Winding through the lush landscapes of Georgia, you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of Ellijay —a lovely small town surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque creeks. Known for its gorgeous natural surroundings, Ellijay is the perfect travel destination for hikers, adventurers, and anyone who loves to play in the water.
After all that exploring the best things to do in Ellijay, you’re bound to work up an appetite, and Ellijay delivers!
While our luxurious retreats at Mountain Vibe Vacations have fully equipped kitchens, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the cooking. Wondering where to dine? Here are the best eateries and dessert shops in Ellijay, GA!
Cornerstone Cafe
- Address: 76 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Country fried steak and home fries with a homemade biscuit.
- Price Point: $
- Website: facebook.com/TheCornerStoneCafe
A family-owned local favorite in Ellijay, Cornerstone Cafe is your go-to spot for classic Southern breakfasts or a late weekend brunch. They offer classic breakfasts with pancakes, eggs, and toast, along with the unique addition of Vietnamese Pho for a cozy dining experience. The cafe has a warm, hometown feel, where everyone seems to know each other.
Dive into Cornerstone Cafe’s Burger Gone Wild and enjoy the rotating live music.
The Shack
- Address: 118 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Build your own poke bowl.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: theshackofellijay
The Shack of Ellijay is one of the best restaurants in town, offering a casual Asian fusion experience with a twist. This Shack offers casual counter-service lunch, and you can choose between a poke bowl, Vietnamese Pho, bao buns, and potstickers.
They also have tasty boba teas- be sure to try the “Peach-Olada” Boba tea if you’re looking for something refreshing. The Shack has both indoor and outdoor seating options, perfect if you want to enjoy the sun outside or have a meal in their cozy interior space.
The Roof
- Address: 16 River St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Start with the shrimp cakes and finish with the rooftop burger.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: theroofellijay.com
The Roof Ellijay is a fun rooftop kitchen and bar located above the rest of Ellijay. From the terrace, you have epic views of the surrounding mountains and town- the perfect scene to take in while you enjoy your meal!
The Roof offers classic Southern Cuisine, with starters like sliders and the Southern Caesar salad and delicious entrées like the Appalachian Trout and their famed Rooftop Burger.
Along with your meal, you can enjoy a refresher from their extensive list of craft cocktails, wines, and rotating draft beers.
Don’t worry if the conditions aren’t quite right for dining outside either. The Roof also has an indoor seating area, along with heaters on the patio for those chilly evenings and misters to cool you off on those hot summer days.
Cantaberry Restaurant
- Address: 5 S Side Square, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Tomato basil soup with grilled cheese.
- Price Point: $
- Website: cantaberry.com
Cantaberry is a beloved Ellijay restaurant that serves up simple, homemade American fare in an inviting setting with red brick walls and twinkling hang lights.
For lunch, explore a range of salads, sandwiches, and burgers, while dinner offerings include dishes like the fish of the day and savory country-fried steak. Their Tomato Basil Soup paired with Grilled Cheese is a local favorite- be sure to give it a taste on your visit to Ellijay.
La Catrina Tacos and Margaritas
- Address: 101 S Main St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Shrimp tacos and a margarita.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: lacatrinatacos.com
Family-owned and fully authentic, La Catrina Tacos and Margaritas brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to the streets of Ellijay, GA. From their crunchy sopecitos and empanadas to their famous house-made guacamole, you can’t go wrong at this restaurant named for the iconic figure of Dia de los Muertos, La Catrina.
La Catrina Mexican Restaurant also has a pretty intense taco lineup, featuring options like the savory steak street tacos, famous birria, and fresh fish tacos like mahi mahi and shrimp. Your meal will pair well with one of their handcrafted margaritas- the most popular include their hibiscus-infused black diamond and the zingy cucumber jalapeno margarita. Wednesday perks? Kids eat free!
Poole’s BBQ
- Address: 164 Craig St, East Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Pulled pork sandwich or a pork plate.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: poolesbbq.com
An internationally famous BBQ joint, Poole’s BBQ is your one stop shop for BBQ in Ellijay.
You can’t go wrong ordering a BBQ plate, complete with your choice of meat, bread, and sides. Meat choices include everything from pork and brisket to rabbit, and for sides, think creamy mac n’ cheese, rich BBQ beans, or banana pudding for a little extra sweetness with your meal.
Beyond BBQ, they also offer deli sandwiches and meat by the pound. The pulled pork sandwich is one of their most popular sandwich options; don’t leave without trying it!
Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
- Address: 2 River St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Shiitake Mushroom Pizza
- Price Point: $$
- Website: ellijaywoodfired.com
At Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, you can enjoy traditional Neapolitan pizza- without the long flight to Italy! And their food sure is delicious.
From the decadent Patagonian Crab & Artichoke Wood Fired Fondue to the creamy Burrata Caprese, their appetizers are sure to give any authentic Italian restaurant a run for its money. Their pizza, however, is the star. Decide between a red or white base, and then choose between unique creations like the Spicy Calabrian and the classic Pesto and Artichoke.
Thirsty? Their curated selection of draft beers, wines, and crafted cocktails pairs perfectly with their pizzas. This cozy pizzeria has a simple yet inviting ambiance, perfect for family dinners and date nights.
MooBears
- Address: 678 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: The Blue Ridge dog.
- Price Point: $
- Website: Instagram.com/moobears
Moobears is famous for its delicious ice cream flavors and impressive hot dog selection.
Their crowd favorites include the classic Chicago-inspired Moobear Dog and the Blue Ridge Dog, complete with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and bacon.
After your hot dog, be sure to enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream or snag some of their candies to snack on. This fun Ellijay restaurant is the perfect place if you’re looking to enjoy a meal with a little bit of childhood nostalgia.
Arlowe’s Bakehouse
- Address: 765 Maddox Dr, East Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Country sourdough loaf and the house rice krispie.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: arlowesbakehouse.com
In the mood for artisanal baked goods? You’ll certainly want to visit Arlowe’s Bakehouse, an adorable boutique cottage bakery specializing in artisanal bread and hand-crafted pastries.
Their savory breads include everything from country sourdough loaves to scrumptious rosemary, garlic, and parmesan focaccia. Want something sweet? You can’t go wrong with their deductible French Madeleines and scones.
Arlowe’s also creates gluten free and vegan baked goods for those craving something sweet within dietary restrictions.
Ellijay Coffee House
- Address: 131 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Café Latte and a homemade panini.
- Price Point: $$
- Website: ellijaycoffeehouse.com
Centrally located in Downtown Ellijay on Main Street, this rustic coffee shop can satisfy your caffeine fix and serve up incredible paninis crafted with fresh-baked artisanal bread.
For those with a sweet tooth, incredible homemade goodies await — from crunchy granola to delectable scones and biscotti. Their coffee options are widespread, including rich espresso drinks, an assortment of teas, milk alternatives, refreshing smoothies, and fizzy Italian sodas.
Abby’s
- Address: 24 S Main St Ste. E, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Frozen yogurt cup with unlimited toppings.
- Price Point: $
- Website: iloveabbys.com
Abby’s is the go-to frozen yogurt shop in Ellijay, Georgia. They have a huge variety of ice creams, frozen yogurt, and sorbets. Each ice cream is by the cup and comes with unlimited toppings!
If you need a caffeine boost too, Abby’s has great nitro cold brew. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with their selection of candy and popcorn.
Fudge and Company
- Address: 4 Northside Square, Ellijay, GA
- Favorite Menu Item: Handmade Truffles and Macaroons.
- Price Point: $
- Website: Facebook.com/BavarianChocolateFudgeCandyEllijay
Fudge and Company is Ellijay’s very own Bavarian Chocolatier and Fudge shop. Whether you’re indulging yourself or looking for the perfect gift, their selection of handmade truffles, rich fudge, and chocolate-covered marshmallows certainly won’t disappoint. In addition to chocolates, they also have an outstanding taffy selection.
Best of all, each sweet treat is freshly made daily, ensuring that you’re getting nothing but the best.
Ridge Runner Takeout
Would you rather order takeout to enjoy from the comfort of your mountain rental? Ridge Runner Takeout is the premier option for takeout in the Georgia mountains. Simply place an order at your favorite restaurant in Ellijay, GA, and they’ll bring it right to your vacation home!
Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Ellijay
From artisanal bakeries to authentic Mexican food, there are some excellent restaurants in Ellijay.
Looking for a place to stay? Mountain Vibe Vacations offers a range of amazing rental homes, whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family get-together, or a solo adventure. Book your stay today, and start planning your Ellijay getaway!
