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$$$$ | Historic District |
The first farm-to-table restaurant in Savannah, Cha Bella continues to serve only dishes made with the finest local ingredients, so even if you've been here recently, there may be some surprises. With no walk-in refrigerator, all ingredients must be used within three days of delivery, so the menu is guaranteed to be fresh. The decor is contemporary and comfortable, but the real dining experience is found outside on the patio during the spring and fall. This is also a great spot for a cocktail or dessert.
102 E. Broad St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Savannah's first farm-to-table restaurant
- A delightful array of cocktails
- Menu changes regularly based on what's fresh and available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted
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$ | Historic District | American
Housed in the modern-art extension of the Telfair Museum, the Jepson Cafe is an exquisite culinary experience. The small dining room is adorned with rotating temporary art installations. Overlooking the Jepson atrium, the space mimics the minimalist–modern feel of the building. Gourmands should look no further for lunch: Start with the tuna poke over sliced avocado, or the fresh summer rolls of local poached shrimp, fresh basil, and a peanut-hoisin sauce. The café uses lots of local purveyors, including Perc coffee, Savannah Bee Company honey, Savannah Tea Room mint tea, and Angel's BBQ for its pork shoulder. The proscuitto, fig, and brie panini is mouthwatering and perfectly melds these salty, sweet, and creamy flavors.
Jepson Center, 207 W. York St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Historic District |
One of the best ice-cream parlors in the area is Leopold's, a Savannah institution since 1919. It's currently owned by Stratton Leopold, grandson of the original owner and the producer of films like Mission: Impossible III. Posters and paraphernalia from his films make for an entertaining sideline to the selection of ice cream made with the old family recipe, methods, and ingredients. Try the delicious lemon custard or honey almond and cream flavors, or unique seasonal inventions like rose petal cream, Guinness, and mint-lime sorbet.
212 E. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Lemon custard or honey almond and cream flavors
- Seasonal flavors like rose petal cream, Guinness, or mint-lime sorbet
- Floats and shakes
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The gold standard for authentic Southern fare in Savannah has kept folks lined up to enjoy family-style offerings at big tables for decades. Mrs. Wilkes's granddaughter and great-grandson are keeping it a family affair in more ways than one (kids under 10 eat for half-price). The famous fried chicken is served daily along with a rotating range of other proteins like beef pot roast and barbecued pulled pork, complimented by more than 20 fresh and delicious sides, including collard greens, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato soufflé. Wear your stretchy pants, and be sure to save some space for dessert. But plan ahead: Mrs. Wilkes' is only open on weekdays between 11 and 2, and whole tables of 12 must be seated together, so you may have to wait, but you won't regret it.
107 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Southern cooking served family-style
- Former president Barack Obama and his entourage had lunch here when he visited Savannah
- Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Jan. No dinner, No credit cards, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Historic District |
Offering Cuban-, Caribbean-, and Spanish-style food since 1999, Rancho Alegre is a standout that has often flown under the radar. Authentic Cuban dishes like croquetas de jamón, boliche, and ropa vieja are served with traditional-style rice and black beans alongside your choice of tostones or sweet maduros. The atmosphere is cozy and homey—like walking into someone's kitchen—and there are very reasonably priced choices for kids in a city where a kid's menu can sometimes be hard to find. Pick up a Cuban sandwich or pan con lechón with a cortadito or café con licor (a latte with Kahlua, Bailey's, or brandy) for your stroll through the Historic District.
402 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Authentic Carribbean cuisine
- Jazz performances on the weekends
- Private parking lot
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Historic District |
This garage turned art gallery turned restaurant features a playful, Southern-inspired menu with a variety of fresh and beautiful salads and soups, plus a handful of entrées, like the chicken and waffles sandwich or the fried goat cheese salad—both best bets for lunchtime patrons.
12 W. Liberty St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Unique take on Southern lunch, informed by fresh, local ingredients
- Located in a renovated garage space
- Signature tomato-basil bisque accompanying the grilled cheese on sourdough with pimento aioli
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$ | Downtown |
Specializing in locally roasted PERC coffee, house-made baked goods, and craft beers, the Coffee Fox is a great stop whether you're on the run or looking to perch. The cold brew will win the hearts of coffee aficionados in the hot summer months. The popular Mexican Mocha is a sweet and spicy twist on the traditional mocha and features local chocolatier Adam Turoni's dark chocolate with a kick.
102 W. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Cubano-style coffee and Latin-American-inspired drinks with horchata
- Vegan baked goods made by Auspicious Bakery
- Beer to go
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$$$ | Historic District | Italian
Housed in an old Savannah ice factory, the Florence has lots of original architectural details and serves up some of the city's most innovative flavors. The Italian-influenced menu is crafted by Kyle Jacovino, who has worked in kitchens all over Atlanta and New York. The food speaks for itself, and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The menu changes seasonally, but there are raves all around for the Neapolitan-style pizza with Calabrian chilies, the fresh, homemade pasta selections, and the octopus starter. For cocktails, enjoy the signature Florence Cup—a twist on the Pimm's Cup—or an impressive array of amaros and other liqueurs. The adjacent coffee bar is open in the morning and offers small bites during lunch hours. If you have trouble getting a table, grab a seat at the bar.
1B W. Victory Dr., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Seasonal menu inspired by authentic Italian fare
- Trendy atmosphere
- Morning coffee bar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential, Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Sat.
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$$$$ | Downtown |
In a restored Greyhound bus depot, James Beard Award–winner Chef Mashama Bailey and her talented team create gorgeous dishes that fuse Southern cuisine with European inspiration. Whether you're tucked in the more casual diner car or perched in the luster of the art deco–inspired dining room, service is impeccable, and the ever-changing menu offers sumptuously made mains from water, earth, and sky.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Impressive collection of accolades
- Port city Southern cuisine
- Reservations recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$$$ | Downtown | American
This high-end establishment has made waves in Savannah as a world-class dining experience. Housed in a renovated 1930s Greyhound bus depot, it features a soulful, layered menu designed by a Savannah native who honed her craft in NYC. Don't miss the oyster bar, roasted yardbird with jalapeño chow chow, or the red pea pancakes with cracklin'. Reservations are strongly encouraged; otherwise plan to grab a spot at the luncheonette/dining car area near the entrance.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Famed oyster bar
- High-end cocktails
- Cool industrial setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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$ | Downtown |
After the success of The Grey, a mecca of port city Southern cuisine, restaurateurs Johno Morisano and Chef Mashama Bailey created this hip bodega-inspired take on a Southern lunch counter. Whether you're looking for a breakfast sandwich, an egg cream, a bottle of wine, or a Band-Aid, the Market has you covered. Grab-and go-dinners, sandwiches, and salads are great for picnics, and the market shop has everything for the Grey enthusiast from branded mugs to Grey Groceries jars of bread and butter pickles.
109 Jefferson St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- NYC meets Southern lunch counter vibe
- Grab-and-go options
- Breakfast, like the Sizzlin' Smoky Pig (pulled pork, egg, and pepper relish on a roll)
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$$$$ | Historic District |
This Georgian mansion was built in 1771 for James Habersham, one of the wealthiest Americans of his time, and the historic atmosphere comes through in the original Georgia pine floors of the tavern, the Venetian chandeliers, and the 18th-century English antiques. The menu is just as classic and Southern, with chicken pot pie, shrimp and grits, and sweet potato biscuits gracing the menu. A lovely bar has curvaceous doors that can be flung open on balmy nights for outdoor seating. Rumor has it that between the months of October and April, you may see the ghost of Mr. Habersham in the tavern, so keep your eyes peeled. For a more intimate experience, head downstairs to the Planter's Tavern, where the dining area is flanked by two large fireplaces.
23 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Exceptional Southern dining
- Historical ambience
- Remarkable wine menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Historic District |
On the ground floor of the Marshall House, 45 Bistro has some of the best views of Broughton Street from the floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the room. Most of the menu abounds with regional flavors—local crab, wild shrimp, spiced pecans—but standards like the wet-aged rib eye are equally as satisfying, as are the updated old favorites like shrimp and grits married to fried Vidalia onion rings, or the grilled romaine hearts that ignite the exceptional Caesar salad.
123 E. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Elevated comfort foods
- Historic charm
- A great steak
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No lunch.
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$ | Historic District | Barbecue
This cozy little spot is a favorite among barbecue fans and a regular stop for foodies. Serving up a simple menu of pork and brisket, either on a bun or with two sides as a plate, the quality and care put into the food is what keeps folks coming back for more. A wide variety of sauces representing all the major Southern styles (including Carolina's mustard base and Memphis's sweet red sauce) make it fun to experiment with flavors, but the house-made hot sauce is a winner. On the side, try the unique take on collard greens (which includes a peanut sauce) or some good old-fashioned mac and cheese. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet tea, or grab a long-neck bottle of Coca-Cola.
21 W. Oglethorpe La., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No dinner, Reservations not accepted,
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$ | Historic District |
Locally owned and operated B&D Burgers is a great bet for a quick, low-key bite to eat with offerings like tempura-battered chicken fingers and a grand assortment of locally themed burgers. The large, two-story dining room is decorated in Lowcountry flair, including faux trophy alligators and nets and buoys, but be encouraged to venture outside; this place has some of the best outdoor dining in the city and the expansive patio is equipped with a video screen for sports events and large umbrellas that protect against the rain and sun.
209 W. Congress St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Big-screen sports viewing
- Kid-friendly menu
- Locations on Broughton Street, Southside, and Pooler
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The closest thing you'll find to a Parisian bistro in Savannah, this intimate gastropub offers a menu of rich traditional French dishes; trust the well-trained staff to suggest a wine pairing for your meal. The escargot and pâté make excellent starters before you move on to main dishes like steak frites or cassoulet. Head next door to the bar either for a nightcap, or if you're in the mood for a late-night bite, the kitchen stays open late for orders from the bar.
48 Whitaker St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Parisian atmosphere and authentic French cuisine
- Intimate, romantic space
- Fantastic mussels steeped in fennel, shallots, and white wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun.
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$$ | Historic District |
This former speakeasy has been serving hungry locals since 1933, and the back dining rooms are covered in historic newspaper clippings and local ephemera, while those around the bar maintain several of the original high-back booths. As you can tell from the decor, this place is a landmark—and that goes for the menu, which includes basics like delicious burgers, wings, sandwiches, and some of the best shrimp salad you'll ever have.
301 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Historic tavern setting
- Bustling environment and long lines
- The creamy Crystal crab stew
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$ | Historic District |
Tucked away just off of Oglethorpe Square, Cup to Cup roasts its beans in small batches right outside of downtown and serves the coffee creations in a tiny shop that is easy to miss if you don't know it's there. Not just a great place to grab an espresso or a bag of whole beans to take home, Cup to Cup even offers education, training, and consultation as a free service to customers looking to increase the quality of their coffee presentation.
140 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Expertly made lattes
- Restful environment
- Wide tea selection and local honey
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Historic District | American
This historic storefront has remained in the owner's family for nearly a century, and those familiar with the city may recognize it as the Savannah Tea Room. Although traditional tea service is no longer among the offerings here, you can stock up on local teas at the charming gift shop adjacent the wine bar. Chef Meta Adler has designed a Southern fusion menu with charmers (and fillers) like the Redneck Reuben and the Deviled Eggs. For "supper," the Dixie Chicken and cornmeal waffles can't be beat.
7 E. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations not accepted
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$ | Historic District |
Restauranteurs Ele and Sean Tran brought Asian-style street food to Savannah with their menu that boasts everything from sushi rolls to noodle soups, and some of the best sweet-and-spicy chicken wings in town. Occupying a bright, hypermodern space, this eatery offers an offbeat alternative to the slow-paced Southern Savannah feel. Enjoy a quick meal in the dining room, stop by when you have a late-night craving, or order a few of the small plates to go.
13 E. Perry St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Bright and modern space
- Late-night bites
- Street food staples
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
