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Local Flavor: Our Favorite Local Restaurants in Kennesaw (Reviews/Ratings)

Local Flavor: Our Favorite Local Restaurants in Kennesaw (Reviews/Ratings)

With our flagship furniture and mattress store just next door between Woodstock and Acworth on Hwy 92, we talk to our share of hungry shoppers – including many from Kennesaw and many others that will pass through Kennesaw on their way back home. Since so many folks ask us where to grab a bite around town, we decided to feature Kennesaw in our Local Flavor series. From BBQ to burgers to international eats, here are some great places to fill up while you're in the area. Keep reading for a few favorite dining suggestions from our Woodstock/Acworth crew.

Our Favorite Local Restaurants in Kennesaw

Kennesaw might be best known for its Civil War history and Kennesaw State University, but it’s also home to a growing food scene that covers just about anything worth craving. Whether you’re after comfort food, craft beer and burgers, delicious Asian fare, high quality steaks, or top-notch pizza, Kennesaw has it. Given the proximity of Kennesaw to our Woodstock/Acworth store and our Acworth customer pickup and distribution center, many of our own team members live nearby, pass through daily, or eat here on lunch break, so you can trust that these picks come from experience.

Below, you’ll find everything from family-friendly classics to trendy new favorites – many of them hidden in plain sight. So if you’re visiting from out of town or just need a new local go-to, these local Kennesaw restaurant picks are a great place to start.

1885 Grill

1885 Grill brings Southern coastal cuisine to downtown Kennesaw with a menu full of Southern staples, fresh seafood, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, or something a bit more upscale like seared scallops or ribeye cooked to perfection, 1885 has a little something for just about everyone.

Located right off South Main Street in Kennesaw, 1885 Grill offers a classy yet warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bonus: They’ve got a fantastic bar, a great selection of wine and cocktails, and they make a mean house sangria. It’s a great place for lunch, a night out, or just soaking in some small-town charm over a well-cooked meal. If you're headed a little further up I-75, be sure to give their Acworth location just off of Cherokee Street a try.

Big Pie In the Sky Pizzeria

When it comes to big ol' New York-style pizza pies, Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria is a Kennesaw hometown favorite. Did you know that Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria was featured on Food Network's Ginormous Food and Travel Channel's Man vs Food? When you order by the slice, these slices (from a 30" diameter pizza) are likely the biggest slices you've seen in your life! 

Their signature “Big Pie” slices are thick, cheesy, and generously topped, giving you that classic pizzeria feel with quality ingredients. Whether you go for a classic Margherita, the Carnivore, West Coast Pesto, Five Cheese, Big Kahuna, or one of their other specialty creations, each bite is full of well-balanced flavor. Friendly staff and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes this a great local hang out. 

Big Shanty Smokehouse

For authentic award-winning Southern barbecue right here in Kennesaw, Big Shanty Smokehouse is a must-visit — especially if barbecue ribs is your thing. If you're a little bit indecisive like us, the pick three meat sampler is the best deal for sure. Choose between 1/4 rack of their famous ribs, pulled pork, 1/4 chicken, pulled chicken, beef brisket and smoked sausage. Big Shanty's sides like Brunswick stew, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and banana pudding are killer too!

We love the location and atmosphere too. No frills, no gimmicks, just good barbecue. The casual, rustic vibe matches the food perfectly, with a welcoming space that feels like a cookout in someone's backyard. It’s a great spot to grab lunch, fuel up before (or after) a visit to our Woodstock/Acworth furniture and mattress showroom, or bring home a crowd-pleasing platter to-go.

Bonfire Brazil Steakhouse (formerly Churras Steakhouse & Bakery)

Looking for something a bit more adventurous? Bonfire Brazil Steakhouse offers a lively all-you-can-eat dining experience where neverending skewers of tender roasted meats flow nonstop. With a cheese station, fresh salad bar, side dishes and carved meats galore, this is a carnivore's dream come true!

The festive atmosphere and attentive service make it a fun option for celebrations or family nights out. It’s an experience, not just a meal — and definitely one that fills you up! Unlike some of the other Brazilian steakhouses in the Metro Atlanta area, Bonfire Brazil has more of a buffet layout, but is also suprisingly affordable. GIve it a try if you're a meat lover, as they've got a number of different options we think you'll like.

Capers Restaurant & Bar

If you're craving classy New American fare with Southern flair, Capers Restaurant & Bar is where it’s at. Renowned for dishes like crab-stuffed mushrooms, lamb chops, zesty pastas, fresh Gulf fish, and a variety of well-crafted entree salads, the menu walks that fine line between refinement and comforting.

Plus, the ambiance makes all the difference: think cozy booths, white tablecloths, a polished bar, and even live piano music. Whether you’re in the mood for a thoughtful date-night meal or chef-driven dishes in a friendly setting, Capers makes an impression on every visit.

Cylantro’s Venezuelan Cuisine

Cylantro’s is another one of our favorite casual lunch spots here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet. This family-owned business was founded in 2015 with the goal of sharing their Venezuelan heritage and culture through food – and boy is it good. Have you ever tried Venezuelan food? If not, you simply must give Cylantro’s a try! If you like Mexican, Cuban or other Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, we think you’ll like it.

While Cylantro’s has delicious dishes you’ll recognize such as empanadas, tacos and fajitas, their real claim to fame is their arepas. So what exactly is an arepa? Think of a Latin American flatbread made of cornmeal and grilled to perfection, that is then stuffed with “fresh and delicious goodness” (their exact words). They even have twenty different varieties to choose from! Try them yourself at one of Cylantro’s three locations in Kennesaw, Woodstock, and Roswell, open Monday through Saturday.

I Love Pho

Craving something warm, fragrant, and savory? I Love Pho in Kennesaw features fresh Vietnamese classics with big bowls of broth-soaked noodles, sizzling pho, banh mi sandwiches, Vietnamese coffee drinks and more. Their soups are rich, aromatic, and bursting with flavor — and their fried dumplings and variety of spring rolls are the perfect complement.

With a clean, casual atmosphere and speedy service, I Love Pho is perfect for a quick lunch, solo dinner, or casual takeout. If you need a tasty pick-me-up after showroom browsing or want a cozy meal that’s full of flavor, pop in and try a bowl. 

Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill

With its bright, tropical vibe, Papi’s serves up Cuban and Caribbean eats that lift your spirits and your taste buds. Papi's menu features Cuban classics like moist mojo-marinated pork, slow-cooked black beans and rice, tostones, platanos maduros (sweet plantains) and more — dishes that pack both flavor and sunshine in every bite. We love their sandwiches in particular, as their traditional Cuban, ropa vieja, medianoche and pan con bistec sandwiches are fantastic.

The casual, friendly ambiance feels like a mini vacation, and the generous portions are made for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you're craving something different or chasing authentic Cuban flavor, Papi’s has a way of taking you island-hopping without leaving Kennesaw. If Kennesaw isn't home for you, Papi's has 5 other locations across Metro Atlanta including restaurants in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Stockbridge and Forest Park. Oh, and don't miss founder Rey Regalado's personal and inspiring story here!

Q Korean BBQ & Revolving Sushi

Q Korean BBQ & Revolving Sushi serves a two-for-one feast — sizzling tabletop Korean BBQ (delivered to your table by "mini trucks") paired with a sushi conveyor belt. Whether you're grilling marinated meats with your tablemates, choosing fresh sushi rolls, or both, it’s a modern and fun twist on interactive dining.

Bright, polished, and lively, this spot makes dinner into an amazing experience. It's perfect for fun group outings or special date nights — just bring your appetite and prepare to grill, roll, and enjoy!

Taj Mahal Grill

Looking for an escape from the same old, same old cuisine options? This one is for you. For fans of Indian food near Kennesaw, Taj Mahal Grill is where to go for some of the best Indian cuisine in Cobb County. Better yet, if you're looking for lunch options, their lunch buffet is a reliable crowd-pleaser with classics like butter chicken, chicken tikka, dal, biryani, garlic naan, and a menu with numerous vegetarian options. This is the perfect way to sample a variety of Taj Mahal's flavors and dishes.

The restaurant maintains a welcoming environment with attentive service. Whether you’re fueling up mid-week or want flavorful takeout for dinner at home, Taj Mahal delivers consistent, satisfying Indian cuisine at great value.

Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana

Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana brings the taste of Naples to Kennesaw with traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. The crust is on the thin side, crisp, bubbly, and blistered to perfection, with fresh toppings and traditional Italian flavors. Their selection of pizza, pasta, salads, calzones and even desserts (cannoli, tiramisu, and gelato) are all authentic and delicious.

In addition to being one of the best rated pizzas in the area, Vesuvio Pizzeria was one of the favorites in our employee survey too. Whether you're dining in their quaint dining room or grabbing a pizza to go, the cozy setting feels just right. Stylish but unpretentious, Vesuvio delivers an artisan slice that pairs perfectly with local craft beer or a glass of wine — great for any pizza craving that strikes.

Please Join Us in Supporting Our Fellow Local Businesses in Kennesaw!

Thanks for exploring Kennesaw’s food scene with us! We hope this guide helps you find a new favorite spot (or reminds you of an old one). Whether you're a lifelong local, here to shop at one of our nearby furniture and mattress stores, or visiting from out of town, these restaurants represent some of the best Kennesaw has to offer.

Interested in restaurant suggestions and reviews elsewhere in Georgia? Don’t miss the rest of our Local Flavor series centered around our 6 locations across North Georgia and the Metro Atlanta area:

Local Flavor Marietta: The Best Places to Eat in Marietta, GA
Local Flavor Acworth: The Best Places to Eat in Acworth, GA
Local Flavor Woodstock: The Best Places to Eat in Woodstock, GA
Local Flavor Canton: The Best Places to Eat in Canton, GA
Local Flavor Dallas: The Best Places to Eat in Dallas, GA
Local Flavor Hiram: The Best Places to Eat in Hiram, GA
Local Flavor Douglasville: The Best Places to Eat in Douglasville, GA
Local Flavor Rome: The Best Places to Eat in Rome, GA
Local Flavor Covington: The Best Places to Eat in Covington, GA

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