Gabriel's Is More Than Sweet Treats

Over the past decade, Gabriel’s Desserts has become a Marietta legend. Owner Johnnie Gabriel and her husband Ed began their foodie journey preparing baked goods to supplement their income. What once was a weekend venture has grown to a full-time, fully staffed award-winning profession. Now, relocated, Gabriel’s offers a full breakfast and lunch menu.

Eating lunch at Gabriel’s for the first time, I was astonished by the crowd on a weekday afternoon. Preparing sandwiches and salads, made to order, patrons can taste the fresh ingredients and homemade breads that are served with southern hospitality. All typical deli meats are offered, as well as house-prepared meatloaf, chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad sandwiches. Healthy low-carb wraps are available. Several specialty sandwiches are recommended, especially the Boar’s Head Cuban Sandwich, which is a seasoned pork loin, black forest ham, Swiss cheese served on toasted bread. My husband said it was delicious. I also choose a specialty sandwich; Turkey and Ham Stacker, which was smoked turkey, ham, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and mustard on wheat bread. I can assure you, the half portion was more than enough. Sandwiches are also available in full portions.

Other sandwiches just as enticing include Blackened Shrimp Po’Boy, Grilled Pimento Cheese, Crab Cake Sandwich, and Cheesy Beef Steak. Most sandwiches include a pickle and chips, starting at $4, up to $13.50 for some of the seafood specialty sandwiches. Breakfast, served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., includes southern favorites such as, eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles or several combination platters. Many breakfast items can be purchased a la carte. Regardless if you visit for lunch or breakfast, you must save room for dessert. 

Upon entering the café style restaurant, patrons cannot avoid the beautiful cake and pastry case, full of mouth-watering delights such as various pound cakes, layer cakes, tempting pies and more. If have a sweet tooth and can imagine it, Gabriel’s can make it. Desserts can be pre-ordered and freshly baked, although specialty cakes may require up to 48 hours advance notice. The Gabriel’s team can create the wedding cake of any bride’s dream with the expertise of her bakers and decorators.

Visitors place their orders at the counter and the friendly wait staff will bring your lunch to you. Be patient, as on my visit, you may need to wait a few minutes for a table to empty; although of a moderate size, during lunch, the casual dining area can become congested. Gabriel’s rewards her loyal customers with a frequent dining card. A purchase of lunch, cake or pie receives a punch—after 12 punches, a free lunch can be enjoyed.

Repeatedly voted as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, Gabriel’s is a bit more expensive than most lunch sandwich shops; however, freshness, scrumptious and prompt service prevail at Gabriel’s. Don’t forget to get a sweet treat to go!

Gabriel's Restaurant & Bakery

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Closed Sundays and Mondays

800 Whitlock Ave., Marietta

770-427-9007

www.gabrielsdesserts.com

Reservations not available

All credit cards accepted