Hi there and welcome. 👋🏼 Enjoy my ultimate restaurant guide for Savannah, Georgia. Not only have I labored over this list for the better part of two years since moving here from Charleston, South Carolina, but I've also included some general things to know about lodging, things to do, and where to safely walk around when you visit. Why did I create this very thorough and extensive list? It started out as a Google Doc for my friends who were visiting, grew over time, and then ended up being a pretty handy resource I'd randomly share with strangers I met while they were visiting. Just know I wrote it all from the heart and curated it for people I like in mind. Did I think to edit the vernacular much for public consumption? Not at all. Guess that makes us friends now.
Industry: Food & Bev; Hospitality & Tourism; Travel
👩🏻💻 I really did the most with this one, save some time and jump right to:
🚲 Quick Resources & Things To Do
Lodging & Nearby Places
Lodging 🛎️
I would recommend staying somewhere downtown because there's so much you can see and do just by walking around. This will save you time from commuting and looking for parking. That way you can get the most out of your time spent here.
There are plenty of hotels between River Street all the way up to Liberty Street. The closer to River Street you go the more touristy it is.
The DeSoto is a historically significant hotel, I think it was one of the first hotels in Savannah, but don't quote me on that. I have known a few friends to stay there and it’s almost perfectly in-between Forsyth Park and the waterfront.There are also a lot of Airbnbs and multiple inns throughout the city which probably get overlooked, but the inns I’ve seen all look pretty cool. For the most part, you can comfortably and safely walk or ride bikes throughout much of downtown—it is a large area but the general idea is anything from River Street all the way back to Victory Drive and then between Barnard Street (a few streets left of Forsyth Park) and E. Broad St.
Nearby Places 📍
Charleston is 2 hours north of Savannah.
St. Simons & Jekyll Island are about 1.5 hours south of Savannah via I-95.
Tybee Island is about 25-30 mins from downtown.
Tybee is very low key. It reminds me a bit of Folly Beach before it had a lot of restaurants and people. That to say there isn’t much to do out there, but if you just want to park it on the beach then there’s plenty of beach.
Places to Eat on Tybee by Visit Savannah (my favs are below)
Sea Wolf Tybee: My favorite spot on the whole entire island. Menu changes all the time so check Instagram. It’s really small, parking is really limited and most of the seating is outside, uncovered.
Zunzi’s: A great spot, especially if you have larger groups. Happy hour deals here can’t be beat.
The Deck: Casual spot we like to get drinks at because it’s right on the beach basically...sort of like Rita’s on Folly Beach in Charleston.
Quick Resources & Things to Do 🚲
So you don't ask me about it later.
Guide to Savannah by Explore Georgia
15 Free Things To Do in Savannah also by Explore Georgia
Forsyth Park has a farmer’s market every Saturday morning. But you also just need to see the park and walk around it no matter what because it's actually very nice.
Walk along the waterfront at Plant Riverside District. Down by Starbucks they normally have live music all weekend.
Outside of the Marriott there are two outdoor bars serving BBQ and seafood and they’re both good, but pricey as you might expect.
There is also shopping on Broughton Street. It's your good 'ole Main Street USA. If you've been on King Street in Charleston, then it should feel familiar. But you will not find a large amount of bars/nightlife throughout this street, it's mostly restaurants.
Now that that's over, let's get into my favorite part.
Savannah Restaurants 🌳
*A few editor notes:
- Anyone who recommends Treylor Park Hitch because they saw it on Food Network or whatever tv show is not your friend! I don't get hyping up bar food. I'm not letting my friends come all the way to Savannah just to eat here.
- If you can, go to Leopold's Ice Cream. The family opened it in 1919 and everyone goes there, locals and tourists. I've never seen it at a grocery store, only sparingly at restaurants and a random booth at the airport. It gets busy. Also I'm not recommending any other desserts after this point.
- For the most part or unless otherwise noted, none of these restaurants offer or include parking, so you'll have to find street parking or other accommodations.
- Also, if you're with a group of ~5 or more people, your best bet above ALL else is to make a reservation where you are able to OR be ready to wait OR be ready to get to places early. Don't show up with a big party and expect the world to cater to your every need—you should have planned better THERE I SAID IT.
- Recommendations are in order by meal type and listed alphabetically.
Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee ☕️
*Editor note: If you think Starbucks is coffee, that's fine I guess, but don't go to these establishments and get upset when they try to actually give you caffeine instead of various forms of sugar, syrup, and milk.
This is the epitome of Southern brunch and it’s actually good.
You’ll need a reservation and don’t sit outside.
ONLY OPEN Friday - Sunday from 10 AM - 3 PM
It's just a bakery—their stuff is amazing. They barely have coffee, so get your goods and go.
I recently saw they seem to be closed for renovations until later in the Spring.
Bagel sandwiches and pizza (and I don't know what else they have exactly this is what I eat there).
Closed Sunday and Monday. No reservations.
Pro Tip: Order online before you go and you can just pick it up to eat there to skip the line.
4. Café Taureau
This new little French inspired cafe is such a treat. You want to go early to get a chance at the full window of baked goods.
I have to drive here as it's on the edge of walkable downtown and getting towards a more residential area. Street parking only.
There's a fair bit of seating, but sometimes it is very full.
5. Collins Quarter (Bull Street Location)
I do not like the Forsyth Park location, sorry. The coffee window at Forsyth is fine but I have never been blown away while eating there. But if you go inside to the counter, they have pre-made sandwiches that are great for lunch in the park. Don’t go for Sunday brunch.
Best to have reservations for brunch on weekends at Bull Street.
Bull Street also has a to-go coffee window which I like because you can get a muffin or something quick and be on your way.
6. Foxy Loxy Cafe (Bull Street)
Breakfast is baked goods. If you go early they have a really good breakfast burrito most of the time.
For lunch they have tacos which are very authentic Tex-Mex. I don't know why this works but I go there for this.
No reservations but they do get very busy so try to go early or at odd times. A lot of SCAD students post up here on weekdays and the weekends are usually packed.
An upscale style coffee shop. They have a really nice, simple breakfast menu.
Golden Hour seasonal drink tastes like a coffee version dole whip (and not too sweet).
No reservations.
Fun little spot for coffee and baked goods. Baked goods are from Auspicious Bakery. Auspicious services many coffee shops and local places in Savannah.
LuncH 🥪
It’s tacos. So good. I probably go once a week.
They get busy during prime lunch or dinner hours.
2. Café Taureau
This new little French inspired cafe is such a treat. You want to go earlier because sometimes they can run out of lunch offerings depending how busy it s.
I have to drive here as it's on the edge of walkable downtown and getting towards a more residential area. Street parking only.
There's a fair bit of seating, but sometimes it is very full inside.
3. Collins Quarter (Bull Street)
I do not like the Forsyth Park location, sorry. The coffee window at Forsyth is fine but I have never been blown away while eating there. But if you go inside to the counter, they have pre-made sandwiches that are great for lunch in the park. Don’t go to Forsyth for Sunday brunch.
Best to have reservations for brunch on weekends at Bull Street.
Open for lunch and dinner. Korean food & *BBQ steakhouse.
You can pop in for lunch and it’s probably faster than a lot of places, I really enjoyed finding that out.
*I think the Korean BBQ menu is exclusive to dinner and you’ll need a reservation as it is limited.
So, so good. Top tier lunch spot but as a treat because it's a bit pricey.
This sit down place is one of my favs.
No reservations.
7. Shuk
Newer mediterranean place with a coffee bar and a bar bar. This would be a nice happy hour with shareable plates and bites.
This is family friendly.
Only open WEEKDAYS 11 AM - 3 PM.
This is a great sandwich shop. Their food is so good but it will basically take forever. But I wait for it anyway. Unless you’re really smart and go right when they open.
Pro Tip: Order online and then eat when you arrive or take it to the park. If you do this you will probably get mean looks from the hungry people around you so you have to power through this.
9. Strangebird
Open for lunch and dinner. Mexican with Southern influence.
The food is good. They could just serve guacamole and I’d eat only that without an issue—WHY is it so good?
They recently opened up in an old Streamliner, the place is tiny. Take what you think is tiny in your head and then make it smaller. Don’t bring more than 4 people in here, you physically cannot sit together.
No reservations.
10. The Black Rabbit
They have some serious sammies (sandwiches). Also a bar. It’s not a big place but the food is always on point.
Daily specials are the true gems normally and those are posted on their Instagram stories.
11. The Vault Kitchen & Market
Asian-Mexican fusion. Though they have more Asian dishes to choose from. The sushi is fine, but I think you're better off getting some small plates and dishes over the sushi.
Check their Instagram before you go because if they are closed for a private event you’re out of luck if you drive all the way out there.
It is a bit of a drive, this is off the beaten path and not really a place tourists just find on their own.
They have a gravel lot. No reservations.
Yes, you eat outside on a dock in the elements. It’s got great views, and has some cover if it rains.
If it’s cold outside, you will also be cold.
Nice little spot to sit down for lunch and have a sandwich or salad. If you've ever been to Five Loaves in Charleston this reminds me of it.
Dinner 🍽️
1. Brochu's
They serve up chicken and oysters. It’s a bit like Leon’s in Charleston in that sense.
They do take reservations which is probably the safest bet, especially if you’re with a group.
You can walk-in but you'll likely have to wait. I normally sit at the bar and the service is great.
The whole chicken dinner or the half bird are going to seem like the thing to get, but honestly you want to try everything else on the menu. It's delicious and changes up a fair bit so we go pretty regularly.
It’s tacos. So good. I probably go once a week.
They get busy during prime lunch or dinner hours.
Owned by the folks behind Savoy Society. No reservations.
This is not downtown. You have to drive into one of the residential areas but it’s a quick drive or Uber ride.
They have a variety of small plates and flatbreads. You’re not going to stuff yourself here. I think I may like their food better than Savoy…I’m conflicted.
4. Collins Quarter (Bull Street)
Best to have reservations as they get busy.
She pricey. Southern with an Asian influence.
Better to make a reservation if you want to eat here. All of the locals will say you have to go. We went for our anniversary and it was fantastic.
6. Cotton & Rye
Best to have reservations. But two people can usually score bar seats if you go a little early, say before 7:30 PM.
A little nicer, upscale dining. Think elevated Southern dining, not your family BBQ joint. If you take a small group here you could share several plates which is my favorite option.
They actually have a small parking lot and there's also street parking.
7. The Grey
This is on my list. I have not gone yet.
You’re going to need a reservation.
Hands down the best burgers in town. Pretty big portions so if you don’t want to take a nap afterwards you could split a burger. Just look at the other orders around you and you'll see.
There is a small parking lot but otherwise plenty of street parking.
No reservations.
9. Hop Atomica
Local pizza joint. Plenty of beer. Not a bad place to be.
I think sitting inside around the bar is a better experience, but if it’s really nice weather then outside is fine too.
Small parking lot and surrounding street parking.
10. Late Air
Wine and tapas bar. Very small spot, not good for groups. First come, first serve.
Street parking is precarious, be careful parking and crossing the street.
No reservations.
11. Madame Butterfly
Korean food & BBQ steakhouse.
I think the Korean BBQ menu is exclusive to dinner and you’ll need a reservation as it is limited. It’s probably your safest bet to just go ahead and make a reservation anyway as it gets busy during dinner service.
12. Shuk
Newer mediterranean place with a coffee bar and a bar bar. This would be a nice happy hour with shareable plates and bites.
This is family friendly.
13. Starland Yard
They have different food trucks every day so check their calendar on their website.
It reminds me a lot of Edmund’s Oast Brewery in Charleston meets Container Bar.
People <21 are allowed in. And by that I mean people usually bring their young offspring here because it's all fenced in. Not that you see a lot of teenagers in there.
14. Strangebird
Open for lunch and dinner. Mexican with Southern influence.
The food is good. They could just serve guacamole and I’d eat only that without an issue—WHY is it so good?
They recently opened up in an old Streamliner, the place is tiny. Take what you think is tiny in your head and then make it smaller. Don’t bring more than 4 people in here, you physically cannot sit together.
No reservations.
This sit down place is one of my favs. It gets busy so come early to put your name down.
No reservations.
Libations 🍸
*Editor note: Savannah has an open container policy. You can walk around with beverages as long as they are in a clear plastic cup. This is restricted to the historic district. If in doubt, just ask your server for a to-go cup and they'll let you know.
Underground and a little off the beaten path. Though when it’s busy I like it less.
No reservations but there is a line if you go late night.
The last few times I went they were not on their game like they used to be…so if you hate it forget I mentioned it.
Just drinks. Strong drinks. Dranks if you will.
Speakeasy vibes—but don’t worry you don’t have to look hard to find it.
3. Bar Julian
I’ve been loving this rooftop maybe more than all of the other waterfront rooftops and bars.
Food menu is also quite good, it’s mostly flatbreads and small plates.
Probably best to make a reservation but if you go early and there’s just a couple of folks, it’s usually not a problem.
Owned by the folks behind Savoy Society. No reservations.
This is not downtown and you have to drive into one of the residential areas but it’s a quick drive or Uber ride.
They have a variety of small plates and flatbreads. You’re not going to stuff yourself here. I think I may like their food better than Savoy…I’m conflicted.
5. Mint To Be Mojito & La Aparicion
This Latin American spot has the best mojitos in Savannah. The last place I had a mojito that came close to these was Miami.
If you go a little later at night, they might even tell you about La Aparicion juuuust on the other side of a false restroom wall.
6. Moodright's & Over Yonder
Moodright’s is known for duckpin bowling. If you don’t know what it is you can Google it. It’s fun, just be mindful and aware of your surroundings. They also have pool tables. Sometimes the crowd here is not my favorite in the sense that if you get some young guys in here with something to prove to no one, it’s a major buzzkill—don’t bring your hot headed drunks in here. It’s annoying.
Over Yonder is the bar and kitchen inside of Moodright’s. You have to walk to the back of the building past the restrooms. They have amazing late-night food, we probably spend more time back here than at the Moodright’s bar.
7. Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden
One of the best views on the river, but only for a drink or two as it can get pricey.
They have small bites and shared plates.
I think they take reservations but I've never made one.
They may not let young people up here at night. I’m not sure about the daytime as they normally ID you at the elevator.
This is a cool little lounge spot if you can find it—it's down an alley. Though I have no idea if they do reservations.
It can get busy later at night and probably not ideal for large groups.
There is a dress code; really just no sports caps or flip flops.
While paying hotel prices can be annoying, as a treat we’ll go to the various bars at this property, in order of my preference:
Peregrin Rooftop Lounge: Great for a sunset and different view of the city. They have a food menu as well. I have only seen offspring up here occasionally.
The Wayward: Small bar, serves sushi (you have to ask if you want to order it), plenty of drinks and a few arcade games. They also have a popcorn machine.
Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market: Big bar area connected to the hotel restaurant; they offer reservations for more sit-down style eating in the restaurant. I don't go here as often anymore.
10. Savoy Society
Small food menu with light bites. You can always find something to snack on here but you're not going to be stuffed.
11. The Alida Hotel
Here are the options in order of my preference, they both offer limited food menus:
The Lost Square: This is their rooftop bar. This is my preference for a drink or two.
The Trade Room: This is the lobby bar.
12. Two Tides Brewing & Smol Bar
This is the building right beside/behind Starland Yard.
Two Tides is upstairs inside of a historic house and each room is like a private spot you can just claim, hang out, play a board game or two and free pinball.
Smol Bar is beneath Two Tides Brewing, since they own it. I do recommend.
This is a pretty unique spot. The drinks do NOT play. They usually have some sort of milk punch, flavors rotate. It sounds odd, I know, but it’s worth trying. They'll even give you a small sample if you ask.
The service has always been great here.
Cheers y'all.
