13 Must-Try Restaurants In Georgia That Stand Out
Georgia has quietly become one of the most exciting food destinations in the South, with chefs pushing boundaries while honoring tradition.
Michelin-starred gems mingle with hidden vegan havens, giving the state’s restaurant scene something for every palate.
Craving innovative Japanese cuisine or classic Southern comfort food?
These standout spots deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
1. La Semilla
Vegan food doesn’t have to be boring, and La Semilla proves it with every colorful plate.
This Cuban-Mexican fusion spot in Reynoldstown earned national attention when Eater named it one of America’s twelve best new restaurants in 2023.
Think plantain-stuffed empanadas, jackfruit tacos, and cashew-based queso that’ll make you forget about dairy.
Owners blend their Latin heritage with plant-based creativity, creating dishes that satisfy vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Bright murals and warm service make the atmosphere as inviting as the menu.
2. Brochu’s Family Tradition
Savannah’s seafood game got a serious upgrade when this family-run gem opened its doors in late 2022.
The New York Times didn’t waste time, including Brochu’s in their prestigious list of America’s 50 best restaurants just a year later.
Fresh catches arrive daily, transformed into Lowcountry classics with a modern twist.
Shrimp and grits here taste like your grandmother’s recipe met a James Beard finalist.
The cozy atmosphere and genuine Southern hospitality make every visit feel like coming home.
3. The Chastain
Buckhead’s all-day bistro earned something special in 2023: a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.
Located near the famous Chastain Park, this spot serves breakfast through dinner with an eco-conscious approach.
Locally sourced ingredients shine in dishes ranging from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to perfectly seared Georgia trout.
The restaurant composts waste, partners with regional farms, and still manages to keep prices reasonable.
Brunch on the patio feels like a mini vacation without leaving Atlanta.
4. Sushi Hayakawa
Omakase experiences can feel intimidating, but this Michelin-starred sushi bar makes it approachable.
Chef Hayakawa sources pristine fish and serves it with precision that earned Atlanta its first Japanese Michelin star in 2023.
Each piece of nigiri arrives at the perfect temperature, rice seasoned just right.
The intimate counter seating lets you watch the master at work, turning dinner into dinner theater.
Reservations book fast, but the experience is worth planning ahead for months.
5. Atlas
Tucked inside the St. Regis, Atlas redefines what hotel restaurants can be.
This Michelin-starred spot treats American cuisine like haute couture, with dishes that look almost too beautiful to eat.
Seasonal menus change constantly, but expect ingredients like Georgia quail, heirloom tomatoes, and foraged mushrooms.
The dining room drips with old-school elegance—think crystal chandeliers and velvet banquettes.
It’s pricey, sure, but special occasions deserve this level of culinary artistry and impeccable service.
6. Spring
Marietta’s charming downtown square hides a Michelin-starred treasure that locals guard jealously.
Spring occupies a historic mill building, with exposed brick and soaring ceilings creating industrial-chic vibes.
The New American menu celebrates Georgia’s seasons, with dishes that change based on what’s ripe and ready.
Spring pea risotto in April, heirloom tomato salads in August—everything tastes like it was picked that morning.
Wine pairings are thoughtful, and the knowledgeable staff never makes you feel silly for asking questions.
7. The Deer and The Dove
Chef Terry Koval brought home a James Beard Award, then opened this Decatur darling that walks the sustainability talk.
Nearly everything comes from Georgia farms within a hundred-mile radius, supporting local agriculture with every plate.
The menu reads like a love letter to Southern ingredients: Sea Island red peas, Ossabaw pork, Georgia olive oil.
Rustic preparations let quality ingredients speak for themselves without unnecessary fuss.
Cozy booths and candlelight make it perfect for date nights or catching up with old friends.
8. The Olde Pink House
Built in 1771, this colonial mansion survived wars, fires, and centuries of change while serving exceptional Southern food.
The signature pink exterior makes it Savannah’s most photographed restaurant, but the food keeps people coming back.
She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and pecan-crusted catfish honor Lowcountry traditions without feeling stuffy.
Candlelit dining rooms ooze historic charm, with creaky floors and antique furnishings adding authentic atmosphere.
Live piano music drifts up from the basement tavern most evenings.
9. Bacchanalia
For over three decades, this Atlanta institution has set the standard for fine dining in the South.
Husband-and-wife chef team Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison pioneered farm-to-table dining long before it became trendy.
Their four-course prix fixe menu changes nightly, showcasing ingredients from their own Summerland Farm.
Expect dishes like wood-grilled lamb with spring vegetables or butter-poached lobster with truffle risotto.
The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere makes celebrations feel extra special without pretension.
10. Miller Union
Steven Satterfield’s West Midtown hotspot helped launch Atlanta’s modern food revolution back in 2009.
The chef’s cookbook and James Beard recognition brought national attention to Georgia’s agricultural bounty.
Menus feature creative takes on Southern staples: cornbread with sorghum butter, collard greens with pot likker, buttermilk fried chicken.
The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy, especially during weekend brunch when the biscuits sell out fast.
Cocktails are equally creative, with bartenders muddling fresh herbs from local gardens.
11. Staplehouse
This Inman Park restaurant started with a heartbreaking story but became a beacon of hope and incredible food.
Founded to honor chef Ryan Hidinger, who passed from cancer, profits support cancer patients through the Giving Kitchen nonprofit.
Chef Ryan Smith creates adventurous tasting menus that change weekly, blending global influences with Southern ingredients.
One night might feature Korean-inspired pork belly, the next could showcase Italian pasta with Georgia shrimp.
Every bite carries extra meaning when you know it’s helping families facing medical crises.
12. Canoe
Perched along the Chattahoochee River, Canoe offers views that rival the exceptional New American cuisine.
The riverside patio becomes Atlanta’s hottest reservation when weather cooperates, with sunset dinners feeling downright magical.
Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant decor create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for business dinners or anniversaries.
Seasonal menus highlight regional ingredients prepared with French technique and Southern soul.
The extensive wine list and craft cocktail program ensure perfect pairings for every dish.
13. The Grey
Chef Mashama Bailey transformed a 1938 Greyhound bus terminal into Savannah’s most talked-about restaurant.
Her James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef recognized how she honors African American culinary traditions with modern creativity.
Dishes like foie gras with muscadine preserves or country captain chicken tell stories about Georgia’s complex food history.
The Art Deco space retains original details, blending nostalgia with contemporary design in stunning ways.
Reservations are tough to snag, but walk-in bar seating offers the same exceptional menu.
