Looking for the best restaurants in Athens, Georgia? Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a fancy dinner with visiting parents, or a late-night bite with friends, Athens has an incredible food scene that covers every vibe and craving. After living in Athens, GA for four years, I’ve dined everywhere — from white-tablecloth fine dining to low-key local gems. I even asked my friends (shoutout to Collin and his extensive Google Doc of all of his recommendations) to help build the ultimate guide to Athens dinner spots. Here’s our definitive list of the best places to eat dinner in Athens — ranked from upscale to hole-in-the-wall favorites.
What makes me an expert? I’ve lived in Athens for the past four years! From late night dinner out, to fancy dinners when the grandparents come in town, to nights with my girlfriends, I’ve pretty much seen it all. Additionally, I’ve gone from vegan to vegetarian to full blown carnivore, so I’ve experienced tons of different cuisines all over Athens! I think I’ve pretty much nailed it when it comes to trying out all that Athens has to offer. Enjoy the best dinner spots in Athens, GA.
Sticking Around in Athens?
During my college years, I must have spent thousands of hours at different coffeeshops around Athens. Here are my best recommendations below!
Nicest Dinner Restaurants in Athens, GA
These are going to be for your dates, girls’ nights, and times to treat yourself! Be sure to dress nice and classy, and bring your loaded wallet.
- ZZ and Simone’s
- This is an iconic Italian restaurants in Athens. It’s perfect for a girls night out to eat pasta and drink a spritz. Click HERE for reservations and menu.
- Osteria Olio
- The best overall food experience in Athens. Get the chef curated, 3-course family style meal with the steak option. It is the best Italian I’ve had outside of Italy, and you’ll leave with leftovers for the next day. The restaurant’s signature scent also adds to the ambiance.
- Click HERE for menu and reservations.
- The National
- One of my favorite places to bring my grandparents (especially when I’m not the one paying! lol). Click HERE for menus and hours.
- Chuck’s Fish
- Go here for the sushi and their uptown chicken. The key is to get the uptown chicken as an entree over rice. I normally pair my meal with a manhattan, but folks say their Greyhound cocktail is good. Watch out for any parent’s weekend, it’ll be packed.
- Click HERE for menu!
- Last Resort
- Everyone knows it, and for good reason. Get the chicken praline and a glass of wine. Pinot noir being my favorite, or ask for their wine specials.
- Click HERE for menu.
- Porterhouse Grill
- The best steak dinner in Athens!
- Click HERE for menu!
The Best Mid-Range Restaurants in Athens
These spots are still nice, but you’re fine wearing an elevated jeans look.
- Marker 7
- The raspberry margaritas are to die for.
- Local 706
- This spot has the best food ever, and they also do trivia occasionally.
- Ted’s
- This is a nice-ish spot, but I really love it because the menu is huge. There are options for pretty much everyone, even down to the pickiest eater.
- Trappeze
- This is one of the most classic Athens eats spots. I go here almost every time my parents come to town!
- Five Bar
- Five Bar is great because there are literally only five things on the menu, so it makes choosing your entree suuuuuper easy.
- The Globe
- This is my favorite place in all of Athens. It feels like you’re stepping into a pub in Europe, with a roaring fire, tapestries of Ireland and Scotland on the wall, and Guinness on sale.
- Pine Bar
- Pine Bar has a small bar downstairs called the Root. This is my friends and I’s favorite place to go!
- Bar Bruno
- This spot has really good drinks and smaller food portions, but it’s such a fun spot and one of my favorites!
- South Kitchen and Bar
- Seabear Oyster Bar
- The Place
Classic and Casual Athens Eats
These are some absolute Athens classics, especially for college students!
- Royal Peasant
- This is my second favorite restaurant in Athens. It’s a very specific vibe; it feels like a small, European sports bar. The food is awesome, with bangers and mash, shepherds pie, lamb, etc.
- Sit on the porch on a nice day for lunch or dinner. Get the Royale Burger and fries with a 20oz Guinness (they will laugh and look down upon you if you order the 16oz). Don’t ask for ranch, they will also shame you for this and they don’t have it. Instead, eat your meal with malt vinegar and/or mustard. An Athens staple!!!
- Cali n Tito’s
- This is the most college restaurant in Athens. Basically every time my friends wanted to get together for a meal, Cali and Tito’s was the spot to go. There are two locations; the one next to 5 Points is the best one!
- Taqueria Del Sol
- Great casual first date spot, also great porch spot. Take an orange when you order at the front. I know it sounds crazy, but their turnip greens are amazing. Pass on the margarita and either get a Mexican beer or just rehydrate with a water.
- Fully Loaded (5 Points)
- Back in the day it used to be a Waffle House, and you’ll see the structure when you walk in. Folks were skeptical about the transition, but they have proved to be the go-to pizza spot, partly due to their food, but also their great location. Any pizza will be good, and their Greek salad is a good side or appetizer.
- El Barrio
- El Barrio is right next to Fully Loaded and has epic tacos and really good deals on food. It’s also such a fun location!
- Clocked
- I LOVE Clocked. It’s downtown with inside and outside seating, and they have the BEST burgers in Athens (or in the world, for that matter). They have all sorts of unique burgers and sauces, and they also have gigantic milkshakes.
Hole in the Wall (Some Athens Local Favorites)
I asked a bunch of my friends for their favorite random eateries in Athens, and this is what they said!
- Tloloc
- Mama Ning’s Thai
- Mediterranean Grill
- Dog Gone Good BBQ
- La Cabana (Watkinsville)
- Hi-Lo Lounge
- A good spot for a hot dog, corn dog, or a Reuben. They also have a great beer selection and TVs to watch a game. Go after working hours or late night for the best experience.
- World Famous
- More of a bar, but they have good pretzel bites and will give you the same local feel as Hi-Lo Lounge
- Los Plebes (the tacos are EVERYTHING!)
- El Camino Real
- Weaver D’s
- The staple Soul Food spot. “Automatic for the people” is what they like to say. It’s inexpensive, it’s not healthy, and it’s an important experience for the uni kids.
- Food for the Soul
- World Famous
- Mama Nings
- Tamez
- Their breakfast burritos are the best. Order a sausage, egg, and cheese burrito as well as a chorizo, egg, and cheese burrito.
What’s YOUR Favorite Spot?
What are your thoughts on where to eat in Athens? From upscale pasta to greasy burgers and local tacos, these Athens, GA dinner spots represent the best of the Classic City. Have a favorite I missed? Drop a comment or message me — I’m always looking to try something new!
