Blue Ridge, GA, is not only known for its stunning mountain vistas, hiking trails and thriving art scene but also for its vibrant culinary landscape. From farm-to-table freshness to indulgent desserts, this alluring mountain town offers a variety of restaurants that capture the spirit of its creative and welcoming community.
A Fusion of Creativity and Cuisine
Blue Ridge’s culinary experiences are deeply intertwined with the town’s creative energy, Dining feels like an extension of the local art scene. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with care and imagination. To bring a touch of that creativity home, consider aprons or tablecloths featuring my nature-inspired art for a thoughtful and practical memento of your visit to my hometown. 🥃🎨
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
One of the standout features of Blue Ridge’s culinary scene is its emphasis on farm-to-table dining.
Harvest on Main
This local favorite showcases the best of Appalachian flavors with dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. Signature options like herb-crusted trout and roasted seasonal vegetables offer a true taste of Blue Ridge’s rich agricultural heritage. The nationally recognized chef is known for their commitment to serving the highest quality ingredients, including those direct from The Cook’s Farm.
Fightingtown Tavern
This eclectic dining spot is known for its bold, flavorful dishes crafted with regionally sourced ingredients. They also have a billiards and game room with big screens. Any SEC fans out there? Everything is made from scratch, even their ketchup, emphasizing their commitment to fresh, preservative-free food. They also use environmentally conscious cleaning products and eco-friendly containers. ✨
Black Sheep Restaurant
Located in a historic home with elegant indoor and outdoor dining spaces, Black Sheep offers an upscale yet approachable menu featuring creative Southern-inspired dishes like lamb lollipop chops and shrimp and crawfish fritters. This Blue Ridge gem also serves a delicious weekend brunch with options like crab-cake benedict or chicken and red velvet waffles. After indulging your senses, carry that energy into a personalized art session where creativity flows with ease and appreciation.
Southern-Style Restaurants with a Creative Twist
These restaurants showcase the rich culinary traditions of the South while adding a modern touch.
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill
Chester’s is renowned for its upscale American fare with a Southern flair, offering signature dishes like shrimp and grits, deep-fried sticky ribs, and their legendary wings. Their skilled mixologists offer an impressive variety of craft cocktails, adding another innovating aspect to the dining experience. Chester’s is a great choice for a laid-back evening with friends in downtown Blue Ridge.
Whisky & Water
Whisky & Water combines coastal flavors with mountain charm, offering an impressive whiskey selection and a warm, rustic setting. The menu highlights fresh seafood dishes, including clam chowder, fish and chips, and shrimp royale. Known for their exceptional bourbon cocktails, this gastropub is a true find for whiskey enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike. 🌊✨
Grace Prime Steakhouse
Grace Prime Steakhouse delivers an upscale dining experience with premium steaks, expertly prepared seafood, and an elegant ambiance. Whether for a romantic date night or a celebratory occasion, this restaurant blends sophistication with unforgettable flavors.
After savoring a memorable meal, consider taking home an original piece of art from a local artist to commemorate your special time in Blue Ridge.
Best Restaurants with a View
Whether overlooking a serene river or enjoying a rooftop view of the vibrant downtown, these restaurants combine delicious food with special settings.
Boat Dock Bar and Grill
Perched on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge, this seasonal eatery offers a casual outdoor dining experience with fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and tropical inspired cocktails from the tiki bar! Relish your meal while overlooking the marina and soaking in the lake views. 🍹✨
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Nestled along the scenic Toccoa River, this charming restaurant serves freshly caught trout, hearty steaks, and classic Southern favorites. The serene sounds of rushing water and the picturesque indoor and outdoor seating create a rejuvenating mountain dining experience.
Hook and Eye
Located in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Hook and Eye offers lively rooftop views, perfect for a night out with friends or capturing the downtown scene in your sketchbook.
Looking for creative inspiration? Join one of my online art courses to unleash your inner artist and bring your travel memories to life. ✍️🎨
International and Global Cuisine in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge isn’t just about Southern flavors; it also boasts a range of international and global dining options. These restaurants bring a world of flavors to the mountains.
Kizuna Japanese Restaurant
This sushi and noodle bar is known for its high-quality ingredients and attention to traditional Japanese flavors. Kizuna offers fresh sushi and authentic ramen. For a sweet finale, try the fried tempura ice cream!
The Pasta Market
For lovers of Italian cuisine, The Pasta Market offers charcuterie boards and house-made pasta dishes that transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re craving a classic homemade lasagna or savory meatball flatbread, each dish is crafted with care. Enjoy your meal with a Heart of Life card deck to spark lively conversations like you’d find in the heart of Italy. 🍝✨
Poke Jon’s
Customizable poke bowls with a variety of healthy toppings make Poke Jon’s a top choice for health-conscious diners. Their signature Pokerrito allows you to fill a seaweed wrap with your favorite protein and fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer wild-caught ahi tuna, chicken, or vegetarian toppings, Poke Jon’s lets you create a delicious bowl tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The Sweet Shoppe
Known for winning Cupcake Wars, The Sweet Shoppe offers an array of delectable treats, including the best cupcakes in Blue Ridge, perfect for any occasion.
Planning a birthday party? Grab a to-go box of assorted cupcakes and book an art party with me for a fun and creative celebration. Guests will create their own one-of-a-kind party favors to take home!🧁✨
Three Sisters Fudge
Three Sisters Fudge serves up creamy, flavorful fudge in a variety of classic and unique flavors. Whether you’re craving traditional chocolate or something more adventurous, this adorable shop is an ideal spot to indulge your sweet tooth.
The Creamery
The Creamery is a go-to spot for ice cream lovers offering handcrafted artisan flavors. Alongside classic favorites, you’ll find fun and seasonal creations like Eggnog, Smurf, or Harry’s Brew!🍦✨
Mercier Orchards
Famous for their u-pick fruit and apple butter, Mercier’s fried pies are a beloved Blue Ridge treat. These hand-held delights are easy to enjoy on the go or as a sweet addition to a scenic mountain picnic.
Georgia peaches and Granny Smith apples even make an appearance in my Born to Bloom Bright book, symbolizing nourishment and the folk tales passed down through generations. Explore more plant symbolism and bring an encouraging book home with you, 🍏✨
Breakfast Restaurants and Cafés
Blend Superfood Café
Start your day with a nourishing smoothie bowl or avocado toast at this health-conscious café known for its fresh, vibrant, and wholesome menu. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of outdoor activities or prepping for an art party, this café offers a delicious way to energize. 🥑🍓
The Dogwood
This vibrant spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the oldest home in Blue Ridge. Emphasizing a tech-free experience, they provide cell phone cages to encourage meaningful connections with others. They’re known for comfort food, hearty breakfasts with bigfoot biscuits, and unique outdoor seating. Dine beneath the shade of hundred-year-old trees, complemented by a large hand-painted mural.
Want to create your own piece of atmospheric art to take home as a lasting reminder of your time in Blue Ridge? Join me for an intuitive painting session during your visit or explore the energy of Blue Ridge through one of my online courses anytime, anywhere. Alternatively, bring home an original work from a local artist and leave the work to me! 🎨✨
Iron Bridge General Store & Café
A quaint country store and café located right across from the Shallowford Bridge, Iron Bridge offers classic breakfast favorites served with a side of Southern hospitality. Enjoy a friendly, welcoming vibe, eat up, or stock up on camping supplies before heading out on your mountain adventures.
Best Picnic Basket and Take-Out Restaurants
Take advantage of Blue Ridge’s scenic spots by grabbing a delicious meal to-go from these local restaurants for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re soaking in mountain views, enjoying lakeside breezes, or forest bathing, these eateries offer tasty take-out options. Pair your meal with one of my personalized painting picnics to create a truly memorable experience.
Cantaberry
Known for its comforting soups, hearty sandwiches, and homemade desserts, Cantaberry is a popular spot for fresh, delicious meals that are perfect for enjoying outdoors in Blue Ridge. Whether you’re planning a picnic or need a quick, satisfying bite before your next adventure, Cantaberry’s menu offers wholesome options. 🥪🧺
The Rum Cake Lady Cuban Café
This cozy café serves authentic Cuban fare alongside their signature rum cakes, infused with rich flavors that have become a local favorite. Whether you’re craving a hearty Cuban sandwich, savory empanadas, or their famous rum cakes, The Rum Cake Lady offers flavorful take-out options to enjoy during your Blue Ridge picnic or while relaxing at your cabin.
The General Ledger
The General Ledger offers a wide variety of seasonal entrees, including artisan sandwiches and fresh salads, making it an excellent choice for an elegant picnic in Blue Ridge. Sandwich options often include their portabello mushroom sandwich, chicken cordon bleu, ahi tuna burgers, and classic Reubens. Entrees might include striped bass or braised beef short rib. You can also book private events and parties here, making it an ideal location for group gatherings.
Bringing Blue Ridge’s Spirit to Your Home
Aprons, tea towels, and tablecloths featuring my art make perfect companions for your creative moments in the kitchen and a meaningful memento of your trip. Many of the designs were created while painting outdoors and feature botanicals from the area. Every purchase supports my family’s efforts to plant trees, grow gardens, and protect a small woodland wildlife sanctuary. 💌🌱
Stay Connected for Heartfelt Blue Ridge Inspiration
Want exclusive access to seasonal giveaways, discounts, and creative inspiration? Join my newsletter and be automatically entered into drawings for gifts like art prints, signed books, and online creative classes.
If you visit any of the restaurants mentioned here, please tell them I sent you! I’d also love to hear about your experience. Tag me with your photos or share your thoughts. Supporting one another and building community is one of my core values.
Plan Your Perfect Blue Ridge Getaway
Blue Ridge seamlessly blends the Great Outdoors, local flavors, and creative inspiration. Share this page with a friend to start planning your adventure together!
Wineries, Breweries, and Unique Drink Destinations
For those looking to pair take-out or homecooked meals with a glass of something special, Blue Ridge is home to several nearby wineries and breweries. Many offer tastings, tours, and stunning vineyard views.
👉 Explore Blue Ridge’s wineries and breweries, Book your Nature-Inspired Art Journey, and Discover more Things To Do in Blue Ridge