The Best Culinary Hot Spots in the South
Yes, we love our biscuits and BBQ, but the Southern culinary landscape has evolved to include so much more! Check out some of the hottest spots in the South to expand your palate and explore new (and new takes on classic) flavors. Image: Coastal Mississippi
If you think the South is all about Hot Chicken and iced tea, you’re in for a big surprise! For the past few years, this part of the country has been quietly establishing itself as a foodie destination with MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, elevated takes of Southern staples, and a growing international flavor scene. Feeling hungry yet? Dig into our list of culinary hot spots in the South that might just change the way you think about the region’s cuisine.
Charleston, SC
The Charleston area food scene is a mouthwatering blend of global and local flavors. Start with tea-forward cocktails and Filipino street fare at Bareo, or savor the unique Texas-meets-Puerto-Rican twist at Palmira Barbecue. For coastal culinary creations, The Grocery champions seasonal seafood, while Cane Pazzo beautifully pairs Italian classics with wood-fired Lowcountry ingredients. For an elegant night out, indulge in premium dry-aged cuts at the Bellerose Hotel Bar, or, for a truly memorable experience, book Chef Anthony Martin’s exclusive 17-course omakase at Sushi | Bar Charleston. Delicious!
Alpharetta, GA
Alpharetta is a premier Southern dining destination. The best time to experience its vibrant food scene is during Alpharetta Restaurant Week, October 10 through 17, 2026. You can enjoy special prix fixe menus and exclusive experiences featuring everything from chef-driven Southern classics to innovative global flavors. It’s a delicious opportunity to discover new culinary favorites while soaking in the city’s renowned hospitality and unique atmosphere.
Athens, GA
Athens’s chef-driven food scene blends Southern roots with global flavors. The culinary landscape is anchored by local favorites, including Five & Ten (originally founded by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson), Puma Yu’s, and Pretty Boy. Great food and great music are never far apart at Last Resort Grill, Five, or Ted’s Most Best, all just steps from popular live-music spots. Don’t forget to check out beloved independent staples like Mama’s Boy, Condor Chocolates, and Jittery Joe’s, all of which keep the vibe uniquely Athens.
Auburn-Opelika, AL
Auburn-Opelika is a rising Southern culinary star, anchored by the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. This stunning hub blends hospitality education with a luxury hotel, rooftop bar, and Alabama’s first MICHELIN Guide-recognized teaching restaurant, 1856 – Culinary Residence. The area’s delicious identity is further shaped by hometown hero Chef David Bancroft, a five-time James Beard semifinalist whose beloved spots, Acre and Bow & Arrow, are absolute must-visits for food lovers.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham’s dining scene is a masterclass in Southern hospitality and culinary creativity. Begin your evening with premium oysters at Bayonet, Chef Rob McDaniel’s spirited raw bar. For an unforgettable fine-dining experience, savor the city’s first dedicated tasting menu at Rêve. Looking for wood-fired creations? OvenBird continues to dazzle, while Bottega remains a beloved staple for elegant, world-class fare. Cap off your Magic City night with an expertly crafted drink at the celebrated tequila bar, Adios. Cheers!
Capital City/Lake Murray, SC
The Capital City and Lake Murray region offers a welcoming culinary journey. Start in Columbia at Melrose Market, where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal American fare in a charming European-inspired café setting. Next, head to Lexington’s Mother’s Oysters + Pies for a taste of the coast, featuring fresh oysters and wood-fired pizzas. Finally, unwind in Irmo at Tavern on 6, where elevated American dishes and craft cocktails are served with relaxed Southern hospitality.
Coastal Mississippi
Dining in Coastal Mississippi is an unforgettable experience that starts with fresh Gulf seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and local fish. You’ll find everything from casual bites to elevated waterfront dining, longtime local favorites, and chef-driven menus. Beyond seafood, the area is home to inviting bakeries, coffee shops, and brunch spots featuring craft cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes. With its relaxed waterfront vibes and authentic local flavor, every meal will have you eagerly planning your next.
Columbia, SC
Columbia’s food scene just got an exciting upgrade with four additions to the local restaurant roster! Start your morning in historic Melrose Heights at Melrose Market for European café charm and Southern hospitality, or grab a signature 24K gold latte at the whimsical Honey Market. For your next date night, head to Main Street’s Black Dog Pizza for crisp neo-Neapolitan pies. End the evening at Ladder 13, savoring Mediterranean fare and craft cocktails inside a beautifully restored historic fire station engine bay.
Gwinnett County, GA
Experience the rich culinary landscape of Gwinnett, widely celebrated for its vibrant Korean culture. Dive deep into authentic flavors by booking a Seoul of the South Food Tour, where local experts guide you through top-rated eateries. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Download the Seoul of the South Digital Pass to discover hidden gems and culinary hotspots across the county. It’s an easy and approachable way to explore international flavors without leaving the down-home hospitality of the South.
Old 96 District, SC
Old 96 District offers a delicious journey through locally sourced, farm-to-table dining. You can taste this freshness firsthand at Christine’s Farm to Fork in Edgefield or Indigenous Underground in Abbeville. For classic Southern flair, Moultire Southern Cuisine in Laurens is a must-visit. Craving competition-level BBQ? Time your visit for Greenwood’s annual South Carolina Festival of Discovery, one of the area’s exciting Kansas City Barbecue Society-certified cookoffs.
Thoroughbred Country, SC
Bring your appetite to Thoroughbred Country, where delicious flavors are around every corner. Start with an elegant afternoon tea at The Willcox in Aiken, or grab a creative sandwich at Barnwell’s retro Red Hill Grill. Craving comfort? Dig into the down-home meat-and-three at Miller’s Bread Basket in Blackville, or hit the classic Southern buffet at Paula’s Family Restaurant in Bamberg. Wash it all down with locally brewed pints at Good Girl Brewing Co. (pups welcome), and don’t miss the mouthwatering regional sauces at North Augusta’s family-owned BBQ Barn for authentic flavor.
Bon Appétit!
This article is sponsored by Explore Charleston, Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Athens, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Coastal Mississippi, Experience Columbia SC, Explore Gwinnett, Old 96 District Tourism, and Thoroughbred Country.
Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.
