Savannah is often featured high up on people's lists of the most beautiful cities in the US. Its graceful architecture reflects influences from numerous regions and eras, and its rich history dating to the early 1700s makes it a place you'll want to spend days exploring.
Savannah's culinary scene is equally as fascinating, and you'll want to tuck into local favorites such as barbecue, deep-fried chicken, or dishes made with locally-caught seafood. New takes on traditional favorites will tantalize your taste when you visit some of the best restaurants in Savannah.
Vic's on the River inhabits a former cotton warehouse with a view of the river and an outside deck on the Savannah Riverfront. The menu brims with fresh seafood enticements that will have you wanting to come back for more, including pecan-crusted flounder and shrimp-and-grits, along with southern-style meatloaf, filet mignon, and other land-based meats.
Take a break from exploring the North Historic District and pop into Common Restaurant for Southern favorites like Po' Boys or chicken-and-waffle. Find a new favorite: Pork Chop Chow Chow features a cider-brined pork chop served with house-made chow chow—a pickled relish of summer vegetables accompanied by roasted rainbow carrots served over a sweet potato mash.
As you arrive at this 18th-century colonial mansion, you might feel you have traveled back in time. Built in 1771, The Olde Pink House has fascinating Revolutionary War and Civil War connections alongside intriguing ghost stories.
Treat your taste buds with crispy scored flounder served with apricot shallot sauce, one of the cornerstone dishes of this elegant restaurant. For lunch, a BLT salad delivers the flavor punch of the traditional sandwich with fried green tomatoes and black pepper thyme dressing, adding a unique flair. Save room for dessert — the praline basket topped with vanilla ice cream and berries is to "die for."
When you're exploring the well-kept Thomas Square historic neighborhood, stop by for a bite at Cotton & Rye. The restaurant occupies a former bank building but creates renown through a flavorful offering of New American cuisine.
Enjoy the open-air patio on a balmy day and share an appetizer of fried duck liver or smoked fish dip served with pickled jalapenos and saltines. Cotton & Rye has a host of updated favorites on the menu, such as grilled trout served with garlic, lemon, and pine nuts; and pork chops with white cheddar grits, green beans, apple sauce, and pickled apple.
Tuck into some re-imagined American favorites at Treylor Park Savannah. Unique menu selections put new twists on traditional local cuisine. Try the shrimp and grits tacos or chicken and pancake tacos. A grilled apple pie sandwich features a thick, lightly fried chicken breast, bacon, cheddar cheese, and cinnamon-roasted apples.
Enjoy a boardinghouse-style dining experience at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, sharing Southern home cooking with new friends and local regulars. Find seats at tables for ten, heaped with platters and tureens of Southern delights such as fried chicken, okra gumbo, sweet potato souffle, cornbread dressing, black-eyed peas, biscuits, and corn muffins. The menu changes daily, making it a place you'll want to stop by every time you visit.
The Collins Quarter boasts two storefronts in downtown Savannah and Forsyth Park. Both specialize in brunch with business hours from mid-morning to 3 p.m., with menu offerings unique to each location. You can rise to "Bubble and Squeak"—panko-fried potato cake with poached egg, portobello mushroom, tomato puree, and creamed corn—at the downtown location or bite into crab cakes benedict at Forsyth Park.
If you haven't tried "Low Country Boil," the Savannah Seafood Shack is an experience you won't want to miss. Although the dish was traditionally served at festivities where people gathered to nosh on shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, Savannah Seafood Shack serves this dish in individual portions. You can even get it with peeled-and-deveined shrimp for a no-mess meal.
Try a "Shack Cone" for a change of pace: A homemade waffle cone brims with coleslaw, a choice of fried seafood or chicken nuggets, and Shack sauce. Fried seafood, po'boys, and tacos are also on the menu.
It's easy to miss the entrance to The Ordinary Pub, which is set in Savannah's original Sears & Roebuck building, but it gives the establishment a Prohibition-era-type vibe. Descend the stairs, and you'll find yourself in a spacious gastropub where modern decor pairs with centuries-old brick walls, stained glass, and Edison light bulbs.
Order Pork Belly Donut Sliders with meat simmered in bourbon and Dr. Pepper astride a donut topped with bacon-onion jam. Or, try a twist on mac-n-cheese with andouille sausage, bacon, and a sunny-side-up egg.
Start your day with Southern-style comfort foods such as corned beef hash or buttermilk biscuits smothered in country gravy. Clary's Cafe offers hearty diner favorites with a fresh twist, such as Eggs Benedict Florentine, Salmon Cake Eggs Benedict, and Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict.
Green Truck Pub stands out as a family favorite in Savannah, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that caters to all ages. Known for its locally-sourced ingredients and creative takes on classic American fare, this spot ensures that dining out with family is both enjoyable and delicious. With a menu that appeals to both kids and adults, it's the perfect place for a casual, satisfying meal where everyone feels at home.
Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden, located atop the Plant Riverside District, offers a unique blend of elegance and relaxation. This rooftop oasis provides stunning views of the Savannah River and the cityscape, making it an ideal spot for a special evening out. The menu, featuring locally inspired dishes and crafted cocktails, complements the breathtaking scenery, ensuring a dining experience that's as visually stunning as it is gastronomically satisfying.
At The Pirates' House, your dining experience is infused with over 250 years of history. This legendary spot, once a haven for seafarers, now serves guests with a taste of the past alongside its delectable dishes. Here, every meal is a chapter from Savannah's rich historical narrative, served in a setting that's as captivating as the tales of the pirates who once roamed its halls.
Nestled along the marshy banks, The Wyld Dock Bar offers more than just a meal; it's a celebration of Savannah's coastal bounty. Specializing in fresh, locally-sourced seafood, this eatery turns the ocean's harvest into culinary art. Dine on their outdoor deck for an immersive experience where the breeze carries the scent of the sea and the catch of the day is always a delight.
The Grey, set in a restored 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal, offers a dining experience where history meets contemporary flair. This critically acclaimed restaurant, led by Chef Mashama Bailey, brings a modern touch to Southern classics. The Grey's menu, rich in local flavors and seasonal ingredients, is served in a space that beautifully preserves its historical significance, making every meal here not just a feast for the palate but also a journey through Savannah's storied past.