Temple, Georgia, sits where small-town hospitality meets West Georgia convenience. Just off I-20 between Atlanta and the Alabama line, Temple offers a quieter pace without sacrificing access to great food, parks, schools, and commute routes. Folks are drawn here for its family-friendly neighborhoods, Friday night lights at Temple High School, and quick drives to nearby Villa Rica, Bremen, and Carrollton. And while Temple’s dining scene is compact, locals know the area’s best flavors are never far—whether it’s a hearty Southern breakfast before a Lake Buckhorn fishing morning, tacos after youth sports at the Temple Recreation Complex, or a date-night destination in the historic main streets nearby.
This guide from Suzette Abramson at The Nestwell Group is your local’s look at the best restaurants in and around Temple, Georgia. Our goal is simple: put you at the table of the area’s tastiest spots and help you experience the lifestyle that makes Temple such an appealing place to call home.
Exploring the Culinary Delights
Temple’s dining story is all about approachable favorites and community—places that recognize your face, remember your order, and serve meals that feel like home. In-town, you’ll find classic Southern breakfasts and quick, family-friendly stops, ideal for busy weeknights or a quick bite before hitting the ball fields. Just a few minutes east or west along I-20 or Highway 78, the options expand: smokehouse barbecue, Cajun bistros, Greek-Italian kitchens, Brazilian steakhouse experiences, sushi and hibachi, cozy wine bars, and New York–style pizza.
Food plays a big role in Temple’s appeal. Newcomers are often surprised to discover how many quality restaurants are within a 10–20 minute radius, anchored by revitalized downtowns in Villa Rica and Carrollton and reliable favorites in Bremen. These are the places neighbors gather after church, where teams celebrate a big win, and where couples head for special occasions. When you’re evaluating neighborhoods with Suzette and The Nestwell Group, proximity to these everyday comforts is part of the conversation—because the right restaurant around the corner can make a great house feel like home.
Mouthwatering Recommendations
Here are local favorites Temple residents frequent, from right in town to easy, close-by destinations. Each has its specialty and a loyal following:
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Waffle House (Temple)
The timeless Southern diner along the I-20 Temple exit is a go-to for early mornings and late nights. Signature scattered, smothered, and covered hashbrowns, pecan waffles, and all-day breakfasts make it a reliable choice after a long drive or a ball game under the lights.
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Gabe’s Downtown (Villa Rica)
A beloved Cajun/Creole bistro just minutes east of Temple, Gabe’s is famous for shrimp and grits, crawfish étouffée, blackened catfish, and bread pudding. The lively, intimate dining room feels special without being stuffy—perfect for date night or celebrating milestones.
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The Olive Tree Restaurant (Villa Rica)
A Greek and Italian favorite, The Olive Tree pairs warm hospitality with dishes like spanakopita, braised lamb shank, chicken piccata, and seafood pastas. Their Mediterranean flavors and generous portions make it a hit for family dinners and anniversaries alike.
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Uncorked on Main (Villa Rica)
A cozy wine bar and kitchen in downtown Villa Rica, Uncorked shines with shareable plates—charcuterie boards, flatbreads, gourmet dips—and a welcoming atmosphere great for girls’ nights, pre-concert bites at The MILL Amphitheater, or relaxed evenings with friends.
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Evan’s Barbeque Company (Villa Rica)
House-smoked pork, ribs, and brisket with crowd-pleasing sides like mac and cheese and Brunswick stew. Portions are hearty, the smoke ring is serious, and the vibe is classic West Georgia barbecue.
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Chat & Choo BBQ & Grill (Bremen)
This laid-back staple has a loyal following for pulled pork sandwiches, rib plates, burgers, and fried green tomatoes. It’s a must-stop when you’re west of Temple and want a no-fuss, delicious meal.
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Little Hawaiian Seafood Grill & Tiki Lounge (Carrollton)
Known for island-inspired seafood and sauces with a tropical twist—think coconut shrimp, grilled mahi, and pineapple accents—Little Hawaiian brings a fun, festive energy to special occasions and group dinners.
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Samba Loca Brazilian Steakhouse (Carrollton)
A destination for meat lovers, Samba Loca offers rodizio-style service with carved-to-order picanha, sirloin, and more, along with a fresh salad bar and classic caipirinhas. It’s a memorable night out, especially for celebrations.
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Irish Bred Pub (Villa Rica)
A casual pub with hearty comfort food—fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers—and plenty of TVs for game days. Expect a friendly crowd, live music on select nights, and easy parking in downtown Villa Rica.
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Corner Cafe (Villa Rica)
A breakfast-and-lunch charmer known for fluffy omelets, buttery biscuits, pancakes, and hot coffee. The cozy vibe makes it a weekend ritual for many Temple residents.
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Fabiano’s Pizzeria (Carrollton)
New York–style pies with foldable slices, garlic knots, and classic toppings. Great for family pizza nights or grabbing a pie to go before movie time at home.
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Sam’s House BBQ (Carrollton)
An old-school barbecue joint with smoky pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and all the fixings. The portions and prices keep locals coming back, especially for takeout on busy evenings.
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Mikata Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Carrollton)
Hibachi theatrics and a reliable sushi lineup make Mikata a hit for birthdays and family gatherings. Kids love the show; adults appreciate the fresh rolls and hibachi steaks.
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The Grille at The Lion Golf Club (Bremen)
After a round or just for a scenic bite, the clubhouse grill offers burgers, wraps, and cold drinks in a relaxed setting. It’s a hidden-in-plain-sight option Temple residents enjoy on sunny afternoons.
Note: Temple’s compact core is complemented by these nearby destinations just a short drive along I-20 or Highway 78. That blend of convenience and variety is part of the area’s appeal.
Casual Dining and Social Hotspots
For low-key Fridays, sports-watching, and laid-back hangs, locals flock to approachable spots with solid menus and friendly service:
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Irish Bred Pub (Villa Rica): TVs tuned to college and pro games, a menu of Irish and American comfort dishes, and live music on select nights create an easygoing atmosphere. Go for fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or a classic cheeseburger.
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Evan’s Barbeque Company (Villa Rica): A family favorite for picnic tables stacked with pulled pork and ribs. Order extra cornbread and Brunswick stew—you’ll want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
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Chat & Choo BBQ & Grill (Bremen): Simple, satisfying plates in a hometown setting. The fried green tomatoes and rib plates are local legends.
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Fabiano’s Pizzeria (Carrollton): Share a pie, grab garlic knots, and settle in for a casual evening. It’s an easy choice for after-practice dinners or movie-night takeout.
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Waffle House (Temple): Whether it’s early breakfast or a post-game wind-down, this Temple standby is as welcoming as it is convenient. The hashbrowns alone are worth the trip.
Romantic Dinners and Special Occasions
When it’s time to celebrate an anniversary, impress out-of-town guests, or plan a memorable date night, these nearby favorites deliver:
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Gabe’s Downtown (Villa Rica): Candlelit ambiance, attentive service, and well-executed Cajun classics like shrimp and grits and étouffée. Don’t skip the bread pudding for dessert.
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The Olive Tree Restaurant (Villa Rica): A Mediterranean-leaning menu with robust flavors—lamb dishes, seafood pastas, and Greek appetizers—sets the tone for a refined, relaxed evening.
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Little Hawaiian Seafood Grill & Tiki Lounge (Carrollton): A festive dining room, tropical flavors, and creative cocktails make it a fun choice for birthdays and group celebrations.
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Samba Loca Brazilian Steakhouse (Carrollton): The rodizio service is an experience in itself, and the salad bar and sides round out a special-occasion feast.
Starting the Day Right
Temple folks take breakfast seriously—and there are great options to kick off your morning:
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Corner Cafe (Villa Rica): A local favorite for fluffy omelets, pancakes, biscuits with sausage gravy, and hot coffee. The small-town buzz feels like Temple, just a few minutes down the road.
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Waffle House (Temple): Quick, consistent, and open when you need it. Pecan waffles and made-to-order eggs are classics, and the service is always warm and friendly.
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Gallery Row Coffee (Carrollton): When you want a coffeehouse vibe, head to the square in Carrollton for espresso drinks and light pastries before a stroll on the GreenBelt.
Global Flavors, Local Charm
Craving international cuisine without a long drive? Temple residents have great options nearby:
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Samba Loca (Carrollton): Brazilian rodizio with perfectly seasoned picanha and other cuts, paired with yucca fries and chimichurri.
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The Olive Tree (Villa Rica): Greek and Italian favorites—from gyro plates and spanakopita to chicken marsala and seafood linguine.
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Mikata (Carrollton): Hibachi dinners and sushi rolls offer a Japanese steakhouse experience that families and couples both enjoy.
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Mexican Cantinas in Villa Rica: From sizzling fajitas to street tacos, Villa Rica’s Mexican restaurants offer casual, flavor-packed meals ideal for weeknights. Expect house-made salsas and generous combo plates.
Hidden Gems to Discover
Part of the fun of living in Temple is discovering those spots that don’t always make the big lists but win your heart anyway:
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Uncorked on Main (Villa Rica): A charming wine bar with thoughtful tapas and live music nights. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening or a pre-show bite before events at The MILL Amphitheater.
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The Grille at The Lion Golf Club (Bremen): Peaceful views and unfussy fare make this a nice detour after a morning round or a Sunday drive.
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Sam’s House BBQ (Carrollton): Old-school barbecue with a loyal local following. It’s the kind of place you start craving midweek.
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Corner Cafe (Villa Rica): More than a breakfast joint—it’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name, and the biscuits taste like someone’s grandmother is in the kitchen.
How this helps homebuyers and sellers: Lifestyle is a major part of your move. Whether you want to be steps from downtown Villa Rica’s restaurants, close to Temple’s I-20 exit for easy access to broader dining, or within a short drive of Carrollton’s square for weekend date nights, Suzette Abramson and The Nestwell Group integrate these preferences into your home search or sale strategy. We know which neighborhoods shorten your drive to Gabe’s, put you near your favorite barbecue, or give you a quick coffee run on school mornings.
Why work with Suzette Abramson at The Nestwell Group
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Hyper-local insight: From Temple’s quiet streets and recreation facilities to the dining and entertainment anchors in Villa Rica, Bremen, and Carrollton, Suzette helps clients understand how daily life really feels here.
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Lifestyle-driven guidance: We align your housing goals with the places you’ll spend your time—schools, parks, commutes, and yes, your next favorite restaurant.
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Neighborhood matchmaking: Want walkable access to downtown Villa Rica’s eateries? Prefer a Temple address with quick I-20 access to both Atlanta and West Georgia dining? Suzette pinpoints the pockets that fit your vision.
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Seller advantage: Highlighting proximity to beloved restaurants and amenities can make your listing stand out. We craft lifestyle-forward marketing that resonates with today’s buyers.
Temple, Georgia may be modest in size, but its culinary reach is impressive—rich with barbecue smoke, Mediterranean warmth, Cajun spice, and classic Southern comfort, all within a few exits. If you’re moving to the area or thinking about selling, leverage a local expert who understands that where you eat and unwind is just as important as where you sleep. Suzette and The Nestwell Group are ready to help you find your place—and your next favorite table—in and around Temple.
