The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Georgia
Savannah, just off the Georgia coast about two hours southeast of Atlanta, offers a charming gateway to one of the South’s most iconic culinary treasures: the shrimp and grits that have become synonymous with coastal Georgia cuisine. At Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, located within the historic district, visitors can savor this dish amid communal tables in a setting full of Southern hospitality. The shrimp here arrive fresh from the Atlantic, often caught off nearby Tybee Island, and are simmered with spices and bacon, creating a rich sauce that perfectly coats the creamy, stone-ground grits. Eating here during a warm spring evening, when the moss-draped oaks soften the golden light, adds to the experience of tasting a living tradition in a city steeped in history.
Traveling inland about 90 minutes west of Atlanta, the small town of Vidalia celebrates a different kind of Southern staple: the Vidalia onion. At the Vidalia Onion Museum and Welcome Center, visitors learn about the unique sandy soil and mild climate that produce these sweet, juicy onions unlike any other in the world. Nearby farms open their gates during harvest season, inviting visitors to stroll through fields vibrant with rows of bright green stalks ready to be pulled. Sampling local dishes at nearby restaurants, which showcase Vidalia onions caramelized in everything from burgers to salads, reveals why this humble onion has earned a place on menus far beyond the South.
Down in Athens, about an hour northeast of Atlanta, the tradition of sweet tea—often called “the house wine of the South”—takes on a lively twist. At the iconic Five & Ten restaurant, James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson incorporates the beloved beverage into innovative Southern dishes and cocktails. The city’s laid-back vibe and college-town energy make sipping a perfectly brewed, ice-cold glass of sweet tea on the patio feel like an essential part of a warm Georgia afternoon. Visiting in the heat of summer, when the sun sets late over the University of Georgia campus, reveals how deeply this drink is woven into the fabric of local life.
Driving south from Atlanta for about 90 minutes toward Macon brings travelers to the Ocmulgee National Monument, a place where history and food culture intersect. While exploring the ancient mounds built by the Mississippian culture, visitors can also discover how Native American ingredients like corn and beans influenced early Southern cooking. Nearby farms and markets offer fresh produce, including heirloom varieties that harken back to these indigenous roots. Sampling foods rooted in this heritage at local farm-to-table restaurants around Macon connects modern palates to centuries-old traditions tied to the land.
In the northern reaches of the state, Dahlonega—about an hour north of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—hosts a distinct food scene influenced by its Appalachian location. Here, the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site stands near restaurants that serve up Southern-style barbecue, another Georgia staple with deep roots. The smoky, slow-cooked meats—often pork shoulder or ribs—are infused with tangy, vinegar-based sauces unique to the region. Visiting in the crisp fall months allows diners to enjoy the golden hues of the surrounding mountains as they experience this hallmark of Southern comfort food in a mountain town setting.
Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District, just minutes from downtown, is a modern hub where classic Southern flavors meet contemporary culinary innovation. At places like Miller Union, diners encounter dishes that pay homage to Georgia’s agricultural bounty, including the state’s famed peaches. Here, peaches—Georgia’s official state fruit—are transformed into everything from desserts to savory accompaniments, showcasing their juicy sweetness year-round thanks to creative preservation techniques. Visiting in late summer or early fall, the peach season, offers the best chance to try fresh local varieties alongside dishes that elevate this fruit to gourmet status.
About two hours south of Atlanta, Albany offers a taste of Georgia’s pecan tradition, centered around the Georgia Pecan Festival held annually in the downtown district. The region’s warm climate and fertile soil produce pecans with a rich, buttery flavor that Southern bakers cherish. Sampling pecan pies and pralines at local bakeries around the festival or year-round in town reveals why Georgia is a leading pecan producer. The sweet crunch of these nuts complements the deep, earthy flavors found in other southern delicacies, creating a well-rounded sensory experience rooted in the South’s agricultural heritage.
Each of these places offers a window into Georgia’s culinary soul, inviting visitors to taste the stories woven through the state’s landscapes and cultures. Whether it’s savoring shrimp and grits beneath Spanish moss in Savannah or biting into a peach-inspired dessert in Atlanta, the unique foods and drinks that call Georgia home come alive best when paired with their surroundings, making every bite a journey through the heart of the South.