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$$$ | Southside | American
This restaurant dates back to 1924, when Ben T. Byrd began baking small batches of cookies in his Savannah bakery; today the Byrd Cookie Company distributes far and wide. Guests of the simple yet sophisticated restaurant, specializing in soups, salads, and sandwiches, can catch a peek inside the factory from the dining room. Countless menu items are made on the premises, from the breads to the pickles to the ricotta cheese. Savor the deviled eggs, roasted turnip bisque, or the thick-cut BLT with pesto aioli, each adding a refined twist to a Southern favorite. In the evening, the seared sheepsheads are a delectable selection.
6700 Waters Ave., Savannah, Georgia, 31406, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
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$ | Thomas Square | Bakery
From the folksy artwork to the sweet splashes of pastels to the banners hanging from the ceiling, this corner bakery evokes a spirit of days gone by. A great place to start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry, Back in the Day also serves fresh and yummy lunch selections that includes a good variety of both meaty and vegetarian sandwiches. A trip to this cheerful café will undoubtedly remind you, as the slogan goes, to "Slow down and taste the sweet life."
2403 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Cases of delicious goodies including the city's most sinful cupcakes
- Standout lunch menu that features sandwiches on crusty, homemade bread
- Cheery vintage interior
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner., Closed Mon.–Wed. No dinner.
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The first farm-to-table restaurant in Savannah, Cha Bella continues to serve only dishes made with the finest local ingredients, so even if you've been here recently, there may be some surprises. With no walk-in refrigerator, all ingredients must be used within three days of delivery, so the menu is guaranteed to be fresh. The decor is contemporary and comfortable, but the real dining experience is found outside on the patio during the spring and fall. This is also a great spot for a cocktail or dessert.
102 E. Broad St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Savannah's first farm-to-table restaurant
- A delightful array of cocktails
- Menu changes regularly based on what's fresh and available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Thomas Square |
This elegant turn-of-the-20th-century mansion has been feeding regional specialties to Savannah's upper crust for decades. Chef Kelly Yambor has helmed the kitchen since 1996, and she masters dishes like Georgia shrimp and Savannah red rice, a double-cut Berkshire pork chop with apple-cabbage slaw, and local grouper Celeste (with a sesame-almond crust). Splurge for the chef's seven-course tasting menu—you won't regret it. Definitely ask for wine recommendations, as the wine cellar is massive and the staff is knowledgeable. The service is also impeccable. This is a local favorite for special occasions or just to get away from the hubbub.
105 E. 37th St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Impressive wine list
- Top fine-dining experience in town
- Seven-course tasting menu option
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Dinner only, Reservations essential
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$ | Starland District |
A full-service coffee shop featuring lovingly crafted lattes and a Tex-Mex menu, Foxy Loxy is the always-busy hangout for students, artists, and entrepreneurs. Order a horchata and take your laptop out to the courtyard, where a koi pond, acoustic music, and on Saturday nights a firepit, invite folks to lounge in the open air.
1919 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Beautifully crafted drinks
- Authentic kolache pastries
- Strong Wi-Fi
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | |
Drink and eat like the locals do at this charming, laid-back spot. With walls covered in vintage signs, records, and various trash and treasure, guests enjoy a great breeze on a large porch or in the screened-in restaurant as they tuck into slices or 18-inch stone-baked pies loaded with tantalizing ingredients and unique combinations; the beer is ice-cold and best enjoyed in pitchers, and the prices can't be beat.
1213 E. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Authentic island relaxation
- Live music on the weekends
- Lively game nights during college football season
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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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$$$$ | Victorian District |
This farm-to-table staple features an upbeat and contemporary menu that draws young chefs on their nights off. Seasonally driven, the menu is continually changing depending on the local harvest and the chef's vision, but dishes tend to be perfectly prepared and presented. The seasonal relish plate, spicy mussels, and grilled ribeye are highly recommended, as are Local's celebrated scallops. With dessert, take in the fine-art installations on the walls, which rotate regularly to feature the best local talent.
1110 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Seasonal menu with farm-sourced ingredients
- Sea scallops over black rice
- Open-air rooftop bar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The gold standard for authentic Southern fare in Savannah has kept folks lined up to enjoy family-style offerings at big tables for decades. Mrs. Wilkes's granddaughter and great-grandson are keeping it a family affair in more ways than one (kids under 10 eat for half-price). The famous fried chicken is served daily along with a rotating range of other proteins like beef pot roast and barbecued pulled pork, complimented by more than 20 fresh and delicious sides, including collard greens, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato soufflé. Wear your stretchy pants, and be sure to save some space for dessert. But plan ahead: Mrs. Wilkes' is only open on weekdays between 11 and 2, and whole tables of 12 must be seated together, so you may have to wait, but you won't regret it.
107 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Southern cooking served family-style
- Former president Barack Obama and his entourage had lunch here when he visited Savannah
- Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Jan. No dinner, No credit cards, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | 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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$ | 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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$$ | |
Tucked into an unassuming strip mall off the main drag on Tybee Island, this gourmet restaurant is a diamond in the rough. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the diverse menu, fresh seafood, and brilliant food combinations—don't miss the unique seafood "cheesecake" starter, consisting of shrimp and crabmeat over greens with a hint of Gouda. For lunch, the rich fried green tomato BLT can stop your heart (in more ways than one!), while the pork chops are always a sure bet at dinner.
304 1st St., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Generous portions at reasonable prices
- Tucked-away location
- Reservations recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Downtown |
Specializing in locally roasted PERC coffee, house-made baked goods, and craft beers, the Coffee Fox is a great stop whether you're on the run or looking to perch. The cold brew will win the hearts of coffee aficionados in the hot summer months. The popular Mexican Mocha is a sweet and spicy twist on the traditional mocha and features local chocolatier Adam Turoni's dark chocolate with a kick.
102 W. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Cubano-style coffee and Latin-American-inspired drinks with horchata
- Vegan baked goods made by Auspicious Bakery
- Beer to go
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$$$ | 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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$$$$ | Downtown | American
This high-end establishment has made waves in Savannah as a world-class dining experience. Housed in a renovated 1930s Greyhound bus depot, it features a soulful, layered menu designed by a Savannah native who honed her craft in NYC. Don't miss the oyster bar, roasted yardbird with jalapeño chow chow, or the red pea pancakes with cracklin'. Reservations are strongly encouraged; otherwise plan to grab a spot at the luncheonette/dining car area near the entrance.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Famed oyster bar
- High-end cocktails
- Cool industrial setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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$$$$ | Downtown |
In a restored Greyhound bus depot, James Beard Award–winner Chef Mashama Bailey and her talented team create gorgeous dishes that fuse Southern cuisine with European inspiration. Whether you're tucked in the more casual diner car or perched in the luster of the art deco–inspired dining room, service is impeccable, and the ever-changing menu offers sumptuously made mains from water, earth, and sky.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Impressive collection of accolades
- Port city Southern cuisine
- Reservations recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Downtown |
After the success of The Grey, a mecca of port city Southern cuisine, restaurateurs Johno Morisano and Chef Mashama Bailey created this hip bodega-inspired take on a Southern lunch counter. Whether you're looking for a breakfast sandwich, an egg cream, a bottle of wine, or a Band-Aid, the Market has you covered. Grab-and go-dinners, sandwiches, and salads are great for picnics, and the market shop has everything for the Grey enthusiast from branded mugs to Grey Groceries jars of bread and butter pickles.
109 Jefferson St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- NYC meets Southern lunch counter vibe
- Grab-and-go options
- Breakfast, like the Sizzlin' Smoky Pig (pulled pork, egg, and pepper relish on a roll)
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$$$$ | Historic District |
This Georgian mansion was built in 1771 for James Habersham, one of the wealthiest Americans of his time, and the historic atmosphere comes through in the original Georgia pine floors of the tavern, the Venetian chandeliers, and the 18th-century English antiques. The menu is just as classic and Southern, with chicken pot pie, shrimp and grits, and sweet potato biscuits gracing the menu. A lovely bar has curvaceous doors that can be flung open on balmy nights for outdoor seating. Rumor has it that between the months of October and April, you may see the ghost of Mr. Habersham in the tavern, so keep your eyes peeled. For a more intimate experience, head downstairs to the Planter's Tavern, where the dining area is flanked by two large fireplaces.
23 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Exceptional Southern dining
- Historical ambience
- Remarkable wine menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$ | Eastside | Seafood
Even regular visitors to Savannah might not have heard of this beloved marsh-side local haunt. The Wyld offers a somewhat upscale twist to dockside dining, evidenced by the cocktail menu featuring lavender bitters, crème de framboise, and house-made ginger beer. The plates are small but memorable; don't miss the fish dip, peel and eat shrimp, or the okra side.
2740 Livingston Ave., Savannah, Georgia, 31406, USA
Known For
- Great views of the surrounding marsh
- Small seafood plates
- Slow but friendly service that's part of the charm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Fri.
