Unearth The Voyage
Georgia has shaped Southern cuisine for generations, with restaurants that have become landmarks in their own right. From soul food cafes to elegant dining rooms, these eateries tell the story of the South through food, preserving recipes and traditions that span decades or even centuries. Whether you crave smoky barbecue, crispy fried chicken, or a towering ice cream sundae, these 15 iconic spots offer authentic tastes you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta
Since 1945, this sprawling 13,000-square-foot restaurant has earned the nickname Atlanta’s Dining Room for good reason. Generations of families have gathered here over plates of golden fried chicken, bowls of potlikker with cornbread, and generous slices of peach cobbler. The space buzzes with energy, servers scribble orders on paper pads, and the menu reads like a love letter to Georgia comfort food.
After a roof collapse in 2024, the restaurant reopened fully renovated but still honoring its 80-year legacy. Walking through the door feels like stepping into a piece of Atlanta history. Every bite reminds you why Southern cooking has captured hearts for so long, with recipes perfected over eight decades of service.
2. The Varsity – Atlanta
A restaurant so big it spans two city blocks and seats 800 people at once is The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in, serving hungry crowds since 1928. Located near Georgia Tech, it has become a rite of passage for students, tourists, and locals craving chili dogs and the famous Frosted Orange.
Counter workers shout orders in rapid-fire shorthand, a tradition that has remained unchanged for nearly a century. Despite periodic rumors of closure, The Varsity keeps rolling in 2025, still serving onion rings and burgers with the same energy it had during the Great Depression. The neon signs and retro vibe transport you straight back to mid-century America, making every visit feel like a trip through time.
3. The Olde Pink House – Savannah
Built in 1771, this Georgian mansion wears its history proudly with pastel pink walls and candlelit dining rooms that glow at night. The Olde Pink House sits in Savannah’s Historic District, offering upscale Lowcountry cuisine in one of the city’s most photographed buildings. Shrimp and grits arrive perfectly seasoned, while the crispy scored flounder has become a signature dish diners travel miles to taste.
The mansion has witnessed centuries of Southern history, and today it hosts special events and holiday celebrations that keep tradition alive. Dining here feels like being a guest in a grand home from another era. The praline desserts provide a sweet finish to an evening steeped in elegance and old-world charm.
4. The Grey – Savannah
A 1938 Greyhound bus terminal might seem like an odd place for a fine dining restaurant, but Chef Mashama Bailey has turned it into a modern Southern landmark. Her James Beard Award-winning Port City Southern cuisine honors African American and coastal culinary traditions with deeply flavored dishes that tell stories on every plate. Smoked collards, fluffy biscuits, and inventive seafood creations rotate through seasonal tasting menus.
The Grey has become so influential that it expanded to Paris in 2025, yet the Savannah original remains the heart of the operation. Sunday brunch and dinner service continue to draw crowds who appreciate food that respects history while pushing boundaries. The restored terminal space adds industrial elegance to every meal.
5. Bones – Atlanta
Dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and the sizzle of prime dry-aged steaks have defined Bones since 1979. This Buckhead institution represents old-school steakhouse glamour at its finest, attracting power dinners, anniversary celebrations, and anyone seeking a memorable meal. The wine list has won awards, and the ribeyes and porterhouses are cut thick and cooked to perfection.
Ordering the lobster tail alongside your steak feels indulgent in the best way possible. Classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach and loaded baked potatoes round out the experience. OpenTable listings and 2025 menu updates confirm Bones remains Atlanta’s premier destination for those who take their beef seriously and their dining atmosphere even more so.
6. Busy Bee Café – Atlanta
Soul food does not get more authentic than Busy Bee Café, a James Beard American Classics award winner that has served Atlanta’s Vine City since 1947. The fried chicken earns legendary status with a crunchy golden crust and juicy meat that makes you understand why people line up for it. Collard greens simmer with just the right amount of pot liquor, and the banana pudding provides the perfect sweet ending.
Currently operating for takeout with daily posted hours, Busy Bee is planning a second full-service location at Atlantic Station. Smothered pork chops and mac and cheese round out a menu that celebrates Black culinary traditions. Every dish tastes like it came from somebody’s grandmother’s kitchen, prepared with care and decades of expertise.
7. Home Grown GA – Atlanta
What started as a neighborhood breakfast spot has evolved into a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant without losing its retro-country diner charm. Home Grown GA in Reynoldstown serves creative Southern breakfast and lunch using local ingredients, and the Comfy Chicken biscuit has achieved cult status among Atlanta foodies. Breakfast tacos arrive loaded with flavor, and daily specials keep regulars coming back to see what the kitchen dreams up next.
The owners recently purchased the building, securing the diner’s future for years to come. Gingham tablecloths and friendly service create a welcoming vibe that feels genuine, not manufactured. Being listed in the MICHELIN Guide proves that Southern comfort food deserves the same recognition as fancy French cuisine when it is done this well.
8. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Atlanta
Twin brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox brought Texas-style barbecue to Atlanta, and the city embraced their smoked meats with devotion. Brisket arrives with a perfect smoke ring and bark, pulled pork is tender and flavorful, and the smoked wings have become a must-order item. Frito pie adds a fun, messy twist to traditional barbecue sides.
By 2025, Fox Bros. operates multiple locations across metro Atlanta and even serves fans at Truist Park during Braves games. The expansion proves that great barbecue transcends regional boundaries when it is cooked with skill and passion. Lines form early on weekends, but the wait is worth it when you taste meat that has been smoked low and slow to perfection.
9. Southern Soul Barbeque – St. Simons Island
Oak smoke drifts through the air at this coastal barbecue joint on St. Simons Island, where relaxed island vibes meet serious smoked meats. Ribs fall off the bone, pulled pork is piled high, and brisket is sliced thick and juicy. The house barbecue sauces range from tangy to sweet, letting diners customize their flavor experience.
Southern Soul hosts special events like the Firebox Chefs Dinner and frequently appears on best BBQ lists across the South. Open daily with posted hours, it has become a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Georgia’s coast. The combination of quality barbecue and island setting creates a dining experience you cannot replicate anywhere else, making every visit feel like a mini vacation.
10. The Pirates’ House – Savannah
Dating back to 1753, this former sailors’ inn near the Savannah River has become one of Georgia’s most storied restaurants. Legend has it that pirates once roamed these rooms, and the building’s age shows in its weathered brick and creaky floors. Today, families gather for honey pecan fried chicken, Southern crab soup, and slices of tangy key lime pie.
The Pirates’ House actively takes reservations and hosts private events as of late 2025, keeping history alive through food and atmosphere. Dining rooms are filled with nautical decorations and pirate lore that delight children and adults alike. The combination of family-friendly Southern dishes and centuries of history makes every meal feel like an adventure through time.
11. The Red Eyed Mule – Marietta
Jake’s Sloppy Slaw Burger has achieved cult status in Cobb County, drawing crowds to The Red Eyed Mule for a messy, delicious experience. This Marietta spot serves hearty breakfasts with over-the-top biscuits that have earned it recognition as the area’s best biscuit joint. Corned-beef hash and biscuits with gravy keep early risers happy, while burgers satisfy lunch and dinner cravings.
Updated 2025 listings show the restaurant open daily with strong reviews from locals who consider it a neighborhood treasure. The vibe is casual and friendly, the kind of place where servers remember your order and the food tastes like someone put real care into making it. Every visit feels like comfort, whether you arrive for breakfast or roll in hungry for a burger at lunch.
12. Canoe – Atlanta
Twinkle lights reflect off the Chattahoochee River at Canoe, one of Atlanta’s most scenic fine-dining destinations. The restaurant pairs riverside gardens with refined New American cuisine driven by local ingredients, creating an experience that feels both elegant and connected to nature. Seasonal fish like Georgia trout arrives perfectly prepared, showcasing the chef’s skill and the quality of regional ingredients.
Inventive desserts provide memorable endings to meals, and sunset drinks on the patio offer views that rival any in the city. The official site lists active menus and reservations in 2025, confirming Canoe remains a top choice for special occasions. Dining here feels like an escape from the city without ever leaving Atlanta’s borders.
13. Staplehouse – Atlanta
Originally famous for its tasting menu and connection to the nonprofit Giving Kitchen, Staplehouse has transformed into a more casual market and counter-service concept while remaining an important Atlanta restaurant. Pizzas, sandwiches, pastries, and seasonal sides now fill the menu, offering approachable food with the same attention to detail that made the original concept special. House-made condiments like their hot sauce add extra flavor to every dish.
The former fine-dining tasting menu has been reborn at Uberto in Gay, Georgia, but Staplehouse continues to serve its community in 2025. Seasonal small plates showcase the kitchen’s creativity, and the shift to a more casual format has made the food accessible to more people. The spirit of generosity that launched Staplehouse still shines through in every meal.
14. The Dillard House – Dillard
Up in the North Georgia mountains, The Dillard House serves massive family-style Southern meals that arrive on platters meant for sharing. Established in the early 20th century and still operating in 2025, the restaurant follows recipes passed down through generations of the Dillard family. Fried chicken, country ham when available, seasonal vegetables, fluffy biscuits, and fruit cobblers cover the table in a feast that feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
The historic inn setting adds charm to every meal, with mountain views visible through the windows. Breakfast and other meals are built around tradition and abundance, ensuring no one leaves hungry. Dining here connects you to North Georgia’s culinary heritage in the most delicious way possible.
15. Leopold’s Ice Cream – Savannah
Founded in 1919 and reopened in its modern form in 2004, Leopold’s Ice Cream captures the magic of old-fashioned soda fountains with flavors that have delighted generations. Tutti Frutti was songwriter Johnny Mercer’s favorite, and one taste explains why this Savannah institution has endured for over a century. Butter pecan, classic sundaes, and malts round out a menu that celebrates simple pleasures done right.
The vintage vibe transports visitors back to a time when ice cream parlors were the heart of social life. Two locations, including a kiosk at the airport, ensure travelers can grab a cone before leaving Savannah. Regularly highlighted as one of America’s most nostalgic ice cream parlors, Leopold’s proves that some treats never go out of style.
