Attention all food lovers, picky eaters and restaurant connoisseurs: Forsyth County (FOCO) is a must-stop destination to delight your taste buds. From traditional southern BBQ to authentic Italian and fresh seafood with farm-to-table ingredients, there’s truly something for every taste. Each restaurant has its own unique vibe that compliments the cuisine to create an unforgettable dining experience. No matter where you go on our list, you’ll be sure to leave with Instagram-worthy pictures and a satisfied belly. Read on to discover FOCO’s favorite restaurants for foodies. We’re already drooling!
1. Socks’ Love BBQ
It wouldn’t be the south if we didn’t recommend some delicious BBQ! This hole-in-the-wall is a local favorite, and some say has the best pulled pork and brisket they’ve ever had. The meats are all wood-fired and made with Socks’ Love’s own seasoning that they sell on site. You can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu. Their comfort food sides will have you feeling right at home, from their renowned mac and cheese to their cowboy beans and fire-roasted creamed corn. Make sure to arrive early – this place gets busy!
2. Tam’s Backstage
Transport back-in-time at this historic restaurant full of charm and character, located in the basement of the town’s 1923 school building. This upscale casual restaurant features stunning brick walls, right in the heart of downtown Cumming, Georgia, that will set the stage for a sensational meal. Be prepared for bold flavors of the Mediterranean mixed with classic American grilling. Choose from fresh seafood dishes like shrimp & grits, baked salmon, crab cakes and more. Or, try one of their award-winning pasta dishes. Don’t forget to save room for one of their made-from-scratch desserts! It’s sure to be a 5-star experience.
3. Black Diamond Grill
If you’re in town and ready for a fun time, The Black Diamond Grill is a local’s favorite hangout spot with high-quality eats you won’t believe! Of course, they have your classic must-haves like chicken fingers, sliders, wings, and mozzarella sticks. But, they also have gourmet options including lobster bisque, chicken and broccoli alfredo and a rib-eye steak dinner. All of their dishes are far superior to what you see at your typical pub with the freshest ingredients and beautiful presentations. Bring the whole family to enjoy the atmosphere with over 40 HDTV’s, a game room, large arcade and outdoor patio. They also have Music Bingo and Trivia each week!
4. Casa Nuova
You definitely don’t want to miss this stop on our restaurant tour of FOCO. Founded on the love story of two Cuban immigrants with a passion for food, you can taste the joy in each bite of authentic Italian cuisine! This place is truly farm-to-table with ingredients directly from the family’s farm. You’ll taste the fresh tomatoes, basil, oregano, rosemary, peppers and more that were picked just steps away from the restaurant. The pasta is simply out of this world with reviewers saying things like “Can I give this place 6 stars?” and “The food is to DIE for!” As a sweet ending to the perfect meal, try their homemade gelato made with seasonal ingredients from their fruit trees.
5. Ocean & Acre
Promising proper southern hospitality in an intimate and modern atmosphere, dining at Ocean & Acre is always a treat. The restaurant combines the land and sea with flavorful food that is elegantly plated like art on a canvas. Choose from delicious entrees such as seafood risotto, pan seared gulf snapper, and smoked heritage pork chops. Make sure to try their oysters, which are a top seller! You’ll find many of their dishes incorporate seasonal produce from the local farm community. If you visit during the warmer months, consider eating al fresco on the patio!
6. Marie’s Italian Deli
Come become a part of Marie’s family at this hidden-gem where all the locals go! A quick Google search will tell you this isn’t your average deli, with an unheard-of almost 800 reviews at 4.8 stars. All of their food is made from scratch and designed to mimic the experience of a homestyle family meal! The smells will draw you in as soon as you open the door. Enjoy breakfast every morning and daily lunch with a menu that includes homemade soups, salads, subs, award-winning pizza and an array of other take-home meals in the deli case. (The chicken pot pie goes fast, so get there early!) Not to mention, the dessert counter, where you can pick up eclairs, cakes, gelato, and so many other sweet treats, all made in-house. Whether you have a minute to sit-down or you need something quick, make sure to experience the heart-warming flavors at Marie’s!
7. Five Boroughs Pizza Tavern
We go to this contemporary gastropub for the garlic knots alone! Warm, freshly made and cooked with olive oil and parmesan cheese, they are irresistible. However, the main attraction is build your own hand-tossed pizza. Start with your choice of crust including traditional, cauliflower or gluten free. Then, pick from three sauces including white, red or pesto. Finally, load on your toppings and cheeses. Your pizza masterpiece will be so scrumptious, you’ll keep coming back for more.
8. Gasthaus Tirol
Well, there you have it. That’s our inside-scoop culinary tour of FOCO, so now you know all the tastiest and coolest spots where the locals go. Start planning your visits now to experience all the flavors for yourself. We promise, the food tastes even better than we described. Bon appétit!
