If you’re hungry in Augusta and want to experience a neighborhood that punches way above its weight in culinary creativity, Highland Park absolutely delivers. This picturesque corner of the city, stretching along Central Avenue and hidden just south of Summerville, is more than charming homes and leafy streets—it’s a treasure trove for foodies and casual diners alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a hip coffee shop, old-school Southern comfort, or unexpected international flavors, Highland Park’s food scene feels both welcoming and wonderfully eclectic.
The Main Strip: Central Avenue’s Culinary Heart
The epicenter of Highland Park’s dining, Central Avenue, is dotted with vibrant little spots that locals swear by. If you’re new to the area, this is where you’ll want to start your foodie adventures.
- Buona Caffé
Nestled right at Central Avenue and Monte Sano, Buona Caffé is the unofficial living room of Highland Park. Roasting their beans in-house, this laid-back coffee shop serves up some of Augusta’s richest lattes and boldest pour-overs. The pastries—think fluffy scones and salted caramel brownies—are all made locally. Grab a table by the window and you’ll likely spot a stream of regulars fueling up for the day.
- *Cuisine*: Café/bakery
- *Price*: $
- *Best for*: Atmosphere, quality coffee, sweet treats
- Craft & Vine
Step just a block over, and you’re in upscale gastropub territory. Craft & Vine, while technically a short stroll from the Highland Park border, is regarded as an essential stop for locals. Their wood-fired pizzas (the fig and prosciutto is a standout), small plates, and artisan cocktails make this the go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners.
- *Cuisine*: Modern American, pizza, cocktails
- *Price*: $$-$$$
- *Best for*: Upscale dining, wood-fired pizza, cocktails
Old Favorites & Southern Comfort
No Highland Park food guide is complete without a nod to old-school Southern hospitality—and the local icons serving it up.
- Hildebrandt’s
Technically a Market Street anchor, it’s just minutes from Highland Park and absolutely worth the walk. Open since 1879, Hildebrandt’s feels like a time capsule: counter service, deli sandwiches piled sky-high, homemade pimento cheese, and yes, their famous German potato salad. It’s hearty, unfussy, and full of local flavor.
- *Cuisine*: Deli/Southern
- *Price*: $
- *Best for*: Lunch, nostalgia, legendary staff
- New Moon Café
In Highland Park proper, New Moon Café brings a fresh spin to comfort food. Their “Augusta Benedict” (fried green tomato, Black Forest ham, honey mustard hollandaise) speaks to both tradition and innovation. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, from grain bowls to a memorably spiced black bean burger.
- *Cuisine*: Southern-inspired café
- *Price*: $
- *Best for*: Brunch, vegetarian eats, laid-back atmosphere
Hidden Gems & Global Flavors
Highland Park’s food scene is sprinkled with international finds and under-the-radar stars—perfect for those in-the-know cravings.
- Pho Bac
Tucked away on Monte Sano Avenue, Pho Bac is a no-frills Vietnamese eatery with deeply aromatic pho, spring rolls bursting with herbal freshness, and tangy bánh mì sandwiches on perfect crusty baguettes. Locals rave about the beef brisket pho and the crispy pork egg rolls. Don’t be fooled by the humble setting—this place is all about flavor.
- *Cuisine*: Vietnamese
- *Price*: $
- *Best for*: Authentic pho, quick lunch, unbeatable value
- El Rey Mexican Restaurant
If your craving leans south of the border, El Rey is a Highland Park mainstay located near the corner of Central Avenue and Johns Road. The menu shines with classics—sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas—but don’t miss their street tacos: carnitas, barbacoa, and lengua are all stars. The margarita pitchers and friendly staff make it easy to linger.
- *Cuisine*: Mexican
- *Price*: $$
- *Best for*: Group dinners, family-friendly, margaritas
Food Trucks & Sweet Stops
Augusta’s mobile food scene often hits Highland Park, especially on weekends or for neighborhood events.
- Sweet South Frozen Treats
Usually parked near Highland Park on weekends, this beloved food truck serves thoughtfully crafted ice creams and popsicles with Southern twists—think bourbon peach or blackberry cobbler. It’s a must for a sweet finish to your neighborhood stroll.
- Gaby’s Latin Flavor
Occasionally found along Monte Sano or near the park itself, Gaby’s dishes up homemade empanadas, tamales, and Cuban sandwiches filled with roast pork and pickles. The rotating menu keeps locals coming back to see what’s next.
Neighborhood Bakeries & Quick Bites
Sometimes you want a quick pick-me-up, and Highland Park’s got the bakery game covered.
- Little Dutch Bakery
Just east of Highland Park on Central, this no-fuss spot is an insider favorite. You simply can’t leave without trying their iconic iced sugar cookies or a pillowy cinnamon roll. A classic bakery in every sense, it puts the “good” in “good morning.”
- Sunrise Grill
While not flashy, Sunrise Grill is the perfect low-key breakfast joint. Their biscuits—fluffy and golden—keep locals lining up on Saturday mornings. Hearty omelets, country ham, and bottomless coffee make it a Highland Park standard for families and early risers.
Why Highland Park Shines
Perhaps the best part about Highland Park’s food scene is its sense of community. The neighborhood restaurants know their regulars, and the food is made with sincerity and often a creative local twist. From cozy family-run bakeries to ambitious kitchen collectives, Highland Park makes Augusta feel like home—one mouthwatering bite at a time.
So next time you’re looking to eat your way around Augusta, skip the chains and dive into Highland Park’s eclectic, unforgettable lineup. Your taste buds will thank you!