Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Georgia (Currently Open)
Georgia’s dining scene tells a story — one filled with soulful flavors, Southern hospitality, and a touch of modern sophistication. From the cobblestone streets of Savannah to the bustling avenues of Atlanta, the Peach State has earned its reputation as a food lover’s paradise. Whether you crave old-fashioned comfort food, high-end cuisine, or something uniquely Georgian, this guide to the Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Georgia will help you savor the best of what the state currently has to offer.
Where Flavor Meets Tradition in the Heart of the South
In Georgia, food is more than a meal — it’s an experience. The restaurants that make this list have stood the test of time or redefined what dining in the South means today. You’ll find elegant icons, hidden gems, and places that capture the soul of Georgia through every bite.
Each restaurant featured here is currently open and continues to delight locals and travelers alike with exceptional food, unforgettable settings, and true Southern hospitality.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta’s Living Legacy of Southern Cooking
No list of Georgia’s most famous restaurants would be complete without Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Established in 1945, this Atlanta institution has been serving authentic Southern comfort food for nearly eight decades. Known as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” Mary Mac’s captures everything there is to love about Georgian cuisine.
Signature dishes:
Fried chicken with collard greens and mac ‘n’ cheese
Potlikker and cornbread muffins
Peach cobbler served warm
The restaurant’s old-fashioned charm is matched by its heartfelt hospitality. From handwritten menus to sweet tea served by the glass, every visit feels like a trip back in time — but with timeless flavor.
2. The Olde Pink House – Historic Elegance in Savannah
Located in a stately 18th-century mansion in downtown Savannah, The Olde Pink House is both a restaurant and a journey through history. The pastel-pink façade and candlelit dining rooms make it one of the most photographed and beloved spots in Georgia.
Inside, diners enjoy upscale Lowcountry cuisine with a Southern twist. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this place defines old-world charm.
Must-try dishes:
Crispy scored flounder with apricot shallot sauce
Shrimp and grits with ham gravy
House-made praline basket dessert
The Olde Pink House isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience steeped in Savannah’s colonial heritage, and its staff ensures every guest feels like Southern royalty.
3. Bones – Atlanta’s Legendary Steakhouse
If you ask Atlantans where to find the best steak in Georgia, chances are they’ll say Bones. Since 1979, this legendary Buckhead steakhouse has been the gold standard for fine dining in the South. The elegant, wood-paneled interior feels timeless — and so does the service.
Highlights:
Prime cuts of dry-aged beef
Lobster tails and crab cakes
Award-winning wine list
Bones has repeatedly been ranked among America’s top steakhouses, beloved by executives, celebrities, and locals who appreciate impeccable dining done right. It’s where deals are sealed, anniversaries celebrated, and every bite reminds you why Georgia takes steak so seriously.
4. The Varsity – Atlanta’s Iconic Drive-In
Step back in time at The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant and a cultural icon since 1928. Located near Georgia Tech, The Varsity is famous for its neon lights, playful energy, and fast-paced charm. It’s a beloved stop for families, students, and travelers looking for a true Georgia tradition.
What to order:
Chili dogs
Onion rings
Frosted orange shake
With its trademark question, “What’ll ya have?”, The Varsity has become a symbol of Atlanta’s food identity. It’s proof that simple, well-made comfort food never goes out of style.
5. The Grey – Savannah’s Modern Culinary Gem
Housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey has transformed Savannah’s food scene since opening in 2014. Led by Chef Mashama Bailey, a James Beard Award winner, this restaurant beautifully merges Southern ingredients with global technique.
Menu favorites:
Smoked collards with country ham
Crispy duck confit
Buttermilk biscuits with fig jam
With its art deco design and deep cultural storytelling, The Grey celebrates both the past and the present — showcasing how modern Southern cuisine can honor its roots while pushing creative boundaries.
6. The Red Eyed Mule – Marietta’s Down-Home Classic
For those who love hearty, no-frills Southern breakfasts and burgers, The Red Eyed Mule in Marietta is a must-visit. Known for its friendly vibe and flavorful comfort food, this local favorite draws early risers and road-trippers alike.
Local favorites:
Jake’s Sloppy Slaw Burger
Biscuits with sausage gravy
Fried green tomatoes
The Red Eyed Mule keeps things casual but memorable — it’s where Georgia’s homegrown cooking truly shines without pretense. If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, it’s worth the short drive for a hearty start to your day.
7. The Blue Willow Inn – Social Circle’s Southern Buffet Paradise
Nestled in the charming town of Social Circle, The Blue Willow Inn is a Georgian landmark of Southern hospitality. Housed in a beautifully restored 1910 mansion, this restaurant is synonymous with classic Southern buffet dining.
Buffet staples include:
Fried chicken
Sweet potato soufflé
Black-eyed peas and turnip greens
Banana pudding
Dining here feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s — only with more options and endless sweet tea. The Blue Willow Inn represents the spirit of traditional Georgia cooking, served with grace and comfort.
8. Canoe – Riverside Dining in Atlanta
Tucked along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe offers a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Atlanta. The setting alone — lush gardens, riverside views, and twinkling lights — makes it one of Georgia’s most romantic dining spots.
Menu highlights:
Smoked salmon with horseradish cream
Georgia trout with almonds and brown butter
Chocolate truffle cake
Canoe blends fine dining with a natural, earthy elegance. It’s popular among couples, families celebrating milestones, and anyone looking for a refined yet relaxed evening surrounded by Georgia’s beauty.
9. The Pirates’ House – Savannah’s Storybook Adventure
Dating back to 1753, The Pirates’ House is one of Georgia’s oldest and most famous restaurants. Legend has it that sailors and pirates once gathered here, and you can still feel the centuries of history in its creaking wooden floors and candlelit rooms.
Top picks:
Honey pecan fried chicken
Southern crab soup
Key lime pie
The restaurant doubles as a mini-museum, and its family-friendly charm makes it a must for anyone visiting Savannah. Children and adults alike will love the costumed staff and the fascinating tales of maritime adventure.
10. Staplehouse – Atlanta’s Creative Culinary Experience
For those who appreciate culinary artistry, Staplehouse offers one of Georgia’s most inspiring dining stories. Originally founded as a nonprofit restaurant to support cancer patients, it’s evolved into a critically acclaimed destination for innovative New American cuisine.
Notable dishes:
House-made charcuterie
Smoked cabbage with mustard
Seasonal tasting menu crafted from local ingredients
The ambiance is modern and minimal, letting the food speak for itself. Staplehouse represents the evolution of Georgia dining — where creativity, compassion, and craft merge into something truly extraordinary.
Honorable Mentions: Georgia Favorites Worth the Trip
While the list above highlights the ten most famous restaurants, Georgia’s culinary map is rich with unforgettable stops. Here are a few more worth exploring:
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta) – A barbecue haven with smoky brisket and Southern sides.
Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island) – Known for its coastal charm and award-winning ribs.
Home Grown GA (Atlanta) – A cozy breakfast spot serving fried chicken biscuits that keep locals lining up.
The Dillard House (Dillard) – A family-style feast in the North Georgia mountains that feels like a Thanksgiving table.
Each of these eateries showcases the depth and diversity of Georgia’s food scene, from the coast to the mountains.
Exploring Georgia’s Culinary Map
One of the best parts of dining in Georgia is the geographic variety.
In Atlanta, the culinary capital, you’ll find both fine dining and beloved dives.
Along Savannah’s riverfront, historic charm and coastal flavors blend seamlessly.
In North Georgia, farm-to-table cuisine meets mountain views.
Down in South Georgia, soul food and barbecue traditions still thrive.
This diversity keeps Georgia’s dining scene dynamic and endlessly exciting — every region tells its own delicious story.
A Taste of Southern Legacy and Modern Brilliance
What makes Georgia’s famous restaurants stand out isn’t just the food — it’s the sense of place, pride, and history behind every dish. From a simple chili dog at The Varsity to the refined plates at The Grey, each restaurant brings its own flavor to the Southern table.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or seeking cutting-edge cuisine, you’ll find it here — served with a smile, a story, and a side of sweet tea.
Conclusion: Savor the Best of Georgia, One Bite at a Time
Georgia’s most famous restaurants embody everything that makes Southern dining unforgettable — warmth, authenticity, and a love for good food shared among friends. Whether you dine in the elegance of The Olde Pink House, the nostalgia of Mary Mac’s Tea Room, or the creativity of Staplehouse, you’re tasting pieces of Georgia’s rich cultural tapestry.
So next time you travel through the Peach State, make time to explore these incredible dining destinations. From the mountain towns to the coastal plains, Georgia’s kitchens are always open — ready to welcome you with dishes made from the heart.
Come hungry, leave inspired — that’s the Georgia way.