Unearth The Voyage
Georgia’s food scene is a delicious mix of tradition, innovation, and Southern hospitality that keeps locals coming back for more. From smoky barbecue joints tucked away on coastal islands to elegant dining rooms in historic mansions, the Peach State offers unforgettable meals at every turn. Whether you’re craving soul food that’s been perfected over decades or modern twists on classic dishes, these beloved restaurants capture the heart and flavor of Georgia in every bite.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room — Atlanta
Since 1945, Mary Mac’s has been the city’s go-to for old-fashioned Southern cooking and true Atlanta charm. The menu feels like home—fried chicken, pot likker with cornbread, and peach cobbler. Every dish is served with warmth, and guests write messages on the walls to mark their visits.
This restaurant carries the legacy of generations who built Atlanta’s food identity. It’s not just dinner—it’s a rite of passage for anyone who loves authentic Georgia soul. Stepping inside means joining a tradition that has fed families, celebrated milestones, and welcomed strangers for nearly eight decades.
Locals know that Mary Mac’s isn’t about fancy presentations or trendy ingredients. It’s about honest food made with care, served by people who genuinely love what they do.
The Grey — Savannah
Housed inside a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey redefines Southern cuisine with refined flair. Chef Mashama Bailey, a James Beard Award winner, elevates dishes like country pork with field peas and oysters roasted over coals. Locals and travelers come for the artful mix of heritage and innovation that honors Savannah’s culinary roots.
With impeccable cocktails and vintage decor, The Grey is a reminder that Southern food can evolve while staying true to its heart. The space itself tells a story—high ceilings, original fixtures, and a bar that invites lingering conversations.
Every plate is a conversation between past and present, respecting tradition while pushing boundaries. It’s the kind of place that makes you rethink what Southern dining can be.
Southern Soul Barbeque — St. Simons Island
On Georgia’s coast, Southern Soul Barbeque is legendary. Housed in a converted gas station, it smokes ribs, brisket, and pulled pork low and slow over oak wood, producing meat so tender it barely holds together. Locals say the smoky aroma alone draws you in from the road.
With friendly service, picnic tables, and classic sides like Brunswick stew and mac ‘n’ cheese, this joint defines coastal Georgia barbecue at its best—unpretentious, flavorful, and full of community spirit. There’s no pretense here, just good people making exceptional food the old-fashioned way.
Families gather, friends catch up, and visitors become regulars after just one visit. Southern Soul proves that the best meals don’t need white tablecloths—just smoke, soul, and a whole lot of flavor.
The Pirates’ House — Savannah
Dating back to 1753, The Pirates’ House is part restaurant, part legend. Built near the Savannah River to serve sailors and adventurers, today it serves families, locals, and visitors hearty Lowcountry classics like crab stew, fried shrimp, and peach cobbler. Locals come for the nostalgia as much as the food—wood-paneled dining rooms and historical charm create an atmosphere steeped in Southern storytelling.
Few Georgia restaurants capture history, hospitality, and flavor so perfectly in one experience. Walking through the maze of rooms feels like stepping back in time, with each corner whispering tales of pirates and port cities.
Children love the adventure, adults appreciate the authenticity, and everyone leaves with a full belly and a story to tell. It’s dining with a side of Georgia history.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q — Atlanta
Founded by twin brothers from Texas who made Atlanta home, Fox Bros. delivers smoky barbecue that’s become an institution. Locals swear by the beef brisket sandwich, burnt ends, and jalapeño-cheese grits. The sauce—a little sweet, a little spicy—is unmistakably Georgia with Texas roots.
It’s casual, bustling, and exactly what a barbecue joint should feel like. Whether it’s a family dinner or game-day stop, Fox Bros. is where Atlanta’s love for good smoke truly shines. The line out the door is a badge of honor, proof that great barbecue is always worth the wait.
Regulars have their orders memorized, newcomers get friendly recommendations, and everyone leaves satisfied. Fox Bros. turned Texas traditions into an Atlanta treasure that locals proudly call their own.
The Collins Quarter — Savannah
A chic brunch and dinner spot in downtown Savannah, The Collins Quarter blends Southern tradition with an Australian-inspired menu. Locals gather here for lavender lattes, crab cakes, and brioche French toast under hanging moss and courtyard lights. The vibe feels upscale but never pretentious—just relaxed Southern sophistication.
It’s a perfect reflection of modern Savannah: charming, creative, and quietly confident about its culinary prowess. No wonder locals come here to start or end their weekends in style. The outdoor seating offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets, while the menu delivers surprises with every bite.
Brunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates Savannah’s evolving food culture with grace and flavor.
The National — Athens
Owned by Chef Hugh Acheson, The National blends Mediterranean flavors with Southern ingredients, creating one of Athens’s most beloved dining experiences. Dishes like Georgia shrimp with couscous and local greens showcase the city’s forward-thinking food scene. The menu changes seasonally, keeping things fresh for returning regulars.
The National captures Athens’s dual identity—laid-back college town energy with an appreciation for refined flavors that reflect Georgia’s growing culinary sophistication. Students celebrate special occasions here, while professors make it their regular spot for thoughtful meals and good wine.
The atmosphere balances comfort and creativity, making everyone feel welcome. It’s proof that Athens isn’t just about game days and campus life—it’s a city with serious food credentials worth exploring.
Canoe — Atlanta
Nestled along the Chattahoochee River, Canoe is an Atlanta favorite where nature and fine dining meet. Its lush riverside garden and candlelit tables set the scene for dishes like roasted duck, pecan-crusted trout, and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms. Locals come here for celebrations or peaceful evenings with unforgettable views.
The experience is quintessential Georgia—graceful, comforting, and deeply connected to the land and water that define the state’s beauty. Watching the river flow by while savoring expertly prepared food creates moments that linger long after the meal ends.
Canoe isn’t just dinner—it’s an escape, a celebration, and a reminder that Atlanta’s culinary scene offers both sophistication and soul in equal measure.
The Olde Pink House — Savannah
Housed in an 18th-century mansion, The Olde Pink House offers refined Lowcountry cuisine in a candlelit, romantic atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike return for the shrimp and grits, flounder with apricot glaze, and she-crab soup. Each room feels like a page from Savannah’s history, blending elegance and Southern warmth.
The food, service, and setting make it a must-visit restaurant that captures Georgia’s timeless charm better than nearly any other. Dining here feels like being welcomed into a grand Southern home where every detail has been perfected over centuries.
Proposals happen here, anniversaries are celebrated, and first-time visitors fall in love with Savannah all over again. The Olde Pink House is more than a restaurant—it’s a Savannah institution.
South City Kitchen — Midtown Atlanta
A modern take on Southern comfort, South City Kitchen has been a local institution since the 1990s. The restaurant pairs fried green tomatoes and buttermilk fried chicken with craft cocktails and warm hospitality. Locals love it for Sunday brunches and weeknight dinners that feel special but familiar.
With exposed-brick walls and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, South City Kitchen celebrates Georgia’s culinary heritage with just the right touch of contemporary flair. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up or keep it casual and feel equally at home.
Regulars greet servers by name, and newcomers quickly understand why this spot has remained a Midtown favorite for decades. South City Kitchen proves that Southern comfort never goes out of style.
