We think this is a special place in Watkinsville for Sunday brunch. The food and service are great, but not inexpensive, and there are outdoor tables under umbrellas for pleasant weather days. Food:5/5 During the Sunday brunch, the chef and owner, Jose, makes delicious custom waffles and omelets right in front of you. The second room is buffet-style serve-yourself with salad and delicious lunch dishes of different meat-dish choices and vegetables, On the day we were there these included pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and a chicken dish. The dessert table is laden with cakes, fruit, and cheesecake, but you may be too full from the savory dishes to enjoy dessert. There is a menu instead of buffet for week day dining. Service:5/5 The servers are quick and pleasant. The owner and chef, Jose, comes around to the tables between his cooking duties to make diners feel welcome. Facility:3/5 There are indoor and outdoor tables. Although it's not large, it's casual, clean and cheerful with wall murals and cloth napkins. Location 4/5 Located on the main road thru Watkinsville, it's easy to access. Parking is somewhat limited, but usually is adequate. Price: The food is very good and the price reflects the willingness of the loyal customers to pay for the nice dining experience here, even though it is more than breakfast meals at our other favorite breakfast places. Coffee is additional to the food price. read more

This was our first bad food experience with Girasoles. The service and ambiance was good but we both ordered one of the specials and neither was actually good. In 35 years of marriage, it's the first time my husband left half of his dinner uneaten, and certainly didn't want it to go. Usually their seafood is excellent, but this was tasteless and not cooked well at all. read more

This place is an absolute gem. I'm here for Sunday brunch as often as I can be, and I'm never disappointed.

We stopped by for brunch today and had an amazing experience. The host was very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant is cozy and inviting with an artistic sunflower theme, with classic jazz playing. Chef Jose gave us a charming lesson on how to create the perfect omelet and it was perfection. This man exudes joy in nurturing others with delicious food. We tried the made to order blueberry waffles which were so delicious they didn't even need syrup. The buffet was above and beyond including shrimp and grits, jambalaya, corn casserole, broccoli casserole, amazing pork and chicken dishes, and gorgeous desserts. This place is a true culinary oasis and the staff seem so happy and have an excellent work ethic. We plan to be back every Sunday. read more

This is usually our favorite steak place but last night not so much. Super salty on the sea scallops and our steak which was suppose to be medium rare was medium. Also, the steak was super salty. Just didn't meet our normal standards but we will go back again. We do love this quaint place located in our area. read more

Wonderful food in an inconspicuous corner of watkinsville. Really amazing Southern, Italian, really anything cuisine. Great wine menu and service. Loved the Seafood Hush Puppies! read more

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This was our first time visiting. The service was excellent, the dining room was very nice, not too loud. The food was amazing. I had the lamb chops, definitely the best I've ever had. I was accompanied with two very, very picky eaters, and they were impressed! That speaks volumes. We look forward to coming back soon and trying some of the other dishes. I wish I had known about this place long before now. read more

Dined with a friend at Girasoles last evening. While the menu is great they offered five specials - an amazing assortment of options. My friend ordered Beef Wellington and I chose a pasta dish. Both were fantastic. The service was impeccable and the wine by glass menu was superb. This place has really stepped up it's game. Lastly, the noise level was low and you could actually have a conversation! read more

This photos on this page don't do this restaurant justice even if most of the reviews do. The food and service are excellent. Best Cajun Pasta I've ever had and Sunday brunch is wonderful. Chef will customize or make anything you want even if not on menu. Cocktails (I have a Manhattan with the Pasta and a mimosa at Brunch) are exquisite examples of how cocktails should be made, presented and serve - no gimmicks or unnecessary flash, just right. Wish I could go here all the time but will have to content myself to visiting when near Athens. read more

Girasoles - Incredible Cajun Pasta. Generous on the meat, struggled to make the pasta go far enough. Never happens. Love this approach. - Italian Near Me - Watkinsville, Georgia

Virtually no service. would've left no tip but they automatically added 20% service charge. I had to get my own napkin and silverware because waitress never brought it. read more

The food was great! However, I ordered an ole fashion the drink was less than an inch in the glass. We were charged 15.00 PLUS 9.00 for the Woodward I requested it was made with!!!!!!! I didn't want steamed veggies as one of the two sides so I choose Mac and cheese. I understand an up charge BUT full charge 12.00 and some change!!! For 192.00 we will go elsewhere or cook at home. Hell a liter of Woodford is about 70.00. Geezzzz read more

Fucili Pasta Excellent food with Jose and JoJo!! Large portions and excellent service! Their Ribeye is exceptional and cooked as requested! read more

Girasoles - Onion Rings Excellent Starter!!! - Italian Near Me - Watkinsville, Georgia

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Sunday brunch here is undefeated. If you get the chance, go and go easy so you have more than enough time to enjoy everything they have to offer. Omelet station, pancake station, dessert table, salad bar, and other prepared foods are just a list of things available. But you won't have a chance to enjoy everything because you will get full really quick. $18 for all you can eat, be careful after game day because there might be a crazy wait read more

Girasoles - Assortment of goodies - Italian Near Me - Watkinsville, Georgia

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Sunday brunch. absolutely lovely. The lunch/dinner premade options were delicious. Very Cajun and perfectly flavored. And then Chef Jose at the breakfast bar. He'll make whatever you want. We had a blueberry waffle...but when I saw my friend eating the pancake I was so jealous. I tasted a bite and it was the best pancake I've ever had. SO fluffy and delicious. Hands down the best brunch I've had in Athens area/ maybe the world. It's definitely pricey. $33 before tip for the breakfast buffet. Worth it for sure. I will be back! read more

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Food was great, even the food they made for our kids was gourmet. Will definitely go back.

Their food is the best around . Yum! Everything is delicious and worth the price. Please eat here!

Great atmosphere and food. Had the sailors baked cheese and chicken Parmesan. Both were delicious, the sailors baked cheese was a good starter, enjoyed dipping the bread and covering it with the cheese. The marinara for the chicken parm was good, and tasted house made. read more

Excellent all the way around. Great chef, great food, great service. This is one of the best in Oconee.

We had a great evening here. We walked over from a bed and breakfast across the street. We were greeted warmly upon arrival and seated right away. The restaurant was not crowded, but did have several tables on the Tuesday night we visited. We started with the crab mac and cheese, which was served with crostini. I am a huge fan of eating carbs with carbs, so it worked well for me! The crab flavor permeated each bite well, and the cheese was rich and creamy. It was a great start to dinner. I had the shrimp and grits for dinner. The dish was full of cheese, which was great for me. The shrimp were prepared perfectly. It was a rich and decadent dish. My friend had the sea scallops and was equally pleased with her dish, as well. We would return! read more

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Sunday brunch was our first experience here, but definitely not our last. Words cannot describe the amazingness happening in this place! He is still talking about how good the Chef's creations are and we left 45 minutes ago. Needless to say, you are missing out if you don't try it for yourself! I had a blueberry pancake, chocolate pancake with strawberries, and he had creations created by the chef!! Emily was great, also!! read more

I have never had a meal that was not outstanding. If you think it is not right , Chef / Owner Jose will make it right. Most Restaurants just say sorry - Not here. I love eating here , both at Night and Sunday Brunch. It is amazing to sit where you can watch the Omelette Show. At Brunch ask Chef Jose for a VIP Omelette. The VIP sauce is very good on a steak , but i believe it might be extra. One bite of your Omelette on Sunday will prove I am right. I saw a person eat 2 and he was he was past stuffed. Don't forget your wallet or Card. It is worth it. Ask about prices for children. The Waiter will accommodate. They are open for Sunday lunch and on certain nights. Call them or check the web. If we are concerned, we make reservations. I suppose you might pay more and get less at the Ritz Carlton or elsewhere at Lake Oconee or other places. I know I have. For me , Strike 1 perhaps , but I form an Opinion. Maybe I will take a 2nd swing 6 months later. But I never strike out. Never again is in my vocabulary. I am always up for Girasoles' & Chef Jose in Watkinsville if I am hungry. Always a great meal. read more

Went for Sunday brunch. Service & food was excellent. A bit noisy but otherwise a very enjoyable experience. Plan on going back on a regular basis read more

One of the best in town, high quality foods with a white linen setting, a bit pricey but well worth it. The most attentive servers, their servers raised the level of dining experience. read more

This is by far my favorite place to eat. There is not a single item even down to the coffee that isn't amazing. I have been here numerous times and must say, chef Jose is one of the greats. If you haven't been, it really doesn't matter what day or time as it's always good food. However, you haven't had brunch unless you have been here for the Sunday brunch. Try the VIP anything and your in for a treat. Happy eatin Rona Virus 2020 - today Chef Jose hooked me up with an amazing breakfast for dinner, just what I was craving and of course it is absolutely amazing. Thank you sir and staff read more

Girasoles - VIP Omelet, French Toast and of course Bacon!!! - Italian Near Me - Watkinsville, Georgia

This place is super awesome. Feels like your stepping into someone's home to have dinner. This place is family owned and the chef comes out at the end of the night to talk with the tables. He is very kind and says that what ever we want to eat just ask and he will make it. Food off the menus was very good I had their version of spaghetti and the cheese dip with toast points. Will be coming back! read more

Was pleasantly surprised. We went for brunch and it was sooo yummy Add to your Sunday brunch must do list read more

Delicious food. You feel like you're going somewhere special. It was nice for our big party on Easter to not have to wait in a long line as they accept reservations. read more

The food is delicious and the servings are large. I've only ever had great service here. The only thing I would recommend is maybe a facelift for the interior. It's a nice restaurant but everything is small, close quarters and dated. read more

Went for a special occasion and was forgotten. Started off great with the shrimp cocktail and went down hill from there. Took waitress 15-20 minutes to come back to take order. When meal arrived, we got both salads same time one meal arrived. After being told twice the other meal was coming, we never received it. When we were leaving- 2 hours later - the meal finally come out but was never offered the food. I know we were a party of two and there was a party of 12 at the restaurant. We should have not been forgotten. Way too much money spent for this kind of service. A true disappointment!!! read more

My sister recommended that we visit Girasoles for brunch while I was visiting from out of state. We had a group of about 14 people so we made reservations for 11am. We arrived right as they were opening. The service was amazing!! Our waitress were very attentive to our needs. They have an omelet, waffle, & pancake station. The chef preparing those items was nothing short of amazing. He remembered several others at once. He had about 5 pans going at once. He was great. I got myself an omelet and the kids had a blueberry & chocolate chip pancake. The other items available on the brunch buffet were salad, potatoes, steak, ribs, chicken, chili, seafood and other items. All very good. My group was a bit loud as we hadn't seen each other in a while and laughed a lot. There was apparently a group that were seated next to us that decided they didn't want to stay due to the noise. Oh well!! We had fun and enjoyed our food. Two of the people in our group are regulars and even had one of their birthdays there. They raved about how great the chef was. I'd definitely recommend to those in the area. read more

The food is ok, but the quality is not in line with the prices. Chef Jose is kind of a local legend and the people of Watkinsville pay more for him than they really should. It is much like paying too much for a wine because you are paying for the wine's brand, marketing, and pretty bottle and not by the actual quality of the grapes and preparation. The ambiance should be way better by now. The ceiling is extremely old and appears to be the original for the building. If it has ever been improved during the time that Girasol has been there, it was many years before and it is due for an improvement. The wait staff wears a uniform to attempt to look like an upscale restaurant. Again, the execution was laughable. Our server's clip on tie was never in the correct place and had stains. Although the restaurant is dark, the server had stains on every part of her uniform. It didn't exactly make me feel that I was in the cleanest place. As for service, the waitress had no presentation skills. For desert she asked if we wanted it and then expected us to have memorized the offerings. Certainly no up selling. Of course, when a restaurant charges $42 for a nothing special paella; maybe you don't need to do anything. After all, her tip ended up being $15 for just minimal service. We didn't order a dessert. It seemed like too much of a bother to the waitress who obviously did not wish to be there. If you are going to go to this restaurant, go during lunch when the prices are more in line with the service, ambiance, and the quality of the food. read more

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This is a true gem in the Athens area. Outstanding ambiance, impeccable service and amazing food. The chef/owner is extremely personable and passionate about his restaurant. Highly recommend. read more

Best meal in Watkinsville. We have never been here and not left feeling it wasn't 5 star. The shrimp bom bom is very unique. The lab with the mushroom sauce is the best rack of lamb I have ever had. The fillet is fantastic. Cannot say anything bad. Would recommend to anyone. read more

Love this place, the Cajun pasta is and so is the hott bacon salad. Also best crème brûlée in OC by far. Jose the chef is super sweet and comes out to greet guests sometimes. Also if I tip - you can order a steak burrito that's not on the menu lolll read more

Great food with great service! We have been back several times and will continue to do so.

Was in town for a quick visit for my sister's birthday and went to Girasoles to celebrate. The Cajun Shrimp and Grits dish was not on the menu that night, but Chef Jose made sure he would make it for me. It was So good! We had a great time celebrating her birthday! The atmosphere was great, the server was fantastic and all the food amazing!!! 5 stars for sure! read more

Girasoles - Cajun Shrimp and Grits - Italian Near Me - Watkinsville, Georgia

This is my family's favorite restaurant. It is SOO yummy every time. The environment is cool yet cozy. The chef always comes out to say hello, sometimes he even makes us spontaneous special dishes. You can tell he is really passionate about his food. read more

Classic French chef with varied menu and daily specials. Soups, appetizers, salads, pastas, steaks, and seafood all full of flavor.

Excellent food and attentive staff!! Totally enjoyable experience!! I'm so glad that Girasoles is still with us!!

Well, all I can say about the "special" is.....nothing special but the price! When I saw my bill I was positive it was an error, $52.95 for a "special", nothing else included except bread. Granted, the portions were large and tastefully presented, but the item was below average. I love sushi but somethings are meant to be cooked a little longer. Our waitress was fine and the atmosphere okay. I've dined at many fabulous restaurants, but this was a 1st and last for me. 4/16/21 SNM read more