Dining in Georgia is an experience unto itself. It's easy to say that some of the best restaurants in Georgia are also the best restaurants in the south. There's something about the food that's crafted here in this fine state that makes your mouth water and your heart flutter simultaneously. Making a "best of" list is hard, let's be honest. But making a list of restaurants that you HAVE to visit before you die takes pressure to a whole other level. So, let us go through which restaurants made the cut and why. By the way, if you find yourself perusing this article on an empty stomach and feel the need to run out and try one (or possibly two) of these restaurants immediately, we don't blame you. These ARE some of the best restaurants in Georgia, after all.

1. Holt's Bakery, Douglas, GA

The donuts at Holt's Bakery have always been a crowd favorite. People will visit from far and wide to sink their teeth into these soft, savory bouts of heaven. Although they do serve other Southern staples, come here for the baked goods. You won't regret it.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 101 East Sellers Street, Douglas, GA

2. Butt Hutt BBQ, Athens, GA

It has been said that Butt Hutt BBQ is the Holy Grail of BBQ in the south. Not only are the prices more than fair, the meat is succulent and tender, especially when doused with one of their sweet signature BBQ sauces.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 480 Macon Hwy, Athens, GA 30606

3. Jones' Kitchen, Jesup, GA

This, my friends, is Southern food at its finest. Fried pork chops, collards and turnips, homemade biscuits, and cornbread. Oh, and don't forget the sweet potato pie! It's home-style cooking that will keep you coming back for more.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 526 W Cherry St, Jesup, GA 31545

4. Willies Wee-Nee Wagon, Brunswick,

This no-nonsense fast food joint leaves the frills to the other guys. Snag yourself one of their many styles of hot dogs or the fan-favorite pork chop sandwich. The hot dogs aren't soggy or dry but have a crisp texture every time. Make sure you get a sweet tea, too!

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 3599 Altama Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520

5. Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette, GA

First things first, Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed here. So with that said, what might you think their delectable specialty is? You guessed it, fried green tomatoes. But don't just stop there.

The array of country, home-style eats are worth making this Whistle Stop a regular trip.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 443 McCrackin St, Juliette, GA 31046

6. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Savannah, GA

It's been said time and time again that Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves up THE best Southern food around. Why? Because it brings you back to your Grandma's kitchen, with family-style meals that include fried chicken and stewed okra. It is family owned and operated since 1943. You really can't have a "best restaurants of Georgia list" and not include this gem.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401

7. Steffan's Restaurant, Kingsland GA

This is hands down one of the best breakfast spots in Georgia—and possibly even the entire coast. Steffan’s Restaurant serves up Southern comfort food in an old-school diner setting. What’s been around since 1948 has become a staple for the Kingsland area. This is the perfect place to come for a meal and feel like family.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 550 S Lee St, Kingsland, GA 31548

8. Southern Soul Barbeque, Saint Simons Island, GA

This delicious dining spot was once a gas station. But now, it's a hoppin' BBQ joint that is a must-try. Typical southern fare like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, but slow-cooked in a way that it simply melts in your mouth. Choose your sauce and get to work. Oh, and don't forget a side of the Brunswick stew.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 2020 Demere Rd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522

9. Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria, Kennesaw, GA

Who wouldn't want a pizza slice the size of your upper body?! The ingredients are quality, the slices are humongous, and the thin crust is perfectly crispy. If you're feeling extra hungry and ambitious, try The Carnivore Challenge. You have one hour to eat an 11 lb Carnivore Pizza and win $250 in the process. Don't worry, you can bring a friend.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 2090 Baker Rd Suite A-103, Kennesaw, GA 30144

10. Zunzi's, Savannah, GA

It's been voted one of the Top Restaurants in Savannah worth traveling for, as well as featured on the Travel Channel as one of Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in the Country Contest. So, does the food actually match the hype? The answer is an unequivocal yes. Order the Chicken Conquistador or the Godfather sandwich. You're welcome, in advance because this is easily one of the best restaurants in Georgia, not just Savannah.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 108 E York St, Savannah, GA 31401

11. Rexall Grill, Duluth, GA, USA

It's a simple, no-dilly-dally, country-store establishment that is actually inside a drug store. It's one of the last meat-and-twos joints, with everything HANDMADE. We're talking fried okra, meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, and pie. All of it hand-crafted with love.

Click here for more information about this Georgia restaurant.

Address: 3165 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096

So there you have it. Some of the best restaurants in Georgia that you need to try, ASAP. Unfortunately, we only had room for a few, but there are so many more that deserve recognition. Leave your favorites in the comments below!