Alright, let’s get real about Savannah’s food scene. It’s not just about peaches and sweet tea anymore.
The city’s dining landscape is a beautiful, messy, and delicious collision of old-school Southern comfort and sharp, modern creativity.
You’ve got places serving recipes passed down through six generations just a few cobblestone streets away from a chef plating up edible art. If you only eat at the tourist spots on River Street, you’re missing the whole dang point.
Get ready to loosen your belt a notch. We’re diving fork-first into a curated list of the top restaurants in Savannah, Georgia.
This is your insider’s pass to the must-visit spots, from the legendary institutions dripping with history to the new-wave eateries that are turning heads.
Whether you’re craving the perfect shrimp and grits, a vegan masterpiece, or a burger that dreams are made of, consider this your ultimate cheat sheet for an unforgettable food adventure. Let’s eat!
1. The Olde Pink House
Step inside a living piece of Savannah history. The Olde Pink House isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Savannah for a fancy meal; it’s a full-blown experience.
The 18th-century mansion, with its iconic pink stucco walls, is rumored to be haunted, but the only spirits you’ll be focused on are the incredible flavors on your plate.
Dining here feels like being welcomed into a grand, historical home for a truly special occasion.
The menu is a love letter to elevated Southern classics. You simply have to start with the she-crab soup, a velvety, rich masterpiece that’s a coastal Georgia rite of passage.
For your main, the crispy scored flounder is a work of art—both in presentation and taste.
Just save room for the praline basket dessert. Pro tip: try to snag a table in the more casual Planters Tavern downstairs for a lively, atmospheric meal. It’s one of those must-visit Savannah restaurants that you’ll be telling your friends about for years.
2. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
Forget a typical restaurant. Mrs. Wilkes’ is a Savannah institution that operates on pure Southern tradition.
For generations, this family-run spot has served lunch family-style at big communal tables.
No reservations, no fancy menus—just a line down the street and the promise of a home-cooked feast like your grandma might make, if your grandma was an award-winning Southern chef. It’s more than a meal; it’s a cultural event.
You’ll sit with strangers who become friends as you pass around heaping platters of fried chicken, collard greens simmered with a hint of sweetness, cornbread dressing, and okra gumbo.
The rule is simple: what’s on the table is your menu. It’s a delicious, overwhelming, and profoundly satisfying experience that captures the warm, welcoming heart of Savannah.
Arrive early, be patient, and come hungry. A meal here is a core memory in the making and an essential stop for authentic Southern food in Savannah.
3. The Grey
Housed in a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey is where Savannah’s past and culinary future have a stunning conversation. The Art Deco space is sleek and buzzing with an energy that’s both sophisticated and down-to-earth.
Chef Mashama Bailey, a James Beard Award winner, leads the kitchen, crafting a menu that reimagines Southern and Port City cuisine through a globally inspired lens.
This is a destination restaurant for a reason.
Dishes are bold, thoughtful, and often unexpected. You might find perfectly seared local fish paired with a West African peanut sauce or a humble bean dish transformed into something extraordinary.
The Savannah restaurant scene was forever changed when The Grey opened its doors, proving that the city could play on a national culinary stage.
It’s the perfect spot for a milestone celebration or when you want a meal that challenges and delights every single one of your taste buds. This is a non-negotiable best restaurant in Savannah for food lovers.
4. The Collins Quarter
Transport yourself to a chic Melbourne laneway cafe right in the heart of Savannah. The Collins Quarter on Bull Street is the city’s go-to for all-day, Aussie-inspired excellence.
Whether you need a life-saving coffee and avocado smash in the morning, a massive burger for lunch, or a stunning dinner, this place has a vibe that’s both cool and incredibly welcoming. The patio is prime for people-watching.
Their attention to detail is phenomenal. Even their iced lavender mocha feels like a special treat. The menu is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Don’t miss their twist on shrimp and grits or their famous spiced lamb burger.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger for hours. For a trendy yet accessible meal that consistently hits the mark, The Collins Quarter is a cornerstone of the best dining in Savannah. It’s always a good idea.
5. Fox & Fig Café
Calling all plant-based food lovers and the people who adore them! Fox & Fig Café in the Starland District is a vegan paradise that will make you forget all about meat and dairy.
This bright, modern cafe proves that compassionate eating is anything but boring. Their creative, beautifully presented dishes are packed with flavor and texture, making it a top choice among Savannah restaurants for vegans.
Their signature “Crab” Cake is a revelation made from hearts of palm, and their truffle-infused mac ‘n’ cheese is pure comfort food genius.
Even the most dedicated carnivore in your group will leave impressed and satisfied. Their weekend brunch is legendary, so expect a wait—it’s 100% worth it.
From hearty grain bowls to decadent pastries, Fox & Fig shows that Savannah’s food scene is diverse, innovative, and deliciously inclusive.
6. Leopold’s Ice Cream
A list of the best places to eat in Savannah is incomplete without Leopold’s. This isn’t just an ice cream parlor; it’s a century-old tradition.
Since 1919, the Leopold family has been churning out small-batch, homemade ice cream using recipes that are a closely guarded secret. The classic soda fountain decor and the inevitable line out the door are all part of its timeless charm.
The flavor list is a mix of timeless classics and inventive new creations. You can’t go wrong with their famous Tutti Frutti, a rum-infused treat with candied fruit and Georgia pecans.
Or try the honey almond and cream, a smooth, sophisticated flavor that’s pure bliss. A scoop (or two) from Leopold’s is the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
It’s a sweet, simple, and utterly joyful must-visit in Savannah for visitors and locals alike.
7. The Vault Kitchen & Market
Located in a stunningly converted mid-century bank building, The Vault brings a fresh, modern energy to Savannah’s Moss Point area. The space is breathtaking, with high ceilings, lush greenery, and a gorgeous market area.
The menu focuses on globally influenced shareable plates and wood-fired specialties, making it ideal for a group wanting to try a little bit of everything.
The wood-grilled octopus is a standout, as are their creative vegetable dishes and fresh seafood options. The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed, perfect for a impressive dinner or a fancy weekend brunch.
It’s a newer kid on the block that has quickly cemented itself as a go-to Savannah restaurant for a special night out. The combination of jaw-dropping design and seriously good food makes The Vault a memorable experience.
8. Cotton & Rye
Tucked away in a former bank building south of Forsyth Park, Cotton & Rye is all about reclaimed elegance and modern American comfort food. The vibe is industrial-chic meets Southern warmth, with exposed brick and a welcoming bar.
The chefs here take familiar classics and refine them into something extraordinary, focusing on superb technique and locally sourced ingredients.
Their burger, often hailed as one of the city’s best, is a thing of beauty. Their fried chicken is brined to perfection, and their seasonal sides are never an afterthought. It’s the kind of place that feels both celebratory and like a neighborhood haunt.
For a flawlessly executed meal in a cool, convivial setting, Cotton & Rye is a brilliant choice for exceptional dining in Savannah. It’s consistently excellent without a hint of pretense.
9. Atlantic
Situated on the lively Victory Drive, Atlantic is a vibrant neighborhood eatery that feels like the heart of the local community.
The atmosphere is buzzing, the service is friendly, and the menu is a celebration of coastal-inspired small plates and entrees designed for sharing. It’s energetic, affordable, and always delicious.
Their raw bar offerings are fantastic, and their wood-fired pizzas have a perfect, chewy crust. Dishes like their crispy snapper or their flavorful mushroom toast are made for pairing and passing around the table.
Atlantic captures that feeling of discovering a fantastic local spot that you wish was in your own neighborhood. It’s a prime example of the lively Savannah restaurant scene beyond the historic district.
10. Common Thread
For a truly bespoke and awe-inspiring dining experience, Common Thread is in a league of its own. This intimate, chef-driven restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu that tells a story of the Georgia coast.
Every course is a meticulous, artistic creation that highlights hyper-local and foraged ingredients. The service is impeccable and personal.
Dining here is an event, a several-hour journey through flavor, texture, and culinary imagination. It’s not just dinner; it’s theater on a plate. While it’s a significant splurge, for those seeking the pinnacle of Savannah’s culinary artistry, Common Thread delivers an unforgettable night.
This is the ultimate destination for a special occasion dinner in Savannah and represents the absolute height of the city’s fine dining potential.
11. Bull Street Tacos
Sometimes you just need a fantastic, no-fuss taco. Bull Street Tacos delivers exactly that, with a creative Southern twist.
Located in the Starland District, this casual counter-service spot is a local favorite for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. The vibe is funky and laid-back, with a great patio for enjoying Savannah’s beautiful weather.
Their menu goes way beyond the basics. Try the famous “Southern Gentleman” taco with fried chicken, chorizo gravy, and slaw, or the “Lowcountry” with grilled shrimp and lime crema.
They also have excellent burritos, bowls, and a killer selection of house-made sauces. For a fun, flavorful, and affordable meal that breaks from the Southern mold, this is a top Savannah spot you’ll want to hit more than once.
12. Sweet Potatoes Kitchen (The “SoHo” South Café)
A true hidden gem, Sweet Potatoes Kitchen (operating inside the SoHo South Café building) is a lunchtime paradise.
This order-at-the-counter spot focuses on wholesome, from-scratch Southern food with a healthy bent. The setting inside a converted auto garage filled with art is uniquely Savannah—eclectic, artistic, and cool.
Their namesake sweet potato pancakes are a must, as are their overflowing veggie plates and succulent roasted chicken. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are honest and homey.
It’s the perfect lunch stop to fuel an afternoon of gallery hopping in the Starland District. Finding this spot feels like unlocking a secret level in the Savannah food game.
13. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant
For a vibrant burst of Caribbean flavor, head to Rancho Alegre. This lively, no-frills Cuban joint on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is the real deal.
The walls are covered in memorabilia, the music is playing, and the smell of garlic and citrus will make your stomach roar. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are incredibly reasonable.
You come here for massive, authentic plates of ropa vieja (shredded beef), perfectly grilled chicken, or their legendary Cuban sandwich, pressed to crispy perfection.
The black beans and rice and sweet plantains are the ideal accompaniments. It’s a fun, festive, and incredibly tasty change of pace, proving that Savannah’s best restaurants offer a delicious world tour.
14. The 5 Spot
A classic American diner with a Savannah soul, The 5 Spot is your go-to for a hearty, comforting breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
Located on Whitaker Street, it’s a cozy, retro-themed spot that’s always buzzing with locals. The menu is packed with all your favorites, done right.
Their Benedicts are excellent, their pancakes are fluffy, and their burger is a solid contender for best in the city.
It’s the kind of reliable, friendly spot where you can get a great cup of coffee and a plate of food that just makes you feel good. For a classic, satisfying meal in a charming setting, The 5 Spot is a trusted Savannah dining institution.
15. The Fitzroy
Perched above bustling Congress Street, The Fitzroy offers a sleek, rooftop-inspired vibe with a fantastic view of the cityscape.
The interior, with its sky-blue ceiling and polished decor, feels both tropical and refined. The menu is a clever mix of elevated pub food and creative, shareable small plates.
Their crispy oyster mushrooms are a vegetarian favorite, and their fish and chips are expertly done. It’s an ideal spot for a classy cocktail (or mocktail) and a bite in a beautiful setting, whether you’re perched at the majestic bar or tucked into a cozy booth.
The Fitzroy adds a dose of big-city polish to the Savannah restaurant landscape.
16. Sandfly BBQ at the Streamliner
For authentic, down-home Georgia barbecue, you need to take a short trip to the Sandfly neighborhood. Housed in a vintage Streamliner diner car, Sandfly BBQ is the real deal.
The smell of hickory smoke hits you the moment you open the door. This is a no-nonsense joint focused on slow-smoked meats and classic Southern sides.
The pulled pork is tender and flavorful, the ribs are fall-off-the-bone good, and the Brunswick stew is a hearty masterpiece. Order at the counter, grab a seat in the old train car, and enjoy some of the best ‘cue in the region.
It’s a uniquely Savannah experience that’s well worth the five-minute drive from downtown.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your golden ticket to eating like a local in the Hostess City. From the hallowed halls of historic dining rooms to the funky, creative kitchens shaping Savannah’s future, this list is your roadmap to an unforgettable culinary adventure.
You’ve got soul-satisfying Southern staples, vegan wonders, global flavors, and everything in between.
The hardest part is choosing where to begin. Maybe plot your meals around neighborhoods, or promise yourself you’ll try at least one iconic spot and one new discovery each day.
Remember, half the fun is wandering those moss-draped squares and stumbling upon your own perfect patio.