Courtesy of Chris Moore - Exploring Light Photography/Getty Images
What to Eat in Savannah
Yes, you're in the South. And yes, you'll find some fried food here, but if that's all you're expecting, then you've got Savannah all wrong. Thanks to its coastal location, Savannah offers a little bit of everything, and it's quickly becoming a formidable culinary rival to Atlanta.
If southern comfort food is what you're after, The Olde Pink House should be at the top of your list. Practically an attraction in itself, the restaurant is housed within a blush-colored stucco mansion built in the late 1700s for James Habersham Jr., one of Savannah's early cotton brokers. Before becoming a restaurant, it was also the site of the First Bank of Georgia in the 1800s. Because of its unique history, eating here feels like taking a step back in time, with the whole house (both upstairs and downstairs) used for dining. After dinner, sneak down to the speakeasy-like cellar underneath the restaurant for a drink by the fireplace and to hear some tunes by a local pianist or jazz musician.
Next up on your list: Leopold's Ice Cream. Though this 20th-century soda shop isn't as ancient as The Olde Pink House, it's still considered a Savannah institution, featuring some of the same fixtures (including the black marble soda fountain) from the original store. Come here for an old-fashioned milkshake or a double scoop of one of the shop's original ice cream flavors like Tutti Fruitti.
Though Savannah has its fair share of deep-rooted eateries that act as the foundation of the area's dining scene, the city also manages to host a collection of more contemporary spots that receive just as much acclaim from visitors and critics alike. You'll be transported to Melbourne, Australia, at Collins Quarter, a cafe that features staples from the Australian owner's hometown (try Leo's Aussie Breakkie). And for some Savannah-style barbecue, head to Sandfly BBQ. For a more contemporary take on Southern cuisine and farm-to-table menus, consider making reservations at Local 11 Ten or Cotton & Rye.
Savannah is home to a rollicking nightlife scene (in part because of its lack of open container laws), so plan to go for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail to sample some of the city's more unique venues. If beer is your drink of choice, head to Southbound Brewing Company, Savannah's first microbrewery. Audiophiles will especially enjoy the brewery's music theme (each of the brews is named after an album or song) and the chance to hear a rotating roster of local musicians. For inventive cocktails and indulgent small plates, try Treylor Park. Pair the PB&J chicken wings with the Recliner (bourbon sweet tea and muddled raspberries). For a comprehensive overview of Savannah's unique dining scene, consider tagging along with a loca on a food tour.
Find the Best Restaurants in Savannah
- #1
Joe's Homemade Cafe#1 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah
$ | American5515 Waters Ave Jepson Meusem for the Arts, Savannah, GA 31404-6243Read More » - #2
Chive Sea Bar & Lounge#2 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah
$ - $$ | American, Seafood, Fusion4 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401-3310Read More » - #3
Leopold's Ice Cream#3 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #4
The Starland Cafe#4 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #5
River Street Sweets#5 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #6
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room#6 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #7
Blends a Coffee Boutique#7 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #8
Mate Factor#8 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #9
Planters Tavern#9 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #10
Jazz'd Tapas Bar#10 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #11
Driftaway Cafe#11 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #12
Savannah Coffee Roasters#12 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #13
Wiley's BBQ#13 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #14
Fox & Fig#14 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #15
Zunzi's Takeout & Catering#15 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #16
Savannah Candy Kitchen#16 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #17
Back In The Day Bakery#17 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #18
Marche de Macarons#18 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #19
The Vault Kitchen + Market#19 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah - #20
Crystal Beer Parlor#20 of 940 Places to Eat in Savannah
Explore More of Savannah
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
The 10 Best Jamaica Tours
Lyn MettlerFebruary 18, 2020
The 22 Best Scotland Tours
John RodwanFebruary 14, 2020
The 12 Best Travel Strollers for 2020
Lyn MettlerFebruary 13, 2020
The 14 Best New York City Food Tours
Ann HensonFebruary 10, 2020
The 11 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans
Marisa MéndezFebruary 6, 2020
The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2020
Mackenzie RocheFebruary 4, 2020
The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean 2020
Erin ShieldsFebruary 4, 2020
The 15 Most Instagram-worthy Best Hotels
Rachel CenterFebruary 4, 2020