Fine dining in Augusta seems to be quite the rage. It would, I think, be tough to find another town of its size that offers the variety, or quantity, of up-scale restaurants that Augusta does. Those I've listed for you here are the ones I can personally recommend. My own personal favorite is the Veranda Grill at the Partridge Inn.
The Veranda Grill
The Partridge Inn at 2110 Walton Way. 706-737-8888
The Veranda Grill, famous for its outdoor dining and quarter-mile of verandas overlooking Augusta's historic Walton Way, is a regular on the "Best of Augusta" lists. This uniquely Augustan steakhouse offers cuisine with a flair that can only be called "southern." Premium steaks and a variety of seafood dishes inspired by local and seasonal fare are served along with a premium wine list. The atmosphere is both elegant and casual - elegant inside dining and casual dining on the veranda. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Calvert's
475 Highland Avenue
Augusta, GA 30909
706-738-4514. One of the best-known, elegant dining restaurants in Augusta, Calvert's serves a menu with a European flair and offers selections such as filet mignon, fresh seafood, veal, and chicken Cordon Brie. Service is impeccable, the atmosphere intimate and reservations are recommended. They are open Monday through Saturday for dinner only; closed on Sundays.
Le Cafe de Teau
1855 Central Avenue
Augusta, GA 30901
706-733-3505. One of Augusta's most popular dining spots with discriminating diners (and me) in the Augusta area, Le Cafe de Teau serves an extensive menu of continental cuisine such as lamb, grilled duck, homemade seafood sausage, jambalaya, escargot shiitake ragout, and an array of gourmet pizzas cooked on Augusta's only wood-fired stove. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner only; closed on Mondays. Reservations are recommended.
La Maison on Telfair
At 404 Telfair Street. 706-722-480. Housed in a beautifully restored 1853 mansion where Chef Heinz offers a classic international menu that includes such delights as Magret De Canard a L'Orange Maple Leaf duck breast cooked crisp, glazed with Grand Marnier, over fresh fennel orange slaw and couscous salad; Homard Printanniere steamed Maine lobster with spring vegetables, new potatoes and herb lime butter; Gigot d' Agneau Provencale the most tender part of the leg of lamb, with garden fresh herbs de Provence and garlic, with flageolet beans and natural jus, and many more just as mouth-watering. The cost? Not unreasonable - there's just one item I've mentioned above that will set you back more than $29 (the lobster). Expect to pay around $45 per person including appetizers and deserts.
Luigi's
At 590 Broad Street. 706-722-4056
Luigi's is known not only for its Greek and Italian cuisine, but for it's "Old World Ambiance" and family atmosphere. First opened by Nicholas Ballas in 1949, it has since passed down through the family and is presently owned and operated by his grandson, Chuck Ballas Jr. For almost 57 years, local Augustans have enjoyed what Luigi's has to offer, and during the Master's Golf Tournament, for visitors and golfers, not to mention celebrities, dinner at Luigi's has become something of a tradition. To step into Luigi's is to step into another world where delicious homemade food and friendliness are the family's creed. You have to try Luigi's Moussaka - layers of eggplant and seasoned ground beef, topped with béchamel; or maybe their Baked Plaki - baked mahi mahi with marinara sauce served over rice, either way, you can't go wrong. Open Monday through Saturday from 5pm until 11pm and on Friday from 11:30am until 2pm.
Old Edgefield Grill
202 Penn Street in Edgefield, SC, just outside of Augusta, 803-637-3222. Only a short drive from Augusta, GA, this fine Southern restaurant is located in a 1906 Victorian style house behind two massive magnolia trees. The emphasis is on elegance, fine dining on wonderful southern cuisine all served on some of the crispest white table linens I've ever encountered. There's also a full service bar. Open Tuesday - Saturday for lunch from 11-2 and Wednesday - Saturday for dinner from 6-9. Reservations are recommended.
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