Holden Oversoul Kitchen & Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Demorest

If you’re thinking about it, go here!!

Visited on a Friday night with some girlfriends while on a weekend trip. We were looking for something close by with the best reviews and decided to give this place a try. WOW, we were blown away from the moment we looked over the menu! Everything looked delicious and we had a hard time deciding. In the end we started with the pimento grits bites and ended up all ordering the grits bowl and a seasonal spiced pear cocktail. The service was friendly and attentive, and the food was absolutely spectacular! Even the bread they started with was a pleasant surprise with the artichoke and balsamic spread it was served with. We could have eaten it with a spoon. Food came quickly and we ate every single bite. Our group all came from different states and we would each consider ourselves foodies, we really like to eat good food. We all enjoyed the meal so much we ended up coming back on Saturday night to try some of the other offerings.

Saturday we sampled the pimento grit bites again, the grilled oysters, wings, crab cake, butternut squash soup (declared to be the best one they had ever tasted!) the filet and chicken fingers. We all gushed over how good our meals were and swapped a few bites, they were all excellent.

One person got the apple crème brûlée since it was GF and said it was the perfect finish to the meal. We were only disappointed we couldn’t come back a third time on Sunday night since they were closed. We will absolutely be visiting the next time we’re in the area. Having such great meals really made the weekend together even better. Ask for our girl Kelsey (server) and say hello to Chef Jamie,...

Restaurant Review: Holden Over Soul – A Hidden Gem in Demorest, GA

Tucked away in the heart of Demorest, Georgia, Holden Over Soul is a culinary treasure that blends Southern hospitality with elevated seafood fare. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming—casual yet refined, with an attention to detail that hinted at the excellence to come.

We began our evening with two expertly crafted dirty martinis, the perfect prelude to what would become an unforgettable dining experience. For starters, we indulged in fresh oysters on the half shell—briny, cold, and impeccably fresh. A drizzle of their house mignonette added just the right touch of acidity and depth.

The main course was a seafood lover's dream. The Shrimp and Lobster Louisiana Jambalaya was rich, spicy, and packed with flavor—every bite delivering a bold mix of heat and seafood sweetness. I opted for the crab cakes, which were crisp on the outside, loaded with lump crab meat, and paired wonderfully with sides of asparagus and tender broccolini that were seasoned to perfection.

We capped the meal with a key lime crème brûlée—a delightful twist on a classic, with a zesty brightness that cut through the creamy richness. A glass of Prosecco complemented dessert beautifully, bringing a light, effervescent finish to a decadent meal.

Overall, Holden Over Soul exceeded expectations in every way. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and each dish felt thoughtfully prepared. If you’re looking for elevated coastal cuisine in North Georgia, this spot deserves a place at the top of your...

WHODA THUNK???... Who, in their right mind, would think that you'd be able to find such a great place in a small town in the north GA mtns like Demorest? I live nearby and had heard of this place opening up and waited for a month or so before visiting. It's a small place. In fact, I think they may have more seating al fresco than they do inside.... Fine by me as I prefer sitting outside. The service people were all very friendly... smiles all around for everybody and they all really seemed to enjoy doing what they were doing. This was my first time here, and I wanted to try everything. I ended up with the lobster bisque, the southern style oysters Rockefeller (collard greens replace the spinach), sautéed squash and onions (dang near perfect) and ended with key lime pie. They have a full bar. I didn't see any wine glasses, but I would assume they have wine as well... I did see beer, but not sure if they have any on draft. A little improvement on the interior for ambience would be my only recommendation for improvement. Will most...