I first heard about Gabriel’s when I was asked the be a judge for Taste of Marietta in April 2010 – I know, perhaps I had been living under a rock until then, but it was the first time I learned about it. I walked into the judging room, and I was seated next to Johnnie Gabriel – come to find out, not only did she have a fabulous Southern style restaurant in Marietta, but she is also Paula Deen’s cousin.

Since then, I’ve been eager to try Gabriel’s in Marietta. Not only for the award-winning red velvet cupcakes (you absolutely must try them!) but also the the delectable Southern food and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. I had the lucky chance to enjoy lunch there last week with a good friend who was a veteran patron of the restaurant.

It’s simple: you order at the counter, either from the sandwich menu or from the daily vegetable menu. Southern favorites are popular here: the meat-and-two and meat-and-three plates, as well as the vegetable plate. I had the meat-and-two: one-quarter roast chicken (dark meat, of course, though white meat was an available choice) with collard greens and pinto beans, with cornbread, of course (pictured). Don’t let the blue plastic cafeteria tray fool you – this was some of the best homemade Southern food I’ve ever had and nothing about it (other than the tray) said cafeteria!

I especially love the iced tea bar – TWO vats of sweet tea (perfect for a truly Southern restaurant), one of unsweet and even one of decaffeinated! To top it off, plenty of lemons and even a small pitcher of simple syrup, for perfectly sweetened tea without fighting with stubborn sugar granules.

You can check the menu every morning online, as the veggies of the day and dinner specials change daily – see if they’re serving your favorites before heading over for lunch or supper. And because no good Southern restaurant would be complete without a little Southern hospitality, you can be sure that you will get service with a smile, from the counter to your table, taking your order to refilling your sweet tea – just what you’d expect!

Voted “Best in Atlanta” by The Knot magazine and chosen as best of Atlanta seven times by Atlanta magazine, Gabriel’s has been called “The Little Shop of Wonders.” They also pay homage to Johnnie’s cousin, Paula, by serving many of her recipes and dessert recipes, found in Paula Deen’s cookbooks and as seen on her Food Network television shows. Additionally, Gabriel’s has a huge mail-away business – shipping cakes and desserts weekly all around the country and daily during the holiday season. Don’t let those far-away folks be the only ones who enjoy her delectable food and desserts – get over to Marietta and try them for yourself!

WHERE: Gabriel’s – 800 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 135, Marietta, GA 30064
770.427.9007