Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Athens
Athens’ dining scene blends Southern charm with culinary innovation, where historic downtown restaurants offer more than just meals—they serve experiences steeped in local flavor and creative cuisine.
From elegant farm-to-table establishments to intimate Italian cafes, Athens’ top restaurants showcase the city’s rich gastronomic landscape, transforming each dining moment into a memorable celebration of taste.
Discover Athens’ most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Athens
- Last Resort Grill
- The National
- Five & Ten
- South Kitchen + Bar
- De Palma's Italian Cafe
- ZZ & Simone's
- Porterhouse Grill
- Slater's Steakhouse
- Osteria Athena
- Savannah Room Restaurant
De Palma's Italian Cafe
What to Expect
Handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas
Description
Casual neighborhood Italian cafe in Athens serving traditional pasta, pizza, and classic Italian entrees. Intimate dining room features rustic decor and a welcoming atmosphere. Signature handmade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas highlight authentic Italian culinary techniques in a relaxed setting.
Restaurant Details
More Info: De Palma's Italian Cafe ↗
Five & Ten
What to Expect
James Beard Award-winning chef's Southern contemporary culinary vision
Description
Nestled in Athens' historic Milledge Avenue, Five & Ten offers an intimate fine dining experience with Southern-inspired cuisine crafted by acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson. The restaurant features a sophisticated dining room with warm, rustic elegance, showcasing seasonally-driven menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients from Georgia's agricultural landscape.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Five & Ten ↗
Last Resort Grill
What to Expect
Southwestern-inspired southern cuisine with historic music club legacy
Description
Southwestern-inspired southern cuisine restaurant nestled in Athens, Georgia, featuring a rich musical heritage from its original 1966 music club roots. The restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that celebrates local culinary traditions, with a commitment to excellent service and delicious regional-inspired dishes.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Last Resort Grill ↗
Osteria Athena
What to Expect
Mediterranean-inspired Italian cuisine in downtown Athens
Description
Nestled in Athens, this intimate Italian restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with carefully crafted Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The restaurant features an elegant dining room with warm lighting and a menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Osteria Athena ↗
Porterhouse Grill
What to Expect
Goat cheese butter accompaniment with premium steaks
Description
A downtown Athens steakhouse offering refined American cuisine with an emphasis on premium cuts and an inviting dining atmosphere. The restaurant features succulent steaks prepared to individual preferences, complemented by signature cocktails and an extensive wine selection. Tableside service and carefully curated menu options highlight locally sourced ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Porterhouse Grill ↗
Savannah Room Restaurant
What to Expect
Contemporary Southern fusion cuisine by Executive Chef Rob Harrison
Description
Nestled in the UGA Hotel, the Savannah Room offers a contemporary Southern fusion dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and chef-inspired creations. The restaurant serves sophisticated lunch and dinner menus showcasing innovative dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Salmon Risotto, and creative desserts in an elegant hotel dining setting.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Savannah Room Restaurant ↗
Slater's Steakhouse
What to Expect
Locally sourced prime beef cuts aged in-house
Description
Slater's Steakhouse offers an intimate Athens dining experience featuring premium aged steaks in an elegant setting. The restaurant provides white-tablecloth service with carefully curated cuts of prime beef, complemented by an extensive wine selection and sophisticated dark wood-paneled dining rooms.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Slater's Steakhouse ↗
South Kitchen + Bar
What to Expect
Southern-inspired cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques
Description
South Kitchen + Bar offers an inviting modern American dining experience in downtown Athens, featuring an open, contemporary dining room with a warm atmosphere. The restaurant showcases locally-sourced Southern cuisine prepared with creative techniques, complemented by craft cocktails and an attentive service style that highlights regional culinary traditions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: South Kitchen + Bar ↗
The National
What to Expect
Seasonal Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Nestled in downtown Athens, The National offers an intimate dining experience with seasonally-inspired Southern cuisine. The restaurant features a sophisticated dining room and covered patio, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and a carefully curated menu that changes to reflect regional availability.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The National ↗
ZZ & Simone's
What to Expect
Seasonal New American cuisine with local ingredient focus
Description
Intimate Athens restaurant featuring seasonally-driven New American cuisine in a sophisticated dining room. Offers carefully crafted menus that highlight local ingredients, with an elegant yet approachable atmosphere. Weekend brunch and dinner service showcase creative culinary techniques and thoughtful ingredient pairings.
Restaurant Details
More Info: ZZ & Simone's ↗
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