International Grill and Bar, which has been open since October 7, 2019, is located at 1155 Mitchell Bridge Road. The restaurant provides Persian, Turkish and Iranian style food, and is the only restaurant in Athens to provide this unique cultural blend. Photo by Emma Scott
International Grill and Bar recently opened at 1155 Mitchell Bridge Road, bringing Persian, Iranian and Turkish flavors to Athens.
It will be difficult to save room for dessert at Athens’ only Persian restaurant, International Grill and Bar, but dessert is a must.
The restaurant opened at 1155 Mitchell Bridge Road on October 7, 2019 and focuses on Persian and Iranian cuisine. Guests are transported as they listen to Farsi music that accompanies their meal.
Walking in, customers are greeted by high ceilings and a beautiful staircase that winds up to another room that allows for plenty of seating, perfect for large groups. There is also a designated area for families with small children and outdoor seating.
Customers are welcomed by an educated staff who are always open to share about the origins, history, and process of making a dish, making this an immersive and informative experience.
A cup full of Persian style tea sits on top of a dolly. Persian tea is traditionally made with a variety of spices, which is what gives it it’s orange color. Photo by Emma Scott
Diners may be familiar with some of the Middle Eastern fare, such as hummus, kabob, or dolmeh. Other dishes will be a completely new experience for guests, including the Surprise of The Week, a new and unique special offered every weekend.
Unlimited refills on Persian tea is a luxurious way to ease into and complete the meal. The aromatic drink is prepared with smoked tea leaves and cardamom and is accompanied by an old-fashioned hard sugar cube.
The dishes are made with quality ingredients and served in generous portions. However, large entrees make for high prices. A better option may be to forego the rice and choose the appetizer version of an entree.
A three-appetizer special is offered for $13.65 and is enough for a meal for two people if they are not too hungry. A pair can choose from an array of options, many of which are smaller versions of entrees for those who want to sample the dishes.
Every course is plated beautifully. Numerous options for meat-eaters feature meats grilled on an open fire and subtly seasoned with simple spices and served with rice.
International Grill and Bar offers the Bakhtiari Kabob, a Persian meal that includes steak and chicken with rice. Friendly and knowledgeable staff guide guests through their meal and are open to educating them on its origins. Photo by Emma Scott
However, it is in the vegetarian meals that the creativity of the chef really shines. Vegetables are treated in different ways to mimic meats and create unique results. Many of the vegetables, such as eggplant, which can be ordered in Turkish or Persian style, are used in varying ways to add to the multiculturalism of the restaurant.
The Persian rice pudding is the star of the dessert menu and is served in small enough portions to be enjoyed after a filling meal. It has a perfectly chunky and smooth texture and is lightly sprinkled with cinnamon and black caraway seeds to give it a balance of sugar and spice.
It is easy to find the restaurant, which stands out on Mitchell Bridge Road as a beautiful bright-green building. However, it is not within walking distance from Clarke Central High School and is not reachable via bus line. Arriving is part of the experience of this hearty, out-of-the-ordinary meal out.
Fans of Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe on Prince Avenue and Mediterranean Grill in Five Points will enjoy International Bar and Grill and find that it has easier parking and more seating.
Excellent service and abundant food make for a delightful meal that bundles Persian, Iranian and Turkish cuisine all into one.
