81 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.

North Beach Bar and Grill

$
Between the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and North Beach lies one of the island's most colorful, Caribbean-inspired eateries. The menus feature local and sustainable seafood, including delectable crab cakes and the fresh citrus shrimp salad, along with lots of family-friendly options. Find live music on the large porch on some nights, or grab a seat at the bar for a local beer or frosty mixed drink.

Pacci Italian Kitchen

$$

Pacci has the look and taste of a high-end Italian eatery, but with a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Guests gather in the beautifully designed dining room or the open-air patio for signature cocktails like the Biarritz or the Negroni before moving on to some of the best charcuterie and crudites platters in the city. Breads, pastas, desserts, and pickled vegetables are all made in-house.

Pier 16 Seafood Restaurant

$$$

With two tiers of outdoor dining decks, Pier 16 makes the most of Tybee's island sunshine. Cuisine is slightly elevated above standard beachside fare, but still includes staples like fish or shrimp tacos, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and various oyster preparations. If you're feeling ambitious, the fried and steamed seafood tower includes the best of shrimp, scallops, oyster, calamari, and other menu items and feeds three to four people.

1601 Inlet Ave., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-472--4326
Known For
  • Fried and steamed seafood as well as regional favorite dishes
  • Prime location near the head of Tybrisa Street
  • Wine selection

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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.

1 W. Liberty St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-200--4045
Known For
  • Elevated Southern cuisine
  • Outdoor dining
  • Handsome interior
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

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Salt Island Fish and Beer

$$

This casual eatery specializes in fresh takes on typical beach food, like smoked fish dip made with the local catch, a mahi mahi banh mi, shrimp bruschetta, and blue crab poutine. You can still get your favorites, though, as the innovative menu also includes standards like beer-battered flounder and fisherman's stew served over jasmine rice. There are several vegetarian side options that can be made vegan as well, which is rare for a seafood restaurant. Round your meal out with a craft beer or cocktail from the bar.

101 Lovell Ave., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-499--4279
Known For
  • Weekday happy-hour specials
  • Unique sides
  • Fresh, eclectic menu
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues.

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Sisters of the New South

$

Traditional Southern home cookin' comes with a smile at Sisters of the New South, where you'll be greeted as "honey" or "baby" (or both) as you place your order. Try the smothered pork chops or the fried whiting, though you can't go wrong with the generous "Meat & Three"—a choose-your-own foodie adventure. Oxtails served with collard greens, red rice, and yams is a perennial favorite.

2605 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, GA, 31404, USA
912-335–2761
Known For
  • Smothered pork chops
  • Traditional Southern cooking
  • Collard greens

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Sly's Sliders and Fries

$

Tiny burgers get gourmet treatment and are paired with generous portions of perfectly crispy skinny fries at this local favorite. Try the Mr. Chow, which comes with a fried egg and extra bacon, or the Lil Sandy with pulled pork; vegetarians can chow down on the Shroomwich, featuring three kinds of marinated fungi. This is a great lunch spot—call ahead to order a sackful for a fabulous picnic.

Starland Cafe

$$

Housed in a brightly painted two-story house, this legendary lunch spot is the restaurant that started the neighborhood's renaissance. From the fresh-pressed vegetarian Greek panini (brimming with crispy asparagus, hummus, marinated artichokes, feta, tomato, pesto, and house aioli) to the generously portioned Kitchen Sink Salad (dates, raisins, artichokes, apples, grapes, crunchy rice noodles, tomatoes, and onion), it’s hard to go wrong with a menu that prioritizes freshness and locally sourced greens. Folks travel for miles just for the tomato Thai soup.

11 E. 41st St., Savannah, GA, USA
912-443–9355
Known For
  • Bustling weekday lunch crowd
  • Famous tomato Thai soup
  • Iced Earl Grey tea
Restaurant Details
Closed weekends. No dinner

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Starland Yard Food Truck Park

$

Rotating food trucks means that menus revolve weekly at this literal playground constructed out of old shipping containers. Two permanent fixtures are a well-stocked central bar and Pizzeria Vittoria, whose piping hot oven manned by award-winning chef Kyle Jacovino churns out the neighborhood's best pizza. A credit card is taken upon entry, so visitors can order at the yard's multiple food sites and pay one bill as they exit. The park often hosts live music, and cornhole and other games make for a festive atmosphere.

Strangebird

$$

Operating inside of a well-preserved 1938 Worcester Streamliner, Strangebird serves up casual, approachable eats with a Mexican flair. The appetizing aromas of smoked meats and Yucatan marinades fill the cozy diner car, which has already amassed a flock of devoted patrons since its opening in July 2023.

1220 Barnard St., Savannah, GA, 31406, USA
912-250--9500
Known For
  • Birria burger
  • Smokehouse tacos
  • Retro streamliner
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues.

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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.

1100 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA, 31406, USA
912-303–0141
Known For
  • Cooked food as good as the sushi
  • Intimate space
  • Creative ingredient combinations
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No lunch Sat. and Mon.

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Treylor Park

$
Expect whimsical takes on lowbrow eats at this bustling favorite, where the taco menu alone is a playground of flavor with options like the peppery fried chicken and pancake tacos or the savory shrimp and grits tacos. With all-day breakfast options, an interior that honors the restaurant's camp influences while keeping it hip and modern, and a robust beer and cocktail menu, it's no wonder this is one of Savannah's hot spots.
225 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-495–5557
Known For
  • Creative takes on comfort food like PB&J chicken wings
  • Late-night bites
  • Patio seating

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Tricks BBQ

$

You can usually smell the delicious aroma before you see the line snaking around this outdoor pit stop right off Victory Drive. Using mouthwatering smoke techniques and a secret golden mustard sauce recipe, Tricks serves up to-go containers of the finest ribs around. Snack-sized portions are perfect for a taste, or try a slab dinner to feed the fam. Get there by early afternoon—they close up shop at 4 pm but often sell out earlier.

2601 Bull St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-436-7338
Known For
  • Pork ribs
  • Lamb dinners
  • Chicken legs
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Troy Mediterranean Cuisine

$$

Don't let the strip mall location fool you; this spacious restaurant offers authentic Greek and Italian specialties with romantic ambience. The pita bread is soft and pillowy, perfect for the creamy hummus and baba ganoush, and entrées like falafel platters and the merlot-braised lamb shank come in hearty, generous portions.

10510 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA, 31419, USA
912-921--5117
Known For
  • Lemon-chicken soup
  • Gyro platter
  • Lamb chops

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Tybean Art & Coffee Bar

$
This funky mini-gallery and coffee shop has an extensive menu of espresso drinks, frappes, smoothies, matchas, and teas alongside scones, muffins, and other grab-and-go baked goods. Peruse the unique art pieces and gifts while the barista crafts your drink, then enjoy it outside on the deck. It's conveniently located at The Shoppes at Tybee Oaks, which also houses galleries, gift shops, and Huc-A-Poos for specialty pizzas.
1213 Old U.S. Hwy. 80, Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-224--5227
Known For
  • Cheerful staff
  • Located near numerous small boutiques and galleries
  • Funky and artistic atmosphere

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The Vault Kitchen and Market

$$

An anchor on the Bull Street Corridor, this former bank features a varied menu of Asian fusion and sushi delights. The bright and bustling space, which honors its financial past in clever design choices and menu descriptions, welcomes visitors with flavors from Laos, Japan, and beyond, including melt-in-your-mouth miso salmon. With diverse entrée, cocktail, and sushi menus, it's a great place for a casual lunch or date night out. 

2112 Bull St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-201–1950
Known For
  • Industrial-chic interior
  • Chicken clay pot with Thai green eggplant and rice
  • Unique sushi rolls

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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.

26 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-721–1000
Known For
  • Spectacular views
  • Sunday brunch
  • Award-winning crawfish beignets

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Vinnie Van Go-Go's

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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.

317 W. Bryan St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-233–6394
Known For
  • Outdoor seating
  • Bustling, casual dining
  • Long waits
Restaurant Details
No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
Reservations not accepted

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Zunzibar

$$

Evolved from the Historic District express sandwich shop, Zunzibar is a rainbow-colored respite from anything that brings you down. It's bright and open air, and features a variety of cocktails and refreshing beverages alongside bar bites like Peri-Peri cheese dip and mustafa curry hot wings that fit perfectly alongside the original dishes and sandwiches that brought them to the national stage.

Desposito's

$ | Whitemarsh Island

This place is about as low key as it gets, as evidenced by the neon beer signs on the walls and the day-old newspapers doubling as tablecloths. Located just across the bridge from Savannah, Desposito's has been serving up cold beer and fresh fish for decades and the no-nonsense menu offers a small but tempting variety of seafood, as well as options for landlubbers.

3501 Marye St., Savannah, GA, 31410, USA
912-897–9963
Known For
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Tucked-away location
  • Great place to bring kids
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Sisters of the New South Café

$ | Thunderbolt
Some of the best Southern food in Savannah can be found at the original Sisters of the New South Café (there are additional locations in Atlanta). Favorites at this family-run spot include smothered shrimp over rice, slow-cooked oxtails, and homemade desserts like gooey peach cobbler, decadent red velvet cake with cream-cheese frosting, and tangy Key lime pie.