10 Best Restaurants in Macon, GA

When visiting Macon, Ga., you'll quickly discover the incredible selection of eateries that the city has to offer. From flavorful Southern comfort food to inventive international cuisine, you'll find something to delight your tastebuds in this vibrant Southern city. With its diverse culinary scene, Macon is a foodie's paradise.

If you're wondering where to begin, don't worry — we've compiled a list of the must-try local restaurants. Read on to discover where to find delicious meals in Macon.

Dovetail is a fine dining destination serving locally sourced Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Known for their innovative takes on classic dishes, Dovetail is integral to Macon’s growing downtown district. The restaurant has been consistently recognized as Macon’s most booked establishment since its founding in 2012. Dovetail shares ownership with The Rookery, its sister restaurant in Macon. Between its seasonal ingredients and quintessential Georgian feel, every meal at Dovetail feels like an adventure. The restaurant’s classic cocktail bar offers over 70 whiskeys and a balanced beer list with local brews, crafts, and imports.

At The Rookery, you'll find iconic American comfort food and an expansive beer list. This is the perfect spot for a laid-back meal, a place where you can tuck into classic dishes while enjoying the buzzing atmosphere. The menu features fan-favorite comfort foods like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and the best burger in town. Everything from the cheese board appetizer to the pot roast oozes culinary excellence. The atmosphere is casual and energetic whether dining inside or on the patio. Finish with your choice of over 10 milkshakes, including adult shakes with brandy, Jack Daniels, or Patron.

For those who fancy healthy, fresh, and flavorful meals, FOJ is the place to be. The owners started FOJ as a juice bar, and the venture quickly outgrew its original space attached to a fitness facility. The restaurant’s newest space at The Prado has won locals over with hearty portions at reasonable prices. From its humble beginnings, the restaurant now serves savory pasta, filets, and fried shrimp with different specials daily. FOJ now cooks breakfast burgers, smoked salmon bagels, and guacamole sandwiches for Saturday brunch. Its signature fruit smoothies are made with vanilla yogurt or almond milk with accents like flax and basil. Renowned for its refreshing smoothies and creative, nutritious meals, this spot is a haven for foodies seeking wholesome choices.

Oliver's Corner Bistro offers guests an exquisite blend of Southern and European cuisine. Its refined yet relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a special night out or a casual dining experience. The friendly service, comfortable environment, and central location make Oliver’s a go-to gathering place for locals. It opened in 2017 and operates independently as a small business.

For a fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine, look no further than Chico and Chang. This unique eatery combines the best elements of both culinary worlds into a genuinely distinctive menu. The menu features flavorful dishes like kimchi quesadillas and bulgogi tacos. Consistently delivering bold and innovative flavors, Chico and Chang is one of the top carryout restaurants in Macon.

Spanish-inspired cuisine takes center stage at Miramar Raw Bar & Tapas. Lively and fun, it's the ideal spot to share an assortment of flavorful small plates and savor a glass of fine wine. The menu features a wide selection of tapas, including grilled lamb, taco beef, and seafood options. The wine list is extensive, with something to pair with every dish.

Home-style Southern cooking is the highlight at The Bear's Den. This relaxed and friendly establishment delivers Southern comfort food at its finest. Their cafeteria-style menu offers ample portions and different specials daily. You can legitimately order something new every time. Customers only complain that The Bear’s Den keeps short hours, hibernating on weekends.

Owned by a Macon native, Downtown Grill is an upscale English steakhouse offering a sophisticated dining experience. The Grill specializes in prime-cut Black Angus steaks; you can also savor fresh pasta or fish filets in the refined dining area. Patrons can sit at the bar and enjoy a cigar with their scotch, bourbon, or wine.

For those craving a taste of the sea, Kudzu Seafood Company is a must-visit. Their fresh, flavorful dishes will make you feel like you're dining on the coast. Sourcing fish from local anglers, the menu features a variety of seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and scallops. All the restaurant’s breading and sauces are made in-house. If you get the chance, have a drink at The Wheelhouse rooftop bar (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings). 

Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Papouli's Mediterranean Cafe & Market. The authentic dishes, rich in flavors and vibrant colors, transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked coasts of Greece. The menu features various dishes from Greece, Turkey, and other Mediterranean countries. The scratch kitchen combines age-old recipes and the freshest ingredients for a wholesome menu with a genuinely international appeal.

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To top it all off, the broker is available round the clock, guaranteeing a hands-on broker management experience. If you want to buy or sell a home or have questions about the Macon real estate market, contact RE/MAX Tru today.