Between playing with the kids at attractions, picking apples at local orchards, splashing on the Cartecay River, shopping for Blue Ridge Mountain souvenirs, and hiking to dazzling waterfalls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, you’ll be craving something to eat in no time. Good thing there’s a nice variety of restaurants in Ellijay, Georgia — from Mexican, Italian, and Japanese to Cajun, Cuban, and Southern BBQ!
Sure you could grab a quick bite at fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell or hit up chain restaurants like IHOP or LongHorn Steakhouse. But if you want an authentic Appalachian dining experience or homemade takeout to enjoy at your Ellijay cabin rental in the North Georgia Mountains, check out a local eatery around downtown Ellijay.
To help plan your hearty breakfast, brunch with friends, lunch with the whole family, coffee break, romantic dinner, pub stop, or dessert adventure, we’ve pulled together a list of the 15 best restaurants in Ellijay, GA + a unique bonus eatery!
1. Abby’s Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Favorites — any flavor of ice cream, Amish-style popcorn & nitro cold coffee
Enjoy a cup filled with ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, or sorbet plus a variety of toppings — 45 sweet and savory flavors — at Abby’s. Dairy-free and no-sugar-added options are available. And the kids will love spotting, hugging, and taking photos with their adorable mascot at this super family-friendly dessertery in Ellijay!
Hours
Mon-Sun | Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Location
24 South Main Street, Suite E
Ellijay, GA 20540
Contact
678.408.1119
2. Back Porch Bistro
Favorites — lamb + beef gyro, pulled pork bowl & apple slaw
Bite into a yummy lunch on the spacious deck with outdoor seating at Back Porch Bistro, a classic lunchtime eatery in Ellijay that serves homemade dishes and desserts. Among the deli sandwiches, fresh wraps, hot paninis, Cuban rice bowls, homemade soups, savory sides, and sweet treats, you’ll also have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Hours
Mon-Tues | 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wed | Closed
Thu-Sat | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sun | Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Location
10 North Side Square
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.636.1111
3. Boardwalk Pizza & Pub
Favorites — bacon double cheeseburger pizza, pretzel sticks & cheesy bread
Opt for pizza and beer with the guys or gals at this laid-back, small-town pub in Ellijay, GA. Live music is often playing, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating. Each specialty pizza, build-your-own pizza — gluten-free cauliflower crust available — or all-beef hot dog is made to order for the freshest food experience!
Hours
Mon-Thu | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sun | 12:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location
25 North Church Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.273.2865
4. Cajun Depot Grill
Favorites — Bayou platter, shrimp remoulade & beignets
Munch on Louisiana cookin’ and sip New Orleans cocktails at the Cajun Depot Grill, arguably one of the best restaurants in North Georgia that’s been around for 20+ years! Freshly prepared Cajun and Creole cuisine is what you get at this fine food establishment, from andouille sausage and traditional muffuletta to crawfish tails and shrimp and grits.
Hours
Mon-Tues | Closed
Wed-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location
67 Depot Street, Suite 101
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.276.1676
5. Cantaberry Restaurant
Favorites — Reuben on rye, apple pecan salad & Cantaberry meatloaf
With a second location in Blue Ridge, the locally-owned and -operated Cantaberry Restaurant in Elijay’s downtown square is booming for a reason! Pop in for a satisfying lunch or mouthwatering dinner that features daily soups, crisp salads, hearty side dishes, specialty sandwiches, burgers with fries, specialties, and fresh desserts in the bakery case.
Hours
Mon-Tues | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wed-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Note: dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday.
Location
5 Southside Square
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.636.4663
6. Cornerstone Cafe
Favorites — smoked sausage, hashbrowns & French toast with fruit
Family-owned and -operated, Cornerstone Cafe serves great breakfast or lunch in the North Georgia Mountains. Fresh, quality ingredients are essential to their classic American recipes that include stuffed omelets, biscuits in gravy, fluffy pancakes, generous sandwiches, and apple fritters. Sometimes, you can enjoy live music with your meal!
Hours
Mon | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tues-Wed | Closed
Thu | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sun | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location
76 N Main Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.636.2230
7. Country Corner Kitchen
Favorites — picadillo bowl, homemade fries & Italian ricotta cheesecake
Tony’s Country Corner Kitchen is a welcoming breakfast and brunch restaurant in Ellijay, GA. In fact, you might meet Tony — the owner and chef — who often pops out to check on his guests to ensure they have a top-notch dining experience. Menu items include a mix of Southern and Cuban dishes, including country biscuits, Cuban sandwiches, and fish tacos.
Hours
Mon-Tues | 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wed-Thu | 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri | 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Sat | 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun | Closed
Location
2020 Old Highway 5 South
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.276.7077
8. Ellijay Coffeehouse
Favorites — cortado cap, bulletproof java & whipped honey butter on bread
Freshly made artisan bread for paninis, signature granola for parfaits, plus homemade cookies, scones, and biscotti are just the start of good eats at Ellijay Coffeehouse. Gilmer County is lucky to have this diverse coffee shop that serves cappuccinos, cold brews, espressos, frappes, Italian sodas, lattes, mochas, nitros, organic teas, and smoothies!
Hours
Mon-Sun | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location
131 North Main Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.635.5565
9. Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
Favorites — Pomodoro pizza, meatball parma & prosciutto arugula pizza
On the corner of River and Main Streets, Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza is a pizzeria and Italian restaurant that serves authentic Neopolitan pizza and other Italian eats. In fact, the wood-fired oven is from Naples, Italy! Ingredients are locally sourced, and the dining space is modern with an Appalachian twist. Order wine on tap, draft beer, or a house cocktail to pair with your meal.
Hours
Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (or until the dough runs out!)
Location
2 River Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.707.4992
10. Emily’s Bar & Restaurant
Favorites — tuna tartare, lamb burger & egg curry
Featuring inspired dishes from around the world, Emily’s Bar & Restaurant in Ellijay, GA, is a great place to eat a Sunday brunch or a midweek dinner. Changing with the seasons, the menu boasts appetizers, entrees, and desserts — using ethically produced ingredients from local farmers. Weekends offer live music, and adult drinks are served every day.
Hours
Mon-Tues | Closed
Wed-Thu | 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Sun | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location
24 River Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.889.7937
11. Kasei Sushi & Sake
Favorites — Fuji Mountain roll, steamed shumai & banzai bunny sake
Try fresh fish and Japanese cuisine by a master sushi chef at Kasei Sushi & Sake, another notable restaurant in Ellijay. Vegetarian, pescetarian, and vegan options are available, and the sake list is extensive. From seaweed salad, pork gyoza, and miso soup to curry, rice bowls, and sushi — sashimi, nigiri, and rolls — this Ellijay eatery will curb your cravings!
Hours
Mon-Tues | Closed
Wed-Sat | 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sun | Closed
Location
10 River Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.851.2200
12. Poole’s Bar-B-Q
Favorites — brisket sandwich, hickory fries & fried apple pie
A weekend favorite, Colonel Poole’s Bar-B-Q in Ellijay, GA, has been serving Southern-style barbecue for over 3 decades! The red-roofed building even has a few nicknames — including Pig Hill of Fame, the Taj-Ma-Hog, and the Hog Rock Cafe. Stop by for a bbq feast with smoked pork, beef, or chicken, Brunswick stew, onion rings, and more!
Hours
Mon-Thu | Closed
Fri-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location
164 Craig Street
East Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.635.4100
13. River Street Tavern
Favorites — smoked trout dip, wonton burger & blazing jumbo wings
Award-winning eats await at River Street Tavern in Ellijay, GA! Enjoy starters, burgers, baskets, wings, and gluten-free choices with popular craft beers from local breweries or wine from North Georgia vineyards. Plus, check out martini night on Monday, wine night on Tuesday, pint night on Wednesday, and half-price margaritas on Thursday!
Hours
Mon-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sun | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location
40 River Street, Suite B
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.635.6166
14. The Roof Ellijay
Favorites — fried green tomatoes, black bean burger & country-fried chop
With indoor and outdoor seating, an elevator to reach the rooftop, plus heaters, misters, and shades to keep everyone comfortable in any season, Ellijay’s The Roof is a whole new eating experience. While eating Southern classics — like boiled peanuts, fresh trout, and fried food — and sipping cocktails, beer, or wine, enjoy a rooftop view of downtown Ellijay!
Hours
Mon-Tues | Closed
Wed-Thu | 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun | Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Location
16 River Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.635.7663
15. El Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Favorites — sopa de pollo, wild mushroom quesadilla & fajita Azteca
Craving frozen margaritas, nachos with refried beans, and classic Mexican cuisine? El Rey Azteca is the king of Mexican restaurants in Ellijay! Happy hours are daily from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and a DJ performs every Friday. Vegetarian combos and select food options for kids are available. Desserts include flan, churros, fried ice cream, and banana burritos!
Hours
Mon-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri | 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sat | Noon – 11:00 p.m.
Sun | Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Location
177 Highland Crossing
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.698.1515
BONUS — The Shack of Ellijay
Favorites — potstickers, beef pho & peach-olada bubble tea
BAM! We’re adding to our list of the best Ellijay restaurants with a notable eatery locals love! Serving Vietnamese and Asian fusion — including bao buns, noodles, poke bowls, and ramen — the Shack is a great place to eat downtown. Pair yummy Asian cooking with trendy bubble tea. Vegan options are available. And did we mention each dish is so Instagramable?
Hours
Mon-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location
118 N Main Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
Contact
706.635.3663
Ellijay, GA, Cabins for YOU
After dining out or grabbing takeout, and maybe picking up some homemade Appalachian fudge to enjoy later, return to your Ellijay, GA, cabin to rest and digest. At Georgia Cabins for YOU, we have 70+ vacation rentals and counting — some with mountain views, loaded game rooms, multiple fireplaces, outdoor lounges, and community extras. Plus, we have nearby cabins in Blue Ridge, Big Canoe, and Morganton.
Every cabin rental has its own fully equipped kitchen in case you want to cook cabin recipes or keep leftovers fresh on vacation, a great way to save some cash. Many properties even have a grill for outdoor barbecuing in the scenic mountains. Complete your North Georgia mountain experience by staying at a cozy cabin in or around Ellijay!
Plan a delightful dining experience at top restaurants in Ellijay, GA, and unwind at a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
