Augusta, a true gem in Georgia, has a food scene that’s full of surprises. From the crispy fried chicken at The Bee’s Knees to mouthwatering barbecue at Sconyers Bar-B-Que, the city blends Southern classics with quirky, must-try spots. You’ll find farm-to-table goodness at Edgar’s Grille and creative sushi rolls with a twist at Sole Augusta.
Imagine chowing down on brisket in a backyard-style barbecue joint or enjoying peach cobbler at a charming café. Augusta’s dining vibes hit all the right notes, perfectly complementing Georgia’s beauty.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 19 unique restaurants where bold flavors, cozy atmospheres, and fun settings make every meal unforgettable. Get ready to dig in and explore Augusta’s quirkiest eats!
👉 Pro Tip: The Delayed Start Brunch Trot is a must if you love good food and laid-back vibes! You’ll explore some of the best brunch spots in the area, tasting everything from fluffy pancakes to savory bites, all while soaking in the local charm. Wear comfy shoes and come hungry—it’s a delicious way to kick off your day in Georgia!
Unique Restaurants in Augusta Georgia: 19 Incredible Augusta GA Eateries
These spots in Augusta offer more than just good food; they provide an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and quirky favorites that make dining in Augusta truly special.
1. Frog Hollow Tavern
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Southern / Farm-to-Table
- 🔥 Standout Features: Regional and sustainable ingredients, extensive wine list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Farm-to-table enthusiasts, upscale Southern dining, special occasions, and wine connoisseurs.
Okay, so if you’re looking for a seriously good, a bit fancy Southern meal, Frog Hollow Tavern is it. They really care about where their food comes from, and you can taste it. The whole place has this cool, understated vibe, perfect for a nice dinner out.
Their shrimp and grits are refined and perfectly cooked. The seasonal pan-seared scallops with local accompaniments, or a flavorful heritage pork chop, are also excellent choices. The wine list is fantastic for pairings.
2. Emashiya Korean BBQ
Emashiya puts Augusta on the Korean BBQ map, letting you grill your own marinated morsels right at your table. The thrill here is in the sizzle – thinly sliced bulgogi, pork belly, and spicy chicken crisp up over hot coals while you load up banchan (those endless little side dishes). Their signature beef short ribs are worth fighting over and the hot stone bibimbap delivers pure comfort. It’s lively, chatty, and often packed, thanks to the fun, down-to-earth vibe and K-pop background beats. If you’re new to Korean BBQ, the staff is happy to play grill guide. Insider tip: Go with at least three friends so you can order one of their feasts-for-the-table platters. Located just a short drive from Augusta Mall, this spot easily transported me straight to Seoul.
3. Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
- 📍 Location: Surrey Center, Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Southern / Seafood / Oyster Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, oyster bar.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, upscale Southern seafood, date nights, and Surrey Center diners.
You should hit up Abel Brown if you’re into oysters – they have an awesome selection, and they’re super fresh. The whole place feels kind of upscale but still comfortable, not stuffy. It’s a great spot for a nice date or if you just feel like treating yourself.
A dozen raw oysters on the half shell, tasting like the ocean, are a must. Their rich and flavorful she-crab soup, or the perfectly seared diver scallops with succotash, are also highly recommended.
4. Tip Top Taps
This place takes a chill, no-nonsense approach to local craft beer and tasty eats. Tip Top Taps has over a dozen brews on rotation, many of which are Georgia originals, plus a surprise or two from up-and-comers. The food menu is short but crave-worthy – don’t skip their poutine fries, which scream to be paired with a hop-forward IPA, or the loaded bratwurst (a high-key MVP). The interior is hip with repurposed wood and string lights, perfect for catching up with friends or uncovering a new favorite lager. With South Augusta’s Greeneway trail nearby, it’s easy to wrap up a stroll with a round of flights. I was genuinely impressed with how friendly and knowledgeable the team was about every single pour.
5. Pineapple Ink Tavern
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic building, craft cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Gastropub fans, cocktail seekers, downtown explorers, history lovers, and artistic types.
Pineapple Ink Tavern is such a cool spot downtown. It’s in an old building, and they’ve done a great job making it feel modern but still keeping some of that historic character. The cocktails are seriously inventive.
Trying one of their signature cocktails, like the one with pineapple and jalapeño for a perfect kick, is a great plan. For food, their Korean fried chicken is so crispy and saucy, and the gourmet burgers are also excellent.
6. TakoSushi
If you’re after inventive rolls and ultra-fresh sashimi, TakoSushi is a local legend. Step inside and you’ll get hit with laid-back Tokyo lounge vibes, from the soft lighting to the bamboo-lined walls. Their signature Taki Roll – think spicy tuna, avocado, crunchy tempura bits, and flaming spice mayo – is an absolute must, almost too pretty to eat (almost). The sushi boats are a visual feast when you want a little bit of everything. This place works for both date night and sushi-with-the-kids thanks to their big, comfy booths. Right down the block, you’ll find Augusta National’s gates, so it’s always buzzing with hungry golf fans. Trust me, the fresh wasabi sets it all off.
7. Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Cafe/Dessert)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern Cafe / Legendary Dessert Bakery
- 🔥 Standout Features: Towering desserts, historic location.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cake lovers, comfort food seekers, and casual outings.
Okay, prepare yourself for the cake situation at Boll Weevil Cafe. I stood there frozen in front of the cake case for five solid minutes – how do you even choose? Seriously, the slices are huge. The place smells like sugar and happiness when you walk in.
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You must save room for their massive caramel cake. The equally giant red velvet cake or their rich chocolate silk pie are also legendary. They have good Southern lunch stuff too, like chicken salad, but the dessert is the star.
8. New Moon Cafe
Old-school charm meets funky barista energy at New Moon Cafe, a downtown Augusta staple that feels like your artsy best friend’s living room. The place is decked out with whimsical art, chalkboard menus, and mismatched couches you could lose hours in. The fresh, heaping bagel sandwiches are a signature move – the “Hangover Cure” bagel cures all ills, and the homemade granola bowls are veggie-forward perfection. They do killer cold brews and fancy teas, but what really gets me coming back is the scene: writers on laptops, musicians setting up for an acoustic set, and an always-busy pastry case. Bonus: it’s an easy amble from the Augusta Riverwalk for an after-breakfast stroll. I love how every visit feels unexpectedly alive.
9. Finch & Fifth
- 📍 Location: Surrey Center, Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Wine Bar/Small Plates)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wine Bar / Charcuterie / Upscale Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Extensive wine selection, gourmet charcuterie.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers, charcuterie lovers, date nights, and upscale events.
If you’re looking for a chill, a bit more upscale spot for wine and some really good bites, Finch & Fifth is perfect. It’s got this intimate, chic vibe, and their wine list is fantastic. Great for a date or catching up with a friend.
Building your own charcuterie board with amazing local cheeses and imported meats like prosciutto is a highlight. Their truffle fries or seasonal bruschetta options are also great for sharing alongside a glass of wine.
10. Oliviana Ristorante & Bar Italiano
Oliviana delivers a slice of Tuscany right in Surrey Center, with stone archways, flickering candlelight, and a cozy, “you’re-family-here” vibe. It’s a neighborhood favorite for scratch-made pastas, brick oven pizzas (the truffle mushroom pie is next-level), and a robust Italian wine selection. Their burrata starter drizzled in balsamic is criminally good, and the tiramisu is pure bliss. With the patio’s fairy lights and Italian oldies playing softly, it’s romantic without feeling stuffy. Everything about Oliviana feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Make a reservation on Friday or Saturday – the place gets lively. I once spent an entire birthday here with friends, and it felt straight out of a movie.
11. Bodega Ultima
- 📍 Location: Surrey Center, Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Cafe / Global Street Food Influences / Coffee
- 🔥 Standout Features: Global street food (tacos, bowls, sandwiches), coffee.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Street food fans, Coffee connoisseurs, casual food seekers, and Surrey Center explorers.
Bodega Ultima is such a cool, laid-back cafe. They have a little bit of everything, inspired by street food from all over. The smell of good coffee hits you as soon as you walk in. It’s a great spot for a casual breakfast or lunch.
Their amazing breakfast tacos, loaded with flavor, are a must-try. A good looking grain bowl with fresh vegetables and a protein, or their inventive sandwiches like the Cubano, are also excellent choices. They take their coffee seriously.
12. Fat Man’s Cafe & Catering
If you want soul food that slaps and big portions that make you wish for a nap, Fat Man’s is your move. This local legend serves seriously good fried chicken and a banana pudding that tastes like summer in the South. Their quirky warehouse setting at Enterprise Mill puts you smack in Augusta history, surrounded by exposed brick and vintage memorabilia. The crowd is a mix of old-timers, busy lunchers, and students from Augusta University looking to fill up on favorites like pimento cheeseburgers and sweet tea. Order at the counter and grab a spot on the breezy patio, where river views make every bite even better. I’ll always remember my first biscuit here – perfectly flaky with real Southern hospitality on the side.
13. Raes Coastal Cafe
- 📍 Location: Walton Way, Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Caribbean / Jamaican / Seafood
- 🔥 Standout Features: Caribbean island decor, flavorful Jamaican curry dishes, fresh seafood.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Jerk spice lovers, island vibes, casual dining, and trying oxtail/curry goat.
You should definitely try the jerk chicken at Raes Coastal Cafe. Seriously, it’s got that perfect smoky spice. The whole place feels like you’ve stepped into a little shack in the Caribbean – super colorful and laid-back. Order a rum punch too!
Their rich and tender oxtail stew or the flavorful curry goat are also fantastic island classics. For seafood, the coconut shrimp is a popular pick. It’s just a fun, unpretentious spot with amazing island food.
14. Cork & Flame
Augusta’s outpost for fine wine sippers and foodies who like a little drama, Cork & Flame is part swanky wine bar, part chef-driven restaurant. The menu boldly blends French, Southern, and local farm flavors, creating dishes you won’t see anywhere else. Don’t miss the tableside flambéed sea bass or the wagyu burger with truffle fries. Their sommelier can find your perfect pour from the wall of bottles, and the high-backed leather chairs make you want to linger. It’s an upscale spot but never fussy, and there’s often live jazz or acoustic music wafting through. Right off Fury’s Ferry, it’s tucked away enough to feel like a secret. I was blown away by the depth of both the wine list and the chef’s daily specials.
15. Edgar’s Above Broad
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta (Rooftop of Augusta University Building/Goodwill)
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Upscale Bar Bites
- 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop bar with city views, part of Edgar’s Hospitality Group (Goodwill social enterprise), craft cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: City views, cocktail drinkers, supporting a social enterprise, and downtown evenings.
For great views and good vibes, check out Edgar’s Above Broad. It’s a rooftop spot downtown, and what’s really cool is that it’s part of Goodwill’s hospitality program, so you’re supporting a good cause. The atmosphere is pretty chic.
Their craft cocktails are creative – a good gin concoction or a seasonal spritz are great choices. For bites, their charcuterie board, flatbreads, or sliders are perfect for sharing while enjoying the city views.
16. Rally Pointe Grille
- 📍 Location: Evans
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Sports Bar / Pub Grub
- 🔥 Standout Features: Volleyball courts, classic pub food (wings/burgers), games/drinks.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sports fans, volleyball players/watchers, casual hangs, and classic pub grub.
If you’re out in Evans and looking for a super casual spot to watch a game and grab some food, Rally Pointe Grille is your place. They actually have sand volleyball courts attached, which is pretty unique! It’s a total neighborhood sports bar.
Getting some classic chicken wings, perfectly crispy and tossed in your favorite sauce (buffalo or BBQ), is a must. Their juicy burgers or a basket of loaded nachos are also solid choices with a couple of beers.
17. The Feed Sack
- 📍 Location: North Augusta (Just across the river)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern Homestyle / Meat-and-Three
- 🔥 Standout Features: Classic Southern meat-and-three style meals, hearty portions, down-to-earth comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Homestyle cooking, budget-friendly comfort food, and experiencing true Southern hospitality.
Okay, it’s technically in North Augusta, SC, but everyone in Augusta knows The Feed Sack. It’s pure, down-home Southern cooking in a rustic, country store kind of setting. You pick your meat and then load up on sides. Super affordable and so satisfying.
Their fried chicken is legit. The creamy mac and cheese, savory collard greens, or their fluffy cornbread tastes like someone’s grandma made it with a lot of love. The banana pudding is also a classic finish.
18. Craft and Vine
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person (Drinks/Small Plates)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Cocktail Bar / Gourmet Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, high-quality craft cocktails and spirits.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail connoisseurs, speakeasy seekers, date nights, gourmet small plates, and pre/post-dinner drinks.
For a seriously good cocktail in a cool, speakeasy kind of atmosphere, head to Craft and Vine. It’s got this moody, intimate vibe, and the bartenders really know their stuff. They also do some really nice, sophisticated small plates if you’re feeling peckish.
An Old Fashioned, expertly made, is one of the best. Their tuna crudo with citrus and herbs is excellent. For something shareable, the artisan cheese board or the duck fat fries are great choices.
19. Hildebrandt’s
- 📍 Location: Downtown Augusta
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Historic German-American Delicatessen
- 🔥 Standout Features: Long-standing institution (since 1879!), authentic German deli sandwiches/sausages.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Historic delis, German deli sandwich lovers (Reubens!), authentic European meats/cheeses, and classic lunches.
You can’t talk about Augusta institutions without mentioning Hildebrandt’s. It’s been around FOREVER (since 1879!), and it’s like stepping back in time. It’s a classic German-American deli. The smell of cured meats and rye bread fills the air.
You absolutely have to get one of their Reuben sandwiches – they pile the corned beef high, and the sauerkraut has that perfect tang. Their liverwurst sandwich or a classic bratwurst on a roll are also authentic and delicious.
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