Great Places for a Good Meal in Georgia

Georgia may be known for its iconic chicken dishes, not to mention its amazing peach cobbler, but that doesn’t mean its cuisines are limited to pies and fried chicken. Some of the best ethnic cuisine restaurants are located here, as well as prime examples of comfort food eateries. If you’re ready to sample just a taste of what this state has to offer, read on. We’ve created a list of some of the most flavorful places to get a good meal in Georgia.

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Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Expand your tastebuds with the flavors of Ethiopia

3086 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329 / destaethiopiankitchen.com

Ethiopian cuisine may not be the first thing you think of when visiting Atlanta, Georgia, but diners here rave about the amazing flavors and dishes you can find at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen. Established in 2006, Desta was co-founded by Ash Nega and Titi Demisse, both born and raised in Ethiopia. Settling in Atlanta, this husband-wife team brought the authentic taste of Ethiopia to Atlanta and expanded from a small restaurant that once served only eight people to a large restaurant with the capacity to serve 250 guests.

You can expect a cozy atmosphere here, with outside patio dining options. Be sure to try their signature “tibs” entrée that serves tender cubed meat sauteed in a blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and spiced olive oil. Meat choices include lamb, chicken, salmon, short ribs, and more. Desta also offers an array of pasta dishes that reflect an early influence from Italian cuisine. Vegans have plenty of options here, from the chickpea stew to the tomato fit fit and gomen (fresh collard greens sauteed with onions, garlic and turmeric).

Did we mention that breakfast is served all day here, giving you a chance to try their chechebsa flatbread and traditional Ethiopian fetira breakfast with eggs and honey? And be sure to treat yourself to a slice of their many cheesecakes, berry cakes, and baklava!    

“Desta is my ABSOLUTE favorite restaurant in Atlanta. Eating here for the first time many years ago changed how I experience flavors and food. I’ve tried to get Ethiopian food in other states that I’ve visited and none compares to my them. As soon as I arrive in Atlanta it’s always the first place I want to eat.” — Yelp Review

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Highland Bistro & Bar

Delicious comfort food and great drinks at Highland Bistro & Bar

701-5 Highland Ave. NE | Old Fourth Ward/ highlandbistro.com

Stop into Highland Bistro & Bar for all your favorite Georgia dishes. There’s the shrimp and grits topped with onions in a creole cream sauce, chicken and waffles, and blackened salmon pasta. In the mood for a sandwich? Highland offers everything from a delicious Reuben to a yummy Highland Philly with beef or chicken.

If you’re dining with a group, share some great-tasting bar food with the Nacho Overload (with house-made queso), city wings, buffalo cauliflower, and the battered and crispy onion petals basket. There are also salad options if you’d like to eat light (with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or salmon). Naturally, you can expect a full bar here with happy hour specials. For good food, drinks, and the pleasure of supporting a locally owned business, Highland Bistro & Bar can’t be beat.

“The Philly was definitely the star of the show, the well-seasoned beef atop a soft delicious slighted toasted bread was delicious.” — Yelp Review

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Dat Fire Jerk Chicken

Taste exquisitely seasoned and spiced Jamaican Jerk chicken and pork dishes

226 Northside Dr. NW | Castleberry Hill/ datfirejerkchicken.com

Once a small family catering business, Dat Fire Jerk Chicken is now the place to enjoy great Caribbean cuisine in the heart of Atlanta. Experience the authentic taste of Jamaica here with a menu that includes jerk chicken and pork; oxtails; curry chicken; and a delicious Escovitch fish fillet meal. All meals come with rice, peas, cabbage salad, plantains, collards, kale and steam cabbage, giving you a meal rich in variety and flavor.

Known as the “Jerk Pro,” Dat Fire Jerk Chicken’s Chef Jay John knows how to mix and grill with the proper mix of jerk spices and seasonings to make all the Jamaican Jerk dishes delicious and healthy. Diners here can expect to enjoy their meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of the Caribbean. Who knew that exotic, delicious meals could be so close by?

“Their food is ALWAYS on point. The first time I tried it was catered, and I recently moved closer to their location. The jerk pork is on POINT!!! Mac n Cheese is almost always good. 10/10.” — Yelp Review

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Gochas Breakfast Bar

Start your day off right with the fine meals and wines at Gochas Breakfast Bar

3695 Cascade Rd. Ste 440 | Atlanta

If you’re looking to start your day with a breakfast made from fresh, delicious food and drink, then Gocha’s Breakfast Bar should definitely be on your list. Established in 2019 by Gocha Hawkins, diners appreciate the vegetarian and vegan friendly menu as well as the wide array of delicious options for all tastes.

Start with some classy avocado toast or some salmon croquettes. If you happen to enjoy meat, diners recommend the Meat Lovers Omelette or, if it’s closer to the afternoon, Gocha’s Impossible Burger. There’s also the Chicken and Waffle Stack and Grit Bowl for those who enjoy a hearty meal.

Gochas also offers a full bar with plenty of wine options if you enjoy an alcoholic beverage with your meal. Wait times can be a bit long, particularly on weekends, so it’s recommended that you make a reservation.

“This was my first time at Gochas and it was really good! I recommend the South Fulton steak and eggs and the steak was so well seasoned!” — Yelp Review

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Olive Bistro

Enjoy the taste of Mediterranean cuisine at Olive Bistro

3230 Cobb Pkwy | Atlanta/ olivebistro.com

Olive Bistro adds a touch of Mediterranean cuisine to Atlanta, much to the delight of diners who love gyros, tabbouleh, lamb chops, hummus, and a host of other culinary delights. The dining area is fairly small (although patio dining is also available), so it’s recommended that you reserve your spot, especially if you come in with a group.

In addition to their popular Rosemary Chicken Platter and Smoked Chicken Ravioli, you’ll be pleased to know Olive Bistro offers vegetarian options including several signature salads (try the antipasto) and veggie lasagna made from the freshest ingredients with family recipes. You can also order several craft cocktails to enjoy with your meal, making this the perfect place for your next business lunch or intimate date.

“I have been very impressed with the food and staff at Olive Bistro Vinings. I’ve eaten here several times over the past few months and received consistent, attentive service from the staff. The food is also flavorful and the menu is varied in pricing and options. The dolmades, lamb chops, hummus, and Greek potatoes were all delicious.” — Yelp Review

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Augie’s Café

Taste the music at Augie’s Café

1540 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. | Atlanta/ augiescafe.com

Named after legendary soul, jazz, and funk man August William “Augie” Johnson who led the group Side Effect and also worked with other artists including Michael Jackson and Boz Scaggs, “Augie’s Café” is a relaxed family café that specializes in providing the dine in and takeout that artists and musicians frequented while on the road.

Dine on hearty meals with names reminiscent of famous songs. “The Way You Make Me Feel” lets you start your day with pancakes served with fresh blueberries and strawberries, along with eggs and a meat choice. “You’re the One I Want” serves up a hearty selection of fried catfish over Monterey jack grits with some creamy, spicy parmesan sauce. And “Uptown Girl” gives you a buttermilk waffle with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.

Breakfast options are served all day, and there are plenty of sandwiches and salads (we recommend the “Easy Lover”) for diners looking for a good lunch.

“Best breakfast my wife and I have had during all our road trips of the last several years. The French toast and pancakes are… perfect.” — Yelp Review

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