Some restaurants attract attention because they’re new. Others have a story that stretches across generations.
The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Thomasville opened in 1916 and is widely recognized as Georgia’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. For anyone who enjoys discovering local history through food, it’s a fascinating destination. Read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s profile.
Southern Cut Rib Eye, pictured in The Plaza’s official gallery.
From 26 Seats to a Georgia Institution
The Plaza originally operated at 115 North Broad Street, with space for just 26 customers seated at white marble tables. The business grew over the years and passed through several owners, many of Greek heritage.
According to the restaurant’s history, chef and restaurateur Michael Regina purchased The Plaza in 2007. The Plaza’s story.
The restaurant moved to its current location at South Broad Street and Smith Avenue in the late 1970s. Its history belongs to the continuing business—not one unchanged building. Historical background.
Osso bucco from the restaurant’s gallery. Ask about current availability.
What Makes It Georgia’s Oldest Restaurant?
The key distinction is continuously operating. A restaurant inside an older building doesn’t necessarily have an equally long business history.
The Plaza’s 1916 founding date and distinction are recorded on a historical marker erected in 2020. In 2026, that gives the restaurant approximately 110 years of history. Historical marker record.
That legacy makes a visit more than another meal out—it offers a connection to generations of Georgia diners.
Start With an Appetizer
The Plaza’s published menu includes fresh mozzarella and tomato with roasted peppers, basil, and a balsamic reduction. Shrimp cocktail, calamari, and several oyster preparations provide other ways to begin a meal. Official menu.
Mozzarella and tomato, pictured in The Plaza’s official gallery.
If you’re exploring several courses, sharing an appetizer leaves room to try another part of the menu.
Explore the Oyster Selection
Oysters are an obvious place to look at a restaurant with “Oyster Bar” in its name. The online menu lists raw or steamed oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, and Parmesan-and-jalapeño oysters.
The Rockefeller preparation includes creamed spinach and Italian breadcrumbs. Confirm the current selection when ordering. Oyster menu.
Oysters Rockefeller from the restaurant’s official food gallery.
Seafood Beyond Oysters
The menu also lists Greek-style red snapper, blackened salmon, shrimp, and sea scallops. A fried seafood dinner combines several selections for diners looking for variety. Seafood menu.
The restaurant’s gallery offers another glimpse of its seafood dishes, including the crab cocktail below. Treat gallery photos as inspiration rather than a guarantee of what’s available today.
Crab cocktail pictured on The Plaza’s website; availability may vary.
Greek, Southern, and Italian Influences
The Plaza’s menu extends beyond seafood. Greek-style chicken, Southern-style fried chicken, steaks, and Italian specialties give diners several directions to explore.
The Italian section includes lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and eggplant Parmesan. Browse the full menu.
Eggplant rollatini from the official gallery—a different preparation from the eggplant Parmesan listed on the online menu.
A More Casual Meal
You don’t have to plan a full steak or seafood dinner to explore the restaurant. Its published menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, and Buffalo-style chicken wings. Casual dining options.
Chicken wings pictured in The Plaza’s official gallery.
Save Room for Something Sweet
The restaurant’s website highlights homemade pies, crème brûlée, and New York-style cheesecake. Ask about the day’s dessert selection before finishing your meal. Dessert highlights.
A relaxed visit gives you time to explore the food and appreciate the history behind this long-running restaurant.
Plan Your Visit
- Restaurant: The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- Address: 217 S. Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792
- Phone: 229-226-5153
- Website: thomasvilleplaza.com
The contact page lists Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., with Sunday closed. However, the menu page shows different lunch hours. Call ahead to confirm service times, buffet availability, and holiday changes. Contact details · Menu-page hours.
The restaurant describes casual and formal dining spaces, a lounge, outdoor seating, and private rooms. Mention any seating preferences or group requirements when calling. Dining spaces.
A Taste of Georgia’s Dining History
Whether you’re drawn by the oysters, the varied menu, or the story that began in 1916, The Plaza offers a distinctive stop for a Georgia food trip.
Come curious, take time to browse the menu, and make this historic Thomasville restaurant part of your own travels.
Photo credits: The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar. These are website gallery images; current dishes and presentation may differ.
