Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central Georgia

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central Georgia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Abel Brown

4.9

4.9 (2703)

$50 and over

Southern

West Augusta

About the restaurant

Abel Brown is a southern kitchen & oyster bar nestled in Surrey Center in Augusta, Ga. The name, much like our menu, is a nod to and celebration of our blended cultural roots. Authentic, yet refined, our ingredient-driven dishes are prepared and served with thought and respect. We pair clean and modern Southern cuisine with the charm & tradition reserved for high company.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Great service and the food was excellent! Will go back next time I’m in town.

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4.9

4.9 (441)

$30 and under

Italian

Athens

About the restaurant

Osteria Olio brings modern Italian cuisine with a Southern twist to Athens, GA. Expect handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and regionally inspired dishes served with standout hospitality. The seasonal menu celebrates local purveyors, paired with an extensive Italian wine list and inventive cocktails-all set in a beautifully designed space that's both refined and welcoming.

Top review

Vanessa

Dined 1 day ago

Leslie was our server and absolutely incredible. She was knowledgeable and attentive. Her wine selection was superb and spot on with everything we ate. This restaurant is quickly becoming one of our favorite getaway spots and every time we dine here our expectations are exceeded and we always look forward to our next visit.

Becks

4.8

4.8 (1304)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Excellent cold water oysters/Baked oysters specials/woodfire grilled steaks and burgers/fresh seafood/fresh craft cocktails/extensive beer list/private dining for parties
BETWEEN APRIL 2-APRIL 9 PLEASE CALL 706.922.1501 FOR RESERVATIONS FROM 3:00-4:30

Top review

JoshuahVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Great meal celebrating my wife’s graduation. Staff was awesome, our waitress was fantastic. Thank you to her

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Popular dish

Baked Oysters

990 BROAD

4.8

4.8 (54)

$50 and over

Sushi

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Augusta, 990 Broad Sushi Kitchen offers a diverse menu of small plates, sushi, and crudo. The Ph'rog Bar features an innovative cocktail list with knowledgeable bartenders who can help you navigate the extensive sake and Japanese whisky selection. Between electric ambiance and Chef Ito's curated menu, 990 Broad promises a memorable culinary experience.

Top review

KatyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Best sushi in Augusta! Absolutely love the tuna and crunchy rice and the new page roll. Tried the Udon noodle bowl for the first time and it was amazing! Great service, as well.

Bianca's

4.8

4.8 (312)

$31 to $50

Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

Bianca's Restaurant is fine dining in Northwest Albany offering pasta, steak, seafood, pizza and more. The menu offers mouthwatering everyday options along with amazing daily specials created by our talented chef. The dessert menu is tempting to anyone with or without a sweet tooth, it's just that good! The cozy, upscale atmosphere paired with the extensive wine list makes you feel like you aren't in South Georgia, but the friendly staff reminds you that you are and definitely makes you feel like family!

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Beautiful little spot. The interior is fantastic and the staff attentive and hospitable. The food was outstanding. I had the special, elk. A little pricey but absolutely delicious.

California Dreaming - Augusta

4.7

4.7 (866)

$30 and under

American

National Hills

About the restaurant

California Dreaming serves a mix of hearty American classics in a large family-friendly atmosphere. What sets us apart from the rest is that every dish is fresh and prepared from scratch daily, including notable favorites, like the California Dreaming Salad, Nachos and fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs. Additional features: patio seating + online ordering with curbside pick-up.

Top review

Danielle

Dined 7 days ago

We had a good time and the food was great. The service was excellent.

Craft & Vine - Augusta, GA

4.6

4.6 (58)

$50 and over

Tapas / Small Plates

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Welcome to Craft & Vine, an excellent member of the Frog Hollow Hospitality Group. We are a cocktail bar and eatery politely tucked away on Broad Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails, an elegant wine selection, and gourmet small plates. A fusion of old wood with metal modern mix, low lights bouncing off art deco and leather.

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Victoria

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The server was training, but ensured that it was a seamless experience. Server and trainee were both great. Food was fabulous. The drinks were good and we got them at happy hour. The staff was upfront about the food being similar to a tapas experience and that the food was farm to table which meant it wouldn't be quick food. However the wait was completely reasonable and the appetizer/drink/entree flow was perfect. The restaurant was clean - including the women's bathroom.

Tacocat

4.6

4.6 (50)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Tacocat is bringing the fiesta with bold Tex-Mex cuisine, refreshing margaritas, and good vibes to Downtown Augusta, Georgia. Tacocat is the place for amigos, both new and old. Have a great time with friends, while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a lively atmosphere with live music nightly! The menu is simplistic, Tacos and "Not Tacos" but each menu item is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of Downtown Augusta! The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. There is event a private room, so host your next event with us! While cat is in the name, our large outdoor patio is dog friendly, we would love to meet your furry friends!

Top review

Lola

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Everything was delicious. Margs on point. Service was decent but very relaxed. Out bartender had two seperate interactions with us while actively eating. Just a little gross. Otherwise 10/10

Sheehan's Irish Pub and Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (497)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

12 beers on tap/fresh seafood/lively casual atmosphere

Top review

Donna

Dined 4 days ago

The food is amazing and Tristian was super!! He was friendly and helpful

Dave & Buster's - Augusta

4.5

4.5 (114)

$30 and under

American

National Hills

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Carlos’ service was excellent, and the food and drinks were great!!

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