When it comes to dining in Norcross, the options are plentiful. When it comes to dining that delivers genuine flavor without the inflated price tags, the field narrows considerably. And your evening out is far too valuable to settle for mediocre meals. From sizzling Korean BBQ to authentic Mexican street tacos to one of our favorite Southern comfort kitchens, these spots will ensure your Norcross dinner is always memorable.
Chuck E. Cheese
$$ | (770) 449-1767 | WEBSITE
The weekday afternoon crowd at this family-friendly spot in Norcross is evenly split between parents supervising sugar-fueled kids and birthday parties in full swing, so there’s plenty of built-in entertainment. Obviously, there are plenty of arcade games, but if you feel like being the only adult here actually eating something substantial, throw down on the surprisingly good wings. The person who brought their kids here is paying anyway.
Eighteen70 Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (770) 448-4400 | WEBSITE
Eighteen70 could have easily ended up being the worst: it’s a hotel restaurant inside the Crown Plaza with a breakfast buffet and signature sausage gravy. But somehow, this place is great. That gravy is delicious, the omelet station is satisfying, and the attentive service from bartender Karim never lets us down.
Wok N Roll
$ | (678) 966-0330 | WEBSITE
Norcross has its fair share of well-known Chinese spots, and Wok N Roll is definitely not one of them. But it’s about time this take-out joint in the shopping center got its due, because the food is excellent. Favorites of ours include the classic Atlanta special of wings and fried rice and the fresh vegetarian choices with real Chinese vegetables, but we’ve never eaten a dish here that we haven’t liked.
Service is fast, most entrees are under $15, and the place is nice and quiet if you need 40 minutes away from your kids at the movie theater.
La Costa Restaurante Hondureño
$$ | (470) 299-3103 | WEBSITE
We can hear you sighing through the phone, but you can’t talk about Honduran food in Norcross without mentioning La Costa. This place was a neighborhood staple before we even knew what authentic meant, but despite the families filling every table, we’ll keep returning week after week.
Order your baleadas at the counter (the chicken is the obvious choice, but you can’t go wrong with any of the vegetarian options either), wait patiently for parking near the Chevron, watch the kids play, and save room for another helping. This restaurant is beloved for a reason.
Lyons Jamaican Cuisine LLC
$ | (470) 385-6112 | WEBSITE
Let’s get one thing straight: Lyons Jamaican Cuisine has a generic name. But if you can look past the unassuming signage (Is it a takeout spot? A casual Caribbean joint?), you’ll discover that Lyons is a genuine gem and the perfect place for a hearty, satisfying meal. Its location in Norcross isn’t fancy, but there’s a lot to love. There’s a focus on authentic Jamaican flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming, family-owned atmosphere.
If you’re craving oxtails so tender and flavorful they might just be the best you’ve ever had, or jerk chicken that’s perfectly seasoned, Lyons is a spot to remember. And with friendly staff and affordable prices that make the generous plates—enough to last for two days—even better, it’s easy to see why customers keep coming back for more.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (770) 274-0345 | WEBSITE
This quick-service sandwich shop on Peachtree Industrial Blvd sits in a convenient strip mall with a drive-thru. Once you pull in, you’ll find ample parking and a straightforward setup perfect for grabbing lunch between meetings, picking up dinner on the way home, or sitting in your car and decompressing after a long day.
The menu focuses on sandwiches, but whether you’re craving a Regular Italian, an Ultimate Italian toasted, or a Tuscan Italian Wrap, everything is made fresh and will make you at least temporarily forget about the spreadsheet you’ve been staring at since 9 a.m. The staff, including the manager Ms. Chanel, are friendly and patient, keeping things moving smoothly even during the lunch rush.
El Taco Veloz
$ | (770) 849-0025 | WEBSITE
El Taco Veloz is a simple taqueria run by a team fluent in Spanish, creating a warm atmosphere despite the straightforward setting. This order-at-the-counter spot in Atlanta has been around for years, so this isn’t your fancy date night destination. Come here when you’re craving authentic Mexican food and need to dive into some seriously good tacos.
The carne asada burrito hasn’t reached legendary status yet, but it’s still highly recommended, and they certainly know how to build a satisfying meal.
B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews
$ | (470) 359-7896 | WEBSITE
B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews has a few spots around Norcross, but the one with the rooftop is our favorite for two reasons: The elevated patio space has wrap-around views ideal for casual evening gatherings, and, well, there’s beer. That means you can sip down local brews, eat things like the salmon club and tater tots, and not worry that you were supposed to be home an hour ago.
Chennai Cafe @ Global Mall
$ | (678) 336-9670 | WEBSITE
Chennai Cafe at Global Mall looks and feels like a genuine South Indian eatery—even though it’s tucked inside a shopping center. Their service runs daily and is a perfect spot to bring your family who, depending on the mood, will crave something comforting. The varied menu is filled with everything from parota kurma to thali to grill thali, and the home-style atmosphere gives you the option to dine casually as well.
Panaderia Boricua
$ | (770) 921-6055 | WEBSITE
After years of craving authentic Puerto Rican flavors, Panaderia Boricua delivers exactly what you’ve been missing. Now settled in its Norcross location, this bakery-restaurant offers a clean, bustling space with quick service and an impressive array of traditional treats. Our favorite items include the sweet surullos with their hint of cheese inside, and the massive tripleta sandwich that’s perfectly priced for its size.
But don’t overlook the alcapurrias—they taste just like the ones back on the island. If you’re in a hurry, service is fast and efficient—you could easily grab your order and be on your way in minutes. Otherwise, we recommend taking your time, ordering a coffee or fresh juice, and savoring the genuine taste of home.
Flora’s Grill Restaurant #2
$ | (678) 587-5659 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Salvadoran breakfast but your friend wants tamales, and you both need a quick, satisfying meal, Flora’s Grill Restaurant #2 is your spot. Yes, the bathrooms could use some attention, and yes it looks like any casual eatery in Norcross, but Flora’s is better than most. For the ultimate speedy lunch, take advantage of their very efficient service and reasonable prices.
Restaurancito De Lucy
$ | (470) 448-4156 | WEBSITE
This Norcross spot specializes in quesabirria tacos, a delicious Mexican specialty that’s unlike anything you can really find in the area. It’s perfect for sharing, but considering you’re meeting the one friend who acts like they aren’t hungry and then vultures everyone else’s food, just get two orders and avoid the mealtime drama. Their cozy, welcoming dining area is filled with warm lighting and simple decor, making even the most rushed breakfast feel satisfying.
Pho Viet Number One in Norcross
$ | (770) 558-6289 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a Norcross shopping center, Pho Viet Number One might have the most relaxing dining room in the area right now. The pleasant space is filled with comfortable seating, photo-filled menus on the walls, and plenty of natural light from large windows. Most importantly, this place is still wonderfully accessible, so you can usually find parking easily and settle right in with your family.
The menu is extensive, but focused, with their popular Pork Meat over Vermicelli noodles with basil and cucumber slices and bean sprouts, excellent pho featuring brisket and filet mignon, and a variety of other Vietnamese classics. Everything comes out fresh and flavorful, with that rich broth holding up beautifully even as leftovers. At around $12-15 per entree, it’s an affordable treat that feels both nourishing and special—the kind of spot where you’ll want to become a regular.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (770) 448-5376 | WEBSITE
Open for decades, Little Caesars Pizza is one of the most reliable pizza spots in all of Norcross. But it wasn’t until a recent visit that this chain location went from being a convenient takeout option to a place worth stopping by. While Little Caesars offers a variety of choices, the strength of the place lies in its pizzas. (We like the Veggie pizza, always fresh and well-made, and the Happy meals for children, in particular).
Plus, with its friendly staff and minimal wait times—you can easily check your order before leaving the store—it’s a good option for a quick family dinner as well.
Iron Horse Tavern
$ | (678) 291-9220 | WEBSITE
It seems like every month there’s a new gastropub popping up in Historic Norcross, and yet, the best one is still Iron Horse Tavern. The cozy spot is where real locals still go to sip craft beers, dig into cottage pies, and share stories with each other until someone caves and orders another round of loaded nachos. It’s community-watching at its finest—don’t be surprised if you see a friendly debate over the best burger in town—and one of the most comforting dinner settings in the area.
Save room for the Dunwoody “doozie” burger situation at the start.
Pupuseria Kings Cafe
$ | (470) 275-5225 | WEBSITE
This cozy, unassuming spot not only serves some of our favorite Salvadoran food outside of El Salvador, but it’s one of the few restaurants in Norcross where showing up in casual weekend wear is completely welcome. Kings Cafe’s menu is straightforward with everything from excellent tamales to pupusas de queso, but we recommend sticking mostly to the signature pupusa section. That’s where you’ll find the standout pupusas, the very filling tamales, and our favorite, the pupusas de queso.
This cheese-stuffed masa cake is a comforting, savory masterpiece and the perfect thing to eat alone while unwinding after a long day. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it feel like stepping into someone’s kitchen, even if service can be a bit slow at times.
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
$ | (470) 514-1050 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been craving Mexican-inspired food in Norcross, chances are you’ve tried a cantina or two. And Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, a solid lunch and dinner spot, makes what might be the best chicken nachos we’ve ever had (other local spots, we still appreciate you). The fusion aspect doesn’t feel forced because the execution is so consistent—plenty of flavor, texture, and freshness to complement the marinated meats and fresh ingredients.
Our move is to order the Cheesesteak tacos and Chicken Con Queso (on busy nights you’ll want to arrive early), grab a seat at a comfortable booth, and enjoy them while the friendly servers keep things moving. The shrimp quinoa bowl and Taco Salad look tempting, too.
Las Islitas Mexican Bar & Grill
$$ | (470) 545-2629 | WEBSITE
We’re not trying to hide it—we put Las Islitas on a lot of our guides. But it’s not our fault that it’s perfect for many situations or that its authentic Mexican cuisine continues to be among the best in Norcross. And when it comes to your night out craving tacos, Las Islitas is king. They have flavorful dishes like langostinos and agua chiles that are all under $20, but we just recommend grabbing a table and calling your own shots off the regular menu.
