“On the twisting roads near glorious Cloudland Canyon, this always-clamoring little gem serves up specialties like the “slash-and-burn” catfish, a hefty feast of fried fish smothered in black bean sauce. BYOB.” Read More

1. The Georgian Room

Sea Island’s toniest restaurant manages to win national awards and accolades – as well as the affections of its largely Georgia-Florida clientele – with straightforward presentations of full-on flavors. No foams, no sous vides, just the essence of the freshest ingredients, many of them from nearby Sapelo Farms.

Sea Island, 800.732.4752, ext 4347.

2. Restaurant Eugene

Chef Linton Hopkins is forging the way for the South’s next generation of cooks, creating a refined, elegant cuisine from pork belly, deviled eggs and house-made soda crackers.

2277 Peachtree Road (in the Aramont), Atlanta, 404.355.0321.

3. Glen-Ella Springs Lodge

Thankfully, new owners Ed and Luci Kivett revere good food and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere as much as previous owners Bobby and Barrie Aycock. The old BYOB policy is gone – the dining room is now considered a tasting room for Habersham Winery, and offers several Georgia wines.

1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville, 877.456.7527.

4. Greyfield Inn

One day, this mystical property will revert to the National Park Service. Until then, you still have the chance to experience this singular, historic inn and its equally unique guests – not to mention the unspoiled beaches and well-made suppers. Staying overnight is unforgettable, but expensive; however, day trips and dinner visits are also often offered.

Cumberland Island, 866.401.8581 or 904.261.6408.

5. Park 75

Chef Robert Gerstenecker’s rarified menus have a much more pronounced Southern accent these days, available at Atlanta’s only true chef’s table. Four Seasons Hotel, 75 Fourteenth St., Atlanta, 404.253.3840.

6. Canyon Grill

On the twisting roads near glorious Cloudland Canyon, this always-clamoring little gem serves up specialties like the “slash-and-burn” catfish, a hefty feast of fried fish smothered in black bean sauce. BYOB.

Scenic Hwy. 189 at Hwy. 136, Rising Fawn, 706.398.9510.

7. Five and Ten

Celebrated chef Hugh Acheson mirrors the Atlanta model, partnering with Chef Peter Dale and opening less-expensive sister restaurant the Nation-al, with the best lunch in town. Still, Acheson’s quirkily delicious original is one of the best restaurants in the region.

1653 South Lumpkin St., Athens, 706.546.7300.

8. Bacchanalia

What is perhaps Atlanta’s best-loved and most-honored restaurant has its most consistently amazing food – and cheese selections. We hope that a recent visit, involving loud, rowdy neighboring diners and an unscheduled move to downstairs’ Quinones, was an aberration.

1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, 404.365.0410.

9. MF Buckhead

Brothers Chris and Alex Kinjo (Nam, MF Sushibar) took a giant leap of faith by opening this gorgeous, massive paean to sushi and Japanese culture. This year, diners were finally welcomed into the even more exclusive “omakase” room, with specialized tasting menus.

3280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, 404.841.1192.

10. Elizabeth on 37th

After all these years, it’s still Savan-nah’s best, even after visionary chef Elizabeth Terry retired from the kitchen. Still, the Alice Waters of the Southeast was one of the first in the region to champion local, seasonal ingredients, and today young chefs at newer hotspots like Local 11 Ten and Cha Bella are following her lead.

105 E. 37th St., Savannah, 912.236.5547.