Nestled in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, Forest Hills is a lush, established neighborhood known as much for its verdant streets as its dynamic and delicious food scene. Whether you’re a longtime local or a newcomer eager to eat your way through Augusta, Forest Hills offers a distinctively flavorful experience. From cozy breakfast spots and beloved bakeries to eclectic eateries and hidden bistros, here’s a tour of the can’t-miss destinations that make Forest Hills a true food lover’s paradise.
Where Dining Dreams Begin: Washington Road Corridor
The pulse of Forest Hills’ food scene beats along Washington Road, where you’ll find a savory array of restaurants, cafés, and specialty shops clustered between Bertram Road and Monte Sano Avenue. This is the neighborhood’s culinary main street, lined with both local favorites and surprising hidden gems.
The Major Players: Local Legends and Crowdpleasers
- Honey from the Rock Café
Tucked away in a shopping plaza at 2621 Washington Road, Honey from the Rock Café serves up Southern comfort with a generous side of hospitality. Their lunch buffet reigns supreme for soul food staples—think crispy fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, candied yams, and peach cobbler. With most lunch plates in the $10–$12 range, it’s an affordable way to sample authentic Southern flavors in a cozy, faith-inspired atmosphere.
- DiChickO’s Peri-Peri Café
Just a stone’s throw away at 2825 Washington Road, DiChickO’s offers a unique Mediterranean-Afro fusion. This spot is best known for its signature peri-peri chicken, deeply marinated and grilled to perfect juiciness. Try the peri-peri rice, or spice things up with their vegetarian bowls or wraps. Entrées generally cost between $12–$16—great value for house-made, flavor-packed food you won’t find elsewhere in town.
- Village Deli Sub & Pub
Set at 2803 Wrightsboro Road, Village Deli is a relaxed local institution known for hefty Reubens, substantial burgers, and their ultra-fresh salads and sandwiches. With a price range around $10–$14 per meal, it’s ideal for a laid-back lunch or a casual dinner, especially on game days when the TVs are aglow and regulars cheer along.
Cozy Cafés and Sweet Sips
- Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee
At the corner of Central Avenue and Monte Sano, Buona Caffe is a cornerstone for coffee aficionados and remote workers alike. Their beans, roasted in-house, form the soul of every latte, pour-over, and espresso served. Pair your cup with a flaky scone or a chewy oatmeal cookie—both baked fresh. Prices usually run $3–$6 for drinks and $2–$5 for pastries, making it a beloved stop for a morning boost or an afternoon retreat.
- Edgar’s Bakehouse
On Highland Avenue, this cheery bakery is the secret source behind many a perfect brunch. Croissants, muffins, éclairs, quiches—they do it all, with a French twist. Sunday mornings see regulars queue for fresh-baked loaves and the irresistible cinnamon rolls. Pastry prices range from $3–$7, and the delightful community vibe is gratis.
Flavorful Finds: Global Eats and Unique Bites
- Pita Mediterranean Street Food
Also on Washington Road, Pita brings the fast-casual Mediterranean trend to Forest Hills with satisfyingly fresh gyros, shawarma, and falafel. The build-your-own pita bowls are customizable and abundant, usually in the $10–$13 range, and the zippy house-made sauces are memorable.
- Taste of India
A short hop from Forest Hills on Pleasant Home Road, Taste of India beckons for spice lovers. From tandoori chicken to creamy korma and house-made samosas, their buffet offers a colorful journey through classic Indian flavors at around $12–$16 per meal. The welcoming, family-run atmosphere invites both newbies and seasoned aficionados to dig in and explore.
Sweets, Treats, and Hidden Surprises
- The Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet
Near the Forest Hills Golf Club, this patisserie is an Augusta tradition for custom cakes and show-stopping desserts. Beyond their famous pumpkin cake (a must for fall), they offer cupcakes, petit fours, and cookies year-round. Custom cakes start around $35, but drop in for a $4 treat and enjoy the aroma of butter and sugar that envelops the shop.
- Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery (Downtown Boundaries Edge)
While technically edging into downtown, Boll Weevil deserves mention for its legendary layer cakes—massive slices of red velvet, Coca-Cola cake, and the forest berry cheese pie. Entrées fall in the $10–$16 range, and dessert slices are big enough to share (though you may not want to!).
Food Trucks: Forest Hills on the Move
While Forest Hills leans heavily on brick-and-mortar establishments, food trucks have become a quirky staple, often parked near clubhouse events at Forest Hills Golf Club or pop-up markets by Augusta Prep. Local favorites include:
- Chazito’s Latin Cuisine
Famous for loaded empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and yuca fries—keep an eye on social media for their current locations.
- Brown Bag Food Truck
Offering farm-to-table sandwiches and daily specials, this seasonal truck is a hit for quick, fresh weekday lunches.
Local Traditions & Atmosphere
Forest Hills is a neighborhood where food and community mesh seamlessly. Whether you’re brunching before a round at Forest Hills Golf Club, grabbing barbecue for a backyard game night, or enjoying porch dining at a neighborhood bistro, food here feels like an extension of home.
Don’t miss neighborhood events like food-focused pop-ups and seasonal festivals at nearby Surrey Center—just a couple of miles east—where Forest Hills residents often gather for bites and brews.
Final Thoughts: Your Guide to Tasteful Living
From palate-pleasing plates at Honey from the Rock to the locally roasted espresso at Buona Caffe, Forest Hills blends tradition and innovation, Southern comfort and worldly flavor. Prices cater to everyday diners and occasional splurges alike, with most spots remaining family-friendly and community-focused. If you have a taste for real flavor and real people, Forest Hills is Augusta’s must-explore neighborhood.
So, what are you craving today? Let Forest Hills surprise and delight you—one delicious stop at a time.