With its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and easy Southern charm, Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most atmospheric cities in the US… and its food scene is every bit as captivating. From Lowcountry classics to innovative fine dining, Savannah serves up flavours as rich as its captivating history. In this article, we’ll explore the spots where locals and savvy travellers head when hunger strikes.
The Old South, served with style
For a true taste of Southern tradition, The Olde Pink House is a must. Set inside an 18th century mansion, this Savannah institution pairs elegance with comfort food; think shrimp and grits, crispy flounder, and fried green tomatoes drizzled with chutney. The candlelit cellar tavern is perfect for cocktails and live music.
Nearby, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room offers a communal dining experience that feels like stepping back in time, and into a family reunion. Long tables groan under bowls of fried chicken, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Get there early – the line starts forming well before noon.
Fresh takes on coastal cuisine
Savannah’s top chefs are redefining coastal cooking. The Grey, set in a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, blends Southern ingredients with global influences under the creative direction of Chef Mashama Bailey. Dishes like smoked catfish with okra or country pasta with pork sugo showcase the city’s evolving palate.
If seafood is your calling, head to Wyld Dock Bar, a hidden gem just minutes from downtown. Perched on the marsh, this laid-back spot serves peel-and-eat shrimp, fish tacos, and oysters with unbeatable sunset views.
Casual bites and local favourites
For brunch or a relaxed bite, Collins Quarter brings a touch of Melbourne café culture to Savannah, with standout coffee and dishes like the signature smashed avocado toast and short rib hash. Over in Starland District, Foxy Loxy Café is the go-to for tacos, lattes, and a lively courtyard that often hosts live music.
Savannah’s love affair with comfort food extends to its barbecue joints. Sandfly BBQ at the Streamliner, housed in a vintage train car, is known for its slow-cooked ribs and pulled pork sandwiches dripping in smoky flavour.
Sweet endings & nightcaps
No visit is complete without a stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah landmark since 1919. Their butter pecan and Tutti Frutti flavours are pure nostalgia. To round the night off in style, head to Alley Cat Lounge, tucked below ground, for expertly mixed cocktails and a speakeasy vibe that channels Savannah’s secretive past.
Savannah’s dining scene is more than merely delicious – it’s soulful, welcoming, and deeply tied to its community. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea under Spanish moss or sharing biscuits with strangers who soon feel like friends, this city knows how to make every meal an experience to savour.
