1
$$Editor's Pick
This is THE Savannah food experience. Sit with strangers, pass bowls of fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato souffle. It's been featured on every food show imaginable for good reason.
Savannah Rankings
The Best Restaurants
in Savannah
Our definitive guide to the top restaurants in Savannah, Georgia. 19 businesses ranked for 2026.
By area:Savannah
Finding the right restaurant in Savannah, Georgia shouldn't feel like a gamble. We've curated this list based on Google reviews, local reputation, and insider recommendations to bring you the best restaurants in Savannah's Historic District and surrounding areas. Whether you're a visitor exploring the Hostess City or a local resident, these are the top-rated restaurants you can trust.
2
$$$Featured
The she-crab soup and crispy flounder are legendary. Dine in an 18th-century mansion where you can feel the history. Request the tavern for a more casual vibe with live piano.
3
$$$$
James Beard Award-winning chef, stunning deco interior, and food that makes you rethink Southern cuisine. This is destination dining at its finest. Reservations essential.
4
$$$$
Many locals say this is even better than The Olde Pink House. The mansion setting is gorgeous, the service impeccable, and the menu showcases the best of Lowcountry cooking.
5
$$
The best coffee in Savannah, hands down. The brunch is creative and fresh, and the atmosphere is perfect for people watching on Bull Street. Try the Aussie-style flat white.
6
$$
Farm-to-table done right without the pretension. Great cocktails, killer fried chicken, and a fun atmosphere. Perfect for groups.
7
$$$
The duck fat fries alone are worth the visit. Sophisticated but not stuffy, with an impressive wine and cocktail program. Perfect for date night.
8
$$
Don't let the whimsical menu fool you — the food is seriously good. Great for groups who want to share plates. The pickle chips are addictive.
9
$$
Is it touristy? Yes. Is it also genuinely historic and fun? Absolutely. Kids love it, and the honey-pecan fried chicken is legitimately excellent.
10
$$$
This is Southern food elevated to art. Every ingredient is sourced from the South, and the menu is different every single day. It's a culinary experience, not just a meal.
11
$
This isn't typical Savannah food — it's better. The Conquistador might be the best sandwich in Georgia. Get the Godfather if you're hungry. Cash only, no seating, pure perfection.
12
$
This is where the characters from 'Midnight' ate breakfast. The food is honest diner fare — nothing fancy, just good. Sit at the counter for the full experience.
13
$$
Step back in time at this genuine piece of Savannah history. The crab stew is famous, the prices are fair, and the atmosphere is pure old Savannah. No pretense, just good food.
14
$$$
The views alone are worth the visit — watching ships pass on the Savannah River while dining in a 19th-century cotton warehouse is pure magic. The food matches the setting.
15
$
This isn't just ice cream — it's a Savannah pilgrimage. The Tutti Frutti and Honey Almond Cream are legendary. Yes, there's a line. Yes, it's worth it. No, you can't skip it.
16
$$
This is where locals go for brunch. The portions are generous, the Bloody Marys are strong, and the shrimp and grits are among the best in Savannah.
17
$
Perfect for a quick, quality breakfast before exploring the squares. The croissants are flaky, the coffee is excellent, and the vibe is relaxed. Great people-watching from the patio.
18
$$$
When you want serious seafood with a view, this is the spot. The slow-roasted prime rib and fresh catch specials are excellent. Request a window table at sunset.
19
$$
This is where the locals eat seafood — not tourists. It's a bit outside downtown but worth the drive. The fried shrimp basket is perfect, and you'll eat overlooking actual working shrimp boats.
Tips & Guides
Alternatives to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: Skip the Line, Not the Southern Food
Love the idea of Mrs. Wilkes but hate the hour-long wait? These Savannah restaurants serve authentic Southern comfort food with the same soul, shorter lines, and in some cases, even better food.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Savannah: Where Kids Eat Free & Family Favorites
The best kid-friendly restaurants in Savannah, including where kids eat free, restaurants with play areas, and family dining spots locals love.
Romantic Restaurants in Savannah for Proposals & Anniversary Dinners
The most romantic restaurants in Savannah for proposals, anniversaries, and special occasions — from candlelit mansion dining to waterfront sunset views.
Guide to Restaurants in Savannah
Savannah's dining scene draws on more than two centuries of Lowcountry tradition, a thriving port that still brings fresh seafood to the docks daily, and a new generation of chefs who trained in New York and Charleston before planting roots here. From communal-table institutions on Jones Street to James Beard Award winners housed in converted Greyhound terminals, the range is extraordinary for a city this size. You can eat shrimp and grits for breakfast, duck-fat fries at a Parisian-style gastropub for dinner, and finish with a cocktail on a rooftop overlooking the Savannah River—all within a fifteen-minute walk.
Seasonality matters. Summer menus lean on local blue crab, Georgia white shrimp, and heirloom tomatoes from farms just across the Ogeechee River. Fall and winter bring oyster roasts, hearty game dishes, and the return of she-crab soup at the city's more traditional kitchens. Savannah's open container laws mean many restaurants extend naturally into the squares, and weekend brunch culture here rivals anything in the South. If you are visiting for the first time, reserve at least one upscale dinner in advance—places like The Olde Pink House and Elizabeth on 37th book up weeks ahead during peak tourist months from March through June and again in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cuisine is Savannah known for?
Savannah is renowned for Lowcountry and Southern cuisine. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and fresh Atlantic seafood. The city also has a growing scene of internationally influenced restaurants, from French bistro fare to Australian-inspired brunch cafes.
Do I need reservations at Savannah restaurants?
For fine dining and popular spots, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season from March through June and in October. Casual restaurants and lunch spots generally seat walk-ins without much wait, though weekend brunch at popular places can mean a thirty-minute line.
Can you really drink on the street in Savannah?
Yes. Savannah's open container laws allow you to carry alcoholic beverages in public within the Historic District, as long as they are in plastic cups of sixteen ounces or less. Many restaurants will transfer your drink to a to-go cup, making it easy to stroll between dinner and dessert with a cocktail in hand.
What are the best neighborhoods for dining in Savannah?
The Historic District has the highest concentration of restaurants, particularly along Broughton Street, around City Market, and near the squares from Reynolds to Monterey. The Starland District south of Forsyth Park is an emerging dining neighborhood with more casual, chef-driven spots. River Street has river views but tends to be more tourist-oriented.
When is the best time to visit Savannah for food?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and seasonal menus. Spring brings soft-shell crab and the first local shrimp of the season. Fall means oyster roasts and harvest menus featuring Georgia produce. Summer is hot but the restaurant patios and rooftops are lively.