10 uniquely popular GA restaurants visited by Guy Fieri for ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’

Not every restaurant can say they have been visited by Guy Fieri and featured on his hit Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” In fact, less than 50 in Georgia have been featured on the Mayor of Flavortown’s show.

Here’s a closer look at 10 of them and what makes them special:

Chazito’s Latin Cuisine

2224 Bull St, Savannah and 217 US Highway 80 E, Pooler

Chaz Ortiz, owner of Chazito’s Latin Cuisine, was not only on Triple D but another hit Guy Fieri show: “Guy’s Grocery Games.” Fieri said Ortiz appeared on Triple G twice and promised to check out his Savannah spot next time he was in the area. The “Sloppy, Saucy and Stuffed” episode was the fulfillment of that promise. What Fieri and Iron Chef Stephanie Izard found was a super colorful restaurant making just as colorful and innovative Puerto Rican food. They had fun smashing plantains for the mofongo burger and an even better time taking a big bite out of it.

“It’s definitely not missing flavor,” Izard said. “You can taste all of those layers.”

Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours

1133 Huff Rd NW, Atlanta

As its name describes, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours is all about clever spins on southern staples. Chef Deborah Vantrece is a former flight attendant who took inspiration from her global traveling to craft her eclectic menu featuring papi chulo pasta and frango grilled chicken. On the “Whole Lotta Comfort” episode, Fieri tried the “Southern Seafood Louie Salad” and said he’s usually not a fan of cold seafood or salads, but this was a very different experience.

“That is delicious,” Fieri told Vantrece after trying it. “It’s refined. It’s balanced. You perfectly cooked the seafood. Avocado hoecake is a perfect complement. There’s not many salads that I would order again. I would order that every time.”

Twisted Soul was also highlighted on an early episode of “Carnivorous” on Food Network.

Buttermilk Kitchen

4225 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta

Not many restaurants can say they have a “Chopped” champion, but Buttermilk Kitchen can. Owner and chef Suzanne Vizethann came out on top during the “Ladies First!” episode, and those award-winning skills are on display with her restaurant’s farm-to-table southern cooking. On the “From Biscuits to Brisket” episode, Fieri tried the chicken biscuit and said it was spot-on. Atlanta native and former All-Pro running back Jamal Lewis also made an appearance, but it definitely wasn’t his first time at the Buttermilk Kitchen.

“It took me all the way back down to south Georgia to Grandma’s house,” Lewis said.

The restaurant was in two other episodes including Triple D’s “Rockstar Chefs” special

Silver Skillet

200 14th St NW, Atlanta

Another one of the “Real-Deal Diners” was Silver Skillet. It’s been an Atlanta institution since 1956 and the owners have kept the original look, feel and tastes for decades. On its original Triple D appearance on episode eight of season five, Fieri had the country ham with redeye gravy which is comprised of cola, soy sauce, light brown sugar, paprika and coffee. After having a bite, Fieri picked up the whole plate and said “I’m going to take this in my car.”

Silver Skillet is also known for its homemade pies from the lemon ice box and pecan to peach cobbler and banana pudding.

Indigo Coastal Shanty

1402 Reynolds St, Brunswick

Do you like to eat a little bit of everything? So do the folks at Indigo Coastal Shanty. Owner and chef Judah Lynch doesn’t like to color within the lines when it comes to his food, with menu items like a hamburger featuring Indian spices and the “Fisherman’s Bowl” which has shrimp and cheese. Fieri was amused and perplexed at the recipes during his visit on the “From the Seas and Overseas” episode, but he couldn’t deny the outcome, especially as he devoured the sesame crusted catfish.

“I just gotta keep moving the plate around because I keep digging into flavors,” Fieri said. “Dynamite!”

Matthew’s Cafeteria

2299 Main St, Tucker

Fieri was looking for “Where the Locals Go” in season three, and Matthew’s Cafeteria fits the bill. The family-owned restaurant has been around for about 70 years and has always been a central spot for Tucker residents. On the show, Fieri got a kick out of watching owner Michael Greene use his hands as measuring spoons as he prepared some biscuits and sausage gravy. After he tasted it, Fieri called it one of the hands-down best biscuits and gravy recipes he’s ever had.

“That would be good out of a shoe,” he said. “When it’s done the right way, like that, you don’t need anything else.”

Matthew’s Cafeteria was also showcased in three other Triple D episodes including the “Best from the Road” special.

Golden Isles Olive Oil

1609 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island

Golden Isles has a large and diverse collection of olive oils, wine, and vinegars that guests can sample and buy by the bottle. They are also incorporated into Golden Isles’ restaurant where families enjoy soups and sandwiches as well as larger items like the red curry coconut tofu and seared pork ribeye. There are also some dog-friendly dishes. Fieri had something particularly special on the “Bird, Belly and Beef” episode: Chocolate balsamic short ribs.

“When you got yourself a little bit of weather coming through, this is the kind of dish you want to come down and enjoy,” Fieri said.

Silver Skillet

200 14th St NW, Atlanta

Silver Skillet from the “Real-Deal Diners” episode is the real deal. It’s been an Atlanta institution since 1956 and the owners have kept the original look, feel, and tastes for decades. On its original Triple D appearance on episode eight of season five, Fieri had the country ham with redeye gravy which is comprised of cola, soy sauce, light brown sugar, paprika and coffee. After having a bite, Fieri picked up the whole plate and said “I’m going to take this in my car.”

Silver Skillet is also known for its homemade pies from the lemon ice box and pecan to peach cobbler and banana pudding.

Sundae Cafe

304 1st St, Tybee Island

What started as an ice cream shop is now a fine dining destination. On the “South and South of the Border” episode, Fieri got a first hand look at how Sundae Cafe takes Southern classics and puts its own spin on them with dedicated time, energy and fresh ingredients. Fieri marveled at how much went into the grilled cheese which included fried chicken, pork belly, collard greens and more.

“The fried chicken is spot on, the pork belly is so tender and delicious,” he said. “It’s outstanding. I mean, really a great sandwich.”

Hankook Taqueria

1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta and 4474 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody

Looking for some truly unique culinary combinations? Try the Mexican-Korean fusion food at Hankook Taqueria from the husband-and-wife team of Tomas and Mackenzie Lee. On the “Mega Meat and Sweet Treats” episode, Fieri was dazed but delighted by the concept. That experience culminated in the Korean fried chicken taco and the loaded bulgogi fries which he called “a jam band” of flavor and a “powerhouse,” respectively.

Hankook Taqueria also received high praise from “Iron Chef” host Alton Brown on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” During the premier of season four, Brown said their Bibim-Bop is his “favorite all-time food on the cheap.”

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Guy Fieri visits Georgia restaurants for ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’