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10 Best Athens Restaurants

10 Best Athens Restaurants

The top restaurants in Athens include Last Resort Grill, South Kitchen and Bar, Cali N Tito's, The National, Chuck's Fish, Five and Ten Restaurant, ZZ and Simone’s, Porterhouse Grill, DePalma's Italian Cafe, and Mama’s Boy. Athens, GA is known for Southern cuisine and dishes like shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, and biscuits. Athens is also the birthplace of the Zaxby's fast-food chain.

The city's food identity is shaped by its neighborhoods, from the concentration of restaurants in Downtown Athens to the community spots in Five Points. The University of Georgia's presence creates a demand for both casual eateries and more sophisticated dining options. A strong farm-to-table movement connects many Athens GA restaurants to local Georgia farms, resulting in menus that feature fresh and seasonal ingredients. This combination of a youthful college-town energy and a serious approach to local sourcing defines the Athens experience.

Athens is located in Northeast Georgia, a position that gives its restaurants access to the state's agricultural products. Among the city's top establishments, Five and Ten stands out for its influence on modern Southern cuisine, its leadership from a James Beard Award-winning chef, and its setting in a historic home. The most notable fast-food option is Zaxby's. For fine dining, Five and Ten is a premier choice, recognized for its innovative approach to regional food.

10 Best Athens Restaurants are listed below.

1 The National
2 Last Resort Grill
3 South Kitchen and Bar
4 Cali N Tito's
5 Chuck's Fish
6 Five and Ten Restaurant
7 ZZ and Simone’s
8 Porterhouse Grill
9 DePalma's Italian Cafe
10 Mama’s Boy

What Food is Athens Famous For?

Athens is famous for modern Southern food, which includes elevated preparations of staples like pimento cheese, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and biscuits. The city’s food identity is defined by a strong farm-to-table movement, with restaurants sourcing ingredients from nearby farms like Woodland Gardens and Collective Harvest. Access to fresh, local produce allows chefs to create seasonal menus that blend traditional Southern cooking with other influences. Dishes like Frogmore Stew, a Lowcountry boil transformed into a refined stew, exemplify the innovative approach to regional classics found in Athens.

What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Athens?

The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Athens is $15 to $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $50 and $75. Prices at fine dining establishments start at $50 per person and increase based on the specific restaurant and menu selections.

What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in Athens?

Athens has a mix of popular national and regional fast-food chains, with a particular local affinity for chicken restaurants like Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A. Zaxby's, which is headquartered in Athens, is a local favorite known for chicken fingers and signature Zax Sauce. Other popular fast-food restaurants in Athens are listed below:

Zaxby's: An Athens-based chain famous for Chicken Fingerz, wings, and Zax Sauce.
Chick-fil-A: A Georgia institution known for the original chicken sandwich and waffle fries.
Cook Out: A popular late-night spot offering burgers, barbecue trays, and a large selection of milkshakes.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers: Specializes in a simple menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane's sauce.
Barberitos: A locally founded chain serving Southwestern-style burritos, tacos, and salads.
Krystal: Known for small, square steam-grilled burgers.
Taco Bell: Offers Mexican-inspired fast food like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Wendy's: A national chain popular for square burgers, Frosty desserts, and chili.
McDonald's: A global chain serving classic burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
American Deli: Offers a menu of wings, subs, and Philly cheesesteaks.

What are the Newest Restaurants in Athens?

Recent restaurant openings in Athens include ZZ, Simone’s, Puma Yu’s and others listed below:

Slater's Steakhouse: An upscale American steakhouse serving classic cuts and cocktails in the Five Points neighborhood. Located at 1680 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606.
Puma Yu’s: A restaurant in the Southern Mill complex serving small-plate Thai food with creative cocktails and natural wines. Located at 355 Oneta St, Athens, GA 30601.
Nighthawks Lounge: An art-deco inspired bar from the owners of The Expat, offering cocktails and classic bar snacks. Located at 155 Tracy St, Athens, GA 30601.
Lalo's Tacos and Cantina: An upscale Mexican restaurant in Watkinsville's Wire Park development with a menu that includes octopus tacos and fresh aguachiles. Located at 1725 Electric Ave, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
Sunroof: A walk-up window in the Mill District serving coffee, chai, and matcha affogato. Located at 655 Oconee St, Athens, GA 30605.

Are There Lunch Spots in Athens Worth Trying?

Yes. Athens provides many places for a midday meal, from casual cafes to established restaurants with lunch service. Last Resort Grill offers a Southwestern-inspired menu for lunch, providing a more formal sit-down experience. Cali N Tito's is a popular choice for a quick and casual meal, with Latin American dishes served in a lively, outdoor-friendly setting. Mama’s Boy is a primary destination for brunch and lunch, serving well-known Southern comfort food until the mid-afternoon.

Are There Good Places for Dinner in Athens?

Yes. The city offers a range of dinner establishments suitable for different tastes and occasions. Five and Ten provides a fine dining experience with nationally recognized modern Southern cuisine in the historic Hawthorne House. The National is a popular downtown choice for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a sophisticated but relaxed environment. Porterhouse Grill delivers a traditional American steakhouse experience, focusing on Certified Angus Beef and an extensive wine list.

What Restaurants in Athens, GA Serve Vegan Food?

Athens has restaurants that serve vegan food, including dedicated plant-based establishments and others with vegan options. Slutty Vegan is a fully vegan restaurant known for plant-based burgers with provocative names. The Grit, a long-standing vegetarian restaurant, offers a large selection of vegan dishes, including its popular Golden Bowl and vegan desserts. Maepole is a fast-casual restaurant where diners can build their own plates with many vegan bases, vegetables, and tofu. Big City Bread Cafe provides vegan options such as tofu scramble for breakfast and various sandwiches and salads for lunch.

What Restaurants in Athens Serve Gluten-Free Food?

Restaurants in Athens GA that serve gluten-free food include Last Resort Grill, the National, and Maepole. Last Resort Grill can prepare many of its Southwestern-style dishes to be gluten-free upon request. The National offers a Mediterranean menu with numerous gluten-free choices and is attentive to dietary needs. Maepole provides a menu where most of the components are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to build a gluten-free meal. Your Pie, a build-your-own pizza restaurant, has a gluten-free crust option available for its pizzas.

What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Athens?

The most famous cuisines in Athens are New Southern and American comfort food. The city's location in the heart of Georgia influences its food culture, blending traditional recipes with modern, farm-to-table practices. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Athens:

New Southern: This cuisine is central to the Athens food identity. Restaurants use local, seasonal ingredients to create updated versions of classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, and fried chicken.
American: Classic American food, including burgers, sandwiches, and diner-style breakfasts, is very popular, supported by the city's large student population and casual atmosphere.
Barbecue: As a staple of Georgia's food culture, barbecue is a significant cuisine in Athens. Local spots serve slow-smoked meats like pulled pork and brisket with traditional Southern sides.
Latin American: There is a strong presence of Latin American food, with popular restaurants serving Peruvian, Cuban, and Mexican dishes. Fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches are local favorites.
Italian: The city has a number of Italian-American restaurants that have been local favorites for years, serving classic pasta dishes, pizzas, and calzones.