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50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018

With only 50 lazy, hazy days left of summer, OpenTable's 2018 list of the 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America offers diners plenty of options to savor flavors that are strongly associated with warm summer days and balmy nights. However, the honorees serve standout Southern fare year-round. The list is based on an analysis of 12,000,000+ reviews of more than 27,000 restaurants across the country—all submitted by verified diners. Don't forget to #traveldeliciously this summer.

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As Voted by OpenTable Diners
Updated January 01, 1
A photo of Abel Brown restaurant

Abel Brown

Price: Very Expensive
Southern
West Augusta
4.9
2260 reviews
Love this place! Fantastic food and service from all employees. I always request Ashley and she is always spot-on with recommendations.
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A photo of Alligator Soul restaurant

Alligator Soul

Price: Very Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Historic District - North
4.7
6237 reviews
From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us kindly and let us know we were welcome and valued. The food was excellent, unique and delicious. In addition , the presentation was attractive. We enjoyed the ambiance and will return for another meal. Highly recommend Alligator Soul!
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A photo of Anson restaurant

Anson

Price: Very Expensive
Southern
Downtown Charleston
4.9
4164 reviews
Best food we've had so far in Charleston, and our server was outstanding!!
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A photo of Antebellum restaurant

Antebellum

Price: Moderate
Southern
Flowery Branch
4.9
2525 reviews
Awesome restaurant, you can’t go wrong with any of the options
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A photo of Atchafalaya Restaurant restaurant

Atchafalaya Restaurant

Price: Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Garden District
4.9
5853 reviews
Food was outstanding! Fun Jazz quartet playing! Waiter was great!! A grand meal!!
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A photo of Brennan's of Houston restaurant

Brennan's of Houston

Price: Very Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Montrose
4.7
3753 reviews
Excellent meal matched with outstanding waitstaff!!
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Experiences available
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A photo of Cured restaurant

Cured

Price: Expensive
Southern
Downtown
4.6
1702 reviews
A lovely rustic country atmosphere with fantastic service. I enjoyed the entire experience.
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Experiences available
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Takeout available
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A photo of Distilled on Jefferson restaurant

Distilled on Jefferson

Price: Moderate
Southern
Lexington
4.7
1552 reviews
Food was so good- even better than usual - black grouper with pickled and smoked vegetables. Service excellent. Was in Louisville last week, ate at a recommended restaurant and it was good, but Lex has 8 restaurants as good or better. Distilled is at the top of that list.
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A photo of Fixe restaurant

Fixe

Price: Expensive
Southern
Downtown
4.8
2799 reviews
It was amazing!! It was my sister’s 21st birthday and they made her feel so special. The food was also amazing. I definitely recommend fixe!
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A photo of Highball & Harvest restaurant

Highball & Harvest

Price: Expensive
Southern
I Drive / Sand Lake
4.8
1268 reviews
Absolutely fabulous as usual. Our server, Mario, was very pleasant and attentive. The food was beyond delicious. The 3 of us all had the skirt steak and it was cooked to perfection based on our requests.
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A photo of Ida Claire restaurant

Ida Claire

Price: Moderate
Contemporary Southern
North Dallas
4.7
4250 reviews
Best food ever! My husband and I came in for our wedding anniversary and were very pleased with the service and food! I wish they would bring back the Vice cake but otherwise we loved our meal.
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A photo of Kitchen Notes - Omni Nashville restaurant

Kitchen Notes - Omni Nashville

Price: Moderate
Southern
Downtown / Sobro
4.7
1469 reviews
Good for a nice lunch Veggie goulash was great Good service
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Takeout available
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A photo of The King's Kitchen restaurant

The King's Kitchen

Price: Moderate
Southern
Uptown
4.5
1997 reviews
Delicious food, a really spectacular waiter (thanks, Joe) and a community-loving mission that makes you feel happy about every dollar you spend. If I was local, I'd be here weekly.
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A photo of Madison's restaurant

Madison's

Price: Expensive
Southern
Highlands / Sapphire
4.7
1991 reviews
We celebrated our anniversary with a beautiful dinner at Madison’s…Table with rose petals and an anniversary card, complimentary starter, delicious wine and food, superior service!!!
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A photo of Mandolin restaurant

Mandolin

Price: Moderate
Southern
Raleigh
4.5
2545 reviews
A friend and I came here for brunch and the atmosphere was just perfect. Shout out to all of the staff working on New Year’s because they were all so nice and helpful and really helped create a great experience! It was the perfect way to start the year. Shoutout to Alex and Luke. They’re the best.
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A photo of Maple Tree Inn restaurant

Maple Tree Inn

Price: Moderate
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Homewood
4.8
3810 reviews
Love Maple Tree Inn. This is my second time visiting. Everyone in my party really enjoyed their meals. We had Crawfish etoufee, Southern catfish, and Dis & Dat Platter.
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A photo of Merrick Inn restaurant

Merrick Inn

Price: Expensive
Contemporary Southern
Lexington
4.7
3843 reviews
Pure tradition and excellence! Southern specialities supremely prepared. The ambiance is fabulous and if you are looking for Kentucky tradition, look no further. The menu, while true to Kentucky traditions of fried chicken and beer cheese features specials that are creative and innovative. Tonight, I had a lightly Parmesan crusted grouper finished in a lemon beurre blanc that was wonderful. Impeccable service, and options to be seated in one of the dining rooms or in the bar or patio make for a meal steeped in all the best southern traditions. I appreciate the linen tablecloths, fresh flowers, real butter and basket of rolls.
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Experiences available
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A photo of Midtown Cafe restaurant

Midtown Cafe

Price: Expensive
Southern
Midtown
4.9
4265 reviews
Meals are awesome , Jon the waiter is friendly and Professional. It’s are go to place when we visit Nashville
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A photo of Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro restaurant

Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro

Price: Moderate
Southern
Winston-Salem
4.8
2554 reviews
Had the daily special gazpacho, which had watermelon as one of the ingredients. It was delicious! It was appetizer-sized, so the waiter suggested I double it for a lunch entree, which I did. Also included five or six grilled shrimp, which were also delicious. Ate at an outside table on a gorgeous day.
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A photo of Mr. B's Bistro restaurant

Mr. B's Bistro

Price: Expensive
Creole
French Quarter
4.7
5352 reviews
Had an amazing experience celebrating an anniversary at Mr. B’s. They were so attentive from start to finish, and both our servers were friendly and knowledgeable. I ordered the pork tenderloin with black-eyed peas and cabbage. It came out perfectly, and they made sure our glasses were filled. I really appreciated the bubbly and happy anniversary wishes. Will come again!
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A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant

Muriel's Jackson Square

Price: Very Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
French Quarter
4.7
9207 reviews
We had a wonderful and relaxed dinner on Jan 1st after a few days of crazy work. Our waiter Alek provided us with polished, friendly and unhurried service which allowed us to decompress and enjoy our cocktails and dinner. The food was incredible as always, fresh, creative and a perfect blend of flavours complemented the main protein of the dish. We ended with great coffee and bread pudding and walked away full and satisfied. Thank you to the staff of Muriel’s - have a great 2023!
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Takeout available
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A photo of The Olde Pink House Restaurant restaurant

The Olde Pink House Restaurant

Price: Expensive
Southern
Historic District - North
4.7
22391 reviews
Food amazing, best dessert ever, praline basket!!
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A photo of Restaurant IRON restaurant

Restaurant IRON

Price: Expensive
Southern
Pensacola
4.8
2487 reviews
Been a while since we dined here but they have not missed a beat. The escargot gnocchi was fabulous and the quail dish with the black truffle bread pudding was outstanding. Small wine list, but had affordable options.
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A photo of Restaurant R'evolution restaurant

Restaurant R'evolution

Price: Very Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
French Quarter
4.7
6638 reviews
The experience from get-go was unique. Excellent cocktails, wines. Unique interpretation of creole cuisine. A feast visually and for your taste buds. Superb dessert. Had a great time.
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Experiences available
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A photo of Restaurant Rebirth restaurant

Restaurant Rebirth

Price: Expensive
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Warehouse District
4.9
1834 reviews
Eclectic and sensational ambiance. Justin was a gracious and hard working table attendant.
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A photo of RT's Restaurant restaurant

RT's Restaurant

Price: Moderate
Creole / Cajun / Southern
Alexandria
4.6
2043 reviews
Very good soft shell crabs, crawfish etouffee, seafood pasta--all at a reasonable price.
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A photo of South City Kitchen Buckhead restaurant

South City Kitchen Buckhead

Price: Expensive
Southern
Buckhead
4.7
2925 reviews
Great place and good vibes. Food will fill you up! Recommend!
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Takeout available
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A photo of South City Kitchen Midtown restaurant

South City Kitchen Midtown

Price: Expensive
Southern
Midtown
4.8
6458 reviews
We have always enjoyed SCK Midtown. First time for Brunch. Truly outstanding in every regard. SCKMidtown always meets our high expectations. Thank you again for a lovely meal.
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Experiences available
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Takeout available
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A photo of South City Kitchen Vinings restaurant

South City Kitchen Vinings

Price: Moderate
Southern
Vinings
4.6
4084 reviews
Even for a New Year’s brunch, when they were very busy, the experience was great. As usual. When we lived in mid-town we loved walking to the mid-town location and even though it’s now a bit of a drive, well worth the trip.
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Takeout available
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A photo of State of Grace restaurant

State of Grace

Price: Expensive
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
4.8
3058 reviews
Really nice restaurant with excellent food. Very accommodating as our group had decreased at arrival, then with two people arriving late.
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A photo of Stella's Bistro - Simpsonville restaurant

Stella's Bistro - Simpsonville

Price: Moderate
Southern
Greenville
4.8
1944 reviews
Excellent as always. A favorite spot.
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A photo of Urban Grub restaurant

Urban Grub

Price: Expensive
Southern
Waverly / Melrose / Breeze Hill
4.8
4564 reviews
No hyperbole - this was some of the best food that I’ve had since I moved here five years ago. It was seasoned and cooked well.
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A photo of Willa Jean restaurant

Willa Jean

Price: Moderate
Southern
Central Business District
4.7
2108 reviews
We had brunch and it was prepared well and tasted very good. The service was a bit slow but friendly.
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A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - Miami restaurant

Yardbird Table & Bar - Miami

Price: Expensive
Southern
South Beach
4.7
7507 reviews
Excellent food and service, great ambiance but in order to enjoy I strongly recommend having a reservation otherwise your chances of getting a table or slim to none.
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A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - The Venetian Las Vegas restaurant

Yardbird Table & Bar - The Venetian Las Vegas

Price: Moderate
Unspecified
The Venetian and Palazzo
4.7
8045 reviews
Everything and everyone was AMAZING!! Thank you so much for amazing service and food.
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