The National Restaurant in Athens, Georgia

Where to Eat in Athens: Home to the University of Georgia (2024)

One of the major researches a traveler indulges in is ‘Where to find the best food’? Though when you are in Athens, Georgia, you are always lined with a variety of good drinking and dining options. Athens, though, is one of the most underrated food cities in the United States; however, its restaurant, café, and bar game are always top-notch. All thanks to the college town culture, Athens has grown its food scenes a lot lately. Blending traditional Southern staples with contemporary global cuisine, Athens’ growing foodie culture is appreciable.

Athens, which is also known as the Classic City, has a myriad of surprisingly great restaurants. From charming decades-old eateries, and beloved local breweries, to iconic food chains, Athens has it all. Visitors and residents can try all sorts of Global cuisine, including British, Cuban, Mexican, Argentinian, Mediterranean, Italian, and Indian. However, since an array of options can get overwhelming, we have shortlisted some finest for you.

Where to Eat in Athens: Home to the University of Georgia

Have a look at the best places to eat in Athens, Georgia.

1. The Place

One of the best restaurants to eat in Athens, Georgia, The Place serves a hearty Southern fare. It is owned by the University of Georgia graduates Ryan and Alan Pope, who know well what students in Athens want. The Place serves everything from lunch and dinner or Sunday brunch. Their menu boasts some incredible options, including Stuffed French Toast, Gouda Grits, Grilled Pork Chops, Hanger Steak, Fried Chicken Biscuits, and Shrimp Burgers. They even serve a range of fresh salads and flavourful burgers to try on the go. For drinks, this spectacular eatery has a lively bar with craft beer on tap and some solid cocktail options on the menu.

Our top recommendations: Nana’s Salad with choice of dressing and Chicken & Waffle.

2. Home.made

If your food priorities are only chef-made dishes, then do visit Home.made when in Athens. Mimi Mamus is the owner and the chief chef of this magnificent eatery that’s entertained food enthusiasts for over a decade now. Mimi initially sold food from their home kitchen for a few years, until later, she acquired this Place. Today you can find Home.made at 1072 Baxter Street, Athens, and reach it for its spectacular food options. The eatery has everything from a lavish meal to grab-on-the-go food choices.

Some of the finest in their menu include the Swanee Bites, Stuffed Medjool Dates, and Deviled Eggs. There’s even a newly added dainty bar. Here you can find chef barkeep Noel Finch infusing Rum and gardenias, excellence on its own.

Our top recommendations: Tomato Pie, Pan Seared Flounder, and Fried Chicken.

3. The National

The National is a restaurant diamond in downtown Athens. Operating since 2007 and serving Mediterranean-style cuisine, it is one of the best places to eat when in Athens, Georgia. The National boasts an ever-changing menu since it uses only locally sourced ingredients and raw materials. Here you will find different items on their menu, depending upon the season it is. However, a few staples that stay year-round include Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, soups, and salads. Until some time back, chef Peter Dale adorned the Nation; however, today, chefs Jeremy Collins and Daniel Fetter have taken the role.

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Our top recommendations: Grilled Beef Hanger Steak, Apple Basque Cake, and Vegetable plate.

4. The Taste of India

The Taste of India in Athens offers an Indian culinary experience right somewhere in the south of the United States. For someone who has ever been an enthusiast of Indian cuisine, it is one must-place to check out. Athens Banner-Herald’s annual contest has voted Taste of India as the best buffet place for straight 3 years in a row. The restaurant offers a richly varied menu that comes to life with natural ingredients, wholesome sauces, and flavorful spices. Their menu contains everything from Appetizers to Soups, Salads, Seafood, Meat, and Deserts, along with Vegan and Vegetarian options. The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. The spiciness of their food is definitely on the upper side comparatively with western food, but the taste overpowers it.

Our top recommendations: Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Samosa Chat, Amritsari Chole, and Naan.

5. White Tiger Gourmet

White Tiger Gourmet is a pleasant Barbeque joint to check out in Athens. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere, the restaurant is owned by Ken Manring. Ken’s culinary mastery skills when meeting the Boulevard-area haunt creates some excellent Barbeque options. Their menu, though, is small, but the options are enough to attract someone time and again. You can enjoy a plethora of things, including the Portabella Cheese Burger, the Barbarella, and then Jason. Their specialty for meat lovers includes BBQ Plate, which is a delicious mix of mac n’ cheese, smoked pork, coleslaw, and sliced bread.

Our top recommendations: Grilled Tofu Sandwich (for vegetarians) and BBQ Plate (for nonvegetarians).

6. Cali-n-Tito’s

When wondering where to eat in Athens, simply walk towards Cali-n-Tito’s. This American Latin restaurant has been offering Pan-Latin cuisine since 2006. Upon walking inside, you will observe its beach-themed interiors with colorful touches and a lively ambiance. Cali-n-Tito’s occupies two locations in Athens, including Cedar Shoals, a large outlet, and South Lumpkin, an outlet with outdoor sitting choices. Some of the commons in their menu include El Sandwich Cubano, Quesadilla, Veggie Empanada, Brunch Cuban, Alitas Wings served with ranch dressing and Avacado Salad. Their seafood section, though, has a handful of options, but if you are a lover, you should not miss trying it. For vegetarians, Cali-n-Tito’s also serves some excellent vegetarian options as well.

Out top recommendations: El Sandwich Criollo, Veggie Saltado, and Guava Shake.

7. Five and Ten

Serving food for two decades now, Five and Ten is an upscale dining space in Athens. Chef Hugh Acheson and his restaurant ‘Five and Ten begin with celebrity status in the hotel business in Athens, and even after so many years, it maintains its pride. This upscale Southern restaurant is popular for serving contemporary American cuisine for vegans, gluten intolerants, vegetarians, and meat-eaters. The restaurant boasts a well-lit interior, an outdoor dining patio space, and a private space for rent. Their menu is majorly inspired by southern dishes, and the Sunday Brunch they offer is a must-try for. Besides what they serve, Five and Ten in Athens is popular for how presentably it serves. Every single individual on their staff is so attentive that being here feels like sitting at home with family.

Our top recommendations: Potato-Leek Soup and 12oz Joyce Farms NY Strip.

Other Popular Places to Eat When in Athens

The Pine: It is popular for its seasonally changing south-style menu.
Donna Chang’s: It is widely known for serving some of the best Pan Asian cuisines in Atlanta, Georgia. Their classic Asian cuisine items, especially Kung Pow Shrim, are a must-try.
Mama’s Boy: It is undoubtedly one of the best and most well-known local eateries in Athens. Their fresh breakfast scenes are beyond excellent.
Taqueria Tsunami: This brilliant food place is known for serving Latin-Asian fusion. Their Garden Shrimp Quesadilla, along with Korean Carnitas and signature Sangrias, is a must-try.