This Buffet Was Just Named A Must-Try All-You-Can-Eat Destination In Georgia

Pacing yourself at a buffet is a skill nobody fully masters. The first plate is always a rookie mistake.

Too much mac and cheese, not enough room for the fried chicken waiting two pans down. I call that a happy problem, and this Georgia spot hands it out generously.

A recent nod named it a must-try for anyone who loves an all-you-can-eat spread. The praise makes sense the moment you see the steam trays.

Crispy chicken, tender greens, buttery cornbread, and glazed sweet potatoes line up like old friends. Desserts wait at the end, tempting you to save space you probably will not have.

The mood stays casual and friendly, and second helpings feel downright encouraged. Loosen your belt a notch before you go.

A few meals in Georgia are worth planning an entire day around, and this is one of them.

A Buffet With Real Bragging Rights

Praise from big food writers usually goes to fancy places with tiny plates. This buffet earned it with fried chicken and cornbread instead.

In February 2026, DiningOut included The Tomatoes Country Buffet among its recommended buffet spots in the Atlanta area.

The attention did not stop there. In February 2026, it landed on a list of the best buffets in the Atlanta metro area.

That list included sushi, Korean barbecue, and brunch spots, so Southern comfort food held its own in tough company.

My first visit happened before I knew any of this. I simply wanted a filling lunch without a long wait or a big bill.

Learning about the recognition later made me smile. It felt like finding out your favorite neighbor once won a cooking contest.

So what earns a buffet this kind of buzz? The answer sits in the trays, the prices, and the friendly room, and we will cover each one.

For now, know that the spot you want to find is The Tomatoes Country Buffet in Kennesaw, Georgia. The restaurant sits in a shopping center at 840 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW #478.

Parking is plentiful, so you will not circle the lot for ages.

Fried Green Tomatoes Steal The Show

A restaurant with tomatoes in its name had better nail this dish. Thankfully, it does, and people talk about it constantly.

The slices come out golden with a crunchy coating. Inside, the green tomato stays tangy and a little firm, which balances all that crisp edge.

I made a rookie mistake on my first trip. I grabbed just two pieces, thinking I should save room for everything else.

By the time I went back, the next batch had just landed in the tray. Fresh and hot, they were even better than the first round.

Fried green tomatoes are a true Southern tradition. Cooks used firm, unripe tomatoes long before they turned red, and the habit stuck around for good reason.

Here is my practical tip for you. Take a small portion at first, then go back when you see a fresh pan come out.

They also pair nicely with other dishes. Try one next to a scoop of mashed potatoes, or eat them plain as a crunchy snack between bites of greens.

Plenty of travelers stop just for this dish. After tasting it, I understand why.

Crispy Chicken Worth The Second Trip

Chicken fans, you can relax now. The menu covers it in more ways than one.

Fried chicken is the star, and it often shows up crisp, hot, and full of flavor. The crust crackles when you bite in, while the meat stays juicy underneath.

Baked chicken and barbecue chicken sit nearby every day. That gives you a lighter option or a sticky, sweet one without leaving the line.

My strategy is simple. I start with one fried piece and one baked piece, then decide which deserves a return visit.

Most days the fried one wins. Still, the barbecue chicken has surprised me with its smoky sauce more than once.

Wings sometimes appear too, along with fried and baked gizzards on certain days. Those are classic country choices that many buffets skip.

Families with picky eaters will appreciate the variety here. Kids who only eat plain chicken can find something they like, while adults explore bolder flavors.

One helpful tip is to watch for fresh trays. Chicken straight from the kitchen is at its crunchiest, so timing your trip to the line can make a tasty difference.

Sides That Taste Like Sunday Dinner

Grandma would approve of this vegetable lineup. It reads like a holiday table that shows up every single day.

Mac and cheese is a crowd favorite, cheesy and comforting in every scoop. Next to it, you will find mashed potatoes, green beans, collard greens, and sweet corn.

Cornbread and dinner rolls finish the picture. I like crumbling cornbread over my greens, a move I picked up as a kid.

The vegetable choices go beyond the basics on some days. Steamed cabbage, broccoli casserole, and sweet potatoes can appear on the line too.

That variety helps if you want a lighter plate. You can build a meal mostly from vegetables and still feel full and happy.

The flavors tend to feel balanced rather than overly salty. That means you can try several sides without your taste buds feeling worn out.

My advice is to use a separate plate for sides. Mixing too many on one dish turns it into a delicious but confusing puddle.

Take small scoops, find your favorites, then go back for bigger helpings. A buffet rewards a little planning.

Rotating Specials Keep Things Interesting

Visiting on a Tuesday can feel different from a Friday. The daily specials rotate, so the line changes throughout the week.

Country fried steak with gravy is a hearty highlight when it appears. The breading soaks up that creamy gravy in the best way.

Other specials include beef tips, Salisbury steak, smoked sausages, and pulled pork. On some days, you might also see salmon croquettes, jambalaya, fried fish, or barbecue ribs.

Fried chicken livers show up for fans of old-school country cooking. They are not for everyone, but folks who love them really love them.

Barbecue meatloaf and pot roast have also earned plenty of praise. Both feel like slow Sunday cooking without the hours in your own kitchen.

I enjoy this rotation because it keeps me curious. Each visit gives me a reason to peek at every tray before grabbing a plate.

Otherwise, just go with the flow. Trying something new is half the fun.

Greens That Earn Their Own Spotlight

Salad bars at buffets often get ignored. Here, it might be the most talked-about part of the room.

Fresh greens, tomatoes, and onions form the base. From there, you can add coleslaw, three-bean salad, potato salad, and chicken salad with walnuts.

A kale salad sometimes joins the mix with a sweet and tangy citrus flavor. It is a bright surprise in a room full of rich comfort food.

The dressing deserves special mention. People rave about it so much that some would come back for it alone.

I started treating the salad bar as my opening act. A crisp, cool plate first makes the fried chicken taste even better afterward.

It also helps you pace yourself. Starting light means you are less likely to feel stuffed halfway through the meal.

Everything stays well stocked and tidy, which matters at a self-serve station. Gloves are even set out for guests, a thoughtful touch for keeping things clean.

So grab a small bowl and explore. You may find your new favorite side hiding among the leafy greens.

Save Room For Pie And Cobbler

Dessert at a Southern buffet is not optional. It is practically part of the deal.

Peach cobbler brings warm fruit under a soft, buttery topping. It tastes like a Georgia summer afternoon, which makes sense for the Peach State.

Banana pudding is another classic on the line. Creamy layers and soft bananas make it a nostalgic treat for many Southern families.

Buttermilk pie may be the sleeper hit. It is smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy, with a custard texture that melts on your tongue.

Fun fact for you. Buttermilk pie became popular in Southern kitchens because it used simple pantry ingredients that most homes already had.

I always tell myself I will only try one dessert. Then I stand in front of the tray and my willpower quietly leaves the building.

My honest tip is to grab small samples. A spoonful of each lets you taste everything without feeling overly full.

The dessert choices are not huge, but they cover the classics well. Pair one with a hot cup of coffee and you have a sweet, satisfying finish.

Prices That Make Seconds Easy

Good news for your wallet comes with every plate. Dining in usually costs between about 10 and 30 dollars per person.

Drinks are often included in that price, coffee too. A server brings refills to your table, so you can focus on filling your plate.

That setup feels like a small luxury. You get the freedom of a buffet with the comfort of table service.

Families can enjoy the same all-you-can-eat setup, with plenty of familiar Southern dishes available across the buffet.

A brunch buffet has also been added. Breakfast favorites like bacon lead right into the lunch line, so you can enjoy both in one visit.

Takeout works in a clever way here. You fill containers yourself, and they are weighed at checkout.

I love that option on busy nights. It means comfort food at home without cooking or washing a single pot.

Prices can change, so check the website or call before you go. Either way, the value for this much variety is hard to beat.

Planning Your Visit The Smart Way

A little planning makes a great meal even better. Luckily, this one is easy to figure out.

Doors open every day at 10:30 AM and close at 9 PM. That schedule works for early lunches, late dinners, and everything between.

Sunday after church can get very busy. If you prefer a calmer meal, try a weekday or arrive right when they open.

Groups of eight or more can make reservations Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The room itself feels casual and clean, like a friendly diner. Some guests even find the buffet area decorated in a surprisingly elegant way.

Servers are known for being attentive and kind. Plates get cleared quickly, and drink refills arrive without much waiting.

My final tip is simple. Come hungry, walk the whole line once, then build your plate with confidence and a smile.