These 16 Georgia Dining Spots Make Side Dishes The Real Reason To Visit
The table fills up fast, and suddenly the sides are getting more attention than the main dish. Across Georgia, that is not unusual, it is expected. Southern cooking here treats every plate, bowl, and scoop like it matters just as much as the centerpiece.
Mac and cheese comes out rich and creamy, cornbread lands warm with that perfect buttery edge, and collard greens carry slow-cooked depth that feels like it took all day for a reason. These are not extras, they are the dishes people remember.
What makes it stand out is how seriously it is all taken. Restaurants build their reputations on consistency, getting those sides exactly right every single time. Regulars return for specific flavors, knowing they will taste just the way they should.
There is also something communal about it. Plates are passed, bites are shared, and meals feel more complete because of everything spread across the table. It turns dining into more of an experience than just a meal.
For anyone exploring Georgia’s food scene, these 16 spots prove that the sides are not just supporting players, they are often the reason people keep coming back.
1. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Savannah
Few dining experiences in the South carry the kind of warm, lived-in history that Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room does. Located at 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401, this beloved institution has been serving family-style Southern meals since 1943, and the sides are the undisputed stars of every table. Guests sit together at long communal tables and pass bowls of collard greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams, and cornbread dressing like they have known each other for years.
The mac and cheese here has a loyal following all its own, baked until golden with a creamy, cheesy pull that feels like a Sunday supper memory. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is strongly recommended, especially on weekdays when locals fill the line quickly. The restaurant is open for lunch only, Tuesday through Friday, making it a midday destination worth planning an entire Savannah itinerary around.
2. The Colonnade, Atlanta
Atlanta has had a complicated relationship with its old-school dining institutions, but The Colonnade has held its ground with quiet confidence for decades. Situated at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, this classic Southern meat-and-three spot has been feeding the city since 1927, and regulars will tell you the sides are why they keep coming back. Collard greens cooked low and slow, fluffy yeast rolls, and a mac and cheese that has sparked genuine debate among devoted fans are just a few of the reasons to pull up a chair.
The dining room has a wonderfully unhurried pace, making it a great spot for a long, leisurely lunch. Weekend waits can stretch, so a weekday visit tends to offer a smoother experience. The menu does not change dramatically from week to week, which is exactly the kind of dependable comfort that loyal Atlanta diners have come to count on.
3. Dillard House, Dillard
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dillard House offers a dining experience that feels like stepping into a mountain grandmother’s kitchen on the best possible day. The restaurant at 768 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537 serves rotating family-style meals where the sides change daily based on what is fresh and seasonal. Homemade biscuits, slow-cooked green beans, fried okra, and creamy mashed potatoes regularly appear on the table in generous, shareable portions.
The setting adds an extra layer of charm, with mountain views framing what is already a deeply satisfying meal. Because the menu shifts daily, no two visits are exactly alike, which gives regulars a reason to return again and again through the seasons. Dillard House also offers lodging on the property, making it easy to combine a mountain getaway with a meal that deserves its own travel day entirely.
4. Watershed on Peachtree, Atlanta
Watershed on Peachtree brings a refined but deeply rooted approach to Southern cooking, where side dishes are treated with the same precision as any main course. Located at 1820 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, this restaurant has earned a strong reputation for taking classic Southern ingredients and presenting them with thoughtful technique. Roasted seasonal vegetables, stone-ground grits, and slow-braised greens show up alongside proteins but frequently steal the conversation at the table.
The atmosphere leans polished without feeling stiff, making it suitable for a business lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend evenings when the dining room fills steadily. The menu rotates to reflect Georgia’s agricultural seasons, so visiting in summer might mean different sides than a fall trip, and both visits will likely feel equally rewarding.
It is the kind of place that earns a permanent spot on a regular dining rotation.
5. Weaver D’s Fine Foods, Athens
Weaver D’s Fine Foods in Athens, Georgia is the kind of place that feels like a secret even though it has been hiding in plain sight for decades. Found at 1016 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601, this soul food counter is famous partly because R.E.M. borrowed its motto for an album title, but mostly because the food stands entirely on its own merit. The sides here are straightforward, soulful, and deeply satisfying, with mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens served with the kind of confidence that only comes from years of practice.
The counter-service setup keeps things casual and quick, which fits the college-town energy of Athens perfectly. Lunch hours tend to be the busiest, so arriving a little before the noon rush is a smart move. Portions are generous and prices remain accessible, making Weaver D’s a genuinely democratic dining experience that welcomes everyone equally.
6. The Smith House, Dahlonega
Gold rush history and family-style Southern cooking come together at The Smith House, a Dahlonega landmark that has been feeding visitors since 1922. The restaurant at 84 S Chestatee St, Dahlonega, GA 30533 serves rotating all-you-can-eat Southern meals where the table practically groans under the weight of side dishes. Creamed corn, fried apples, pickled beets, and slow-cooked pinto beans are passed around with the kind of casual generosity that makes first-time guests feel immediately at home.
Dahlonega itself is a charming mountain town worth exploring before or after the meal, with antique shops and local wineries nearby. The Smith House is a popular destination for weekend day-trippers from Atlanta, so weekday visits tend to be quieter and more relaxed. The property also includes a historic inn, giving visitors the option to extend their stay and enjoy a second helping of that legendary side dish spread the following morning.
7. Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar, Atlanta
Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar brings a lively, modern energy to classic Southern comfort food, and the sides here are every bit as exciting as the name suggests. Located at 349 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States this Auburn Avenue spot layers bold flavors and creative presentation onto deeply familiar Southern building blocks. Mac and cheese comes out rich and bubbling, collard greens carry a slow-cooked depth, and the cornbread has a slightly sweet edge that keeps you reaching for another piece.
The Ice Bar component adds a social, celebratory atmosphere that makes this spot equally suited to a casual dinner or a night out with a group. The Auburn Avenue neighborhood has deep cultural significance in Atlanta, and dining here feels connected to that larger story in a meaningful way. Weekend evenings tend to be lively and louder, while earlier weeknight visits offer a more relaxed pace for savoring every bite.
8. The Grey, Savannah
Set inside a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey is one of Savannah’s most celebrated dining destinations, and its approach to Southern sides is anything but ordinary. The restaurant at 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401 pairs impeccable technique with Georgia’s deep agricultural traditions, resulting in side dishes that feel both rooted and inventive. Fermented vegetables, stone-ground grits with nuanced seasoning, and roasted root vegetables appear as carefully considered accompaniments that easily outshine many entrees elsewhere.
The Art Deco interior creates a dining atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Georgia, with curved booths and warm lighting that make every meal feel like a special occasion. Reservations fill up quickly, often weeks in advance, so planning ahead is essential for anyone hoping to experience this landmark spot. A visit to The Grey is as much about absorbing Savannah’s layered history as it is about the exceptional food on the plate.
9. Cafe Sunflower, Atlanta
Not every great Southern side dish involves meat drippings or butter, and Cafe Sunflower has been proving that point with style since 1986. Tucked into Sandy Springs at 2140 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States this long-running vegetarian restaurant has built a devoted following by making plant-based sides that are genuinely satisfying rather than merely virtuous. Roasted seasonal vegetables, grain salads, and creative bean preparations rotate through the menu with enough variety to reward repeat visits throughout the year.
The dining room has a calm, unhurried atmosphere that feels like a genuine retreat from Atlanta’s busy pace. Portions tend to be generous, and the menu clearly labels allergen information, which makes navigating dietary needs straightforward for most guests. Weekend brunch is particularly popular, bringing in a crowd that appreciates both the food and the relaxed weekend energy.
Cafe Sunflower demonstrates that Southern hospitality and thoughtful cooking extend well beyond the meat-and-three tradition.
10. The National, Athens
Athens has always had a creative, independent spirit, and The National captures that energy perfectly in both its atmosphere and its menu. Located at 232 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601, this beloved restaurant draws on Mediterranean and global influences while staying grounded in local Georgia ingredients, creating side dishes that feel genuinely surprising and satisfying. Roasted chickpeas, seasonal grain preparations, and slow-cooked legumes appear alongside proteins but frequently earn the most enthusiastic conversation at the table.
The cozy, art-filled dining room has a neighborhood feel that makes it easy to linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends when the University of Georgia crowd fills the room. The menu shifts with the seasons, so a summer visit and a winter visit will offer notably different side dish experiences, both worth the trip.
The National is a consistent reminder that Athens punches well above its size in the dining world.
11. Holman and Finch Public House, Atlanta
Holman and Finch Public House occupies a comfortable middle ground between casual gastropub and serious kitchen, and the side dishes reflect that balance beautifully. Situated at 1201 Peachtree St NE Building 400, Suite #160, Atlanta, GA 30361, United States this Peachtree Road staple has developed a loyal following for its thoughtful approach to Southern-inflected bar food, where the accompaniments to any main dish are treated with real care. House-made pickles, roasted root vegetables, and deeply seasoned braised greens appear regularly and disappear from plates quickly.
The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with exposed brick and low lighting creating a space that feels comfortable for both a solo weeknight dinner and a group gathering. The late-night burger, available after a certain hour, has its own legendary status in Atlanta food circles, but arriving for a full dinner service gives the side dishes their proper moment to shine. Weekday evenings tend to be calmer than weekends, making them ideal for a more relaxed visit.
12. Bones Restaurant, Atlanta
Bones Restaurant has been Atlanta’s definitive upscale steakhouse since 1979, and while the prime cuts draw the crowds, the side dishes have quietly built their own devoted fan base over the decades. Located at 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, this Buckhead institution serves classic steakhouse accompaniments with the kind of precision and consistency that only comes from decades of practice. Creamed spinach, hash browns cooked to a perfect crisp, and richly buttered vegetables arrive at the table as polished and satisfying as anything on the main menu.
The dining room carries a timeless, clubby elegance with dark wood paneling and white tablecloths that signal a genuinely special occasion. Reservations are strongly recommended and should be made well in advance for weekend evenings. Bones is the kind of restaurant that feels like it belongs to a different, more unhurried era of dining, and that quality is a significant part of its enduring appeal to Atlanta’s business and social community.
13. Empire State South, Atlanta
Empire State South brings a farm-to-table sensibility to Southern cooking without losing any of the warmth or generosity that defines the tradition. Located at 999 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, this Midtown Atlanta restaurant sources heavily from Georgia farms and lets seasonal ingredients drive the menu, which means the side dishes shift meaningfully throughout the year. Stone-ground grits, roasted beets, fermented vegetable preparations, and slow-cooked field peas regularly appear as thoughtful accompaniments that reflect both the season and the state’s agricultural richness.
The space is bright and welcoming, with a covered patio that makes outdoor dining comfortable during Atlanta’s milder months. Brunch here has earned particular praise, with side dishes like cheese grits and roasted sweet potatoes appearing alongside egg-forward mains. Weekday lunch is a quieter alternative to the popular weekend brunch rush, offering a similarly satisfying menu with a more relaxed pace and easier seating options for smaller groups.
14. The Public Kitchen and Bar, Augusta
Savannah is best known for golf, but The Public Kitchen and Bar has given the city a dining destination worth visiting even when the azaleas are not blooming. Situated at 1 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401, United States this Broad Street restaurant offers a menu that balances approachable comfort food with genuine culinary ambition, and the side dishes reflect that dual personality well. Roasted seasonal vegetables, house-made bread, and creative potato preparations appear alongside proteins with a consistency and quality that keeps regulars coming back between Masters weeks.
The dining room has an easy, convivial energy that works equally well for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory group meal. The bar program is strong, and pairing one of the craft cocktails with a spread of side dishes makes for a satisfying lighter meal. Broad Street itself has been experiencing a steady revitalization, and The Public Kitchen and Bar is one of the anchors of that growing culinary neighborhood in Augusta.
15. Husk Savannah
Husk Savannah occupies a gorgeous 1893 building in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, and the food inside matches the setting with a commitment to Southern heritage that feels both sincere and sophisticated. The restaurant at 12 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401, United States operates under a philosophy of using only ingredients grown or raised in the South, which gives every side dish a genuine sense of place. Slow-cooked field peas, cast-iron cornbread, roasted heritage vegetables, and pickled accompaniments appear on the menu with a depth of flavor that reflects careful sourcing and technique.
The historic building adds atmosphere that no amount of interior design could replicate, with creaking floors and tall windows that frame views of Savannah’s legendary live oaks. Reservations fill quickly, particularly during Savannah’s busy tourism seasons in spring and fall. Arriving for an early dinner service tends to offer a quieter experience before the room reaches its full, buzzing weekend energy.
Husk is a genuinely essential stop on any serious Savannah food tour.
16. Staplehouse, Atlanta
Staplehouse operates with a quiet intensity that has made it one of Atlanta’s most talked-about restaurants since it opened, and the side dishes here are as carefully considered as anything on the tasting menu. Found at 541 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, this Inman Park restaurant is also connected to The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit supporting food service workers in need, which gives every meal a meaningful context beyond the plate. Roasted vegetables, house-fermented accompaniments, and seasonal grain preparations appear with a precision that rewards slow, attentive eating.
The dining room is small and intimate, with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that belies the seriousness of the cooking happening in the kitchen. Reservations are essential and can be competitive to secure, particularly for weekend dinner slots. A meal at Staplehouse tends to feel like a full experience rather than just dinner, with the side dishes contributing as much to that feeling as any of the main courses that arrive between them.
