Best Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has one of the best food scenes in the American South — and that's saying something. The city's culinary identity is rooted in classic Southern cooking: shrimp and grits, fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits that could make you weep. But Savannah's restaurant scene has evolved well beyond the classics, with innovative chefs drawing on local ingredients and global influences.

Here's a guide to the best restaurants in Savannah, organized by what you're in the mood for.

Mrs. Wilkes' is a Savannah institution. Since 1943, this family-style restaurant on Jones Street has been serving Southern classics at communal tables — fried chicken, beef stew, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and more dishes than you can count. There's always a line out the door, but it moves quickly and the experience is worth it.

Hours: Monday–Friday, lunch only (11 AM–2 PM). Cash only.

Set in a stunning 1771 mansion on Reynolds Square, The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah's most beloved restaurants. The menu leans heavily on Southern classics — crispy scored flounder, planked salmon, and the legendary praline basket dessert. The atmosphere is romantic and historic.

Tip: Make a reservation well in advance, especially for weekend dinners.

Located on a tidal creek in the Sandfly neighborhood (about 15 minutes from downtown), The Wyld Dock Bar is worth the short drive. The menu focuses on local seafood — oysters, shrimp, fish tacos — served in a casual, waterfront setting. The sunset views are spectacular.

Zunzi's is a Savannah legend. This tiny takeout spot on York Street serves a South African-inspired menu with a devoted local following. The Conquistador sandwich — grilled chicken, Zunzi's sauce, on a hoagie roll — is one of the best things you'll eat in Savannah.

Note: Zunzi's is takeout only and often has a line. Worth every minute of the wait.

Clary's Cafe on Abercorn Street is a Savannah breakfast institution, featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The menu is classic American diner fare — eggs, pancakes, omelets — done well in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.

The Collins Quarter brings Melbourne café culture to Savannah. The brunch menu is creative and beautifully executed, with standout dishes like the lavender latte and the smashed avocado toast. The space is stylish and the coffee is excellent.

The Grey is Savannah's most acclaimed restaurant — a James Beard Award-winning spot set in a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal. Chef Mashama Bailey's menu celebrates the food traditions of the American South and the African diaspora, with dishes that are both deeply rooted and genuinely innovative.

Reservations are essential — book weeks in advance.

Tucked into a basement on Barnard Street, Alligator Soul offers an intimate fine dining experience with a menu that leans into Southern ingredients and global techniques. The wine list is excellent and the service is warm and attentive.

Foxy Loxy is a beloved neighborhood café in the Starland District, housed in a converted Victorian home with a lovely courtyard. The menu features tacos, sandwiches, and excellent coffee. It's a great spot to work, read, or just slow down for an hour.

Back in the Day Bakery on Bull Street is a Savannah institution for baked goods — cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and the legendary "Big Daddy Biscuit." Arrive early; popular items sell out.

Make reservations. Savannah's best restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book ahead for dinner at popular spots.

Embrace the pace. Savannah dining is leisurely. Don't expect a quick in-and-out experience at the better restaurants — settle in and enjoy it.

Explore beyond the tourist corridor. River Street has plenty of restaurants, but the best food is often found a few blocks away in the Historic District and neighborhoods like Starland and Thomas Square.

Try the local specialties. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and pralines are Savannah staples. At least one meal should feature something you can only get in the South.

The Historic District puts you within walking distance of most of Savannah's top restaurants. A hotel in this area means you can walk to dinner and back without worrying about parking or rideshares.

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Savannah's food scene is one of the best reasons to visit. Come hungry, pace yourself, and don't miss the desserts.