11 Best Restaurants in Central and North Georgia, Georgia

Cantaberry Restaurant

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"Simple, homemade, good" is the motto at this popular café in downtown Ellijay with exposed brick walls and a cozy covered patio. Open for lunch daily and dinner four nights per week, the café specializes in soups, salads, sandwiches, and homestyle country fare like meat loaf and fried chicken. Everything is made from scratch, and this is definitely not a place you want to skip dessert (check out the bakery case). There's also now an outpost in downtown Blue Ridge.

Jittery Joe's

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Athens wouldn't be a legit college town without a quality coffeehouse or two. Jittery Joe's fits the bill with fresh microroasted beans and several locations around town. Check out the downtown location directly across from the University of Georgia to sip coffee amongst the students. They also offer pastries and snacks for those on the go.

Picnic Cafe and Dessertery

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With its checkered tablecloths and farmhouse decor, you’ll feel as if you've stepped back in time at this adorable café and bakery on Dahlonega’s charming town square. The pastry case is filled with cakes, cookies, muffins, and other sweet treats. There’s always soup on, and the sandwich platters offer Southern classics like egg salad, pimento cheese, and peach chicken salad. Breakfast is quite popular here, and it’s served all day.

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Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe

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This authentic Cuban spot on the edge of downtown Blue Ridge is a lovely surprise. Here you can pick up delicious Cuban sandwiches with fresh-baked bread, empanadas, croquetas, and other Cuban specialties. The star of the show is, of course, sweet and spongy rum cake which comes in a mini size perfect for snacking. Wash it down with a Cuban coffee. It's an order-at-the-counter operation with outdoor tables if you'd like to linger.

Swift & Finch Coffee

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The coffee is roasted on-site at this hip coffee shop housed in a former service station in the heart of downtown Rome. The open and airy space offers tons of seating and a wide variety of tasty handcrafted beverages—from basic espresso and fancier coffee drinks, to gourmet teas and smoothies. There are pastries, desserts, and snacks on hand, but the coffee is really the star of the show.
American Breakfast Dessert Quick Bite $
600 Broad St., Rome, Georgia, 30161, USA
706-237--6750
www.swiftandfinch.com
Known For
  • high-quality beans roasted on-site
  • spacious, industrial-style interior perfect for hanging out
  • pastries and snacks
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Taste & See Coffee Shop

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Part coffee shop and part gallery, this spacious downtown Macon establishment offers locally roasted coffee and tons of comfy seating. There's also baked goods, sandwiches, and decadent desserts made in-house for a quick snack.

The Brick

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This eatery has a comfortable, worn-at-the-elbows appeal, the perfect backdrop for munching on massive pizzas with names like the Hogzilla and Hawaii Five-Oh. Vegetarians will appreciate the Environmentally Correct pie with its all-veggie toppings. The menu boasts endless pasta combinations and also offers salads, sandwiches, and calzones.

Pizza Lunch Dinner Quick Bite $
136 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville, Georgia, 31061, USA
478-452–0089
www.thebrick93.com
Known For
  • homemade pizza, pasta, and "pub grub"
  • good beer selection
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

The Clayton Market

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With its retro neon sign, this charming “meat-and-three” café has been a fixture in downtown Clayton since 1931. Now completely renovated and decorated in an industrial-farmhouse style, the restaurant serves a new generation of patrons hearty homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, and the very best of homestyle Southern cooking. Check out the daily specials board for the latest fresh veggies and seasonal offerings. The fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and homemade desserts are crowd favorites. It recently expanded into a market space next door offering gourmet coffee, fresh baked goods, deli items, and grab-and-go meals.

The Rookery

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There’s a definite '70s vibe at this popular downtown eatery, where the burgers are named for Macon’s famed musicians and the only president to hail from Georgia. The Big “O,” topped with barbecue sauce and an onion ring, is named for Otis Redding; the Allman Burger is smothered with sautéed mushrooms; and the Jimmy Carter comes with peanut butter, of course. With its fun menu, large patio, and groovy dive bar interior with dark wooden booths, it’s a great place to grab a bite and try out some local craft beers. Milk shakes are a big deal, too. For something a little fancier, try sister restaurant Dovetail Crafted Cuisine upstairs.
American Lunch Dinner Quick Bite $
543 Cherry St., Macon, Georgia, 31201, USA
478-746--8658
www.rookerymacon.com
Known For
  • creative burgers and sandwiches named for Georgia celebs
  • milkshakes made with fresh, local milk
  • fun pub environment with outdoor dining

White Birch Provisions

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On the square in downtown Clayton, this European-inspired market located next to the White Birch Inn offers a coffee bar, fresh fruit smoothies, house-made baked goods, gourmet cheeses, and a wine cave filled with a wide selection of vino---including a few local choices.

White Tiger Gourmet

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Local foodies flock here for chef Ken Manring's delicious smoked meats and burgers at this hip but homey order-at-the-counter restaurant. Housed in an old storefront in the Boulevard Historic District just outside downtown, there aren't many indoor tables, but there's plenty of space to spread out in the picnic area outside. While meat is a specialty, the grilled tofu sandwiches and the Tiger Salad topped with tofu and fresh fruit have a fan following. Check out the daily specials, which can range from barbecue tacos to grilled fish.