While you are visiting the scenic Georgia mountains, make time to visit the best restaurants in North Georgia with scenic water and mountain views. Whether you want a fine dining experience, a casual meal, or a place that you can boat in to, you can find exactly what you like at these great waterfront restaurants.
The scenic restaurants below are organized by the town that they are near. A few of them go right through town, while others are in more remote locations.
Many of these restaurants are only open during the busier Summer months when lake or river traffic is at it’s peak. Phone numbers have been provided so that you can call ahead to ensure that the restaurant is open when you want to visit.
North Georgia Mountain Restaurants on the Water (or with Water Views)
Use the interactive map above and the detailed restaurant guide below to find the best restaurants in the North Georgia Blue Ridge mountains with the most scenic waterfront locations.
Blue Ridge Area Waterfront Restaurants
These waterfront restaurants near the mountain town of Blue Ridge offer a great way to enjoy the water while you dine. Choose either a spot on the Toccoa River or a lively marina bar & grill on Lake Blue Ridge.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant / Rivers Edge Restaurant is located in the Aska Adventure Area near Blue Ridge. This restaurant on the Toccoa River is a great option whether you are driving in or paddling a canoe down the river. Enjoy fresh trout, steaks, fried oysters and a selection of salads at this tucked away spot in the North Georgia mountains. The outside deck and bar area is dog friendly (they even have a menu for canine cuisine / “Pooch Porch Goodies”).
Open Wednesday – Sunday at 11:30 a.m. (closes 9 p.m. / stays open until 9:30 p.m. on Fri – Sat). Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Located at 8055 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia
- Call (706) 632-7891 for more details or visit Toccoa Riverside Restaurant online
Lake Blue Ridge Marina’s Boat Dock Bar & Grill
This casual spot on Lake Blue Ridge offers appetizers, salads, entrees plus beer, wine, and cocktails. Open daily at 11 a.m. (closes 9 p.m. Sun – Thu & 10 p.m. Fri – Sat).
- Located at 335 Marina Dr, Blue Ridge, GA
- Call (706) 632-2618 for more details or visit Lake Blue Ridge Marina’s Boat Dock Bar & Grill online
Clayton Area Waterfront Restaurants
These waterfront restaurants on Lake Burton in Clarkesville provide great food and the option to drive in or boat over to the restaurant!
The Chophouse of La Prade’s
Located on Lake Burton in Clarkesville, GA. casual elegant dining inside and outside, as well as the boating casual Lakeside Bar and Grill located dockside at the marina. Enjoy live music, fine American cuisine, with regional southern and local accents. Chef Reaux provides premium grade products with an emphasis on fresh fish/lobster, prime rib, steaks and chops along with the finest quality produce and hand made desserts. Complete with an extensive wine list and cocktails (dockside or in the restaurant). Reservations available online or by phone.
They also feature an outdoor dockside grille and tiki bar when weather permits.
- Located at 25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA
- Call (706) 947-8777 for more details or visit The Chophouse of La Prade’s online
Milton Park at Lake Burton
Open Thursday through Sunday, Milton Park features Neapolitan-inspired plus salads and appetizers. Enjoy craft beer, wine, and a cellar list with something for everyone.
Located at Laprades Marina on Lake Burton.
- Located at 25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA
- Call (706) 947-0001 for more details or visit Milton Park Lake Burton online
In addition to the lakefront restaurants on Lake Burton, you may also enjoy the nearby peaceful beauty and farm-to-table concept at The Farmhouse at Waterfall Club. This restaurant is by reservation only and has scenic views of the irrigation pond on their property. For a seating (Wednesday – Saturday only), call (706) 782-9834 to make a reservation. Located at 1105 Waterfall Drive, Clayton, GA.
Cleveland & Dahlonega Area Waterfront Restaurants
Creekside Deli
This deli has been serving the town of Cleveland for over 30 years. This quaint spot isn’t on a river or lake, but does have an outdoor patio that overlooks the creek and is open 7 days a week (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Located at 16 Old Nacoochee Road, Cleveland, GA
- Call 706-865-3666 for more details or visit Creekside Deli online
Riverside Tavern at Turner’s Corner
This casual restaurant is located on a quiet stretch of the Chestatee River between Cleveland and Dahlonega. Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining. Outdoor decks on 2 levels allow you to spend time downstairs (closer to the water) with a drink, or dine upstairs in the dining room or on the screened in deck.
- Located at 10 Turners Corner Rd, Cleveland, GA
- Call (706) 865-0190 for more details or visit Riverside Tavern at Turner’s Corner online
In addition to these 2 restaurants on the water, you may also enjoy a meal at Montaluce Winery and Estates or Frogtown Cellars. Both of these Dahlonega Plateau vineyards have seating with scenic views of the irrigation ponds that are next to their mountain vineyards.
Ellijay & Chatsworth Area Waterfront Restaurants
Enjoy a casual lakefront meal at this marina restaurant on Carter’s Lake in the Georgia mountains. This spot on Carter’s Lake is about 20 miles from both Ellijay and Chatsworth.
Carter’s Lake Marina and Resort Restaurant
This casual lakefront restaurant is open daily during the peak Summer season, and on weekends only during other times of year (it’s unlikely to be open during the coldest months). Featuring a kid-friendly menu of pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sides, this restaurant will prepare your food and have it ready if you call in your order in advance. Beer and wine sales are available in the restaurant (but no alcohol carry out or BYOB in the restaurant). If you’d like to sit in the restaurant, allow 15 minutes for food prep while you enjoy the scenery of Carter’s Lake.
- Located at 575 Marina Road, Chatsworth, GA
- Call (706) 276-4891 for more details or visit Carter’s Lake Marina and Resort Restaurant online
Helen Waterfront Restaurants
You have your choice of a handful of waterfront restaurants on the Chattahoochee River in Helen. Choose your preferred style of dining and enjoy a nice meal along the river bank.
Cafe International
This restaurant is right in the middle of downtown Helen and located directly on the Chattahoochee River! It features a covered deck to enjoy the nice weather on the riverfront with your drinks and American and German food. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (closes 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
- Located at 8546 S Main Street, Helen, GA
- Call (706) 878-3102 for more details or visit Cafe International online
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
This restaurant is located on the Chattahoochee River and on the northwest end of the Helen main street is Hofbrauhaus, open 7 days a week (11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) enjoy this restaurant that was modeled after the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany. Here the menu boasts German favorites along with American standards so that there is something for everyone.
- Located at 9001 N Main Street, Helen, GA
- Call (706) 878-2248 for more details or visit Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub online
The Troll Tavern
This location is named for it’s location “under the bridge” on the river right in the heart of downtown Helen. You’ll find a menu with German and American favorites, as well as a beverage menu with beer, wine, and cocktails. Souvenir mugs also available.
- Located at 8590 N Main Street, Helen, GA
- Call (706) 878-3117 for more details or visit The Troll Tavern online
Rib Country BBQ
This family friendly barbecue has outdoor seating on the Chattahoochee River under a covered deck. The menu is limited southern barbecue favorites (no German food here) and includes ribs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, and sides.
- Located at 11 River Street, Helen, GA (hours change seasonally)
- Call (706) 878-8008 for more details or visit online
Paul’s Steakhouse (and Paul’s Margarita Deck)
These 2 restaurants include a Steakhouse located at the intersection of the Chattahoochee River and Main Street, with an adjacent lively margarita deck located just upstream (also on the river). The steakhouse is indoor fine dining (with windows big enough to take in the water views) and primarily serves steaks and seafood. The margarita deck is open to enjoy the climate on a nice day and serves drinks with a food menu of mostly casual sandwich “baskets”. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Located at 8537 S. Main Street, Helen, GA
- Call (706) 878-2468 for more details or visit Paul’s Steakhouse online
Hiawassee Area Waterfront Restaurants
The town of Hiawassee sits on Lake Chatuge and has many places along the lake (or just across a 2-lane road) that provide beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. For the finest dining experience, you must try The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen for a gourmet meal and extensive wine menu. For something more casual, there are many other options all listed below. Please note that some of these are not waterfront, but they are across the street and provide water views.
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen
Located on the water at Lake Chatuge, this is where to go for a memorable fine dining experience for breakfast or supper (Mon – Sat), or Sunday brunch. Note that they are not open for lunch. Located within The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, there are plenty of manicured pathways to walk around and enjoy the scenery after your meal. Reservations available via OpenTable.
- Located at 3499 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 896-4141 for more details or visit The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen online
Marina Station Lake Chatuge
Marina Station is located on the water at Lake Chatuge and is a comfortable, relaxing, newly renovated space with over 40 feet of bar service and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team. There are four garage doors that open onto the deck, to allow unimpeded views of the surrounding natural beauty of the lake and mountains. The downstairs patio offers a walk-up bar, yard games and plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy the band. Arrive via bike, car, or by boat! Open Wed – Sun at 11:00 a.m.
- Located at 3399 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 896-2262 for more details or visit Marina Station Lake Chatuge online
Hawg Wild BBQ and Catfish House
This barbecue joint is located directly on the lake, but it is surrounded by parking and landscaping which obstructs the lake views a bit. The best views of the lake and mountains are available on the patio when the weather is agreeable.
- Located at 625 US-76, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 896-3200 for more details or visit Hawg Wild BBQ and Catfish House online
The Happy Hawg
This property has a narrow view of Lake Chatuge and the Blue Ridge Mountains from it’s patio. Multiple types of barbecue sauce on the table to please those who want spicy, vinegary (is that a word??), or sweet barbecue sauces. Enjoy the sandwiches and platters with generous portions of side items. Only open select days of the week. Call for hours.
- Located at 1586 U.S. 76 W, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 896-0012 for more details or visit The Happy Hawg online
El Cancun
This casual Mexican restaurant is across the street from Lake Chatuge, but close enough to enjoy the scenic lake views. Outdoor seating is available to take advantage of great weather and the beautiful views.
- Located at 3360 Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 896-7677 for more details or visit El Cancun online
Sand Bar & Grille
This spot is across the street from Lake Chatuge but still offers plenty of lake and mountain views. Menu is mainly typical bar food with wings, pizza, and sandwiches. The sand “beach” out front is a lively spot with live music every Friday and Saturday night.
- Located at 3288 Dogwood Ln, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (828) 371-4718 for more details or visit Sand Bar & Grille online
Moondance Bar & Grill and Eclipse Fine Dining
These 2 restaurants share a building across the street from Lake Chatuge but offer different styles of dining.
Moondance is casual and offers happy hour specials, kids dance parties on select nights, weekly entertainment, and pet friendly outdoor seating. Eclipse is newly opened with a fine dining menu including a 45 day aged, 40oz Tomahawk steak.
- Both are located at 3295 Dogwood Lane, Hiawassee, GA
- Call (706) 435-0502 for more details or visit Moondance Grill online
- Call (706) 435-0502 for more details or visit Eclipse Fine Dining online
McCaysville Waterfront Restaurants
Located on the state line of Georgia and Tennessee, these restaurants provide a lovely view of the Toccoa River. Enjoy a meal on the outside decks for the best river views.
Burra Burra on the River
Located in McCaysville with a dog-friendly deck overlooking the Toccoa River, this casual spot is a great place to enjoy a meal. Burra Burra on the River celebrates the #CopperBasin with classic American food, beer, & wine. Enjoy the riverside deck at historic @RiverwalkShops and scenic views.
- Located at 100 Blue Ridge Dr Suite 100, McCaysville, GA
- Call (706) 400-6660 for more details or visit Burra Burra on the River online
Happy Bear Cafe
This riverfront cafe serves breakfast, bakery goods, and ice cream all day long! In addition to breakfast, after 11:00 a.m. they offer gourmet hot dogs, beer, and wine! No alcohol sales on Sunday. Open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Located at 100 Blue Ridge Drive, Suite 102, McCaysville, GA
- Call (706) 400-6677 for more details or visit Happy Bear Cafe online
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Don’t forget to take your selfie stick to capture the moment at these scenic restaurants in North Georgia and share with your friends!
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Which of these great waterfront restaurants are you planning to try first? Do you prefer the movement of the rivers or the tranquility of the lakes?
