Aviva by Kameel Buckhead — Restaurant in Atlanta

Funny thing, I was on my way to Starbucks and ended up diverting to this beautifully lit place... that's what ultimately caught my eye and curiosity along with the name 'Aviva'.

Anyhow, let's get into the thick of it! From the fresh slab of cement the ambiance was inviting; with an outdoor patio illuminated by oversized 19th century chandeliers it spoke come right on in.

Once you get pass the intimidation of wanting to sit outside before you come in, you enter into this open and welcoming, simplistic but modern space. And if that wasn't enough, the owner himself who is full of life, wonder, kindness, and excitement greets you at the epi center of the restaurant.

Everything is so refreshing, the space, the kitchen, the seating; I mean you can tell that a lot of thought went into the architect of this place from the pendant lighting, to the exposed ducts in the ceiling.

But back to the owner, Kameel. He is so welcoming (and you guys know how I am about my money being appreciated). He not only greets every customer that comes in and makes you feel all warm inside but he greets us all the same no matter the nationality or creed.

He literally walks from behind the counter to ensure that his greeting is authentic. Ah, but he doesn't stop there, in making you feel like you're the most important person, he's already signaled to the kitchen to give you a sample of their hearty soup (which by the way, offers a vegan option that I opted for) or a pita pastry that he hand delivers if indeed the staff is busy.

I could go on and on about his infectious kindness but I must move on to the food.

I ordered a falafel plate with fresh mixed vegetables, the creamy pasta, and decadent sweet potatoes. The entrees come with 3 sides and the price is impressive for such a vast array of food.

I was given a free sample of the vegan soup along with a free sample of the pistachio baklava which I never had. I mean I've had baklava but never pistachio and I must say, it is scrumptious with just the right flakiness and crisp!

The falafel melted in my mouth, my vegetables were fresh and crisp, and my pasta simply felt familiar with just the right hint of spice! I am pleasantly pleased with everything if you haven't guessed by now.

Never have I been to such a restaurant were I've felt like staying, wanting to come back in the same day, invite everyone I can think of and write this review while still sitting in the restaurant.

When I say it's my first time here (it definitely won't be my last) and I don't want to leave because it feels like home with the familiarity of belonging... that in itself is a big deal for me being that I moved to this town a few years ago.

Therefore, to come into an establishment were you aren't looked over and the owner himself including the staff makes you feel amazing, speaks volumes.

And to think I was just going to settle for a simple macchiato but instead I followed my curiosity and ended up here with every stitch of my fiber being fulfilled. I am so happy that I did.

I would 1000% recommend this place, can't wait to bring who I know, and I believe I have found my new meeting place, my new me time space, and so on.

Oh, AND BONUS!!! I actually got to meet AVIVA herself. Turns out she's the sister of one of the kindest restaurateurs I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She sat here and exchanged sweet glances before I knew who she was and was just as kind as her brother.

In short I can't wait to return. The world needs more amazing people and businesses like...

The United States needs more places and chefs like this. Certainly the food quality is top notch, but what really makes this establishment stand out is the service and the kindness of the chef and staff.

We received a warm greeting from the chef upon entry. We arrived late around 8:30 pm after a long drive. As we were deciding what to get we were offered a cup of their delicious soups, per person (5 in our group). Not sampler size, but a full cup.

Portion size was excellent for the price, we had one of each between the falafel salad, salmon plate, and chicken shawarma wrap. Two of my kids who had initially decided not to eat changed their mind after trying the fine food in front of us.

Before we could get up to order for our boys, the chef was back out in the dining area checking on us and other guests. Not knowing that our boys now wanted food, he asked if they were hungry and when my kids hesitated to answer he directed his staff to bring two more plates of our choice without hesitation. He would not let us pay for these plates so I tipped all the cash I had in gratitude.

Once done with the meal the chef came back to help clear the plates and offered us another free treat: organic fruit popsicles. He wasn’t pushy about it, but he insisted and we could not say no. How does one turn down such kindness at every turn?

I suppose you could say one reason to give meals to kids is to avoid waste near closing time. Perhaps the popsicles were a way to treat youth and bring a smile to their face. But he seems to represent something much greater.

It’s so rare to experience such generosity without a second thought, regardless of time or motivation. He could likely charge much more than he does for his food but he doesn’t, and he ensures everyone has something to eat. We thought we were the most special guests he had that day, but after observing him while we were there I’m positive that so many other guests felt the same.

He is truly a blessed man doing...

This place is like going to see your family, they invite you, take amazing care of you, go to great lengths to ensure the food is healthy, delicious, and then shower you with love. From calling in and having the owner Kameel greet you with words of love, to coming in and being treated better than when I’ve gone to a Michelin rated restaurant; they have thought of the full experience of the diner. Literally ever single time I’ve come here, I’ve experienced the best customer service, and the greetings from Kameel can’t be outdone. Hospitality, health, and a family like dining experience are seems to be at the forefront of this AMAZING RESTAURANT!

My family and I will be having lunch here tomorrow and bringing my friend of over thirty years to try out this spot. She’s driving over an hour to get here, because she knows the is food and the people behind the service will be worth the trip.

Having dairy allergies and not eating pork or shellfish (or anything that’s been cooked with or in the same pot or on the same griddle) allows us the opportunity to experience amazing authentic food.

This place doesn’t use any inflammatory oils or sugars which shows incredible compassion for the consumer.

This place is integrity and the whole of the human over profits.

Thank you so much for developing recipes that everyone can enjoy with the fear of inflammation and eating anything that’s unclean.

My family...