Savannah is one of the South’s most underrated food cities, offering far more than fried chicken and traditional comfort food. If you’re wondering what to eat in Savannah, you’ll find everything from fresh coastal seafood and Lowcountry classics to upscale Southern dining, historic restaurants, and hidden speakeasy bars. Savannah cuisine blends rich history with modern flavors, making the city one of the best food destinations in the South. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or searching for local favorites, Savannah is packed with unforgettable places to eat throughout the Historic District and waterfront neighborhoods.
What Foods Is Savannah Known For? Classic Lowcountry Dishes You Should Try
- Best Places to Eat in Savannah
- Savannah’s Historic Dining Scene
- Best Bars, Breweries & Nightlife
- FAQs About Savannah Cuisine
What Foods Is Savannah Known For? Classic Lowcountry Dishes You Should Try
Savannah is best known for its combination of:
- Southern comfort food
- Fresh coastal seafood
- Lowcountry cuisine
- Barbecue
- Farm-to-table dining
- Historic taverns and cocktail bars
Because Savannah sits along the Georgia coast, many dishes incorporate shrimp, crab, oysters, and locally caught fish. The city’s culinary identity blends Southern traditions with coastal influences and modern culinary creativity.
Shrimp and Grits
No list of what to eat in Savannah is complete without shrimp and grits. This Lowcountry staple combines creamy stone-ground grits with fresh local shrimp, often cooked with bacon, sausage, or a rich gravy.
Where to try it:
Lowcountry Boil
Also called Frogmore Stew, this classic coastal dish includes shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Everything is boiled together with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful Southern feast.
Best spots:
Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern favorite made from unripe tomatoes battered and fried until crispy. Many Savannah restaurants serve them topped with crab, remoulade, or pimento cheese.
She-Crab Soup
Rich, creamy, and packed with crab flavor, she-crab soup is a Savannah seafood staple that’s especially popular in cooler months.
Savannah Red Rice
Savannah’s version of jambalaya features rice cooked with tomatoes, sausage, onions, and spices. It reflects the city’s Gullah Geechee and coastal Southern influences.
Best Places to Eat in Savannah
The Grey
Located inside a restored 1938 Greyhound bus station, The Grey is one of Savannah’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Mashama Bailey’s, a James Beard Award winner, blends Southern ingredients with refined culinary techniques at The Grey.
Known for:
- Seasonal Southern dishes
- Seafood
- Elevated Savannah cuisine
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
One of Savannah’s most iconic dining experiences, at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room guests sit family-style and share large portions of traditional Southern comfort food.
Must-try dishes:
- Fried chicken
- Mac and cheese
- Collard greens
- Biscuits
Collins Quarter
A popular brunch and café destination in Savannah’s Historic District, Collins Quarter is known for its Australian-inspired menu, craft coffee, stylish atmosphere and outdoor dining, and creative takes on Southern brunch favorites.
Treylor Park
A casual local favorite serving creative Southern comfort food with modern twists, Treylor Park has become one of Savannah’s most popular spots for visitors looking for fun, inventive dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Popular menu items include:
- PB&J chicken wings
- Shrimp and grits tacos
- Fried chicken biscuit sandwiches
Olde Pink House
Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion built in 1771, The Olde Pink House offers one of the most iconic and historic dining experiences in Savannah. Located in the heart of the Historic District, the restaurant is known for its beautifully preserved architecture, candlelit dining rooms, and classic Southern hospitality.
Savannah’s Historic Dining Scene
Part of what makes dining in Savannah so memorable is the atmosphere. Throughout the Historic District, many restaurants are located inside restored mansions, former taverns, and historic riverfront buildings that date back hundreds of years.
Unlike many larger cities, Savannah’s dining scene feels intimate and walkable. Visitors can spend the evening moving between historic restaurants, rooftop bars, live music venues, and hidden cocktail lounges — all within a few blocks of downtown.
Many restaurants also feature:
- Rooftop cocktails overlooking the city
- Courtyard dining beneath Spanish moss
- Live jazz or piano performances
- Cozy wine cellars and basement bars
Best Bars, Breweries & Nightlife in Savannah
Savannah’s nightlife scene is another reason food lovers enjoy visiting the city. Unlike many cities, Savannah allows open containers in designated areas of the Historic District, making it easy to explore bars and restaurants on foot.
Popular nightlife spots include:
- Ghost Coast Distillery
- Service Brewing Co.
- Artillery Bar
- Alley Cat Lounge
- Savannah Bee Company Mead Bar
Tips for Enjoying Savannah Cuisine
To make the most of Savannah’s food scene:
- Make reservations early for popular restaurants
- Visit during brunch hours for signature Southern breakfasts
- Try at least one seafood restaurant during your stay
- Explore beyond River Street for local hidden gems
- Pair dining experiences with a Historic Savannah Trolley Tour
If you’re visiting Savannah for the first time, a guided tour can also help you discover local restaurants, historic bars, and hidden culinary landmarks throughout the city.
Explore Savannah’s Food Scene
Savannah’s culinary culture is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Whether you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, or upscale dining, there’s something for every taste and budget.
From historic mansions to hidden speakeasies, every meal in Savannah comes with a story — making the city one of the most unforgettable food destinations in the South.
Savannah’s restaurants are just one part of the city’s charm. Between meals, discover historic landmarks, hidden squares, and local stories through a variety of Savannah tours and experiences with Gray Line.
What to Eat in Savannah FAQs
What type of food is Savannah known for?
Savannah is famous for Southern comfort food, shrimp and grits, Lowcountry seafood, fried green tomatoes, and Savannah red rice.
Are there historic restaurants in Savannah?
Yes. Many restaurants in Historic Savannah are housed in mansions built in the late 1700s, giving diners a unique historic atmosphere while enjoying their meals.
Is Savannah good for nightlife?
Absolutely. Savannah offers cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, breweries, live music venues, and open-container entertainment areas throughout the Historic District.
Are there special dining experiences in Savannah?
Yes. Some venues feature speakeasy-style cellars, live piano or jazz performances, and small plates designed to pair with drinks, offering both food and entertainment experiences.
What is traditional Savannah cuisine?
Traditional Savannah cuisine combines Southern cooking with coastal Georgia and Lowcountry influences. Seafood, rice dishes, fried foods, and fresh local ingredients are central to many meals.
Where should I eat in Savannah for the first time?
First-time visitors often enjoy:
- Treylor Park
- The Olde Pink House
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
- The Grey
- Collins Quarter
