Sure, you can find great food anywhere, but there’s nothing like experiencing a city through its local flavors. So, if you’re looking to eat well at one of Augusta’s hometown favorites, start right here.
Restaurants are open for lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified.
Hidden Gems
SolFood Kitchen, Surrey Center. Tucked in a corner of Augusta’s prettiest shopping center, SolFood Kitchen is an oasis for vegans and vegetarians looking for delicious and beautifully curated options inspired by the South.
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Chef’s House, Medical District, open only for lunch. In this tiny pink gem of a restaurant ,Chef George and his wife Tammy serve up a tasty Southern buffet that uses seasonings to perfection.
Hildebrandt’s, downtown Augusta, open only for lunch. If you’re planning an afternoon at the course, say hi to Luanne at Hildebrandt’s first. She makes some of the best sandwiches in Augusta in the deli her family has run since 1879.
Kinja Sushi, Washington Road. Ignore the no-frills atmosphere—the chefs at Kinja present platters of always fresh sushi and other Japanese and Asian specialties, including massive noodle bowls.
McNeely’s Place, North Augusta, open only for lunch, closed Saturdays but open Sunday. Down-home cooking in the setting of a gracious old home? Sign me up for one of their meat and two plates, or a signature salad or sandwich.
Sweet Azalea Café, Monte Sano Avenue, open only Tuesday to Friday this week. I love their meat-and-two plates too, but this week, they’re serving up Par-Tee Kits to go, featuring classic Augusta golf favorites like pimento cheese and egg salad plus shrimp Dijon, cowboy chicken and more!
Knuckle Sandwiches, downtown Augusta. Need a late-night nosh after a little carousing? Try one of their yummy sandwiches on toasted bread loaded with meat and melty cheese or plump wings seasoned and drizzled with hot sauce with a side of fries.
Old Favorites, Casual
Old MacDonald Fish Camp, North Augusta. Kids of all ages will love the petting farm/zoo featuring peacocks, goats, ducks and more, but put your name on the waiting list early so you can also enjoy huge platters of fried or broiled seafood, with all the fixings.
Goolsby’s, several locations. Step up to order your choice of fried chicken, shrimp, barbecued meats and more; add sides like mac and cheese, collards or potato salad; and don’t forget the corncake that’s bigger than your hand.
New Ming Wah, Wrightsboro Road. For old-school American Chinese food, you can’t do better than New Ming Wah, which has also added an upscale bar and inventive cocktails for a marriage of modern and traditional.
Sconyer’s BBQ, South Augusta. BBQ is a hotly debated topic, but generations of Augustans keep going back to Sconyers, where servers are continually bringing out plates heaped with smoked, shredded pork, hash and rice, and coleslaw, all topped with pickles.
Villa Europa, South Augusta. This old-school Augusta restaurant offers German fare, along with Italian and American, to please a variety of taste buds.
Old favorites, upscale and fine dining
Cadwallader’s, West Augusta. I recently rediscovered Cadwallader’s, with its impeccable service and food, featuring steaks and seafood, duck and rack of lamb, and so much more.
Calvert’s, Surrey Center. My perfect meal at Calvert’s is the Green Jacket Salad, the seafood bisque and one of its hand-cut steaks, with its chocolate roulade to end. It’s definitely an experience.
Frog Hollow Tavern, downtown Augusta. Frog Hollow transports you to another place. I suggest the diver scallops or the braised pork shoulder (the gouda mac and cheese is a must).
Cucina 503, Martinez. I’ve only ever had a great meal at Cucina 503, which serves up light, delicious and flavorful Italian dishes, like one of the best carbonaras I’ve ever had.
French Market Grille West, Martinez. This is upscale casual, with Cajun-inspired entrees cooked to perfection. (Pro tip: Get the avocado dressing on your salad.) Plus, I love that they’ve added sushi to the menu! You can also visit French Market Grille in Surrey Center, for a similar menu, sans sushi.
Manuel’s Bread Café, North Augusta. It’s French cuisine, farm to table style. Make sure to also enjoy one of their delicious cheesecakes or cakes for dessert.
New Favorites
Trattoria Polipo, West Augusta. From the great minds who created Takosushi and Pullman Hall comes this Italian restaurant that harkens back to neighborhood gathering spots with wine, friends and good food.
Hunan Café, Martinez. Delicious, upscale Chinese cuisine—along with more familiar dishes—have made this restaurant popular with new and longtime Augustans.
Antonio’s, North Augusta. Craving a pizza pie, or just pie? You can have both at Antonio’s, which offers casual Italian and great homemade desserts.
Brunch House, downtown Augusta, open for breakfast and lunch. Fill up first thing for a long day at the course with one of their classic Southern with a twist breakfast platters or grab a breakfast sammie to go!
Sweet Tooth
There’s nothing better than coming home to a selection of desserts after a day on the course—or perhaps enjoying cake for breakfast? Most of these bakeries close in the early afternoon, but make sure to check out:
Dolce Darlin, downtown Augusta, located in the pink house that was once home to La Maison on Telfair. Ms. Darlin and her crew are known for their inventive themed goodies. This week is all about Masters, with Golf (Cake) Balls, Brioche for Breakfast, an Arnold Palmer lemonade cake with sweet tea frosting, and more (including chicken salads and pimento cheese).
Bottom Line Bakery, Evans. With a chef who is a winner of Chopped Desserts, this bakery serves up luscious breakfast pastries, cupcakes, cookies, huge cakes and more. Order their cake sampler platter featuring all their flavors!
Sheila’s Baking Co., North Augusta. A friend of mine swears by their airy doughnuts, and for Masters, you can go to their website to order any of their doughnuts (from their best-seller strawberries and cream to peanut butter explosion), pastries, cupcakes or layer cakes.
