Ellijay is a beautiful town in the north Georgia Mountains. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Ellijay you’re in for a variety of culinary treats. The small town offers a little bit of everything. When it comes to Elijay restaurants, there is a great variety. When on Main Street, you can find many restaurants that spotlight fresh ingredients from local farmers.
While Ellijay is a small town, the historic downtown has plenty of great food. You’ll find that the only thing stopping you from trying everything is your belt buckle.
So if you’re looking to dine, here are some of the favorite places that you should explore on your culinary journey.
Cantaberry Restaurant
If you’re looking for homemade soup and fresh salads, Cantaberry Restaurant should be your first stop. They have plenty of other menu options as well. They originally opened their Ellijay location, but after high demand, they also opened a second location in Blueridge, GA.
Located on Main Street, their soup of the day is one of their main attractions. The tomato basil soup is a favorite. Their fresh ingredients reflect the quality of their food. While tomato basil might be a local favorite, they have different kinds of soup each day.
They have great food and friendly staff but be prepared that you might have a bit of a wait. The restaurant is a popular hotspot.
5 S Side Square, Ellijay, GA 30540
Ellijay Wood Fried Pizza
You wouldn’t think that you’d find an authentic old-world pizza in the north Georgia mountains, but look no further than Ellijay Wood fired Pizza. The Italian restaurant serves not only different kinds of pizzas but different kinds of classic Italian dishes.
If you’re looking to go all out, starting with the Gilmer County’s Best Meatball Parm and following it with the Traditional Grandma is the perfect combination.
2 River St., Ellijay, GA 30540
White Columns Restaurant
If you’re looking for fried chicken, look no further. The restaurant is Southern cooking at its best. The staff is friendly and the business has been family-owned since it opened.
Fried chicken is a must, but if you’re looking for an appetizer, their onion rings are something that shouldn’t be missed.
200 Industrial Blvd # 109, Ellijay, GA 30540
The Shack of Ellijay
The Shack of Ellijay is an Asian fusion restaurant well worth a visit and makes for a great lunch spot. They offer fresh fish and have a great variety of options. Their poke bowls are a lunch favorite and can come in many different types of combinations with the highest quality of ingredients.
For those that are looking for something other than fish, they make amazing Bao Buns.
118 N Main St., Ellijay, GA 30540
Poole’s BAR-B-Q
You’d be missed if you didn’t visit one of the best bbq places in Elijay. Opened in 1989, Poole’s BAR-B-Q may have a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it. Dubbed the “Pig Hall of Fame”, you’ll be met with an experience. The restaurant has been family-owned since it opened and has friendly staff.
There is plenty to look at besides the food. The restaurant, the “Taj-Ma-Hog”, is a redesigned roadside shack that resembles a cabin on the inside.
One of their best dishes is arguably their pulled pork. It is cooked to perfection.
164 Craig St., East Ellijay, GA 30540
Emily’s Bar & Restaurant
If you’re looking for good food and live music, look no further. Emily’s Bar & Restaurant brings not only locally sourced food but also entertainment. The restaurant offers plenty of locally sourced ingredients.
Emily’s Bar & Restaurant prepares an amazing skirt steak with a twist. Your steak will be paired with chimichurri sauce, a side of fried plantains and hauncaina sauce.
If you’re looking for burgers, their Angus burgers are the way to go.
24 River St., Ellijay, GA 30540
Boardwalk Pizza & Pub
Boardwalk Pizza & Pub has debuted a new menu, expanding on its pizza offerings. You’ll find a casual environment that can accommodate large groups. Broadwalk Pizza & Pub is a place where you can go to relax and have a slice.
If you’re looking to spend time outside, there is an expansive patio space. If you go with outdoor seating, you don’t only take in the sights, you may also be able to play some bar games while you try some seasonal brews.
25 N Church St. , Ellijay, GA 30540
R & A Orchards
R & A Orchards offers organically grown apples. Depending on what season you’re looking for, they will have a wide variety of apple types. They are also known for their fresh apple butter and apple fitters – where the key ingredients come from their orchard.
The family-owned business was founded in 1983 and has an impressive orchard space of 60 acres.
Apples aren’t all that R $ A Orchards have to offer. They also have several different goods that you can purchase, including the famous Georgia peaches.
25 N Church St.
Ellijay, GA 30540
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Just outside of Ellijay, you can find the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, located right on the river in downtown Blue Ridge. Their fish can’t be any fresher. The restaurant uses fish that they caught that day. Having fresh fish makes their dishes stand out when it comes to flavor and quality.
If you are a dessert lover, they also have fresh, homemade, delicious desserts. One of their most popular desserts is a delicious old-fashioned moist spice cake with a rich cream cheese icing.
For your main dishes, they have plenty of seafood-based dishes that are sure to host your group.
8055 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge. GA 30513
Black Sheep Restaurant
When you’re in the Blue Ridge area, there is another stop that you shouldn’t miss. The Black Sheep Restaurant is a modern take on Southern comfort food. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and spares no creativity when it comes to its flavorful food.
While the food steals the show, the Black Sheep Restaurant is located in The historic Butt House, which was built in 1914. The atmosphere only complements the food.
If you’re looking for brunch, this is the spot. The Chicken Red Velvet Waffle is one of those dishes that you have to try at least once in your life.
480 W Main St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513
The Culinary Meca of Ellijay
The town of Ellijay has plenty of amazing dining options. Despite being a small town, you may be surprised at the array of culinary options that you can find there.
And if you’re already in North Georgia and looking for things to do, I recommend checking out this guide on all the unique State Parks you could visit!
