14 Georgia Restaurants Locals Enjoy (And Tourists Can’t Find)
Georgia’s food scene goes way beyond what travel guides show you. Between Atlanta’s busy streets and Savannah’s historic squares hide amazing restaurants that locals guard like precious secrets.
These spots serve up authentic Southern flavors and international surprises without the tourist crowds or inflated prices. Ready to eat like a true Georgian?
Locals won’t be happy about it, but it was only a matter of time before we discovered their well-kept little secret.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Atlanta)
Atlanta natives know the real deal when they see it, and Mary Mac’s has been the real deal since 1945. This Midtown institution doesn’t just serve fried chicken—it delivers a masterclass in Southern cooking.
The pencil-and-paper ordering system hasn’t changed in decades, and thank goodness for that. First-timers get a complimentary cup of pot likker (collard green broth) with cornbread—an initiation into proper Georgia dining.
2. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (Savannah)
Step into a time machine disguised as a dining room! This Savannah treasure has been dishing out family-style Southern comfort since 1943. Locals line up early for a seat at communal tables loaded with fried chicken, collards, and cornbread.
I once sat next to a 90-year-old woman who’d been eating there since she was a child—her eyes still lit up when the biscuits arrived!
3. The Busy Bee Café (Atlanta)
Civil rights leaders and everyday Atlantans have broken bread together at this downtown landmark since 1947. The James Beard Foundation didn’t make it an “American Classic” for nothing—their fried chicken recipe remains unchanged for over 70 years.
During my college days, I’d scrimp all week just to afford their Sunday feast. The sweet potato pie alone is worth the pilgrimage. Don’t expect fancy—just expect perfection.
4. Bomb Biscuits (Atlanta)
Hidden in Irwin Street Market, this Michelin-recognized biscuit haven will forever change your breakfast standards. Chef Erika Council’s fluffy, buttery creations come from a recipe passed down through generations of Southern biscuit royalty.
The chicken biscuit with hot honey might cause involuntary happy noises. Lines form early on weekends, but trust me—these cloud-like treasures are worth setting your alarm for.
5. The Deer and the Dove (Decatur)
Tucked into downtown Decatur, this farm-to-table gem earned Chef Terry Koval a James Beard Award without the usual Atlanta fanfare. The restaurant’s rustic-elegant vibe perfectly matches its menu—sophisticated yet deeply rooted in Georgia soil.
Wood-fired cooking elevates everything from local vegetables to heritage meats. Last summer, their tomato pie with herbs from their garden nearly moved me to tears. Reservations aren’t impossible yet, but word is spreading fast.
6. La Semilla (Atlanta)
Vegan food that makes meat-lovers forget what they’re missing? That’s the magic happening at this Cuban-Mexican plant-based haven in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. Eater named it one of America’s best new restaurants in 2023, yet tourists rarely venture here.
The jackfruit ropa vieja could fool a Cuban grandmother. I dragged my carnivore brother here last month, and he’s still talking about their mushroom carnitas tacos. Their cocktail program deserves its own fan club, too.
7. Zeke’s Kitchen & Bar (Smyrna)
Haitian flavors meet Southern hospitality in this family-run treasure just outside Atlanta’s perimeter. Chef Woodley’s griot (crispy pork) and plantains have built a loyal following through word-of-mouth alone.
The dining room feels like someone’s home—because it practically is. The chef’s kids might take your order while his wife makes you a rum punch that’ll knock your socks off.
My first taste of their oxtail stew converted me into a regular despite the 40-minute drive.
8. Lake Burrito (Cumming)
Fishermen tell tales of more than just catches at Lake Lanier—they whisper about this family-owned taqueria near exit 17. From the outside, it’s nothing special. Inside? Handmade tortillas that put chain restaurants to shame.
Their fish tacos feature whatever was swimming in Georgia waters that morning. The salsa bar offers five homemade options ranging from mild to “why is my face melting?”
The owners’ abuela still makes the horchata daily, and you can taste the love in every sip.
9. Minato (Smyrna)
Wedged between a gold supply store and a vacuum repair shop lies sushi nirvana. This strip mall surprise serves fish so fresh you’ll wonder if Atlanta suddenly became a coastal city.
Regulars know to ask for the “Cowgirl Hat”—an off-menu specialty featuring crispy rice topped with spicy tuna and jalapeño. The chef remembers returning customers’ preferences with uncanny accuracy.
My wife once mentioned liking extra ginger, and six months later, he still doubled her portion without prompting.
10. Reid’s Apothecary & The Study (Brunswick)
Brunswick’s coastal charm reaches new heights at this speakeasy-style gem. Behind an unassuming storefront lurks a cocktail laboratory where mixologists craft drinks with scientific precision and locally foraged ingredients.
The food menu changes with the tides—literally. Whatever the fishing boats bring in becomes the evening’s special. Their shrimp and grits transcends the typical coastal offering with unexpected depth.
The password to enter changes weekly; follow their Instagram for clues.
11. Indigo Coastal Shanty (Brunswick)
Blink and you’ll miss this colorful cottage hidden behind downtown Brunswick’s main drag. Housed in what was once a fisherman’s home, this quirky spot fuses Caribbean, Southern, and Asian flavors into something uniquely Georgian.
Their jerk chicken spring rolls shouldn’t work, but somehow become a revelation. The patio under ancient live oaks feels magical at sunset.
During a road trip last year, I detoured 45 minutes just to have their coconut shrimp tacos again. No regrets.
12. Buttermilk Kitchen (Atlanta)
Roswell Road commuters know to leave early on weekends for a chance at Chef Suzanne Vizethann’s farm-fresh breakfasts. This sunny spot sources everything within Georgia’s borders whenever possible, making “farm-to-table” more than just marketing speak.
Their chicken biscuit has a cult following for good reason—the chicken soaks in buttermilk for 24 hours before frying. The red flannel hash with beets converted me from a lifetime beet-hater to a believer.
They don’t take reservations, so bring patience and coffee.
13. Ria’s Bluebird (Atlanta)
Morning light streams through blue-tinted windows at this Grant Park institution, where pancakes achieve cloud-like perfection. The late chef Ria Pell created this retro diner with a rebellious spirit that lives on in every dish.
Their buttermilk pancakes were declared “the world’s best” by The New York Times, yet tourists rarely venture to this end of Memorial Drive. Locals don’t mind keeping it that way.
The brisket breakfast with chimichurri is worth setting an alarm for, even on weekends.
14. La Sabrosita Restaurant (Lilburn)
Venezuelan flavors explode in this unassuming strip mall spot that Gwinnett locals protect like a state secret. The El Pepito sandwich—a masterpiece of grilled steak, ham, cheese, potato sticks, and special sauce—requires both hands and multiple napkins.
Arepas come stuffed with combinations that will ruin your appetite for ordinary sandwiches forever. The owners fled Venezuela but brought their culinary heritage intact.
My Venezuelan friend cried actual tears of joy when biting into their pabellón criollo, claiming it transported him straight home.