10 Great Spots to Dine Outside this Winter
Enjoy a meal outside and stay warm at these trip-worthy places around Georgia.
Don't let the chill of winter keep you from enjoying some of the state's best outdoor dining. From heated yurts to intimate beer gardens to laid-back, pet-friendly patios, Georgia's restaurants have transformed their outdoor spaces into magical, cozy spots to enjoy hot toddies, local brews, and stellar food all season long.
Last Resort Grill in Athens, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones
Last Resort Grill in Athens
Ambient lighting and heat lamps transform Last Resort Grill's former parking lot into a cozy outdoor garden. Dine on dishes made with ingredients from local growers, like a cornbread-crusted North Georgia trout. Save room for dessert: the restaurant offers a large selection of layer cakes and cheesecakes from Athens-based Cecelia's Cakes and Blackbird Bakery.
Make it a getaway: Grab a beer at Creature Comforts Brewing before turning in at Rivet House. The next day, explore the trails at the State Botanical Garden of Athens or say hello to the bears and other animals at Bear Hollow Zoo.
Find more things to do in this Guide to Athens.
Forza Storico in Atlanta
Forza Storico in Atlanta
Located inside the bustling Westside Provisions District in Atlanta, Forza Storico offers outdoor dining on its side courtyard patio and an outdoor garden. Both spaces are covered and have space heaters, bars, string lights, topiaries, and the occasional DJ, creating a lively and warm spot to enjoy classic Italian dishes like cacio e pepe and the restaurant's signature cocktails like a Smoked Old Fashioned.
Make it a getaway: Stay the night at the Bellyard Hotel and take in the nearby sights like the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Piedmont Park.
Find more things to do in this Guide to Atlanta.
Staplehouse in Atlanta
This intimate spot in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood was awarded one MICHELIN Star in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta, and the relaxing garden and heated, covered patio offer the perfect setting to enjoy the seasonal creations by Chef Ryan Smith and Chef Jacob Pollitz. Enjoy walk-in, counter service lunch from Thursday to Sunday, choosing from wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, pastries, and seasonal sides. Limited reservations are available for Staplehouse’s five-course prix fixe dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights served indoors in the upstairs dining room.
Make it a getaway: Stay the night at the Hotel Clermont, and watch the sunset over the city from the rooftop bar. Explore the art and scenery on Atlanta BeltLine and all the shops and restaurants that line its path, including Ponce City Market.
Find more to do in the Guide to Atlanta.
Nonic Restaurant and Rooftop Bar in Columbus
Housed in the newly redeveloped Highside Market in Uptown Columbus, which features several dining and shopping options and an outdoor park, Nonic is known for its rooftop patio, menu of pub favorites, extensive craft beer list, and creative cocktails. Start with an order of Parker House rolls served with miso-toffee butter before digging into a fontina burger, apple grilled cheese, or chili-crunch salmon with a side of seasonal soup. Or start your weekend with brunch favorites like Nashville chicken & waffles, snapper n’ grits, and buttermilk pancakes served with miso-toffee butter.
Make it a getaway: Stay nearby at the historic Hotel Indigo Columbus, and brave the rapids on the longest urban whitewater course in the world with Whitewater Express.
Find more things to do in this Guide to Columbus.
The White Bull in Decatur
Head to Decatur for Italian classics featuring locally grown ingredients served in The White Bull's magical outdoor patio, complete with twinkling lights, ample seating, fire pits, and heaters. Named a Recommended restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta, this cozy spot on the Decatur Square delights with seasonal cocktails and an ever-changing menu that showcases Georgia’s freshest ingredients.
Make it a getaway: Stay the night at the Your Alpaca Cottage, a charming one-bedroom Airbnb surrounded by an organic vegetable garden, and of course, alpacas. Plan time for a shopping trip to Your DeKalb Farmers Market, where you can find an incredible selection of food from around the world as well as fresh baked goods and prepared foods.
Natalia's in Macon, Georgia
Natalia's in Macon
Escape to Italy via Macon at Natalia’s, where you can choose between beautiful outdoor seating with a fireplace and warmly lit indoor seating. Enjoy traditional fare from Italy’s Abruzzo region and some unique dishes; risotto del giorno, veal scallopini, and sole are among the favorites. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with bottles from Italy and beyond. Finish your meal with one of Natalia’s desserts, like tiramisu or chocolate mousse.
Make it a getaway: Stay the night at Hotel Forty Five, a downtown boutique hotel home to a rooftop bar and a wine and coffee bar. Don’t miss the chance to tour Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which may soon become Georgia’s newest national park.
Find more things to do in this Guide to Macon.
Inside a yurt at Table & Main in Roswell, Georgia
Table & Main in Roswell
Dine on Southern classics with a twist at Roswell’s Table & Main, which received a Bib Gourmand rating in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta. Enjoy heated outdoor seating as you warm up with the restaurant's famous fried chicken, mac 'n cheese, and cornbread muffins with honey butter followed by banana pudding for dessert.
Or, just down the street, reserve a private yurt in the beautifully landscaped garden — complete with large heaters, a fire pit, and elegant lanterns — at Table & Main’s sister restaurant Osteria Mattone. The restaurant's pizzas, pastas, and Italian-inspired fare, like fried pesto risotto balls, will warm your body and soul on even the coldest winter nights.
Make it a getaway: Stay nearby at the new Home2 Suites by Hilton Roswell, and allow plenty of time to shop on Canton Street. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the scenery and wildlife on a stroll along the Chattahoochee River.
Find more things to do in this Guide to Roswell.
Bistro Hilary in Senoia
The heated and covered patio, complete with cozy couches and a fireplace, is the loveliest little spot in downtown Senoia to indulge in Chef Hilary White’s French cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from local farms. Start your meal with a cocktail and crispy deviled eggs appetizer while you choose from menu items like pan-roasted Joyce Farm chicken breast, braised lamb risotto, and beef bourguignon. Save room for desserts like chocolate mousse, banana pudding, and lemon cheesecake.
Make it a getaway: While in Senoia, let Georgia Tour Company show you the way to filming locations for “The Walking Dead,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and more. Stay nearby at Trilith Guesthouse, a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar near Trilith Studios. While you’re there, take the Trilith Experience Tour to get a behind-the-scenes peek at this filming location where “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avengers: Endgame” came to life.
Starland Yard in Savannah, Georgia
Starland Yard in Savannah
Rotating food trucks serve up everything from barbecue to Caribbean fare at this expansive outdoor space on DeSoto Avenue in Savannah, which also features a large outdoor bar and a permanent pizzeria slinging Neapolitan-style pies. With several heaters, ample seating, and live music and art weekly, the pet-friendly Starland Yard is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends and family.
Make it a getaway: Stay at the fun and funky Thunderbird Inn, a classic roadside motel that has been renovated in retro-style. Learn more about the history of the city and look for Forrest Gump's bench at the Savannah History Museum, and don't miss a chance to stroll beneath the live oaks in Forsyth Park.
Find more to do with the Guide to Savannah.
Century House in Woodstock, Georgia
Century House in Woodstock
This little yellow house in historic downtown Woodstock converts its outdoor porch to a fully heated space in winter, providing a warm and cozy setting for enjoying creative twists on American cuisine. Pair a craft cocktail or local draft beer with appetizers like honey and jalapeno-glazed pork belly, collard green eggrolls, and house-rolled pimento fritters. Warm up with main dishes like chicken fried chicken, Chatel Farms short rib ragu served with house-made gnocchi, or Beeler’s Farms pork chop. Be sure to save room for artistic dessert with options like a double chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream, Grand Marnier creme brulee, and Bananas Foster cheesecake.
Make it a getaway: Shop the locally owned boutiques in downtown Woodstock and the nearby The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, the closest outlet center to Atlanta. Take in the scenery along the hiking trails through the forest and along the shores of Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park.
