Written by Lexi Sullivan and Joey Weiss

Woodstock has often been dubbed “A City Unexpected”.

You may dismiss it because it’s over thirty minutes north of Atlanta, but you’d be making a huge mistake because it is quickly becoming one of the hottest downtown areas around. It has a unique blend of modernity and timelessness, feeling simultaneously trendy yet old-fashioned.

It only makes sense that its food reflects that balance! Here are just a few of the finest places to grab a bite in Woodstock, from hole-in-the-wall Venezuelan to creative New Southern to devastatingly fresh Korean BBQ. (Below are in alphabetical order)

1. Canyons Fresh Grill

335 Chambers St, Woodstock, GA 30188

At Canyons, “it’s all about the burger.” This family-owned business brings a classic American menu to life, thanks to locally sourced ingredients and dishes lovingly prepared.

Is there a greater lineup of comfort foods than burgers, chicken fingers, and milkshakes? Throw in some tater tots, sweet potato fries, and Canyons’ Bites (chicken tenders wrapped in cheddar and Texas Toast), and you’ll be a very happy customer.

2. Century House

125 E Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188

Century House, as the name indicates, has been around for over one hundred years. It’s the former site of the Hubbard House, which was built in 1894 in downtown Woodstock and was the home of the Hubbard family until 2004, when it became one of the hottest restaurants in town. Locals and visitors alike love listening to live music and dining on the enclosed porch, but the top draw is the delicious food.

The most popular item on the menu is the Jack & Coke Glazed Pork Belly with heirloom grits. You can go lighter with the Marinated Beet Salad with goat cheese mousse, mixed greens, and sherry balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re still craving pork belly (and who could blame you?), check out the Pork Belly Banh Mi with radish, jalapeno, cilantro, sweet chili soy, and pickled cucumbers and carrots on a hoagie roll. Or for something a bit simpler, get the French Dip topped with crispy onions and horseradish cheddar, and served with plenty of savory au jus for dunking. 

3. Cylantro’s Venezuelan Cuisine

9595 Main St. Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30188

Since 2015, Cylantro’s has brought irresistible Venezuelan food, mainly Arepas, Empanadas and Tequeños, to the Atlanta area. It’s attached to a gas station, which is a classic venue for the most delicious (yet affordable) food you’ll ever eat. Order any combination of the aforementioned staples, or go with your gut…you’re bound to end up with something you’ll enjoy. 

4. Ipp’s Pastaria & Bar

8496 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188

The latest venture from the creators of the famous Ippolito’s, Ipp’s, takes the tried and true Italian favorites and brings them into a more modern context.
You simply cannot come here without getting their famous garlic rolls (only partially because they’re on the house when you dine in). The chicken parm is also a staple, whether you’re eating it with a fork and knife or on a hoagie roll. Nothing hits the spot like a fresh pizza, and Ipp’s whips up both the iconic, like Margherita, and the funky, like Fig & Prosciutto.

5. Izumi Asian Bistro

2035 Towne Lake Pkwy #150, Woodstock, GA 30189

Izumi offers fresh and authentic Asian cuisine as well as a wide range of sakes, so you can always find a perfect pairing. There’s a sushi roll for everybody’s tastes, including: volcano roll, spicy tuna crunchy roll, and drunken tiger. There are also other Japanese favorites, such as drunken noodles, Hawaiian fried rice, and Mongolian beef. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or a bit more conservative with your eating, you’re going to love Izumi.

6. KPOP BBQ 

1105 Parkside Ln STE 1334, Woodstock, GA 30189

Who doesn’t love an all-you-can-eat spot? And who doesn’t love Korean BBQ? Mathematically, everybody will love KPOP BBQ! It’s $18 (lunch or $30 (dinner) per adult, but it’s very easy to get the bang for your buck.
Your meal includes unlimited: kimchi, spicy radish salad, pasta salad, pickled onions & jalapenos, and more, as well as proteins like ribeye, pork belly, spicy beef bulgogi, and lemon pepper chicken. The obvious order is, of course, all of the above. Make sure you partake in the unlimited appetizers, including Korean Fried Chicken, Ramen, and Spicy Rice Cakes…as if you needed more food!

7. Prime 120

120 Chambers St, Woodstock, GA 30188
 
An upscale steakhouse that offers patio and fireplace seating! Who wouldn’t want to come check this place out? Prime 120 is a bit on the pricer side, but it is well worth the price. There are choices for everyone, from hand-cut steaks like filet mignon, ribeye, and cowboy ribeye, to elegant seafood dishes such as jumbo scallops, grilled salmon, and lobster tail. Not to mention their appetizers, including crispy artichoke hearts and oyster Rockefeller, and their dessert that will have your taste buds wanting every last bite. Saturdays and Sundays, they also offer brunch, which is divine! 

8. Queenie’s BBQ

151 W Main St Canton, GA 30114

They were spot on when they said, “At Queenie’s BBQ, we’re bringing the best smoke to Woodstock!” Queenie’s BBQ is where smoky Southern comfort meets the boldest flavors you can taste! Come bring that imagination of juicy pulled pork, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and tender smoked turkey breast to life. At Queenie’s, all meet is slow-cooked over Georgia pecan for that perfect, woodsy kick. Dive into their mountain of fries piled high with brisket chili, beer cheese, onions, and jalapeños, or grab a plate of their famous smoked wings glazed in spicy gold sauce. Do not even think about missing out on their sides; they offer creamy mac-and-cheese, tangy coleslaw, and Brunswick stew. And just when you think you’ve had it all, the banana pudding swoops in to steal the show. With its fun, casual vibe and flavors that pack a punch, Queenie’s BBQ is a meal that you will look forward to having again and again. 

9. Roberto’s Deluxe

8212 Main St Suite 1102, Woodstock, GA 30188

Roberto’s Deluxe is a seafood restaurant that will make you feel as if you are on vacation. They offer a full bar menu, a raw bar menu, happy hour, lunch, dinner, gluten-free dinner options, and, of course, a dessert menu with gluten-free options. They truly have it all. Just imagine ordering a Sauvignon Blanc, which they have three options to choose from, and then ordering up to nine different oysters from the oyster raw bar. Sounds like a match to me. If you are bringing a crowd and someone may want to opt out on seafood, they have choices for them as well. Roberto’s Deluxe will not doubt you!

10. Rootstock Restaurant & Bar

8558 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188

With a spectacular rooftop, live music, and absolutely impeccable vibes, Rootstock is THE Woodstock date night spot. The wine bar is top-tier, owing much to the onsite sommelier, who ensures that you are never overwhelmed by the wine menu with hundreds of options from around the world. The whiskey/bourbon list is no less impressive, so no matter the color of your drink, you’ll enjoy its taste.
You’ll need something to eat while you’re enjoying your beverages, so make sure you check out their small plates. The Bacon Shrimp is a comforting and unique dish, featuring a blue cheese schmear, roasted pecans, and black pepper honey. The Roasted Octopus is perfectly crispy, served with a hazelnut romesco, roasted cauliflower, and tear-drop peppers, accompanied by a deeply layered ginger basil oil.

11. Saigon Cafe 

12195 Hwy 92 #132, Woodstock, GA 30188
Saigon Cafe is Woodstock’s go-to Vietnamese restaurant. Founder David Lee came to America as a refugee child and then spent decades in the construction business. However, 9/11 inspired him to open a restaurant to pay tribute to his Vietnamese family. It’s a challenge to recommend what to get at Saigon Cafe because everything is just so good. The fresh pho is some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Atlanta area. The same is true for the pad Thai and massaman curry. The bubble tea is also refreshing and sweet, and it’s hard to find a dish that doesn’t pair well with it.

12. TENKU Sushi

380 Chambers St, Woodstock, GA 30188

If you’re craving an unforgettable sushi experience, Downtown Woodstock has the perfect sushi restaurant! TENKU Sushi introduces different size tuna into their signature nigiri. Otoro has super fatty tuna where chutoro has medium fatty tuna, which is perfect depending on your wants that day. Whether you’re diving into a dragon roll or savoring a delicate piece of nigiri, Tenku Sushi turns every meal into a mouthwatering adventure. You will be WONTON more and more!

13. Tuscany Italian Restaurant

250 Cinema View, Woodstock, GA 30189

The moment you take a step into Tuscany Italian Restaurant you will be instantly transported to the heart of Italy. Let Tuscany Italian Restaurant be the place to wow you with rich flavors on each and every warm dish. From the first bite of their creamy fettuccine Alfredo to the last sip of any well-aged red wine, each dish is crafted with passion and tradition. Their wine list has options from Montepulciano, the well-known Tuscan wine region. Each dish is made from scratch in their kitchen making Tuscany not just a meal, but a delicious escape to the rolling hills of Italy.

14. Vingenzo’s 

105 E Main St, Ste 100, Woodstock, Georgia 30188
And then, of course, Vingenzo’s, another excellent Italian restaurant choice. If you wanted to stay amid all Woodstock’s downtown glory, Vingenzo is in the prime of it all. An authentic Italian cuisine where you go straight to Southern Italy! The vibe is cozy but not too fancy, and everything on the menu tastes like it was made from scratch. Their wood-fired pizzas are fresh, and the homemade pasta is delicious. It’s the kind of spot that feels relaxed but still special, whether you’re there for date night or just grabbing dinner with friends. A solid go-to when you want something comforting and authentic.