The Absolute Best Oysters in Georgia

If your passion is seafood, you may feel like you have to hop across the pond to Europe in order to find some truly delicious oysters. However, if you’re living in or visiting Georgia, there are plenty of great spots around the city where you can find exceptional oyster dishes. With so many options out there, how do you choose which ones will satisfy your cravings? Read on to discover our pick for the 7 best oyster bar in Georgia!

The 7 Best Oyster in Georgia

Ray’s on the River

Address: 6700 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30339, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.7 (8072)
Phone: +1 770-955-1187
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

My husband and I were passing through Smyrna, GA., and our sweet hotel manager recommended Ray’s on the River. What a delight! We’ve had wonderful meals all over Europe and South America, and this restaurant experience was as good as any! From the lovely young woman who took our reservation, to our experienced and charming waiter Pedro to the lovely manager who checked on us, the dining was just fabulous. I’ve added a few pics of the seafood tower, salmon dish, and shrimp and grits. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and the wine list is outstanding!

✭✭✭✭✭ By April Van Camp (5 months ago)

We went here for my birthday and it was just lovely. Fortunately, we made reservations as it was quite busy for a Tuesday night. The staff was polite and knowledgeable. We had the bread basket which was warm and yummy. Our main course was on point as was the wine. Lovely atmosphere and beautiful outside area near the river. Lovely experience and will go again.

✭✭✭✭✭ By A Godley (3 months ago)

No wonder it’s been a tradition since ’84! The food was amazing, the wait staff were amazing, and the ambience was great. It can get a little warm during sunset if you get seated by the lake facing windows, but it’s not uncomfortable and the view makes up for it. The parking lot gets full after 6 so you may have to valet it. They weren’t fussy about dress code either. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and definitely the best place we’ve eaten at in Georgia hands down

✭✭✭✭✭ By Andrew Jaru (8 months ago)

Perfect for date! Amazing view, relaxing vibe and good food all at one place. There ample parking spots and the crowd is classy. Make sure to dress up for some nice clicks ? Outside seating is first come first serve even if you make reservation so we got table by the window and that was great too. You’ll have to wait for a while even after making reservations on weekends so it’s better to reach early and check in. Loved their peach cocktail and chocolate brownie sundae. Steak and salmon came out good as well.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Madhuri Mehta (6 months ago)

Absolutely amazing! The food was fantastic and the ambience is everything. We came here for my husbands 30th birthday and they made him feel special. They also gave him a birthday card and almost every waiter stopped by to give him well wishes.

Make sure to make RESERVATIONS for the best experience. I’m so glad we did. It gets packed quickly and no one likes to wait. Our waiters were Bryant and Mike P. and they took great care of us! I love that the waiters are in teams. They never missed a beat.

We got the peach margarita cocktails, appetizers were Rockefeller oysters and crab cake, main course was salmon and steak with two sides-whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. The sides are big enough for 2-4 people to share by the way.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Angeline Sekle (4 months ago)

Atlanta Fish Market

Address: 265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (4401)
Phone: +1 404-262-3165
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

We went here on Monday night for a birthday celebration. It was a large group of is and they wait staff did a great job of accommodating us. The food was great and so was the drinks. I personal think the salmon with the mango topping was better than the pecan crusted. It could also be that I’m not really a nut fun either. The skillet was very good the shrimp,fish, and scallops were cooked just right. The sushi was nice and the dip was a great starter.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Shameka Parker (9 months ago)

The drinks were delightful, but the food was amazing! Perfectly seasoned, tender flaky fish, excellent presentation, sublime sauce, delightfully flavorful garnishes. They offer a gluten free menu!!!
Nice ambience. We went for a work dinner and we were able to hold conversations easily.
Wonderful and attentive service as well!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Cat Huss (a month ago)

We visited as part of a birthday celebration and booked the table in advance. They offer valet service and we just waited a few mins to have the car taken as there were many people leaving. The good was excellent and we both had Salmon. The waiter was very pleasant in manner but not fully knowledgeable of all aspects of the food on the menu. I did have to return my plate due to a spice in the sweet potato that I had asked about but was told it was not in the sweet potato and in fact it was. However the vegetables were excellent so it more than compensated and I was offered another starch.We also had to ask for bread as it was not clear whether this came with the food. I received a complimentary strawberry shortcake dessert which was delicious as this was given to patrons celebrating a birthday. The tables were nicely spaced out and the ambience was also good. It’s more upscale- casual dining and you do have cloth napkins. We did not have any alcoholic beverages so I cannot comment there. There have a good selection of food items and there is a nice selection of fresh caught seafood and the lobsters can be seen moving around in the tank. I would definitely eat here again. Price is moderately high but worth the expense. I also had the crab bisque as a starter and that was to die for with real bits of crab in each spoonful and a good helping! Valet cost was only $3 plus any to you would like to give.

✭✭✭✭ By Wendy Jones (11 months ago)

Honestly wanted to dislike this place more than I did. Reading between the lines, felt like a tourist trap past its prime.

Although it definitely had feel of chain type venue going through motions with cheaply laminated menus, I enjoyed my time here.

Some highlights:
– Fresh fish
– Engaging environment
– Meaty and chunky clam chowder
– Attentive bartender

Don’t feel there was necessary any value for my dollar. But won’t give it a full-on veto next time.

✭✭✭✭ By Mark Steele (8 months ago)

FOOD – Fresh, great options, everything from sushi to tuna, to whole lobster ?. There’s even fried options. Prices are reasonable. You are not hit over the head. They only offered 1 size lobster (1.5lb) a la carte because it was Father’s Day weekend according to the server. Its normally not sold a la carte. AMBIANCE – it’s loud and crowded. This is a very busy place. Tables are so close together it’s kind of uncomfortable as you feel like you are on top of each other. PARKING – there is valet parking. Tipping recommended. RESERVATIONS – we made reservations, arrived early and still waited almost 40 min from our reservation time before we were seated but you are able to order drinks from the sushi room while you wait. Definitely worth visiting. The menu is varied and the service is very good. Oh, you will be amazed at the way people come dressed. It was appalling. See through, skin tight camel toes. Just ridiculous. I asked if they had a dress code and they told me they did but I guess it’s posted for fun because it’s definitely not being enforced.

✭✭✭✭ By J26G (5 months ago)

Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar

Address: 116 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (3328)
Phone: +1 912-234-5397
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Reviews:

This place is amazing! My lady started off with a dozen local oysters, and I had a shrimp cocktail. She crushed that dozen quickly, and my shrimp cocktail didn’t stand a chance either. The 12oz New York Strip steak was on point. Her Blue Crab Fettuccine, according to her, was”absolutely tasty.” The service was amazing and the energy of our server was top notch. Definitely recommend!!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Josh Tully (4 months ago)

One of the best meal I had in Savannah. Started off with a cup of Gumbo. So damn good but pricey for a CUP of soup. For my entree I ordered the red snapper which was seared to perfection. It came with rice and asparagus. I also ordered 2 extra sides, Mac n cheese and collard greens. Both were very good. Service was very good.

✭✭✭✭ By Vincent Mañara (7 months ago)

Good food, we had the oysters (the tasting plate so tried different kinds that they had), the Scottish salmon with barley mushroom risotto and the 12oz new York strip. The food was delicious although we didn’t love the barley risotto so if you’re not a fan of barley, get a different side. Great vibe especially on the upstairs patio with amazing views although we ended up eating on the ground floor. The server was nice enough but not very attentive. The steak arrived overcooked so we had to send it back and our server was nowhere to be found so we had to ask another server to help us. Thankfully the second steak arrived quickly and perfectly cooked so it worked out but I think they need to hire more people if the servers are too overwhelmed with the amount of guests.

✭✭✭✭ By Alla (5 months ago)

A friend of ours really wanted some seafood, so we tried this place. Good reviews overall, so our expectations were in line. Frankly it was a good place to eat, we had three orders of raw and roasted oysters, and a few drinks. My main issue with the place? It was WARM inside. If it’s 95F outside, you can’t really have your restaurant at 85F, it felt humid and annoying. Drinks helped, but that’s no way to keep your establishment. No need to cool the place exorbitantly like some restaurants do, but 80+ is not acceptable. Other than that, our experience was enjoyable, just hampered by the warm atmosphere.

✭✭✭✭ By Xabier Granja (4 months ago)

Oyster Sampler Platter was fantastic! Great way to see if you like oysters (which I do now!). Really enjoyed the Crab Linguini. Pieces of crab were small but tasty. Nice atmosphere. Catfish sandwich was also good.

✭✭✭✭ By Kimberly Canale (in the last week)

The Optimist

Address: 914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (3051)
Phone: +1 404-477-6260
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

I had been waiting to eat at this establishment for months…

Service was outstanding!! Our server was extremely knowledgeable, patient, courteous and amicable. Couldn’t ask for a better person. Unfortunately, two of the meals were topped with way too much salt. Once you removed the top layer of salty “goodness” the main courses were tolerable. Thankfully appetizers, sides and deserts were good. I’m not letting this one experience ruin it for me so I’ll be back in the future.

Appetizers are shareable. If you’re wanting to sit in the dining section make reservations a few days in advance especially for Fri & Sat nights. Oyster bar area is open at 3pm while dining section starts seating at 5pm. Upper scale casual atmosphere. They are able to accommodate large or small parties.

✭✭✭✭ By Ashley Malone (5 months ago)

First of all the service was exceptional. The server was very caring and made my overall experience wonderful. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant where it was in a good balance of formal and casual. However, food was a bit of disappointment, as I visited with high expectation. They were good but not amazing. Ingredients were very fresh but sauces/seasonings were overpowering the ingredients. This place is known for oysters and it is unfortunate I can’t eat oysters. It might have been better if I visited with someone who can taste them for me.
I would still visit this place again to try other dish, if I’m in this area.

✭✭✭✭ By Jungeun Choi (7 months ago)

The Optimist is a great restaurant hands down. The seafood is phenomenal and the prime rib steak I had melted in your mouth. Brittany, our server was spectacular. She knew the menu inside and out and made perfect recommendations when asked. You won’t go wrong eating here.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Scott Smith (a month ago)

My honey and I visited here. The simplicity of the restaurant was intriguing and I loved the tempo and flow of the staff. Upon seating we were greeted and we ordered food and drinks. We had several employees attending to our every need. Everyone worked collectively. The food was awesome. The only thing I would change is adding more to the menu. Very few choices on the menu for food. It seemed to be more wine selections than food on the menu. Variety will definitely bring me back again and again. Enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I will definitely tell others about this place and will definitely be back❤️

✭✭✭✭ By Nicey Beavers (2 months ago)

I had a lovely time tonight at the Optimist!
I sat at the bar to have a quiet night alone and it was such a treat.

Walter was my bartender and did an excellent job making a stellar martini and providing attentive service.

I had 6 oysters to start and then he recommended the scallops for my entree.
You HAVE to try the scallops – they were phenomenal. I had the broccolini on the side since the scallops were a small serving size – but I promise even though there are only a few in the order they are so decadent & delicious that it’s the perfect size. I asked Walter for a wine pairing and he suggested the Riesling which was wonderful.

I love coming here and will be back again soon!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Arielle Basha (7 months ago)

Louisiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen Decatur

Address: 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (2273)
Phone: +1 404-963-1463
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

My wife and I enjoyed a lovey evening here for her Birthday weekend. The staff is amazingly informed about the restaurant’s cuisines. I am writing this post at 6:16 in the morning and I am still at an AWE over their food. The combination of fresh seafood and seasoning’s are a perfect taste for our palate. I would like to thank Cane H for his suggestion on which entree to try and for making the perfect drinks for my wife and I. I would also like to think Henry for his kindness and being so pleasant. These guys are very informed about their restaurant’s cuisines! Again if you are looking for that Louisiana taste, you have found it here!

✭✭✭✭✭ By RMii (2 months ago)

On. A Whim my husband and I along with my best friends decided to go here after church on a Sunday. From the Quick Seating, Friendly Server, Excellent Food and The Delectable Desserts we Brought home……….5 star all the way!! The Cajun Popcorn is “Popping “, should have ordered 2, The Crab Cakes are served on a Fried Green Tomato ( overall creative, a good taste when eaten together, but the crab cake was a little too dry for me) but it still rates at a 4 out of 5. The Fried Shrimp and Catfish……….The Bomb! The Pecan Praline Cheesecake…..The Truth!!! The Powder Sugared Beignets…..(Funnel Cakes without the grease) Perfect! Excellent can’t wait to go back! Warning….. it is in the pricey side, so only go when you want splurge so you can enjoy a little of everything. It was definitely worth it.

✭✭✭✭✭ By WHO TOLD YOU THAT!? (5 months ago)

This is actually a 5 star rating for me for the food but since I have never really tried this style of food I don’t want to be quick to judge. The jambalaya and gumbo combo which doesn’t come on the menu but I was told a lot of people do tend mix them on there own was super delicious. Would recommend and would go again. And if your a fan of sweets you will be delighted at their unique but not to unique dessert menu. And their hot sauce which is in the restaurants branding added the perfect spice to everything we ordered. Alcohol drinks looked very intriguing but I did not grab one.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Cristal Cabrera (3 weeks ago)

Easily one of my new favorite spots. Recently moved to the area and this is my third time coming. Haven’t been disappointed any of the times I’ve been here.

The oysters are my favorite and the fried okra is delicious. The cat fish was fried perfectly and the grilled shrimp was delicious!

The drinks and service are always good too. I’d definitely recommend stopping here for lunch or dinner if you’re in the area.

✭✭✭✭ By Darien Harris (6 months ago)

Everything I tried was good or great. I thought the gator nuggets would taste better though, but the grilled oysters are paradise. The drink was an actual drink too, just as strong as it should’ve been. Our sever was friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this place.

✭✭✭✭ By Love Brooks (3 months ago)

St Marys Seafood & More(Georgia)

Address: 1837 Osborne Rd, St Marys, GA 31558, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (1814)

BeetleCat

Address: 299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (1798)

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