15 New Restaurants Opening Across Georgia In 2026 You’ll Want On Your Radar
Georgia’s food scene keeps getting better, and this year brings some incredible new places to try.
From beloved classics returning with fresh locations to exciting newcomers making their debut, there’s something for every taste and craving.
I’ve rounded up the hottest openings happening all across the state so you can plan your next delicious adventure.
1. Delish Grill
Comfort food lovers are celebrating because a favorite spot is making its comeback this March in a brand new neighborhood.
The new location will be in the West End, bringing that same affordable, delicious Southern cooking Atlanta has loved for years. You can find it at 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
What makes this reopening special is that they’re bringing along those iconic red wooden booths everyone remembers.
The original Ponce de Leon Avenue spot closed just three months before this announcement, but fans didn’t have to wait long for good news.
Menu favorites like fried chicken, meatloaf, and massive portions will still be the stars of the show.
Prices stay budget-friendly, making it perfect for families or anyone craving hearty meals without spending too much.
This restaurant has built its reputation on serving soul-satisfying dishes that remind you of home cooking at its finest.
2. Chick-fil-A Braselton
Fast food fans in Braselton just got a convenient new option that opened its doors in early January.
Located at 124 Serd Way near the corner of Hwy 53 and Braselton Parkway, this spot offers multiple ways to grab your meal. The address for reference is 2600 Old Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA 30517.
Whether you prefer dining inside, using the drive-thru, or getting delivery straight to your door, they’ve got you covered.
The Mobile Thru option lets you order ahead on your phone and skip the line completely.
Catering services are also available if you’re planning a party or office lunch.
Classic menu items like the original chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and those famous milkshakes are all ready to order.
The location was strategically chosen in a growing area, making it easy for locals and travelers passing through to stop by for a quick, quality meal.
3. Raising Cane’s Midtown Atlanta
Chicken finger enthusiasts are getting excited about a popular chain expanding into the heart of the city.
The Midtown location will open at 626 14th St. NW, taking over a space that currently houses a Krystal. For reference, another location is at 795 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30605.
This brand has built a cult following by focusing on doing one thing exceptionally well: perfectly cooked chicken fingers with their signature Cane’s sauce.
The menu stays simple with chicken finger combos, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and sweet tea.
What sets this place apart is the quality and freshness of every ingredient, with chicken tenders never frozen and sauce made fresh daily.
Metro Atlanta is getting several new locations, showing just how much demand exists for this straightforward but delicious concept.
The Midtown spot will be perfect for downtown workers, students, and anyone exploring the city who wants a satisfying meal fast.
4. Sally’s Apizza
Pizza history is being made as a legendary Connecticut pizzeria announces massive expansion plans across the state.
Founded in New Haven and famous for its coal-fired pies, this establishment is planning to open 15 new locations throughout Georgia. Their original address is 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511.
The specific Georgia locations haven’t been announced yet, but pizza lovers are already buzzing with anticipation.
This pizzeria has been perfecting its craft since the early 1900s, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
Their signature thin-crust pizza gets that perfect char from coal-fired ovens, creating a taste you can’t replicate with regular ovens.
Classic toppings like mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil shine when prepared this way.
Having 15 locations means more Georgians will get to experience authentic New Haven-style pizza without traveling to Connecticut, making this one of the biggest restaurant expansions happening this year.
5. Portillo’s Kennesaw
Chicago-style food just became way easier to find after this beloved chain opened its very first Georgia location last November.
You can visit at 790 Cobb Pl Blvd NW near Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw. The full address is 790 Cobb Place Blvd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
This opening was extra special because it marked the company’s 100th location nationwide.
The menu features Chicago classics like Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs with all the toppings, and chocolate cake shakes.
Their Italian beef comes dipped in gravy with sweet or hot peppers, creating a messy but absolutely delicious experience.
The restaurant also serves burgers, salads, and their famous crinkle-cut fries for anyone not in the mood for Chicago specialties.
Since opening, the location has been packed with curious diners eager to try these Midwest favorites, proving that Georgia was ready for this expansion.
6. The Busy Bee Cafe Atlantic Station
Soul food excellence is coming to a major shopping and entertainment district with a new location from an award-winning restaurant.
Atlantic Station will be home to a 4,000-square-foot space serving up authentic Southern comfort dishes.
The original location is at 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.
This isn’t just any soul food spot it’s earned both a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and James Beard award recognition.
The menu features classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread made from recipes passed down through generations.
What makes this place special is the care and authenticity put into every dish, using traditional cooking methods and quality ingredients.
Opening at Atlantic Station means more people can experience this iconic restaurant without traveling to the original location.
The larger space will accommodate more diners while maintaining that same homestyle cooking and warm atmosphere that made the original famous.
7. Graze Craze Buckhead Midtown
Charcuterie boards are having a moment, and a specialty concept is bringing this trendy food to a new location this February.
The Smyrna spot will open at 3599 Atlanta Rd SE Suite 7, Smyrna, Georgia 30080. Another location is at 2221 Peachtree Rd, Ste N, Atlanta, GA 30309.
This isn’t your average deli—they specialize in creating beautiful, Instagram-worthy boards filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments.
Whether you need catering for a party, a gift for someone special, or just want to treat yourself, they’ve got options.
Boards come in different sizes, from individual snack boxes to massive spreads that feed a crowd.
Quality ingredients make all the difference, with carefully selected artisan cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce arranged artfully.
The convenience of ordering ready-made boards saves you time while still impressing guests, making entertaining so much easier than assembling everything yourself from multiple stores.
8. Shug’s Comfort Food
Home-style cooking is getting a fresh spotlight with a new restaurant dedicated to traditional Southern recipes.
Every dish celebrates the flavors that have defined Georgia cuisine for generations, from breakfast through dinner.
Morning visitors can enjoy fluffy biscuits with sausage gravy, shrimp and grits, or country ham with eggs.
Lunch and dinner bring options like pot roast, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and sides that steal the show.
The sweet potato casserole, green beans cooked with bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes are made from scratch daily.
Desserts include pecan pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding that taste exactly like grandma used to make.
The atmosphere will feel welcoming and casual, perfect for family meals or catching up with friends over comfort food that satisfies your soul and your stomach completely.
9. The Catch
Fresh seafood is taking center stage at a new restaurant bringing ocean flavors inland.
The menu focuses on sustainable catches prepared simply to let the natural flavors shine through.
Grilled fish, steamed shrimp, crab legs, and oysters on the half shell will be daily offerings depending on what’s freshest.
Landlocked Georgians often crave quality seafood, and this spot aims to deliver that coastal experience without the drive to Savannah or the coast.
Preparation styles range from classic fried baskets to lighter grilled options with lemon and herbs.
Sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and seasoned rice complement the seafood perfectly.
The atmosphere will evoke a casual fish shack vibe with nautical touches, making you feel like you’re dining near the water even when you’re miles inland and surrounded by Georgia pines instead of palm trees.
10. Mt View Bar Bq
Barbecue lovers are getting a new destination where slow-smoked meats are the main attraction.
Traditional smoking methods using hickory and oak wood create that deep, rich flavor that makes Georgia barbecue special.
Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken will be served with classic sides and multiple sauce options.
The low-and-slow cooking process takes hours but results in meat so tender it falls off the bone.
Sides like baked beans, potato salad, Brunswick stew, and cornbread round out the hearty plates.
You can choose between tangy vinegar-based sauce, sweet tomato-based sauce, or spicy options depending on your preference.
The casual, family-friendly environment will feature picnic-style seating and a laid-back atmosphere where napkins are plentiful and everyone leaves satisfied with smoky goodness still lingering on their taste buds long after the meal ends.
11. Spice Asian Kitchen
International flavors are coming together under one roof at a restaurant celebrating cuisines from around the world.
The menu will rotate seasonally, featuring dishes from different countries and regions to keep things interesting.
You might find Thai curries one month, Moroccan tagines the next, and authentic Mexican street food after that.
This approach lets adventurous eaters explore global flavors without needing a passport or multiple restaurant visits.
Each dish uses authentic spices and traditional cooking techniques to ensure genuine taste experiences.
Vegetarian and meat options will both be available, accommodating different dietary preferences.
The restaurant aims to educate diners about different cultures through food, with menu descriptions explaining the origins and significance of each dish so you learn something new while enjoying a delicious meal that expands your culinary horizons.
12. Farm Fresh Bistro
Local ingredients take priority at a new restaurant partnering directly with Georgia farmers and producers.
The farm-to-table concept means menus change based on what’s currently in season and available from nearby sources.
Spring might bring dishes featuring fresh asparagus and strawberries, while fall showcases squash, apples, and root vegetables.
Supporting local agriculture benefits the community while ensuring the freshest possible ingredients on your plate.
The chef creates dishes that highlight natural flavors without overcomplicating preparations.
You’ll find salads with greens picked that morning, proteins from nearby farms, and breads baked daily in-house.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond ingredients to composting programs and minimal waste practices, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious diners who appreciate knowing exactly where their food comes from and how it was grown.
13. Fok Noodles Express
Asian noodle dishes are getting their own dedicated space where slurp-worthy bowls are the specialty.
The menu will feature noodle varieties from different Asian cuisines, including ramen, pho, pad thai, and lo mein.
Each style requires different broth preparations, noodle types, and topping combinations to achieve authentic taste.
Ramen bowls might feature rich pork broth simmered for hours, while pho offers lighter beef broth with rice noodles.
Customization options let you choose your protein, spice level, and additional toppings to create your perfect bowl.
Quick service means you won’t wait long, making it ideal for lunch breaks or quick dinners.
The casual counter-service setup keeps prices reasonable while maintaining quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques that result in noodles cooked perfectly and broths bursting with flavor that warms you from the inside out.
14. The Sweet Tooth & Catering
Dessert lovers are getting a dream destination where sweets are the main event, not an afterthought.
The menu will feature everything from classic cakes and pies to trendy desserts like croissant hybrids and gourmet ice cream.
You can indulge in towering milkshakes topped with entire slices of cake, or keep it simple with perfectly baked cookies.
Seasonal offerings will rotate, featuring pumpkin spice treats in fall and refreshing fruit desserts during summer.
The lounge atmosphere encourages lingering over dessert with friends, making it more than just a quick stop.
Late hours mean you can satisfy those after-dinner sweet cravings even when other restaurants have closed.
Instagram-worthy presentations make every dessert photo-ready, but more importantly, they taste as good as they look with quality ingredients and skilled baking techniques that elevate simple sweets into memorable treats worth celebrating.
15. Taco Fiesta Cantina
Mexican food enthusiasts are celebrating a new cantina bringing authentic flavors and festive atmosphere to the neighborhood.
Tacos are the star, with options ranging from traditional carne asada to creative fusion varieties.
Fresh ingredients make the difference, with house-made salsas, hand-pressed tortillas, and meats marinated in traditional spices.
Beyond tacos, the menu includes burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and nachos loaded with toppings.
The bar will serve margaritas in multiple flavors, from classic lime to creative combinations with fresh fruit.
Happy hour specials make it an affordable spot to unwind after work with friends over chips and guacamole.
Colorful decor and upbeat music create a lively environment perfect for celebrations or casual meals, with portion sizes generous enough that you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy the next day when those taco cravings strike again.
