Macon’s Italian dining scene has been anchored since 1984 by Natalia’s, founded by Natalia del Basso-Orsini, a native of Abruzzo, Italy, who brought old-world Italian fine dining to Middle Georgia and set a standard that persisted for over three decades. That restaurant is now operated by the Moonhanger Group, the same Macon-based hospitality company behind Dovetail, The Rookery, and H&H Soul Food. This pattern of local restaurant groups managing multiple concepts has shaped Macon’s dining landscape broadly: the 551 Hospitality Group (which runs Brasserie Circa, Jim Shaw’s, Miramar, and JAG’s Pizzeria) recently added Liliana’s, an Italian street food truck at Society Garden in Ingleside Village. These overlapping ownership groups mean that Italian flavors show up across Macon’s dining ecosystem, not just in dedicated Italian restaurants.
The city’s Italian options range from white-tablecloth fine dining to casual downtown bistros and national chains along the I-75 corridor near Riverside Drive. Downtown Macon’s revitalization along Second Street, Cherry Street, and Poplar Street has brought Italian-influenced menus to several newer restaurants. Mercer University faculty and students, Robins Air Force Base families from Warner Robins, and the growing downtown residential population all contribute to demand. Macon does not have a historically large Italian-American community the way Northeast cities do, so the local Italian restaurant scene leans more toward chef-driven interpretations of Italian cuisine than old-school red-sauce family restaurants. Reservations are strongly recommended at Macon’s upscale Italian spots, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Top-Rated Italian Restaurants in Macon, Georgia
Natalia’s
Adres: 201 N Macon St, Macon, GA 31210
Website: natalias.net
Established in 1984 by Natalia del Basso-Orsini, a native of Abruzzo, Italy, Natalia’s is Macon’s longest-running fine dining Italian restaurant. The stone building resembles an Italian farmhouse, and the interior features vivacious decor across multiple romantic dining rooms, private event spaces, a bar, and a patio. The Moonhanger Group took over operations in 2018 and has maintained the emphasis on classic Italian cuisine with creative seasonal touches. The menu features dishes like fried calamari, veal scaloppine piccata, Chilean sea bass, seafood-stuffed ravioli, and an extensive wine collection. AAA lists entree prices in the $15 to $55 range. Dinner only, Monday through Saturday, with reservations suggested.
Oliver’s Corner Bistro
Adres: 496 2nd St, Macon, GA 31201
Website: oliversmacon.com
A locally and primarily woman-owned restaurant on Second Street in downtown Macon, Oliver’s blends Italian-inspired dishes with American bistro fare. The menu includes house-made linguine with basil-almond pesto, chicken alla vodka pasta, risotto with seasonal vegetables and grilled salmon, Caprese salad, and gourmet sandwiches like the El Matador with grilled NY strip. Oliver’s holds a 4.8 rating from 450 OpenTable diners and a 4.5/5 on Yelp with over 170 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated restaurants in Macon. The restaurant offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, weekend brunch, outdoor patio seating, a full bar, and dog-friendly outdoor areas. Metered street parking is available on Second Street at $1.25/hour.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill (National chain with Macon location)
Adres: 3913 River Place Dr, Macon, GA 31210
Website: carrabbas.com
Located off I-75 North near Riverside Drive, Carrabba’s is part of the national Bloomin’ Brands chain but maintains a loyal following in Macon for its wood-fire grilled entrees and handmade pastas. The menu includes signature dishes like Chicken Bryan (wood-grilled with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil lemon butter sauce), Pollo Rosa Maria, and classic pasta dishes prepared in an exhibition kitchen. The location is convenient for travelers using the I-75 corridor and for North Macon residents. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with catering available.
Italian Restaurants in Macon: Common Questions
How much does dinner at an Italian restaurant typically cost in Macon, GA?
Pricing varies widely depending on the restaurant. At Natalia’s, Macon’s premier fine dining Italian spot, entrees range from roughly $15 to $55 according to AAA. Oliver’s Corner Bistro offers a more moderate price point, with pasta dishes and entrees generally in the $14 to $30 range. National chains like Carrabba’s and Olive Garden on Riverside Drive offer entrees starting around $12 to $20. Contact individual restaurants for current menu pricing.
Are there locally owned Italian restaurants in Macon, GA, or mostly chains?
Macon has both. Natalia’s has been locally operated since 1984 and is now run by the Moonhanger Group, a Macon-based hospitality company. Oliver’s Corner Bistro is an independent, woman-owned downtown restaurant. Liliana’s operates as an Italian street food concept at Society Garden in Ingleside Village, run by the 551 Hospitality Group. On the chain side, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Olive Garden, and Fazoli’s all have Macon locations along the Riverside Drive and Zebulon Road corridors.
Do Italian restaurants in Macon, GA require reservations?
For Natalia’s, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant accepts last reservations at 8:45 PM on weeknights and 9:15 PM on weekends. Oliver’s Corner Bistro also accepts reservations and can fill up during dinner hours and weekend brunch. Casual and chain restaurants like Carrabba’s and Olive Garden generally seat on a first-come basis or offer call-ahead seating, though waits are common on weekend evenings.
How has downtown Macon’s revitalization affected Italian dining options in Macon, GA?
The ongoing redevelopment of downtown Macon has brought several Italian-influenced restaurants into the historic core, particularly along Second Street, Cherry Street, and Poplar Street. Oliver’s Corner Bistro opened on Second Street in 2017 and quickly became one of the highest-rated restaurants in the city. The Moonhanger Group and the 551 Hospitality Group both operate multiple downtown and near-downtown concepts that incorporate Italian flavors. Downtown’s growing residential population and increased foot traffic from tourism (the Allman Brothers Big House Museum, Hay House, and Ocmulgee Mounds are all nearby) have supported this expansion.
Is there Italian street food or casual Italian dining in Macon, GA?
Yes. Liliana’s, operated by the 551 Hospitality Group, serves Italian street food from a location behind Society Garden in the Ingleside Village neighborhood at 2389 Ingleside Avenue. The menu rotates and includes items like Italian hoagies, charcuterie, calamari, and chef specials, alongside specialty menus for events. For fast-casual Italian, Fazoli’s has a Macon location, and JAG’s Pizzeria (also run by the 551 group) offers Italian-style pizza. Your Pie in North Macon provides build-your-own pizza and salads in a quick-service format.