According to Prevention Magazine, the average person takes 10 to 12 bites per meal. Armed with this information, we decided to create the perfect 12 bite meal from our favorite restaurants around Georgia’s Lake Lanier.
Assuming we could magically have all 12 bites delivered to our plate in order of our preference, fresh from their perspective kitchens, we think we’ve built the perfect meal. So, pull up a fork and come along with us as we explore the 12 Best Bites at Lake Lanier.
For those 12 bites, we’ve divided the meal into appetizers, salads, sandwiches, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. It was a very hard list to make and it sparked a lot of debate amongst the foodies here at Discover Lake Lanier. We hope you enjoy learning about these delicious bites and that you’ll make plans now to enjoy 100 more when you visit us.
Let’s kick off this journey with appetizers. The “amuse bouche” as they are known by the French are supposed to amuse one’s mouth. There are plenty of places around Lake Lanier where we could have made an entire meal off a mixture of several appetizers, but for our purposes today, we are scouting the best bites only. Here we go!
First, a sip to start – Pisco Sour
SoCo Seafood, Gainesville, Georgia
This refreshing cocktail from Peru features Quebranta grape pisco, natural handmade syrup and angostura bitters. If we weren’t about to eat the best 12 bites of our lives, we’d probably order a dozen fresh oysters to go with this cocktail.
Bite 1 – Deviled Eggs
Standard Service, Gainesville, Georgia
A Southern delicacy always on the menu at this trendy restored gas station from the 1950s, deviled eggs feature seasonal twists with unexpected flavors. Our favorite is the Jalapeno Popper Deviled Egg with Sriracha Drizzle.
Bite 2 – Scorpion Roll
Blue Fin Hibachi & Sushi, Gainesville Georgia
If one sushi roll is good, surely two rolled into one is better. This highly decorative roll combines a shrimp tempura roll with a spider roll then tops it all with cooked shrimp and eel sauce.
Bite 3 – Mike’s Award Winning Chili
Bullfrogs Bar & Grille at Lanier Islands Resort, Buford, Georgia
What American pub menu would be complete without chili? This dish is very special to us because it’s the creation of our friend Mike Williams. He was dared to enter a chili cook-off on a lark and won!
Bite 4 – Scott’s Spinach Salad
Scott’s Downtown, Gainesville, Georgia
This downtown landmark is a favorite for fine dining and has all the best steaks, chops and seafood. But one of our most favorite dishes here is hiding on the salad menu and includes spinach, sliced pears, warm melted brie, caramelized pecans and blueberry balsamic dressing.
Bite 5 – Shrimp Po’ Boy
Atlanta Highway Seafood Market, Gainesville, Georgia
A traditional favorite, but one you might not expect to find on the shores of a lake in Georgia. Atlanta Highway Seafood Market is a restaurant inside of a fish market. Their blend of traditional seafood preparations mixed with Asian and Cajun accents makes them a dining must.
Bite 6 – Berries & Prosciutto Sandwich
Caroline’s on Main, Flowery Branch, Georgia
White cheddar, prosciutto, triple berry jam and a fried egg piled on to fresh sourdough bread then grilled and dusted with powdered sugar – who wouldn’t want this for breakfast, brunch and lunch?
Bite 7 – Pappardelle Ragu
Pappardelle Ragu – Cotto Modern Italian, Gainesville, Georgia
We are suckers for handmade pasta and Cotto Modern Italian has the best in the area. All of their pasta dishes are superior, but there’s something about the wide ribbons of deliciousness in this dish that makes it a bite worth noting.
Bite 8 – Fish Fry
Fish Fry – Fishtales Bar & Grille, Flowery Branch, Georgia
Technically this is three bites but we can’t pass up a nibble of all three components of this plate. Fishtales is by far the most popular lakeside restaurant and it’s no wonder when you taste their food. The Fish Fry Meal includes fried grouper fingers, craft beer battered fries and tropical slaw.
Bite 9 – Mango Sticky Rice
4 Elephants, Flowery Branch, Georgia
We are not sure if this is a side dish or a dessert, it could be both. One of Lake Lanier’s newest restaurants run by four Laotian sisters has by far the most delicious mango sticky rice we have ever eaten. Try it along with one of their spicier dishes to calm down your taste buds.
Bite 10 – Esquite Corn
Esquite – El Sombrero, Gainesville, Georgia
Inspired by street corn vendors across Mexico, this grilled corn, cut off the cob and topped with mayonnaise, chili powder and parmesan cheese then served in a sizzling skillet will have your taste buds dancing.
Bite 11 – Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
The Inked Pig, Gainesville, Georgia
Combining a Southern staple banana pudding with the sweet and savory flavors of peanuts and peanut butter, the chef’s at this veteran owned barbecue joint created the king of desserts – even Elvis would approve.
Bite 12 – Mochi Donut
Hello Hilo, Gainesville, Georgia
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is always donut time at Hello Hilo. Taste the flavors of Hawaii at this Instagram worthy restaurant that features locally baked King’s Hawaiian rolls. While you are picking out which mochi donut you want, go ahead and order a Hula Whip (pineapple soft serve) you’ll thank us later.
Nightcap – Whiskey Neat
Remedy Distillery, Gainesville Georgia
Lake Lanier’s only spirits distillery offers free tastings of their smooth whiskeys and bourbons. You decide if you want some spice with Red Remedy Cinnamon Whiskey or a tart twist from Apple Remedy or if you’re feeling traditional, you can’t go wrong with Remedy Straight.
Whew! What a meal. We are stuffed. Nothing on this list disappoints. Now we have to think about the best places to take a nap. Hopefully you enjoyed learning about the 12 Best Bites at Lake Lanier. For more information, visit our EAT section for a curated list of Snacks & Drinks, Local Favorites and International cuisines.
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