Savannah Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. Cha Bella

    $$$$ | 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
    912-790–7888

    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
  • 2. Elizabeth on 37th

    $$$$ | 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
    912-236–5547

    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
  • 3. Local 11ten

    $$$$ | 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
    912-790–9000

    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
  • 4. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

    $$$$ | 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
    912-232–5997

    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
  • 5. The Grey

    $$$$ | 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
    912-662–5999

    Known For

    • Famed oyster bar
    • High-end cocktails
    • Cool industrial setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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  • 6. The Grey

    $$$$ | 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
    912-662–5999

    Known For

    • Impressive collection of accolades
    • Port city Southern cuisine
    • Reservations recommended

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 7. The Olde Pink House

    $$$$ | 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
    912-232–4286

    Known For

    • Exceptional Southern dining
    • Historical ambience
    • Remarkable wine menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 8. 45 Bistro

    $$$$ | 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
    912-234–3111

    Known For

    • Elevated comfort foods
    • Historic charm
    • A great steak

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun. No lunch.
  • 9. 700 Drayton Restaurant

    $$$$

    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
    912-721–5002

    Known For

    • Bourbon-cured salmon
    • Elegant interiors
    • Curated wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 10. Circa 1875

    $$$$ | Historic District

    The closest thing you'll find to a Parisian bistro in Savannah, this intimate gastropub offers a menu of rich traditional French dishes; trust the well-trained staff to suggest a wine pairing for your meal. The escargot and pâté make excellent starters before you move on to main dishes like steak frites or cassoulet. Head next door to the bar either for a nightcap, or if you're in the mood for a late-night bite, the kitchen stays open late for orders from the bar.

    48 Whitaker St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-443–1875

    Known For

    • Parisian atmosphere and authentic French cuisine
    • Intimate, romantic space
    • Fantastic mussels steeped in fennel, shallots, and white wine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun.
  • 11. Garibaldi

    $$$$ | Historic District

    This well-appointed restaurant is known to locals and travelers alike for its contemporary cuisine and Italian classics at reasonable prices. Ask your knowledgeable and professional server to offer wine pairings.

    315 W. Congress, Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-232–7118

    Known For

    • Elegant and intimate setting
    • Crispy flounder with apricot and shallot sauce
    • Italian classics

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 12. La Scala Ristorante

    $$$$ | Thomas Square

    This richly decorated, renovated mansion houses one of the finest dining experiences outside of downtown Savannah, with grand flourishes like antique furniture, a piano bar, and a chapel space upstairs that's surrounded by stained glass. White-tablecloth settings match the traditional menu of Italian favorites—the herbed risotto is recommended as a first course, followed by the tagliatelle vongole from the "secondi" section. The wine selection—kept in an ancient cellar reached by a narrow stone staircase—is a lesson in thoughtful curation.

    119 E. 37th St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-238--3100

    Known For

    • Nice outdoor patio
    • Excellent wine list
    • Complimentary valet parking

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 13. Love's Seafood and Steaks

    $$$$ | Southside

    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, Georgia, 31419, USA
    912-925--3616

    Known For

    • Lowcountry boil
    • Spectacular sunsets
    • Ability to accomodate large groups

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Wed.
  • 14. Noble Fare

    $$$$ | Historic District

    This eatery's clientele ranges from thirtysomethings celebrating a special occasion to well-heeled older residents who love the elegant atmosphere. The bread service includes honey butter, pistachio pesto, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for your biscuits, flatbreads, rolls, and focaccia, all of which are artistically presented on contemporary dishes. A savory meal can produce a chemical need for chocolate, so the molten-lava cake with raspberry sauce and custard ice cream may be a requirement, especially paired with a Zinfandel port.

    321 Jefferson St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-443–3210

    Known For

    • Perfectly fresh fish
    • Melt-in-your-mouth honey-cured pork chop
    • Prix-fixe tasting menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, No lunch. Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 15. Tybee Island Fish Camp

    $$$$ | American

    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.

    106 S. Campbell Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
    912-662–3474

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 16. Vic's on the River

    $$$$ | Historic District

    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, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-721–1000

    Known For

    • Spectacular views
    • Sunday brunch
    • Award-winning crawfish beignets

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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