Canterberry Restaurant, Ellijay, Georgia

“I am a better person when I have less on my plate”.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Last weekend we drove to historic town of Ellijay, Georgia and got to this quaint town just in time for lunch. Ellijay is located at the southernmost end of the Appalachian Mountains and in the northern part of Georgia. We took the back roads to Ellijay from Augusta, Georgia and it took us about 3 ½ hours to reach this charming town.

When we arrived in town, we were hungry. We pulled into town and drove around the circle at the town square when we saw the sign for the Canterberry Restaurant. We parked and walked up to the masked hostess (due to COVID 19) who was standing outside near the front door and inquired if a table was available. She went inside to check and was able to usher us to a table. The restaurant was very artsy and attractive with the exposed brick walls. A large bar stood on one side of the restaurant as well as a lovely display of homemade cakes. There were many tables scattered throughout the restaurant with old fashioned Edison lights hanging from the ceiling above them. The entire staff were wearing masks to protect the customers. It appeared to be a popular place to go with towns folk as well as visitors.

Our waitress was very welcoming and made us feel at home as she brought the menu and our drinks. They serve beverages from Grumpy Old Men and a local winery called Chateau Meichtry as well as Mercier’s Orchards Hard Cider and Georgia Sweet Water Brewing Company. The menu was very nice serving up lots of comfort foods. They are known for their soups, which are incredible, but it was 90 some odd degrees outside so we were not up to it that day. We will have to try again when it is colder. They serve a variety of healthy sandwiches, homemade soups, and fresh salads for lunch.

We placed our order with our waitress who was quite busy but remained very attentive and friendly. Joe ordered the Reuben and I ordered a tuna salad wrap with a side salad. The food was great. Chef Case did a fabulous job and we were pleased with the service. The waitress came back to see if we wanted any of the beautiful homemade cakes on display from the best local bakers in the Blue Ridge area. They looked fabulous but we were full.

This restaurant is owned by Case and Jessica Bruner who were originally from Athens, Georgia. Case is the chef and Jessica is the manager. Canterberry Restaurant has been open since 2008 but was originally on River Street. In May 2018, they moved to their new location on the historic square at 5 South Side Square, Ellijay, Georgia. By moving to their new and bigger place, they almost doubled their seating capacity and added an attractive covered outside patio on the side. They now have seating for just under a hundred people.

Their hours are Monday – Thursday 11 AM to 4 PM, Friday and Saturdays 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays 11 AM to 5 PM. They serve brunch on the weekends. They do play live music on some days but things may have changed for a while due to the pandemic so check before you come if you are looking for that.

We highly recommend this restaurant and plan on coming back in on a chilly day for some of that famous homemade soup. Check them out at: http://www.canterberry.com. Their phone number is 706-636-4663. They also have a restaurant in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Take care and Bye bye for now.