Girasoles - Watkinsville

My husband and I planned to celebrate our 43rd wedding with a nice dinner at Girasoles in Watkinsville. We had never been there as my Dad didn't like it, but we had heard good things from other people so we decided to give it a try. We got there a little after six, they were uncrowded, and we were seated quickly and given menus. Then we waited...no water, no wait staff, nothing. We decided what to order including discussing appetizers and wine...nothing. Another couple came in and were seated, and the waiter who seated us brought them drinks and started taking their order. We gave them five minutes more of our time...nothing, so we left without any response from their staff for over 20 minutes. We went to another nearby restaurant and were seated with glasses of water in under five minutes, and enjoyed a wonderful meal there.

We enjoyed another fabulous meal here. This time, for our 31st anniversary

Outstanding experience! We had eaten here about 4 years ago so we knew they had excellent food but our meal, server and whole experience was outstanding from the moment we walked through the door. We had been attending a car show in nearby Athens and decided to return to Girasole’s since our previous trip had been so good. Victoria was our server this occasion and she was a very professional, friendly and helpful wait person who was willing to take special orders and ask the chef about a number of special requests ranging from, “are the salad dressings available for sale” to “where do y’all purchase these great wine glasses”! We both chose the pan seared salmon and carrots and green beans covered in a blackberry reduction sauce that was just heavenly along with cheese grits!! We not only purchased two quarts of salad dressing but also a quart of the blackberry reduction!! The Belle Glos Clark Telephone Pinot Noir was the perfect accompaniment and the crème brûlée cheese cake with coffee completed the evening’s culinary experience! Almost forgot, a large salad was brought out compliments of the chef to start the evening’s fare and was our introduction to the wonderful citrus salad dressing that we purchased. Since we live 2 hours away, why not!! And Chef Jose was delightful when he came out with additional suggestions on how his dressings and reduction could be used in other ways. Honestly, we can’t wait to return and already talking about when to make a return trip!!

Who knew Mex Med fusion existed? We had lobster hush puppies, two entrees, and two desserts. The service food were top notch. High quality ingredients, generous portions, savory. The special: branzino with scallops was delicious. It is HARD to believe this culinary destination is in such a small town.

Really what can I say but just a fantastic dining experience from seating to dessert. The appetizers outstanding! We had hush puppies unlike any I've ever had the calamari melted in your mouth. The entrees were fantastic the grouper outstanding. The wine perfect with the meal. I think dessert was some brownies that were decadent. And of course creme brulee made its way to the table as well. Honestly it was just a fantastic dining experience. Cozy little spot down in the corner of Watkinsville definitely a gem! Parking: It is a quiet little corner restaurant so the parking is in proportion to the capacity of this restaurant.