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. Huc-A-Poo's Bites & Booze

    $$

    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
    912-786–5900

    Known For

    • Authentic island relaxation
    • Live music on the weekends
    • Lively game nights during college football season
  • 2. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

    $$ | Historic District

    Offering Cuban-, Caribbean-, and Spanish-style food since 1999, Rancho Alegre is a standout that has often flown under the radar. Authentic Cuban dishes like croquetas de jamón, boliche, and ropa vieja are served with traditional-style rice and black beans alongside your choice of tostones or sweet maduros. The atmosphere is cozy and homey—like walking into someone's kitchen—and there are very reasonably priced choices for kids in a city where a kid's menu can sometimes be hard to find. Pick up a Cuban sandwich or pan con lechón with a cortadito or café con licor (a latte with Kahlua, Bailey's, or brandy) for your stroll through the Historic District.

    402 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-292--1656

    Known For

    • Authentic Carribbean cuisine
    • Jazz performances on the weekends
    • Private parking lot
  • 3. Sundae Cafe

    $$

    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
    912-786–7694

    Known For

    • Generous portions at reasonable prices
    • Tucked-away location
    • Reservations recommended

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. The Wyld

    $$ | Eastside | Seafood

    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, Georgia, 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

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Fri.
  • 5. 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., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
    912-786–9533

    Known For

    • Spacious patio overlooking the marsh
    • Great spot to watch the sunset
    • Live entertainment Friday–Sunday
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  • 6. Crystal Beer Parlor

    $$ | 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
    912-349–1000

    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
  • 7. 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 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
    912-303-0999

    Known For

    • Diver scallops
    • Extensive draft beer selection
    • Live music on the weekends
  • 8. Huey's on the River

    $$

    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
    912-234–7385

    Known For

    • Kid-friendly menu
    • People-watching and great views of passing ships
    • Bloody Marys

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 9. 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 mahimahi 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., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
    912-499--4279

    Known For

    • Weekday happy-hour specials
    • Unique sides
    • Fresh, eclectic menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 10. Starland Cafe

    $$ | Starland District

    This local favorite 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, Georgia, USA
    912-443–9355

    Known For

    • Bustling weekday lunch crowd
    • Famous tomato Thai soup
    • Iced Earl Grey tea

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 11. Sushi Zen Southside

    $$ | 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, Georgia, 31406, USA
    912-303–0141

    Known For

    • Cooked food as good as the sushi
    • Intimate space
    • Creative ingredient combinations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat. and Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 12. The Collins Quarter

    $$ | Historic District

    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.

    151 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-777–4147

    Known For

    • Chic café setting
    • Walk-up window service
    • Spiced lavender mochas

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Mon. and Tues.
  • 13. 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., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
    912-786–9857

    Known For

    • Scenic views
    • Family-friendly environment
    • Resident felines and alligators

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 14. 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., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
    912-472--4484

    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

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.; closed from Nov.--Feb.
  • 15. The Ordinary Pub

    $$ | Historic District

    Savannah’s most-beloved brunch is tucked away in the basement level of bustling Broughton Street’s shopping and dining corridor. The neighborhood eatery serves bottomless Baron D’Arignac mimosas, Bloody Marys made with Savannah-based Ghost Coast Distillery vodkas, cold brew coffee-based cocktails with ingredients from local roaster Perc, and a full menu of brunch favorites—don't miss the gouda grits and the pork belly doughnut sliders—and gastropub dinner dishes.

    217 ½ W. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-238–5130

    Known For

    • Bottomless mimosas (“togosas” when poured in a portable plastic cup)
    • Lively brunch served seven days a week
    • Eclectic pub fare
  • 16. The Public Kitchen & Bar

    $$ | Historic District

    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, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-790–9000

    Known For

    • Elevated Southern cuisine
    • Outdoor dining
    • Handsome interior

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 17. The Vault Kitchen and Market

    $$ | Starland District

    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 a main, cocktail, and sushi menu, it's a great place for a business lunch or date night.

    2112 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
    912-201–1950

    Known For

    • Industrial chic interior
    • Chicken clay pot with Thai green eggplant and rice
    • Unique sushi rolls
  • 18. Toucan Café

    $$ | Southside | Caribbean

    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.

    531 Stephenson Ave., Savannah, Georgia, 31405, USA
    912-352–2233

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun.

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