With nearly half of its 13,000 residents hailing from somewhere else — including dozens of countries on six continents around the world — the tiny city of Clarkston, Georgia, has become one of the most diverse spots in the metro Atlanta area.
Dubbed the “Ellis Island of the South,” this rich, multicultural community is home to many immigrants and refugees who’ve fled war-torn countries, which means the restaurant scene in Clarkston reflects ever-shifting global influences. And it plays a role that goes beyond food: Since the city was first deemed a haven for asylum-seekers in the 1990s, Clarkston nonprofit organizations like Refuge Coffee Co. have helped refugees establish long-term economic security in the Atlanta area. Through these various organizations, the city’s newest residents are offered job training and opportunities to start their own businesses and restaurants, many of which open in Clarkston.
As a result, Clarkston has become a dining gem in metro Atlanta packed within 1 square mile. It’s where folks from all walks of life can come together to indulge in and experience a variety of cuisines from around the globe — from Ethiopian and Eritrean fare to foods from Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Some previously listed restaurants on this map have either closed or are in the process of relocating since the last update in January 2022. Don’t see a favorite restaurant listed? Send Eater Atlanta the details via the tipline.
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