These are The Telegraph’s must-try dishes in Macon. What are yours?
While many of our staffers at The Telegraph are new Maconites, we’ve quickly gotten ourselves well-versed in the Middle Georgia food scene.
Check out our favorites, and take our survey at the bottom of this story to tell us yours.
Oliver’s Corner Bistro
Picking a favorite restaurant in Macon is hard — and picking a favorite meal is even harder. But since I’ve been tasked with making this difficult decision, I have to go with Oliver’s (496 2nd St.) downtown. There’s something for everyone on the menu. Whether you choose the rigatoni alla vodka, the honey bourbon salmon, or one the the daily specials, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied and if you’re like me, already planning your next visit back. Their appetizer selection is strong, too. The tempura-fried cauliflower and wonton nachos are my personal favorites — both of which, if eating alone or paired with a side, could easily suffice as a meal. Oliver’s menu changes from time to time and is currently offering summer-inspired dishes like a chorizo pasta with shishito peppers, corn, shiitake mushrooms and more, as well as a Cajun shrimp pasta with andouille sausage, asiago, and basil, which I have yet to try myself, but am excited to soon. - Margaret Walker
Grow’s vegetarian and vegan food
I’ve been vegetarian since 2022, and I’ve found that savory and good quality dishes can be done without needing meat while still supplying important nutrients in our body. Every time I’ve gone to Grow (1019 Riverside Drive), I’ve always been impressed by how delicious their vegetarian and vegan dishes, especially how filling they are. My favorite from their Spring menu is their Caribbean bowl, that has a selection of fresh vegetables that are delightfully spicy. Dishes like these further my belief of how easy it is to be vegetarian and stay consistent. - Alba Rosa
Fish N’ Pig
Can I just recommend the whole menu? Fish N’ Pig (6420 Moseley Dixon Road) has several great seafood options, including the shrimp po boy, the grouper sandwich and the mahi mahi. You can’t go wrong on the sides, either, though the hushpuppies are my favorite. And they’ve got plenty of choices for those not in the mood for fish. - Jeremy Chisenhall
Pho Cali Vietnamese Noodle Soup & Grill
A steamy bowl of authentic pho with beef tenderloin and brisket has a warm way to my heart. It holds up as a healthy and hardy comfort food, especially for someone like myself who often forgets to eat their vegetables and protein. A choice of meat, fish or tofu comes raw, then cooks in seconds in a piping hot broth. The salty rice noodle-based soup has fresh toppings including basil, bean sprouts, chili pepper, lime, onions. I drizzle hoisin and Sriracha for an extra kick.
Pho Cali Vietnamese Noodle Soup & Grill at 3780 Northside Drive in Macon serves not only a massive menu of Vietnamese cuisine, but also has large, affordable portions. Its staff makes me feel like family, which is a plus. It’s a casual, cozy space, with an altar and colorful lights at the entrance, and walls of TVs that usually play “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” with pop music in the background. Catch me here usually once a week. - Jesse Fraga
Guitarras Mexican Grill
The Big Veggie burrito at Guitarras is a great plant-based choice that allows you to customize it to your tastes. You can choose eight items from a list of 15 to fill it with, and it all comes wrapped in a giant, warm tortilla. It’s also drizzled in melted cheese, which never hurts a dish. - Lucinda Warnke
Sumo Steak and Sushi
For a city that is completely landlocked, you can definitely find some good seafood in Macon. My favorite of the bunch is Sumo Steak and Sushi (3850 Riverside Drive). Not only do they have great high quality sushi, but their unlimited sushi dinner for $25.99 is an insane deal and it gives you the freedom to try a variety of different rolls. Some of my favorites include the Pink Lady Roll and the Tiger Roll. Note - if you go for the unlimited menu, just make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your stomach. It’s $0.50 to $1 extra for every leftover piece on your plate. - Katie Tucker
Got another local dish you want to make sure gets some love? Tell us below!
This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM.