I went to Columbus, Georgia, for the river. For the adventure. For the adrenaline rush that comes from ziplining and whitewater rafting. I was looking for the thrill of trying something new in a city that hums with energy.
But somewhere between the thrill of the Chattahoochee and the charm of the Historic District, something unexpected happened. The city’s food scene stole the show. And it did so confidently. The city served up some of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a Southern city. They were layered with the creativity, comfort, and unmistakable soul you’d expect from Georgia.
The meals alone elevated my experience from a weekend getaway to a culinary awakening.
A Taste of Elegance at Saltcellar
My food journey began at Saltcellar, a contemporary restaurant in the city’s Uptown area. This place feels like a whispered secret shared only among people who truly appreciate good food. The atmosphere wasn’t pretentious or fussy; it was very intentional. Dim lighting, refined décor, and a quiet buzz of conversation created a setting that politely demanded you slow down and savor.
When you walk in, your attention is immediately directed to the dessert display. A large glass case housed dozens of slices of house-made cheesecakes and other sweet creations. The lineup made it an easy decision to pace myself and save room.
I ordered the trout, and from the very first bite, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. Perfectly seared, light yet full of flavor, the fish rested beside a colorful assortment of vegetables cooked just enough to retain their crispness. Together, the plate felt like a small celebration of freshness.
This dish makes you pause mid-conversation, close your eyes for a second, and enjoy it.
And then came the banana pudding cheesecake, silky and layered with the kind of comfort so often associated with the South. Baker Allison Powell shared that on an average day, she bakes 24 cheesecakes for Saltcellar, a number that can climb to 32 during the busy season.
Saltcellar set the bar high. But the Columbus food scene wasn’t done impressing me.
A Lunch to Remember at Animal Farm
The next day brought me to Animal Farm, a restaurant with a straightforward vibe and bold food. I entered with high expectations from the previous night’s dinner. I walked out having met a chicken sandwich that deserves its own fan club. One that had a playful name: The Chicken Sammy. The taste, however, was nothing to joke about.
A buffalo chicken sandwich arrived with just the right amount of heat. It wasn’t the kind of spicy that makes you regret your choice, but the kind that makes you sit up a little straighter. Add in a creamy aioli that balanced the spice beautifully, plus a layer of cheese and crisp bacon, and I understood why the waitress recommended it.
My first bite of the sandwich was one of those moments where a simple dish reminds you that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done exceptionally well.
Biscuits Worth Getting Up For at Plucked Up
The next stop on my food tour led me to breakfast at Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits. I was greeted with the smell of coffee, chicken, bacon, and warm bread before I reached my table. The décor is cheerful, the staff is welcoming, and the menu reads like someone took all your favorite morning foods and gave them personality.
But let’s talk about those biscuits.
Fluffy. Buttery. Light enough to practically float to the table. And when you add melty cheese and their signature marmalade—a sweet-savory duet—you understand fully why this place has a loyal following.
Dining at The Goetchius House
Just when I thought I couldn’t be wowed anymore, our next dinner stop rose to the challenge. The beautifully restored Goetchius House strikes that delicate balance between luxurious and welcoming. It’s elegant without feeling intimidating and warm without drifting into overly casual.
When I stepped inside, I could feel the layers of history wrapped around me. The grand entrance, with its warm light, clean lines, and subtle design, made it feel less like walking into a restaurant and more like being welcomed into a thoughtfully curated space. I knew that whatever landed on my plate would be just as thoughtfully considered.
Narrowing my choice was no easy task. Every dish felt like the chef was inviting diners into a story told through flavor. I chose the Vera Pasta—penne tossed with roasted red peppers, San Marzano tomatoes, Kalamata olives, onions, garlic, and fresh garden herbs. It was vibrant and comforting at the same time. Each bite was layered with bold Mediterranean flavors that felt both refined and familiar.
And then came dessert. The key lime pie was light, creamy, and just the right balance of tart and sweet.
An unexpected feature makes The Goetchius House a bit more special. Downstairs, a charming market and coffee shop offer baked goods, wines, and cozy seating. I felt like I had discovered another prize beneath all the beauty upstairs.
Fresh Flavor at The Food Mill
My exploration wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to The Food Mill. It’s built on a simple but powerful mission: strengthening the community through access to fresh, thoughtfully sourced meals. Every detail reflects a deep commitment to nourishment, sustainability, and connection.
Whether you choose a salad piled high with crisp greens or a sandwich layered with locally sourced produce, you can taste the purpose behind the menu. It’s comfort food with a conscience. Meals that leave you full without feeling heavy, and fed in more ways than one.
The Food Mill isn’t just concerned with what tastes good. Since August 2020, their work has expanded far beyond the café, tackling food insecurity head-on through partnerships with more than 30 organizations, including Piedmont Hospital. They’ve purchased and delivered meals for healthcare workers, launched a mobile market that has served more than 10,000 people, and created SNAP incentive programs to make fresh produce more accessible.
The Food Mill also feels like a gathering place connecting local farmers to diners, neighbors to neighbors, and visitors to the heart of Columbus. The city is truly lucky to have a space that feeds both its people and its community spirit.
Unexpected Culinary Magic in a City Built on Adventure
I came to Columbus for the river. I came for the adrenaline.
But I left thinking about the meals that fed my soul.
Columbus surprised me in the best way. It showed me that a city known for adventure can also offer a culinary scene that stands tall among Southern destinations. From elegant dinners to biscuit-laden breakfasts to cafes with a purpose, Columbus proved that flavor lives everywhere.
This city has officially earned a place on my “cities with amazing food scenes” list. I’ll be back, fork in hand, ready for more.
If You Go
Columbus is about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta.
While in the Columbus area, explore one of its museums like the National Infantry Museum or Columbus Collective Museums. If you’re up for a little adventure, check out Whitewater Express at the Chattahoochee River.
Visit ColumbaGA hosted the author’s visit.
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Savoring the Culinary Scene of LaGrange, Georgia, One Bite at a Time
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Read more about my travel and self-care adventures at WhatCherithinks.
