"If you’re wining and dining in-laws who have a talent for being overly critical, there’s no better choice than Zakia in Buckhead. A handful of glitzy chandeliers, a cavernous dining room lined by giant pillars, and regal gold-trimmed furniture makes this dining room a head-turner. Then fantastic shareable plates (like charred octopus that cuts like butter and a bowl of labneh lightly dusted with za’atar) hit your table and relegate the surroundings to a mere backdrop. "Wows" will be exchanged. Just remember you’re trying to make a good impression, so resist the urge to slap away someone else’s fork for the last bite of crispy batata harra." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"Even for Buckhead, everything about Zakia is excessive. There are four dramatic chandeliers and giant pillars lining the dining area that have us Googling the breadth of ancient Rome imperialism (yes to Tyre, but et tu, Buckhead?). Zakia’s classy interior edges Buckhead's many bougie spots, but their food stands out from the pack, thanks to excellent takes on Lebanese staples like fried kibbeh, impossibly fresh baba ganoush with pomegranate seeds, and crispy batata harra." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"From food to decor, everything at this Lebanese spot leans toward grand, making Zakia the Buckhead go-to for lunch when you’re trying to impress—be it a client, your boss, or a date. Chandeliers and ornate pillars make you feel like you should straighten your posture while you fork through their flavorful lamb kofta. But the place does transition to lunchtime casual with handhelds like the giant falafel sandwich with chili aioli with za’atar fries." - jacinta howard
"Even if this Buckhead restaurant didn’t serve food, we’d pay to just sit inside and take in the view. Five multi-tiered chandeliers light up the giant space and large ornate pillars line the main dining room—this place is absolutely over the top, but we like that here in the A. And once the family-style Lebanese dishes hit the table, Zakia really starts flexing. Use the labneh sprinkled with za’atar as a palate cleanser in between bites of crispy batata harra and creamy lamb ragu hummus. Entrees like red wine braised lamb shanks (so tender the lamb falls away from the bone with one poke of a fork) are harder to share—we want every bite for ourselves." - nina reeder, jacinta howard, juli horsford
"Even for Buckhead, everything about Zakia is excessive. Their Roman pillars, gold accents, and “more is more” design philosophy remind us of an old MTV Cribs episode. So Mondays get a glow-up when you’re dining under multiple chandeliers. But all that takes a backseat when Zakia’s excellent Lebanese staples (like fried kibbeh, impossibly fresh baba ganoush with pomegranate seeds, and crispy batata harra) hit your table." - jacinta howard, juli horsford