Kendall here – I was #blessed to be a judge at the Tomato Pie Contest at the Pickwick Pharmacy during Summer on Augusta this year, and since then I’ve been on the hunt for tomato pie in local restaurants.

So I asked you to tell me your must-try tomato pies in GVL + tried the most recommended spots for myself. 🍅 Here are my reviews (with photos, of course), and if you know anywhere I missed, reply to this email. I would be happy to keep tasting more pies.

P.S. Most of these tomato pies are seasonal – so if you’re hungry after reading this, go order some ASAP.

Adam’s Mobile Market | Check their Instagram to see the schedule + weekly menu

What’s in it: Local tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, and salt + pepper

Cost: $15 + a free side (your choice of the market’s veggies)

Notes: You can only buy a full pie, not by the slice, but no complaints about that. This tomato pie is for the *mega* cheese lovers – think epic strings when you lift it out of the pan. It’s also light on mayo for y’all who don’t love it. Bake at 300 for 20 minutes + enjoy dinner stress-free.

Kitchen Sync |📍1609 Laurens Rd. | ⏰ Closed Sun. + Mon // 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. + 5 – 9 p.m. Mon. – Thurs. (open until 10 on Fri.)

What’s in it: Basil, mozzarella, tomato sauce, tomatoes

Cost: $14 (comes with a salad)

Notes: If you’re familiar with tomato pie + want to try something new (or not into the classic mayonnaise/cheddar combo), this version is kind of a cross between tomato pie and pizza. I love the Southern version and put mayo on everything, but this was pretty tasty in its own right.

Caviar & Bananas |📍1 N Laurens St. | ⏰ 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon. – Thurs // 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri. // 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat. // 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun.

What’s in it: Tomatoes, mayo, cheddar cheese

Cost: $4/slice

Notes: Simple + classic. But if you hate mayonnaise, this might not be the one for you. I definitely recommend getting it heated up, but you can grab a cold slice from the deli for lunch on the go.

These are the restaurants I didn’t get to try myself, but readers highly recommended:

Restaurant 17 |📍10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest | ⏰ Closed Sun. + Mon. // 5 – 9 p.m. Tues. – Thurs. // 5 – 9:30 p.m. Fri. + Sat.

What’s in it: Heirloom tomatoes, cornmeal crust, arugula, Steens (sweetener), onion jam

Cost: $12 (small plate)

Notes: A twist that uses some alternative Southern ingredients to spice up the classic: a little cornmeal and onion jam makes everything taste like home.

Grits and Groceries |📍2440 Due West Highway, Belton | ⏰ Served at Thursday dinner, 5 – 9 p.m.

What’s in it: Tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and salt + pepper

Cost: $6

Notes: It comes as a whole mini pie appetizer with a crispy cheese topping, perfect for munching in a few bites. And if you end up loving it, the recipe is available online so you can make it yourself at home.

Bacon Bros. Public House |📍3620 Pelham Rd. | ⏰ Closed Sun. // 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. + 5 – 10 p.m. Mon. – Thurs. // 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. + 5 – 11 p.m. Fri. // 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sat.

What’s in it: Bacon crust, pimento cheese

Cost: Market price (comes as a side with their steak entree)

Notes: This mini tomato pie only comes as a side with their Johnson Creek Farm Butcher’s Steak, but we hear the whole meal is pretty amazing.

If you’re curious which tomato pie is my favorite… I’ve gotta say I love the one from Caviar & Bananas. But I’ve also made it my mission to learn how to make my own tomato pie, and you can bet I’ll be trying the Grits and Groceries recipe very soon.

Have you tried tomato pie (or ever even heard of it before)? Have an amazing family recipe that you don’t mind sharing? Comment below or send it to hello@gvltoday.com.

– Kendall