The Best Downtown Ellijay Restaurants

Historic Downtown Ellijay is a small town situated in the heart of all the North Georgia action.

This nostalgic stretch of hometown Americana is just outside of Blue Ridge Georgia at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Cartecay River. Whether you intend to take advantage of your time in the ‘mountain biking capital of Georgia’ in the rugged outdoors, exploring the numerous apple orchards, or simply boutique-hopping for original treasures, Downtown Ellijay is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast, end the evening with a local craft brew, enjoy a midday break with a view, or grab a quick takeout meal for your family to enjoy in your cozy cabin. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Downtown Ellijay.
 

Back Porch Bistro

Photo Credit: back_porch_bistro via Instagram

• Address: 10 Northside Square, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 636-1111
• Website: https://back-porch-bistro.business.site
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Gyros, apple salad, homemade cookies, Cuban pork sandwich

This quaint deli-style café in the heart of historic Downtown Ellijay has a pet-friendly patio where you can enjoy your lunch with a side of sunny Georgia weather. This spot serves up casual bites in the form of fresh handmade wraps, gourmet sandwiches, burritos, bowls, fresh salads, and paninis, and a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

 

Boardwalk Pizza & Pub

Photo Credit: lt_durden via Instagram

• Address: 25 S Church St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 273-2865
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/BoardwalkPizzaPub
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Pizza, beer

Located in the heart of Downtown Ellijay on The Boardwalk, this lively pub and pizzeria offers a variety of great pizzas and beers, and plenty of fun to go with it! Come have a pizza, play a game of cornhole, and hang out with the locals (they are sure to show you a good time). Keep an eye on Boardwalk’s Facebook page for live music and other events.

 

Cajun Depot Grill

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• Address: 67 Depot Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540
• Phone: (706) 276-1676
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/cajundepotgrill
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Crab cakes, jambalaya, crawfish

This spot is on the way out to East Ellijay and describes itself as an authentic blend of Louisiana cooking in a relaxed New Orleans atmosphere. Diners here can expect down-home Cajun and Creole standards, plus daily lunch specials. Choose from hearty sandwiches and mains to lighter appetizers, salads, and seafood gumbo.
 

Cantaberry Restaurant

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• Address: 5 S Side Square, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 636-4663
• Website: http://cantaberry.com/
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Tomato basil soup, turkey club, coconut cake

This charming establishment has been serving up homemade soup and sandwich lunches seven days a week, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings since 2008. The friendly dining space has a pet-friendly patio, or you can dine inside. The Cantaberry Restaurant also has a second location in Blue Ridge.
 

Cornerstone Cafe

Photo Credit: rhyndman via Instagram

• Address: 76 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 636-2230
• Website: https://www.ubereats.com/store/corner-stone-cafe/1tcdOWbgU5Wiri-lOCEgGA
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: French toast, apple fritters, country fried steak

Family-owned and operated since 2006, Cornerstone Cafe on Main Street offers Southern, home-cooked staples for breakfast and lunch. Expect fresh cooking, generous portions, warm hospitality, and a homey, welcoming atmosphere from this coffee shop. The brunch service is especially popular here, so be sure to stop in and see what all the fuss is about.
 

Ellijay Coffeehouse

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• Address: 131 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 635-5565
• Website: https://ellijaycoffeehouse.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Paninis, scones, coffee

This comfy hangout is loved by residents and locals alike and is the unofficial community living room of the Downtown Ellijay area. Friendly, knowledgeable baristas serve up fresh-roasted coffees and are more than happy to share their insider tips for fun in Ellijay and Gilmer County as they do so. Here, you’ll find great vibes, delicious drinks, and light bites, plus spacious outdoor seating.
 

Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

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• Address: 2 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 707-4992
• Website: https://www.ellijaywoodfired.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Pizza, meatballs, salad

This authentic Italian restaurant will transport you to Naples with its fresh Neapolitan-style pizza and locally sourced ingredients. The owners pride themselves on their old-world Italian standards and their wood-fired oven was made in Naples, Italy, for maximum authenticity. Nestled in a freshly restored early 19th-century former Appalachian hotel this is the best place in town for pizza and rugged mountain vibes.
 

The Hitching Post

Photo Credit: panperry40 via Instagram

• Address: 740 S Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 276-9924
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/homeof33degreebeer
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Pizza, sandwiches, beer

Established in 1983, The Hitching Post is the ‘Home of 33 Degree Beer’. This traditional package store carries a wide selection of domestic and imported beers and wines, including local hard ciders and craft beer. Casual, deli-style takeout options are available, such as made-to-order pizza, BBQ wings, and sandwiches.
 

Kasei Sushi & Sake

Photo Credit: kasei_sushi via Instagram

• Address: 10 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 851-2200
• Website: https://www.kaseisushi.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Miso soup, sake, sashimi

The freshest fish, tastiest sushi, and genuine sake in Appalachia? Yes — and a TripAdvisor review even calls it exquisite! Kasei opened in March 2020 and offers a world-class Japanese dining experience with traditional and fusion dishes available to sample.
 

Mr. P's Takeout

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• Address: 295 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 635-4040
• Website: https://www.mrpstakeoutfood.com
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Burgers, biscuits, sandwiches

Mr. P’s has been serving homestyle Southern American cooking in Ellijay for more than 40 years, and everything on the menu is delicious! Traditional meals are cooked fresh daily for takeout and patio dining. From burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches to homemade barbecue, old-fashioned Brunswick stew, and classic fried chicken, this is undoubtedly the home of comfort food. There are even homemade desserts and soft-serve ice cream, so be sure to leave room!
 

River Street Tavern

• Address: 40 River St, Suite B Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 635-6166
• Website: https://riverstreettavern.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Wings, craft beer, wonton burger

This tavern was named one of the great craft beer destinations by Forbes Magazine, so beer lovers can’t miss visiting while in Ellijay. This small, intimate tavern offers award-winning cuisine, plus popular Georgia beer and wine varietals from local vineyards and breweries. Enjoy happy hour specials daily and live entertainment from local musicians on the weekends.
 

The Roof Ellijay

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• Address: 16 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 635-7663
• Website: https://www.theroofellijay.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Shrimp cakes, fried pimento cheese, chicken sandwich

This southern rooftop kitchen and bar on River Street is inspired by the culture of Appalachia and is a great place to spend an evening or two. Next-level cuisine includes some of the best mac n cheese in town, and incredible views and a welcome ambiance are the icing on the cake. The cocktail menu is superb — be sure to try the Mountain Thyme Margarita.
 

The Shack of Ellijay

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• Address: 118 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: (706) 635-3663
• Website: https://www.ordertheshack.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Wraps, poke bowl, hot tea

The Shack offers takeout, dine-in, and catering that’s sure to satisfy every worldly palette! Expect Asian fusion and healthy eats, plus plenty of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options.
 

LC La Catrina Tacos&Margaritas

• Address: 101 S Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
• Phone: 706-635-1520
• Website: https://www.lacatrinatacos.com/
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Steak fajitas, birria tacos, grilled shrimp

La Catrina is arguably the best Mexican restaurant in Ellijay and is our pick for authentic cuisine from south of the border. Expect classics such as tacos and quesadillas, as well as fusion dishes like waffle nachos which switch out tortilla chips for crispy waffle fries. There are some excellent vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, too.
 

A Taste of the Best Ellijay Restaurants

As you can see, there’s plenty on the menu in Ellijay. Pin these top spots to your map for your next trip to the North Georgia mountains and get ready to work your way around all these tasty places.