Led by chef Christian Losito, the former owner of the Back Burner, Christian’s just might be the best new bet for dining in north Macon. Losito is well versed in French-style seafood dishes, and his food at Christian’s expands beyond the menu he created at his former restaurant. Save room for one of Ilir Vargu’s desserts, especially the cakes on the menu.

Fountain of Juice (FOJ) started off as a sandwich and smoothie shop, but morphed into one of Macon’s major players for lunch, dinner, and catering. There’s not a day when FOJ’s location in the Prado isn’t crowded. While there are plenty of menu options to choose from, people can’t go wrong with a sandwich and lightly sweetened green tea. Save some space for whatever’s in the dessert case, too. 

Papouli’s has been serving Maconites Mediterranean and Greek food since 1986, making it a trusted restaurant institution in the local community. Founded by the Patras family, Papouli’s is one of north Macon’s go-to spots for takeout lunch or dinner, although the recently updated menu and renovated space make for a pleasant dine-in experience. Don’t skip purchasing something from the display case when paying for a meal here. The market’s selections do not disappoint. 

When in Middle Georgia, add a drive-thru barbecue joint to the itinerary. This one just happens to be the satellite location of an institution that’s been in operation since 1929. The modest menu features finely shredded, vinegary Georgia-style barbecue, including pulled or chopped pork and Brunswick stew.

In a modest-sized city like Macon, it’s not hard to feel welcome at a neighborhood restaurant. And Jim Shaw’s makes folks feel like family every single time, regardless of whether they regularly frequent the seafood bar or the adjacent dining room. Raw oysters and sharable baskets of fried pickles and fried alligator are beloved staples on the menu.

Opened in 1992, Ingleside Village Pizza is a place that’s dear to the Macon community. It’s a crucial part of the historic Ingleside Avenue shopping center, and serves very good pizza, too. The space itself is delightfully quirky: acoustic guitars and chandeliers hang from the ceiling, while the walls are plastered with Elvis memorabilia. Enjoy a pie on the patio during a pleasant evening — and don’t forget the garlic breadsticks.

The Back Burner has been a fine dining staple in Macon since 1997, and even reinvented itself in 2015 when the restaurant changed hands. Under new owner chef Julio Rosas (formerly of the Tic Toc Room,) the Back Burner has truly flourished, and the menu more than stands up to its pre-2015 offerings. If there on Thursday, get the lobster (there’s enough to share,) and finish with a slice of strawberry cake if it’s available. 

When Maconites seek comfort food, H&H is where they head for it. Founded in 1959 by the late “Mama Inez” Hill and her late goddaughter and cousin “Mama Louise” Hudson, H&H has served its no-frills fare to a wide variety of clientele over the years, including the Allman Brothers, civil rights activists, and Oprah Winfrey. The restaurant now operates under the Moonhanger Group and Hudson. While soul food staples are certainly part of the draw, H&H offers some of the best breakfast in Bibb County.

American, Cuban, and Mexican cuisines unite at this hidden gem steps away from downtown Macon’s main drag. The menu reflects the nationalities of the original owners’ family — a Cuban father, Mexican mother, and American son. Diners are especially fond of the Cuban sandwich, fried plantains, and tamales. 

Shareable dishes, sushi, and cocktails are the move at this upscale downtown Macon spot. Southern and Asian, particularly Japanese, cuisines intersect in the food selections at Kinjo Kitchen, while the bar steers strongly towards craft cocktails, sake, and wine. 

Oliver’s has a cute set-up, but aesthetics and ambience are far from the bistro’s sole draw. It’s earned quite a reputation for its takes on cafe classics, including sandwiches and salads for lunch and heftier entrees like steaks and fresh-made pastas for dinner. This darling little place fills up fast, so be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation. 

The Rookery is far more than a local watering hole or haunt for hamburgers. Like H&H, it’s a historically significant part of Macon’s community that pays homage to the Allman Brothers, Capricorn Records, and President Jimmy Carter. The menu features 13 burgers, but people can also choose from a mixture of pub food dishes and comfort foods. Wash a meal down with a Georgia peach or blueberry cobbler shake. 

Located a quick flight of stairs above quintessential Macon spot the Rookery, this restaurant features a completely different vibe from its neighbor below. Chef Brad Stevens serves fresh takes on Southern-American fare, making Dovetail a stellar dinner option for folks in Macon. The food is only bested by the drinks, led by bar manager Andrea Gamboa.