Do yourself a favor and make a stop in Clayton, Georgia, if you are ever navigating the picturesque roads of the North Georgia Mountains. Believe me, this small town is actually a foodie’s paradise. After eating my way through the majority of it, I can honestly say that the local dining scene is excellent.
Clayton’s has everything you could possibly want, including Asian fusion with a twist, fresh food from the farm, classic Southern comfort food, and perfectly cooked, crispy wood-fired pizza. The finest aspect? The majority of these locations are nestled into quaint nooks with views of the mountains and that cozy, small-town atmosphere that is impossible to replicate.
Here is my personal ranking of the top 11 restaurants in Clayton, Georgia, complete with menus, links to Google Maps, and frank reviews so you know exactly what to expect if you’re planning a trip or are just stopping by. Let’s feed you properly.
1. Fortify Kitchen and Bar
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: 69 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Summary: One of Clayton’s greatest places is Fortify Kitchen and Bar, which you simply must try. Fresh, inventive, and full of Southern flavor are the farm-to-table dishes. The trout I had the last time was fantastic. Excellent cocktails, a seasonal menu, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s worth it, I promise.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese ($12)
- Entrees: Grilled rib-eye with herb butter ($38), pan-seared trout with lemon beurre blanc ($32)
- Desserts: Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream ($9)
Why Visit: Fortify is the place to go if you are organizing a special occasion or a date night. I visited there for an anniversary dinner, and the romantic atmosphere was ideal, with soft lighting, comfortable booths, and the ideal amount of refinement. The service? Right on. Extremely attentive without being intrusive. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so make reservations in advance.
2. The Vandiver
Rating: 4.7/5
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: 141 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: You must experience The Vandiver’s welcoming atmosphere, fantastic service, and inventive Southern cuisine made with regional ingredients. It’s one of my favorite places in Clayton.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Kale Caesar salad with parmesan crisps ($10)
- Entrees: Braised short ribs with creamy polenta ($34), seared scallops with risotto ($36)
- Desserts: Key lime pie with pretzel crust ($8)
Why Visit: The Vandiver is a great choice if you’re feeling romantic and want to spend a night out. I’ve had a quiet dinner there, and the setting is ideal warm lighting, a laid-back vibe, and an extremely good wine selection. It’s one of those locations where you just become comfortable and forget how much time has passed.
3. Rabun Social
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Sushi
Location: 135 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Summary: Do you want some ramen or sushi? With some of the best cocktails in town and strong, real Asian flavors, Rabun Social is a hit. Very laid-back vibe as well. Do you want directions or the menu?
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Chicken lettuce wraps ($11)
- Entrees: Mongolian beef short ribs ($28), spicy tuna roll ($14)
- Drinks: Starry Night cocktail (spiked fruit punch, $12)
Why Visit: Rabun Social is a must-visit if you enjoy sushi. I’ve been a few times, and each time I’m pleasantly surprised by the inventive menu, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere is just fun and lively. Unquestionably an interesting location.
4. Stekoa Creek
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
Location: 44 Stave Mill St, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: Searching for a warm mountain atmosphere? Stekoa Creek’s chef-driven pasta, seafood, and steaks are excellent. Comforting, soothing, and incredibly delicious food.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Crab cakes with remoulade ($14)
- Entrees: Filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes ($40), shrimp and grits ($26)
- Desserts: Bourbon pecan pie ($9)
Organizing a special event or a group dinner? I visited Stekoa Creek with a large group, and everything was excellent. The food arrived at the ideal moment, the service went smoothly, and the cocktails? Incredibly imaginative.
5. The Rusty Bike Cafe
Rating: 4.7/5
Cuisine: American, Breakfast
Location: 677 Hwy 441 S, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: Enjoy breakfast? Massive pancakes, amazing biscuits, and a fun Southern twist can be found at the Rusty Bike Cafe, a local favorite. Well worth the stop.
Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast: Plate-sized pancakes with maple syrup ($8), biscuits and gravy ($10)
- Lunch: Chicken salad sandwich with fries ($12)
- Desserts: Homemade cinnamon rolls ($6)
Why You Should Visit: The Rusty Bike Cafe is the ideal location if you are searching for a comfortable place to have lunch or breakfast. I have experienced very welcoming service and a relaxed atmosphere a few times. A wonderful place to begin the day.
6. Clayton Cafe
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Location: 50 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Summary: Clayton Cafe is a must-try if you are looking for authentic, simple Southern comfort food. You will understand why it has been a mainstay for more than 60 years after tasting the meatloaf or fried chicken. It is like entering Grandma’s kitchen, only better.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Fried pickles with spicy ranch ($8)
- Entrees: Country-fried steak with mashed potatoes ($16), shrimp and grits ($18)
- Desserts: Banana pudding ($7)
Reason to Visit: Believe me, you must visit Clayton Cafe. The fried pickles alone made the trip worthwhile when I visited for lunch. You want to stay because of the place’s cozy, homey atmosphere. It’s timeless, cozy, and feels natural.
7. Universal Joint
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Cuisine: Gastropub, American
- Location: 109 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: Check out Universal Joint, which has one of the best patios in town and is housed in a cool converted gas station. They have a great selection of craft beers, and I love to hang out there for a casual bite to eat and a cold beer. Very relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding with friends.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Tater tots with house-made dipping sauce ($7)
- Entrees: Fish tacos with slaw ($14), classic cheeseburger ($12)
- Drinks: Local craft beers ($6-$8)
Why Visit: Universal Joint is the place to go if you want something laid-back. I have relaxed on their patio numerous times; the food is excellent, the mountain air is even better, and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect. It is ideal for a relaxed lunch or a beer in the evening.
8. Fortify Pi
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: Pizza, American
Location: 69 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: Fortify Pi is the place to go if you are craving pizza. Fortify Kitchen’s laid-back sister restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas with bold toppings, crispy crusts, and inventive combinations. They also have a fantastic selection of local beers. It never fails, and I have been a few times.
Menu Highlights:
- Pizzas: Duck bianca with spinach and bacon ($18), mushroom pizza with local mushrooms ($16)
- Sandwiches: Skye veggie burger ($14)
- Desserts: Seasonal fruit tart ($8)
Why You Should Visit: If you enjoy pizza or need vegan or gluten-free options, Fortify Pi is excellent. I went with some friends who have special dietary requirements, and we all came away satisfied. The toppings are very fresh, and the crusts are authentic. It is one of those places where everyone at the table feels cared for.
9. The Hush Cuban Kitchen & Bar
Rating: 4.6/5
Cuisine: Cuban, Latin American
Location: 36 Stave Mill St, Clayton, GA 30525
Summary: Are you looking for something a little more energizing and spicy? Your place is the Hush. Bold flavors, fresh seafood, and a lively, fun atmosphere drew me in when I stopped in for a Cuban sandwich. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an entire experience.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Fried plantains with garlic sauce ($9)
- Entrees: Cuban sandwich with mojo pork ($14), shrimp ceviche ($16)
- Drinks: Mojito ($10)
Why You Should Visit: The Hush is changing Clayton’s food landscape. The flavors are strong, fresh, and completely unlike anything else in town, based on my experience there. The whole experience is made unforgettable by its lively energy. This is the place to be if you enjoy trying new things.
10. Sunday Diner
Rating: 4.4/5
Cuisine: Southern, Diner
Location: 36 Stave Mill St Ste A, Clayton, GA 30525
Overview: Sunday Diner is a must if you are craving traditional Southern comfort food. Yes, it’s that good. I have stopped in for breakfast and stayed for pie. The homemade desserts taste exactly like grandma’s, and breakfast is served all day. Extremely welcoming and family-friendly.
Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast: Granny’s Tater Cakes ($8)
- Entrees: Fried chicken with collard greens ($15)
- Desserts: Peach pie ($7)
Reasons Why You Should Visit: One of those warm places that simply feels like home is Sunday Diner. During my several visits, each meal has been substantial, satisfying, and bursting with the flavor of home cooking. You enter it hungry and come out contented.
11. Mama G’s Italian Restaurant
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 777 Hwy 441 S, Clayton, GA 30525
Summary: Mama G’s is a must-visit if you are craving authentic Italian cuisine. I have tried their oven-finished pasta; it’s flavorful, cheesy, and rich. Every day, the dough and sauces are made from scratch, and the difference is evident. It’s comfortable, genuine, and always perfect.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Garlic rolls ($6)
- Entrees: Chicken Alfredo ($18), lobster ravioli ($22)
- Desserts: Tiramisu ($8)
Reasons Why You Should Visit: My favorite place to get Italian comfort food in Clayton is Mama G’s. The portions are substantial, the flavors are excellent, and they also have good gluten-free options. You are in for a treat, whether it is pizza, pasta, or just garlic knots and a glass of wine.
The Reasons Clayton, Georgia Is a Foodie Destination
To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by Clayton’s culinary scene. Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, it has emerged as a true culinary gem. From robust Asian, Cuban, and Italian flavors to farm-to-table Southern comfort, you can find it all made with local, fresh ingredients.
These locations aren’t just places to eat; they’re an integral part of the experience, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or are just traveling up from Atlanta for the day. Every one of them made an impression on me when I tried them myself.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings