Pimento cheese is one of the South’s most beloved comfort foods, and Georgia takes it seriously. From creamy spreads on fresh-baked bread to melted toppings on juicy burgers, this humble dish shows up in the most delicious ways.
Georgia’s restaurants have turned pimento cheese into an art form, and locals keep coming back for more. Here are 12 spots across the state where pimento cheese is truly worth every single bite.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta, Georgia
Since 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been the heartbeat of Atlanta’s Southern food scene. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into your grandmother’s dining room, where everything is made with love and tradition.
Their pimento cheese is a true classic — rich, creamy, and full of sharp cheddar flavor. Locals have been ordering it for generations, and it never disappoints.
If you want authentic Georgia soul food, this is your first stop.
The Colonnade – Atlanta, Georgia
The Colonnade has been feeding Atlanta since 1927, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the city. There’s a reason loyal customers have been showing up for decades — the food is simply reliable, comforting, and honest.
Order their pimento cheese and you’ll understand why old-school Southern cooking never goes out of style. It’s thick, tangy, and perfectly seasoned.
Pair it with a glass of sweet tea and you’re having a proper Atlanta afternoon.
The Busy Bee – Atlanta, Georgia
Ask any Atlanta local about The Busy Bee and watch their eyes light up. This legendary soul food spot has been a community gathering place since 1947, known for feeding everyone from neighborhood folks to civil rights leaders.
Their pimento cheese carries that same spirit — bold, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Southern tradition. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
History and flavor come together beautifully here.
Home Grown GA Restaurant – Atlanta, Georgia
Home Grown GA is the kind of neighborhood breakfast spot that makes you feel like a regular from your very first visit. The menu celebrates local Georgia ingredients, and everything tastes like it was made from scratch that morning.
Their pimento cheese grits are a fan favorite that locals rave about constantly. Creamy grits topped with that signature cheesy spread is pure morning magic.
It’s comfort food done with real care and community pride.
South City Kitchen Midtown – Atlanta, Georgia
South City Kitchen has been redefining Southern cooking in Atlanta since 1993. The Midtown location draws a loyal crowd of food lovers who appreciate creative takes on classic dishes without losing that familiar comfort.
Their pimento cheese is a standout starter that regulars never skip. Made in-house with quality ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance between tradition and refinement.
Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime local, this dish always hits the right note.
The General Muir – Atlanta, Georgia
The General Muir brings New York deli energy to Atlanta with a distinctly Southern twist. Located in Emory Point, this spot has earned a devoted following for its house-made everything and creative flavor combinations.
Their pimento cheese sandwich is something locals talk about like it’s a secret they don’t want to share. Slathered on fresh-baked bread with crunchy pickles on the side, it’s unexpectedly brilliant.
Sometimes the best surprises come in the simplest packages.
Buttermilk Kitchen – Atlanta, Georgia
Buttermilk Kitchen in Buckhead is where Atlanta’s brunch crowd goes when they want something genuinely special. Chef Suzanne Vizethann built this place on the idea that simple, quality ingredients make the best food.
The pimento cheese biscuit here is practically legendary among regulars. Flaky, buttery biscuits paired with that creamy, sharp spread create a combination that’s hard to forget.
Weekend lines form early, and honestly, the pimento cheese alone is worth waking up for.
Paschal’s Restaurant & Bar – Atlanta, Georgia
Paschal’s holds a powerful place in Atlanta’s history. Since the 1940s, this restaurant has been a meeting place for the civil rights movement, serving soul food that nourished both bodies and spirits during crucial times.
Their pimento cheese carries that legacy of Southern pride in every creamy bite. It’s served with the same dedication to quality that has defined Paschal’s for nearly eight decades.
Eating here isn’t just a meal — it’s a connection to something much bigger.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room – Savannah, Georgia
Few dining experiences in all of Georgia are as unforgettable as a seat at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Strangers share long tables, pass dishes family-style, and leave as friends — it’s Southern hospitality at its most genuine.
Pimento cheese shows up here as part of a spread that feels endless and generous. Made fresh and served alongside dozens of rotating sides, it disappears fast.
Savannah visitors are told to come hungry and leave with zero regrets.
The Grey – Savannah, Georgia
The Grey is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the entire South, housed inside a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal in downtown Savannah. Chef Mashama Bailey has won national awards for her thoughtful, boundary-pushing cooking.
When pimento cheese appears on the menu here, it arrives elevated and refined but still deeply rooted in Southern soul. Locals and visitors alike know to order it without hesitation.
This is the dish that proves comfort food can also be extraordinary.
Mama’s Boy Restaurant – Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia is known for its music scene and University of Georgia spirit, but Mama’s Boy is a reason to visit all on its own. This bright, quirky breakfast spot has become an Athens institution with a fiercely loyal following.
Their pimento cheese scrambled eggs are the kind of morning dish that makes you reconsider every breakfast you’ve had before. Fluffy eggs loaded with that sharp, creamy goodness — it’s simple perfection.
Students and longtime residents both swear by it equally.
The Smith House Historic Inn and Restaurant – Dahlonega, Georgia
Tucked into the gold rush town of Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains, The Smith House has been welcoming guests since 1922. The all-you-can-eat family-style meals here are legendary among Georgians who make special trips just to eat.
Pimento cheese is part of the generous spread that covers every inch of the table. It’s old-fashioned, unpretentious, and absolutely delicious.
There’s something magical about eating this classic dish surrounded by mountain views and a century of Southern tradition.