Few places in America are experiencing a culinary revolution of the sort taking place in Savannah, Georgia right now. Restaurateurs and chefs alike are channeling Southern food traditions into a nouveau cuisine that diners across the country are clamoring to experience. Since Savannah is a coastal city, the fare leans into fresh seafood, though there’s plenty of meat and vegetables to be had, too, depending on which side of the fence you fall into.
If you’re planning a visit to the Hostess City of the South, you can expect to brunch on Upstream Supreme at the ever-trendy The Collins Quarter; innovative interpretations of pimento cheese at Husk Savannah; crab-stuffed Carolina trout at Cotton and Rye; or a Rum Bisque ice cream cone at Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlor. Best of all, Savannah’s quaint cobbled streets and Spanish moss squares lined with Antebellum architecture are perfect for that evening stroll you’ll need to take to walk off all the good eats!
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Savannah? Perhaps you’re curious to see if it’s the spot for your next culinary adventure. So put on your eating clothes, pack a bib for that messy BBQ fare, and watch on for our top picks in this up-and-coming (or perhaps already arrived) foodie destination.
Olde Pink House Restaurant
A list of the best Savannah restaurants wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Olde Pink House. This rose-hued, columned beauty sits on Abercorn Street in the city’s Historic District and is as much a beloved haunt for locals as it is a must-visit for tourists. The building that houses the restaurant, a former Georgian mansion, dates from the late 1700s, making it the perfect location for that “first night out in Savannah” selfie. Inside, you can expect low-key individual dining rooms, candlelight, and piano tunes coming from the tavern. Olde Pink House serves Southern classics like mac and cheese jalapeno poppers, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits alongside creative cocktails like the Green Chile Bloody Mary and the Water of Life.
Husk Savannah
If you’re keen to experience the terroir of the Savannah landscape, book a table at Husk Savannah. The restaurant is helmed by Southern cuisine expert chef Sean Brock, who brings elevated Lowcountry fare like Canewater padrón peppers, Sapelo syrup, and Sea Island white peas to the table. The menu changes with the seasons and the service, so even if this is your third or fiftieth visit to Savannah, you can almost guarantee you’ll be in for a surprise. Like many of Savannah’s very best restaurants, Husk is conveniently located in the Landmark Historic District.
Are you looking for more deep dives into what to see and do at the most exciting culinary spots across America and the world? Then, be sure to like and share this video–for the algorithms, you know–and subscribe to our channel for more just like it. Hit the notifications bell to see the freshest videos right when they’re uploaded.
The Grey
Many an American coming-of-age film starts with the protagonist getting on a Greyhound bus. You, too, can take a step back in time if you make a reservation at Savannah’s The Grey. That’s because this close-to-a-decade-old restaurant is located inside a carefully renovated former Greyhound bus terminal built in 1938. The stunning Art Deco lines of the building make as much of a statement as the Southern soul food, which James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey expertly infuses with African influences.
The Collins Quarter
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Downunder, The Collins Quarter gives you a chance to at least sample the country’s fine cuisine—and yes, we mean Australia. We’re talking mushie and toast (mushrooms for those who don’t speak Australian), pork belly benedict, and Bircher muesli. There are also Southern classics like bacon and egg biscuits and Nashville hot chicken. And when it comes to beverages, you can’t go past that Aussie staple, the flat white, or the drink of the Southern summer, sweet iced tea. Best of all, there’s tons of outdoor seating.
Vic’s on the River
If you’re looking for a relaxed but high-quality dining experience that won’t break the bank, you won’t be disappointed with lunch or dinner at Vic’s on the River. As the name suggests, this Savannah staple sits above the Savannah River and boasts large windows to make the most of the view. The menu takes a contemporary twist on down-home Southern cuisine, serving up dishes like jumbo lump crab cake, pecan fried flounder, and Southern BBQ meatloaf paired with a careful selection of fine wines. If you’re just looking for somewhere to get your caffeine hit for the day, be sure to stop by their coffee bar.
Cotton & Rye
Cotton & Rye is a bit of a darling of the Savannah restaurant scene right now. The establishment takes its name from the crops that historically brought in money for Georgia state, and as such, the menu pays homage to the unique produce of the area. The team is dedicated to doing things the traditional way, from making sausages, pate, and bread from scratch to grinding the meat for their burger patties. Expect to munch on everything from yellow chicken and dumplings to local veggie pot pie in a surprisingly sleek, wide-open dining space.
Crystal Beer Parlor
To sit at a stool at the bar of the Crystal Beer Parlor is to time travel back to Old Savannah. The building has been standing at 301 West Jones Street since at least the early 1900s when it was a humble grocery store. Sometime around the 1930s, it was transformed into a drinking establishment, and the carefully restored interior is now much the same as it was then. Of course, you need to heed the advice of the owners and ask about their draft beers, but what is there to eat? We recommend the fried flounder Reuben on fresh rye, the country fried steak, or one of their huge, flavor-packed burgers. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, why not try the decadent blue crab dip or the Greek salad?
Flock to the Wok
Had your fill of Southern fare? (Is that possible?) Head to Flock to the Wok, a concept restaurant crafted by veteran restaurant group Ele and the Chef. This hip establishment is located on Whitaker Street in the Historic District and features dining spaces—with a birdcage—and a bar next to an open kitchen, allowing you to see all the cooking action. The food is inspired by cuisines from across the Asia region, including dishes like Genghis Khan Beef, Shumai pork dumplings from China, and Hong Kong-style hot and sour soup.
Sandfly BBQ
If you’re in the mood for something a little more homestyle, pay a visit to Sandfly BBQ. This local favorite, located in historic Sandfly near the Isle of Hope, features Memphis-influence fare with a Savannah twist—think pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and sliders, all topped off with their signature, home-crafted barbecue sauce. There are also classic sides like baked beans, potato salad, and collards. Owner Keith Latture traditionally seasons his meats and uses pecan and hickory for smoking. Sandfly BBQ features inside and outside seating, so you can visit rain or shine.
Common Thread
If you loved FARM Bluffton in Carolina’s Lowcountry, you’ll be equally enamored with Common Thread. The same family is behind both establishments, after all! The restaurant sits inside an enormous, 5,000 square foot mansion in Savannah’s community-focused neighborhood of Thomas Square. The executive chef, Brandon Carter, is as passionate about the work of local food producers as he is about bringing their delicious, sustainable fare fresh to the dining table for his guests to experience. Expect globally focused food with a Southern focus: everything from Amberjack Tiradito with strawberry rocoto Leche, Urfa, chulpe, and pickled jalapeño to Golden Tilefish with chicories, snow peas, olives, sweet peppers, fennel, and antiboise.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
If it’s hot outside and you have a sweet tooth, you need to add a stop to Leopold’s Ice Cream to your travel itinerary. The ice cream is all handmade, and you can expect unique flavors like Rum Bisque and Lemon Custard. They also boast an old-timey dessert menu, with 1950s milk bar classics like ice-cream sandwiches, banana splits, and even fountain sodas! There are even vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone in your family or travel group will be happy. Don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the movie memorabilia posted around the walls: this parlor is famed as a celebrity stop-in, after all.
The Original Crab Shack
Since Savannah’s essentially a beach town, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention at least one seafood-focused eatery. The Original Crab Shack doesn’t look like much from the outside, but let us tell you, this is one of those cases where appearances are deceiving. If you’ve never experienced a classic Lowcountry boil, this is the place to do it. You’ll get enough peel-your-own shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausages to feed as many as six people in one sitting! If you prefer to select your own seafood, choose everything from crawfish to raw oysters from their Shackitizers menu.
Franklin’s
Franklin’s tagline is “bold and delicious,” and this Parisian-vibed Savannah cafe certainly lives up to it. Head here for an early breakfast or lazy brunch and set yourself up for a day of sightseeing. They have a stellar coffee selection, including specialty brews like espresso tonic and spicy mocha, as well as an incredible array of tasty breakfast sandwiches—the Butcher’s BLT, Croque Monsieur, Soho Combo, and, of course, classic Avocado Toast, among many other options. And if you’re in a hurry, it’s the perfect place to grab-and-go.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Savannah? Or would you add some food trucks, cafes, or fine dining establishments we’ve missed? Debate your favorite low-key hole-in-the-walls or reveal the secret speakeasies with great eats in the comment section below. If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and subscribe. Hit that notification bell while you’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.