Welcome to North Georgia, where charming small towns blend seamlessly with lush landscapes of cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, and sprawling apple orchards. This area is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a haven for foodies and travelers seeking unique culinary experiences. Let me take you on a gastronomic tour of where to eat in North Georgia, highlighting the best places to eat and recommended dishes that stand out.
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Ellijay Eats
Country Corner Kitchen
Our adventure began in Ellijay, where we encountered the belovedCountry Corner Kitchen. This eatery offers a delightful mix of American and Cuban cuisine.
Having lived in Vero Beach, we know Cuban food well, and Country Corner Kitchen did not disappoint. The homemade biscuits, particularly the sausage & cheese biscuits with a café con Leche, were so fantastic that we returned the next day for the same, plus a side of sausage gravy.
This place is legitimate, even down to theCafé BusteloCuban coffee. It was a breakfast worth repeating.
Ellijay Wood-Fired Pizza
Another gem in Ellijay wasEllijay Wood-Fired Pizza. The daily fondue choice was a must-try, and we were lucky to savor the gooey and creamy crab artichoke wood-fired fondue during our visit.
For our main course, my husband enjoyed a bowl of French onion soup with a basic salad, while I relished a sausage and peppadew peppers pizza. The gooey, creamy fondue and the pizza’s tangy peppadew peppers left me utterly satisfied.
Fun Fact:If you aren’t familiar with peppadew peppers, they area bitsweet, spicy, and tangy. My favorite way to eat themis stuffedwith goat cheese.
The Roof
For a unique dining experience in Ellijay, The Roof offers the town’s only rooftop restaurant. We were captivated by the luxurious setting, complete with elevator access and cozy heaters for chilly evenings.
Their menu is equally impressive. The Bologna Sliders with crispy fried bologna and truffle dijonnaise on sweet rolls were a delightful start. The Shrimp and Grits, featuring Logan Turnpike cheese grits and rich Tasso ham, stood out as a highlight.
Another favorite was the rooftop chicken sandwich with Alabama white barbecue slaw. Vegetarians will also find plenty of delicious options.
For more restaurants in Ellijay, check out our complete list.
Blue Ridge Bites
Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe
On my first visit to the North Georgia Mountains, my daughter and I couldn’t resist stopping at theRum Cake Lady Cuban Cafewe spotted on the roadside in McCaysville. This small window-service eatery delivers authentic Cuban flavors that transport you to South Florida.
We shared a Midnight sandwich (Media Noche), rice and beans, and ham croquetas, all of which were exceptionally flavorful. The green and pink sauces served with the croquetas added an extra layer of deliciousness.
We dined on a cozy outdoor patio, soaking in the serene surroundings.
Try their award-winning rum cakes, available in flavors like limoncello, original, and caramel chocolate. A second location in Blue Ridge makes it even easier to enjoy this Cuban delight.
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill quickly became a favorite. My husband indulged in the Pimento Cheese Chicken Sandwich on a brioche bun piled high with bacon and jalapeños.
I opted for the Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich with caramelized onions and horseradish crème served with au jus for dipping. Both sandwiches were exceptional, paired with a choice of French and sweet potato fries.
The bartender’s stellar co*cktails and local tips added to the experience.
Harvest on Main
We also dined at Harvest on Main with friends. Despite the waitlist, the Blue Ridge Hot Brown (not a typical Kentucky Hot Brown) with smoked turkey, crab meat, and Swiss cheese, drizzled with mornay sauce, was worth the wait.
Other dishes at our table included Shrimp and Grits, a freaking nom Caesar salad, Three Onion and Apple Soup, and Curry Chicken Salad with whole wheat flatbread.
The restaurant’s impressive wine list and local craft beer selection made the meal even more enjoyable.
Mercier Orchards
No visit to Blue Ridge is complete without stopping atMercier Orchards. This heavy-hitter is famous for its fried pies, especially the cherry and peach varieties.
My husband couldn’t resist the fudge, and we both loved the locally-made jams, jellies, sauces, salsas, and gourmet food products.
The family-friendly activities, like hiking around the orchard and catch-and-release fishing, made it a perfect day out.
Hiawassee Highlights
Sundance Grill
In Hiawassee, Sundance Grill served up a memorable breakfast. The welcoming vibe and whimsical artwork on the walls set the tone for a hearty meal. The Greek omelet with lamb meat, paired with a side of tzatziki and rustic potatoes, was sensational.
The food was so good that I decided I’d happily eat at Sundance Grill anytime.
Fun Fact:Sundance Grill is in a little strip mall of sorts, with a year-round Christmas store next door.
Young Harris Yummies
Mary’s Southern Grill
Young Harris introduced us to the cozyMary’s Southern Grill.My daughter and I feltlike family here, enjoying a cheeseburger platter with friesand a vegetable for her and a four-veggie plate for me.
The coleslaw, greens, baked beans and heavenly potato salad (possibly the best I’ve ever tasted) were all top-notch. The iced tea was a perfect accompaniment, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.
From the repeat crowds and conversations we could hear, I’d guess everyone in town approves of Mary’s Southern Grill, a family-friendly Young Harris jewel.
Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa Dining Room
Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa’sDining Roomoffers a treat for any meal. The Brasstown Meatloaf is hard to beat for dinner, but the steak au poivre (New York Strip) with brandy cream sauce might be the best thing on the menu.
The Caesar salad and complimentary warm dinner rolls with honey butter are always reliable choices. For dessert, don’t miss the bread pudding or chocolate peanut butter cake.
Pro Tip: If you are around for lunch, the Chicken Broccoli pasta dish is exceptional.
Blairsville Bites
Enrico’s Italian Restaurant
Dinner at Enrico’s Italian Restaurant in Blairsville was a delightful experience and should definitely be on your North Georgia radar. My friend and I started with a complimentary bread basket with herbed dipping oil, followed by delicious garlic rolls.
We chose pasta with a meatball and sauce (we opted for linguine) and a brick-oven pizza for our mains. The tangy, flavorful tomato sauce and fresh parmesan made the pasta dish unbeatable, and fresh parmesan topped it off.
We were too full for dessert, but some of Enrico’s options were spumoni, tiramisu, cannoli, and Italian love cake.
Sawmill Place
My friend Howard and I headed to Sawmill Place for lunch, a spot he had frequented for breakfast but never for the midday meal. Howard chose the daily special, meatloaf with three sides—fried squash, cheesy potatoes, and black-eyed peas—accompanied by a billowy, buttery biscuit.
Each bite was a taste of Southern comfort.
I opted for a classic cheeseburger with a side of green beans. The fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle added a refreshing crunch to my perfectly cooked burger.
Every item on my plate was delicious, making Sawmill Place a go-to destination when exploring Blairsville.
Dahlonega Delights
Spirits Tavern
Our final stop was Spirits Tavern in Dahlonega. Amidst a bustling lunch crowd, we enjoyed vibrant dishes at the bar. I ordered the Augusta burger with white cheddar pimento cheese and green tomato chow chow, which was mouthwateringly good.
Eddie’s Greek Chicken Sandwich (“Fresh & So Clean”) with feta cheese, sliced English cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce, accompanied by cheesy tots, was equally impressive. Both of our dishes were A+ choices, and we enjoyed every bite.
Dawsonville Dining
Big D’s Barbecue
My husband and I drove byBig D’s Barbecueand liked its appearance, so we stopped for lunch. Big D’s is a counter-service restaurant serving traditional barbecue meats and side dishes.
We both chose BBQ lunch trays, which came with Garlic toast, two hush puppies, and a choice of two sides. We both had Mac and cheese and sides of baked beans and green beans.
The green beans, with their perfect tenderness and flavor, were the highlight of the tray for me. The Mac & cheese, while incredibly cheesy, was a delightful compliment to the smoky meat.
It’s clear that Big D’s Barbecue takes pride in their food, and this is evident in every dish. Plus, with several locations in the North Georgia Mountains, you’re never too far from a satisfying meal.
Helen Hits
The Heidelburg
Eating German food is essential when visiting Helen’s Bavarian North Georgia town. One of the best places to do that isThe Heidelburg, a three-floor German restaurant, pub, and music hall in downtown Helen’s back left corner.
You’ve arrived when you see the most authentic-looking building that would be your top pick for Helen’s photos.
The wait can be brutal, but get your name on the list and stand by. The food is worth the wait. Eddie went for sausages (Bratwurstteller) with two types of potatoes, a rustic mash, and a full-flavored German potato salad.
I had the Jagerschnitzel (pork loin with mushroom cream sauce) with red cabbage (the best in Helen) and Spätzle. Everything on my plate was well received, and the pork was perfectly cooked.
If you aren’t stuffed to the hilt, there are apple strudel and Black Forest cake for dessert that aims to please.
For more restaurants in Helen, check out our complete list.
Smith Creek Tavern
Smith Creek Tavernhas above-average hotel food at the Unicoi State Park & Lodge property.Way above.I loved my pulled pork BBQ platter with fries, garlic toast, and coleslaw. The coleslaw was excellent, a perfect mix of tangy and sweet, plus finely ground.
Smith Creek Tavern’s pulled pork, a unique presentation in a cast-iron skillet, was more like chunks of lean, flavorful meat, with just the right amount of barbecue sauce, and not the syrupy sweet kind I typically run into.
The presentation added to the overall dining experience.
If you are really hungry, order the Jumbo Bavarian pretzel as an appetizer, served with whole-grain mustard and beer cheese sides.
A few of these meals were hosted by Coral Hospitality Group from my stay at their properties for gathering editorial content. Opinions are 100% mine and unbiased.
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39 Fun Things to Do in Georgia
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