10 Best Georgia Restaurants

The food Georgia is famous for includes peaches, pecans, peanuts, and sweet Vidalia onions. The state is known for classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and Brunswick stew, a tomato-based stew containing meat and vegetables. Georgia's barbecue is a significant part of its food identity, characterized by slow-smoked pork with a tangy, tomato-based sauce. What sets Georgia's food apart is the combination of these deep-rooted Southern traditions with a dynamic, modern dining scene in Atlanta. The state's official prepared food, "grits," and its unique Vidalia onion, which can only be grown in a specific region of the state, are central to its culinary heritage.

The average cost of a meal in Georgia at an inexpensive restaurant is between $14 and $25 for one person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $70 and $110. Meals at high-end or fine dining establishments like Lazy Betty or Bacchanalia start at $165 per person and can exceed $225, depending on the menu and selections.

Georgia is the birthplace of several major fast-food and fast-casual chains, making them exceptionally popular throughout the state. Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, and Zaxby's were all founded in Georgia and are local institutions. These chains, along with national brands, are some of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the state.

• Chick-fil-A: Founded in Hapeville, this chain is a Georgia icon, known for its original chicken sandwich and waffle fries.
• Waffle House: The 24/7 diner chain started in Avondale Estates and is a beloved staple for its hashbrowns, waffles, and classic breakfast fare.
• Zaxby's: This chicken-focused chain was founded in Statesboro and is popular for its chicken fingers, wings, and Zax Sauce.
• The Varsity: An Atlanta landmark since 1928, this is the world's largest drive-in restaurant, famous for its chili dogs, onion rings, and Frosted Orange shake.
• Krystal: A Southern chain known for its small, square "Krystal" burgers, similar to sliders.
• Cook Out: A regional chain popular for its extensive menu of burgers, barbecue, and more than 40 flavors of milkshakes.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Though from Louisiana, its Southern-style fried chicken is extremely popular in Georgia.
• Bojangles: A chain famous for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits.

The Georgia dining scene constantly evolves, with new restaurants opening, particularly in Atlanta. Recent additions include Betty Sue's, a downtown brunch spot, and Comunidad Taqueria, an all-day cafe. These new establishments bring fresh concepts to the state.

• Betty Sue’s: A brunch restaurant on Peachtree Street with a colorful atmosphere. The menu, from Chef Bryant “Chef Baul” Williams, includes lobster deviled eggs, oxtail and grits, and salmon croquettes. Located at 29 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303.
• Blackjack Bar Tapas: A tapas and bar spot from the team behind 26 Thai. The menu features small sharable dishes, and the drink program infuses Asian flavors into the cocktails. Located at 1080 Peachtree St NE #1, Atlanta, GA 30309.
• Comunidad Taqueria: An all-day cafe from Poco Loco chef Nick Melvin, located in the former Highland Bakery space. The menu features breakfast tacos on house-made tortillas, such as the Tammy with eggs and cauliflower “chorizo” and the Willie with eggs and bacon. Located at 655 Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30312.
• Side Saddle: A natural wine bar and saloon on the Beltline from the team behind Finca to Filter. The bar serves small plates and sustainably-produced, low-intervention wines, with seating on an outdoor patio. Located at 680 Hamilton Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30312.
• Sammy’s: A breakfast and lunch sandwich shop in the Abrams Fixtures development. The menu includes a green eggs and ham sandwich for breakfast and lunch options like a smoked pork Cuban and a smoked brisket pastrami on rye. Located at 565 Northside Drive Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30310.
• Cuddlefish: A hand-roll sushi eatery at High Street in Dunwoody from the team behind Brush Sushi. The restaurant features Japanese and Taiwanese flavors, a temaki tasting menu, and a coffee and bakery section. Located at 290 High Street, Dunwoody, Georgia 30346.

The best restaurants in the state are concentrated in Georgia's capital, Atlanta, particularly in the downtown area and its surrounding central neighborhoods like Buckhead, Westside, and Inman Park. These areas are home to the state's most acclaimed fine dining and chef-driven concepts. The best restaurants in this central Atlanta area are listed below.

• Lazy Betty: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Candler Park offering a contemporary American tasting menu.
• Mujo: A Michelin-starred omakase sushi restaurant on the Westside.
• Bacchanalia: A Michelin-starred fine dining institution on the Westside with its own organic farm.
• Bone’s Restaurant: A classic, upscale steakhouse in the Buckhead neighborhood.
• Staplehouse: A nationally acclaimed New American restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward.
• Delbar: A popular and energetic Middle Eastern restaurant in Inman Park.

Yes, there are lunch spots in Georgia worth trying such as Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Star Provisions, Krog Street Market, and Ponce City Market. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah provides a classic, family-style Southern lunch experience with communal tables. In Atlanta, Star Provisions is a popular choice for its gourmet sandwiches and salads, while Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market host numerous vendors with quick-service options.

Yes, there are good places for dinner in Georgia including The Grey in Savannah, Bone’s Restaurant, and Delbar. For a refined dinner, The Grey in Savannah offers an upscale Port City Southern menu in a restored bus terminal. Bone’s Restaurant in Atlanta is a premier destination for a classic steakhouse dinner. For a more casual but highly sought-after experience, Delbar in Atlanta provides a lively atmosphere with its flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine.

Georgia has a growing number of vegan restaurants, especially in Atlanta, such as SluttyVegan, Cafe Sunflower, and Plant Based Pizzeria. SluttyVegan is an Atlanta-based chain famous for its indulgent, plant-based burgers with provocative names. Cafe Sunflower has been a staple for decades, offering upscale vegetarian and vegan dishes. Plant Based Pizzeria is known for its vegan pizzas and other comfort foods. Other spots like The Loving Hut and Healthful Essence also provide fully vegan menus with a variety of international and Caribbean-inspired dishes.

Restaurants in Georgia that serve gluten-free food include dedicated bakeries like Gluten-Free Cutie and restaurants like Arepa Mia. Gluten-Free Cutie in Roswell is a bakery that ensures no cross-contamination. Arepa Mia specializes in naturally gluten-free Venezuelan arepas. Many upscale restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Bacchanalia and Lazy Betty, can accommodate gluten-free dietary restrictions with advance notice, offering modified fine-dining experiences.

Georgia's most famous cuisines are Southern/Soul Food and Barbecue. The state's culinary identity is built on these deep-rooted traditions, complemented by a diverse international food scene in Atlanta. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Georgia.

• Southern/Soul Food: This is the heart of Georgia's cuisine, with fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread as essential dishes. It represents the state's agricultural history and home-cooking traditions.
• Barbecue: Georgia barbecue is a distinct style, focusing on slow-smoked pork, often chopped or pulled, and served with a signature tangy, tomato-and-vinegar-based sauce. Brunswick stew is a classic barbecue side dish that originated in the state.
• New American: Atlanta is a major center for modern, chef-driven New American cuisine. Restaurants like Bacchanalia and Lazy Betty use local Southern ingredients in innovative, fine-dining contexts.
• Korean: The Atlanta metro area, particularly along Buford Highway, has a large and vibrant Korean community. This has resulted in a high concentration of authentic Korean barbecue, tofu houses, and bakeries.
• Low Country: The coastal region of Georgia shares the Low Country cuisine of South Carolina, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Shrimp and grits is the most well-known dish from this culinary tradition.