = 5 STARS
(5)Will H.
My favorite Mediterranean place in Buckhead. Great value for great food.
(5)Andrea P.
I love everything about the new location! It kept everything I liked about the old place (the food) and vastly improved everything I didn't. Easy parking, much larger restaurant that is beautifully decorated, very clean, and has an amazing patio. (There is also a private room you can reserve in the back.) Efficient counter ordering with the food coming out quickly. Prices are on the higher end but you really get what you pay for - great quality and lots of food. Love the small appetizer sampler platter Al continues to give out. Note - I learned that for weekday lunch the gyro sandwich comes just by itself, but nights and weekends it comes with a side salad (don't know if the price varies though). I thoroughly enjoyed one of the platters for lunch and am stuffed! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Astrid V.
Food is ok, service is appalling. The servers will lie to you, wave you off, insult your intelligence, ignore your needs and take the liberty of stealing your money. You are better off going somewhere else. Our party ordered calamari which came with cold marinara sauce, when the menu clearly says garlic sauce. When we asked the first server for the garlic sauce, he said; "that was it." Completely taken back; We asked him again, if that was garlic sauce? Waiter proceeded to say that was their garlic sauce. We asked a second server what kind of sauce it was, she told us it was tomato sauce and was thrown off when we told her what her co-worker had advised us. We then asked if they were out of garlic sauce, to which she quickly agreed that their was no garlic sauce. We asked for lemon, and then the wait began. Third server passes by, we asked for lemon. Still no lemon. Fourth server passes by, asked for lemon yet again and we eventually got "lime." Really?! Our food finally comes out with our second server and a reluctant apology for the unwanted lime vs not lemon. We gratified her for noticing and she abruptly answered back with; "as you can look around, we're busy." Days letter, we see that someone felt the need to add a $5 tip to both bills. When a three way call between the bank, Cafe Agora and myself was placed to dispute the charge; the owner hung up on us without saying a word for the act. Truth be told that was completely unnecessary. The owner was addressed. Apparently, this is acceptable in his business. Any smart and respectable person would seek business elsewhere, especially when you are paying for a service. Don't waste your time and money. Their are several similar restaurants in the area that offer better food and service; plus they won't try to steal from you.
(1)Jonathan F.
Amazing food! Extremely flavorful. I would recommend the chicken gyro plate. The seasoning is off the charts! Also, the service is wonderful and the owner is very friendly and checks to ensure you are having the best experience possible.
(5)Hr S.
Better ambience than before and now they have parking lots!! Always my pleasure to start with maza platter ~~~ Mixed grilled meats with rice was delicate and my server was very kind.
(5)Miranda P.
Good stuff! It was our first time here and we got a sampler plate with hummus tubule and other yummy things . I got the mixed gyro. Prices were a little high but the portions were good! Before we left he gave us a rice sampler pudding and baklava. It was really good. Not sure if we will be back, but I am glad we went and gave it a try. The bathroom was gorgeous I must add haha
(3)CeeCee S.
this place is AMAZING. I've been here about 2 or 3 times and every single time, it was great! the service is friendly and quick to say the least. the location and actual atmosphere could be better, but I love the small restaurant feel. both times I came, the man gave us something for free... amazing! long story short, the food is pretty decent for Atlanta midtown area, service is great, and food is delicious!!
(5)Chris H.
I dropped in here for lunch and was greeted by the owner like I was a good friend. Watched him bounce around his place and chat and interact with everyone is this bustling Turkish gem. I ordered the chicken/lamb gyro with the salad. I've been to the Middle East and even Istanbul but this place rocked them all! The salad was fresh and delicious with a dynamite dressing. The gyro was enormous and very tasty. Their tea ( probably Turkish) was delish. The baklava however stole the show. Definitely the best I have ever had. I will be back...with reinforcements.
(5)Shayla T.
I enjoyed the food though I feel it is overpriced. I had the chicken shesh kebabs that came with rice, sauce, flatbread, and salad. Then I ordered. a small potato salad. All were tasty but it came to about $17 and change. I wish the portions on the potato salad had been bigger and would have liked more meat, but I was full. So, I guess I'm just being greedy now. I will definitely be back.
(3)Katy N.
Holy cow. This place is fantastic! The service was incredibly attentive, but left you alone with your company. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split the falafel platter and the mixed grill which came with almost every meat on the menu, both of which were remarkable! We love Mediterranean and middle eastern food and this place really delivers. The owner, Al, came by and kept giving us free goodies which really cemented us leaving the burbs and making the trip back to Cafe Agora soon! The hummus and babaganoush were both delicious, and the tzatziki was definitely worth writing home about! We'll be coming back soon!
(5)Katie R.
I love this place! The food is delicious and portion size is generous. I've never been disappointed. The staff are super friendly and very attentive. We always have a great time here. Certainly the best Mediterranean food in Buckhead!
(5)Michelle W.
Amazing Mediterranean food. This is some of the best I've had in Atlanta. The owner, Al, is incredibly friendly and generous; he checked on our table multiple times and brought us complimentary tasting plates of appetizers and desserts. Will definitely be back with friends.
(5)Craig A.
I get the strong feeling the following could applied a large number of Atlanta restaurants: Sincerely friendly and warm service and absolutely unremarkable food. It's hard to give a low rating to nice people but, unfortunately, this is a middling neighborhood joint at best. In no reality is it a 4.5 star restaurant with 360+ reviews. Either a shillfest or Atlantans with no taste. Given that it's located in Buckhead, it could very well be the latter. On the plus side it's easy to order because everything tastes like bleh.
(2)Nihal S.
I should begin by stating that i am Turkish and this is the first Turkish restaurant I have been to in Atlanta. I loved the mazza and the Adana kabab. Excellent...
(5)Jeff S.
Easily the worst middle Eastern restaurant in the ATL. Cold felafel and bad service blah
(1)Diane E.
The awkwardness of the owner makes this restaurant one I will never return to. This is the second time I was here - I was somehow persuaded to come back and give it a second chance last night. In both instances, there were no men at the table, and the owner spoon fed a girl at the table against her wishes. He wouldn't then leave us alone. It felt like we were being groped publicly. The food was OK, but not spectacular. I will not return, nor would I suggest anyone else.
(1)Na L.
This place is delicious. The rice pudding is the best dessert ever! I could eat an entire tub! The gyros are also very good. Service was okay. I'll be back for the rice pudding.
(4)Allie B.
My boyfriend and I had an unpleasant experience dining here. We waited for twenty minutes for service after being sat. The waitress was not apologetic at all for the wait and put in our order. After waiting forty more minutes for a gyro and greek salad, we left the restaurant and abandoned our hope of eating there. The manager chased after us, and instead of apologizing, said that we should have just contacted him. Olive Bistro in Brookhaven and Vinings has much better greek food and much better customer service.
(2)Veronica X.
No frills, just great food. I never had mezze thrown together almost haphazardly onto a plate like this, but it didn't matter as the flavors quickly overwhelmed me. My favorites on the plate: smoky babaganoush, the other two eggplant thingies I had trouble distinguishing but both good, carrot salad, yogurt and hummus -- perhaps I should have listed my least favorites to save some space. Hubby said the gyro (mix lamb and beef) was one of the best he ever had, and I trust the man knows his gyro. That, and the fact that it was one of the rare occasions that he actually raved about a place I found via yelp prompted me to jump on the Cafe Agora bandwagon. This little hole in the wall deserves yet another glowing review. The sweet touch of rice pudding and baklava took it all the way to five stars. The only downside: they have probably ruined any future rice pudding and baklava for me.
(5)Hieu H.
Cafe Agora may be bigger, newer, and even flashier. But there was something about its old hole-in-the-wall location that gave it charm. The new location lacks that spirit, and the food lacks that heart and soul. The mezze platter just doesn't taste the same.
(3)Emma F.
Clean restaurant offering all the classic Turkish/Mediterranean fare you'd expect from this style of restaurant. I had the lamb salad and it was excellent and quite a lot of food. Wait staff and owner were friendly as well. I'd say anything with lamb is gonna be a good choice at this restaurant.
(4)R G.
This was a suggestion of a friend that is a foodie as well. The food was excellent and I will defiantly be returning. I had the beef kabobs and finished every last bite. Also had the rice pudding to top things off and that was a home run also. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes.
(5)Kelly H.
I have been to Cafe Agora about 6-7 times at this point, but today was my first experience at their new location. I was so excited that beyond having more space and a nicer environment, nothing has changed! The owner was still feeding newcomers, including my little boy who got his picture taken with some of their delicious bread! The food was still as amazing as always and the yummy rice pudding was a perfect way to finish the meal. Congrats to Cafe Agora on their new space. See you soon!
(5)Jeff L.
The best gyros in town. We get these bad boys delivered all the time.
(4)Claudio M.
When all said and done, it's a very ordinary restaurant with mediocre food preparation. The owner is very nice, but it doesn't add to the quality of food being served. I won't mind going there for a change, but a weekly visit would be hard to manage.
(3)Elaine L.
My favorite Mediterranean place is no more... :( Ever since they moved to their new location, I feel like they have lost part of it's charm (which is fine if the food stayed the same. I'm glad they were able to expand. However, I feel like their food has gone down. I got the platter sampler with all their dips. I used to love it! it was delicious and fresh and just fabulous. However, this time, it was just ok. I feel like it was better before...did the person preparing the food change? I will never know... I feel like it's time to search again even though I thought I finally found the best....
(3)Ashley T.
Have been to cafe agora about a dozen times and have finally made up my mind about it. This place obviously did well as a hole in the wall authentic family run reataurant. Since they upgraded their space, they have raised prices but keep serving average food. We always end up paying $40 for a meal that should cost no more than $30. I am also always confused about the "free small Meza plate " ... sometimes they give it to you for free and sometimes it's $8. Huh? The reviews about bizarre service are true and we have experienced many an awkward occasion. The most recent was when they added valet service (again an example of an attempt to get fancy) and we asked for some change for a 20 bill at the bar. The guy refused to give us change saying "no no valet is free!" Yet as we walked out the door the owner came running after us with two dollar bills to give as tip, which made us feel cheap somehow. We have left this place one too many times thinking "what just happened". Very soup nazi type atmosphere... I am always afraid I will violate some unspoken rule. Sounds like those who have accepted this bazaar culture love this place. I will not return as I find the food to be average and overpriced and the experience too uncomfortable.
(3)Anna S.
Visiting Cafe Agora after church. This place is heaven! The friendly, truly unique environment is what you notice first. The people are so great, the owner came and set with us and fed my friend with a fork! The music is relaxing, and overall, this is my new favorite place! Oh, did I mention food?! I have no words to describe
(5)Chris D.
Great food! Our favorite Babaganoush in town! Since they upgraded to the new location, it's no longer great food in a dive... now it's great food with a great location! Parking, Patio and bar!
(4)Ashley R.
Ate here during the week with a group of friends. The owner came to our table several times. He was very nice and funny. The food tasted fabulous! The rising bread was unbelievable. I will definitely put this restaurant in my weekly rotation.
(5)Eva I.
We love this place. This was the first good restaurant we found when we moved to ATL from Chicago 5 years ago and it's even better now with the larger location.
(5)Mina B.
One of the better Mediterranean restaurants we've tried. Price is good for the quantity AND quality of food. We shared the agora grill plate ($20) which has a variety of grilled meat, salad, rice, pita bread, and yogurt sauce. All the meat was delicious and cooked to perfection. The pita bread was also great. Best part of this meal was the free small maza plate and turkish rice pudding. Wow!
(5)Eric M.
I had the lamb kebab over rice w/ greek salad. Rice pudding, baklava, and chocolate cake were the desserts I sampled and all were delicious. The whole experience was great. From service to overall good quality food I think this is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around. The spices were amazing.
(5)Judy C.
The food is excellent. Dishes that I've tried so far: mezza plate, hummus, chicken gyro, lamb shish kebab, adana kebab, spanokopita, dolmas, baklava, rice pudding. They're all so delicious. One of my favorite things is the Greek salad that is included as a side for most entrees. The salad comes with crisp romaine, thin slices of red onion, cucumber, tomato, and a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette! Moving to their current location was a HUGE upgrade. There's plenty of space on the patio, bar, and inside dining area. Everything is very clean. Since opening up this location, Cafe Agora has hired more servers. The restaurant owner, Al, is still always 'on the scene' making customers feel welcome, however not all the servers are as attentive. On the past two visits, after we were seated inside, it took a while for a server to come by. The food came out without taking much time, but afterwards the server rarely came by to check on us. When I asked for hot sauce, it never came. The server apologized later when she realized she had forgotten, but by that time I was already done with my meal. In retrospect, I guess I really didn't need the hot sauce since the chicken gyro was flavorful. This place is still my go-to restaurant for quick and delicious Mediterranean food. The service isn't perfect, but their food makes up for it so I'll keep coming back.
(4)Joe S.
Must have the Mezza dip plate, mixed grill platter and a shot of Ouzo! Oh and the baklava is so sweet and drips with honey goodness. Mixed Mezza platter is a must
(4)Grant S.
Great customer service. Complementary valet parking, fresh food, and the owner comes out and talks with you. Great atmosphere yet still casual dining.
(5)Bonnie Y.
Holy KAZOWY!!! We were in Buckhead and hungry for lunch. Yelped around and saw Cafe Agora with 4.5 stars and 300+ reviews. SO DA BOMB! It's the little things--started with the ezme because of the reviews and it's so refreshing--tomatoes, parsley, walnuts and fluffy pita pieces, with a light spicy zing. Then the Greek salad--I think it's the best greek salad we'd ever tasted, a delicate hand on the dressing and the feta so lightly crumbled on top. A revelation! And finally the ground lamb (Adana) pita--I don't know the spices used, maybe sorrel? Challenging with the tzatziki oozing down my fingers, but oh so good! And then, even though we passed on dessert, they give us this sweet bite of rice pudding with cinnamon. The pudding has a hint of lemon, which distinguishes it from all others I've tasted before--a perfect end for a perfect lunch! We will return!
(5)Mario J.
The food was very good. I ordered the Izmir Kofte it was awesome. The drinks were mixed perfectly. The owner was present an interacted with each guest. He even gave us a free sample of a few dishes.
(4)Sophia J.
This place used to be good but asked for a gyro got meat in a platter. And there's was foil in my salad?! Horrible
(1)Sammy A.
Hummus/Pita Is the bomb. Portions are fantastic! Entertaining/Charming owner.
(4)Stephanie M.
Big Gyro's can be made bigger if you feel the need ! The spreads all of them are tasty are all made fresh. I love the Baba Ganoosh(eggplant) with it's smoke flavor and the Parsley salad with tomatoes and lemon juice. Lamb, Chicken and Beef Kabobs are available in the case just waiting to be grilled. This place opens early and stays open late for foodies looking for your Gyro fix ! There can be a shortage of chairs at times the place is quite small but if you wait patiently most people eat and run. Agora also serves alcohol which got our group quite plowed a few years ago when I threw a surprise birthday party here. We pretty much took over the restaurant, we had a blast the owner took good care of us and some of the group tried new foods. We had a good meal before heading to the strip club. If you in the Buckhead area Agora is worth checking out.
(4)Lauren G.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave you'll be treated wonderfully. This is the best Mediterranean food I've had. The staff + food are excellent and answer any & all questions you may have. I was unsure what I wanted when I went in for the first time and the cashier made me up a little sample plate. Now the bigger version of that plate is what I get all the time. Check this place out if you're in the area because you won't be disappointed!
(5)El D.
I went to Cafe Agora on a Sunday evening. The reviews were quite good to give it a try. in summary, the service and food was really really poor. We sat in the patio. We ordered the food and in the meantime a small plate of different appetizers including hummus, carrot salad and so on was brought by the server. No pita bread, no extra dish for the guests. All we had on the table was two rolls of napkin wrapped around utensils and a small plate in the middle of the table. Later two glass of waters were added. Our meal was later served. What my husband ordered was a type of Kufta, which was sort of stew with pieces of meat in the liquid. No spoon was with the stew. So my husband was actually pouring the liquid on his rice directly from the kufta bowl. I ordered chicken gyro. Well the caesar side salad was purely romaine lettuce and the gyro was a bunch of hot dry chicken pieces on a pita bread. I have had gyro in other places and I know gyros are famous for their delicious sauce. Well, this wasn't the case here. Overall, I was disappointed for wasting our money there.
(1)Ariel R.
Worst service ever, and they tried to steal from me by adding a tip to my bill after I had put $0 tip. The bank called them to dispute the charges and they also hung up on the bank!!
(1)Shaun C.
The best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Simply wonderful. This place is now on our monthly rotation. The service is great, but the food is amazing. First timers get the hummus, tabouli, and the grilled platter.
(5)Virginia M.
Fun neighborhood restaurant. I only had appetizers here, but they were great! It also has nice outdoor seating. They also have Efes beer.
(4)George W.
How could anyone eat here and not be thrilled? Once again, I received the perfect Greek meal. Perfect!!
(5)R P.
I told my waitress that I could not eat anything with gluten or dairy in it. She steered me away from those dishes and I decided on the lamb adana kebab. She brings the plate out with pita bread and cheese on the salad. She says "I know you said you were allergic to dairy, but is there a problem with the cheese on the salad?" Duh. Restaurant owners need to know that your wait staff can make or break your business. The lamb was excellent, along with the hummus and replacement salad. Food: 5 stars Service: 0 stars
(1)Shamayim F.
Food is amazing but service is dry and leaves a lot to be desired. Positives first. I had the falafel sandwich with the Greek salad. Truly amazing falafel and well seasoned with a great sauce with it. The Greek salad was one of the best I've ever had any where. The waiter wasn't rude just "dry". It took him forever to check on me and my party, had to ask for water a few times from another server, and honestly I think I may have only seen him twice (that includes when he took the order and brought the food). It's a nice atmosphere and the food is great but service is a 1 star.
(3)Tiff H.
We brought in a large group after a failed attempt to enter Holeman and Finch... There was trouble seating us all here too, but it worked out. Our server was extremely hospitable, and offered us free appetizer samples, such as the mixed maza platter and various hummus/yogurt samples. Though for me, some of the flavors were just too much for me to handle, I really enjoyed the effort and that carrot stuff (that sounds so uncultured of me not calling that by the proper name...) Ordered the lamb gyro sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. tender and flavorful meat, hearty and i could barely finish. I'm pretty sure I was the last to finish at the table! The end of the meal, the waiter brought over dessert samples as well. We each got some hot baklava and a small serving of rice pudding. The baklava was AMAZING, especially since it was fresh and crispy. The rice pudding was just... rice pudding, but went well with the baklava. Cafe Agora serviced us so well that day, and it was a perfect meal. 5 stars!
(5)Richard R.
Where do I begin? I got an invite to lunch by Yelp friend Carrie Neal and we decided to meet today @ Cafe Agora. She knows from recent talk threads that I am a huge fan of gyros and thought this would be a great spot for some eats. She was absolutely right! I hate coming into the city during heavy traffic hours because I have a big truck and Atlanta streets make me feel like I'm about to loose some paint. Parking is also another huge problem, but thankfully I read Daniel B's tip to park across the street in the HHGregg parking lot (which looks like a $5 public lot). Cafe Agora is a small place, even the tables are small and it's hard to imagine 4 real sized people actually sitting down for a meal... but our party of three fit nicely. My girl Helena W (who is quickly becoming one of my best homies) joined us. The girls ordered some app's, but my full attention was in anticipation of this amazing gyros I've heard so much about. It arrived and I was in heaven from the very first bite! Delicious meat, very nice pita, and the fries I managed to eat (with out Helena stealing them... lol) were excellent. I would come back alone JUST for the fries!. The gyros meat was a little overcooked and dry (also crunchy), but it was still amazing. I can only imagine how awesome it would have been with perfectly cooked meats and feta cheese, which my gyros was absent of *sad face insert here* The overall tightness of the area will likely prevent me from becoming a regular, but definitely worth mentioning in the 'Best Of' category for Atlanta. Thanks for the great company ladies. I know everyone was probably wondering how I guy like me got to sit with hot gals like you, but hey... I enjoyed the short lived stud status! LOL
(4)Jarz R.
Just popped in to the new Buckhead location for the first time since they relocated. Amazing. Not that I don't love the charm of hole-in-the-wall (I say that with all due respect and endearment), the improvement in seating, PARKING, bathroom, and ambience is phenomenal. I've only been a couple of times, and those times haven't been at the busiest times of the day, so keep that in mind. In my experience, the food is reliably good, and the service has been great. We usually order the big cold mezze platter as an appetizer. It's definitely a lot of food, so I wouldn't order the BIG one as an appetizer unless you've got at least 4 people splitting (or 2 rugby players). I usually opt for the mixed gyro plate because. I'm salivating just thinking about that balsamic vinaigrette. Damn, I love when you can actually enjoy the bite of the vinegar. If you manage to have room for dessert, order the rice pudding. Trust me. Like, you think you've had rice pudding, but you haven't. This is completely different. Seriously. Do it. Don't waste your stomach space on baklava. Pudding. Oh, it's got a generous dusting of cinnamon on top, so if you have an allergy, I'd see if they have some without it. If you aren't allergic, I recommend you keep it on there. I'm so-so on cinnamon, but I love it, so there you go.
(5)Felipe V.
I love this place. It might not be logical, but try the pizza. All in all it seems to be effortlessly authentic, and you don't come by that often. It's definitely a place to go a few times and with a group to try as many items on the menu as possible.
(5)Lexi S.
The food was stellar! I ordered a nice glass of white wine and the chicken kabobs. The seasoning was perfect! I asked our server for a kids menu and he never brought one to us, so I'm assuming they didn't offer one. My five year old settled on the Turkish meatballs, and he devoured them! This says a lot as he can be finicky with food at times! My date ordered the gyro and loved it! The only issue we had was waiting a while for the food, 40 minutes at least. However, it was worth the wait! We will def.return to try other items on the menu!
(4)Jack B.
The food here is quite good, if a bit expensive. But the service is utterly BIZARRE! Our first time here, a couple months ago, we ordered the maza platter, which is an appetizer of several different spreads - hummus, haydari, havuc ezme, etc. - and the waitress brought it out with a little basket full of pita bread squares. So on our second trip, when we ordered the same platter and it came out without the pita bread, I asked our waiter for it. Cue his return with a basket with maybe 6 little squares in the bottom, and a joint lecture from the waiter and the owner about how this platter isn't meant to be eaten with pita bread, and that it would ruin our appetite for our entrees. Okay...? I wouldn't have asked had it not been automatically brought with the platter on our first visit. Then when we were attempting to eat our hummus with forks, the owner swung by again to tell us we were taking "little baby" bites and needed to take a "real" bite. What??? When our entrees arrived, our waiter commented again, "See, this is why you needed your appetites." But the topper actually happened to a couple at a nearby table. They had apparently made the same mistake we had in asking for pita bread, and were getting the same lecture, when owner literally picked up the husband's fork, scooped up some dip, and FED IT TO HIM LIKE A BABY. My spouse and I were looking at each other like O.O???? Honestly, had we not had a relatively normal meal here on our first visit, I would think this place was supposed to be one of those "wacky service" joints like Ed Debevic's. I think I'll be searching for another decent Mediterranean place before I come back here to pay $42 before tip for two gyro platters and an appetizer, and risk extremely strange service in the process.
(2)Quel Y.
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY SELF RESPECT!!!! First of all, the first time I came here with my boyfriend it was great, the food was great, and the owner was friendly and came to our table and brought us complimentary dessert. This time however, I came with my dad and boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a Vodka soda and they brought out a Vodka tonic and when he told them very politely the waitress stated that the bartender put soda in the drink which was definitely a LIE. I found this to be extremely rude and I am appalled that the bartender would send the drink back and not even attempt to correct the order. The worst part of my experience tonight was when I went up to the counter to get change for a $20 so I could get change to tip the valet. The owner,who had been so nice to me the last time I had come, rudely said "what do you think this is, bank of america"? I thought he was being sarcastic at first even though I found it offensive. He then proceeded to hand me two $10 dollar bills when I clearly needed change to tip. He then threw the singles on the counter and appeared extremely annoyed. We had asked the valet guys for change and they did not have any. I must add that the first time we ate here our waitress told us that none of the staff lasts for more than 2 months because the owner is so incredibly abusive to his employees. There are plenty of great mediterranean/greek restaurants in the buckhead area, do not waste your time at this rude establishment.
(1)Chris W.
Maza platter is an excellent app. Agora chicken salad is my go-to entree. Lamb and chicken gyros are great.
(5)Rohaneh E.
My go to friday night dinner place with my best friend. We go there every friday after our shift and always order the falafal sandwich, and the Chicken kebab platter. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, and the Owner is extremely friendly, he speaks to all his customers and makes sure everyone is enjoying their dinner. If you're looking for delicious reasonably priced middle eastern food I would point you in Cafe Agoras direction.
(4)Harrison W.
The owner Al is awesome and the food is delicious. Al came over to the table and was extremely friendly. The food was reasonably priced and extremely good. Awesome Mediterranean place.
(5)Kaialaia T.
The owner is hilarious you'll be laughing eating at the same time the food is great customer service fantastic .
(5)MJ A.
Walking distance from my home, Café Agora is a solid go to spot. I never had the pleasure of visiting the old location but I know the move to this one was a good one. Plenty of tables and good service. The food is right on point. I grew up with relatives of all ages cooking Greek food all hours of the day. When I eat here I taste authentic Greek good. Dolmas are great. Lamb is tender. Coconut cake is out of this world. Salads are cold and fresh. I always get the lamb and beef gyro platter. Added bonus- the owner always greets you personally. Come and try Café Agora. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Melanie V.
The best Mediterranean restaurant in Buckhead and all of Atlanta! The friendliness of the owner and staff make you feel as if you are having dinner in someone's home. A delightful experience! Today's delight is tiramisu and Turkish coffee. After you eat Agora's tiramisu, you will not want anyone else's.
(5)Crystal D.
Love this place!!! Recently moved to buckhead and have been trying new places. This will definitely be on my list to go back to!!! Food was great. Complimentary valet. Restaurant was clean. And servers were so friendly!
(5)Alex P.
Ah, this place is unreal good. From atmosphere to food, everything is just done right. Feels like you made a quick pit stop for lunch as you were driving through a sandy road in the middle east.
(5)Paige N.
So I was floored when I saw that not only does Cafe Agora have almost 300 reviews, but it also has an average rating of 4.5 stars! Especially when you see it's tiny little, hole in the wall location, directly across from the uber ritzy Capital Grille with its fancy parking lot full of Range Rovers, Mercedes and Bentleys. After seeing this (and for a nano-second thinking Cafe Agora had had its employees create hundreds of fake positive reviews), I had to try it out for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. Well my friends, it did. Although it's certainly not much to look at from the street (and can hold probably 40 people tops), this place is a gem of a Greek restaurant. I enticed my boyfriend to come with me for dinner there (he's a true Yelp believer even though I can't for the life of me get him to finish a single review), and we understood what so many others already know. The food is amazing and because it's such a small, intimate little space, the staff (a father, son team) are very friendly to every customer who walks in the door. As soon as we sat down, the son came out to get our drink orders and after looking at the menu (all of which sounded like great options), we got the mixed maza appetizer in order to try their hummus, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz, etc all in one go and the Agora mixed grill kebab plate to try their chicken, lamb, adana and kofta kebabs plus the gyro meat. I love places where I can try a little bit of everything all at once, and Cafe Agora did not disappoint in portion size or flavor. The maza appetizer than came out first came with a basket of fresh pita bread that was already conveniently sliced into bite sized squares. We dug in to hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush, ezme, kisir, piyaz and a bunch of other goodies I've not tried before and it was all very tasty. The babaganoush wasn't quite as good as Opa's (in Suwanee), but I've yet to find anyone who can rival that one. Everything tasted fresh and light and definitely house-made. The Agora mixed grill was also excellent. Every different piece of meat was cooked well and laid over a bed of rice, a Greek salad and another fresh pita bread with some red sauce on top was served with it. My favorite meats by far were the gyro, the adana, and the kofta meats. They were just wonderfully seasoned and full of flavor. Mix that with a refreshing Greek salad, some pita and taziki sauce and you've got a winning combination. And Cafe Agora really scored points with its complimentary dessert for us: two mini baklava bites (light and airy and flaky), and two little servings of sutlac (Turkish rice pudding). It was the perfect bit of sweetness to end the meal, and I loved it. While Cafe Agora is certainly not much to look at (though I believe they're relocating to the old Thai Silk space just down the street, which would be a definite step up), they're a great find. The food's delicious, the staff's very friendly and attentive and the menu really deviates from the Greek cuisine you're used to seeing with some really special treats. Good job Cafe Agora, all the hype and your great rating is worth it.
(4)Doug C.
The mixed grill was great. The lamb and chicken were awesome. The owner was friendly and very helpful Service was good.
(5)Liz K.
I soooooo love Mediterranean food and Cafe Agora alone. I have been here several times but this is my first time writing about the best Mediterranean spot in Atlanta. (forgive me, if you don't believe so...) The owner of this place is so alive and happy. He is usually there. Or so he has been when I go... he always gives you a little sample of the hummus and tabouleh before you get your order. I normally get the lamb kabobs. The plates (all of them) are a good helping. The kabob plate comes with meat, rice, salad, and some pita bread. The owner will make sure to send you off with a tasting of the rice pudding and baklava before you leave. A little pricier than some of the other Med joints I've been to but I think it is well worth it. Also... parking can be a pain- but oh well. It's the City of Atlanta
(5)Bailey G.
The food is so authentic and fresh! The owner loves to come around and get everyone to try Turkish dessets- so delish!
(5)Anum A.
I went here for lunch and found that both food and environment have been severely compromised since cafe agora moved down the street. It just isn't the same. The food, decor, and service are mediocre at best.
(3)Melissa M.
Randomly came across this place with my husband. The food and service was excellent. We were not sure what to order at first and sp our waitress brought us a sampler appetizer to help with our decision for free! They also brought us a few dessert samplings at the end of our meal wven though we declined to order any dessert. You can tell they really care about satisfying their customers. My husband and I would definitely come back for a yummy meal!!!
(5)Cathy K.
Love to pick up the meza platter and the gyros plate. I usually order the large platter and enjoy for multiple meals. I need to figure out how to make the carrot salad which is to die for. I am getting hungry just writing this.
(4)Corrie B.
SOOOOO delicious! Everything was very fresh. I had the chicken salad and I had to make myself stop eating it. They give you a lot of food! My lunch buddy had the lamb salad. I'm not usually one for lamb but the lamb at Cafe Agora is something I will be going back for! My only negative comment has nothing to do with the actual restaurant, it's the parking. There isn't much space at all. They now have complimentary valet so maybe that will help the parking situation. Either way, if you like Greek food this is must try!!
(5)Paul F.
My wife and I are new to the city and this has quickly become our favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Hal the owner, walks around and greets all customers and runs a tight ship! The food is amazing and authentic. We consider ourselves to be gyro connoisseurs and these are the best in the city! The service is amazing as well!
(5)Kristen C.
So, I must admit, the food here is pretty good and it is really attractively priced! We came here on a Friday night before we headed out to grab a few drinks. It was our first time here, and as other diners mentioned, they do bring you our a few sampling of their appetizers. An older man came over to the table (maybe the owner?) and told me that the hummus was the best hummus out there. So, at the time, I had Invisalign and shouldn't really be eating food until I took them out. The older man pretty much force fed me this hummus, when I gently declined (since I had to take out my liners). He kept telling me to eat it, so eventually to not make a scene, I just ate it. Then we decided to go ahead and order our food. There was some confusion in the ordering process where they double charged us for something we did not order and then did not bring something else out but told us that they already brought it out to us... When we were eating, again, the food was pretty good, but the service isn't the best.
(2)Cali K.
The owner Al is so disrespectful to his employees. I was disappointed in him cause he seems really nice but it's just an act. I heard him yelling at customers on the phone then say stuff in Turkish didn't sound nice. I wasn't gonna write a review I've been there three time love the food but I won't be going back our server told us he steals there money they work all day 6 days a week if there lucky all the servers look tired seem cranky but I would understand why was told he's hit several workers I'm just truly disgusted. He smokes in the restaurant at the bar and then used he's hand to get my dessert after he smoked and blow he's noise didn't wash he's hand. I truly do not recommend this place makes me wonder about the back of the house.
(1)Amar P.
First, my review is for the old hole in the wall location. I haven't ate at the new Buckhead location yet. The food is Amazing! The owner is hilarious, great at customer service, and he often drops off free food at the tables to ensure everyone is satisfied.
(5)Shaye B.
This place is great! I was going to wait to write my review until I ate at the restaurant but I had such a great takeout experience that I am just going to go ahead now! The food here is delicious and portions are huge but prices are still not very high! I was able to get 2 gyro platters and a hummus app for $30. The restaurant space is great, has seating inside and outside. Temperature control is very effective which is important for hot Atlanta summers!! The staff here is phenomenal. I cannot think of a time I had better takeout service. The owner still spoke with me and wished me a happy first time eating their delicious food and the guy working at the bar who handled my takeout order was very nice. When I first picked up the food I was starving and sped home, only to realize that the hummus was left out! At first I was going to just let it go, but then after trying my platter and realizing the food was spectacular, I wanted that hummus. Luckily I only live a block or so away so it took me less than 5 minutes door-to-door-to-door to get that hummus! I was even able to pick up some more taziki sauce! The guy at the counter was so nice too that he threw in some desserts for us to try as well which was nice and very much appreciated on my end. I am honestly bummed that it took me almost a year of living a block away for me to try it! I will certainly be back....especially when I get the munchies late at night since the place is open til 3am!
(5)Sarah B.
This is the real deal. The place is small, not a lot of room for dining in, but a worthwhile experience if you do (not from the ambiance). I think they are opening a larger location very close to this one in January. I had chicken kabob, my friend had lamb gyro and we started with hummus and the meza plate. Everything was incredible down to the mini rice puddings and mini pistachio baklava, that showed up at our table after dinner. I will be back, my friends and family will be back. Generous portions, very reasonable prices.
(5)Marj R.
Our go to late nite place. Authentic gyro and baklava. Love it.
(4)Enrico N.
Was in for a late dinner, wasn't too hungry. Got the Lamb Gyro sandwich. Comes with a side salad. Service was friendly. Was a little annoyed I had to valet park. Salad was good but pretty much a standard greek salad. The Gyro came with lettuce, onions, tazaki. I'm use to Gyros coming with tomato, onions, tazaki. The lettuce on the gyro with a salad is a bit redundant. I ate alot of lettuce for one meal. They gave a nice helping of meat, cut off the spit. I would have liked it if the meat were a bit more "seared" and if the pita were ever so slightly toasted but not a huge deal. Meat had a good flavor, they had some sort of mild spicy sauce on it. Similar to the powder you get on Doners in germany. I wish I knew what it was. I would have liked more tazaki, especially with all that lettuce. Overall a decent meal. Not the best Gyro i ever had but better than average. The lady gave me some sort of tiny dessert in a little cup. Tasted like rice pudding with cinnamon
(4)William C.
Incredible food and environment! Get friendly staff and the food is amazing!! Great place for lunch or dinner. The owner is very friendly and will talk with you while you eat. Parking is a little limited but that would be the only downfall. Since they have changed locations they have a much bigger dining area and a nice outside terrace. Ordered the lamb gyro and it melted in my mouth! Great restaurant!!
(5)Philip K.
This is my new favorite in Buckhead. Hands down, some of the best Greek food I've found. Al is a trip and made our first time there a fun and memorable experience. We tried the appetizer sampler, lamb kabobs, gyro, chicken, and rice pudding and baklava for desert and everything was a home run.
(5)Dave B.
Excelllent fallefel sandwich and gyro. It was medium pricey but considering the amount of food they give you, it was very good deal.
(5)Tram V.
Party of 3 ordered the mixed maza platter, dolma, agora mixed grill and calamari and we were so stuffed we couldn't finish the food. Everything was excellent although the calamari wasn't impressive. I loved the chicken which was tender and juicy and I could've eaten the entire plate of dolma on my own, it was so delicious. Definitely going back!
(5)Brad K.
I visited Cafe Agora for the first time yesterday. I had a large order for a company meeting that I dropped off earlier in the day, and asked for it to be ready at a specific time that evening. I do this at every restaurant that I order company meeting orders from, and it always still results in me waiting 30-45 minutes for the food to be ready once I arrive to pick it up at the time I said I would. Not at Cafe Agora, though! I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than I initially told them, and as soon as I walked in the staff remembered me, commented on how I was early, then sat me down at the bar and gave me a free drink and appetizer while I waited! My food order was in my hands and paid for exactly on time, and they even helped me carry the food out to my car. The food itself was very good! Everyone at the meeting kept going on and on about how yummy everything was. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone I know. Its the attention to detail in taking care of your customers that sets restaurants like this apart from the rest!
(5)Alan R.
Yuk and more yuk.Tried to talk my coworkers out of this place but they were paying and wanted to go. We had come from a meeting to shake shack and line too long at shack. Sorry, been there done that in NY, no need to wait in cold for a standard burger. Not into cults. So they suggested Agora and I cringed but since I need their business I did not protest, just gently tried to push them down to Buckhead diner, but they are a little cheap so they chose Agora. Complete indigestion. My tastebuds fully protested and stomach upset. Worst gyro platter ever. Dry meat shoved on lettuce and chicken even drier. Hommos is like water and taxzaki foul smelling. I knew better than to order anything else but they had other salads and everyone complained about the stale lettuce and dry meat.I think it is obvious this guy gets people to write these reviews or else I am surrounded by people that do not know good food. I realize some people will eat anything, hence our obesity issue.They just have bad food and wierd kaotic service with aggressive valet parkers expecting big tips!
(1)Ruksana H.
Happened to be our walk-in discovery when the place we wanted to eat at was found to be out of business. Friendly service, good food, good prices, nothing fancy with the ambience, just clean and practical. Reasonable pricing too and makes for good take-out as well.
(4)Yanfei L.
Large portion. Delicious food. Have been eating here for a while. Love the maza plate and the mixed grill. If you are a paleo guy definitely get the agora salad!
(5)The S.
Overall was a disappointment after reading the great reviews. Have had better Mediterranean food for less and at more convenient locations to me.
(3)Lucy F.
After a long morning of shopping in Buckhead - we were starving!! Decided to try Agora out for lunch, based on the reviews - and it was perfect! Great service, fresh food, and a clean space. The babaganoush was creamy and delicious and came with a warm basket of fresh pita bread. The Greek salad was crisp and fresh - with a perfectly balanced dressing. I will definitely go back!!
(5)N. A.
I love this place!! The owner is extremely nice and always happy to see you! I literally feel like family here! I come here every time I want to invite a friend as I know that they won't be disappointed! Food is fresh.. Service is wonderful.. The restaurant is run by very nice hospitable Turkish people! What else would you ask for! I would literally give them 10 stars not just 5!
(5)Jennifer T.
Been here three times now with colleagues for lunch. This place has top notch food and service. The owner is always around and he's SUPER nice and accommodating. The Lamb Salad and the Lamb Gyro are the best things on the menu. Just enough of everything (lettuce, feta, olives, dressing, etc.) for the perfect marriage.
(5)Alexander B.
Love this place! The platter and baklava are amazing! My family went here on a weekend away and it was spectacular! The new digs are great. We met the owner and he was great! Stop researching and get in the car and head here!
(5)Seema P.
Food was really tasty, esp for midnight run. Ordered the Maza Platter to share with friends along with a felafel sandwich. Flavors of both were on point and worth coming back for.
(4)Duc L.
Came on a Tuesday afternoon with a group about 10 people and I was surprised at how accommodating the place was for us. Keep in mind that this place isn't the largest of restaurants. In order to accommodate us all, we took about 5 tablets all together. Which only left about 4-5 2-person tablets left in the entire place excluding seating at the bar. Good thing no other large groups entered while we were there. Ordered 2 trays of mixed maza platters and man, were the hummas and havuc ezme oh so good. Pita bread were served on paper plates, nothing too fancy but it kept coming as quick as it was demolished. I just ordered the lamb gyro. Nothing too fancy or spectacular to rave about but it was a large portion. The order just comes with a side of salad. At the end of the meal, the owner gave us all a piece of lady fingers and a small cup of rice pudding. The rice pudding was legit rice pudding, you could taste the rice. It wasn't just tapioca rice pudding you are thinking of. But I think this was all done to the presence of my friend's daughter. That girl is SO adorable and hammed it up for the owner and he just adored her. Perks of having a child around sometimes. But can't complain. Good experience and they were accommodating so I'll give 4 stars. I'll be here again if I'm ever in the area.
(4)Scarlett W.
yummmmm. had the sampler plate, everything was awesome. was only in area for one day and just having a light lunch, but if i should ever find myself in atlanta again, i will go here. the owner is old school, comes and sits down, chats. great service. he brings you tiny samples of desserts, that baklava was so good, light and fluffy if that is possible. rice pudding too which i am not a fan of, but it was good.
(5)Jim Y.
Being from out of town, I'm willing to splurge a bit, especially with so many highly reviewed restaurants in the area. It turns out I don't have to. Cafe Agora is a bit of a hole in the wall, with 30 seats if you count the 4 at the bar/counter. Upscale dining it is not. Delicious meal it is! The hummus was terrific. For my meal, I ordered the lamb shish kabob. The pita was toasted slightly, and lightly spread with a tomato based sauce. I'm not at all familiar with Turkish food, so I don't know if this is common or if it's something they invented here. The lamb was grilled perfectly! A bit smokey, and tender. The flavor was uncommonly good. I don't order desert typically, but the owner came out with a small sample of baklava and price pudding. "My friend, just a taste." he said when he came over with the little treats. Wow! The baklava alone wild be worth a trip here. The care they take here in serving perfectly prepared dishes, with ridiculously good recipes, made me feel like they really respect everyone who comes into their place. Unlike most restaurants nowadays that make one feel like you're just a few bucks drifting in, with a mouth attached that they have to fill with something in order to separate the two.
(5)Salim H.
Recently moved from down the street. Same great food in a nicer setting!
(5)Ashley P.
Deeee-lish! Quaint, cozy atmosphere...typical hole-in-the-wall place, but hot damn, is it good! I tried the gyro and tabouli- very flavorful gyro meat! I will definitely be coming back here again. I'm so glad I found this gem on Yelp. Tip: you have to park up the street at their new building (which is under construction). This restaurant may not be good for a large party because it is pretty tiny inside.
(5)James M.
Always a pleasure coming to cafe agora! From a hole in the wall to a beautiful restaurant. The owner Al may come off as being odd, however he's not! Truly a sweet man that only wants to provide his guests a first class experience. The food is always super fresh! Meza appetizer is always great with a variety of tastes. Gyros are amazing! As a Chicago transplant I can appreciate an owner with showmanship and charisma along with top notch quality. If you don't appreciate the quality and experience here have your head examined.
(5)Jo T.
Best gyros and delicious baba ganoush! If you do take out, they will put the sauce on the side so your gyro doesn't get soggy.
(5)Liza W.
It's solid Mediterranean food- at least based on my typical American palate! Yes...we love our gyro, babaganoush, falafel, baklava, and rice pudding. :-) The service is pleasant, the place is usually packed at dinner, very reasonably priced (especially for the area), and they let you byow for a cork fee. Looking forward to their finished renovations right down the street so they'll have more space!
(5)Nemil S.
My go-to and most favorite spot for Mediterranean food. After moving to midtown, I probably order to-go once a week. I would recommend trying the meza plate if it is your first time, to get a small deliciousness of everything. If you want to dive right in, say hello to Al, order a gyro wrap and a side of baba ganoush and call it a day. Amazing for dinner and orgasmic after a late night on the weekends.
(5)Angela H.
I had heard great things about Cafe Agora, but I never made it a point to check it out. Recently on a Tuesday afternoon, my co-workers told me to pick a place for lunch. Since Cafe Agora is walking distance from our office, I suggested that we go there. A group of five of us arrived a little after 1 pm, and we were lucky that a group was leaving because the restaurant is tiny but apparently, always busy. Two employees were kind enough to put two tables together for us so that we wouldn't have to squeeze into one 4-seat table. As I was looking up at the picture menu on the wall and wondering how much the different entrees cost, an employee at the counter handed me a paper menu. That was a relief because it made it so much easier for me to choose what I wanted. I decided that I wanted a beef gyro, but it wasn't on the menu. The menu only listed the Lamb and Beef Gyro and a Chicken Gyro. Fortunately, the employee told me that it wouldn't be a problem if I only wanted beef in mine. I also asked them NOT to put onions in it. Once we were done ordering at the counter, we got cups of water (self-service at the counter) and sat at our table. After what felt like 20 minutes or so, two employees brought our food to the table. * Beef Gyro ($7.01 for the "Regular" size) - When I picked up my gyro to eat it, I noticed that there were a few onions sticking out. At first, I thought maybe it was just a bit of onions that was dropped in there and I could pick them out. However, I quickly realized that there were a lot more inside, so I told the employee who took my order. He took my gyro and brought out a fresh new one out after about a minute. It was a very simple gyro with just slices of beef, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. The beef was slightly charred, which I didn't particularly like, but the gyro was pretty good overall. Later, after looking at the paper menu I took with me, I realized that they didn't put tomatoes or cucumber in my gyro as it is stated in the menu. I guess I need to specifically ask for it next time. It probably would have tasted a whole lot better with those additional ingredients. I also found myself wishing the gyro was served with a side, such as fries. I'll have to order some fries next time, which I didn't realize they served until I re-read Richard R.'s review. It's not on their menu! =( When we were done, we got in line at the counter, individually told the server what we had ordered, and paid. As we paid, each of us was handed a small sample of rice pudding. It's slightly sweet and sprinkled with cinnamon. I really enjoyed it, but my co-workers weren't really fans. Overall, Cafe Agora gets 4 stars for their good gyro and friendly employees. The main downside of this restaurant is it's size because it is tiny and cramped. It also took longer than we had expected for the food to be served, but this was primarily because two of my co-workers ordered platters. However, I would definitely return to try one of their platters, such as the Chicken Shish Kebab and Kofte Kebab, which I heard were great! Can't wait! =) [Review 175 of 366]
(4)Zach S.
Amazing gyro. I've been here a handful of times over the past 5 years and the best gyro I ever had was the last time I was here. It's always been good, but for some reason (maybe I was just really hungry, who knows) the last time I was here, in November, it was heavenly. When I first started going here five years ago I would always see Al, he would try to give us free food, and was always very friendly and talkative. I wish he was still around, maybe he is at the other location, but I haven't seen him in a long time. It's crowded, a small restaurant, and theres a tv playing a greek channel. Water is more or less self serve, they do come to your table to take your order now though. It's not exactly cheap, but there's also no where else you can go to get a gyro this good. Plus, there hasn't been a time they haven't given me something for free, like pita bread with hummus, baklava, or some sort of greek pudding for dessert.
(5)Michael S.
First time ...Not our last! Good was fresh, delicious, and service was very friendly. Great place to hang with friends.
(4)Jasmine S.
Let me start off by saying that I would give this 3.5 stars if possible. Hubby and I went here Sunday night. Let's talk about parking first-Not a good situation when it is crowded as we witnessed first hand. There is a circle shaped parking lot in front, but due to the space being so small we could not exit the other side and we had to back up and back into the street. Luckily there's an empty lot next to them that we parked in (obviously keeping an eye on it to make sure no tow man came). When we walked in there was a hostess stand but no hostess so we we went to the bar to place our takeout order. We got the large chicken gyro and greek salad. The bartender who took our order was not overly friendly and he did end up telling us that this location has only been open about 2 weeks-things started to make sense from there. We waited about 30 minutes for our food. When we got home the portions were large and it was plenty of food for both of us. The only complaint food wise would be that the gyro was VERY dry-as in hardly any tzaziki (sp?) sauce. Other than that tasted good. We will definitely be back and will order in.
(3)Alan J.
Not the best Mediterranean. I grew up eating Mediterranean food and this is not anywhere near the expectations I had set after reading all these raving reviews. If you've not had a variety of this food before, then you're probably going to think that this is delicious. I must say however that their eggplant salad was outstanding.
(3)Michelle H.
Hummus was authentic, my Greek salad was mediocre and my taboulle was just okay. The people were nice enough that I will more than likely give it another try.
(3)Leah A.
Favorite hole in the wall place in Buckhead! Cannot wait for him to expand to his new location a few doors down! Definitely recommend the mezzo platter and chicken or fish shish kebab. So tasty!! And Al, the owner, is so nice! Ask him about his adventures coming to own Agora. He's very interesting and I love supporting him!
(5)Karly G.
It was almost 5 stars until Al said... Baklava is not good for you when I wanted to order some to go. Otherwise, this place is the best hole in da wall for Mediterranean food ever. We got the mixed grill platter which consists of grilled chicken, lamb and beef that comes with rice and a salad. it's also topped with some spiced grilled pitas. You must come early to get a table at this place, otherwise you might find yourself back to back against your unknown neighbor. It's a tiny place with very limited seating. It usually comes with a small plate which consists of hummer and some other stuff (sorry I couldn't remember what it is. lol) after your meal. you get a small treat of rice pudding and half a baklava which is nice. it leaves you with no desire to devour an entire piece of pie a la mode. :P
(4)Don B.
Glad I found this spot. We enjoyed the sampler appetizer. Just wish they would start us out with more pita bread so I don't have to keep asking for more! But the food was top notch. I usually go with a gyro platter at Mediterranean restaurants and have never had any this good. The combo platter was very filling and the meat was so juicy and full of flavor. I love how they tease you with the baklava at the end. It was so good. Made me want to buy a bunch to take home. Service was cool. It was not super evident what to do when we first arrived. Didn't know if we should sit or walk to the counter and order. But we ended up walking to the counter and letting them know we wanted to dine in. I'm a little disappointed about this Al guy though. Heard so many great things about how jovial he is but did not once look our way. I know I sound like an a-hole complaining about being offended by that but he gave everyone else there great attention and we got none. Maybe we didn't look like first timers or something.. Who knows.
(4)Amber H.
Stopped in after hearing good things about this place. We were NOT disappointed! The owner, Al, is fantastic! Since it was our first visit he invited us to try a small sample plate before ordering (and no, we weren't charged for this)...delish! Ordered the hummus and yogurt apps, 2 (1 combo and 1 lamb) gyros, and the baklava for dessert. Everything was absolutely wonderful! Portions are quite large, especially for the price. Hummus was thick and creamy, and the pita - oh, lord! Wow. The yogurt, so good I actually used it on part of my gyro. The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly. I had to stop myself from eating so i could try dessert without immediately falling into a food coma. So good. It wasn't easy, but I don't have to cook dinner tonight, so bonus! The baklava was amaze zah zing! And after finishing that off (no way was any of that was making it home), Al brought ANOTHER plate of those crispy, flaky, sweet little pieces of heaven. Thank God I don't live closer, I'd never fit in real pants again (and for that baklava, it would somehow be an equal trade). I have no idea where people are eating lunch when they've complained about the prices being too high, especially for the amount of scrumptous food that you get. Service here is outstanding. They welcomed everyone that walked in like old friends. Al walked to each table checking on customers, providing light banter and laughter. He was contagious in his passion for his food. After our meal, we sat and chatted with him on the patio. This man clearly loves what he does and wants his customers to enjoy life through his food. I will be making the drive here regularly. Go, now! Do NOT skip dessert. You can thank me later!
(5)Shelly G.
After all the hype I heard about this place for a while, I decided it was time to try it out. Friday afternoon around 6 pm...traffic around the area was awful and parking was a nightmare. The parking lot across the street was full and the parking lot behind the building with 15 sweaty valet guys running around was only for patrons of the restaurant/bar/club next door. We ended up driving to the next side street and just parking at a meter. Since it was Friday afternoon we put in an hour and half for good measure. Upon entering the restaurant, it was obvious we didn't need it...there was only one other occupied table. We got the Mixed Maza Platter and the Lamb and Beef Gyro. Both were great, the mixed platter was an assortment of different spreads/hummus/other dippables and accompanied by a plate of hummus. The gyro was well seasoned...normally I'm not a big fan of lamb but I liked this one. The complimentary baklava for dessert was amazing. The total for the platter and gyro not including tip was about $22. If I were closer to my normal hunger scale it probably would've easily been in the $30+ range, which is why I can see how it could be seen as a little on the pricey side for the atmosphere. Service was fine, neither neglecting nor overbearing. Overall a pleasant experience, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Cindy W.
Ok, I still really like this place. Came here with another group of friends for a birthday dinner. My roomie's bf is actually Turkish, and that's how we learned that this place is actually Turkish, not really Greek. Everything was still delicious and exactly like I remembered it. Parking- next to Blue Bottle, or across (free for 2 hours, something reasonable like that), save your receipt from Agora though, just in case. Speaking of which, they mixed up our bills like 3 times....but they're fairly flexible, to a fault, as you'll read in some of the rest of the reviews. However, I would ask that Al, should he be reading this, to CALM DOWN. He was feeding my friend random stuff from our mezze platter with the same fork and my friend became more uncomfortable and embarrassed with each successive mouth-fed bite. I hate that. She's coming with me and paying $25 for a meal. I don't want her to have an uncomfortable experience in any way. I didn't say anything though...not sure how Turkish customs work. Anyone know?
(5)Carrie Neal W.
So, I love me some Yelpers and I love me some gyros. What does that add up to, you might be wondering?? Lunch with Richard R. and Helena W. So close to my office and with two super-fun people - what's better on a Friday?? We had a few things . . . I got the same classic (lamb and beef) gyro I typically like here and the yogurt/tzatziki (sp?? can never get that right) dip with pita bread that I love. Helena got the chicken gyro and also some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, parsley, spices, etc) and Richard got a gyro and fries. Crinkle cut and well-seasoned - Helena *may* have snuck a couple off of his plate . . . Such a nice lunch - and complimentary cups of rice pudding. We all agreed that it was tasty with the cinnamon and nutmeg. I had to duck out kinda quick to get back to work, so I'll have to find out if Richard got another order of anything to-go like he was considering . . . Lunch next week - location TBD but y'all should join us!!
(5)Kyle T.
All I have to say to anyone thinking about eating here is do it! I don't care for Turkish food most of the time but this was great. For appetizers we had cheese stick things and chicken noodle soup. The cheese sticks came with wonderful sauce. The chicken noodle soup was just like my grandmother's matzo ball soup without the matzo balls. For an entree I decided to have the mix grill. Out of the three meats it came with (lamb, chicken and beef) the lamb was the best but all were fantastic. If you come no matter what you get you MUST get the baklava. Not overly sweet and extremely moist it just melted in your mouth. We sat around for a bit chatting and the owner came by and say with us. It made for one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
(5)Jeanette M.
Love! The food was so good! Baba ganouj was delish! I got the mixed Agora salad, amazing and shareable. Rice pudding was perfect, not too sweet and topped with cinnamon. Yum!
(5)S L.
Wow! I must've gone on an off night. Our meal and drinks were SUPREMELY UNREMARKABLE!!. We were excited to try because of all of the good reviews, but were quite disappointed. Part of our group was from the Mid East and I travel there frequently, so we are quite familiar with the food. Our waitress was sweet, but clueless. Ordered pineapple/cranberry martini and ended up adding lime and more cranberry to make it drinkable. Babaganoush salad, esme, tabouli and hummus were just ok. Kefte (sp?) kabob was dry and bland--even the Greek salad dressing was BEYOND mediocre! Plentiful portions tho. The best part of the meal was the rice pudding--that was delicious! Deck was nice. Agree with other reviewers regarding parking, but if the food is good wouldn't be a problem. I MAY return for the rice pudding, but def not food or drinks. My friends DEF will NOT return. Two stars for pudding and deck.
(2)Khoi T.
I've been going to Café Agora when it was a hole in the wall down the street. The new location is spacious and better served for large groups. If you're looking for it, it's right next to Meehan's, across the street from Blue Moon Pizza and just down the street from Georgetown Cupcakes. Food: Great. Amazing food and large portion at a reasonable price! And best of all, free Turkish rice pudding at the end of your meal! My favorites are: Mixed Agora salad, Mixed Maza Platter (platter for various dips) and Agora Mixed Grill if you're in the food for MEAT. Service: OK. It isn't amazing, but could be better. Parking: Eh. What can I say? It's Buckhead. Due to the small parking lot, there is complimentary valet parking which you have to use if you're dining in. Honestly, it's a joke, but it's what it is. If you can't be bothered with valet parking, there is a parking deck across the street. Tip: 1) If you get the salad, I'd recommend the mixed Agora Salad. It comes with chicken, beef and lamb. A lot more meat than if you were to get a single meat. 2 )Part of the amazing eating experience of Café Agora is eating while Al, the owner, is there. He's very nice, known to give free samples and will feed you himself. Just tell him it's your first time there and the free food just keep coming.
(4)John E.
This location of Cafe Agora is located on East Paces to the left of the Buckhead location of Meehan's Public House and across the street from a bunch of Buckhead galleries. Cafe Agora is a Turkish style Mediterranean restaurant - the influences are Greek, Arabic and Persian, so it's a bit of a mixed-bag (not in a bad way) of complimentary cuisines. The restaurant was just starting to get busy (this was a Monday night) - the patio was mostly full and the interior about half. I think this is a good location for a casual business meeting or to kick back with a glass of wine to observe the antics of Buckhead locals or obnoxious visitors (like me!). The restaurant is fairly new at this location and still well kept and clean. We sat on the patio and were immediately greeted. The menu is fairly extensive with many of the usual options like hummus, dolma, babaganoush, tabouli and the like, along with your typical gyro-like meat concoctions. There are also some interesting bits you don't typically see, like the haydari, plyaz and soups like Mercimek (lentils) or Sehriyeli Tavuk (chicken noodle) Corbasi. While viewing the menu the owner came by and offered up a sampler of apps to try - I believe it was a small Maza platter. Besides some hummus and tabouli, the other very strongly flavored spreads were quite very good. The flavors were subtlety different from our average Mediterranean and I found that to be so in the entree as well. I ordered the Mix Gyro plate with included both chicken and beef/lamb, over rice with a Greek salad - the marinated pita had a bit of red tint to it (tomato I think?) that wasn't immediately identifiable but added just a hint of acid that did a good job cutting through the meats. Both my dining companions ordered the Adana Kebab - grilled minced lamb on skewer with marinated pita and Greek salad. I thought the food very good and the service exceptional. Parking, on the other hand, was a bit of a PITA (pain in the ass - see what I did there?). Agora has valet as do most restaurants in Buckhead but frankly it was easier to just walk out with the valet and get in the car to drive off - I find the whole process in general to be cumbersome. But I digress... Give Cafe Agora a try - I think you'll like you find here. (longer review posted to my food blog)
(4)Vats A.
Have passed this place many times while out and about in Buckhead, but never tried it. Finally got the courage to stop in on a weekend with my friends and we were all very pleased. The interior is a bit drab, so we sat outside since it was the perfect evening. Ordered a chicken gyro plate and an Efes (Turkish) beer. The portion was huge and came with a Greek salad. I thought I wouldn't like the salad since it had feta or some sort of cheese topping, but turned out to devour that first. The Gyro plate came with bread and some dipping sauce all of which tasted delicious. I ate as much as I could and packaged the rest for later. Our waitress was very pleasant, but some of the other staff were kind of off. They all delivered on our requests, so I can't really complain about them. The bill per person came out to around $20, which is expected for Buckhead and also for higher quality meat.
(5)Al M.
Tucked just a block or so off busy Peachtree in the heart of Atlanta's toney Buckhead neighborhood, the 4-star Cafe Agora is a hit with its regulars that appreciate fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish twist. Our group which included two of those regulars, my son and his fiancé, who guided us through the menu for an early dinner before the movie premier of Mad Max: Fury Road. We started with a large Maza Platter, a delicious cold appetizer combination of Hummus, Ezme, Eggplant salad, Babaganush, Pyaz, Potato Salad, Fried Eggplant, Haydari, Tabuli and Carrot Salad...wow...A great deal for just $ 15.50. For our individual entrees, we pretty much worked the Gyro and Kabab theme and were pleased all around. The Sehriyeli Tavuk Corbasi, otherwise known to us non-Turks as homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, deserves a special call-out for being the best I've ever had....highly recommended. We finished some delicious Baklava which was lighter and flakier than most. One of the things we enjoyed the most was chatting with Al, the gregarious owner, who came around to our table just to check in and make sure we felt welcomed in his house...a very nice touch. Mad Max here we come....
(4)Nicole S.
I cannot believe it took me so long to make it here. I walked in to place an order to go, and was immediately was greeted by Al (the owner/manager?). He was so friendly. When I told him it was my first time there, he instantly told me he'd give me some samples. He brought out a mini Mazza platter to try. He was very enthusiastic and wanted to feed me, no joke. So friendly ha. Then Al gave me a sample of the rice pudding and some other dessert (grape leave maybe?). Everything was delicious. I decided to get the beef and lamb gyro. Absolutely delicious. I also got the carrot salad, which was very different than anything Mediterranean I've ever had. Different in a good way. I devoured everything. Would definitely return and highly recommend! All flavor a were spot on.
(5)Mit P.
I found this place somewhat disappointing although there are some positive attributes as well. Strengths: 1) Large portions 2) Solid menu with good selection 3) Ingredients for food appear to be fresh and tasty What I did not like: 1) Seems they can't coordinate timing of dishes so some dishes will be hot and others cold. My Kebab was cold, while my fiancee's falafel was hot. 2) Falafal was burned and not that great. 3) Service was incredibly slow. Waiter would disappear for 10 minutes at a time and not be seen 4) Food was really not that tasty. Seemed very standard, and some things were just odd. e.g. the babaganoush was made with a lot of yoghurt and really was nothing like the babaganoush you get in greece (mostly just eggplant pureed with some lemon juice and light seasoning). 5) Very little parking
(2)Christina K.
I feel so sad writing this review for I truly, truly loved my meals at Cafe Agora, but since they moved to a new building down the street, their level of service and food quality has just gone downhill. I brought the SO here one day for lunch and left crushed that nothing was as good as I had raved. Against my better judgement, we ordered these appetizers that aren't even on their online menu so I cannot tell you the exact name, but it is basically a beef eggroll. The eggrolls came out, and with one bite, a flood of grease comes pouring out the other side. The beef was overcooked and had bits of nuts in there but were otherwise bland. We flagged down our waitress and asked her if this was how it was supposed to be, and she said yes, I see they are greasy and proceeds to grab some napkins and blots them with her hand. I was just in shock... like, um, your hand is on my food. Our gyros came out very quickly and the food portion was huge as usual. However, the gyro meat was cold like it had been sitting out. It too was dry and just overall gross. I thought that it was just an off-day and every place has them, so after 2 weeks, I went back for lunch. This time, they changed the procedure: you stand in line, look up at their menu (like at McDonald's) and place your order with either the rude bartender or the nonchalant waitress. We ordered the small appetizer platter and 2 gyros. The food all came out very quickly, but I had to go back to the front to ask about our drinks. That's when the waitress said oh, you pour it yourself over there. Like I said, like McDonalds. I returned back to my seat and found that the gyro meat was cold (again) and asked my lunch mate if hers was and she said yes. I just can't fathom why the meat would be so cold, even if it were sitting under a heat lamp there would be some kind of warmth to it, but it was just cold. This and the poor service really makes me hesitate in coming back again.
(1)Michael W.
Came to this place from a friend suggestion. They were about to close but they let us in. Food: I ordered a mix chicken and beef gyros and falafel platter with a friend. So we decided to share both platters. I was surprised how good the falafel was cooked. It was not dry, not overpowered with black pepper and seasoned well. i really enjoyed the chicken on my platter. The chicken was not overcooked. But my favorite part about this was the hummus..... fresh yummy hummus. The platter came with a nice spring mix salad with a very delicious olive oil vinagrette dressing. 4/5 Atmosphere: This is a very nice with full size bar as soon you walk in and very well decorated. The owner took to the time to set up the place very efficiently. 4/5 Service: Great service! The food came out in a rapid manner while providing a good quality of food. The owner came by and let us try their different hummus and even gave us little desserts at the end of our meal. You can tell that he is striving to provide great quality mediterrenean food so he gets mouth to mouth referral. Well it worked!
(4)Thu M.
Besides the awkward cashier asking to hang out with us, the food was amazing. Service prompt. Loved the sampler they gave to first timers. We had a combo dish that was good to eat 2 days later! So much food. Come here if you don't want to cook tomorrow. And the ingredients tasted fresh to me. I'm a big fan of Lebanese food, but this Turkish establishment is fine by me.
(4)Lia P.
Fresh and affordable Greek food. What's not to love? The parking here was easy so that's a huge plus. It was a little dead when we went because they had just opened for the day but our server was still polite and prompt. He even started us off with a few samples! Next time I'm definitely ordering the hummus. For lunch I had the agora salad with lamb. HUGE salad loaded with all the good stuff. The lamb was soooo good. So well seasoned. So not overly processed. My husband could barely finish his gyro but he really enjoyed it. Honestly you could probably just share a few things here and go home full and happy. Adding to my short list of places to go in Buckhead!
(4)Sherry A.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants! The quality of the food is always good, fresh and consistent! A go-to place in Buckhead that will never disappoint!
(5)Sarah M.
So delicious! We went on a Saturday at 5 pm. Very empty They have a great patio, but we sat inside due to the heat and the fact we have a 5 month old. Service was mediocre, probably due to the odd time. But the food was amazing! I have been craving Mediterranean food all week! Already dreaming of my next visit. I got the chicken and lamb platter. Everything was perfect. Portions huge. I had enough for another meal later... That I really looked forward to! Tzaziki sauce and hummus were yummy too! Please go here. You won't regret it!
(5)Tracy M.
My boyfriend is Turkish he showed me this place. Good food, My favorite one Chicken Doner Plate and Red lentil Soup. Cashier is very nice guy and have good sense of humor. Clean and nice looking interior. In the best traditions of Middle East
(4)Stephanie C.
Honestly I can not really say much on the service here simply because my boyfriend and I went here to eat right when they were about to close everything, My boyfriend knows the owner Al so we got to eat anyways. The vibe that the place gives you is exciting. I am going to have to go back when its open and busy. The food is really good and they have some good cocktails. It is a very clean resturant and I will be back and update my review!
(5)Miranda C.
The food was 5 star but only gave 4 stars because of the cleanliness of the restaurant. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint and the floors were in desperate need of a mopping. Other than that I loved the place! I have had chicken kabobs in morocco and Egypt but these were by far my favorite of all the kabobs I have had. They were tender and had a crust of amazing seasonings. I would definitely come back. My mom had the falafel and it was very fresh. However we found it to be a little on the spicy side. Not sure if that is normal for their falafel. We also had the meze plate as an appetizer and it was really good. Lots of little salads and hummus to try. For dessert we got the baklavah and the rice pudding. The rice pudding was a little bland but the baklavah was amazing. I will be coming back when I make it back to Buckhead.
(4)Sungjae J.
I've tried left overs and takeout from cafe agora in the past and I always wanted try them because I was thinking, if its this good hours later after being nuked, the just served dishes should be better... Huge disappointment :( I got an appetizer..I forgot the name of the dish but it looked like an eggroll. When I cut it half to eat it, it was dripping with oil.. all 3 of them were so oily that it was not edible.. I got the gyro plate and the sliced lamb meat was really dry and crusty... What the hell??? how can the leftovers or takeout be better than my meal there. Put me in an awful mood I liked the decor... too bad the food sucked.. A bad day in the kitchen?? I had such high hopes.. will not return.
(2)Ryan D.
Cafe Agora Buckhead: The bullcrap place that says they deliver, but when you call, they don't actually deliver. Shady practices.
(1)Macario V.
I've been there once, but everything was delicious. Service was great also. Just picked up a take out order, so can't really say much about the restaurant. While I was waiting for my order, the manager (maybe the owner) gave me a few samples and made sure I was doing well. I'm about to try delivery through eat24 and I'll see how that goes. For that one experience I'm giving them 5 stars, I'll eat here more often.
(5)Praise Chanme K.
Café Agora is located in the heart of Buckhead, right near the Shake Shack plaza and across from Georgetown Cupcakes/Qing Mu/Doraku. Conveniently, it's located right next to my office and only a 2-3 minute walk, so I've stopped by several times during my lunch breaks. The owner here, a guy named Al (whom I'm sure many reviews have featured), is extremely friendly, expressive, and quite theatrical, haha. You can hear his voice booming from the bar/cash register at any given time, but it adds character to the place. I've tried their salads and both the chicken as well as lamb/beef gyros. I believe both the regular and large gyros cost under $10 before tax, and a regular is definitely enough to fill you up for a meal; I always leave filled. They stuff the gyro with thinly sliced meat, marinated onions, fresh lettuce, and cilantro. The balance between the flavors as well as meat/veggies is really good, and I love their tzatiki sauce - I feel like a lot of tzatiki sauces I've tried are overly sour or too strong on the dill/parsley and cucumber, but Café Agora's sauce is a really delicate blend of the yogurt, garlic, cucumbers, and seasoning. The pita bread that the gyro is on can sometimes be a little tougher than expected - can be a little hard to cut through easily with a plastic or duller knife, but a soft pita should have no problem doing so. For the dishes that I've tried so far, they've always been consistent and arrive in a timely manner (earlier today, I ordered a chicken gyro to-go and I received my order in within 5 minutes, which I appreciated). For dining in, you'll grab your own utensils + drinks at the counter behind/to the side of where you order and you also have the option of sitting indoors or in their outdoor section, which is nice as well.
(4)Mike P.
Went in one night late for a little nosh. The owner is so nice and accommodating. I love this place. Great atmosphere, great food, great service.
(4)Brandon R.
Huge portions for the price! Started with the baba ganoush. Got the lamb and beef platter for dinner and still had some leftover when I was done. My family ordered the gyros and it was also a great size. If it's not big enough you can still get a large. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Thomas C.
Summary: Great mediterranean food with a mom-and-pop feel. Ambience/Service: First, parking seems to be a challenge here but luckily I was able to find some street parking 1 block away. The ambience is great. I sat outside on their patio where most were, even in October. I was greeted by a waiter soon after seating and asked if I had ever been there before, which I had not. Overall he was very attentive and explained all the menu items. Food: Perhaps because this was my first time, the waiter brought me an appetizer on the house. It had basically 4-5 different items on it, all different colors. The plate was very vibrant and beautiful to look at but more importantly was delicious. It had pretty much every flavor that encompasses mediterranean food. Outstanding. I ordered the falafel plate. The falafels were perfectly cooked, not too greasy and the whole thing was cooked through. The rest of the plate was also delicious. Overall: I'd come back here again. Reading all the other reviews, I'm surprised at the reviews particularly of the service because I had such a great waiter (I recall giving a very sizable tip, which was deserved). Nevertheless, I was texting my girlfriend about this immediately after and told her I'd need to bring her there next time we're in town.
(4)Michelle L.
One of the best dinners in town, seriously. Folks looking for a great place to take a first date, take note!! Lovely murals, low light, a charismatic owner, and such delicious food will set you at ease! Entrees range from 11.99 for the gyro sandwiches to upwards of 18 for the plates, which is still pretty reasonable overall. You MUST try the Maza platter! I have come here with the bf on a couple of occasions when we weren't super hungry and just split that with the pita bread. Note that a large Maza platter is definitely plenty if you have three ravenous adults who are still planning to tackle their respective separate entrees; if you are planning something along these lines I recommend opting for the SMALL platter, or maybe cutting back on the pita bread (which will be hard-- trust me; it is served cut up into tiny squares, warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and is utterly delicious). I love each and every item on the Maza platter, from the hummus to the baba ghanoush to the kidney beans and potatoes. My favorite, though, is the carroty dip that is usually nestled in the middle of the plate. Try it all! I definitely encourage you to bring your sense of adventure. Oh my god, though, the chicken gyro sandwich was a revelation. I have eaten quite a few unmemorable chicken gyros in my life; thankfully Agora's does not fall into this category. The finely shredded lettuce, drizzle of tzaziki sauce, cubed marinated chicken and warm pita bread combined in messy Mediterranean perfection in my mouth. Yep, use of the foil wrap that accompanied the gyro sandwich might have been useful but I couldn't be bothered with all that. I stripped that baby naked and inhaled at least half in less than a minute. My favorite part of dinner might be the tiny samplings of creamy rice pudding they provide at the end of the meal- just sweet enough to be the perfect cap to a deliciously spiced meal. A note on parking: when we went on a Friday night around 7:30pm m there was no wait, but complimentary valet parking: it did start to fill up a bit around 8 or 8:30, though.
(5)Mona T.
I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the mixed chicken and lamb gyro and both were so flavorful! Definitely will be back and definitely recommend. We came on a Monday for late lunch and it was pretty empty so it was nice to have a yummy quiet lunch :)
(4)Jim P.
The gyro platter was excellent...served with a salad that was also excellent. A great spot for lunch with a bar area to sit and eat at if you prefer. Owner has always been present when I make my Friday visits. Highly recommended!
(5)Celine S.
Authentic turkish cuisine. I really love it. Be sure to get the baba ghanoush with the pita bread when you get there. You'll be impressed at the appetiser but there's still room for surprise when you hit the main course. I just love eggplants and if you crave the same, get the turkish moussaka! It comes with yummy melted cheese, grilled vegetables and minced beef. Don't hold back asking for rice to go with that. You'll find their fragrant rice going so well with your eggplant you can't put your spoon down. Enjoy.
(5)Mary Margaret B.
Loved Cafe Agora, I always saw the small little hole in the wall (old location) and never had a chance to stop in. The new location is next to Aspen Bartini and across from the Aaron Building on E. Paces.. I love the open and spacious layout of the restaurant. It has a very large patio and another quaint front patio to the side of the building. Small wall fountains with trickling water and classic Greek music played softly as we walked up the front steps. We were greeted warmly and opted to sit at the bar as it was the first officially hot day of summer this year and we were stopping in before work (black on black pants boots etc.) so we wanted a cooler spot. The bar is white and beautiful, they carry a vast array of wine, beer and liquor. Sonoma Cutrer, 3am vodka, Macallan, Beefeater, things like that. Now the food. We ordered the Lamb Gyros and it comes with a traditional Greek salad. The Gyro was huge and so so delicious..Possibly the best lamb gyro I've ever had. I don't typically finish my food and I ate every last bite. The red onions are perfect compliment and they give you a plate with some different herbs, sauces and yogurts on the side like Hummus, Tabouli, dill, and my favorite tzatziki! All were tasty, the tabouli was a little chunky, oily and herbal for my liking (I prefer more citrus and tang) but I enjoyed the others. The Greek salad wasn't my thing, I like the Americanized creamy Greek dressing over a balsamic, but the lettuce cucumbers onions peppers etc were very fresh and tasty. I highly highly recommend Cafe Agora to everyone. I can't wait to explore the menu a bit more!
(5)Matt P.
Worst experience in my life at agora. Waitress had no clue what she was doing. Took 30 minutes to get lunch with no one in there. Never refilled drink. Ordered extra meat yet was still the same told her she still wouldn't take it off. Don't go for lunch better at night with the big boss there. Employees just sitting around doing nothing during the day.
(1)Kristie V.
Four of us came here on a Saturday night at 7:45pm. They had complimentary valet so we all did that instead of trying to find street parking on a Sat. night. We came in and told the host that it was a party of four, but three other people may be joining us in a little bit. They host said that was fine. We came in and the restaurant was only around 30% full, not even, so we were glad it wasn't busy at all. We sat down and the server gave us water (and that was literally the only thing she did the entire night, but I'll get into that later). We saw on yelp that they give you a complimentary sampler if you say it was your first time, which it was for all four of us so we told the waitress it was our first time. She awkwardly said "be right back" and left for ten minutes, without introducing us to the restaurant, the menu options, without getting our drink orders, or anything. We told her that three more people were joining us and she said she will pull a table next to us. She came back ten minutes later with a tiny sampler of different dips. We were all expecting to order a ton of food from the appetizer and grill section, but we tried the dips and none of us liked any of it. The hummus was very bland and the other dips had seasoning that didn't go well together. So none of us ordered anything from the appetizer section, and were right off the bat pretty disappointed at the service and the food. But we were here and ordered anyways. My friend ordered the falafel appetizer, my friend ordered the falafel gyro, and my boyfriend and I ordered the mixed grill and I asked for an extra plate so we can share. We reminded her again that three more people were coming to join us. Ten minutes later the manager seats a large party beside us, so there was no room to pull in a table next to us. The server comes five minutes later and we tell her for the third time that three more people are joining us, and she was like "oh, you can just move across the room later" and points to a table across the room. Five minutes later the manager seats a party at the table the waitress pointed us to move to later, so we weren't able to sit there either. The waitress comes again and sees that the table is full, so she pulls apart a table that seats 15 people into a table of 7 and 8 people. She told us to move there so we all grabbed our sampler dish, our drinks, and our silverware to the table next to us. While being seated at the new table for a couple minutes (this was the third table she redirected us if you lost count), the manager comes and starts telling us that this table is reserved for a party of 15 people and we were not allowed to sit here. He made it seem like it was our fault for sitting here. He sat there explaining that to us for five minutes, while our server didn't say a word and was serving a table next to us but could hear everything. I point to our server and told the manager that our server told us to sit here. The manager was like "what?" and then our waitress finally comes over to us and ushers us to sit in a table in an entirely different room (fourth table we moved to). She never apologized once for anything. Well, we finally got our food at our new fourth table by a friendly food runner (the food runner did more than our waitress did the entire night). Of course, the server didn't bring an extra dish for me to share the mixed grill. My friend's falafel appetizer came with three falafel balls and she was very disappointed. She expected pita bread or something to come with it. My other friend tasted her falafel gyro and said it was "okay, but not good". Our server the entire time, never once actually came to our table and asked if everything was okay. We basically had to flag her down. My friend asked the waitress for some pita bread and the waitress was like "sure." I jokingly said to my friend that you're not gonna see that pita bread for a long time. The mixed grill platter was okay. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back here just for that. Anyways, my boyfriend and I ran out of water halfway through the dinner. We once again flagged down our waitress to give us refills and she was like "sure." Our four friends joined us halfway through the dinner and asked us how was our food. They tried the falafel and decided they didn't like it and asked us how our food was and we said it was okay, nothing special, so they decided not to order. We also told them not to order since our waitress was terrible. The manager told us he was annoyed our friends didn't order and that we took up a table, but I looked around and the restaurant was still 50% empty. The waitress brought us our checks at the end. Guess what? She never refilled any of our waters. Not once. And the pita bread? Oh, it never came out. What is worse is that our waitress brought back the wrong change and we were short some cash and she had to recalculate it and give us the correct change. She never apologized for anything. Never coming back!
(1)Clara C.
The classic debate of 3 vs 4 stars. To be fair, I only ordered pick-up so I did not have the full dining experience to base my judgement on. However, the service seemed a bit rude and rushed from what I gathered while waiting on my order. Also, they forgot my tsatziki sauce with my combination meat kabob platter. Big no no since kabob meat is typically on the dry side. The meat was flavored well, but the rice a bit salty for my taste. The salad that comes with the platter was fresh and flavorful (tomatoes, lettuce, feta, cucumbers, red onions) and the pita bread was good as well. I think the missing tsatziki would have mellowed out the saltiness of the rice and the dryness of the meat, and would have made this meal 4 stars rather than 3. I'll have to update my review next time I dine in.
(3)Gabriella R.
Growing up in a Greek family and living on the south side of Atlanta, it is always refreshing coming to Cafe Agora. It is hands down one of the best spots for Mediterranean cuisines in Atlanta. The wait staff is very attentive and eager to help with any requests. I loved this spot before the move down the street, but even more now. Huge kudos to the owners, it is beautiful and makes me feel like I am back home in Greece. All the dishes are always delicious! Also, great beverage selection. Loved the wine! If you have not visited yet, you must. Highly recommend the patio! :) You can't leave without rice pudding and lady fingers for dessert!
(5)A A.
Food is always delicious. I recommend the beef & lamb gyro plate. Portions are very generous and you will leave full. Their pita bread is my favorite! Friendly staff and they are open late hours.
(4)Beth B.
We went last night to Cafe Agora with a reservation made in the afternoon to sit outside, They were not prepared to seat us,waited several minutes to get a table set and they told us someone with the same last name was seated at our table,It did not get better from there, we never got our appetizer ,told them when they brought our dinner but it was too late for it, The 2 lamb orders were overcooked and when we complained,they said they were very busy and could make another but we would have to pay for half. They never offered to make it good,never asked about dessert although all the other tables were served sample desserts, We will not be back!
(1)Loni S.
Great Greek food! Best Homemade Strawberry Cake ever. So light and yum. Owner really nice and gets it.
(5)Hugo R.
First meal in Atlanta that wasn't a chain restaurant and Wow if we can expect the food at other local places to be as good as this was Its going to be a helluva summer Fantastic food and at a great value. Bring your kids. They have a children's $5 meal of rice and chicken that my twin 18month olds inhaled. It was Delicious with a Capitol D. You can't go wrong here. Oh and free valet parking. Love Love Love this place!!
(5)Sandy L.
Excellent food and service! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant....try it out you will love it. Sandy
(5)Brad B.
Thursday Night Football, take a hike. I'm getting on my Thursday night takeout game with Cafe Agora. I had the chicken gyro and Kelly had the chicken Agora Salad. Both were outstanding. The porch was packed out on this beautiful fall night and I know why, from the service to the food, you can't beat this place. I will most likely be back next Thursday night and possibly at the beginning of a tradition. This was some of that too good...
(5)Aesthete T.
Nothing special. We came on St Patrick Day at night and we had a rude waiter inside. The food was average at best. The owner could tell maybe we weren't happy and gave us some sort of dessert on the way out. That want good either, but he tried
(2)Amy M.
We came in for an early dinner/late lunch, so we beat the dinner crowd. One of the managers or owners came out and talked to us right away and asked if we had ever been there before. When we said no, he sent his waiter to get something and brought it back in a few minutes. It was a small sampler plate, with emze, hummus, and other dips. It was so good! We placed our order, the mixed maza platter and the Agora mixed grill. When the maza platter came out in a few minutes, he told the waiter to make us some special balloon bread that wasn't on the menu. The dips on the platter were so good and the balloon bread was phenomenal! It was puffed up like a balloon that we had to pop and tear off pieces to dip in the different sauces. Everything was so fresh and tasty. The mixed grill was great too! All the meats were so tender and flavorful! We shared both plates with just 2 people, and had a lot left over. We also got a piece of coconut cake to go, and it was also really fresh tasting and moist. We had an amazing experience and will definitely come back!
(5)Ty M.
Where do they source their ingredients? How can such a simple combination of parsley, olive oil, salt, and the precious few other elements that go into their dishes taste so lively and delightful? Honestly, this place is extraordinary. Their mezze platter will make you feel alive. The mixed grill is astonishingly good for such a simple dish. And the dude that runs it is great--affable, professional. I love it.
(5)Heather M.
I feel so lucky to have found this little gem in Buckhead!!! Great weekend lunch, great prices, huge portions, and terrific service. The meze plate was delicious - especially the carrot dip, the gyro was some of the best that I've ever had, and the chicken agora salad was fresh and flavorful. The owner was so friendly and welcoming - we had a great time! Bonus points for the dessert. I loved the rice pudding and the baklava cigars! If I find myself in Buckhead again, I will be sure to come back for a visit!!
(4)Julie H.
This was the best food I haver ever had in my life. The gyro and side salad was amazing and the baklava will change your life. Desert is expensive, but worth it.
(5)Prince R.
Absolutely DELICIOUS Mediterranean food with a Turkish influence. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with great staff who are big on providing a personal touch.
(5)Simon K.
When my friend told me this was the best Mediterranean food she's ever had, I was a little skeptical. If you've read my previous reviews, you know my affinity for Pita Inn in the Chicagoland area. In order to try it and prove her wrong, I ordered from Cafe Agora. Now, I may never be able to experience Pita Inn the same way again... - Combination/Sampler Platter: EVERYTHING is delicious. Nothing is too tough or too salty. It's all just too tasty. The Kofte Kabob was my favorite though. - Hummus: At most places, you can turn the hummus plate upside down and it will stick to the plate/bowl because it isn't creamy enough. The hummus here is so creamy that you can put it on anything. It literally becomes another sauce for you to use to add flavor to any of your dishes. - Falafel Sandwich: First off, these falafels are the perfect size. At some places, they are too small and you end up with too much overcooked shell. At other places, they are too big and the inside isn't cooked thoroughly or you just don't have the right proportion of crispy to soft. At Cafe Agora, it is perfect. And the tzatziki sauce might be the best I've ever had. - Baklava: Perfect amount of phyllo, honey, and nuts to give it a nice crunch without being overtly sweet. Eat it quickly though or the phyllo will get soggy. It is a little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Note: They do deliver but you have to have $30 minimum. So don't do it if you're only ordering for yourself.
(5)Atlanta G.
New location is great. The old place had very good food, but parking was terrible and the staff was often unprofessional / rude. Now even for lunch - free valet, courteous staff in nice uniforms, food runners, etc, extremely fast food service (our party of 5 had all of our food in about 6 minutes from ordering), and still the same great dishes and food. And the owner came out and gave us a free sample size of the rice pudding. Only comment is it is huge portions, but since its reasonably priced why not take the extra food (i took mine to go).
(5)Daniel B.
Cafe Agora specializes in Turkish, Greek, and other Mediterranean cuisine. They have a picture menu posted above the kitchen of various Mediterranean foods such as gyros and kebabs as well as these huge glass cases where they show off some of their appetizers, spreads, pies, and desserts. These help out a lot when you're trying to decide what to order. As soon as we sat down at our table, the owner Al, brought us a small sampler of hummus, ezme (tomato-based spread), and tabouli (green herb-based spread). He then took a small disposable fork, mixed the three spreads together, and boldly fed us samples while we waited. Each of the spreads were freshly made and the ezme and tabouli were tangy. While it was a nice gesture of the owner to have us sample these, he ended up charging us for it, when we never ordered it to begin with. Not cool. I tried out two chicken dishes: the chicken shish kebab and the chicken gyro. The chicken shish kebab was served off-the-stick, in between pieces of pita bread and a bed of white rice. The pieces of chicken were chargrilled, so the meat was a little crispy on the outside. The entree is also served with a small side salad with mint dressing and a small cup of tzatziki sauce. The meat was dry, so the sauce really helped. The pieces of chicken in the gyro were much better and tasted great with the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and tzatziki sauce. While it's a lot of food, the kebabs are a little overpriced as each plate will set you back about $15 which seems like a lot for a dive such as this. Gyros are about half the cost. We also tried a slice of their strawberry cake, which we'd seen earlier sitting behind the glass. We asked for just a small piece, but Al gave us a huge chunk. It was as delicious as we'd hoped. The strawberries were sweet and ripe and icing was rich. As mentioned previously, the restaurant itself is small and divey. The space can get cramped when the restaurant is busy. Cafe Agora is located next door to Buckhead Bottle Bar on East Paces Ferry Rd. We came on a weeknight and were told by the valet guys at BBB that we could park in the HiFi Buys parking lot across the street for free, even though that lot has one of those metal boxes that you insert cash into (it turned out to be fine).
(3)Camilo R.
Terrible service! From the Valet all the way to the owner Al! I start the night by being force to hand over my keys to the valet parker when I had already found a spot. Valet parker was not courteous at all about it, to the point where he got in my face and demanded my keys as I'm walking away. I said no, I will go inside and talk to Al and he says it doesn't matter I will be back inside later to get the keys. I decided to speak to Al's uncle, (manager) about the situation and he just seemed to be having a bad day, disregarded my concern and told me not to mix parking with food and go sit down. The fact that his valet parker had already ruined my mood didn't matter to him. We order our an appetizer and according to the menu it was supposed to be served with garlic sauce. When we asked the server what kind of sauce it was he said garlic sauce. We proceed to ask another server what kind of sauce it was brought to us and she told us tomato sauce which I am allergic to. The other server went on to try to convince me that the red sauce on the table was garlic sauce. Terrible!!!We asked for lemons and they bring us limes. Throughout the whole night you could see Al visiting's everyone's table to make sure everything was okay. Walked by mine 8 times!! Not once did he check on us. He lost his cool in public and started to yell at two of his servers. Very humiliating! Got the check and left without leaving a tip. Go get car from valet which happens to get smart with me and tells me not to come back to the restaurant if I don't want to valet. I go inside and speak to Al directly about the whole experience and tells me that it was a terrible night, he admitted to loosing his tempter with his employees, said he was going to fire one of them, said that his uncle had a loss in the family so therefore his attitude was justifiable and all I get is an apology while he slowly walks me to the door. On top of it, I come to find out the restaurant charged my account a TIP for the service after I had written a zero on it and signed it which means they added money that I had not agreed to. This is consider stealing! It was not a party of 6 or more where a tip is added to the bill, nor did the bill stated that!!! I will never go back! I will never refer anyone or have anything positive to say about Cafe agora going forward. It's sad to say that I've been a customer for 6 years!
(1)Gina S.
Delicious lamb gyro! Moist, decadent chocolate cake. Easy parking, excellent location, fast, friendly service in a comfortable setting.
(5)Adam E.
Not sure about the whole lovefest on here. Gonna buck the trend here and challenge everyone's "groupthink" mentality. Let's get real about this place. If you rate this a 4 or a 5, then chances are you have not tried out other Turkish-Med places here in Atlanta. Food is average. Parking and restaurant are below average...especially for the Buckhead area. I like hole-in-the-wall places as much as the next guy. But at the same time, I expect lower prices and yummy, can't-put-it-down kinda food. Sure, it might be good for a quick gyro on your lunch break, but not otherwise. I have come here for dinner twice. Both times I'm thinking we should have gone somewhere else. I mean you're paying a restaurant price for average food in a below average setting. Why not pay the same price and have a nice dinner in a real restaurant at a place like Mykono's. Anyways, we had the chicken gyro platter and lamb gyro platter and got to sample everything they had. Gyro meat is chipped into small pieces and is dry, overcooked. Salad is plain. Lots of rice and bread to fill you up on carbs. If they have not fileld you up on carbs alreay, I bet you can't wait to try the rice pudding. Hmmm...sooo...average. One bite and you've had enough. There is nothing that would make me return. I would not recommend this place.
(2)Brittany P.
Love the new location. Lots of outdoor seating. The platter appetizer is a must to sample true authentic Mediterranean dips and apps. I ordered the chicken kabobs but couldn't finish it. It was really tasty. The owner is pretty chatty. Funny guy though. Ambience and great authentic greek.
(5)Sarah T.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had and the owner is amazing! I feel like I'm at home every time I go here!
(5)Hannah E.
To be completely honest, the first several times I visited this restaurant were after having drinks with friends in the nearby bar district - it's open 'til 4am. The food was always delicious, so I decided to take my mother for lunch, and it was still just as great. As a baklava fiend, I never fail to order this dessert anywhere I can find it, but Cafe Agora's is the best in Atlanta. The baklava here is absolutely divine! They make it in house, fresh, and it is drenched with honey goodness. As far as other recommendations, you can't go wrong with the Mezze Platter!
(5)Anurag G.
It's a great place. The food is amazing, fresh, and the portion sizes are enormous. Service is fast and good. I really liked the falafels, and maza platter for appetizers. They have a pretty nice complimentary stuff like hummus tasting in the beginning, and dessert at the end; not to mention the complimentary valet parking. ;)
(5)Lauren H.
We love Cafe Agora. It's a staple in Buckhead that never gets old. The food is fresh and delicious and I always leave happy and full. Al is a character and it's always a good time and good conversation when he's around the restaurants. Definitely check out this place for authentic Turkish/ Mediteranean food. We also heard that Al is opening a full sit down restaurant down the street (with a lot!), so look for that coming soon!!
(5)Holy Guacamole M.
Yeah, I'm a fan! Their food has such great flavor! Anything you order will be great, but I usually tend to get the "small" mixed Maza platter appetizer (which isn't small at all) and a lamb & beef gyro. This is a quaint family owned/operated establishment. They always give you a complimentary rice pudding and baklava (samlper size) at the end of your meal. The prices are a bit higher here, but you get what you pay for... Really Great Food!!! I would give it 5stars if I were grading it on food alone, but the bathroom needs a little improvement and the parking can be challenging sometimes. There is another location in Midtown, but I haven't been there... yet!
(4)Anuj S.
I think Cafe Agora could not live up to the super high expectations yelp has created for it. With so many reviews and such a high average, I was expecting much more. This place is one of those hole in the wall places - no problem... sometimes the best food is served at small mom/pop shops. It wasn't clear where to park. Was going to initially park at a meter in front of the restaurant. I went inside to ask if they had other parking available... it was difficult to even get the person's attention. He did tell me that parking was available a 1/4 block away. A bit confusing as the parking lot says it's paid, but it's not clear how you even make a payment. Upon returning I asked about the payment situation and the guy says, "no", in response to whether or not I needed to pay without even looking at me. Not looking for good service after this point. The food itself was good. First off we got a side of hummus. It was just OK. It comes with very little bread which is all cut up in to small squares. I didn't really like that. I'd rather they provide me with the full bread which I can break myself. Plus, they give so little. It's probably one pita for the entire plate of hummus. We asked for more bread and he forgot so we didn't get that until we were done with the entrees. He did apologize for forgetting. After bringing out the falafel sandwich, he never came back even once to check up on us. I wanted to get some hot sauce, but failed multiple times to get his attention. The falafel themselves were nice. Can't complain. I haven't had Turkish food very often, but it seemed to be a mix of Lebanese and Greek to me - the falafel being the Labanese part and the Tzaziki being the Greek part. That as opposed to having the normal tahini and hot sauce. It was still good, though. Good to have something different. Just wish the service had been better. After that, one nice touch was that we got these two little complementary sampler desserts. We got a little cup of rice pudding with cinnamon sprinkled on top. That one was just OK. We also got this baklava variant which was basically baklava wrapped in a roll with some pistachio stuffed inside. I remember they called these lady fingers on the menu. These were amazing! Just wish these things weren't so rich and sugar-full or I'd order some of them to go. Overall, I don't know what other Mediterranean options there are in and around the greater Atlanta area and more specifically in Buckhead. Hopefully there are some others. If not, I guess I might give Cafe Agora another try.
(2)Farida A.
3.5 stars, really. Look I'll admit it, the food is pretty darn good. The meats are cooked extremely well and my goodness the pita is heavenly! Hummus, not so much (bland and watery). But the clincher here is the price. I thought food was cheaper in AT? For a place with zero ambiance I'm surprised they can get away with charging SO much so simple kabob platters. It was good, but I wouldn't come back unless someone else was paying for it!
(3)Alyssa M.
My fiancé and I came here for the first time tonight, and it's my new favorite spot! The restaurant is spacious, nicely decorated & has a great outdoor patio. We ordered the appetizer platter to share and each got a sandwich (falafel for me, lamb gyro for the boy). Everything was EXCELLENT!! Beyond the food, the service was phenomenal. The manager and especially our waiter made us feel right at home - like we were at a little neighborhood cafe. Our waiter surprised us with a sample of the rice pudding for dessert, and I will definitely be ordering it next time - simply out of this world! Thanks for a great dining experience, we will definitely be back soon!
(5)Shirley Z.
Twice in 24 hours. That stinking good. I love authentic, hole in the wall, unpretentious places. Cafe Agora is right up that alley. My first time me and my boyfriend shared the Mixed Maza Platter as an appetizer and Agora Mixed Grill for entree. Although I am not an eggplant fan, we still managed to clean the plate(Mixed Maza Platter). I would highly recommend this for your first time. it's a great way to get to know the appetizer menu and a great way to educate yourself on Mediterranean cold dishes. As for entree, we got the Agora Mixed Grill, simply because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and get a feel of what's good and what to stay away from. Everything was good, but it did leave me wishing for more lamb and a big fat gyro. GUESS WHAT, the next day we visited again. IT WAS THAT GOOD. To sum things up: * park at hifi buys and keep receipt for validation. * Try the mix maza platter * Get the lamb gyro * try the TO DIE FOR & FREE baklava & rice pudding. OMG, I really want some now.
(5)Stephen V.
First, I was stationed in Turkey for 2.5 years, so I KNOW Turkish food! This place is a wonderful place for me to get my Turkish fix when I start craving that excellent culinary tradition. The food is always superb and quick. The owners are wonderful and friendly. Their new bartender at the new location is sweet, cheerful and charming....doing everything she can to make one feel comfortable, whether eating there or grabbing takeout. The new digs are a huge step up from the old place! It is drenched with very pleasant blue lighting and Turkish music playing in the background. They just moved in, so the armoire shelves are empty and it has a sense if incompleteness, but ironically, this is very common throughout Turkiye proper. I tend to get the Adana kabobs, while my wife gets the mixed grill - both excellent! We've had the gyros, several other entrees, the meze plate really guys the spot. My wife can't get enough of the carrot salad and the rice pudding, while we both agree the baba ganoush is the best we've ever had. They usually have Turkish Efes beer on hand, as well as the usual American suspects. Pricing is a tad higher than I would like, but you won't feel like you were taken advantage of by any means. If you've never had Turkish, go explore a wonderful new horizon. If you're an experienced Mediterranean/Turkish foodie, go get a reminder of how good it can be. Afiyet olsun.
(5)Francine L.
I went with a a large group tonight. The people that got there early had their orders taken, so that when I sat down, the Waitress never noticed me and it was not until all the others were being served that I realized that the orders had already been taken, It was downhill from there. I tried to order several times with three different servers ever since they brought the appetizers out to the others, but I was still ignored even though myself and other guests from the table made it known that I had not ordered. and since they continued to be busy with the main entrees, I got ignored till most of the others were done with their meals.. One man came out to take my order, but with all the loud conversation, I could not hear him and he said, "you must not be hungry" and he walked away. I had to walk to the front desk and complain about it to the Management. The Manager told me to "calm down", not a mere word of an apology. When I finally got my food, they brought out the soup and right after, brought out my main dish. I had to send it back since the food would get cold while I was still eating the soup. I specified that I did not want anything that was hot and spicy and was brought out a dish that was very spicy, so I returned it. The other dish that I ordered was not very tasty to me, so I just took a few bites. The Waitress asked me "Didn't you like your meal?" and I said no. At that point, I didn't want to complain again after all the other disaster and the management telling me to 'calm down' when I complained about the poor service. So, I just left it alone. I was surprised that the Management did not offer me any compensation like a comp drink or something after all the bad service. That just added to the perception of this restaurant of which I will never go back.
(1)Chris And Tanja B.
Food is fantastic and service is awesome. We have been in for both dine in and take out about 10 times now and have been very pleased with every experience. They finally fixed the one issue we ever had, parking, by now offering free valet. So far, our favorite entrees have been the Lamb and Beef Gyro, the Chicken Kebab and on our last visit we tried the Falafel and it was fantastic. Casual atmosphere and great place to meet up with some friends. Would also say the $ value of both food and drinks is pretty good too, especially for Buckhead.
(5)Charlie S.
Nice place and friendly owners but the food was somewhat bland. I like my hummus with more flavor, just seemed too bland. Lamb was seasoned correctly. Falafel was good, but so are the ones at Falafel King. I wouldn't rate this as 4 or 5 stars for food.
(3)Jie Y.
It has great dishes and tastes for sure. But is it the best turkish one? nope, I have had better before. But considering its prices, this is a great store. However, the atmosphere and service is average or below average. The parking is okay but I don't like the feeling of paying for parking in Atlanta for a meal. Overall, a good one but not excellent.
(4)Ozge U.
I was visiting Atlanta with my family and wanted to eat at a Turkish restaurant. Agora more than exceeded my expectations with both the food and hospitality. I am from Turkey and know a thing or two about both. The owner Alaadin Bey welcomed us and offered us delicious (meze) maza -with hummus, carrots and ezme....hmmmmm..... Their Adana was delicious, my husband loved the Iskender and my picky children shared a chicken kebab. The lady finger (baklava type dessert) was better than any I had. Thank you Agora for giving me a slice of home.
(5)Wana A.
Small place. Friendly owner. Gave us some complimentary condiments to start off with while we waited for our food. Ordered the chicken kebab and the mixed grill. Portion was alright. A tad bit too little for the price that we paid. Owner also gave us some baklava and rice pudding after we finished. Both of which were very delish.
(3)Chris C.
A local gem! This was very good tasting food with generous portions. The Maza sampling platter is quite a nice starter to share but ask for extra pita. The grilled beef kebab was smoky and had a rich flavor from some combination or spice I could not quite place. The owner is a friendly character and an active manager with obvious pride in the food and establishment. He might be the Turkish Gordon Ramsey. Don't be put off if he is scolding his staff-- it adds to atmosphere! They have outgrown their current location and will be moving down the street in the future. (new site under construction, still open at old location).
(5)Jake K.
I wasn't sure what to expect but with two friends giving it four and five stars, respectively, I couldn't resist. Came here and was seated quickly. Decor is lacking - this is a no frills establishment that is here to serve you food and drink. A server came up to the group, gave us menus and came back in about five minutes. After ordering the food, it came out rather quickly. I got the combo and immediately regretted it. Why you ask? Well, because I was a traveler and would have loved to save about 2/3 of the plate as it was overwhelming and offered plenty to eat. The meats were charred well and there was different shwarma, gyro meat, and kebabs to satisfy the palate. Throw on some rice and salad, and you have a winner. Didn't even need beer. If I'm back in Buckhead, I'll be back!
(4)Allison N.
Delicious food and wonderful staff! I wish I lived closer because then I could come here all the time.
(5)Scott R.
Al the owner is a trip. Great guy took the time to get to know us. Great food so yummy!!!!
(5)Loren B.
I read the other yelp reviews and gave it a shot. I don't live in Atlanta, traveling on business, so this was one of my few local meals. When I walked in it wasn't what I expected. It felt more like a deli. But ohhhh my opinion quickly changed. The smile and graciousness of the guy behind the counter who told me, "please sit I will take care of you." The super fresh look of every food item behind the counter. The Turkish music playing (it was really good and I'm picky), the great Turkish wine they suggested instead of my request for Cabernet. Very quickly I realized I was in someone's home. Then my meal arrived. The Mixed Maza Platter. Heaven. And then the baklava. That's what put me over the edge and got me to write probably my 2nd or 3rd yelp review. This place is super legit and authentic. Oh yeah, and thanks to all you yelpers that write many more reviews than I do.....
(5)Sabrina C.
Cannot say enough good things about this place! The food is delish, the staff/owner are so friendly you are almost guaranteed to be hand fed - no joke on the 2-3 occasions I have visited the owner has been ready fully spoon in hand to feed me like I was a toddler. He is a very lively personality and claims his wife cooks all the food :). Don't forget to grab some baklava on your way out the pistachio is amazing. The star is only removed for the lack of seating... this place is packed at lunch and sometimes you have to wait for a spot.
(4)Steve T.
One of my favorite places in Atlanta. Great food and service. They always make our kids feel special. Looking forward to the new and improved Buckhead space!
(4)Angela L.
Hands down the best Mediterranean food joint I have been to in Atlanta. I bring all my out-of-town visitors here, and we never leave disappointed. I usually order the Kofte Kabob, and the lamb is consistently juicy and tender. The salad on the side is fresh and crisp which provides a perfect balance to flavorful, succulent meat. Don't forget to try the hummus and the baklava too. Just want to point out that the restaurant can't accommodate for larger parties (4+), but their service is quick and welcoming. I can't rave enough about how fantastic this place is--a must-try if you are visiting Atlanta!
(5)Thomas F.
Beeeeeeest mediterranean food I've ever had. Kind of pricey but well worth it!! The owner is very proud of his food and you can tell why. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, hummus and falafel. Little grease in the gyro which is what I love and the hummus was the best I've had. We even got some to go!
(5)Lisa G.
A**holes hung up in our face on the phone when we tried to order delivery he couldn't understand the address!!!!! What in god's name kind of service is this!!!
(1)Brian S.
The food is good. The humus was a really nice treat. Definitely give this place a try for lunch. Be careful they charge you correctly. The guy had charged me for a platter when all I had was a sandwich. he promptly voided the charge and charged me correctly. But just be sure you keep an eye on that.
(3)Thanh N.
My boyfriend and I ordered here a week ago and we loved it. He had the beef and lamb platter and I had the chicken platter and it was so good. The platters came with rice, a side salad, extra packed sauce and a huge piece of pita. I've mixed everything together (except of the bread) and it was really delicious. The only bad thing is, that you have to order for at least $30, so I got lady fingers, but didn't really like them since they were too sweet. But it was an overall good meal. We highly recommend this place.
(4)Nafaax B.
I love agora.. A small joint with amazing food that is open late at night. Its a perfect place to go for food if ur partying late in that area. I don't know how they make their lamb so thin and so tasty..my standard is the lamb and beef plater... I rather replace all the beef with lamb. The old guy behind the counter was so sweet...he kept us providing sides... After food try the baklava . I am a big fan. In a months time they will be moving to a new couple of yards away... The place is suppose to be bigger... Which I don't care for... I just want good food.... I keep going there and love to take my friends
(5)Brian P.
Fantastic owner! He wouldn't stop giving friends and me samples of his mixed mezes. I love the carrot salad stuff here, it's just halfway like sweet cheesy spread for pitas. It's got great mouthfeel. I really now understand the value of simply grilled meat--there's beauty in the simplicity of the way they handle their meats here. You'll understand if you get the simple meat platter on rice. Combine it with a little nice red wine, and you're really in for a world of flavor. Without the wine, it's really bleh. Trust me, the food you eat here really should pair with a spicy red wine, it's like the cook's tastebuds are drowning in the red stuff (and that's a good thing).
(4)M C.
Great place! One of the employees even came out and moved his car to let us park in his spot when we couldn't find a space. Waiter made great suggestions for food for us, brought out complimentary little desserts for the table. Will definitely come back if we're ever back in Atlanta again.
(5)Rick F.
Best Gyro in Atlanta Hands Down! Best Baklava I've ever Had! I love the owner he is very colorful and a great host! Appetizer combination plate was fresh and delicious! Pita was very flavorful! I've been looking for an authentic Gyro for 18 months tried half a dozen places this is the place! Baklava and Rice Pudding arguably the top of the line fresh. AMAZING! Bonus is they are open for lunch and right near my office!
(5)Michelle B.
3.5 stars, if that is possible. Location is good. Parking is stupid, but it IS Buckhead. Our choices appeared to be paying a parking meter ($2/hour) or the $5 lot on a Saturday night. We chose the meter and got our food to go. The space is very small, but it is clean and they do have a full bar. The service was a little strange but friendly. We did not experience the owner. The food itself was really good. I wouldn't call it the best, but it was different than other falafel I've had in Atlanta and it was good in it's own way. We also had tabouli, which was really good, and some baklava, which was decent. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area!
(3)Brenna S.
Well..... After reading reviews I wanted so badly to love this place. And I always hate reading and writing a bad review and don't find myself doing this pretty often. But I had to share my experience (and what seemed to be a similar experience to the patrons who left as I arrived here). So, when I found the place, I wasn't sure where to park, but found a spot on the side of the street with a parking meter. I ran in to ask for change for a five so I could pay the meter (which charges $2 per hour), but the guy behind the counter (I'm assuming it was this Al guy everyone talks about) assured me I could park at HiFi Buys for free (despite multiple signs posted that state the contrary). Regardless I didn't feel like going through the trouble as it was a cold and rainy day, and Al actually just GAVE me four quarters to go pay the meter and commented on my laziness. I laughed to myself and thought, "Hey, good guy, I'll tip him extra". ;D When I went back in I was mulling over the menu and different items in the display thingy. He asked me what I like, and I responded "I'm not sure what most of this is". Honest answer, as I don't know the name of every sauce and mediterranean concoction behind the counter and I always like to learn more. So he offered me a little sampler platter. Cool! A much appreciated gesture, once again, and I'm thinking I'll tip him even a little extra... DESPITE the fact that he creepily insisted on feeding it to me himself..... :\ But we'll get over it. It's just lunch and a bite of tabouli, eh? Ehhh? :\ Anywho, my friend arrives and we order our food, I was craving a falafel so I went that route, my friend just got the Spanakopita, I think. Well, when the food was served up, it smelled GREAT, but not falafel-y. In fact it wasn't falafel at all, not even a sandwich of any sort, it was lamb on rice with a side salad. Well, I'm thinking they obviously took their time to make this, its warm and fresh and smells good, so I won't complain, I'll just try something a little unexpected rather than put him and the kitchen staff through the extra trouble. (we were the only people in there so it wasn't like it was someone else's order either) The food was enjoyable, and time came to pay. My friend insists on paying for me when we go to eat (just a gentlemanly thing I guess), so he actually approaches another woman behind the counter to pay. She asks what we had, he replied with the numbers from the menu that we originally ordered. He tried to explain, he doesn't know what was actually given but that what we ordered was that number, so the man comes over at this point and just randomly starts YELLING. I turn around to see what's going on and he looks straight at me and starts YELLING at me! Why didn't I tell them he gave me the wrong order blah blah blah "NEVER COME BACK TO THIS PLACE!" he says. He starts spitting out random numbers for totals, and my friend is calmly saying he doesn't think that's what the menu says, so he spits out a new number for the total and says JUST GIVE ME THAT AND LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK! Confused? Me too. Apparently this guy just likes to raise his voice and make up numbers and run customers away. As I was leaving I remembered walking in and hearing the SAME situation going on with two gentlemen who were trying to pay, and getting yelled at, but since I wanted my experience to be good I had perhaps naïvely written it off. SO, all in all. Go ahead, take your chances for a fresh and tasty meal and so-so atmosphere. Just maybe take this account into consideration. The only way I'll ever support this establishment again is: A. if I can't find a good substitute elsewhere in sprawling Atlanta, B. I can call in an order ahead of time for take-out, C. I have a friend go in to pick it up, and D. we have our totals UP FRONT.
(1)ILAN S.
Love this place,. Always had great food, great service. Don't like anything? Tell the owner, Al. Mezze platter, grilled chicken salad or gyro, then tiramisu with a raki...beautiful thing!
(5)Phoebe T.
You know, I had expected more from these rave yelp reviews but I just wasn't all that into Cafe Agora. I felt like the decor of this place was lacking and the owner seems a bit sketchy. We were with some friends so thankfully it seemed like they knew what to order and sort of knew the owner, but I would kind of be scared that they'd charge us random prices and offer us things and then charge us for things if we came here ourselves. Also, the parking situation is a disaster. I'll pass.
(2)Jeremy S.
Always satisfied. This place is small but very cool. The gyros are awesome. The mezza plate is a must. The baklava is amazing. The owners are great. Can't say enough positive about this place. The only down side is parking can be tough but you can always find a space within a block or two.
(5)Helena W.
Everything was great!! Ordered the grapes leaves as an app and shared them with my lunch guests. Also ordered the chicken gyro sandwich. Huge! and quite yummy. They threw in some rice pudding. This was my first time trying; it was pretty good. Company was wonderful and looking forward to doing it again.
(5)Semra E.
It's as if I'm back in Istanbul visiting my family. It's hard to find a hole in the wall Turkish place where I can get my fix, but I believe I have found it. Not only is the food delicious, but the owner will feed you. Now anywhere else I would be worried about this, but here, it isn't odd or anything, in fact it adds to the atmosphere & is absolutely some of the best Turkish food I've had in the states in a long time. I shared the adona kabob with my sister-in-law, which came with rice (which tasted exactly how my grandmothers rice used to taste), rich tomato's that are shaved and semi-sauted in it. It was one of the most delicious tasting rice I've had, the meat was also tender & just right. We were given a sample of the rice pudding, which I highly recommend. Also the Baklava is made fresh, it's warm & melts in your mouth....it was some of the best I've ever had, even beat some places I had it in Istanbul! Now that's good Baklava ;-)
(5)P H.
This place is hands down the BEST Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish restaurant in Atlanta. The food is delicious, the service is excellent and the owner is joyful and welcoming. We always have the best time here. I would recommend it to anyone. The remodeling means that the seating is quite nice now but the prices remain reasonable.
(5)David L.
UNREAL! The owner was incredibly inviting and hospitable, offering a free sampling of his hummus and tablueh. I wish I lived here so I could visit Cafe Agora more!
(5)Shazia T.
i had been wanting to try this place for the longest time and i'm glad i can cross it off my list now. it's good food, but it made my stomach feel a little funny the next day. also i'm not sure how halal this place is cuz i asked the waitress and she pointed to a totally vegetarian dish and said it was not halal. i tried the mixed plate of appetizers and it was good. the eggplant was probably my favorite thing on there. i had a chicken kabob plate. the chicken was good, but the rice it was on tasted like uncle ben's. i was a little disappointed. also parking here is a bitch. pay the meter if you parallel park near the entrance or find a parking lot.
(3)Janelle D.
A group of us had a concert to see at the Buckhead Theater on Sunday night 11/14/10, so we looked for places to eat a day before the show and decided on Cafe Agora since it was only a block away and we were on the lookout for a good Mediterranean place. Upon walking up to the door, the owner, who was outside, summoned us inside, claiming over and over how good the food was. He was friendly, but by the middle of our meal, we were all just a little worn out and thought it was over the top. Maybe it's just a cultural thing, but he was loud and in-your-face and kind of pushy. Fortunately, his claims about the food being delicious was TRUE - it was!! - but ambiance is important, too. I'd give this place a five if it weren't for the following issues: 1. I was put off by being pressured to step inside and try his food. I mean, we were on our way there anyway so it worked out, but that's kind of annoying. He got up and in our way and tried to usher us inside! 2. There were people who arrived way after us and got their food before us. 3. He brought out a sampler of some sort, which was really good, and ended up charging us for it. I'm not an idiot - I figured he would, but this is just tacky in my book. Also, it was $10 platter. You can't just assume someone can pay for that. When we ran out of pita bread pices for the platter (there were 6 of us!) he said he wouldn't give us anymore because then we wouldn't order food because we'd get full. 4. Never got refills on our water. 5. We waited fooorever for a menu. Another employee came to us with pen and paper ready to take our order and he seemed put off that we didn't know what we wanted. When we said it was our first time, he chuckled and said something about how "people usually know what they want when they come in there." 6. The owner was loud. Very. He talked loud, he was aggressive, and he tried to feed me - FEED ME - a gyro that I ordered (which, again, was probably the best I've ever had). Nooo thank you. I'm not even weird about my personal space but that's a bit much - to have a stranger feed me my food? Nuh uh. 7. It also took foooorever to get our bill. It was a Sunday night. Not many people in there. A group came in about an hour after we did he started in on them again about how good the food was. It's one thing to be proud of your food but to push it like that is just tacky. 8. He did give us a sample of baklava desserts, which were wonderful. All in all, the food was great. I'd go back to try new things, but inside, I dread having to deal with him, and I'm an outgoing people person! Just no yelling at me when I'm trying to eat or adding stuff to my bill and not telling me or trying to feed me and we're good, okay? Okay! For the record, everyone loved what they had - we stuck to falafels and gyros and it was really tasty and not bland at all. Mmm! FYI: Aside from the sandwiches, the other dishes like the kebabs and platters hover around $15.
(3)Tramaine W.
I went early afternoon on a Thursday so I got to park directly in front of the door, good start. I ordered the lamb and beef gyro and a baklava. The baklava was a little too sweet but the flavor was great. I loved the baklava but I kept wishing I had a bottle of water to wash the sweetness down. The gyro was exactly OK, no complaints but it is not something I would particularly attempt to eat again in life. I would not question the authenticity of this place because I don't doubt this is the real deal but I have had better seasoned and tasting lamb and beef gyros. My gyro and baklava was $9.
(3)Alex B.
Some of the best food I've had in Atlanta. I make a point of stopping by every time I'm in town. And you gotta love the atmosphere too. Al, you're the man. Get the mixed grill, and some baklava for dessert. That sampler plate of pita and dips is fantastic as well.
(5)Mark M.
Great food. Great service! Atmosphere is ok, but all else made up for it. Had the mixed grill and a mixed appetizer of sauses and pita bread. Very different. Service was ver friendly. I highly recommend!
(5)Danelle J.
The first time I ate from here I ordered takeout, and my food was delicious. Dining in is a little odd, I like places like this but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very small when you first walk in and can be a bit cramped depending on how many other people are dining in. The first time I ordered the Mezze plate and it was very tasty, I think the pita bread could be slightly fresher but not a big deal. Both times I ordered the gyros and the meat was juicy and very well seasoned. My friend ordered the lamb kabobs, she mentioned the food could be a little more spicy, so if you like spicy you may want to let them know to add a little fire, b/c it's not spicy at all. This is the perfect spot for dining with a friend or a no fuss date!
(4)Jonah K.
Let me start off by saying the owners are very nice. The service was very slow, they need more people to handle the lunch rush. The problem is that its so small, I'm not sure you could have 2 people handling the counter. The Gyro was okay, I have had better in the city. The pita was excellent, the rest so/so. They don't make their own Gyro blend, something I would have expected from a place that gets such high respect on yelp. The mixed masa app platter was a good sampler. The humus was very good, as was the tabbouleh. The rest were nothing special. It took 15 minutes to pay for our meal after, which was kind of annoying. People were cutting in line all over the place. Would rather be at Nick's any day of the week.
(2)Elaine S.
Great food BUT be careful at dinner. I was given a menu and NOT told that the prices were for to go and lunch. I got a small maza plate and drink. I paid $10.00 more than the price that was in the menu. Very disappointed.
(2)Inna B.
MMM delicious. We found this "almost a hole in the wall" through yelp as it was walking distance to our hotel. Although the atmosphere is non-existent, the food was very good. My boyfriend and I shared the mixed meze plate and licked it clean. I do wish they gave more accompanying pita bread than the tiny squares this dish came with. We also split the mixed grill. The portion was not huge, but we both left satisfied. My favorite of all the meats would have to be the lamb shish kabobs. We also had turkish coffees and complimentary rice pudding and baklava samples (the baklava was probably the best I've had.) I would recommend coming here for a quick bite or getting take out.
(4)Max S.
Went with people in the office (4) What was ordered: lamb gyros-some of the best I've ever had, very fresh *make sure you use the hot sauce they have in the squirt bottle...its awesome Service: order at the register, sit down, they bring out the food, tell the cashier what you ordered when you are finished to pay Atmosphere: nothing special the owner is like the soup nazi from Seinfeld...will yell at you a little but its all in good fun...and the food is awesome
(4)Ken K.
Came here for the first time with my lady after rock climbing, so we were fairly hungry. We stared at the menu for a few seconds and I guess the man behind the counter could tell we were new and asked if we were first time customers. We confirmed his suspicions and asked if he had any recommendations. He suggested the Mixed Maza Platter, which is a combo of humus, eggplant salad, babaganush, ezme, kisir, and piyaz, plus the daily appetizer special as well as the Mixed Grill kebabs for the two of us. I have a fat kid inside me, so I double checked to make sure he thought this was enough for the two of us. My fingers are still numb from rock climbing, so I'll make this short. The food was delicious. The prices are reasonable, but maybe a tad on the pricier side. The staff was very nice and even gave us complimentary baklava, which was super yummy. We left happy and hope we get another opportunity to eat here soon! Try it, you'll like it.
(5)David K.
My gf took me out to this neat place for my birthday, yay! She loves this place and wanted to share the goodness with me so I did not hesitate to check it out. Verdict: the dinner was fantastic! We got the Hummus Platter and the Lamb Kebab? Platter? I forget. The Hummus Platter is where it is at. I didn't know what half the things on it were, but they were all fantastic. The gf said they place each dish next to each other in terms of how well they complement each other. I'm not sure if they are purposely laid out in the platter like that, but if so, it's genius! The adjacent sides to each dish complemented each other really well and it was fun to play around and mix different sides together with the fluffy pita bread bites. I would love to have this platter for guests at home. The Lamb Kebab was served with a good portion of chunks of grilled lamb over rice and a salad. The tzatziki sauce that came with the lamb had a light subtle taste which I wasn't really sure about, but appreciated it none the less. The lamb was delicious, though it left a sort of salty aftertaste in my mouth. Not sure if it's because it's lamb, grilled, or straight up because of too much salt/spices, but it was still enjoyable with an easy to eat consistency. The owner at the end gave us complimentary baklava and rice pudding! Both were scrumptious and was a perfect way to finish the meal. Caveats of the place might be the fact that it's pretty small, and you may have to pay at metered parking spaces OR if you want free parking, park at the Hi-Fi Buys parking lot and walk a bit.
(4)Aaron B.
Fantastic gyros and food in general. The gyros are a little on the pricey side, but the one I had was definitely in my top 5. I also tried the falafel, and while it was not Israel quality (or Best Bread Baking Company.. which unfortunately has closed their cafe for the summer) it was very good and moist. The outside had a really nice crisp without tasting oily. The folks had kafta, which was seasoned perfectly and was very tender. It comes with 2 kebabs, rice, and salad. The tzatziki is among the best I have had, with a nice yogurt flavor. The baba ganoush was excellent, with not *too* much of a smokey flavor as I have elsewhere, but well seasoned nonetheless. For dessert I went with the baklava (of course), and although it isn't the most visually appealing I have laid eyes on, the flavor was great, big in the honey department. I was there at off-hours so I was able to park right in front without any problems. The staff is nice and seem very appreciative.
(5)Katie D.
What a great restaurant! Went here with my husband and son and it could not have been a more pleasant experience. Food was good and authentic. They even have the Turkish beer Efes that we drank so much of on our trip to Turkey. Will definitely go here again!
(5)Ebony B.
Picture drunken seminary students leaving the mosh pit and starving for food. Any food. Just FOOD. McDonald's? Bah Humbug... My palette, even SUI (starving under the influence), is too discriminating for most Fast Food. I go to my trusty Yelp iPhone App and this place pops up. The only thing open aside from Micky Ds, and Waffle House (double Bah Humbug). We order gyros, some drinks, and some tablouli (my fave). Then we ordered more gyros, extra tzaziki sauce and more tabouli. Mannnn we dogged those gyros. I dunno if it was bc I was SUI or just--- I dunno but it definitely sent us on a kick for a few months "in search of ATLs best Gyro, and so far, Cafe Agora wins. Lost a star bc it's like a cafe joint without true waiter service and it's kinda a hole in the wall. Either way, it hit the spot and was a job very well done!
(3)Kunal K.
I went to this restaurant a few months ago and had the displeasure of running into the owner. I placed a to-go order, yet the owner refused to let me take the order to-go even though they clearly have a to-go menu. When he brought my appetizer in a plate and placed it on a table, I told him that I'd like it packed in a to-go box and he started yelling. When I got back home, I tried the food and it was mediocre at best. I had the chicken gyro and it was relatively dry. Due to the exceptionally unprofessional service, I won't be going back to this restaurant.
(1)Devin N.
I was traveling on biz with my cohorts, desperate for a drink and some good food. Had MAJOR reservations when we drove up to the place. But my colleague insisted we park and walk by for closer look. Alatini was sitting outside and greeted us as we walked up. Immediately his charm and welcome sucked us in. No turning back. Once we sat down, he treated us like kings. Amazing food! Sample everything when you go. The lamb, the beef, the chicken, the gyros... OMG. Fantastic! We had such a good time. It was the best meal of the week. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)Jeremy H.
This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Atlanta! Al, the owner, is a character, but he makes the whole experience memorable. The food is awesome! Oftentimes Al will serve up a mezza platter to start with hummus, tabouli, and some other turkish foods I'm not sure the name of. It comes with pita to dip. I highly recommend ordering the Adana kebob (spicy ground lamb) - it is awesome and comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. The gyro is also great here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options such as the felafel. After the meal, you have to try the baklava - it's the best I've had in Atlanta! If you haven't been here before, Al makes it quite the experience. If you're one of those people who get stressed out not knowing the price before you order, you might be uncomfortable here. Some reviewers have complained about that, but to me it's just all part of the magical experience of Al's Agora Cafe. Some practical tips - you can park in the street out front or in the lot around back. You order at the counter, sit down and are served, and then pay afterwards at the counter. Ordering a drink doesn't usually seem to increase the price so you may as well order one. I definitely recommend trying Al's out - enjoy the great Turkish food and unique experience in the heart of Buckhead!
(5)Anna D.
Love Cafe Agora. Given the huge number of reviews, I guess it isn't a hidden gem, but it still seems that way to me every time I come. It's always jam packed at lunch, but they should be fixing the crowd issue when they move to their new location in 2 months. I love their dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and their chicken gyros . Also, they are open super late on the weekends which comes in handy!
(4)J D.
Maybe went in there on a bad night, but was terrible service. The manager was screaming at one of the people in the back for messing up an order, then the guy came out who was waiting on us and quit on the job. Food came really late, but was still delicious... I should probably give the place a 1 for the very terrible and unprofessional service that surely made everybody feel uncomfortable. Falafels were really good, as was the mezze plate though. I'd probably give it a 4 for food but the dining experience dropped it 2 stars. This would be a good place to have on mystery diners, if the manager actually cared but he seemed to be the one screaming at the waiter for messing up a take out order. Can they make some kind of reverse mystery diners like horrible bosses for restaurants?
(2)Sree N.
Truly a hole in the wall joint thats easy to be missed even when driving around the buildings looking for the place. Based on other yelpers recommendations, we parked at the $5 lot across since street. Place was 1/2 way packed and we were initially confused as to if we should grab a seat or only sit after ordering in the front. Employee quickly told us that we should order first - we ordered the mixed agora platter, lamb shawarma sandwich and a spanakopita (spinach pie). Shawarma was good - meat was excellent, but I hoped for a some sauce (perhaps Garlic based?) to make the sandwich less dry. Mixed plater was really good - wife loved the chicken kabobs. Now that I'm writing this review, I have no idea why I didn't order either the hummus or the baklava - for another time, I suppose. Overall, an authentic Mediterranean hole in the wall joint. I will definitely be back to try other dishes here.
(4)Bruce B.
This place is solid. The service was quick and the food was authentic. The only serve you a little bit of pita bread, but you can always order more. I would order the mixed grill plate.
(4)Zeno J.
Wow amazing and quick I got delivery in about 28 mins the rice pudding was amazing with Turkish tea. Agora Mixed Grill was great should have gotten more tahini sauce and asked for a small hummas. will order from again this week! well worth five stars this spot made me finally sign up for yelp! Only Con was the delivery minimum of 30$ this should be at least 25$
(4)Erik B.
Delicious, delicious delicious. I cant live without this place . Whenever I go to Buckhead, Agora is my place to stop by and enjoy the kebaps. Highly recommended. Family oriented restaurant. They care about their customers satisfaction.
(4)Mike I.
I have never had a falafel. Today I had lunch with a couple of coworkes at this place and it was great. We order the falafel as an appetizer. Also, I had the lamb and beef gyro and it was delicious. Great atmosphere.
(5)Tom S.
Really good ! Super busy. I want o go back.
(4)Dawn L.
Quite simply, one of the best Falafels Ive ever tasted... and the app sampler platter was nothing short of amazing either! The entire staff is SO very friendly, warm and welcoming, a place I will be returning to, time after time.
(4)They Call Me L.
Oooooh - so torn, but I have to give 'em just 3 stars. Why no prices listed, either on the website menu or the display inside? Is it to surprise people? I know I definitely was when I found out that our bill was $55 bucks for lunch - 2 adults and 2 kids at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. Now, the food was definitely delicious, but the after-the-fact sticker shock kinda soured things. Yowzah.
(3)Daniel K.
One of the best Mediterranean places I've been to. Amazing food, amazing service! Owner is friendly and very welcoming! Had the chicken skewer & hummus & rice. All great! Owner gave us free dessert, baklava and tapioca pudding are amazing!
(5)Swavino T.
Try the ladyfingers.
(4)Gregory D.
Best Mediterranean restaurant I've been to. Most places can be pretty bland, but everything here is soo good. I'm not a fan of Medit. desserts but this place challenges that. The ingredients all tasted so fresh and had great flavor. The staff always give a free dessert it seems. It's a bit pricey for the usual price of Mediterranean food seen in other restaurants, but it's worth it.
(5)Jennifer P.
I wouldn't give out 5 stars unless I felt it absolutely necessary. This little order-at-the-counter hole-in-the-wall family-run establishment epitomizes everything I love about people taking pride in their food and offering up something which is of the highest quality, culturally authentic to their roots and so delicious you'll crave it often. Hands down the best gyro in Atlanta....no...the best I've ever had. The shaved lamb and beef kebab is juicy and flavorful, the lettuce and vegetables are fresh and the tzatziki sauce on top is so good you'll want to go ahead and ask for more. When you go, get the hummus plate as an appetizer (it rivals that of my Lebanese grandmother), then a lamb kebab and the baklava for dessert. Don't like baklava? You will after you have it here. Their baklava changed me forever, and now it's one of my favorite desserts of all time. This little gem is successful because the family who runs it loves what they do and loves the food they make and share with us. They cut overhead costs by having a simple, small no-frills restaurant, and they pass that value down to us by offering exceptional prices. You'll order at the counter, eat off a paper plate and sit at a metal table, and it will be the best damn dinner you've had in a long time.
(5)Ashley B.
I work around the corner from Cafe Agora, and this is one of my favorite places to grab lunch. Everything I'd had here has been delicious - solid falafel (can be vegan without the yogurt sauce), yummy baklava, good dolmas, and AMAZING meat, and perfect bread - the kind that is more flatbread than pita (which is my favorite.) The mixed meze platter is fantastic and can be made vegan. The small is plenty of food for one person and is $7.99. My favorite thing to get is the Agora salad with lamb. The lamb is wonderfully seasoned and perfectly tender. It comes with fantastic dressing, feta cheese, good crisp lettuce and huge piece of that delicious flatbread. At $8.75, it's comparable to other Buckhead lunch options. I've only ever done takeout, but the service is always really friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. One time I came to pick up my food and it wasn't ready yet, so I sat at the counter and they brought me free [delicious] hummus. I always get a nice greeting when I pop in to pick up my food. Definitely the best Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish food in Atlanta, and some of the best I've ever had, period!
(5)Edward C.
I had a problem ordering the first time but to be honest the food is awesome and the baklava is amazing with a southern twist. Probably the best I've had.
(5)Suzy J.
Maza Platter was worth every penny and went perfectly with the Agora Mixed Grill. The Maza platter had hummus, tabuli, haydari, piyaz, ezme, babaganush, eggplant salad. As other posters mentioned the hummus was a little runny but still full of flavor. The Agora mixed grill had Chicken and lamb shish kebabs, adana and kofte kebabs, and lamb and beef gyros meat. If you go with friends for lunch and like myself have never been here order the two dishes mentioned. Meeting a friend here for lunch was PERFECT! Placed our order before the lunch rush and got out as it was getting busy but the food made for a nice leisurely lunch. Would go again in a heartbeat not to mention getting baklava to go.
(5)Alisa B.
Our family has been a fan of Cafe Agora for years. Flavorful, tender meats to die for. Wonderful hummus and pita bread that is always fresh and delicious. It is (or can be if you order right) a healthy, delicious option. They are NOW OPEN in their new location just 2 doors down. They have a very pleasant atmosphere, ample seating space, outside patios beautiful decor and bar. My only complaint is some staff can be on grumpy side... . But I will not let that detract from my 5 star rating.
(5)Cherry L.
yea, guess who went last week the day that she wrote her first review bc she was craving it after she wrote the review???!! haha I convinced 3 of my Agora Virgin Friends to come along too and converted them as well 5 stars this time....IM A HUGE HUGE HUGE FAN FAN FAN everything here just tastes so good. the pita here is SO FREAKKINNN YUMS. they serve it toasted so it comes out warm and chewy and BITE SIZE (my fave) that goes perfect with the meza platter or hummus. I got the mixed super awesome spit fire grilled gyro with lamb/beef/chicken. the meat was all tender and charred to perfection...i want one now!!! Al was there when i went, but his son/worker/other guy thats there all the time was our waiter/cook/cashier and he was really really phenomenal!!!!! soooooooo nice and understood everything and was just all sorts of great. We were totally going to just order baklava and stuff our faces, but he somehow knew, that just a "sampling" of it would be the perfect end to our meal.
(5)Sean P.
Absolutely delicious gyros. The beef&lamb gyro is generously stuffed with slices of meat, topped off with lettuce, red onions, creamy tzatziki and wrapped around a warm pita. Did I mention how so damn tender that meat is? Nothing went to waste from that wrap - lettuce and all. The Maza platter is a tasty plate of messy foodstuffs that goes brilliantly with their warm, grilled pita bread or just by the forkful. Sure the presentation isn't much to look at but when food's this good, screw how it looks. Just eat the damn thing. The one thing you should know about Café Agora is that there are no visible prices on the menu. The Maza Platter and 2 gyros cost me $28 even so I'm guessing $7 per gyro and $14 for the Maza Platter but again - that's only my guess. Al wasn't there on my visit but I wasn't disappointed with my incomplete experience. I'll be back again and again to eat their delicious gyros and anything that Al tells me to eat.
(5)Erin Q.
This place is awesome. Yelp definitely did not do us wrong. We've been here several times, it's a place I always suggest when meeting people for lunch or dinner to catch up. It is the true definition of hole in the wall - nothing fancy about the decor or restroom, but lack of pretense in this city - particularly in Buckhead - can be refreshing. Man, the food here is so GOOD. Definitely recommend starting off with the mixed maza platter. Wow. The hummus, tahini, tabbouleh - all so delicious with their perfectly warmed pita bread. It's hard not to overdo it and leave room for your meal. I've had the chicken kabobs and the gyros. Both were delicious. The side salad that comes with the meals does not disappoint either, between the feta and the homemade dressing. I would be surprised to order something on this menu that I didn't like. Parking can be a little dicey, since it's street parking only, but truthfully, I've never really had a problem. Most times I can pull up right in front of the place or drive around for less than 5 minutes to find a spot up the street. You won't be disappointed by this place. One of my favorites in Atlanta.
(5)Sarah S.
If you're looking for some delicious Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Easy to find - right next to Bottle Bar and across from The Capital Grille. Park in the lot next to bottle bar, first 1.5 hour is free with receipt from restaurant. Ordered food to go, was ready in 15 minutes! Tiny spot, so ordering to go was definitely the better option since when it's busy, it's pretty crowded. Ordered the Chicken Shish Kabob...so good! The rice, salad, and flat bread are all freaking awesome, but throwing in the chicken into the mix, it can't be beat. Let's just say it won't be my last time eating here!
(4)Jennifer L.
I should preface this by stating that these guys normally don't deliver to Brookhaven in North Buckhead, where I stay when I'm in ATL but they made an exception for us since we ordered a good amount of food ($50.00), and delivered within 30 minutes of me placing my order. This was the perfect place to satisfy the varied and ravenous appetites of my group (foodie ladies, voraciously hungry men). We ordered the lamb/beef gyro plate, chicken kabob plate, a mixed grill plate, a greek salad, and walnut baklava. Everything tasted amazing, the gyro and chicken were juicy and flavorful and came with a generous side of rice. My only minor gripe was that only one piece of bread and a tiny bit of tzaziki sauce were provided with each plate. Not nearly enough to accommodate the portion of meat/rice.
(4)Wendy M.
The food was good and the total experience even better. Hope they can maintain the vibe when they move into their bigger and fancier new space down the block....
(4)Deniz G.
Good value for the price you pay, that is for sure. The food, if the cook is in a good mood, tastes perfect. Almost like you are actually in Turkey. Sometimes however, the meat is a bit dry and salty. It's highly recommended that you ask the server what the freshest item is (from the display in the fridge; see pictures above). Do not just go here to get a tasteless plate of gyro, which I think is an ugly copy of the traditional Iskender plate from Turkey -specific to not only this place, but the US in general, but go and get kofte, or Adana kebap, kusbasi etc. Get the yogurt drink ayran. Ask if they have any salgam. (Though they didn't have any in the past couple times we've been there - maybe they don't serve it anymore). They also have a bar, and serve alcohol. Go and get yourself a drink of Raki and the 'small' appetizer platter. Small is actually really big and good enough for 2-3 people. Aside from all, even though the service is a bit inconsistent depending on the server, they are all very kind and try to be welcoming. They have a parking lot across the street. It's rather hidden, so if you can't find it, go inside and ask for the directions. It's not gonna be an issue when they move to the new location in a couple months, hopefully. My favorite of all is, they are open late on Friday and Saturday, great for a late dinner, or after drinking food around 2 am.
(4)J. G.
Great food. Some of the best middle eastern I've had outside of NYC. Update: This is now my favorite restaurant. Mixed grill plate is amazing every time. It's worth driving all the way up town for but they're opening a Midtown location soon.
(5)Lauren S.
Great restaurant. I'm a fan of Turkish Mediterranean food. I had the hummus as an appetizer and the mix lamb and chicken gyro entree... Both were heavenly. The entree comes with a Greek salad, rice and warm pita. The atmosphere was great as well. I felt as if I were in another country. The space is small, but inviting. It looks as if they're building a new location just a block up the street. I'm not sure how this will effect things. I've been telling everyone about this restaurant and I'm sure I'll become a regular of this hidden gem of Buckhead.
(5)Dru J.
A party celebrating the relocation of a midtown art gallery to Buckhead provided the excuse for me and companion to meet at Agora (No excuse needed to go to Agora, just to go to Buckhead). As I'm on my cell directing date to the spot, owner "Al" slides a plate of amuse bouche under my nose. Hummus, tabouli, veggies. I ask Al for a beer and not surprisingly, its an Efes, Turkey's great beer, uniquely flavored with rice. Date immediately falls in love, not with me but with Al. Actually, with just about everything in the spot. So its the Mixed Maza; eggplant salad, hummus, babganush, ezme (spicy salad), kasir (a bulgar based dish) and piyaz (Turkish bean salad), that provides date with an eye, and belly, popping culinary tour of the Med. And at 8 bucks it beats joining the Navy. As we head to the gallery, Al entreats us to return. Is it the prospect of seeing beautiful companion again that prompted the invite? Nahhh, Al's that way with everybody. But if so, I ain't mad at ya. Authentic, affordable Mediterranean food served in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. An Atlanta treasure.
(5)Shalin P.
Our dinner experience here was very consistent with what everyone else is reporting. Once Al found out it was our first visit, he gave us the free sampler plate. It actually contained pretty big and tasty portions of everything, and we had to ask for extra pita bread to finish up the sampler. For dinner I ordered a chicken gyro wrap and a falafel wrap. The gyro was terrific and the chicken had an excellent flavor. Unfortunately, the falafel was a disappointment as the patties were too dry. One other negative was that the hot sauce they had on the counter was just generic wing sauce. I don't want my gyro tasting like a buffalo wing. Next time I'll have to ask if they have any authentic homemade hot sauce. We got a sampling of the strawberry cake on the way out. He added up the price in his head, and honestly it was higher than I expected based on the Yelp reviews. But a solid meal overall, and a great non-chain option in the Buckhead area. Parking can be tough. There is a free lot across the street, but it tends to fill up fast. There is some limited street parking, and a $5 pay lot next door.
(4)Jeff L.
Cafe Agora serves up great food on the cheap - which makes it an ideal place for lunch. The only real issue is that seating is limited, and it seems like it can get quite busy at lunch. We got there just before the lunch crowd, and at it's peak, there wasn't nearly enough seating for everyone. A group of us came here and we ended up ordering quite a bit off food - we started off with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with pita + a whole bunch of things to dip the pita in. Most of it was great, aside from the heavy use of cilantro. I can't necessarily fault them for this, but I'm just not a fan of cilantro. One of us also ordered the stuffed grape leaves, which were also quite yummy. I have a very difficult time resisting a gyro if I see it on the menu, so this is what I ended up ordering. It was fantastic! It ranks as my second favorite gyro in the area. The flavor was incredible, but overall it was a bit sloppy ... not that it was messy to eat (which I'm perfectly fine with), but that it was not as well put-together as I would like. Most of the tzatziki sauce was concentrated in one area, and not every bite had all of the components in it. But, the taste was great, so I can't complain too much!
(4)Phe M.
Great late night spot. I moved away a few months ago and I still crave this place after I've been out for a night. Very traditional fare, friendly staff, cute & cozy environment ok except when you get the obnoxious drunks at 2 am. but you can always get it to go! chicken gyro is my favorite if you've got a sweet tooth get a couple slices of baklava too. perfect amount of sweetness and spice :) always perfectly cooked and tasty, my kind of comfort food. Making my mouth water thinking about Agora.
(5)Lori R.
Amazing food and incredibly friendly owner. Had hummus, gyro, baklava, and Turkish coffee--all outstanding. Food was flavorful, meat very tender and juicy. It's a tiny place but they work to fit people in, and I saw a lot of takeout orders. Limited street parking but some lots nearby.
(5)Bobby D.
Delicious Mediterranean sampler platter or mezze platter was the best i've had.
(5)Danny M.
The food is excellent. I think the problems customers have primarily arise with the owner. My aunt and I went, and we found the experience delightful. He was an old school Greek (?) guy who was very engaging from the moment we walked through the door. He stopped over at our table when we were eating and brought two cups of rice pudding and some baklava. We ordered two rice puddings to go, however he brought a baklava as well, which we did not order. My aunt was paying so I didn't say anything, and admittedly the baklava was very good. The way we were charged was murky. We got two plates of lamb, 2 drinks, 2 rice puddings to go and 1 baklava to go. I don't believe the owner attempted to charge us for the 2 cups of rice pudding he brought us or the baklava or the plate of hummus, but there really is no way to tell. **CAUTION** Be cautious about the pricing and about being offered freebies. Make your order very clear. If you are concerned about being charged for items you are given but did not order, specify with the owner. If money isn't that big an object to you, I think you will have a lovely experience. If you start asking too many questions, as with others who have reviewed this restaurant, I think you might run into some issues. Total price for two people: $40.00.
(4)D L.
So... Still love this place. I enjoy the grilled meats more than the gyros. Really great tiramisu dessert. So moist and delicious... Pricing can still be random, but I think the staff are getting a handle on that...
(5)Robin D.
Fresh and delicious. The best hummus I've ever had. I made the mistake of parking on the street in front of the restaurant, and got harassed by the Atlanta parking enforcers when my meter ran out. However, I found that there is free parking for customers in the next block. My suggestion is that they post a big sign about it!
(5)Ayon J. R.
Very, very good mediterranean food at reasonable prices. The service is fine as well.
(4)Addy C.
Great Mediterranean dive in Buckhead with all the elements that deserve a return visit - authentic food, variety of selection, reasonable prices, generous portions, & a charming owner who really likes to delight his customers. I came with fellow Yelper Nancy R, and we decided to share the Falafel appetizer ($5.95), the Mixed Grill ($17.25), & the Chicken Shish Kebab ($13.85). All dishes were fantastic - if I had to do it over again, I'd skip the Chicken Shish Kebab & get something else since the Mixed Grill does include several pieces of chicken shish kebab. All entrees include salad & rice, too. Our dinner was great but honestly greater (& memorable) b/c of Al. Let me tell you about Al - this guy really genuinely likes to know his customers - he sat down with us several times, asked us what we do for a living, talked about his food, shared words of wisdom, ... and later brought us a sampler platter of all his apps (all delicious by the way) and then later brought us samples of his baklava (fresh & best I've had!) - funny guy even fed the baklava into my friend's mouth. When I told him the apps were all delicious, he said our plate better be all clean if we really thought so :) The place is kinda small so you probably want to get there early. I love that the place is also open very late on Fridays & Saturdays - something to keep in mind if you're looking for a late night option besides Waffle House. If you're lucky, there are a few parking spaces in back of the restaurant, and a few spots in front - otherwise you'll have to do the $5 lot. Definitely worth a visit if you love Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean food.
(5)Jacob P.
Cafe Agora was good. Beef and Lamb gyro, authentic hummus and an excellent tiramisu. Definitely one of those authentic Greek decor restaurants. Dont worry about the decor, it is good food.
(4)Nyssa D.
Ate here tonight and was reasonably satisfied. We got a ton of food for our money (but more on this later), and it was all pretty yummy. I had two complaints, though: my gyro meat was rather charred, lacking the juicy gyro flavor I was hoping for. It was actually kind of...crunchy. Bad batch maybe? Who knows. The other thing I frowned at was when the waiter came by and took away our plate of hummus (still half-full) without asking. I mean, sure, our pita (warm and delicious!!) had all been long-since scarfed, but I'd still have appreciated a, "May I take this?" before it disappeared. My salad was good, and reasonably fresh. I enjoyed the bell peppers chopped into it. The hummus was good, the tabbouleh was well-prepared (not too much of any one ingredient, which was great), and whatever the pepper/tomato salad was with the hummus and tabbouleh was really good too, with an unexpected spiciness. For two gyro plates, one drink, and a hummus plate, we only paid $22 - quite reasonable!! I do suspect that the hummus plate was maybe left off accidentally, though...the gyro plates were supposed to be $10 apiece. I was fairly "meh" about this experience - I enjoyed it, but wasn't wowed. However, I HAVE been here once before, about a year ago, and I vaguely remember being MUCH more impressed. Perhaps I came on an off-night. I will definitely come again, just to see!
(3)Pat W.
Visited Cafe Agora last week for the first time. We had just returned from Greece and Turkey so we were dying for some authentic food. Cafe Agora is the real deal. Can't wait to visit their new location in October.
(5)AmyJon J.
Food really is good here. Expensive and they will charge you different prices depending how they feel (at least that's how it seems). I still rated it 5 stars because I like the food and wouldn't change much on that.
(5)Maple C.
Cafe Agora is pretty inconspicuous/unassuming from the looks of the place, but omg this place is so good. The owner is really friendly and chatty - he's great! We got hummus (best hummus I've ever had in my life btw) and baklava *drool* on the house! The beef and lamb gyro was so good that I was a little devastated when some of it dropped onto the floor. If I had to describe it, my reaction was probably like you'd see in a movie, when something bad is happening and everything goes in slow motion and you see someone screaming "noooooooo"... hahaha at least that's how I reacted in my head. :)
(5)Alison B.
Visited again this week for a casual weeknight date and we both enjoyed it very much. The mezze platter is just terrific- I should really just get this as my meal as the hummus is so delicious and it is fun to try little bites of a variety of Turkish specialties which I wouldn't necessarily be courageous enough to order separately. What can I say? I am a meat and potatoes girl at heart. I ordered the chicken kabab and my date ordered the lamb kebab- both were good in terms of being well spiced and certainly served in a generous portion, but honestly, I thought the meats were a tiny bit overcooked this time, but he loved the lamb prepared the way it was, so maybe I am off base. No matter, it was a very pleasant meal with Al making sure we were happy, as always.
(4)Ashley A.
Cafe Agora, aka "Al's", is a gem. We miss it dearly! You won't walk away hungry. The food is simple, but well made. His maza offerings go far behind any other I've been to in the now 3 cities I have lived. Heart ya Al. Will definitely come in next time we are back in Atlanta!
(5)vimal p.
wow this place is awesome, The Experience: we walked in just before they were closing, the owner came out and said its cool to stay and eat. he asked us what we felt like eating and just started bringing out food, we never looked at a menu and all the food he bought out was awesome! The Food: Food was solid, I have eaten at many different Greek/Med places all over the country and this place is def in my top 5. We a hummus platter, then 2 meat platters, all with pita, very good and nice flavour. The baklava was prob one of the best I had ever had, extra syrup solid!
(5)Nancy R.
I came here after reading a few Yelp reviews. I knew it was casual, but it's really casual. It's a great hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean restaurant. Al, the owner/manager, is an older gentleman who greets and converses with you at your table. FOOD: Chicken kabob, mixed plate, and falafel apps. If you ask, you should get a sampling of all their dips/sauces that are displayed. The bean salad is my favorite. Tahini sauce is good, not tart. Chicken kabob and the mixed plate comes with a salad and rice. You can substitute french fries instead of rice. TIPS: Don't be fooled when they offer/give you complimentary hummus/dips, you pay for it in the end. If you eat in, Al doesn't give you a check, he just asks you to pay a certain amount, which you think is a bargain, but it's not. Keep in mind of prices of things you order. Get there kind of early (dinner) and there's about 4 parking spots in the back. There's only about 8 tables there.
(4)Max J.
Food is not good , Service is Bad ...
(1)Jack H.
Okay, come on -- relax people. Al is a jewel in the world of Buckhead restaurants. The lamb kebab is absolutely to die for. So is the mixed maza platter. Al, the owner, is a colorful Turkish character straight out of Saturday Night Live and, best of all, the food is damn good! One does not leave this restaurant without trying the baklava. The pricing is heavily dependent on whether or not Al likes you as a person. If you are a drunken dick head, yes, he will charge you more than his regulars. And this is what makes America great.
(5)Sarah E.
My friend and I were looking for a place to get dinner on Sunday night, and we ended up here. Initially, we were put off by the lack of prices anywhere in the restaurant, but the owner quickly made us feel right at home. He insisted on giving us samples of the mezzas. He put a plate together, and instead of just handing it to us, he, um... fed us. This didn't come off as creepy as it sounds. He just seemed really enthusiastic about giving us tastes of the food. After he fed us each a bite, he did pass the plate over and let us feed ourselves. We ordered sandwiches (I got the falafel) and the Mixed Maza Platter. This was kind of a mistake because we were full after the sandwiches and didn't need to eat more. I ended up taking the platter home and eating it the next day (it was good, though I really wish I had asked what all of the items on it were). My falafel was good and was clearly made fresh. I'd say it wasn't quite as good as the falafel at my favorite place, but I'm going to reserve judgment about authenticity until I get back from my trip to Israel this October. Y'all best believe I'll be eating a ton of falafel there - is there a Yelp Israel? Between the food and the helpful and welcoming owner, I'd definitely eat here again. I just wish there was a way to know how much the items cost.
(4)Julia R.
How could you not simply adore this unpretentious, neighborhood gem of a restaurant when its owner literally hand feeds you a mouthful of freshly made baklava at the end of the meal, undoubtedly the best you will find outside of the Middle East? The antithesis of all that Buckhead implies to Atlantans, Cafe Agora has some of the best hospitality I've ever encountered while dining...not to mention some of the best food as well. After discovering this restaurant while Yelping, a group of friends and I decided to give it a try. We were so pleased that we did! We started off with a large sampler platter which was filled to the brim with all sorts of homemade Mediterranean delights, some old favorites and some new palate teasers that defined the word "delicious." If licking plates were socially acceptable, I can guarantee that it would have happened here. What followed was something that the restaurant owner decided on his own to feed us...a combination of various meats marinated in mouth-watering Mediterranean spices served with perfectly cooked rice and very fresh salad doused in balsamic vinaigrette. Melt-in-your-mouth baklava sealed the deal and we were one happy, and very full, group! The best thing about Cafe Agora, by far, was the stellar hospitality and the fact that every bite of food was packed with pride and love. I can't wait to return and experience it all over again!
(5)EJ S.
Cafe Agora: The perfect fix for a 3 am drunken rage, but just as delectable as an afternoon snack. Al is AMAZING! Always greeting guests with a smile and a gratis round of baklavah. I'm not completely sold on the hummus, but the tzatziki is creamy greek yogurt goodness with cucumber and dill folded in like angels' wings. DELISH. The falafel is also a fan fave. If you're stumbling drunk around buckhead and looking for the next hot spot, swing by Cafe Agora for a quick taste of heaven before going on your merry way.
(4)P S C.
The food here is really good. I have been there at different times, and mostly it has been very satisfying. The service is quick, and the owner is a good guy. However, one problem I feel is that there is no receipt given with all the itemized prices, and it is hard to add up all the prices to the total we are charged. Not sure if that can be fixed at this place.
(4)Gina M.
Huge portions and the Hummus is amazing. Yelp reviews were right on. Not a negative thing to say.
(5)Amber S.
Best gyro I've ever had... and I've had a lot. Also phenomenal Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
(5)Reid L.
Al, the owner, is the most hospitable host. I asked for a full mediterranean dinner and he came to our table with one of every appetizer and fed my girlfriend and me a sample of each. If a little hands on, which wasn't intrusive, he is definitely in the business of making sure his customers get his family restaurant's unique experience. As for the food, everything we had was great. The appetizers were all traditionally done and delicious. The chicken in our kebabs was charred perfectly with a large Greek salad on the side that wasn't soaked with olive oil. Awesome. I'd go back tomorrow...or any day really.
(5)Luke F.
Very authentic and awesome restaurant. The owners are still running this quaint, hidden gem and they gave me a complimentary dessert when they found out it was my first time visit. This is how dinning is suppose to work!
(5)Alexa G.
With the vast reviews listed for Cafe Agora there is not much else I can say. Although here are some tips that might help you when visiting this quaint establishment: 1. It's seat yourself and you order your food at the counter, I also did not see menus available. If you immediately take a seat, and wait for a waiter to come in you will surely be outed as a newbie there. There is limited parking around back, and street parking around front. 2. Listen to whatever Al tells you to order, you will not go wrong! I mistakenly tried to order a chicken gyro which was then met with a "No, you don't want that, you'll have a real gyro!" The mezza plate was amazing (roasted eggplant, hummus, and all sorts of veggie spreads)...but we had to eat everything on that plate before we were allowed to order their amazing gyros! 3. The owner really cares about the food, and his customers! The gyro was an amazing mix of beef and lamb ( his mix has more lamb) and was juicy and flavorful..not like all the other dry gyros I have consumed. 4. Seating is limited, there are probably 8 tables, comfy but might be pretty tight for a large group dining in. 5. " Sweets in moderation" as Al put it. .. the baklava was sooo good I attempted to get some to go, to savor later at home, But was denied!...DAMN! Just means I will have to take another trip out there...ASAP!
(5)Jillian F.
I found this place using Yelp. 3 of us went on a Sunday afternoon at about 1:30 and the place was empty and we got a free parking spot steps away from the front door. The owner or host asked us if we had ever been there before and we told him no. He recommended we try the Mixed Maza Platter that came with about 6 different types of appetizers. Everything was absolutely delicious. One of the cooks also brought falafel to our table on the house for us to try. It was incredible. I'm not a big fan of falafel and this was definitely the best I've had. After all the appetizers, we decided to split a meal because we were getting pretty full. The 3 of us split the Agora Mixed Grill which is a plate of chicken, beef and lamb with rice and a salad. Again, all of it was amazing. The flavor of the meat was incredible and the rice was cooked perfectly and tasty. For dessert, we tried the rice pudding. It was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. The reason for 4 stars, not 5, is that (as others have noted) no prices are printed anywhere, which is odd. For 1 appetizer, entree and dessert, our total came out to $32. Not bad since 3 of us shared everything, but that is a lot if 1 person were to order it all. We were all very happy with our meal and the friendliness of the staff. We will definitely be back again.
(4)Jeffrey C.
After living in the northeast for many years, I became accustomed to flavorful Mediterranean food. Usually, they were mom and pop places that may have lacked fancy finishes but delivered on the good flavors. I ventured out a solo lunch date to Agora after a recommendation from a co-worker. I was looking for a great gyro. Agora is a nice location on East Paces Ferry next door to the new Bottle Bar. The inside was neat with a clear menu above the kitchen and of course as you have read, I was greeted by Al. To be welcomed to a restaurant by the person who is clearly in charge is a rare, rare thing. I gladly told him I was referred by friends who raved about the place. He smiled knowingly and proclaimed that his restaurant was the best....I soon would agree. I had gone to Agora planning to feast on a delicious gyro. However, once I walked in and saw the offerings, my plan fell apart. I knew that I needed to try everything. I ordered the mixed grill. This is the granddaddy of them all platter. 4 types of cooked meats, slices of seasoned pita and then fresh sides. It was a very healthy portion and I could easily tried to keep some for later. But there was no freaking way that was going to happen. DOWN THE HATCH!!!! It was freaking delicious. I want to go back and try everything on the menus. As I walked in I was given a sample of the hummus and salad and as I left I was offered a delicious lady finger like baklava.... sweet, exotic and a delicious finish to a very good lunch. See you soon, Al and Agora!!!!!
(4)Liz H.
I love how the small interior gives it a homey feel. The people working here are super nice. Anything with the gyro is delish. Came here for dinner with a couple friends and we ordered various dishes. Prices are a tad high, but the portions are plentiful and flavorful. I have no complaints about the food - presentation was also above average (for gyros, it comes like a cone with the filling artfully spilling out). Not a huge fan of the hummus platter; I would recommend sticking to anything with lamb/gryo. My favorite part, however, is the pistachio baklava. The best baklava I have ever experienced. anywhere. I wish for the price you pay, the serving size was bigger, but I guess you can charge what you want when it's that good. I'll keep coming back just for that! Pros: -Late hours -Pistachio Baklava Cons: -Parking -Small space/seating # -Not a cheap eats place
(4)Cooper B.
The best thing I can say about this place is that I had no idea that I liked Mediterranean food before I ate here. If you've never been you'll definitely want to get a meza platter (sp?) to split with the table before ordering entrees. One thing that not many people are mentioning on here is that they are open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays... you're not going to get better drunk food than a fresh cooked gyro. Parking can be a pain, but there's a lot behind the building where I always park for lunch and have never had a problem.
(5)Eric S.
This place is small, but don't let that fool you. The food is great. They do take out or eat-in. I had the traditional gyro and hummus as well. I loved it. I've had it for dinner and also late at night after coming back from the bars. I think I found a new regular place.
(4)Claire S.
This place is one of my regular spots. I love the owner, he hand-fed my coworker Jessica while I was moving my car; which I think made her mildly uncomfortable but I was extremely jealous as I love to be hand-fed by strangers. The lamb salad is the only entree I've ever ordered here because it is so good I always want it. Also the "lady fingers" dessert is amazing. The humus is pretty good but not the best ever. For 2 people the price always magically turns out to be around $30 with tip regardless of what you order, which is a little strange, but right for the food because it is really good. I would go here for casual lunch, not really a date spot. I love this place because they are so friendly and the food is yummy.
(5)Alex G.
Are you even the slightest bit hungry? Drop what you are doing and go to Cafe Agora RIGHT NOW. After reading the reviews I was intrigued, as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is definitely my favorite, and I stopped in to try the Agora mixed grill. The salad was fresh and very tasty, the meat was extremely flavorful, delicately textured, and cooked just perfectly. Even the pita bread was packed with flavor. I can't think of anything I would want differently, it is rare to have a perfect meal but this is it. Before heading off to the airport I got a lamb shish kebab to go and then waited to go through airport security until I was hungry enough to eat it. I never want to eat food again if its not from Cafe Agora.
(5)Tukuli H.
I had the gyro and it was the best gyro that I have had in years.
(4)Angelica T.
This place is awesome! I was in Atlanta visiting a friend for a week and we found this place after deciding on having some Mediterranean food. I love that this little eatery is so family oriented and the owner made us feel welcome. My friend and I shared a mezza platter which was deeeelish. I had the chicken kabob and she had the lamb. I'm not a big lamb fan but I did try it and it was pretty tasty. The portions are large as well, which may be good for sharing. In our case though, we cleared our plates. The owner saw that we finished everything and fed us some baklava, which of course was yummy as well. Overall, love this place! Now if I can find something similar in San Diego =P
(5)Dee T.
I was in town for a conference during the SEC football championship, so needless to say everything was a cluster. I called the restaurant to see about making a delivery. Initially, I was shut down by whomever answered the phone, but I then mentioned that I was staying at the Grand Hyatt, less than a mile away, and he consented. Thank God! The food was delicious and fed me all.weekend with still more leftovers to boot. The mixed maza platter was by far my favorite part of the order. It had several items that I've not tried before, from the piyaz (white bean and veggie dip) to ezme (broiled eggplant dip). Everything in the platter was very fresh and seasoned well. I wish that I'd gotten more pita with it, but I made do ;) The chicken doner was less successful for me, as it was pretty salty. But the rice and the house salad more than made up for it. I found this place thanks to Yelp, and I'm very glad that I did.
(4)Ilya P.
This place is great all around.
(5)JEWELe M.
Absolutely FABULOUS! The chicken gyro, baklava (with and without pistachios), and the Turkish coffee were absolutely fabulous here! You can taste the made to order, fresh ingredients in the dishes. Make sure to take a bite of the baklava and sip on the Turkish coffee all together...the strong coffee melts the flaky baklava in your mouth, making a wonderful texture that makes your tastebuds dance! Or give you an excited urge to drop your dishes on the ground! ;) Whenever iCrave Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish, iWill have to come back to Cafe Agora! iOpa!
(5)Melanie P.
I was in dismay as to the actual structure of this place but from a food perspective; this place deserves my vote of 5 stars!! Since I was eating there, I wasn't sure what to do - go to the counter to order from the menu above or sit down at a table and wait patiently for a waiter (of some sort) to ask what it is I will be eating? So I went for the counter - I suggest doing the same as this seems to be the way things are run. If they do not openly say this, ask for the dine-in menu (it's different from the board above). They have a full bar, a variety of Mediterranean food from Greek to Lebanese to Turkish to choose from, and a very casual, laid back atmosphere to enjoy this amazing food. I had the lamb kebab that came with a side Greek salad; pita spread a top of two very large slabs of lamb that rested atop a bed of white rice. If the spice of the meat is too much for you, have no fear, they serve a side of Tzatziki spread. In addition to this, I also ordered Grape Leaves which are such a Mediterranean signature favorite and get them whenever I can - these were awesome! After the meal, your food runner brings you out a free slice of baklava. I have had my fair share of baklava and this was some of the best I have ever had. It was drizzled with pecan glaze and just melted in my mouth. I was so impressed, I actually bought some to go. Its a bit steep in terms of price but I think that this quality of food sure fits the price tag. You just have to get over the joint that this food comes from and concentrate more on how delicious your entire meal is and will be if you come here! Where the food is better than the actual look and feel of this restaurant, I suggest coming here when you are in the mood to be relaxed and casual either with one or a group of people. Don't forget that it is also a great take-out place and switch up from your regular Chinese and Italian Pizzeria's for a late Saturday night intoxicated decision.
(5)Timber W.
Sometimes I can be a picky eater. One of my pet peeves is excessive bread on a sandwich. I can always skip eggplant. And, most of all, I rarely eat meat. I avoid it not out of some ethical objection, but because the texture and taste are completely unappetizing to me. Cafe Agora may have changed that. Having abandoned falafel forever, I had a hard time deciding what to order. (I'm ALWAYS the last to order at Mediterranean restaurants.) After much deliberation, I chose the lamb and beef gyro. As I sat waiting on my food, I started to doubt my choice, but my mind was set at ease and then reeled into ecstasy when I tried the first bite. The meat was actually really tender and flavorful, and I devoured the gyro, gulping orange-carrot juice between bites. I also ordered pistachio baklava, which was moist and delicious. As discovered by my sister, Turkish tea=Earl Grey. ...really? Thanks to Cafe Agora, I'm now a big fan of Mediterranean food. It was totally worth the $5 rate for just one measly hour of parking to have lunch there.
(5)Shane A.
This place is a great Mediterranean spot with awesome, fresh food! It's a small place that is reminiscent of a cafe you would find in Eastern Europe, a few tables and counter to eat at with ingredients in a deli case so you can see your fresh lamb/chicken/hummus/tabouli/whatev! Al, the owner, MAKES this place! He is awesome and will talk to anyone... if your willing or not! As for me, I'll talk to anyone... so I got his suggestions and told him that I was allergic to tomatoes and he was very careful to only serve me things that I could eat! GREAT SERVICE!! He suggested a half and half kabob - Half lamb regular and half spicy ground lamb. We also ordered some dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and veggies). After we sat down, he brought out a surprise app plate with tabouli, hummus, pita and yogurt. The dolma was great and Al had to brag about how his were made in house... and they beat any other dolma that I've had lately! YUM! Then our lamb came out on a huge plate with rice, greek salad, pita, and yogurt sauce. One word... AWESOME! I enjoyed the regular lamb better, because I love how lamb tastes, but they were boh great! Al gave us some baklava after the meal and we drank some raki (ouzo) with a greek beer! DELICIOUS! Again, Al is awesome and a great, hardworking owner from Cypress (not Greece) who will do his best to make you happy!! The check was reasonable (for all the booze I drank) about $15 for the Lamb kabob plate and $4 or $5 for the dolma... I think! Give this place a try! I guarantee you'll want to come back! I'll meet you at the bar with a glass of Raki!
(5)Kiya H.
Cafe Agora. I am really trying to like this place. First off! I can absolutely agree with the yelpers who mentioned "pricing scams." Dear Al or whom this may concern, Would you please, for your customers sake and sanity, create a menu that states the expense I will incur after placing an order. That way, when you charge me $13 for a mezza platter, I can easily confirm that is the correct price by viewing the menu. Although, I have seen a menu or two; it seems a bit inconspicuous. I am a little disturbed when every other visit I order the same thing but pay a different price. How difficult can it be to display a menu with the prices. Yes, I care about my quarters and my dollars because I earn them! So, I would not like to be charged what ever you decide you want me to pay. Now after that vent...Let us move forward! The food: My first visit consisted of two platters consisting of gyro meat and grilled chicken. The meat: in my opinion; dry and old tasting. It had the traditional flavor; however, it made me contemplate becoming a vegetarian. (Especially after seeing the raw kabobs displayed in the same case as the salads.) What keeps me coming back is the mezza platter; which, I always get to go because the atmosphere shuts down my taste buds. Thanks to the little sampler platter provided on our first visit, the mezza platter is all that I order. The hummus, tabouli, ezme, and yogurt are tasty. The dessert: The baklava is a nice treat. Pretty tasty but again: How much does it cost? Yes, I will continue to patronize this place as long as I crave a good mezza platter or until I find a place that can top it. I think Cafe Agora is a restaurant set in its ways...so when you visit, just go along with it.
(3)Leeanna L.
It doesn't get any easier than this. We scored a parking space out front--free since it was Sunday night--walked up to the counter, and ordered a mezza plate and the grill sampler. Al had our mezza plate ready in 5 and shortly after that, the grill sampler came out. Yelp was spot on -- fantastic food! At the end of the meal, Al dropped by some baklava "shots" on the house. Sure fire way to win my heart any day. Oh, and if you're lucky or maybe unfortunate depending on how you look at it, Al will hand feed your husband a few bites from the mezza platter. He decided that my husband looked like a picky eater. Mwahaha.
(4)Adam S.
This is a really nice little lunch spot that offers above average Mediterranean food. The gyros here are some of the best I've had and the lamb agora salad is really great as well. The desserts are fantastic (and I'm not a dessert guy). The owner is friendly and enthusiastic. If you are looking for a nice place to grab a quick lunch, this may be your spot in the buckhead area.
(4)Anna I.
I can't even handle how delicious the food is at Cafe Agora. I ordered the mix grill plate and was delighted to see a plate full of meat. Lamb, chicken, gyro... oh my! No two meats tasted the same. You can distinctly make out the individual spices and flavors in each lovable bite. Also had the meze platter which is as good as everyone says it is. Very light, fresh, and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back!!!!! BTW the lady finger baklava is to die for. Melts in your mouth. Oh god, so good..
(5)Robert M.
This is really a 4 star joint, rounded down because of abracadabra pricing and boxed rice. Food here is good, pricing is weak. There is something about someone looking at you for a few seconds while going 'ahhhh' before blurting out a price. $13 for you! Coke, no Pepsi! Weak. Weak. Weak. The Kebabs are good, meats are cooked perfectly with good spice, the pita has nice chew, but the rice seems straight outta Rice-A-Roni (the Atlanta treat). $13 for this type of meal lightens the wallet too much for my taste for a quick lunch. Especially when the price is made up on the spot. I like Al, a good personality, but that doesn't make up for everything. Oh, don't forget your "free" dessert (of course just built into the mysterious pricing). Parking is a bitch, good luck.
(3)Tyler P.
Great lamb kabob! Went here for dinner, and although the place was empty (maybe serves more of a Buckhead lunchtime crowd?), the food was good, and the staff was friendly. We placed our orders and were offered free hummus that was fresh and delectable. The lamb kebob was definitely a sizable portion. There was plenty of meat and rice, with a side salad that included roasted red peppers. There was probably enough for two people, even though there was only enough pita for one. The meat was not overcooked and dry like I've had other places; it was tender and well-marinated. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu (can't wait to try the gyro!). Overall I had a great experience and recommend this place to anybody looking for a new Mediterranean place in the area.
(4)Angelica T.
Went here for lunch with coworkers last Friday. Al is hilarious, he fed each of us Baklava after we finished our entrees. The portions are pretty big, and the food was pretty darn good. We shared a mezza platter and it was awesome. I had the chicken kabob, it comes with pide bread, rice, and a greek salad. Other people in the group had the gyros and a falafel, they all said their food was fantastic. The only con is parking can be hard to find in that area.
(4)Michael D.
I am writing this review to comment on the experience as a whole and not just the food (which was very good.) I went there with a large group of people, but was paying only for the two of us. My food: $16.00 His food: $7.00 Drinks (3 beer @ $4.50): $13.50 Subtotal: $36.50 Tax: $ 2.55 Total: $39.05 Actual bill $47.00 Nobody in our group ordered appetizers. No one ordered dessert. There were about 15-20 of us there and we assumed that the owner was putting this stuff out there "Hey, you all try this stuff! Eat! Eat! eat it all of I don't serve anything else!") because we were spending a fortune with him anyway. Well, it turns out to not be the case. This stuff is pushed on you - you are never asked if you want it. BUT YOU ARE CHARGED for it, about $4-5 per person. That's not a lot, but it is not something you are expecting, and I consider it unfair of the owner to put food on your table that you did not ask for and then charge you for it in the end. I may go back to Cafe Agora with friends, but I will warn them that if they accept what appears to be the owner's generosity, they will be charged for it in the end. If this did not happen to us, I would have given this place 3-4 stars. EDIT: I also agree with another reviewer that the owner appears to just pull prices out of the air and put them on the bill. Just be careful when you pay.
(2)Luciana Y.
I love Cafe Agora. I discovered it about 3 years ago when I was somehow new to the city and wanted to try, as always, food from other countries. I tried it once and I can't stop going there. I always encourage people to try it and take my friends with me there as well. The food is always fresh, great taste and I have to say that they try to do their best to serve well to the customers. The place is small and sometimes it gets packed and you have to wait but it's totally worth it. I don't care if they might take a while to take your order or bring the check or make you order at the bar instead of coming to the table during the day, it's all worth it! Food is always good and the portions very generous.
(5)Sanjay S.
I'd been meaning to write this review for a while, but laziness had prevented me from doing so. I dropped into Cafe Agora on July 4th while doing some shopping with the wife. Since July 4th was on a Wednesday this year, it was an in-town day off. We walked in and even though it wasn't that crowded, we decided to sit at the bar. The owner was at the bar and helped us out with the menu and gave us some samples of different things as well. He even introduced us to Efes, a Turkish beer that I had not tried before, but was excellent. He was an excellent ambassador for the restaurant. I ordered the falafel and my wife had the gyro. Both appeared fairly quickly and I have to say that my falafel was the best I've had. Of course, my experience consists only of places in Atlanta so I don't have too many places with which to compare. It was tasty nonetheless. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Angie S.
Yummy! I had the chicken gyro & a Greek salad. It was very tasty! Service for take out was slow.
(4)Kozby K.
This place is fantastic! I travel frequently and search out great Mediterranean food wherever I go, and Cafe Agora ranks among the best ever. The person behind the counter who runs it (and perhaps owns it) is very friendly and definitely goes out of his way to ensure you have a great experience. I couldn't believe the high quality of the food in relation to the really great prices. Hands down their Lamb kabobs were the best I have ever eaten, and their hummus was deliciously lemony with the right amount of salt. Their pita bread was soft and warm and clearly homemade. The pita came with an olive oil/red pepper paste brushed on the top, and when I asked for them to exchange my pitas for plain ones, the staff did so quickly, without hesitation and with a smile and apology. Fantastic! The crowd ranged from young families to senior citizens, and included solo diners like me and large families. Everyone seems welcomed there, and I would recommend that you add yourself to that list if great Mediterranean food in Atlanta is what you are seeking.
(5)Tim M.
Good solid kabob joint. I suggested Turkish food to my fellow 3 out-of-town business visitors, after overcoming some initial resistance ("But I don't like curry") I convinced them to go. They hesitated again when we got there (the place doesn't look like much from the outside), but once I saw that they had Efes I figured it was the real deal and I insisted that we stay, and not go to the Capital Grille across the street And boy were we glad we did! The large plate was excellent - who knew carrots could be so yummy. I had the adana kabob which was excellent, and also had one of my co-workers kefte which was good. My colleagues could not stop raving about the food We got there early, so initially the service was good, it tailed off once the place got crowded. Despite there being a long line, they ignored us for a long time after we finished eating, and we had to beg for the hesabu - not that it was bad for us, just the people waiting. The kavessi and baklava were soso. But this was a great find (thanks once again Yelp) and I would definitely come here again
(4)Jinny Y.
I LOVE LOVE cafe agora~ okay, so it might not be as cheap as I'd like, but the falafel and baklava here are to DIE for! The friend, Mike P. who introduced me to Cafe Agora said on his first visit he ordered a gyro to go and Al promptly said "No". Mike repeated his order: "um... could I please have a gyro to go?" Al: "No, you take gyro to go, it gets cold, then it's no good. You eat here! (pointing at the counter)" Mike: ...sits down. I had a similar experience my first visit. After a wonderful meal of falafel, hummus, and salad, Al offers me a piece of Pistachio baklava~ At this point in time, I didn't like baklava so I respectfully declined. Al said, "no, you try it. It's good!" Next thing I know he SHOVES a piece of baklava into my mouth!! o_O!?? the first thing I thought was, "what the heck!?!" then as i chewed, this LIGHT, FLAKY, LAYERED DESSERT OOZING IN HONEY overcame my senses and I saw Al's face light up with delight ^___^ 'til this day I can't bare to eat baklava anywhere else. It's just not the same!
(5)Diana C.
My mouth is still drooling from my trip to Cafe Agora two weeks ago. A friend and I shared the lamb gyro (but I wished I had it all to myself at the end of it.) The meat was cooked perfectly with the right amount of spices. The vegetables tasted crisp and fresh, though the onions were a bit too strong. The tzatziki sauce added a cool refreshing taste. But my favorite part of the meal has got to be the pita bread. SO SO good. I will be back at this cozy little place soon.
(4)Jason L.
Best Mediterranean food I've ever had. Food: + Excellent hummus with different sides accompanied by warm pita; had a bit of a gaminess to it for some reason.. but it was fine + Lamb/beef gyro was excellent; entire package was fresh and popping with flavor + Tried some of the chicken kebab which was excellent as well + Pistachio baklava was oozing with moisture (honey) and the filo crust was full of light flaky goodness Location: + Store is a bit small but wasn't too full when we sat down for lunch on a Wednesday + Owner is very friendly although I found it hard to understand some of his mannerisms Good Things to Know: + They deliver for free within a 3-mile radius; it's a $3 delivery charge outside of the 3-mile radius + The kabobs are fresh and massive; check the front glass display to see them in their full uncooked glory + Accepts Visa, MC, and AMEX (good for those of us on corporate cards)
(5)Alex K.
Al is a pal!!! Its hard to find good Mediterranean food around town that serves delectable and carefully prepared fresh kebob meat and vegetables. It just doesn't have that "sitting around all day" food taste like a lot of those Mediterranean places have. Great thing is, you can go there anytime, even late at night. If you like soccer, it's your place, as they usually have GolTV on.
(5)Kathleen M.
I walked in to a near-brawl at Cafe Agora, between Al and a guy who seemed to be a regular. As I didn't catch the beginning of their conversation, I can't say who was in the wrong, but there was definitely some serious anger being thrown back and forth. The customer stormed out in a huff, Al shook things off and smiled. There's no direction as to what to do when you come in here. Order at the counter? Wait for a server? Pay before or after? While I'm still not positive of the regular order of things, we ended up placing our orders at the counter and waiting until Al delivered our wonderful, wonderful food to us. We split an order of hummus, and dare I say it was the best hummus to cross my lips. Heaven, and the pita was equally great. My chicken gyro was equally great: well marinated, fluffy pita, and fresh tasty tzatziki. It was a ton of food, but I managed to scarf it down. Al brought out some pistachio baklava to end the meal and it was equally divine. He truly is a character and makes the experience all the more fun, just be sure to bring friends who are cool with this kind of thing. Not exactly the spot for stodgy business lunches or first dates.
(4)Brett H.
Lamb Gyros - 2 Shared Hummus Platter - 1 Root Beers - 2 1 tasty lunch Best Gyro's around.... They are BIG, Juicy, and full of love.
(5)Robert M.
I stopped in on a Tuesday night. The place is small, but the owner made it clear he is planning to expand. We had a mixed grilled plate and a gyro, both came with fresh salads. Everything was great. They have menus, both regular and to go, but you have to ask. Otherwise, you can order by the pictures posted.
(5)M A.
I've been here so many times with a giant group of people, and even though we're packed in like sardines it's never a disappointment. The staff is very friendly, always joking with our group about our need for chairs and tables as he makes Tetris shapes to squeeze us all in on. The food here is very, very good. Everything from the tzatziki to the lamb kebobs is made fresh and tastes excellent. I never leave here hungry; it's impossible to do so! Even my bottomless pit friends can hardly finish a meal here. The food is hearty and wholesome. I've yet to do takeout myself, but watching five large boxes weighed down with food walk out with a fellow patron make me feel safe in my assumption that you get just as much food even if you don't take a seat. A friend of mine reports that catered meals are large and come with plenty of leftovers, so if you can't find a seat or need some food for a party, you've found your guy! My only gripe is that the owner will give you a mezze platter and demand you eat it, only to charge you a dollar for touching it. I'm also told he just makes up prices when you go to pay, but it seems to be relatively spot on. Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
(5)M P.
Enjoyed everything we ordered and the service was great!! The portions were really generous... What a pleasant experience!!!
(4)Foo B.
It was my turn to get food for group meeting again, and I was feeling adventurous, so I drove up to Buckhead (Agora: "Uh... we don't know where Georgia Tech is... so we can't deliver") to check out the goods. The trip was totally worth it. Rave reviews at the meeting, including from my boss, hopefully improving my job security. I initially wanted to just order one of each of their appetizers, but the lady over the phone told me that would be way too much and it would be a lot cheaper just to get a few of their platters. I was pretty skeptical that that would feed all 10 of us, but I took her advice, and it turned out to be just the right amount of food. It was quite economical too... the platters were only $39 in total. The only downside was that the baklava was expensive and had too much syrup, making them soggy.
(5)Jim H.
This place is freakin great. The owner is insane but a great guy. The food is superior and at a reasonable price. Well done folks.
(5)Chloe M.
I really love this place and can't imagine why I'm the last one in the city to tryi it. The Maza Platter is a beauty to behold. It has about 9 appetizers/dips. The hummus was creamy with just the right amount of garlic and lemon juice, the sour cream-dill dip was divine -- thick and creamy. The eggplant salad was very flavorful. I found a new favorite in their Havuc Salatasi (a carrot salad of sorts) with shredded carrots, parsley, dill, yogurt, and spices. It was so good. The tabouli was perfect, as were the babaganush (an eggplant dip), the red bean salad, and everything else on the plate. The grilled pita bread that came on the side was the perfect accompaniment, although the size of the pieces made it very hard to actually get a good chunk of dip onto them. No matter, forks to the rescue and rescue they did. The grilled platter came with an assortment of meats: beef and lamb gyros, lamb, chicken, beef, ground lamb. Every bit was as delectable as the next with my mouth sinking into tender, juicy morsels of meat that are full of flavor and grilled perfectly. I haven't had it any better than this. But the best came in the form of a Gyro -- grilled soft, warm pita bread topped with tender slices of spit-roasted lamb and beef then topped with fresh shredded lettuce and tzatziki sauce. Tasty. Delicious. And the best in town. I love everything about this place and can't wait to come back.
(5)Arindam P.
Very small place - reminded me of street food in India but once the food came, it was out of this world. We got a complimentary baklava and ended up paying for four of those orders. Best Baklava I have ever tasted
(4)Darryl D.
Great little greek/turkish restaurant. The Meze is a highlight, along with the pistachio baklava. Good, quick, and cheap.
(4)Lee L.
Something sketchy about this place is that there is no set menu prices... And looking back on my past credit bill, they charged me $2 extra! I had probably given a tip, but adding a little extra is just messed up!! Be sure to ask how much something costs so you're not ripped off.
(2)Enoch C.
good food. let's start with that. if you're looking for a good mediterranean dive, this is it. if you're thinking, "hmmm... i feel like good mediterranean tonight." for goodness' sake, check this place out. i went with a group of four for lunch on a friday. not sure if it gets packed later on in the lunch hour but there weren't too many people there (which is good cause it's pretty small). 2 friends had the gyro, another had the chicken kebab and i had to have the lamb kebab. i'm a sucker for lamb. didn't try the gyro, but seemed like an excellent lunch portion. the chicken kebab was really good. the chicken meat was super tender and had me wishing i had ordered the chicken instead of the lamb, which was ok, but nowhere near as tender as the chicken. the kebabs come over rice and with a greek salad. salad was good, no surprises or anything there. so after reading reviews of this place, i had heard about the "complimentary hummus." the dude gave us a huge plate of hummus and other mediterranean goodies and mixed the hummus and some pepper sauce thing and fed it on a toasted pita square to one of my friends which i hear is just how they do things here. SURPRISE! they charged us for the hummus plate at the end of the meal. however, for $5 it is actually a great deal. but who knows what you'll be charged if you come in cause there's no fixed prices on anything. when we went, the gyros were around 7 bucks and the kebabs were around 12. didn't really want to spend 12 bucks for lunch, but it was worth going at least once. at the end of the meal, we got actual complimentary baklava and some kind of rice pudding. wasn't a fan of the rice pudding and i thought the baklava was aight. maybe i'm just not a fan of baklava, but it just tasted like any other baklava i've ever had. so if you want great mediterranean food, come here. if you don't want to deal with hidden fees, people feeding you stuff, or spontaneous price changes, then pick a different place. to me, i thought the food and the other random stuff that goes on during your meal balance each other out. 3 stars.
(3)Vy A.
I had to try this place after hearing all the rave on Yelp. The food was ok and the people are pretty friendly. Why a 2? There were some serious problems. The biggest problem is that I have to agree with Lee L. about the "sketchiness" in the way they charge you. For that, I will never return. The experience was pretty good initially. We got the nice greeting and he practically forced us to try this sampler place in a way that implied that it was gratis. We really weren't expecting such a large sampler so we all felt bad and ordered much more food than we normally would have been to be polite. They definitely charged us for the sampler even after suggesting that we wouldn't be. There also aren't any prices on the menu, which added to the surprise. Perhaps there was some problem with communication on the sampler. In that case, I feel a bit uncomfortable with his forcefulness in making us order the item. I was also a bit concerned with his handling of the food - preparing dips onto the bread and handing them to you to eat??? I'm not thrilled with people putting their bare hands all over my food right before I eat it. There was also some carrot dish that smelled and tasted of chlorine. I'd detail the food here normally but I think there are plenty of people who have done that here. Summary: Decent food. Maybe some concerns on cleanliness. I'd give this place a 3.5 if Al would be more up-front with the billing.
(2)Michael Milton B.
Mezze platter + lamb/beef gyro + ouzo = happiness. I love this place, the food and the staff. Having Greek blood and a yaya (Greek for grandmother) who's a great cook, I can legitimately judge the food. The mezze platter is amazing--a little something for everybody with plenty of flat bread for dipping. The hummus especially stands out as a very rich, fresh flavor. Al and his staff are accommodating and are eager to have you enjoy their delights. Al will literally hand feed you if you're not eating a gryo correctly. It's a humorous experience. He almost always includes a generous gift of baklava or extra bread as an extra treat. Plus, being located adjacent to the Park Bench bar, they close at 4 AM Friday and Saturday. This makes for great late-night gorging. Gotta love it.
(5)Mina S.
As a huge middle-eastern food fan...this place was overall unimpressive. The staff was very friendly, and the menu had quite a bit to choose from. The sides were delicious, minus the hummus made of blah. I ordered the lamb kabobs because I felt like spending the extra money on it--lamb ain't cheap. The lamb was beautifully delicious, but a tad too greasy. The only problem? After paying over $12 for that platter, IT WAS SERVED WITH BOX RICE. Seriously. It had to have been. Those little elongated orbs of chewy brownish rice-intruders? You have GOT to be kidding me. No no no. Not with my expensive lamb kabob. Imma bring the smackdown. Where the heck is my basmati?! I won't be wasting my time or money here again because there are simply better places to go. Which will use the correct rice. BAH! However, don't completely nix this place--it was an overall good experience and if you're looking for something close to meet with friends, it's perfect.
(3)Jesse W.
Well, even without Al's personal attention during our dining experience, this was the best Med food that any of us have ever eaten. From the awesome appetizer, to the most tender and tasty chicken kebobs we've ever eaten, this place passed our test with flying colors. When my girlfriend mentioned that she had only ever eaten good falafel when she was in Israel, Al quickly went in the back and had the bring up some of his falafel for the Pepsi challenge. It was terrific; I mean really, really good. The only thing that probably wasn't a slam dunk with everyone at the table was the dessert, but Greek/Med desserts have never been my favorite thing. And what can you say about Al? He's terrific. A genuinely kind and enjoyable person who certainly adds a whole other dimension to your dining experience. Be warned though, if you are the kind of person that likes to be left alone while you are dining, this place is not for you.
(5)Jay P.
The lamb was as tender as .....I have no clue....All I know is that this was a great dining experience. Al definitely provided us all with top notch service. I had heard rumors of this guy, and he lived up to every one. From complimentary dips and deserts to a few jokes that I didn't quite understand, Al was the hilight of the evening behind the the lamb. This might have been some of the best lamb these teeth have ever met. He doesn't really tell you the prices until the meal is over and he rings up the bill so I would ask ahead of time. The parking situation is pretty crappy but the meal is worth every penny. At the end of the meal, he gave us to go boxes filled with dips and a special dessert. Al really knows what he's doing and for that, I'll be back again!
(4)Susan F.
Cafe Agora made all the other Greek restaurants I've eaten at look like child's play. The food was incredible! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We started off with a sample plate served to us by the owner. I couldn't tell you what he included (other than hummus), but it was delicious. For lunch I ordered the beef and lamb gyro. Amazing. I wish I could have eaten five. For first timers, there are a few things you should be warned about. 1) Parking's a pain. There are a few spaces in front and behind the building. Otherwise it's paid parking (in a lot) or you have to fend for yourself on the street. 2) When you walk in, go straight to the cash register. Order, then find a table and sit. 3) Go back to the register and pay when you're done. I don't think prices were posted, but they were reasonable.
(5)Anna F.
Y'all: if you do nothing else this week, go to Cafe Agora. I can't stress enough how much I adore this place. I've been 3 or 4 times now, and it's always been fantastic. The owners are lovely, and the man will likely come to your table at least twice to check on you, share a funny joke, and bring a complimentary bite of baklava (which is to die for, btw). I highly recommend the Maza (masa?) platter: it's a plate full of every kind of Mediterranean dipping sauce/spread/concoction you could ever want, with another plate full of bite-sized, warm, fluffy pita bread. It's a great way to get a little taste of everything, either as an appetizer before dinner, or a healthy lunch. Also note that you can park for free in the parking lot by the Hifi Buys building.
(5)Pranjal V.
Best Turkish food in town.
(5)Michael L.
I finally got to meet Al, and though we just dropped in to take a few falafel and gyro sandwiches to go, Al gave us a small plate of hummus and two other dips alongside a small dish of cut up pita for us to eat while we waited. That's the kind of hospitality one encounters in middle eastern countries that I've been to. Thanks Al, we really appreciated it. I will gladly say that this place by far makes the best gyros and falafels that I've had in ATL- because it's just true!
(5)Tricia C.
I was really disappointed when I tried to come here for lunch and somehow missed this place, but instead only saw the "Agora" restaurant a few doors down that was closed. I had read the reviews on Yelp and was really looking forward to the place. But my curiosity got the better of me and I called them later on and figured out my mistake. So, we came back for dinner! We were greeted by Al, who asked us if we had been there before and how had we heard about it. He told us about all the glowing reviews he's gotten on Yelp and Citysearch (except for the one bad review on Citysearch that was based on "opinion and not fact", haha). He made us the sampler plate o' hummus-es and other treats (many of which I have no idea what they were), but they were all DELICIOUS. I typically just stick to more Greek-style stuff since that's what I know, but everything he gave us to try was really really good (he literally prepared the first bites for us at the counter, mixing things in fairly precise ratios). I do wish he had given us bigger pieces of pita bread though. After he commended us for finishing that sampler, he allowed us to order gyros. I wouldn't say that the gyros were the best I've had, but they certainly hit the spot. I would have liked a little more tzatziki (since my meat was not as juicy as some others have said) and I would have liked to have some tomatoes on my gyro. But still, pretty solid. The best part about the meal (yes, even better than the hummus platter) was the baklava. Oh sweet Jesus, the baklava. He gave us each a half piece to sample, and it was like a chorus of angels burst into song in my mouth. It was far and away the best I've ever had. It had the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. It was very light, and not packed so tight that it takes you two minutes to chew. The honey was not so thick and gooey that you feel like your mouth is temporarily glued shut. It was not too drippy, it was not too dry. It was crisp and perfect, and had a sprinkling of pistachios on top. We bought 6 more pieces to take home and share, and he threw in 3 extra for good measure. (They were gone that night.) I really wanted to come back and get some to take back to Dallas with me but we didn't have time. Also, I noticed lots of people ordering food to go or for pickup, and most of them seemed like regular customers. It seems Al has realized a key ingredient of a great restaurant: there are so many restaurants out there these days and with review sites like Yelp available to savvy researchers wanting new and different places to try, that little extra of great customer service goes a long way in setting yourself apart from the rest. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Atlanta!
(5)Brian H.
I go to this place regularly. Al's got a great product here and the service is hard to beat. 2 thumbs up, way up.
(5)John R.
A friend and I went tonight for the first time. I'm kicking myself right now for having lived around the corner for 5 years and never ventured into this restaurant. Our server was friendly, and the food was great! We both had the falafel with a starter of hummus. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The dessert brought at the end (a little piece of bakalava) was omg....delicious. We both left very satisfied, just the right amount of full. I can't wait to go back and explore many more of the dishes that were in the refrigerator case. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)Saloni L.
Very nice and welcoming place! loved the food and ambience. Owner is extremely friendly and ensures you have a good time!
(5)Isabel Y.
Great food, absolutely no question! I love hole in the wall joints like this one by Park Bench. It's great if you are just chilling one night and don't mind lingering over some over the counter philosophizing with Al. BONUS: Being hand fed some amazing baklava is NEVER a bad thing. But if you're looking to quickly eat and then head somewhere else, you may want to go to elsewhere. Between finishing our food (SO GOOD i'm not kidding) and leaving the restaurant took a good 15 min last time, and we were in a hurry to meet up with some other friends. Not a big deal but just a heads up. My main complaint: Al just tells you how much you owe and gives you a piece of paper with that number. Like everyone else, I like free appetizers and free dessert, but I would like the place more if whenever I came, the price was SEMI-on par with last time (and yes I order the same things). Sometimes it's $14, sometimes it's $25...(???) I'd like an itemized receipt please. Just go on a weeknight after work with a friend, sit at the bar, let Al bring you food, and consider it great bang for your buck, all things considered.
(4)louis n.
I didn't know what to expect when I came to Cafe Agora. It's definitely not a "date spot" by any means. I came for lunch with two of my close friends. We didn't receive a proper greeting nor prompt seating. The three of us ordered the Chicken, Lamb, and Mix Gyros. They were all tasty and filling, great food portions. The hummus w/ falafel was as good as it gets. The hummus was smooth and had the right amount of olive oil for taste and texture. The tabouli was fresh and seasoned with just the right amount of zest. Parking is limited on E. Paces Ferry Rd. Try parking behind the building or across the street at the vacant HiFi Buys.
(3)S B.
Wonderful! I'm sitting in Cafe Agora now and everything from atmosphere to food was excellent. We will definitely be back
(5)Matt T.
This place was a really pleasant surprise. My girlfriend and I were driving around Buckhead looking for a good, new place to eat and she looked up local restaurants on yelp. She stumbled across this place and we decided to give it a shot. The restaurant is fairly small and sort of a hole in the wall type place. However, like many other holes in the wall, the food was delicious. The owner is very welcoming and friendly. He offered us free samples of hummus, ezme, and tabbouleh because it was our first time there and he wanted to show us how good his food was. I ordered the iskendar kabob and my girlfriend got the falafel sandwich, both of which were delicious. The lamb was probably the best I've had in Atlanta so far and the falafel was very tasty and perfectly golden on the outside. When we left, the owner insisted that we take some rice pudding on the house and I have to say, it was outstanding. Overall, great place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone/go back.
(5)Blake K.
Okay, so maybe this is the more realistic rating that Cafe Agora deserved in the first place based on solely food. This time around the place was too busy for Al to spend his sweet time with us, and so the experience suffered. Please, Please, Please, read my other review for all the AWESOME positive things about this place. This review, on the other hand, will simply spot out a few qualms I had this time around. I got the platter again. Most everything was amazing (as I remembered) except for the humus. It seemed to be missing something. It just tasted like plain ol' humus, like the kind of stuff you can get at Publix. I mean it's good, just not great. And the rice. My girlfriend had the kabob platter. She swears the rice was boxed. I can't say I know my rice that well, but it did have a weird texture to it. But maybe it's just weird rice. The meat was delish. The place is awesome. I'll definitely be bringing friends here again.
(4)jimmy s.
Quick summary: fantastic metza platter, unreal gyro, and Al is a trip. A little pricey compared to many quick lunch spots in this genre, but this different in quality is incomparable. Best gyro in town should be enough reason to visit.
(5)Alan B.
I have lived in buckhead for a year, eaten @cafeagora for a year. And i have eaten authentic homemade turkish for a long time. And this is it, home made authentic for 99.9% of it... anyways go eat there, order the efes beer and chow down on some ezma, kabob, and sarma...
(5)David S.
Dear Yelp, can I give 6 stars? Please? I just went back today, and basically was indecisive on what to order, so Al suggested the mixed grill. This is friggin GENIUS. Why decide when you don't have to, when you can have it all? It was superb, so much food, so many tastes, thank Zeus that my stomach has the ability to expand in cases of dire culinary emergency. And, maybe even more important than getting yummy food, Al gave me a bit of advice from his own life. The jist of it was this "The best way to get ahead in life is with intelligence and kindness". All this and gyros, too??
(5)Arjun R.
Really enjoyed it. Was excellent quality food. Had only two significant gripes - a tad overpriced and just a little under-spiced for my liking.
(4)Kevin P.
I love Agora. Small place. Parking can be frustrating , although you can park for free down street. Food is great. Prices reasonable. Don't let your first dish lock you into a favorite. Try several things on the menu. You will end up with many favorites. I love the lamb kabob, turkish lamb meatballs, carrot appetizer, and the chicken kabob.
(4)Dio S.
Why does Al love Yelp? Because Yelp loves Cafe Agora! My friend told me Al wants to meet some yelpers, because he's thrilled about all the positive reviews. I can personally confirm that the raves are well justified. Here can be found one of the most delicious gyros I've ever had, with tangy fresh tzatziki, aromatic lamb, chewy pita, overloaded with juicy goodness, mmm...my mouth waters uncontrollably as I think about it. The hummus, kebabs, and salads are likewise fantastic. All the cold salads have just the right tartness in their dressings. I had stale iced tea once, and that's about the only spotty experience. With all those upscale places around this part of Buckhead, this offers one of my favorite casual options (great for to-go too) in the area. Much better than Fellini's, Johnny Rockets, Rio Grande and the like close by. Must try!
(4)Kyle J.
This is my favorite place to grab a bite in the Metro. I was first taken here one late night without all of my capacities intact and was blown away by the food. Since McDonald's Fries also falls into the same category in that state I decided to go back a couple of days later for lunch and the food was just as good and Al was just as inviting and witty. So now I frequent the place. I recommend the kebabs and the vegetarian fare. Not the gyro which typically comes out a little dry. If you do not like spicy food do not order the lamb and stick with the chicken or beef. Also good luck ordering food off of the signs hanging above , as most of the items are not available. But for a great place to grab a bite for lunch or late this is the place. Don't forget to use the hot sauce though. FYI: Food is cooked to order.
(5)M G.
If you've been to a Bazaar in Istanbul, you are quite familiar with the talkative shop owners, who implore and cajole you to look and try everything in their store. Al, owner of Cafe Agora, is no different, but even if he wasn't the friendly and quite expressive guy that he is, you'd still want to try every single thing on the menu, because it speaks for itself. Al doesn't need to lobby the customer or recommend his favorites, because it is all excellent, but his presence behind the bar makes the experience that much more enjoyable. As has been noted in other reviews, he'll set you up with a sampler and some desserts while you wait, and chances are you'll tear through the pita and dips and your mouth will be watering for more by the time the meal comes. It's such a pleasant experience, made more worth while with the kind of old world interaction with the owner that is so rare nowadays.
(5)Travis M.
First and foremost, I feel like i should note that I have never been here 100% sober, but its fantastic location within walking distance of most of my favorite bars in Buckhead make it a real late night treat. I've never ordered anything but a gyro but Al has always been fastastic and brings me out samples of many other items. I think their gyros are some of the best in Atlanta (trust me, i've eaten a lot of gyros after a late night drinking session - i'd like to consider myself somewhat of an expert) and their baklava is also quite delicious.
(4)Chef Invisible T.
Why 4 stars--because it was hard for me to give five for a gyro but it is close. Hey Al, your the hottest on Yelp....congrats. But at last my dreams are over-I have findly found a Lamb Gyro in the Atl that I can say is better or as good as what I have tried anywhere. The owner(AL) is great which pushes this review to 4.5 stars. They lost half a star and a round down just on the A-kebab being ok. But wait... this place has to be the go to for anyone out after 1pm on a fri-sat night in the ever condo-hotel dining Buckhead. I have the great advantage of my girlfriend being a chef at a local hot spot in the area and my to -go gyro is now a regular staple for my late nite chef dinner. Can you believe I worked in this area for years and did not find out about this Med Food Find until Yelp users steered me in the direction. Thank You Yelp and I have to say that this is one of the best examples of what the ATL needs--small affordable dining- that is what makes great food cities so great.
(4)Laila S.
pretty good mediterranian food. its small on the inside, but its nice.
(3)Chris R.
We strolled in this past Saturday (1.24.09) for a late lunch after running a few errands in the neighborhood. It is definitely is in a blighted area that only 5 years ago used to be the nexus of night life is the now diminished going-out "scene" of Buckhead. But no matter...the Mediterranean food was awesome! The restaurant is fairly small and not the prettiest of interiors, but for the price and tastiness I certainly would go back. We ordered the Mixed Maza Platter and the Chicken Shish Kebab. The hummus was so good that we bought some to go and had some as our appetizer with our at home prepared dinner that night. By the time we finished eating the mixed maza platter we were nearly too stuffed to continue on we opened up our hollow leg and made a go at the Chicken Shish Kebab. The chicken was quite tasty in that it had a spicy very very faint taste of barbecue and the tzatziki sauce made for a tasty morsel. The house salad was so so..and the same with the basmati rice...but overall it was quite good. We finished it off with a little sample of the baklava. By then I was stuffed...but the little taste of sweetness ended a great lunch. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely go back when we're in the neighborhood.
(5)Justin B.
We walked into cafe agora on a Sunday night. From across the room Al saw us and asked if we'd been there before which led us directly to the beautiful display of his yummy looking wares. There weren't many people in the restaurant with us but the food was delightful and so was Al. His personal recommendations turned out to be great and the whole experience was memorable and commendable. I'd definitely go back.... and considering my parents live only a few blocks from him... we definitely will.
(5)Sonya S.
My husband and I walked inside and sat down. The busboys were clearing up adjoining tables and we looked around. We saw the pictured menu items on the wall but, prices were not indicated. Nobody said anything or came up to us. So, we got up and started eyeing the various appetizer dips in the refrigerated display case. That's when, we assumed it was Al, asked if I'd want the "sample plate". I said yes and wham, blam I was handed the plate with 5 to 6 varieties of smooth veggie dips and a plate of pita bread. Then I heard: 'You go and eat all of this before ordering any food'. I looked at Al with one eyebrow raised and my right forefinger pointed at him and said: 'Yea, look, I know all about you. We're going to order our food.' My husband chose the mixed grill plate and with that Al said that it would be plenty for the both of us. We sat at our table and began to eat away at the veggie appetizer fare. The babaganoush was pretty good as it had that smoky flavor I wanted. Hardly any garlic, though. We got the mixed grill plate and I looked at it. Man that was enough food just for my husband! So, I got up and ordered the Kofte Kebab plate. Al was adamant that we had enough food already. I just looked at him and said: 'Just get me my food' with a raised eyebrow. He obliged. Being our first visit we wanted to be food tasters. The char grilled lamb, beef and chicken were delicious. The rice was just the way I remembered it as a kid. I could eat that rice every day. The plates with meat are basically served with rice and salad with a sweet dressing. Al came over to check on us from time to time to see how we liked the food. I told him all was good, except there wasn't any garlic in the food. He proceeded to relate how he had to modify the garlic content for the American crowd. I told him, next time, I'm bringing my OWN garlic. Being the hospitable host, he said: 'Just tell me you want more garlic and we'll fix it special for you'. Time for dessert. Al started waxing poetic about his baklava and that he'd bring some out. I said that I already make my own, that I wanted to try my childhood favorite: Kunefe. Wouldn't you know they didn't have any? Al said that it's one of those things that don't move as fast on the menu so they often don't make it or if they do, it's a small amount. So, I gave him a counteroffer. I said: 'I'll give you my phone number and you can call me when it is available' We had a little laugh and ended with a small plate of some samplings.. Then, I got the Turkish coffee. When all was said and done our bill came to about $25 per person. We were stuffed like sausages. When you eat at this place, you DON"T know how much anything costs. Al begins to compute your bill when you approach the cash register at the end of your meal. Compared to regular American restaurants, this is an unconventional place. To be honest, it was a step out of my comfort zone the way the whole order/supply on hand/bill process went down. Except for the lack of garlic, the food is almost as authentic as you'd have at your multi-generational Middle Eastern/Mediterranean family get-togethers. (I say almost because families have their unique style of flavoring and cooking). Next time, I'll make sure to ask for the garlic and I'll call ahead to make sure they have Kunefe, Al is entertaining in a weird way. I know the culture and I enjoyed the banter. The main reason for being there is the food which is fresh. Café Agora has a selection of beers and liquor. I wouldn't say that there is a FULL bar. If you go, be prepared for an experience.
(4)Mary Ann O.
Very friendly, comfortable restaurant with great food!
(5)scott h.
Amazing Place!!! Great first time experience tonight, so great I made a Yelp account just to write a great review on this restaurant! The food was great! The hummus was the best i have ever had, and they had this carrot salad, wow, im not even a fan of carrots and i nearly exploded i ate so much carrot stuff!!!! the gyros were also fantastic.. i am used to a much less traditional style gyro, so i am used to more sauce, but i have to say, the meat in these gyros is by far the best! it was cooked perfectly!!! and as for the owner of the place, Al, he is a fantastic guy, on a first name basis with many of his customers and treats them well! as a first timer, he let us try so many things and treated us as if we had been coming there for years. overall, great experience and i will be visiting many many times!!!
(5)Kelly O.
This place has consistently good reviews for a reason. While it doesn't look like much from the outside, once you walk inside, you are treated like royalty. I ventured here for the first time with a friend the other night and got to experience Al's doting firsthand. He could tell we hadn't been before and insisted we try the mezza sampler plate - he literally hand fed us bites so we could see what went together. Since I don't know what all was on the plate, I can't say what my favorite was, but I highly recommend getting this if it is your first time there to try a little bit of everything - and it was ALL good - no joke, we cleaned the plate. A little full from the sampler, we split a lamb kabob plate, which was the perfect amount of food for two girls - the lamb practically melted in your mouth and the Greek salad was the best I have ever had, with the white dipping sauce just adding to the meal. To finish off the meal, he brought over some baklava and fed it to us (he is really into feeding you, so if you are uncomfortable with being hand fed, this might not be the place for you), which was amazing!! A great meal, great experience overall and with such personal service, I will be back all the time!
(5)Dave G.
I love this place. The gyro is the best ever. However, parking is very difficult and the food is a bit expensive. In addition, while the owner did hook us up with a sample platter, I understand that isn't the normal case. Therefore, for $9 or so, you get a Gyro and a drink - no sides. Just seems a little expensive (especially with the parking hassle). * Update - return trip - parking not a problem, just go earlier. Drink, gyro and side salad for $10. Very delicious! Upgraded to 5 stars! Yea!!!
(5)Todd P.
When my friend and I walked up to the counter to order dinner, Al showed us a print-out of the Yelp Atlanta home page listing Cafe Agora in the coveted #1 spot for Hot on Yelp restaurants. I've noticed it highlighted there several times the past few months and that's what lead me to his restaurant. He's definitely proud of the support he's received from the Atlanta Yelp community. Suffice it to say the food was fantastic, just as others have described in their reviews -- from the sampler plate of hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, etc. to the gyro meat, rice and pita there was not one thing that was a miss for me. Thanks Yelpers for leading me to a fantastic experience, and thanks to Al for showing us the hospitality that is abundant for all your customers.
(4)Rei W.
Tiny little restaurant with tons of personality. If you're going with a group of friends, get a mezza plate to share. Warm pita squares with grilled eggplant and hummus...mmmm Al, the owner, will make your meal an experience. The most entertaining owner I've ever met. If you don't know what to order, have no fear, Al will guarantee you something delicious. Don't forget the Baaklava. Their Baaklava comes in traditional squares, rolls and pinwheels- my favorite. Ground pistachios on top add a nice touch.
(5)Christopher P.
Al + Mezza Plate + Baklava = Goodness Cafe Agora.... Mezza Plate... do it... do it... now....
(4)Deanna J.
If six were allowed, this would be my first six-star review for the simple fact that it provided me with one of the funniest dining experiences of my life. More on that later. Cafe Agora is located in the general area near 'Old Buckhead,' where there are still open restaurants and galleries - and if it wasn't for yelpers (thanks, yall!!) I would have never known about this place. I literally worked right across the street for over a year, and still never knew about it! Sad, but true. The little place is perched on a corner, with a bright blue awning. There are no more than a dozen tables in there, and you get the feeling that it's a lunch only kind of place, until you spot the wall o' bar - definitely enough libations to get you going on a Friday night. You can also imagine how dim lighting would create a whole new ambiance in the evening, too. A friend and I met up for lunch just before the usual big lunch rush - both of our first times to Cafe Agora. We were greeted by the owner (who I think his name is Ali). I mentioned was excited to try the restaurant and was with and head about it on Yelp. He suggested that we split a mixed maza platter, which includes hummus, eggplant, babaganush, and pretty much every possible thing behind the shiny glass counter. It was amazing. It's actually a good thing I didn't know about this place when I worked across the street, or I would have become verrryyy familiar with the sampler platter! We looked around as everyone else got their gyros, since we planned to split one of those as well, but ours never came out. Finally, Ali came over, admonished us for not finishing our platter, and denied our request for ordering more pita bread to finish it off - explaining that we would be too full to eat out gyro after. Now, mind you, he didn't say any of this in an unfriendly way, but more in a 'hilarious uncle' kind of way - just one of those owners with lots (LOTS) of character, a la Ann of Ann's Snack Bar. Since we were splitting the gyro, instead of giving us a knife, he explained how we were to just pass the gyro across the table to each other (but only if we were friends) and each take a bite out of it - which we did, juices flowing from the gyro and laughing from what was transpiring. But wow. The flavor of the gyro was ridiculously tasty. He also sat down to tell us the health benefits of the food, that the meza was extremely time consuming to make, urged us to finish our plate, and we also saw when he was back in the kitchen fighting off the lunch rush, had a girl at the next table go get her own ice and cup for her drink. He also gave us a baklava (and tried to comp our meal, but we circumvented that by stuffing cash in the tip jar!), which, surprise, surprise, was awesome, too. Though many of these sound like customer service faux pas, the character really just added to the experience - one of those unique, very local, very yelpy times - only enhanced by the hilariously unique and friendly owner. Good yelpy times! I officially love it here. Even if your visit isn't as entertaining as mine was, there's still plenty reason to go to Cafe Agora. The food was extremely good, and it's a versatile spot for everything from a quick lunch, to a really cute 'hidden unique date-y' kind of spot for the evening!
(5)Gina C.
My friend suggested this place for dinner and I was so glad she did! I've been wanting to try it out for a while. It is a little hole in the wall restaurant, but the food is superb! My friend and I were the only ones there tonight, besides the guy that works there and his family. It wasn't Al, but a younger guy. For starters, we ordered the hummus. It was probably the best I've ever had! I couldn't stop eating it! We also ordered a small greek salad, which was very good with the balsamic dressing and all the veggies. I ordered the lamb gyro and my friend ordered the falafel. My gyro was very good. I loved every bite of it. The portion is pretty big, but I still finished it. My friend's falafel was delicious as well, but I liked my gyro better. Towards the end of our meal, Al came in and talked to us for a bit. He asked us if we've been here before and then he gave us a sample portion of baklava which he fed to the both of us. When we went up to pay, our bill came out to be $24 and some change, but Al told the guy to charge us $20. I do agree with the others about the parking. There is a lot in the back and some street parking. Also, the restaurant is really small so get there early! I'll def be back for more gyros. They are the best in Atlanta!
(5)MICHAEL N.
I always get the gyro but it is excellent. Best part about this place are the late hours on the weekends.
(4)Achille Y.
The food is decent but this establishment has several issues; 1: Parking; it's very had to park. 2: The prioprietor (ED?) Is extremely LOUD AND OVERBEARING. He will just bring you food to try. He actually yelled at me for eating all the bread. He then put some food on the bread and handed it to me to eat "properly". Whoa. 3: He will randomly bring food to try. It's free right? -- Yeah... NO! He charged me for that. 4: There are no posted prices, and the whole pricing is extremely sketchy. I got the same food several times and it cost different amounts. Each time it's been an even amount charged ($35, $40)
(1)Jonathan P.
I am in Buckhead on business for the week and was checking out Yelp for a place to eat. I came across Cafe Agora and had to try it based on the reviews. It was a bit of a hike from my hotel, but well worth it. Al was very friendly and wanted me to try everything. He brought out the Maza platter and started feeding me from it. Can't say I've ever experienced that before, but I didn't mind, it just adds to the eccentricity of the place. Everything that can be said about the food already has. I was not disappointed and will definitely be making a return trip before I leave.
(5)Britny P.
I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! It is so authentic and the owner, Al, is super nice and loyal to his customers. I remember the very first time I went to Al's and thinking that it looked a little sketchy...this was pre-yelp days and when Al's had just opened up. It did not have a bar or barely a table but I remember the wonderful service and the AMAZING food! I was able to relive that moment when I brought my boyfriend and friend for their first experience. I really enjoyed seeing their expressions and enjoying the atmosphere that Al had created since my first time. The food is so authentic and you can see it with the preparation and presentation. Huge portions and very fresh. It is also very reasonably priced! I gave it 4 stars because of he parking...there is none. Other than that, you must stop in and say hi to Al. Become one of his loyal customers...he treats you well! Thank you Al for always making my experience like the first one.
(4)Kyle P.
This place is fan freaking-tastic. Order the Maza platter to start, everything on it is super tasty and authentic. This was my first time there so I had to go with the traditional gyro, it was perfect...especially when I added some of the Maza plate toppings. We capped off with a Baklava and my friend Jamison was quoted as saying that if his car was on fire, he wouldn't have left his baklava to save it. This place is the real deal.
(5)Kris L.
WARNING: I'm about to do my best Tony Bourdain impression in this review. So what does one do when stuck in Buckhead on a frigid, frozen rainy night? What does one select for an evening solo meal amongst so many tantalizing choices in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood? Does one overpay for a filet at one of the numerous steakhouses? Does one chicken out and eat at the at-best mediocre room service food? No, I say! No! Not me. Not this guy. I'm takin' it to the street. And I'm going for Turkish food, my friends. That's right. Turkish food. In Atlanta. In Winter. Thanks once again to the savvy writers of Yelp, my cravings were satisfied a 'very' brisk 12 minute walk later (brisk being defined in this case as a near-sprint) to Cafe Agora. I braved the elements seeking an authentic doner (or Turkish gyro) and the men of Cafe Agora did not disappoint. First, a complimentary selection of meze salads and pita bites to go with my ice cold Efes beer. Then the moment arrives. Oh yes, here it is - the gyro. And it was outstanding. Stupendous! And it was, um, rather brief in its existence. Down it went, along with the Efes and a dash of Turkish hot sauce. Absolutely perfect. What? What did you say, my new Cafe Agora friends? You want to offer me ANOTHER gyro and a SECOND cold Efes beer? Why, yes please! Gluttonous? Perhaps? Over the top? Definitely. Worth every frickin' painful frozen step home to my hotel. No doubt. So when in Buckhead, go to Cafe Agora. And when you drink your Efes and stuff yourself silly with Turkish meat products, think of me. And don't forget the baklava..
(5)Austin C.
Humble, healthy, and overall happy experience! First, let me begin with Al. He is very humble and his mission is to serve his patrons with the best service possible. He always greets us with a warm smile and laughs when we walk in because he knows how difficult my girlfriend and I are with food. We always change up the entire menu as we are constantly striving to only put foods that will enrich our lives in our system. Kudos Al! We usually order the hummus to start and then a grilled chicken salad. They have this tomato salad that is filled with vegetables and he knows to load us up with that side. For serious antioxidants and vitamins I highly suggest the tomato salad. The food is not that expensive and at the end of the meal Al usually gives you a treat that rhymes with Maklavah. He also gives me great insight on how to serve people better and be a leader in the community.
(5)Stacy A.
Finally tried this place and was very disappointed. Black olives, not kalamatas, were used in their salad. Mezza platter was disappointing. The place is really small and dinghy, not an environment to boost the appetite. I'm not sure why this is so highly rated---I'd rather drive up to Aladdin's in Roswell for a meditterranean feast.
(1)Ndamukong S.
One of the best lamb gyros I've ever had. The flavor of the meat and tzatziki was excellent. (Portion was filling as well.) Enjoy it with a Turkish Efes beer. All food orders come with rice pudding (for after your meal) but if you have room for a little more, try the baklava. It is different, in a very good way.
(4)Jessica C.
Very tasty. I think the owner was at an event, which I was a little disappointed about, but I will definitely be back again to try to catch him! I took an adventurous coworker here for an informal lunch meeting, and it turned out perfectly. We both ordered the sampler appetizer platter, which was a great size for lunch, and the sweet girl who served us brought out a pile of warm pita squares. Really tasty! Since we arrived a little after 1pm, it wasn't very crowded and we could talk freely.
(5)Per C.
I decided to come here after reading all the rave reviews. I'd never really had mediterranean food before so I decided to try something new. I have no idea what I ordered...I think it was the combo? It came at the recommendation of the guy i assumed to be the owner. He seemed eager to show me what mediterranean food had to offer. He proceeded to give me whole medley of shit to try - 3 courses of it. The first course was a salsa looking thing with some green stuff and what I believe to be hummus. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to dip bread in it or eat it like an appetizer. It didnt come with bread so I just ate it as is. Verdict - It was good. The main course was a concoction of different types of bbq'd meat, rice, flatbread, and some sort of creamy substance. The chicken was a little dry, but still good. The other meats were cooked well and everything on the plate was great. Verdict - It was good. The third course was some egg roll looking dessert. It was buttery, nutty, and sweet. Verdict - It was good. The portions are huge, the price is right, the food is good. I'd be here all the time if I lived in Atlanta.
(4)Juna D.
BEWARE. You will be served a platter of mezza without asking for it, believe it is complimentary, and then pay $15 for it!! The food is great, but be careful with your bill.
(2)Mark D.
Grape leaf rolls were fantastic like everything else!
(5)Stephanie B.
This place is my new favorite restaurant! The best Turkish food I have had outside Istanbul! I will be making this a weekly destination. Al, the owner, was great!
(5)Nishal O.
After reading good reviews, we decided to check this place out. We were very disappointed with the service and will not return again!!! We asked for a "to go" order and a menu and the older gentleman (I am assuming the owner) was very rude. We ordered an appetizer and a gyro. He left our appeitzer out for us to bag ourselves and took the "to go menu" away from us after yelling at us for not letting him know we wanted a to go order (when we stated it at the beginning). I am shocked that we were treated so poorly. Aside from the poor service, the quality of the food was mediocre.
(1)Brian R.
So. Awesome. It was empty when E and I went this weekend which probably lead to us having a great experience. Al (the owner) hooked us up with a sample platter of all the sides they have, e.g. taboule, ezme, hummus, goat cheese, &c. All were fantastic. I attempted to order a chicken gyro to which he responded, "What, you don't like beef & lamb? You get chicken next time." This proved sound advice as it was the best gyro I've had in town so far. After our meal he brought us a couple bites of baclava (absolutely the best). I highly recommend you check it out. Al's philosophy seems to be that you should open yourself up and try new food. An excellent place to go for a tete-a-tete, to hear a story, and get some great mediterranean food.
(5)Dean M.
Tried this for the first time as delivery last night, amazingly good. The Hummus was the best we've ever had. The Falafel was delicious, the Masa platter is a great way to try some of the appetizers, what a great selection of delicacies. The Lamb Kebob meat was very good, but I thought it could use more, it was just meat and rice. The Baklava to end the meal was very delicious too. I would recommend Agora to everyone.
(4)Dustin W.
The food was great had the beef & lamb gyro since it was my first time. The baklava was tasty. I'm glad I live so close to this place and the reviews are all true about this place is amazing !
(5)Liz M.
Absolutely incredible... I have a huge smile on my face the whole time I'm eating either the greek chicken salad or the chicken kebabs platter.. I know I have to be more adventurous with my selections but those two are just so delicious. The last few times I've gone with my coworkers for lunch we get some sort of free dessert which is also AMAZING! So so good.
(5)Tara M.
So far the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food I've had in Atlanta. All the meats are very well seasoned and usually juicy and moist. I like the little spicy kick in the falafel. The marinated kidney bean salad is awesome. Drink refills could be a little quicker or glasses bigger. A lot of times they give you a little bite of rice pudding or baklava at the end with your check even if you don't order dessert. It's a sweet touch - no pun intended.
(4)Joe K.
Based on a friend's recommendation and the reviews here on Yelp, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... For the main course, my wife loved the "sampler plate" Al made us so much that she ordered another for her full meal. I had tender, juicy lamb with yogurt sauce, delicious salad, and rice. I also ordered a glass of ouzo, but Al insisted I try the Turkish version called Raki. IT was an excellent suggestion, as it perfectly complimented the food. The only knock is that you have to pay for parking, but it is worth it to sample the fresh, flavorful food and familial service.
(5)Leanne B.
Cafe Agora would have gotten another star if we hadn't been made to feel so uncomfortable on our visit. We walked in and even though there were only 3 other tables of people, they seemed overwhelmed. Those 3 tables had managed to spread themselves out and we had trouble even getting to a table (no one moved out of our way and the servers did nothing to help). Eventually we sat down and they brought us a sampler mezza platter, which we were eventually charged $9.99 for (it was good, but $10?? Are you kidding? and you didn't even tell us that it would cost that). Then we ordered falafel and the waiter acted like we were crazy and he told us we wouldn't be able to eat that and two entrees, so we ordered one meat platter. The food was very good, which made up for a lot of the discomfort. Oh yeah, and no one ever asked us if we wanted drinks-they just brought us water. When it came time to pay, they gave us a few dessert samples which were delish. But the total was $35 for basically one entree and two appetizers, no drinks. It seemed a little high and overall led me to think I am not very likely to go back, except maybe to grab a gyro to go.
(2)Jessica Y.
We LOVE Al & Cafe Agora,and eat there frequently. Whether just for a late night baklava and kahve stop or for a lunch or evening meal the Turkish cuisine served at Cafe Agora is the nearest to authentic fast food Turkish that can be found in Atlanta. In sort, the food is tasty, and Al is simply the best proprietor that I've ever met the States! PROS: Late night hours, Al, baklava CONS: No authentic cay
(5)Mary K.
My first experience was awesome! Can't wait to go back for more. :)
(4)Miggy D.
Decided to check out the place on a Friday night after reading it on Yelp. When we walked in, I was surprised that it looked more like a mediterranean cafeteria instead of a restaurant. We looked at the display of food and asked the owner which one was the best. The obvious answer was "everything is good." We then decided to try the Kebab and a Lamb Gyro but since we were starving when we got there we also added the platter. On the platter, I only recognized the hummus and the rest was some eggplant, tomato thingys, and some other stuff. Whatever was in that platter, we just wiped it out. Not because we were hungry but more because it was really good. By the time our main dish came, we had gone through 4 pitas. The Lamb and the Kebab was superb but didn't feel we had enough space in our tummies. The owner was also kind enough to give us a small tasting of their Baklava. I'm not a big fan of dessert but this one was pretty good! The only downside is that there are no prices on the dishes so when we were checking out, I just felt they randomly entered the amount. No big deal because for what we ate, we ended up spending $30 (which is a deal, I hope!).
(4)Bobbin W.
I love eating out and have been called a foodie by many people, but I've never been one to squander my money on high-end Buckhead Life meals. Based on value, service and atmosphere, I think budget-friendly Cafe Agora is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. A former coworker treated me to an amazing lunch there yesterday. The server, Tony, took his time explaining the menu to us, while I salivated over the various salads in the front case. I decided on the Falafel Platter, which included four huge deep-fried chickpea patties served with a Greek salad and hummus. The Greek salad permanently raised the bar, with its fresh red pepper and cucumber, tiny feta crumbles, marinated red onion and crispness overall. The only so-so ingredient the salad contained were canned, sliced olives, as opposed to fresh, juicy, whole kalamata olives--a truly shocking detriment to an otherwise ethereal heap of roughage. Tony also brought us a sample plate of tabbouleh--the freshest of the fresh. My former colleague had his way with the Agora Mixed Grill: a hearty heap of kabobs: chicken, lamb, adana and kofta, plus gyro slices. His pita bread appeared different from mine with a deep orange hue--I'm assuming it had been yummi-fied with spices. Our other vegetarian dining companion eagerly ate her Mixed Maza Platter: a combination plate of hummus, eggplant salad and baba ganoush. I was most interested in the carrot puree with yogurt and dill. I sipped both Turkish tea and Turkish coffee during our stay. Served in a tiny cup on a delicate saucer, the more-than-strong coffee stunned me with a jolt of energy. A fourth-inch of coffee grounds had settled in the bottom; I resorted to diluting the beverage with milk, much to Tony's amusement. Tony also brought us a sample of pistachio baklava on a plate. When I bit into the square, moisture shot across my chin, releasing a burst of amazing flavors. I've never craved baklava because I associate it with dry, bland layers, but Cafe Agora's version rocked my world. I have to mention the atmosphere, too: the chandeliers, textured walls, wooden/rope combo trim and other decorative items perfectly complemented the food. And the service: Tony was charming and awesome. Oh, Cafe Agora, where have you been all my life?
(5)Pedro S.
Astonishingly good food in this little tucked-away hole in the wall. One of the best gyros in the city and the hummus platter is superb.
(5)Leslie G.
My husband(fiance at the time ) found this place on our first trip together to Atlanta. It was just indescribably good. A tad pricey.( FYI) if you order at the counter and if you don't ask for a menu, you don't get one. My husband just pointed to several dishes on display in the counter and ordered. so we really didn't know how much it was all gonna be till the end. I think it was like 50 for the two of us. but the entire reason we went back was not just the great food but it was the baklava that absolutely changed the way I thought about desserts O.M.G. It was the best dessert I have ever put in my mouth. I'm not sure if the reason it was so good cuz maybe it was fresh from the oven? i don't know. but what I do know is when we came back on our honey moon specifically to have that baklava, it was just as good as I had remembered it to be.
(5)Helen H.
not entirely sure what the hub bub about this place is.. first came here a long time ago with Cherry L. I was one of the virgin friends in her review.. and I can't say I was converted haha~ That time we got the hummus, spanokopita, agora mixed grill plate, and they gave us little pieces of baklava to try at the end. - The hummus... was AMAZING.. it wasn't actually the hummus itself that was so good.. but the little pieces of squishy on the inside but toasted on the outside pita that was so good. - The baklava was also very very good. The little piece they gave us was just the right amount though because it was VERY sweet. To the point where I would not have gotten my own piece. Now for the not so good... - The spanokopita was mushy and a little stale-tasting. I like flaky just the right amount of crispy filo dough, and this spanokopita fell flat. - The agora grill plate is a mix of all the meats they have and everything on the plate was INCREDIBLY dry bordering on burnt. The rice was also very dry and didn't seem fresh (Zattaran's rice maybe???) My boyfriend didn't even want to finish the plate of food which is pretty much unheard of. So willing to think of this as a fluke... we went back later and I got the kufta kebab platter and my bf got lamb/beef gyro. DRY AGAIN dammit. All in all - I love that it's open late and that it's like 2 mins away from my apartment. However, it comes nowhere close to being the best Mediterranean I've had... but to give it credit I can't think of a place in Atlanta that is much better either, so.... *shrug*
(3)Lauren D.
Continuing my foray into Greek delicacies, I've been to Cafe Agora twice and can I just say, YUM. Decent portions, extremely authentic and absolutely delicious. The best part is that they're open late....WAY WAY better than a trip to Waffle House after a night of drinking!
(5)Clare D.
We ordered the mixed grill for delivery, and it was outstanding!!! It tasted like it had been grilled over a charcoal or wood fire. Will definitely save their phone #!
(5)Austin R.
I really enjoyed my experience with this place. My sister and I were driving through Atlanta and decided to make a day of it. We went here for lunch after I found it on yelp. We got there a bit after 11, probably the first customers of the day. The owner greeted us and after we said it was our first time there and asked some leading questions about Turkish food and Turkey in general, he proceeded to educate us extensively on both subjects. We ended up ordering the mezze platter and a falafel sandwich to go. While we were waiting he gave us a couple free shots of rice pudding which was freaking delicious and brought out a little plate of hummus, tabouli, and ezme for us to try to make sure we liked what we ordered. For some odd reason he insisted on feeding me himself (in a sort of paternal way). To finish our sampling he gave us each a small piece of pistachio baklava that he insisted I eat in one bite. To his disdain, my sister took 3 baby bird bites because she "wanted to taste it more!" The guy was hilarious if a little odd. And now of course the food: the hummus was great, heavy on the garlic and olive oil, the ezme was also very good. The tabouli was pretty much all parsley which I guess could be a Turkish thing; I like a bit more bulgur. The tzatziki was much richer than I like with what tasted like a sour cream base instead of yogurt. The pita was very thick, pocketless and delicious, and finally the falafel was unbelievable. Served in a pita gyro style with a little tzatziki and hummus, it was a nice greenish hue inside and had just the right amount of spiciness for me.
(4)Jeannine G.
Love, Love, Love Cafe Agora! the lamb gyro is the best!
(5)Nadia H.
What would Buckhead do without Cafe Agora? It is after all, the best lunch spot in Buckhead. If you are a foodie, try their Lamb Kabab next time when you go there. The meat is out of this world. The rice that comes with the kabab needs some improvements. Make sure to ask for Turkish coffee before you go back to work. It keeps you up for the rest of the day.
(4)Will L.
I can't believe I did not already know about this place. All of the reviews are consistent with my experience. What a fun place to take a friend! I walked in with my GF and Al immediately piped up and and had us sample a variety of food from the case up front. We ordered a Gyro and the mixed grill. I have been looking for good kabob since returning from Southwest Asia 2 years ago....the journey is over. The chicken was great, the tabbouleh was great, all of the vegetables were fresh. The mixed grill was served on rice with some orzo, I wish I could get pint containers of the stuff! I think this place is going to make me fat. I am profoundly happy to have found a place that does lamb right. The deserts! I really don't eat sweets, Al brought out baklava and it blew my mind. Then, as we paid the check, he handed us two lady fingers in a to go box and related that they would make an excellent breakfast in the morning. The atmosphere is very laid back, the prices are good and the location is very convenient. I think a lot of people head there for takeout, I know I will.
(4)Mel I.
I probably eat here at least once a week. You can tell that it all homemade from scratch. I personally get the hummus and the chicken gyro even though without a doubt they are always trying to offer you something new from the case to try - hand fed ONLY to men of course. Pretty funny actually not to mention the large amount of security cameras for smaller sizer space. LOL.
(4)Lydia S.
This was not just good food, but the food was a great experience. When I say good food, I am speaking as a person with a very critical palate. We started with the Mixed Maza Platter and continued to the Agora Mixed Grill...AWESOMELY GOOD! The humus was the best I have tasted, and the Baba Ganoush, potato salad, mushrooms ...I don't even know the rest of what we ate on that Maza Platter, but it was GREAT! The hot Agora Mixed Grill has the best seasoned lamb, beef, and chicken over a cheese pilaf...DYNAMIC! My friends and I have marked this as a favorite spot when we are in town.
(5)