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$$$ | Southside | American
This restaurant dates back to 1924, when Ben T. Byrd began baking small batches of cookies in his Savannah bakery; today the Byrd Cookie Company distributes far and wide. Guests of the simple yet sophisticated restaurant, specializing in soups, salads, and sandwiches, can catch a peek inside the factory from the dining room. Countless menu items are made on the premises, from the breads to the pickles to the ricotta cheese. Savor the deviled eggs, roasted turnip bisque, or the thick-cut BLT with pesto aioli, each adding a refined twist to a Southern favorite. In the evening, the seared sheepsheads are a delectable selection.
6700 Waters Ave., Savannah, Georgia, 31406, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The first farm-to-table restaurant in Savannah, Cha Bella continues to serve only dishes made with the finest local ingredients, so even if you've been here recently, there may be some surprises. With no walk-in refrigerator, all ingredients must be used within three days of delivery, so the menu is guaranteed to be fresh. The decor is contemporary and comfortable, but the real dining experience is found outside on the patio during the spring and fall. This is also a great spot for a cocktail or dessert.
102 E. Broad St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Savannah's first farm-to-table restaurant
- A delightful array of cocktails
- Menu changes regularly based on what's fresh and available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Thomas Square |
This elegant turn-of-the-20th-century mansion has been feeding regional specialties to Savannah's upper crust for decades. Chef Kelly Yambor has helmed the kitchen since 1996, and she masters dishes like Georgia shrimp and Savannah red rice, a double-cut Berkshire pork chop with apple-cabbage slaw, and local grouper Celeste (with a sesame-almond crust). Splurge for the chef's seven-course tasting menu—you won't regret it. Definitely ask for wine recommendations, as the wine cellar is massive and the staff is knowledgeable. The service is also impeccable. This is a local favorite for special occasions or just to get away from the hubbub.
105 E. 37th St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Impressive wine list
- Top fine-dining experience in town
- Seven-course tasting menu option
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Dinner only, Reservations essential
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$$ | |
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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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Victorian District |
This farm-to-table staple features an upbeat and contemporary menu that draws young chefs on their nights off. Seasonally driven, the menu is continually changing depending on the local harvest and the chef's vision, but dishes tend to be perfectly prepared and presented. The seasonal relish plate, spicy mussels, and grilled ribeye are highly recommended, as are Local's celebrated scallops. With dessert, take in the fine-art installations on the walls, which rotate regularly to feature the best local talent.
1110 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Seasonal menu with farm-sourced ingredients
- Sea scallops over black rice
- Open-air rooftop bar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The gold standard for authentic Southern fare in Savannah has kept folks lined up to enjoy family-style offerings at big tables for decades. Mrs. Wilkes's granddaughter and great-grandson are keeping it a family affair in more ways than one (kids under 10 eat for half-price). The famous fried chicken is served daily along with a rotating range of other proteins like beef pot roast and barbecued pulled pork, complimented by more than 20 fresh and delicious sides, including collard greens, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato soufflé. Wear your stretchy pants, and be sure to save some space for dessert. But plan ahead: Mrs. Wilkes' is only open on weekdays between 11 and 2, and whole tables of 12 must be seated together, so you may have to wait, but you won't regret it.
107 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Southern cooking served family-style
- Former president Barack Obama and his entourage had lunch here when he visited Savannah
- Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Jan. No dinner, No credit cards, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | |
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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$$$$ | Downtown | American
This high-end establishment has made waves in Savannah as a world-class dining experience. Housed in a renovated 1930s Greyhound bus depot, it features a soulful, layered menu designed by a Savannah native who honed her craft in NYC. Don't miss the oyster bar, roasted yardbird with jalapeño chow chow, or the red pea pancakes with cracklin'. Reservations are strongly encouraged; otherwise plan to grab a spot at the luncheonette/dining car area near the entrance.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Famed oyster bar
- High-end cocktails
- Cool industrial setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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$$$$ | Downtown |
In a restored Greyhound bus depot, James Beard Award–winner Chef Mashama Bailey and her talented team create gorgeous dishes that fuse Southern cuisine with European inspiration. Whether you're tucked in the more casual diner car or perched in the luster of the art deco–inspired dining room, service is impeccable, and the ever-changing menu offers sumptuously made mains from water, earth, and sky.
109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Impressive collection of accolades
- Port city Southern cuisine
- Reservations recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$$$ | Historic District |
This Georgian mansion was built in 1771 for James Habersham, one of the wealthiest Americans of his time, and the historic atmosphere comes through in the original Georgia pine floors of the tavern, the Venetian chandeliers, and the 18th-century English antiques. The menu is just as classic and Southern, with chicken pot pie, shrimp and grits, and sweet potato biscuits gracing the menu. A lovely bar has curvaceous doors that can be flung open on balmy nights for outdoor seating. Rumor has it that between the months of October and April, you may see the ghost of Mr. Habersham in the tavern, so keep your eyes peeled. For a more intimate experience, head downstairs to the Planter's Tavern, where the dining area is flanked by two large fireplaces.
23 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Exceptional Southern dining
- Historical ambience
- Remarkable wine menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$ | | Modern American
This staple of the Tybee Island dining scene has successfully updated some island favorites with a twist of contemporary style. The small but flexible menu includes such entrées as an elaborate array of gourmet tacos (a best bet is the one with duck breast, sliced radish, and tomatillo salsa) or the fish with pear puree, cilantro, and chorizo. Side dishes like sweet-potato fries, collard greens, or black beans are wonderful, too. The prices are surprisingly reasonable given the quality. The menu also offers wine and beer pairings with each item. Sunday brunch features local live bluegrass music. There's a small children's menu for younger travelers.
1311 Butler Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Historic District |
On the ground floor of the Marshall House, 45 Bistro has some of the best views of Broughton Street from the floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the room. Most of the menu abounds with regional flavors—local crab, wild shrimp, spiced pecans—but standards like the wet-aged rib eye are equally as satisfying, as are the updated old favorites like shrimp and grits married to fried Vidalia onion rings, or the grilled romaine hearts that ignite the exceptional Caesar salad.
123 E. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Elevated comfort foods
- Historic charm
- A great steak
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No lunch.
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$$$$ | |
With its splashy interior, this is a one-of-a-kind spot in Savannah whether you're looking for a power lunch or a romantic dinner. The former Kayton Mansion was converted into a lounge and restaurant that pairs fine dining with eccentric touches like Versace leopard-print chairs. It's open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a delectable Sunday brunch.
700 Drayton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Bourbon-cured salmon
- Elegant interiors
- Curated wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Victorian District |
Located inside the American Legion Post 135 on Forsyth Park, this throwback mess hall is a hit with the locals. World War II--theme decor lines the walls, and "Bettys" in period-inspired dress smile and serve classics like chili dogs, cheesesteaks, juicy burgers, and baskets of French fries.
1108 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Cheap eats
- Late-night bites
- Milkshakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | 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 | 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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$$ | Moon River District |
In the heart of the historic Sandfly neighborhood lies this "casual coastal" eatery where folks from the surrounding islands come to unwind. Choose from small dishes like firecracker shrimp tacos, turkey club wrap, or tuna tataki salad for lunch or dinner; larger entrées like grilled mahimahi and pan-seared scallops are available after 5 pm. It's a place to enjoy great food without having to change out of your flip-flops!
7400 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Georgia, 31406, USA
Known For
- Diver scallops
- Extensive draft beer selection
- Live music on the weekends
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$ | Historic District |
Shimmering stained glass, stunning woodwork, and magnificent decor make this old-time pharmacy one of the most handsome settings in town. Delectable sandwiches and salads are the main bill of fare, but for more ambitious selections, opt for the ratatouille and shrimp orzo, served with locally caught wild Georgia shrimp.
337 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Sandwiches and salads
- Traditional afternoon high tea, with wide selection of teas
- Menu as groomed as the atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | |
As Southern food goes, Huey's is decidedly more New Orleans than Coastal Georgia, as you'll discover with one bite of the sinfully rich beignets served with praline sauce—they are a taste of perfection. Although lunch and dinner items like po'boys and muffaletta accompanied by red beans and rice are delicious, the breakfast and brunch menu is the highlight.
115 E. River St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Kid-friendly menu
- People-watching and great views of passing ships
- Bloody Marys
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
