The Best Places to Eat in Savannah

The Best Places to Eat in Savannah, Georgia’s Tastiest City

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Like many Southern cities, as Savannah continues to undergo an impressive cultural renaissance, the food and drink scene stay neck-and-neck with the development. And if you plan on visiting the Hostess City of the South any time soon, you’ll want to put these best places to eat in Savannah on your to-dine list.

This post is part of a collaborative project with Visit Savannah. All opinions are our own.

Note on dining in Savannah: Savannah is a beloved tourist hub, which means weekends can be crowded with visitors. What does that mean for you? Make your reservations a few weeks in advance! That said, we’re big fans of mid-week travel, and had no trouble getting into the best restaurants in Savannah on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night without ressies.

Collins Quarter

If there’s one restaurant in Savannah I dine in on every single visit, it’s Collins Quarter. Not only do I love their signature spiced lavender mocha, but I love every item on their breakfast, lunch and brunch menus. Even more exciting? Collins Quarter has a new location on Forsyth Park, so you now have two options for getting a table at this fabulous Australian-style bistro.

Best for: brunch any day of the week

The Ultimate Savannah Itinerary: Your Weekend Guide to Georgia's Prettiest City

Where to Eat in Savannah: Collins Quarter
Where to Eat in Savannah: Collins Quarter

Where to Eat in Savannah: Collins Quarter

Where to Eat in Savannah: Collins Quarter
Where to Eat in Savannah: Collins Quarter

Cotton & Rye

In terms of the best places to eat in Savannah, Cotton & Rye wins it for us every single time. The sleek interior of this remodeled, mid-century modern bank is the perfect canvas for the chef’s sausage-, pâté- and bread-making, as well as meat-grinding, which the restaurant does on site. The menu ranges from market fish like a black cod affair to the house-ground cheeseburger and fries, which were a slam dunk. To top it all off? A homemade candy bar with actual gold leaf.

While the restaurant takes reservations via its website, we have been able to drop in and get a table on multiple occasions.

Best for: dinner, any occasion

Dining at Cotton & Rye in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Cotton & Rye in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Cotton & Rye in Savannah, Georgia

Common Thread

On our most recent trip to Savannah, every foodie I talked to responded with one dining recommendation: Common Thread. A classic French restaurant in an old Victorian with a Michelin-rated vibe, Common Thread takes its elevated cuisine and serves up oysters, fresh fish and vegetarian dishes in addition to aged beef and pasta. The ambitious preparation of the meals—think: fennel salsa verde, parmesan foam and Middle Eastern spices—kicked this dining spot to the top of our best places to eat in Savannah favorites list.

Best for: the trendiest table in town

Dining at Common Thread in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Common Thread in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Common Thread in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Common Thread in Savannah, Georgia
Dining at Common Thread in Savannah, Georgia

The Grey

This award winner has put Savannah on every foodie’s travel list since opening in 2014, and rightfully so: Not only is the design on point, but the creations by co-owner and chef Mashama Bailey, this year’s James Beard Outstanding Chef, constantly push the boundaries. The Grey specializes in being nimble with the season’s ingredients and has a compact yet inconceivably divine menu. The restaurant’s brunch is also a must-try; for example, the crab beignets, pork pastrami and fried chicken with hoe cakes dancing alongside a nice breakfast cocktail or mimosa. Can’t get into the restaurant? You can sidle up to the Diner Bar—or grab a quick meal from the Grey Market—instead.

Best for: fans of buzzy cuisine and celebrity chefs

The Best Restaurants in Savannah: The Grey

The Best Restaurants in Savannah: The Grey
The Best Restaurants in Savannah: The Grey
The Best Restaurants in Savannah: The Grey

The Public Kitchen & Bar

Located in a stately building right on bustling Liberty Street, the Public Kitchen & Bar has an extensive wine and local beer list in addition to a far- ranging menu that skips across the world’s cuisines. The Public’s plates are large, the cocktails strong, and the vibe is elevated casual, so arrive hungry.

Best for: lunch on a weekday when you’re real hungry

Where to Eat in Savannah: The Public House
Where to Eat in Savannah: The Public House

Treylor Park & Double Wide Diner

Treylor Park has two restaurants in Savannah that dish up sharable plates, flatbreads and scrumptious lunch-ables like fried bologna, sloppy Joes, tacos and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages to keep your mood in vibe with the rest of the city. Treylor Park really shines during brunch and lunch, so plan your day accordingly. A few blocks over, it’s sister Double Wide Diner offers a blast-from-the-past dining experience just a few blocks from its sister joint, Treylor Park, with unique lunch dishes and flavorful mimosas.

Best for: a casual bite or weekday brunch

Where to Eat in Savannah: Double Wide Diner
Where to Eat in Savannah: Double Wide Diner

Fleeting

Located in the new Thompson Hotel Savannah, Fleeting uses hyper-local ingredients to create a hip and diverse selection of food. Spring rolls, oysters, tartines, banana leaf grouper and bootleg chicken bracket the menu of this restaurant on the rapidly expanding stretch of new river developments. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite when you’re wandering the riverfront and haven’t made dinner plans as it’s a bit off the main thoroughfare and, thus, less crowded on your average weeknight.

Best for: power dinners and date nights

The Best Restaurants in Savannah: Fleeting at the Thompson Hotel
The Best Restaurants in Savannah: Fleeting at the Thompson Hotel
The Best Restaurants in Savannah: Fleeting at the Thompson Hotel

The Rhett

The Alida Hotel’s signature restaurant, the Rhett, is open seven days a week and serves up Lowcountry cuisine by the spoonful. Rich in the estuary foods that this area is known for— oysters, shrimp, fish—this decidedly American genre has roots in African comfort food, and if you come to this region without getting a sampling, you’re missing out on a key ingredient to Savannah’s history and way of life. Cheddar drop biscuits, raw ceviche and oysters, shrimp dip, grits and fried okra are all delicious samplers from this casual restaurant.

Best for: when you’re looking for somewhere nice to eat along the riverfront

Dining at the Rhett: The best restaurants in Savannah
Dining at the Rhett: The best restaurants in Savannah
Dining at the Rhett: The best restaurants in Savannah

Franklin’s

Not every meal has to be a lengthy affair, which is why I appreciate this new grab-and-go spot on Liberty Street. With a direct walk-through to the Public, Franklin’s serves the most decadent coffee and plenty of small bites for when you’re in a rush or simply need a jolt of caffeine after the Public’s filling burger.

Best for: when you’re jonesing for a grilled-cheese-and-tomato-bisque combo or a delicious takeaway latte

Franklins Coffee Shop in Savannah

Where to Eat in Savannah: Franklin's coffee shop
Where to Eat in Savannah: Franklin's coffee shop
Where to Eat in Savannah: Franklin's coffee shop

The Coffee Fox

What did the fox say? Two words: horchata latte. That’s all you need to know to make your decision on getting your morning coffee from Broughton Street’s finest, the Coffee Fox.

Best for: your first stop of the day

The Fitzroy

While the Fitzroy bills itself as “an elevated pub,” I don’t think that’s doing justice to the sleek design and deep well of bar offerings this downtown bar and restaurant offers. It’s simply one of the best places for brunch in Savannah, and I’m sure the lunch and dinner are equally drool-worthy.

Best for: weekend brunch

The Fitzroy: Best Bars and Cocktails in Savannah, Georgia

Where to Eat in Savannah: The Fitzroy
Where to Eat in Savannah: The Fitzroy

Little Duck Diner

Little Duck Diner is a retro diner downtown that specializes in whimsy (rubber duckies in the Bloody Marys? why not!) crossed with baked goods galore and a wide range of brunch and lunch offerings from gourmet grilled cheeses to tacos, crab omelettes to shrimp and grits.

Best for: lunch just off the plane

Related Article: Where to Drink in Savannah, Georgia

Back in the Day Bakery

If you read magazines, you’ve likely heard of Back in the Day Bakery. It was famous before Savannah became the foodie season, and it seems every travel or food publication ever to write about Savannah has at least mentioned it—with good reason. As its name implies, Back in the Day exudes a sense of retro nostalgia, and even the servers dress the part. The place is the epitome of cute and decked out in mismatched shabby chic decor, but the owners don’t compromise quality for the sake of aesthetics: Everything is on point—order a sandwich for lunch, and be sure and add on a coffee specialty and grabbed a baked good (or seven) to go. I’m always partial to their cupcakes; then again, I’m partial to any cupcakes!

Best for: lunch or snack time

Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Mrs. Wilkes is so popular that you pretty much have to get there an hour before it opens to claim your place in line. This boarding house with a mishmash of meat-and-threes and Southern comfort food served up family style charges a flat rate of $30 a person; however, they don’t take reservations, so you really must arrive early—say, 10am for the first seating at 11—to claim your spot (or plan on waiting a long time). This is an instance when you’re going to want to forgo breakfast and wear your roomiest fat pants; it’s that filling (and good).

Best for: a hearty lunch, followed by a nap

Where to Eat in Savannah: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Where to Eat in Savannah: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

The Olde Pink House

Let me start by saying: If you’ve never been to Savannah, this is where everyone will recommend you spend your fancy dinner. Located inside an 18th century mansion, the Olde Pink House occupies prime real estate on Reynolds Square in the downtown historic district. From BLT salad to mac and cheese jalapeno poppers to Vidalia onion and sweet potato ravioli in a pecan cream sauce, everything is a journey through traditional Southern flavors. Don’t have a dinner open? No worries; Old Pink House is also open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday.

Best for: traditional Southern food in a stunning setting

Related Article: 21 Iconic Things to Do in Savannah No Matter the Season

B. Matthew’s Eatery

With brunch seven days a week, B. Matthew’s has been one of my go-tos since I first started frequenting Savannah. It doesn’t get more Southern than fried green tomato and crab cake Benedict. Eggs Benny always has a spot in my heart (and stomach), and the more creative the dish, the higher a rating the restaurant gets from me. B. Matthew’s has never been anything but a five-star experience.

Best for: Sunday Brunch

b. Matthews Eatery in Savannah

Alligator Soul

You wouldn’t necessarily stumble upon this under-the-radar, subterranean restaurant unless you set out looking for it. Alligator Soul is tucked away on an unassuming side street and doesn’t get as much love as, say, the Olde Pink House. That doesn’t mean you should discount it, not for a second. It’s a hodgepodge of American, Southern and Cajun/Creole cuisine, heavy on game (kangaroo! antelope! ostrich! camel!) and seafood (shrimp and grits? breaded fried oysters anyone?).

Best for: when you want to splurge on a six-course tasting menu (with wine pairings, obviously)

Related Article: Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Weekend in Savannah, Georgia

Leopold’s

If you’ve heard of one place to eat in Savannah it’s likely Leopold’s Ice Cream, a family-owned business and local institution since 1919. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Stratton Leopold, who was behind the counter scooping on one of my visits, and not only are his stories great, but this old-fashioned ice cream parlor is one of my favorite of anywhere I’ve been thanks to the ambiance and the dozens of flavors like the Girl Scout cookies specials.

Where to Get Ice Cream in Savannah: Leopold's
Where to Get Ice Cream in Savannah: Leopold's

Where to Get Ice Cream in Savannah: Leopold's

Don’t have the time to wait in line? Leopold’s now has multiple locations at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, providing the perfect post-flight treat while you wait to take off.

Best for: any occasion or hour of the day!

Best Restaurants in Savannah: Leopold's Ice Cream

Starland Yard

Want to know where all the Millennials hang out? Look no further than food truck park Starland Yard, made out of shipping containers with multiple food options, splashy art, live music and plenty of places to hang with little ones. It’s truly a something-for-everyone kind of spot.

Best for: a casual evening with no agenda

Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia
Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia

Vinnie Van Go Go’s

Sometimes you just want to order takeout and eat in your hotel room, which is why Vinnie Van Go Go’s is one of my go-tos. The pizzas are huge, and they’re perfect for feeding a family or groups traveling together.

Best for: takeout

Dining in Savannah: The Best Restaurants in Savannah

Gryphon Tea Room

Savannah has several places to get afternoon tea, including the Tea Room on Broughton Street, but Gryphon is perhaps the most well-known. With a dreamy location among the weeping Spanish moss of Madison Square tucked among the buildings of the SCAD campus, Gryphon Tea Room boasts a wide range of lunch items from fancy salads to quiches, baguettes to brunch items like poached eggs and Challah bread crème brûlée French toast.

Best for: fancy lunch

Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia

Where to Dine in Savannah

Other restaurants in Savannah

The best places to eat in Savannah list grows and expand with the city, and I’m sure there are plenty that should be on the list that I’ve yet to discover, particularly along the Plant Riverside District. A few other Savannah restaurants you might want to check out include:

  • Elizabeth’s on 37th
  • Two Cracked Eggs
  • Big Bon Bodega
  • Java Burrito
  • Bull Street Taco
  • Bella Napoli
  • Circa 1875
  • District Seafood
  • District Smokehouse
  • Graffito
  • Savannah Tequila Co
  • Stone & Webster Chophouse
  • St. Neo’s Brasserie
  • Ardsley Station

Related Article: Beyond Savannah’s Historic District: Activities for Every Travel Taste

Where to Dine in Savannah

Do you agree that these are the best places to eat in Savannah? What restaurants did I leave off the list?


 

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The Best Places to Eat in Savannah, Georgia
The Best Places to Eat in Savannah, Georgia
The Best Places to Eat in Savannah, Georgia
COMMENTS
  • March 5, 2014

    Back in the Day cupcakes are the greatest! Savannah Smiles was also a stop on my bachelorette party – such a great place, I’m sad your bachelorette didn’t get pulled up on stage. As many times as I’ve been to Savannah, I’ve still never gone to Mrs. Wilkes – need to go soon!

    • March 6, 2014

      And you’re so much closer to Savannah than I am! Jealous! Back in the Day, yummmm. I would almost make the eight-hour drive simply for their cupcakes.

  • March 5, 2014

    Oh my days, where do I even begin?! The number one reason I want to go to the south (there are other valid reasons as well!) is the food, my tummy’s already rumbling and I’ve just had my tea!

    • March 6, 2014

      When you finally make that leap, I’d be happy to give you a list of all my favorite restaurants across the South (it’s more like a novel) 😉

  • March 5, 2014
    Amy Brock

    Such an awesome post!
    I wanted to add to your bit about The Tea Room – it is now paired with a fabulous new eatery called Dept. 7 East! Same location on Broughton, just some creative renovation of the space has allowed for the two to co-exist and compliment each other beautifully.

    Next time you visit, you must try Dept. 7 East, any restaurant that call pull off having a sandwich called “Perverted Roast Beef” on their menu and still be classy and delish is tops in my book! AND: Tableside S’mores for the win! http://dept7east.com/menu/

    • March 6, 2014

      I peeked in and saw it looked different! I love that spot–I just wanted to try out Gryphon this time. Both are so yum!

      But tableside s’mores? Currently crying that I didn’t know about those; otherwise, we would have been there in a flash.

  • March 6, 2014

    In eating as well as living, it’s not the years of your life that matters, it’s the life in your years … these restaurants are definitely a part of the latter credo!

    • March 17, 2014

      I am going to adopt that mentality! Love it!

  • March 8, 2014

    OMG, this post makes me hungry! Like you, I also live to eat! I love cupcakes!

    • March 17, 2014

      Man, I’m in week two of Paleo right now and going back and looking at this cupcake physically pains me, ha!

  • March 8, 2014

    Oh yum! Everything in this post looks divine. My sister lives a few hours from Savannah, so I’m thinking a visit is in order!

    • March 17, 2014

      Be sure and plan for four meals a day if you do! =)

  • March 10, 2014

    I spent only about 24 hours in Savannah, but went to the Olde Pink House for lunch and loved it…especially the drink called the pink lady.

    • March 17, 2014

      Oooh I didn’t realize they had lunch, too. Might have to check that out on my next visit!

  • March 14, 2014

    b. Matthews is definitely a favorite! You should check out Green Truck Pub – some of the best burgers I’ve ever had!

    • March 17, 2014

      You know, we stayed two blocks from Green Truck Pub—I only know that because I tried to tag the house in Instagram and GTP came up—but getting 12 girls out of the house to do anything is a chore, so sadly, I didn’t get to go there…this visit. There’s always next!

  • March 14, 2014

    One of my favorite things about traveling is that I get to eat food at new and amazing places. It’s one the best ways to explore a new place, I think, by eating everything and anything.

  • March 21, 2014

    How do you go to Savannah and not eat soul food? Try Sisters the next time you pass through. Food is cultural and you can’t take advantage of Savannah without acknowledgement of the African-American influence. Cheers!

  • March 24, 2014

    Visiting different restaurants and trying different delicacies and specialties while on a vacation is one of the best leisure thing to do.

  • April 3, 2014

    This is great! I’ve only seen Savannah on quick stops driving from NYC to Florida but I plan to spend more time there eating and drinking as much as possible!

  • June 1, 2014

    Whoa, I feel awesome because I pretty much hit up all of these wonderful spots during my getaway to Savannah in the fall! I LOVED Rocks on the Roof- great place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the beautiful weather. Great roundup!

  • September 16, 2014

    I literally just found your site today and ironically, I wrote a blog post today about why Savannah is one of my favorite cities.

    I did realize that you wrote this post months ago, but I still enjoyed reading it. I have to check out the Tea Room when I go back to Savannah. Thanks for sharing!

    Love your website BTW!

    • September 17, 2014

      Thank you so much! I’m obviously a HUGE fan of Savannah, as well!

  • January 3, 2015

    Going to Savannah in 1.5 weeks and i am so excited by the restaurants that you have posted here… 🙂

  • January 19, 2015
    mariasgold

    You also need to stop by on sundays best, Ole southern buffet on stephenson ave . Best homecooking southern style to. Also heard doubletree motel downtown has great buffet yet to try . just saw on eat it and like it tv show Lulucakes bakery opened up on hodgeson and eisenhower dr. Durning the weekdays 11am-2pm mon-fri buffet 10.00 or christmas buffet dinner try hilton garden inn in midtown on abercorn street near 12 oaks shopping center . if yours craving mexican try any jalapeno restuarant. If your craving collard greens and bbq best little drive is mac’s place bbq in bloomingdale ga off hwy 80 closed Sunday’s and mondays. If your craving bbq might i suggested given a try the bbq sliders and best dutch crusted sweet potatoe casserole as a side give wiley’s championship bbq wilmington isl.area hwy 80 east they are closed sundays we worth the drive. Also if you have the family or group only want take out give barnes restuarant call cooks whole boston butts off waters ave savannah. Or low country boil seafoodlicious skidaway rd.savannah. also if you got a sweet tooth give savannah rum runners a try great cupcakes. W.bolton street. Near forsythe park. Or bakers pride off derenne ave. Just desserts of savannah 5224-B skidaway rd . Or.krispy cream doughnuts on skidaway rd or abercorn street and largo dr its open late . If your out by oglethrope mall or Savannah mall area.

    • January 19, 2015
      mariasgold

      Ole southern buffet is actually called ” Ole Time country Buffet located on stephenson ave. Savannah ga. Also give Sweet teas buffet m-fri 11am-2 hwy 21 port wenworth ga and has sunday buffet 11-2..

    • January 20, 2015

      This is super helpful for my next visit! Thank you so much =)

  • March 18, 2016
    Audrey

    Just found your blog and instantly engrossed! My bestie and I are both huge travel and fine food nuts, so needless to say I find much to be intrigued by here!

    Savannah is one of our favorite spots, we’ve been there many times. If I were to cite just a couple of my fave dinner spots there, besides those you mention:

    Noble Fare on Jefferson St: For my money, the top dinner establishment in the city, not excluding Olde Pink House. Simply exquisite!

    Chive on Broughton St: A very pleasant discovery when we went last June. They actually had lionfish on the menu, which is a very rare and succulent treat!

    Back to devouring your blog!

    • March 18, 2016

      Thank you so much for swinging by, Audrey! Sounds like we would be great friends =)

      I am definitely due for a return to Savannah as it’s been two weeks now, and those will be my top two priorities when I finally make it back!

      And I’ve actually hunted and eaten lionfish in the Caribbean before, since they’re a threat to the ecosystem on this side of the world. They’re also delicious 😉

  • August 30, 2016

    There’s no shortage of awesome food in sav that’s for sure!

  • September 3, 2016

    If you love cocktails, you should definitely head to Savannah. My boyfriend and I spent a few days in the city last month and we treated ourselves to a selection of craft cocktails from different venues. One of our favorite places was Mati Hari, an authentic-looking speakeasy in downtown Savannah. The ambiance there was great, and so was the Absinthe 75!

  • March 22, 2017

    What a great post! Im visiting Savannah this weekend and had already bookmarked most of these places!

    • March 23, 2017

      Awesome, Kimberly! I might be going back next month for the first time since writing this post three years ago, so report back if you find any awesome new eats =)

  • April 18, 2021
    Nicholl Spence

    I love Savannah! Such a wonderful town for foodies. My favorite restaurants there are The Pirate’s House, The Grey and Leopold’s.

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