The South's Most Beautiful Restaurants

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Beyond the cuisine and service, a restaurant’s success lies in its ambiance. From carefully chosen artwork to eye-catching decor, some restaurants are known as much for their atmosphere as their food and beverage offerings. Check out these 10 beautiful restaurants in the South, where you can enjoy a top-notch meal and a fantastic photo op!

La Cave | Charleston, SC

More Info: lacavechs.com

Newer to the Charleston restaurant scene, La Cave’s vibe evokes the slower pace of the South of France. The sipping bar and salon is the brainchild of Félix Landrum, the owner behind Charleston’s Parisian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar, Félix Cocktails et Cuisine. Designed by Leslie Landrum, Félix’s wife and business partner, the restaurant’s decor is inspired by the couple’s frequent trips to France.

La Cave's captivating ambiance evokes the relaxed pace of the South of France. — La Cave’s captivating ambiance transports visitors to France. Image: Andrew Cebulka

Sexy Fish | Miami, FL

More Info: sexyfishmiami.com

Located in the lively Miami neighborhood of Brickell, diners at Sexy Fish will find themselves surrounded by whimsical mermaid sculptures and twinkling mosaics of colorful glass. Whatever you do, be sure to peek into the restaurant’s restrooms. The ladies’ room features sinks sculpted on mermaid tails, and the men’s room showcases a pink onyx octopus alongside a statue of iconic actor Daniel Craig dressed in scuba gear.

A vibrant Southern restaurant interior with colorful fish sculptures, illuminated pillars, and elegant seating. A large, glowing centerpiece stands in the middle, showcasing the charm of beautiful restaurants that serve delightful Southern cuisine. — A trip to Sexy Fish is like dining in an underwater paradise! Image: Ken Hayden

River Club | Washington, D.C.

More Info: riverclubdc.com

River Club is one of D.C.’s most stunning spaces, featuring custom-made decor from Beirut, including an impressive stained-glass ceiling piece. The geometry of the tiled floors draws you in, while the velveteen seating in terracotta, pink, and light green invites you to sit back and relax. The roaming liquor cart is a can’t-miss feature, adding an extra touch of charm to the experience.

Among the South's Most Beautiful Restaurants, this stylish interior features a patterned floor and ceiling, cushioned chairs around set tables, warm lighting, and decorative plants. — River Club is one of D.C.’s most breathtaking venues. Image: Scott Suchman

Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar | St. Simons Island, GA

More Info: dorothysssi.com

Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar is an upscale eatery on St. Simons Island that offers refined cuisine and cocktails in a vibrant coastal setting. The restaurant features several stylish spots, including bold wallpaper and saturated colors, but the pink wall adorned with hand-painted white cranes truly makes for the perfect photo op.

Room with a rattan chair, pink cushioned bench, potted plant on blue-and-white ceramic stands, pink crane wallpaper, and a black-and-white checkered floor. — Make sure to get a picture in front of Dorothy’s pink wall. Image: Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar

Brennan’s Restaurant | New Orleans, LA

More Info: brennansneworleans.com

A New Orleans institution since 1946, Brennan’s Restaurant has long been a French Quarter landmark with its iconic pink exterior. After a major renovation ten years ago, the interiors were refreshed and revamped. The result is a space brimming with opulence and glamour, featuring signature soft green trelliswork, salmon-pink accents, and intricate murals — truly a feast for the eyes.

Elegant restaurant interior with round booths and tables set with white cloths and silverware. Red-shaded wall lamps and artistic murals adorn the walls, enhancing the cozy ambiance of one of the South's most beautiful dining venues. — Brennan’s captivates with its delightful ambiance, excellent service, and authentic Creole cuisine. Image: Brennan’s Restaurant

The Garden Room | Atlanta, GA

More Info: thegardenroomatlanta.com

With live flowers and foliage surrounding you at every turn, The Garden Room is a place to immerse yourself in lush beauty while enjoying chef-driven small plates and Instagrammable cocktails. Located on the top floor of Buckhead Plaza, the glass ceiling gives the space the feel of an enchanted greenhouse. We recommend making a reservation at The Garden Room in advance, as it’s a sought-after spot.

The most beautiful restaurant interior features elegant chandeliers and floral decor, with plush seating and greenery creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This charming setting in the South offers a set dining table that adds to the venue's allure. — Drink an inventive cocktail in an enchanted greenhouse. Image: The Garden Room

Le Loup | Nashville, TN

More Info: leloupnashville.com

Sister to The Optimist, Le Loup is one of several brag-worthy Ford Fry concepts in the Nashville area. The vintage-inspired interiors feature a custom underwater mural by artist Rebecca Green Illustration, green marble accents, and plush fireside seating. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails and indulgent bites like scallop crudo and foie gras while enjoying the unique atmosphere.

The cafe's interior showcases a vibrant mural depicting an underwater scene with a diver, fish, and corals, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the South. In the foreground, a table with a drink, plant, and menu invites you to relax in this captivating setting. — Le Loup is as intimate as it is picturesque. Image: Drink Nashville

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern | Highlands, NC

More Info: highlandermountainhouse.com

Set within the beautifully restored 150-year-old Highlander Mountain House, The Ruffed Grouse Tavern captures the charm of a cozy English countryside pub. With bespoke furniture, eclectic antiques, and Victorian-era taxidermy, it provides a distinctive setting where guests can indulge in a menu of hearty mountain-inspired fare.

A cozy restaurant in the South features a small round table, two chairs, and a candle. Wildlife paintings and fishing-themed artwork adorn the walls. Known as one of the most beautiful eateries in the area, an inviting exit sign decorates the door. — The Ruffed Grouse Tavern is reminiscent of classic English pubs. Image: Zoe Yarborough

Lucian Books and Wine | Atlanta, GA

More Info: lucianbooksandwine.com

Atlanta’s Lucian Books and Wine offers the charm of a restaurant you’d expect in New York or London. Curated by an art dealer and sommelier duo, the modern space opened in 2021. With an extensive collection of books, fine wine, and delicious food, it’s the perfect setting for any occasion.

The modern dining area features a curved counter displaying large books, with chairs elegantly lined up. To the right, shelves brimming with books complement the wall art and wine rack. This space captures the essence of beautiful restaurants found in the South. — The book collection at Lucian Books and Wine includes books on art, music, fashion, and food. Image: Lucian Books and Wine

The Marigold Club | Houston, TX

More Info: themarigoldclub.com

Opened just this past summer, The Marigold Club is an absolute dream, complete with green velvet-upholstered ceilings, hand-painted lampshades, and tables adorned with fresh flowers. The menu, bordering on extravagant, goes hand in hand with the opulent decor. Diners can expect items such as Kaluga caviar sandwiches with creme fraiche and extravagant sundaes delivered in special carts filled with toppings like candied hazelnuts and handmade vanilla marshmallows.

Hailed as one of the South's Most Beautiful Restaurants, this green-themed oasis captivates with floral chandeliers, bird sculptures, and lattice walls. Sunlight dances through large windows, casting a warm glow on impeccably set tables and lush green furniture. — At The Marigold Club, it’s all in the details. Image: The Marigold Club

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About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.

The South’s Most Beautiful Restaurants