Restaurants Worth More Than a Detour
There’s no shortage of great food cities in the South, but there are also gems in the mountain towns, suburbs, and farmland along the way. Next time you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure, consider these five restaurants that are worth the drive or building a whole trip around.
Spring
Marietta, Ga.
Located in Marietta’s historic downtown square, Spring captured the hearts of metro Atlanta diners as soon as it opened. Brian So’s menu is always concise and always well executed (you won’t go wrong with whatever catches your eye, but people tend to love the foie gras, fish, and duck if they’re on the menu). The service and the natural wine lists are just as strong, making this restaurant very deserving of a trip outside Atlanta’s perimeter.
The Grey
Savannah, Ga.
Mashama Bailey’s acclaimed restaurant, housed inside a lovingly restored 1930’s Greyhound bus terminal, cemented Savannah’s place on the national food scene. The oysters, cornbread, red rice balls are perennial favorites, and freshly caught seafood and regional produce are stars that keep diners coming back season after season. Come early and snag a seat at the bar for a pre-meal cocktail.
Tiger Mountain Vineyard
Tiger, Ga.
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, this boutique winery about two hours outside of town offers seated tastings and cellar tours. With local wines and stunning views of the rolling mountains and vineyards, this is an ideal place to relax for a day or longer, as it’s also possible to book an overnight stay right on the property.
The Farmhouse at Serenbe
Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.
This planned “agri-community” just south of Atlanta is known for its farms, farm-to-table restaurants, and farmers markets. The Inn at Serenbe, situated on 2,000 acres of forest, meadows, trails, and more, is home to this light-filled restaurant which showcases local and regional produce, as well as its sister spots the Hill and Austin’s.
The Dining Room at Brasstown Valley Resort
Young Harris, Ga.
A hundred miles from Atlanta and not far from Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, is the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. With golf, tennis, horseback riding, archery, fishing, and more outdoor fun available, this is an ideal quick getaway for active guests — and the best way to top off a busy day at the resort is with a meal at the cozy, casual Dining Room, which offers comforting staples like fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and lobster mac and cheese for weekday lunch and dinner. On the weekends they often serve seafood, prime rib, and brunch buffets.
