Georgia is a southeastern US state stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the subtropical Golden Isles coast in the south. Atlanta, the vibrant capital, anchors the state with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and pivotal civil rights history. Savannah enchants visitors with Spanish-moss-draped squares, antebellum architecture, and a legendary food scene. Beyond the cities, visitors find dramatic waterfalls at Amicalola Falls, pristine barrier islands at Cumberland and Jekyll, and the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp.
Georgia's food scene spans from James Beard Award-winning fine dining to Civil Rights-era soul food institutions, pit-smoked BBQ joints, and the Buford Highway corridor's extraordinary global diversity. Atlanta has emerged as one of America's top restaurant cities, while Savannah offers a distinct low-country coastal cuisine centered on local shrimp, oysters, and African-influenced Southern cooking. Key influences: West African culinary tradition, Appalachian mountain cooking, British colonial heritage, and a modern farm-to-table movement centered on Georgia's exceptional agricultural products (Georgia peaches, Vidalia onions, pecans, peanuts, blueberries, and coastal seafood).
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Food tours & tastings in Georgia
Eat your way through Georgia with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GeorgiaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Boiled peanuts
Find it at: Roadside kettles on rural Georgia highways, particularly I-75 corridor; priced $3–5/pound USD
Georgia peaches
Find it at: Roadside farm stands in Fort Valley and Byron (Peach County) during July–August; $5–10/bag USD
Hot dogs at The Varsity
Find it at: 61 North Ave NW, Atlanta; 'chili-steak-and-onion' classic, $3.50 USD
Food trucks at Ponce City Market
Find it at: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta; rotating vendors, $10–15/meal USD
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Forsyth Farmers Market
Hours: Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (year-round)
Ponce City Market
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Krog Street Market
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Many beloved Savannah restaurants (Mrs. Wilkes', The Grey) have extremely limited hours or single seatings — plan your schedule around their hours rather than the reverse.
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants; many restaurants now add automatic 18–20% gratuity for tables of 6+.
Restaurant prices exclude Georgia's sales tax (approximately 8–9% on meals); budget accordingly.
Brunch is a serious Atlanta ritual on weekends; popular spots like Home Grown, West Egg Cafe, and Eats have lines by 10 AM Saturday–Sunday.
Buford Highway (north of I-285) is the best value international dining corridor in the Southeast; a Vietnamese pho meal runs $10–14 USD, Korean BBQ $18–25 USD.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |