Food & Drink

Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia named among Yelp Elites’ top 25 in the US

The Peach State is home to one of Yelp Elites’ top 25 Mediterranean restaurants of the year. Is it the best Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia?

Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia
The Mediterranean diet centers on eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish, along with healthy fats such as olive oil — and limits foods like dairy products, meat, and items high in saturated fatty acids. (Getty Images via Reuters Connect)

Reporting by Miguel Legoas, Athens Banner-Herald

Georgia is generally known for BBQ and fried foods, but it’s not the only good chow available. In fact, one Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia was named among Yelp Elites’ top 25 Mediterranean restaurants of the year.

The ranking was based on the volume and ratings of reviews.

Best Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia

The only Georgia restaurant to make the list was Naar Mediterranean Bar and Grill at No. 18 with 4.7 stars from 69 reviews. Here are what some customers said:

  • “Wonderful food and excellent service! Must try is the garlic hummus! Chicken and lamb cooked to perfection! Everything was delicious, 5 stars!”
  • “The food and service was amazing! Tony always takes care of us. You have to try their special cocktails. The Dubai Chocolate Martini is my favorite!”
  • “So glad my husband and I stopped by Naar tonight. The food was amazing! And our server (Lily) was very helpful and friendly.”

Where is Naar Mediterranean?

Naar is located in Holly Springs at 5335 Old Hwy 5. It’s about 3.5 miles north of Woodstock and 13 miles from Kennesaw.

When is Naar Mediterranean open?

Reservations can be made at Naar 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and Sunday noon-7:30 p.m.

Naar Mediterranean menu

Entrees on the main menu consist of various kabobs and a rack of lamb. There are also nine mezza options, eight salads, seven wraps, and some signature platters. Naar also offers lunch, kids, and catering menus.

As for drinks, there is a full-service bar including 40 bourbon and rye options, 10 rums, over 10 tequilas, cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and more.

Best Mediterranean restaurants in US

  1. Pinyon In Scottsdale, AZ
  2. Kassi in Venice, CA
  3. Ethos Greek Bistro in Fort Lauderdale, FL
  4. Pidde G in Walnut Creek, CA
  5. Zait & Zaatar in Aliso Viejo, CA
  6. Greens and Grill in Las Vegas
  7. Zoya in San Diego
  8. Purslane in Milwaukee
  9. Mama Mezze in New York City
  10. Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill in Las Vegas

What is a Mediterranean diet?

Mediterranean restaurant in Georgia
The Mediterranean diet centers on eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish, along with healthy fats such as olive oil — and limits foods like dairy products, meat, and items high in saturated fatty acids. (Getty Images via Reuters Connect)

Despite the name, a Mediterranean diet doesn’t mean you necessarily have to eat Mediterranean foods. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats with extra virgin olive oil as a main fat source.

This diet can theoretically lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and many other chronic conditions. However, not every diet works for everyone and it’s worth talking to a doctor before diving head-first into reshaping your whole diet.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald.

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