Expect the Unexpected at These 8 Georgia Restaurants
There’s something magical about finding a restaurant that’s worth every mile of the journey – especially in Georgia, where the roads wind through misty mountains, sun-dappled farmland, and charming small towns steeped in history. From a mountaintop retreat serving refined Scottish/French cuisine to a burger joint housed in a vintage school bus, the Peach State is full of unexpected culinary finds that offer more than just a meal.
For those willing to veer off the beaten path, the rewards are plentiful. Imagine savoring scratch-made pasta in a south Georgia farmhouse where the chef’s roots trace back to northern Italy or having a burger with the workers who produced it in a tiny town where farm-to-table is a way of life. At a former church turned down-home eatery in west Georgia, every bite feels like Sunday supper, while at an upscale steakhouse with a world-class wine bar in east Georgia, guests feel like A-list stars. Whether it’s bold fusion flavors or Southern classics you seek, these destination-worthy restaurants promise a feast for both the palate and the soul.
Auld Alliance in Rising Fawn, Georgia
1. Auld Alliance at Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn
The first Scottish/French fine dining restaurant in the country, Auld Alliance sets the tone for the newly opened Cloudland at McLemore Resort through its menu of French country cuisine and Scottish classics. From foie gras “haggis” and boudin blanc to dry-aged ribeye steaks and cured duck breast, diners enjoy perfectly executed dishes complemented by locally farmed and foraged produce, fine Scotch whisky, craft beer, French wine, and signature cocktails. Set atop Lookout Mountain, the view outside the dining room is as jaw-dropping as the flavors and service inside.
Make it a getaway: Book the resort’s Mountain Driving package to cruise the area’s winding mountain roads in a Porsche. Hike to waterfalls and explore caves at nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park. Play the links on the resort’s award-winning golf courses, and wind down with a massage at the spa.
Exterior of the Ball Ground Burger Bus in Ball Ground, Georgia
2. Ball Ground Burger Bus in Ball Ground
Parked in downtown Ball Ground between the train tracks and a newly renovated park, the Ball Ground Burger Bus is a one-of-a-kind eatery that’s as tasty as it is quirky. You don't need the novelty of eating on a restored vintage bus (though that's pretty cool) to appreciate the Fried Green Jacket Burger, a hormone- and steroid-free black Angus burger that nods to two Georgia classics — fried green tomatoes and the famous pimento cheese sandwich served at the Masters Tournament. Hot dog fans will want to try the deep-fried hot dogs served on pretzel buns, and vegetarians won’t go hungry with the housemade veggie patty served on a freshly steamed pita. Add crispy sides like onion rings, fries, and chili cheese tots to round out your meal.
Make it a getaway: Before your feast at the bus, stroll the gorgeous hillsides and themed gardens at Gibbs Gardens, just 10 miles away. Book a stay nearby at the Woodbridge Inn & Tavern, which has been welcoming guests to the North Georgia mountains since 1880 and is within walking distance to charming shops in downtown Jasper. While you’re in town, visit some of the area wineries, including Fainting Goat Vineyards and Winery and Sharp Mountain Vineyards & Winery.
Bollywood Tacos in Milledgeville, Georgia
3. Bollywood Tacos in Milledgeville
Bollywood Tacos fuses Indian and Mexican cuisine, creating some of the most exciting food in middle Georgia. The intriguing and unique mix of flavors draw customers in, and the fun-loving atmosphere, delicious drinks, and charismatic staff make you want to stick around for a while. The menu ranges from tacos to burrito bowls to Mexican corn bites. A fan favorite is the Peach Country taco made of fried chicken breast, bacon, pimento cheese, and peach salsa. Brunch is served on weekends, and Thursdays are happy hour all day. The outdoor seating is pet-friendly.
Make it a getaway: Book a stay at The Rockwell House, a historic home on 12 acres that has been fully restored just a short drive from downtown Milledgeville. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy area attractions like Andalusia Farm, home of famed American author Flannery O’Connor, and beautiful Lake Sinclair.
Cork & Flame in Evans, Georgia
4. Cork & Flame in Evans
Located 12 miles from downtown Augusta, Cork & Flame combines fine dining, tapas, and an extensive wine market. Serving progressive American cuisine with a focus on local and regional ingredients, Cork & Flame delights guests with creatively prepared and beautifully presented menu items that may include wild boar, bison, venison, salmon, or scallops. Guests are welcomed with scented hot hand towels like rose water or cucumber mint before the meal, and as the meal progresses, complimentary amuse-bouches – seasonal, experimental one-bites – are served to enhance and prepare the palette. Save room for desserts like deconstructed apple pie, ube creme brulee, and sticky toffee pudding. Guests can also enjoy private dining options, including a Chef's Table for up to 12 guests.
Make it a getaway: Stay at Augusta’s iconic hotel, The Partridge Inn, perched on a hill with a rooftop restaurant and bar, offering stunning panoramic views of downtown. Take a Jet Ski tour on the Savannah River with Reserve & Ride Watersports, and then choose from among 10 Authentic Augusta Experiences designed to immerse you in the community. Explore natural wetlands at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and kayak to Stallings Island to meet donkeys on the Serene18 Paddle Trail in Columbia County.
Ristorante da Maria in Dublin, Georgia
5. Ristorante da Maria in Dublin
For Italian-born chef Maria Runggaldier and her Austrian-born partner, Heinz Krassnig, opening their own farmhouse resort, Dublin Farm, was a dream. Guests may stay the night in one of four rooms at the couple’s bed and breakfast or make reservations for one of Runggaldier’s seasonal, multi-course Italian feasts on Friday and Saturday nights. While the dishes hail from her home country, many of the ingredients used to create them — including beef, peaches, blueberries, and heritage poultry — are grown in Georgia. Pair the pasta (all hand-made by Runggaldier) with Italian wines to round out the experience.
Make it a getaway: Stay at the 30-acre Dublin Farm, and enjoy an artfully prepared full American or continental breakfast served on the sunny terrace, or order in-room dining. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park, catch a show at Theatre Dublin, and shop the Market on Madison farmers market on Saturdays. Head to Saltwater Fishery’s Flybridge Rooftop for an evening of good food, charming views, and live music in downtown Dublin.
Taste of Lemon in LaGrange, Georgia
6. Taste of Lemon in LaGrange
Housed in a former Methodist church built in 1892, this meat-and-sides lunch destination in downtown LaGrange serves up a true taste of the South. Settle into a table in the former sanctuary and sip a glass of sweet tea while you choose from the menu of made-from-scratch Southern classics like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and pork chops and the extensive list of sides like pineapple casserole, rutabagas, and mac and cheese. Don’t skip dessert! Favorites like peach cobbler and buttermilk pie will leave you singing praises for the warm welcome and hospitality at this one-of-a-kind lunch spot.
Make it a getaway: Families love staying at Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park resort with everything under one roof. In downtown LaGrange, sample craft beers at Wild Leap or Beacon Brewing, and catch a concert at Sweetland Amphitheatre. Don’t miss the chance to explore the grounds of Hills and Dales Estate, which feature some of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in America.
Virgil's Gullah Kitchen and Bar in Conyers, Georgia
7. Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar in Conyers
Serving up soul food flavors from the Georgia coast in downtown Conyers, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar celebrates Gullah Geechee cuisine, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried fish, red rice, stone-ground cheese grits, and greens. You’ll want to return for Sunday brunch, too, with menu items like corn muffins with honey butter drizzle, deviled crab eggs, bread pudding waffles and wings, and fried seafood baskets. Virgil’s also serves vegan dishes, beer and cocktails, and has outdoor seating.
Make it a getaway: Stay at one of the many hotels in Conyers, and start your morning with breakfast at The Book Cellar, an independent bookstore and cafe. Scope out film locations in the area, including those used in “The Originals,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “In the Heat of the Night.” Hike or bike the trails at Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, and experience the peaceful grounds and church at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, which also sells fudge, fruitcake, and biscotti made at The Monastery Bakery by the monks. Attend a painting class or pick up an art kit at The Sketching Pad art studio, and wind down with a wine tasting at Corks and Cuvee Wine and Gift Shoppe.
The Farmers Table at White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia
8. White Oak Pastures in Bluffton
You can’t get any closer to experiencing a farm-to-table meal than at White Oak Pastures, a 158-year-old family farm in southwest Georgia that raises and processes grass-fed cattle, pastured chickens, hogs, and more. The on-site restaurant, The Farmers Table, was created primarily to feed the farm’s employees with food from the farm, but visitors are invited for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well. Enjoy daily specials along with regular menu items, and be sure to shop the General Store for farm-made goods ranging from homemade preserves to pickled items and seasonal sausage.
Make it a getaway: Book a stay in the farm’s cabins, pond house, RV park, or houses in downtown Bluffton. Tour the farm to learn about its regenerative holistic production practices, certified organic vegetable garden, and pastured egg production. Take a guided equine trail ride through town and the farm’s pastures to see grazing herds and native wildlife.
