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50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018

With only 50 lazy, hazy days left of summer, OpenTable's 2018 list of the 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America offers diners plenty of options to savor flavors that are strongly associated with warm summer days and balmy nights. However, the honorees serve standout Southern fare year-round. The list is based on an analysis of 12,000,000+ reviews of more than 27,000 restaurants across the country—all submitted by verified diners. Don't forget to #traveldeliciously this summer.

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As Voted by OpenTable Diners

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Updated January 01, 1

A photo of Abel Brown restaurant

Abel Brown

$$$$

Southern

West Augusta

4.8

2201 reviews

It was amazing . I had oysters on the half shell and they were awesome . She crab soup is to die for. And the Rib-Eye….could almost cut it with my fork. Finally …the Brussel Sprouts…there are no words to express how good they were !!

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A photo of Alligator Soul restaurant

Alligator Soul

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Historic District - North

4.8

6041 reviews

10/10 recommend! We had the best service and food at Alligator Soul. We had the alligator boudin balls, absolutely delicious. I had the BBQ shrimp and my husband had the ribeye and they were both perfection. Drinks and dessert were also delicious! Highly recommend.

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A photo of Anson restaurant

Anson

$$$$

Southern

Downtown Charleston

4.8

4026 reviews

My Hallibut was nicely cooked and to make it easy for me to eat, the chef made criss cross lines on both sides of the fish. I just had to pick it with a fork. Fresh food and authentic antique decorations. Service was prompt and pleasant.

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A photo of Antebellum restaurant

Antebellum

$$$$

Southern

Flowery Branch

4.9

2426 reviews

We always enjoy this nice spot. A little bit of a drive, but well worth it.

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A photo of Atchafalaya Restaurant restaurant

Atchafalaya Restaurant

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Garden District

4.8

5704 reviews

Food was outstanding! Fun Jazz quartet playing! Waiter was great!! A grand meal!!

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A photo of Brennan's of Houston restaurant

Brennan's of Houston

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Montrose

4.8

3692 reviews

We went for brunch to celebrate a friend’s birthday. We were in a nice quiet room. The eggs Sardou was very good, as were the beignets we had for dessert.

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A photo of Cured restaurant

Cured

$$$$

Southern

Downtown

4.3

1644 reviews

Anthony our server was fantastic. We had an amazing experience. 2 of us shared the cheese plate with 2 meats added on (spicy sausage and smoked duck ham). Could have fed an extra person!

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Experiences available

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Takeout available

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A photo of Distilled on Jefferson restaurant

Distilled on Jefferson

$$$$

Southern

Lexington

4.8

1503 reviews

The food is very good we had the mussels, tempura shrimp and the special salad with crab an lobster all were delicious. Don’t leave without a visit to the bar. The bartender is excellent, such a pleasure to talk to!

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A photo of Dogwood: A Southern Table restaurant

Dogwood: A Southern Table

$$$$

Southern

SouthPark

4.6

2286 reviews

Had a great meal here. Wonderful service couldn’t be any more impressed.

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Experiences available

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A photo of Fixe restaurant

Fixe

$$$$

Southern

Downtown

4.7

2719 reviews

100% amazing experience all around. Our waitress handled an 8 top no sweat and was super fun. Highly recommend!

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A photo of Highball & Harvest restaurant

Highball & Harvest

$$$$

Southern

I Drive / Sand Lake

4.7

1209 reviews

Great food, atmosphere, and service. And the Ritz is a great place to enjoy a nightcap.

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A photo of Ida Claire restaurant

Ida Claire

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

North Dallas

4.7

4116 reviews

Best food ever! My husband and I came in for our wedding anniversary and were very pleased with the service and food! I wish they would bring back the Vice cake but otherwise we loved our meal.

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A photo of Kitchen Notes - Omni Nashville restaurant

Kitchen Notes - Omni Nashville

$$$$

Southern

Downtown / Sobro

4.6

1447 reviews

Dale, our server was excellent, food was great, friendly atmosphere, fun time!

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Takeout available

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A photo of The King's Kitchen restaurant

The King's Kitchen

$$$$

Southern

Uptown

4.5

1945 reviews

Delicious food, a really spectacular waiter (thanks, Joe) and a community-loving mission that makes you feel happy about every dollar you spend. If I was local, I'd be here weekly.

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A photo of Madison's restaurant

Madison's

$$$$

Southern

Highlands / Sapphire

4.8

1875 reviews

Wonderful food and service! Beautiful and relaxed surroundings.

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A photo of Mandolin restaurant

Mandolin

$$$$

Southern

Raleigh

4.5

2486 reviews

A friend and I came here for brunch and the atmosphere was just perfect. Shout out to all of the staff working on New Year’s because they were all so nice and helpful and really helped create a great experience! It was the perfect way to start the year. Shoutout to Alex and Luke. They’re the best.

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A photo of Maple Tree Inn restaurant

Maple Tree Inn

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Homewood

4.8

3555 reviews

Love Maple Tree Inn. This is my second time visiting. Everyone in my party really enjoyed their meals. We had Crawfish etoufee, Southern catfish, and Dis & Dat Platter.

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Takeout available

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A photo of Merrick Inn restaurant

Merrick Inn

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

Lexington

4.7

3643 reviews

Pure tradition and excellence! Southern specialities supremely prepared. The ambiance is fabulous and if you are looking for Kentucky tradition, look no further. The menu, while true to Kentucky traditions of fried chicken and beer cheese features specials that are creative and innovative. Tonight, I had a lightly Parmesan crusted grouper finished in a lemon beurre blanc that was wonderful. Impeccable service, and options to be seated in one of the dining rooms or in the bar or patio make for a meal steeped in all the best southern traditions. I appreciate the linen tablecloths, fresh flowers, real butter and basket of rolls.

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A photo of Midtown Cafe restaurant

Midtown Cafe

$$$$

Southern

West End

4.9

4088 reviews

Meals are awesome , Jon the waiter is friendly and Professional. It’s are go to place when we visit Nashville

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A photo of Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro restaurant

Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro

$$$$

Southern

Winston-Salem

4.8

2461 reviews

Mozelles never disappoints. We had a wonderful meal and Chris was a great server.

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A photo of Mr. B's Bistro restaurant

Mr. B's Bistro

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.7

5164 reviews

Had an amazing experience celebrating an anniversary at Mr. B’s. They were so attentive from start to finish, and both our servers were friendly and knowledgeable. I ordered the pork tenderloin with black-eyed peas and cabbage. It came out perfectly, and they made sure our glasses were filled. I really appreciated the bubbly and happy anniversary wishes. Will come again!

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A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant

Muriel's Jackson Square

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

9038 reviews

We had a wonderful and relaxed dinner on Jan 1st after a few days of crazy work. Our waiter Alek provided us with polished, friendly and unhurried service which allowed us to decompress and enjoy our cocktails and dinner. The food was incredible as always, fresh, creative and a perfect blend of flavours complemented the main protein of the dish. We ended with great coffee and bread pudding and walked away full and satisfied. Thank you to the staff of Muriel’s - have a great 2023!

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Takeout available

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A photo of The Olde Pink House Restaurant restaurant

The Olde Pink House Restaurant

$$$$

Southern

Historic District - North

4.7

21699 reviews

Food amazing, best dessert ever, praline basket!!

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A photo of Preserved Restaurant restaurant

Preserved Restaurant

$$$$

Southern

St. Augustine

4.8

4511 reviews

Delicious food. Excellent service. Short ribs melted in my mouth.

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A photo of Restaurant IRON restaurant

Restaurant IRON

$$$$

Southern

Pensacola

4.8

2384 reviews

We love this restaurant. Food is always amazing... service is great. Highly recommended for an awesome dinner.

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A photo of Restaurant R'evolution restaurant

Restaurant R'evolution

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

6519 reviews

The experience from get-go was unique. Excellent cocktails, wines. Unique interpretation of creole cuisine. A feast visually and for your taste buds. Superb dessert. Had a great time.

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A photo of Restaurant Rebirth restaurant

Restaurant Rebirth

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Warehouse District

4.7

1800 reviews

Restaurant Rebirth is a great combination of down home Cajun cuisine, in an upscale environment. Don’t sleep on the steaks. They are delicious too, maybe the best in the city.

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A photo of RT's Restaurant restaurant

RT's Restaurant

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Alexandria

4.8

1993 reviews

The service, the food, the setting- all were exceptional! Delicious seafood appetizers and entrees- fresh, authentic cooking. Kids meal catfish sandwich was a generous portion. Key lime pie- a must!

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A photo of South City Kitchen Buckhead restaurant

South City Kitchen Buckhead

$$$$

Southern

Buckhead

4.7

2835 reviews

Great place and good vibes. Food will fill you up! Recommend!

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Takeout available

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A photo of South City Kitchen Midtown restaurant

South City Kitchen Midtown

$$$$

Southern

Midtown

4.7

6317 reviews

We have always enjoyed SCK Midtown. First time for Brunch. Truly outstanding in every regard. SCKMidtown always meets our high expectations. Thank you again for a lovely meal.

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Takeout available

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A photo of South City Kitchen Vinings restaurant

South City Kitchen Vinings

$$$$

Southern

Vinings

4.6

3989 reviews

Even for a New Year’s brunch, when they were very busy, the experience was great. As usual. When we lived in mid-town we loved walking to the mid-town location and even though it’s now a bit of a drive, well worth the trip.

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Takeout available

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A photo of State of Grace restaurant

State of Grace

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

River Oaks

4.8

2967 reviews

We went for brunch and the food was A-maxing! From the devil eggs, to the Shakshuka to the blueberry dessert! The atmosphere was inviting, music very pleasant and service from everyone, was awesome! We also had the hushpuppies, mmm-mmm good! We ordered refreshing cocktails as well. But most of all, our server, Laroya, was very nice, new the menu inside and out. She went over the intricate parts of the wonderful menu choices and everyone ordered was so delicious, heck we even ordered dishes to go! I will definitely be back!

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A photo of Stella's Bistro - Simpsonville restaurant

Stella's Bistro - Simpsonville

$$$$

Southern

Greenville

4.8

1888 reviews

Excellent as always. A favorite spot.

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A photo of Urban Grub restaurant

Urban Grub

$$$$

Southern

Edgehill

4.8

4312 reviews

One of Nashville’s gems! The food is always excellent! Among our table we got- 3 appetizers: Brussels; Peel & eat shrimp and Crab Beignets- all amazing! Popovers and homemade biscuits definitely never disappoint. Ribeyes were amazing, steak and biscuits great, hamburger was awesome, Shrimp and Grits top notch. Service was very good and all of us had a wonderful time!

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A photo of Willa Jean restaurant

Willa Jean

$$$$

Southern

Central Business District

4.7

2052 reviews

We had brunch and it was prepared well and tasted very good. The service was a bit slow but friendly.

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A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - Miami restaurant

Yardbird Table & Bar - Miami

$$$$

Unspecified

South Beach

4.7

7398 reviews

Excellent food and service, great ambiance but in order to enjoy I strongly recommend having a reservation otherwise your chances of getting a table or slim to none.

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A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - The Venetian Las Vegas restaurant

Yardbird Table & Bar - The Venetian Las Vegas

$$$$

Unspecified

The Venetian and Palazzo

4.7

7878 reviews

Food was great and so was the waiter ( his name begins with C)

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