87 Best Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia
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Southern cuisine is rich in tradition, but the dining scene in Savannah is more than just fried chicken and barbecue. Many of the city's restaurants have been exploring locally sourced ingredients as a way to tweak their usual homespun offerings, a change that is now attracting chefs and foodies alike.
Although the farm-to-table trend was first spotted at upscale spots like Elizabeth on 37th and Local 11ten, more neighborhood restaurants are now getting in on the action. Places like the Green Truck Pub utilize locally raised, grass-fed beef for their burgers, and after-dinner options now even include locally roasted coffee.
The arrival of some new kids on the block doesn't mean the old standbys have ridden off into the sunset just yet. For traditional, exquisitely prepared menus, be sure to visit the Olde Pink House, which has been pleasing local palates for decades. Or follow the crowds to the ever-popular Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (which even President Obama once visited), where you’ll find all the fried chicken, collard greens, and mac ’n' cheese you can handle.
That's just a few ideas to get you started. While exploring Savannah, you're sure to find any number of other exciting options as well, whether you're craving noodle bowls or a simple sandwich.
Sisters of the New South
Sisters of the New South Café
Recommended Fodor's Video
Sly's Sliders and Fries
Starland Cafe
Starland Yard Food Truck Park
Sushi Zen Southside
If you've had your fill of Southern cuisine, head to this quality spot in a strip mall for award-winning sushi, daily specialty rolls, and grilled meat and noodle dishes. The longtime fixture has been around since 1998. Although chef Yoshi has passed away, the service continues here.
The Black Rabbit
The Collins Quarter
Modeled after the cozy coffee cafés of Melbourne, Australia, this bustling locale serves espresso, cold brew, and its famous spiced lavender mochas, as well as a curated menu that features favorites like smashed avocado toast at brunch and duck confit, served alongside fingerling potatoes and oyster mushrooms, at dinner. The beer selection includes favorites from craft breweries around the country, and the wines are carefully selected from some of the world's most unique regions to complement the food. With high ceilings and beautiful natural light, this airy spot is very photogenic.
The Crab Shack
"Where the elite eat in their bare feet" is the motto of this laid-back eatery tucked away on a side street just over the bridge to Tybee Island. The beer is cold, the vibe is relaxed, and items like the Lowcountry boil—a huge plate of shrimp, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage—are delicious. Out front is a large pool filled with baby alligators that is a huge hit with kids—a good way to keep them entertained if there's a wait for tables, which is possible on weekends when the weather's nice. Just inside is a huge patio lit with tiki torches and packed with picnic tables. Seating is available in screened-in dining areas if there's rain or sand gnats.
The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen
The Flying Monk Noodle Bar
Noodle, rice, and soup dishes from across Asia come together on the eclectic, flavorful menu at the Flying Monk. The well-appointed space and laid-back atmosphere complement the savory dishes. Start with vegetarian-friendly edamame dumplings or the meaty braised pork belly. Move on to the signature Vietnamese pho or Japanese ramen noodle soups. For those interested in a traditional rice dish, the curry can't be beat.
The Lady & Sons
Y'all, this is the place that made Paula Deen famous. There are plenty of crowds these days, but everyone patiently waits to attack the buffet, which is stocked for both lunch and dinner with crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, lima beans, and other favorites. Gooey butter cake, peach cobbler, and banana pudding round off the offerings.
The Ordinary Pub
The Pirates' House
A Savannah landmark, the oldest parts of this bucket list destination date to 1734, only a year after the colony's founding, making this the oldest standing structure in Georgia. The lunch buffet has all the Southern standards, including a particularly delicious squash casserole, but the food is better on the à la carte menu; there's no buffet for dinner, but the dessert menu is worth sticking around for. Its popularity with tour groups has given it a reputation as a tourist trap, but the food is surprisingly tasty and offers lots of choices for families. Try the specialty fried chicken dressed with a honey-pecan glaze. It gets its name from its time in the 1750s as a tavern for seafarers.
The Public Kitchen & Bar
A prime location at the corner of Liberty and Bull streets, café-style outdoor dining, and a chic bar adorned with an industrial-style chandelier—Public Kitchen & Bar has it all. Despite the upscale atmosphere, the food is approachable and affordable with contemporary classics like shrimp and grits, and mussels steamed with chorizo and leeks. Not hungry? Don't be afraid to belly up to the bar for a finely crafted cocktail or a glass of wine.
The Vault Kitchen and Market
Toucan Café
A bit off the beaten path, this colorful café has a light and cheery interior that invites good times with good food and good company. The menu, ranging from Caribbean to Mediterranean, is nothing if not eclectic. There are appealing options for both vegetarians and meat eaters, including deep-fried portobello mushrooms, wasabi-crusted tuna, and Jamaican-style jerk chicken. The regular menu is priced a little lower than the daily specials, but the latter usually have more flare.
Treylor Park
Trick's BBQ
Troy Mediterranean Cuisine
Tybean Art & Coffee Bar
Tybee Island Fish Camp
The upscale sister to the wildly successful Tybee Island Social Club, this restaurant opened to raves in 2014. With great attention to detail, the handsome eatery has a menu tailored to please even the most critical foodie. Try the pork belly salad or the curried mussels to start. For your entrée, you can't go wrong with surf or turf. Local grouper is seared to perfection in a lemon brown butter, and the bone-in rib eye will fill up the hungriest diners.
Vic's on the River
This upscale Southern charmer is one of the finest spots in town for well-executed Southern delicacies like andouille hash and seafood po'boys. The five-story brick building was originally designed by the famous New York architect John Norris as a warehouse in the 19th century and was painstakingly renovated into the elegant space you'll find these days; reserve a window table for great views of the Savannah River. Lunch is popular with local business executives and out-of-towners looking for quick and delicious options. The wine list is nothing short of formidable and suits every palate and price range, and the super-rich praline cheesecake is strongly recommended. Grab a copy of the eatery's cookbook to get more insight about what's going on in the kitchen.
Vinnie Van Go-Go's
With a secret dough recipe and a homemade sauce, Vinnie's is critically acclaimed by pizza and calzone enthusiasts from around the Southeast. Lots of visitors get a kick out of watching the cooks throw the dough in the air in the big open kitchen, but there are only a few tables inside, along with a long stretch of stools at the bar; the heart of the restaurant is its plentiful outdoor seating, great for people-watching. Because of its prime City Market location, the wait for a table can be an hour or more, but you'll understand why with one bite of your pie. Long-known as cash-only, Vinnie's can now accept credit cards as well.
Yia Yia's Kitchen
This is the real deal, an authentic Greek eatery and bakery where grandmother's recipes inspired the menu. Most everything is made on the premises and perfectly blends the flavors of the Mediterranean; house favorites include Greek salads, savory spanakopita (spinach pie), and meat or vegetarian dolmades (stuffed grape leaves).
Zunzi's
The line out the door is testament to the yummy flavors found on a menu filled with South African, Dutch, Italian, and Swiss influences. Sandwiches are king—there are build-your-own options as well as a set menu—and there's a respectable selection of vegetarian options, including the vegetarian curry, which is especially delightful when washed down with Zunzi's unique sweet tea. Don't skip the sauces! Try an array of the house-made sauces and dressings with whatever you order and you won't be sorry.