If Buford had a culinary crown, these twelve gems would be its jewels. From historic Main Street spots with century-old recipes to modern fusion kitchens, this Atlanta suburb surprises with its vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a local craving comfort food or a visitor exploring Gwinnett County, these are the essential restaurants for every occasion.
Oh K-Dog Mall of Georgia
$ | (470) 589-1444 | WEBSITE
There are two main reasons to go to this Korean-inspired spot: the corn dogs, and the egg toast. Oh K-Dog offers creative corn dogs at fair prices, with highlights like the Cheez potato corn dog featuring crispy potatoes and melted cheese, and the mozzarella cheese dog that some find a bit sweet. Our only complaint is that, while they are sufficiently tasty, the potato dog’s dough may be undercooked—their most popular item.
Bring a friend to the bustling mall restaurant so you have an excuse to order the egg toast anyway, with its delicious garlic bread scent and plenty of fluffy eggs in varieties like Ham & Cheese or Bacon & Egg.
The Delicious
$ | (770) 728-3641 | WEBSITE
Eat hot dogs with the spirit of Colombian street vendors at this vibrant spot in Buford. The Delicious has been serving up perfection since it opened, and it’s the rare family-friendly destination that also draws in food enthusiasts. The restaurant is divided into two main areas—a lively indoor space with tables and a beautiful top-floor section with window views, plus great outdoor seating.
Grab a seat by the window, and one of the attentive staff will help you explore the menu of loaded fries, burgers, and empanadas. We always start with the doggy doggy hot dog and a refreshing drink.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (470) 238-0888 | WEBSITE
Just off the main road, you can enjoy a generous cut of prime rib in the same lively steakhouse as families celebrating birthdays and groups of friends catching up. Those are just some of the regular scenes in this warm, country-themed restaurant, which, on most nights, is filled with the sounds of laughter and occasional line dancing. It has a welcoming atmosphere, a casual dining area up front, and servers in jeans and Texas Roadhouse shirts.
Walk-in tables are usually available, though parking can be tight on weekends.
Parma Tavern
$ | (678) 541-0908 | WEBSITE
If Parma Tavern isn’t packed when you arrive, their French dip sandwich is on us. The team behind this local favorite keeps delivering exceptional service in Buford, but we get it—we need every diner to know there’s exemplary Italian-American fare in this part of Georgia, of all places. Though popular, this spot is spacious enough for everyone to get a turn at one of the outdoor tables. Get the pasta, the pizza, the Brussels sprouts—whatever.
It’s all good, and it all comes with the kind of attentive service that makes you want to return.
Bravo Mexican Grill
$ | (770) 614-3764 | WEBSITE
If you drive past Bravo Mexican Grill on a Sunday afternoon, assume about half the cars in the lot belong to families who have been coming here for over a decade. Every table in the dining room probably has at least one person who is familiar with their flavorful sauces and extensive menu. The vegetarian options take all of their dishes to another level, and the fresh ingredients are worth praising as well.
Bravo Mexican Grill serves its meals in an open setting where you can watch them being prepared, with efficient service that makes it a great spot for a satisfying meal. Their amazing prices and quick service keep customers returning almost daily.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (770) 614-8484 | WEBSITE
Full disclosure: this place is a budget-friendly drive-thru spot, where the pizza is decent, but tastes a lot better when you’re craving something hot and fast without leaving your car. But things change if you pull up during a quiet afternoon. Surrounded by the hum of the warming oven and the cheerful banter of the staff, you can appreciate the classic pepperoni pizza and the cheesy, golden-brown pretzel crust—options that needed a break from the rush-hour chaos to feel satisfying again.
To be honest, the rush is still there too, but the service is efficient enough not to harsh the vibe of a quick lunch or family dinner pickup.
Sumo Hibachi and Wings-Hamilton
$ | (678) 926-3662 | WEBSITE
Sumo Hibachi and Wings-Hamilton looks like the kind of generic strip mall spot where you’d grab a quick bite, but they make hibachi and wings that are worth going out of your way for. (The clean, fast environment is supposed to clue you in.) Out of all the great options, the most interesting one is the chicken hibachi, with high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables.
Sumo Hibachi and Wings-Hamilton is small and super casual, but the small parking lot is something to consider if you have a tight schedule.
Italian pie (Buford)
$ | (678) 926-3454 | WEBSITE
When we don’t want to think too hard about what to have for dinner, a slice of pizza at Italian Pie is an easy option. This spot, which has a few other locations around town, specializes in Italian comfort food, so you’re going to see a lot of seafood combinations and hand-tossed pies on the menu. They prepare their pizza with gluten-free options, and you can choose between classic toppings or specialty combinations.
Eat the Almati Seafood Combination right away, but take their large chocolate chunk cookie to go—just grab enough napkins to wipe all that delicious sauce and cheese off your hands.
The Cheesecake Factory
$$ | (770) 831-4710 | WEBSITE
For towering cheesecakes and endless menu options, head to this popular chain. Preferably with an appetite. There’s an extensive dessert selection to sample, not to mention their generous portions of chicken fettuccine Alfredo, veggie burgers, and Evelyn’s favorite pasta. The warm lighting, comfortable booths, and welcoming atmosphere make random Tuesday nights feel celebratory, so you might want some friends around to share an extra slice with.
786 Kebab & Curry Buffet
$ | (678) 546-0085 | WEBSITE
786 Kebab & Curry Buffet is an Indian and Pakistani spot with the kind of authentic flavors you’d expect to find much further from Buford. Fortunately for you, it’s right here in town, and—in addition to classic favorites like Butter Chicken Curry and Tikka Masala—you can get a buffet meal here that won’t make you sad. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones that know this, so it gets very busy during peak hours. It’s still worth coming by for the self-service experience and reasonable prices.
Just don’t count on getting a table right away when it’s crowded.
Which Wich Mall of Georgia
$ | (770) 271-9424 | WEBSITE
It’s reassuring to know that this popular sandwich spot at the Mall of Georgia offers free and convenient parking. That makes it an easy choice for a quick lunch break, a family dinner outing, a $12 sandwich combo, a post-shopping snack, or just a reason to enjoy one of the most welcoming atmospheres in Buford. The sandwiches are consistently tasty, and sometimes quite excellent—like the Wicked with its perfectly toasted bread, the Cali Club, and Courtney’s Cookie.
And the lively, casual decor feels genuinely inviting, especially at the counter where at least a dozen people may be ordering a vegetarian black bean patty sandwich at a given time.
Pho 24
$ | (470) 266-1497 | WEBSITE
Pho 24 sits at the affordable end of solid Vietnamese spots, which means it’s satisfying without breaking the bank for a casual meal. This restaurant feels like a straightforward neighborhood eatery, and they’ve got a reliable takeout service running. Most of the pho bowls are $12-$16, but if you’re going to indulge, the standout is the $20 “X Large P7 Combo Pho,” a generous bowl loaded with tender beef, tripe, and tendon. For a lighter bite, you can grab a tasty $8 pork banh mi sandwich.