13 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.

The Wyld Dock Bar

$$ | Moon River District Fodor's Choice

 Enjoy elevated fish-shack food with yacht-rock vibes at this former marina where many of the patrons arrive by water. Order at the counter for a fresh catch of the day prepared perfectly; pair it with flavorful sides like crispy chicharrones and skillet okra. The craft cocktail set will find their thirst slaked with the famous Pain Killer Slushie, though no one will look at you sideways when you order just a good ole cold beer. Kids of all ages entertain themselves for hours with free cornhole and ring games on the sunset side of breezy Country Club Creek, a tributary of the Herb River.

2740 Livingston Ave., Savannah, GA, 31406, USA
912-692–1219
Known For
  • Unparalleled marsh views
  • Outdoor seating
  • Local seafood
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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The Wyld

$$ | Eastside Fodor's Choice
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, GA, 31406, USA
912-692–1219
Known For
  • Great views of the surrounding marsh
  • Small seafood plates
  • Slow but friendly service that's part of the charm
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Fri.

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A-J's Dockside

$$

 This island bar and grill resembles a fish camp that was expanded time and time again to accommodate its growing clientele. Colorful and laid-back, the ambience is characteristic of Tybee Island itself, which perhaps explains why it is a favorite among locals, and the food, mostly fresh seafood, is simple and delicious.

1315 Chatham Ave., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-786–5434
Known For
  • Spacious patio overlooking the marsh
  • Great spot to watch the sunset
  • Live entertainment Friday–Sunday

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Bubba Gumbo's

$
Watch boats pass and the sun set over Lazaretto Creek while enjoying fried oysters, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, and Lowcountry boil. Fitting right in to Tybee's laid-back beach bum vibe, this seafood shack welcomes boaters, local surfers, and visitors alike inside an unfussy dining room or on the ample porch.
1 Old Tybee Rd., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-786–4445
Known For
  • Scenic views
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Fresh-caught seafood
Restaurant Details
No lunch Sun.--Thurs.

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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.

40 Estill Hammock Rd., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-786–9857
Known For
  • Scenic views
  • Family-friendly environment
  • Resident felines and alligators

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The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen

$$
By Anthony Debreceny, the restaurateur behind downtown Savannah's The Collins Quarter and The Fitzroy, this is the only restaurant on Tybee Island where you can walk straight from your table onto the sand. The cuisine is casual and approachable with elevated takes on fish tacos, a pulled-pork banh mi, and more, served alongside refreshing craft cocktails and local beer offerings.
404 Butler Ave., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-328--5397
Known For
  • Seafood staples like peel-and-eat shrimp and fresh oysters
  • Great location as the only restaurant directly on the beach
  • Free covered parking while dining in
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. and Wed.; closed from Nov.--Feb.

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Driftaway Cafe

$$ | Moon River District

In the heart of the historic Sandfly neighborhood lies this "casual coastal" eatery where folks from the surrounding islands come to unwind. Choose from small dishes like firecracker shrimp tacos, turkey club wrap, or tuna tataki salad for lunch or dinner; larger entrées like grilled mahi mahi and pan-seared scallops are available after 5 pm. It's a place to enjoy great food without having to change out of your flip-flops!

7400 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, GA, 31406, USA
912-303-0999
Known For
  • Weekend brunch
  • Extensive draft beer selection
  • Live music on the weekends

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Fannie's on the Beach

$

 A great place to grab a bite after a long day power-lounging on the beach, this beachside eatery is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The menu lists simple favorites like sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood, but all are prepared exceedingly well. The pizza menu includes some interesting choices, including pies topped with salmon or scallops and bacon.

1613 Strand Ave., Savannah, GA, 31328, USA
912-786–6109
Known For
  • Great views of the ocean from the third-story deck
  • Live music Wednesday to Saturday
  • Creative pizzas
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues.

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Flying Fish Bar & Grill

$$ | Wilmington Island

Fried shrimp and ahi tuna bites hit the spot on the way home from the beach.

Love's Seafood and Steaks

$$$

Four generations own and operate this charming, family-owned coastal eatery located on the banks of the bucolic Ogeechee River. Suitable for a lunchtime meal or a special occasion dinner, Love's serves up perfectly prepared regional dishes like Lowcountry boil, fried green tomatoes, and its famous bone-in catfish. With water views, casual ambience, and super-friendly service, it's a pleasure to while away a few hours over beers and oysters here.

6817 Chief of Love Rd., Savannah, GA, 31419, USA
912-925--3616
Known For
  • Lowcountry boil
  • Spectacular sunsets
  • Ability to accomodate large groups
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.--Wed.

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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.

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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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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