It’s known as the peach state, but one thing most people can agree on about Georgia is that there is a ton of delicious food from peaches to so much more. Sure, a lot of that food is fried, but if you are ready to indulge, Georgia is the place for you. From the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the north, Georgia’s most famous foods capture the taste buds and hearts of visitors and residents alike. Here are ten of the plates that Georgia’s most famous for and where you can find them across the state.
Boiled peanuts – Finch & Fifth, Augusta
President Jimmy Carter is the only president to have hailed from Georgia, and he was unique among his peers in many ways. One of his most notable unique traits was his pre-political occupation as a peanut farmer. Though President Carter is no longer in the business, Georgia is still the number one producer of this crop for the United States.
It’s no surprise then that the state is known for its peanut dishes, particularly boiled peanuts. At Finch & Fifth in Augusta, this dish is a popular appetizer. Made with a secret spice blend and boiled in Pabst Blue Ribbon, these peanuts sourced from a local farm are a true Georgia delicacy.
Address: 379 Highland Ave., Augusta, GA 30909
Fried chicken biscuit – Empire State South, Atlanta
The whole country loves Georgia’s chicken biscuits thanks to Truett Cathy, the founder of the popular (now national) fast-food chain Chick-fil-A. But, if you’re looking for an upgraded Georgia-exclusive version of this classic, look no further than Empire State South in Atlanta where Chef High Acheson serves some of the best fried chicken biscuits in the state. The dish is a breakfast and brunch gourmet sandwich consisting of a fluffy biscuit, bacon jam, an egg, pimento cheese and locally-sourced fried chicken. It is a necessity to taste when visiting Atlanta.
Address: 999 Peachtree St. NE #140, Atlanta, GA 30309
Pimento cheese – home.made, Athens
Speaking of pimento cheese, this popular dip is served on sandwiches like the fried chicken biscuit, but it is perhaps more well known as a dip-style appetizer at tailgates, parties and restaurants alike. It’s made from cheddar, pimento peppers, spices and mayonnaise. One of the best versions is served at Athens’ home.made restaurant by Chef Mimi Maumus. One bite and you will know why this is one of Georgia’s most famous foods.
Address: 1072 Baxter St., Athens, GA, 30606
Vidalia Onion dip – The Hill, Serenbe
Another of Georgia’s most famous foods is the Vidalia Onion. According to the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986, this crop can only be grown in a twenty-county area in Georgia, so it’s truly a Georgia-exclusive food that Vidalia, Georgia is proud to have. One of the best ways to enjoy these delicious onions is with The Hill at Serenbe’s Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip. It’s served with housemade potato chips and made from Vidalia Onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic and celery salt. Visitors to Serenbe love this dish, and you will too.
Address: 9110 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Fried green tomatoes – The Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette
In the 1990s, the beloved book “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” put Juliette, Georgia on the map when movie producers chose the town to represent the fictional community of Whistle Stop. After the release of the super successful film, the town capitalized on its success by opening their very own Whistle Stop Cafe in a 1927-constructed building at the heart of the small town.
To have the eponymous dish, just head over to Juliette for an order of pale green tomatoes sliced, battered and fried. Pair them with a Mason jar of sweet tea, and you’re all set. Fried green tomatoes can be enjoyed alone or on a sandwich or salad, and they’re a classic Southern delicacy.
Address: 443 McCrackin St., Juliette, GA 31046
Barbecue – Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt, Atlanta
Across the South, each state prides itself on bringing a unique tradition to the art of barbecue. It can be smoked or grilled, shredded or chopped, and brought to you in an array of different cuts.
Georgia’s pork barbecue is some of the best around, and Daddy D’z in Atlanta is one of the best places for this iconic cuisine. It’s been internationally recognized, and their barbecue was once named as the country’s best by The New York Times. You can enjoy their barbecue served in many different ways – but their smoked barbecue pork ribs are a must-try and one of Georgia’s most famous foods without question.
Address: 264 Memorial Dr. SE #2139, Atlanta, GA 30312
Shrimp and grits – The Lodge at Sea Island, St. Simons
It’s impossible to talk about Southern cuisine without mentioning the coastal treat that is shrimp and grits. Consisting of fried, grilled, sauteed or baked shrimp atop a bed of ground corn grits, this is a truly Southern treat that Georgians love to eat.
The shrimp and grits from The Lodge at Sea Island were named the best of the Georgia coast in 2019, and there’s no doubt that they are delicious. With locally caught wild Atlantic shrimp prepared by Chef Bill Welch served with uniquely creamy and tasty stone-ground grits, this dish will ignite your taste buds and have you coming back for seconds.
Address: 100 Retreat Ave., St Simons, GA 31522
Whether you are down south by the sea, visiting Augusta for a golf retreat, or just have a long layover in Atlanta, you can enjoy some of Georgia’s most famous foods year-round all across the state. Georgia’s strong culinary and agricultural traditions come together to produce dishes that inspire and satisfy. Trust us, y’all won’t be disappointed.
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