There is no shortage of top-rated Blue Ridge GA restaurants for your weekend getaway experience. Which one is best for date night? Lunch after a hike? A treat for the kids? And where do you find the locals for the most authentic experience?
Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains has tons to do, and you’re sure to work up an appetite. Have no fear – we’ve been around the block a time or two (or 10…or 20…) and have picked JUST the right spot, especially for your dining needs!
Here are 27 of the best Blue Ridge GA restaurants that we know you’re going to love.
SPECIAL OCCASION BLUE RIDGE GA RESTAURANTS
BEST BRIDAL/BABY SHOWER LUNCH
Harvest on Main is the perfect place to host a bridal or baby shower in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Reserve a large table in the main dining area for a small group, or rent their warm and inviting special events space for a larger group.
They’re beloved for their steaks and charcuterie boards…but we love the local flavors of their Wild Caught Georgia Shrimp & Logan Turnpike Grits.
BEST ROMANTIC DINNER
The Black Sheep sits under a 200-year-old oak tree in the most perfect setting. Decadent steaks and fresh seafood grace the menu, changing their face with the seasons.
One of their best features (if you ask us!) is that it’s home to Blue Ridge’s largest outdoor bar and covered patio — complete with raw bar and craft cocktails. Seats go fast in this intimate setting; you’ll want to book a reservation in advance.
BEST DINNER WITH A VIEW
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant promises spectacular trout and wonderful steaks…and the best riverside dining views in the north Georgia mountains.
Grab a seat by the window to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or head outside when the weather is warm. Grab a comfy chair on the deck, and drown out all your worries with the sound of the Toccoa River rushing by. And yes, there is a dock, so if you’re canoeing in the area, plan time to stop for lunch.
BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE
Bear Claw Vineyards is ideal for that special birthday, engagement celebration, promotion outing, etc. Try a tasting, play cornhole, lounge by the fire pit, and enjoy the beautiful scenery (including their treehouse)!
We recommend the VIP tour, where you receive an in-depth and hands-on tour with the owner, six tastings, and lunch from Harvest on Main.
BEST FINE DINING
Located in Morganton just outside of Blue Ridge, you’ll find Cucina Rustica — an Italian eatery focused on the fine dining experience. Here you’ll enjoy country-style Italian dishes served in an old-world atmosphere.
Consider starting with their Cucina Meatballs, before enjoying one of their amazing entrees — like Cucina Veal Parmigiana. It’s a small restaurant with limited seating, so make sure to make a reservation!
BEST PLACE TO CATCH UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s rustic, inviting bar and grill just calls to you to sit with an old friend and catch up on the last decade.
Order the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned or the Wookie with house-infused pineapple habanero tequila…or pour a glass of a regional craft beer. For snacks, I say to pick the trout dip and a pile of wings — 50 should do. After all, you have so much to talk about.
THREE SQUARE MEALS
BEST BREAKFAST
Mercier Orchards Cafe offers breakfast and lunch – and both are delightful. But there is just something special about eating there early in the morning…right before a hike or adventure. The biscuits are stacked high, the pancakes are fluffy, and the bacon is on point. And oh – that apple butter! It keeps us coming back.
Visiting on the weekend? Get the buffet to sample it all! Also, there is a bakery, candy kitchen, sample counter, and farm winery and tasting room.
BEST “SOUP & SANDWICH” COMBOS
Cantaberry is your go-to option for delicious, simple eats: soup and sandwich combos that keep you going all day.
Our pick is the Tomato Basil Soup with the Cantaberry Club. That tangy tomato dressing on the sandwich is the perfect complement to the soup. Ask for an extra slice of Swiss.
BEST TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN STYLE EATS
Southern Charm is warm and inviting, with true Deep South delicious comfort food options.
Pick from weekly specials like chicken and dumplings, or Friday’s all-you-can-eat catfish dinner…or select a Country Platter, like Pot Pie or Meatloaf. Start with Fried Green Tomatoes, end with Bread Pudding — but don’t bother calling for a reservation. They’ll greet you at the door, but it’s first come/first served.
BEST DOWNTOWN LUNCH
Fightingtown Tavern is my go-to lunch location…with or without kiddos. The house-made pork rinds with sesame peanut sauce is something I dream about between visits. Everyone I know loves Fightingtown for their burgers, but I’ll be honest, the omg! salad is my staple. It is so amazing! But it’s also the vibe (and tunes) that keep us coming back. It just feels like home here.
Or try Bumblebees Cafe. A low-key restaurant in Blue Ridge for breakfast & lunch serving Southern fare like country fried steak & smoked bacon.
BEST CUBAN FOOD
Rum Cake Lady for Cuban food? Nope – that’s not a typo. Pick their Downtown or Copperhill location for an unforgettable Cuban sandwich. Don’t forget a side of Cuban coffee or Cuban sodas. I also like to get the kids an empanada when we visit!
And yes, you can walk out with an amazingly moist Rum Cake – ideal for a picnic next to the train.
BEST PIZZA & BEER
Masseria Kitchen + Bar sits in historic downtown Blue Ridge, and excels at connecting the Mediterranean and Appalachia. There is plenty offered beyond just pizza for sure, but we dig the pie and suggest the nightly special for something memorable (gluten-free available). You can go traditional and pair with a craft beer, but the bar team here is also talented enough to whip up something stronger that will match your entree perfectly. For dessert, the Nutella pie is high on our list!
A hometown favorite, you can also try Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta if you’re looking to watch a game while enjoying a slice. We hear they’ve got great food, and an amazing staff!
BEST SEAFOOD
Whiskey & Water is a local seafood and Bourbon Bar serving high-quality, sustainable seafood, cocktails, whiskeys, and bourbons from all over the world. Whiskey & Water’s Seafood and Bourbon Bar brings the best of America’s coasts to the North Georgia Mountains.
Guests will enjoy the most original cocktails, great wine, a wide selection of whiskeys and bourbons from around the globe, along with the best quality, sustainable seafood from the nation’s top providers.
BEST SOUTHERN BBQ
Smokin’ E’s BBQ is where you’ll find award-winning barbeque and homemade fixins’. Located across the street from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, this is the perfect place to stop after your train ride through north Georgia.
Carroll’s Barbeque is a local favorite that you don’t want to miss! Here you’ll find delicious barbeque, soups and salads, sandwiches and plates, and ribs. Make sure to try the sweet potato fries!
BEST TRAIN-LAYOVER LUNCH
Burra Burra On The River has a great location, and great food too! Just over the bridge from the train stop in McCaysville, Burra Burra sits in a beautifully renovated space, offering delicious street tacos, burgers, steaks, and craft beer and wine.
Sit inside, or dine out on the deck by the river.
CASUAL FUN
BEST PLACE TO RELAX WITH FIDO
At Grumpy Old Men Brewing, you’ll find awesome beer, live music, a relaxed atmosphere, new friends, and — on weekends — you’ll find some gourmet hot dogs too! Best Part? You can bring your four-legged family members too! Fido is welcome!
They’re always adding new beers to their taps, so you’ll find something new to try every time you go. Once you’ve had a beer or two, you’re likely to also participate in their regular karaoke sessions.
BEST NOSHING FOR BOATERS
Boat Dock Bar on Lake Blue Ridge Marina opens seasonally for those on the lake who need a respite and those who just love lake life in general.
There are weekly specials, a full bar, a dog-friendly patio, and sensational views of Lake Blue Ridge. There’s a bit of a laid-back Caribbean feel, so go with the vibe and get the shrimp tacos!
BEST PUB ATMOSPHERE
The Boro Inn Irish Pub is where you’ll find Blue Ridge’s friendliest bartenders – a little gruff and sassy, but they’re all bark and no bite.
Ales, ciders, lagers, stouts…Irish foods, and a song. This is where the locals go to grab a drink and catch up on the latest happenings. The lights are low, the drinks are flowing…leave any pretense outside the door.
BEST FAST FOOD
Trailer Drive-In is famous for their breakfast biscuits, but really you can’t go wrong with any selection. Go at lunch and grab the chicken sandwich and a soda (with that oh-so-good small cube ice).
Regardless of when you stop by, bring cash!
SWEET TREATS
BEST PLACE FOR A POST-HIKE TREAT
MooBears Ice Cream & Hotdogs serves 20 flavors of Ashby’s ice cream and 15 different hot dogs! The Blue Ridge Dog is an awesome eat — 1/4lb Angus Beef dog with Buffalo wing sauce, sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles. You’ll also find craft sodas here. MooBears is the perfect place to treat yourself after that hike.
Need a sweet cold treat on a hot Georgia day on the river? Stop by Happy Bear Ice Cream & Treats to satisfy that sweet tooth! Ice cream, sundaes, and more are all at Happy Bear.
BEST “AFTER LUNCH” TREAT FOR KIDS
Huck’s General Store is basically an old-fashioned (and new-fangled) candy heaven. Yes, there are books, gifts, tchotchkes, and other must-see sundries…but there are also HUGE barrels of candy — like your grandparents spoke of.
Pick up a tin pale and fill it with your favorite selections.
BEST PLACE TO INDULGE
The Sweet Shoppe of the South won season 6 of Cupcake Wars on Food Network, so you KNOW these babies are deee-licious.
You’ll also find cheesecake, cookies, truffles, cake pops, candy apples, cronuts, chocolate-covered bacon…oh my! My son’s favorite indulgence, though, is the macarons!
BEST PLACE TO CAFFEINATE
Das Kaffee Haus is a European-style coffee house in the downtown area that is always my first stop when we roll into town. I love sitting on the back deck and watching people get excited about the train.
The coffee is just insanely good. Add a sweet bite they make in-house, or a delicious slice of vegetarian quiche.
BEST FUDGE
Three Sisters Fudge is where you’ll find the best fudge around — for those of you who have a really sweet tooth!
All the fudge is handmade in their shop — so you know it’s a good-smelling (and great tasting) place to stop! They offer nuts and pralines too, so you’ll be all set for that sugar rush.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL BLUE RIDGE GA RESTAURANTS
BEST PLACE TO FIND A GIFT FOR YOUR FOODIE FRIEND
Out of the Blue carries divine vino, artisanal cheeses, growlers from the local brewers, and some of the coolest foodie gifts and goodies you’ve ever seen.
We love the cans of wine, which happen to be perfect for a day at the pool. Come by early for a few nibbles while you shop.
BEST WAY TO FEAST AND LEARN
Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours is how to handle the over-whelm! There are just SO MANY delicious places to eat in Blue Ridge (this article only scratches the surface) that having a local show you the ropes is truly the best way to go.
You pick from one of three walking tours – a brew tour, a foodie tour, or a sweet-tooth tour. Each is just under 3 hours, includes about 5-ish stops, and promises a heap of fun.
BEST FEEL-GOOD FOOD
Gym & Juice is located inside Spot Gym & Fitness, but you don’t need to be a gym member to enjoy the wonderful smoothies and other goodies found here. Here you’ll find protein shakes, juices, smoothies, protein bars, fresh fruit, and more. This internet cafe is a great place to hang out and enjoy their delicious offerings.
BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE MOTHER NATURE
Serenberry Vineyards is like a taste of Mother Nature in a bottle. And when you’re enjoying life in the mountains, that’s exactly what you want.
We love that this vineyard’s vibe celebrates that with bonfires, outdoor concerts, an oh-so-inviting patio, and more.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR BLUE RIDGE GA VISIT
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- BLUE RIDGE GA: 50+ Best Adventurous Things To Do In Blue Ridge GA
- BLUE RIDGE CABINS: 33 Dreamy Blue Ridge Cabins
- BRSR: Your Essential Guide To Spring And Fall On The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- LAKE BLUE RIDGE: The Essentials For A Perfect Lake Blue Ridge Getaway
WHERE TO STAY IN BLUE RIDGE
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