Jerusalem Grill
Soi 3 Thai Street Food
Marisqueíra El Barro
A Global Food Roundup
BY KATHY PATRICK
Where to enjoy incredible international eats close to home.
One of the perks of traveling is seeing the ways people live in other countries, including how and what they eat. I mean, what’ s better than discovering new foods and deliciously different tastes from around the world? Luckily, there are restaurants in and around Northwest Georgia serving authentic international cuisine that will make you feel like you’ re miles from home without you even having to pack a suitcase. Here are a few recommendations.
MEDITERRANEAN
Jerusalem Grill
223 Turner McCall Blvd. Rome, 30165 and 2519 Redmond Circle Rome, 30165 jerusalemgrillga. com
Jerusalem Grill is consistently the best Mediterranean restaurant in Rome. Turner McCall is the original location, with the West Rome locale added a few years ago. Both offer in-store dining, takeout, and catering services. The food is delicious, authentic, and fresh, and served in generous portions. Look for the hilarious camel in front of the West Rome location; it’ s guaranteed to make you smile.
Some of my favorite dishes include the baba ghanoush( a grilled eggplant and tahini spread served with pita bread), hummus, tabbouleh salad, stuffed grape leaves, and falafels( a Middle Eastern version of hushpuppies, only better). These protein-packed treats are all meatless, but the restaurant also offers mouthwatering beef, chicken, lamb, and kofta kabob plates served with rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, and purple onions. Oh, and don’ t forget the baklava; it’ s worth the calories!
30 | NW GEORGIA LIVING MARCH / APRIL 2026
THAI
Soi 3 Thai Street Food
2606 George Busbee Pkwy. NW
Kennesaw, 30144 eatsoi3. com
Soi 3 offers simply amazing Thai street food( it’ s named after a street near a train junction in Bangkok after all). The restaurant has an extensive variety of unique tastes with menu items listed in categories such as Khong Yang Phiset( chargrilled specialties), Khao Gaeng( slow-cooked curries), and Aharn Tum Sung( foods for whatever mood you’ re in). The menu thoughtfully includes info regarding gluten, nut, egg, and shellfish allergies, and whether the item can be made vegetarian or pescatarian. Whatever your taste desires or diet demands, the Soi 3 staff are knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the various options.
Soi 3 features locally sourced meats, purple jasmine rice, and extensive and creative bar selections. The melding of flavors in the curries and side sauces for other dishes are works of art in my opinion. For dessert, the mango sticky rice does not disappoint. Each meal I’ ve enjoyed at Soi 3 has been wonderful thanks not only to its excellent food, but the fantastic atmosphere and service.
LATIN
Marisqueíra El Barro
212 S. Tennessee St. Cartersville, 30120( 470) 315-4477
Recommended by a friend who lived in Honduras, Marisqueíra El Barro is a seafood restaurant with a Latin heritage. A favorite of the authentic south-ofthe-border options is ceviche, available solo or in combinations of shrimp, octopus, fish, crab, and oysters. Other Latin selections include an amazing guacamole, shrimp empanadas, carne asada, tacos, fajitas, and burritos. In the mood for fish? There are snapper and tilapia dishes that can be fried, broiled, deviled, or grilled, then topped with garlic butter or house sauce. Shrimp is another all-star across the menu, whether included in traditional Latin dishes or served sautéed, fried, or cheese-stuffed and wrapped in bacon. Marisqueíra El Barro also serves a daily buffet filled with authentic dishes from the sea and land. Karaoke nights, sweet desserts, and reasonable pricing round out the experience.