Samad Grill elevates food with love and a little garlic

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Jamal Samad prides himself on the simplicity of the food at his restaurant, Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market. But simple isn’t easy, he said, like most people think.

“The harder thing is to keep things simple and tasty, and make it healthy,” said Jamal, with a thick Lebanese accent.

Jamal said the kitchen staff, including himself, doesn’t compromise or cut corners. Everything at Samad Grill is made with fresh ingredients. And, everything – except the gyro meat, which is Halal, and pita bread – is made from scratch.

His wife of 28 years, Lesley Samad, sitting beside him in a small, cozy booth by the door, interjected to say the food is still rather complex and layered.

“I will tell you, I’ve never met a stranger,” Lesley said at one point, laughing. “He’s much more quiet than I am.”

Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Address: 8897 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Phone: 770-807-3700

Website: samadgrill.com/

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.