Eat Like a Local in Savannah - The Ultimate Southern Food Guide

1. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: A Legacy of Southern Hospitality

Address: 107 West Jones Street

Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (closed weekends)

Price: $30 per person (cash only)

If you want the quintessential Southern dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is the holy grail. Established in 1943, this family-style restaurant still draws long lines daily—and for good reason.

Guests are seated at communal tables with strangers (who quickly become friends), and within minutes, a parade of home-cooked Southern staples hits the table: fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, collard greens, candied yams, okra gumbo, cornbread dressing, and more.

Why it’s worth the wait:

• Everything is cooked fresh daily, with secret family recipes passed down for generations.

• The fried chicken here has legendary status. Crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right.

• The dining experience—shared tables, big portions, and friendly vibes—makes you feel like you’re at a Sunday supper in a Southern grandma’s kitchen.

2. The Grey: Southern Revival with a Modern Twist

Address: 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, Dinner service from 5:00 PM

Housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey is more than just a restaurant—it’s a story of redemption, history, and culinary artistry. Chef Mashama Bailey, a James Beard Award winner, has redefined Savannah dining with a menu that honors Southern roots while embracing creativity.

Think oxtail and rice, foie gras with hot sauce, roasted yardbird (a nod to backyard chicken), and rich bone marrow with anchovy butter.

Highlights:

• The ambiance blends vintage Art Deco with chic modernity.

• Seasonal menus change frequently based on local produce.

• Signature cocktails and curated wine pairings elevate the experience.

Insider tip: Book early—this spot is often fully reserved weeks in advance.

3. The Olde Pink House: Historic Charm Meets Hearty Southern Fare

Address: 23 Abercorn Street

Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Dining at The Olde Pink House is like stepping into a Southern fairytale. Set in an 18th-century mansion painted—you guessed it—pink, this beloved restaurant blends upscale ambiance with deeply satisfying, traditional cuisine.

Top menu picks:

• Southern sushi (smoked shrimp and grits rolled in nori)

• Crab-stuffed grouper with buttery grits

• Fried green tomatoes with applewood bacon and goat cheese

What makes it special:

• Live piano music in the basement tavern creates a cozy, romantic vibe.

• Attentive service and candlelit tables make it ideal for date nights or special occasions.

4. The Collins Quarter: Aussie Brunch Meets Southern Flavor

Address: 151 Bull Street (Downtown) & 621 Drayton Street (Forsyth Park)

Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (brunch), 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (dinner)

Though not traditionally Southern in origin, The Collins Quarter earns its spot on this list for creatively blending brunch culture with regional comfort dishes. You’ll find everything from short rib hash and avocado toast to shrimp and grits with a coconut curry twist.

Why people love it:

• Great for Instagram-worthy lattes and stylish ambiance.

• Dog-friendly outdoor patio at the Forsyth Park location.

• Diverse menu with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners.

Pro tip: Try the Swine Time Beni—poached eggs over pork belly and buttermilk biscuits with hollandaise. Heavenly!

5. The Grey Market: Down-Home Southern Meets New York Deli

Address: 109 Jefferson Street

Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (daily)

Created by the same team behind The Grey, The Grey Market combines a New York-style bodega with Southern soul. It’s casual, affordable, and ideal for a quick breakfast or lunch.

Must-try bites:

• The “Chatham Scramble” with eggs, pimento cheese, and bacon

• Fried bologna sandwich with pickles and Duke’s mayo

• Buttermilk biscuits served hot and flaky

Perfect for:

• A laid-back, grab-and-go Southern food fix

• Breakfast lovers who want local flavors without the fuss

6. Elizabeth on 37th: Elegant Southern Dining in a Mansion Setting

Address: 105 E 37th Street

Hours: Dinner only, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Sundays)

For a refined Southern dining experience with romantic flair, Elizabeth on 37th offers old-world elegance paired with coastal flavors. Located in a 1900s Southern mansion, this fine-dining restaurant emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients.

Dishes that dazzle:

• Georgia shrimp sautéed in sherry cream sauce

• Lowcountry she-crab soup

• House-made pecan pralines for dessert

Why it shines:

• Quiet, intimate setting—perfect for anniversaries or a fancy night out

• Friendly but polished service

• Strong wine list with Southern-inspired pairings

7. The Public Kitchen & Bar: Modern Comfort Food in the Heart of Savannah

Address: 1 W Liberty Street

Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

A modern take on American comfort classics with a Southern twist, The Public is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s casual yet sophisticated, and the menu is consistently satisfying.

Menu standouts:

• Fried chicken sandwich with jalapeño aioli

• Sweet tea-brined pork chops

• House-cut fries with truffle oil

Best for:

• Group dinners or casual date nights

• Cocktails and people-watching from the patio

8. Back in the Day Bakery: Biscuits, Pies, and Sweet Southern Nostalgia

Address: 2403 Bull Street

Hours: Friday–Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

No list of Southern comfort food would be complete without dessert. At Back in the Day Bakery, owned by national baking star Cheryl Day, you’ll find flaky buttermilk biscuits, banana pudding, coconut cream pie, and cupcakes that make grown adults weep with joy.

Insider tip:

• Arrive early—things sell out quickly.

• Don’t skip the cheddar-chive biscuit sandwich with bacon and egg if you’re there for brunch.

9. Narobia’s Grits & Gravy: Where Locals Go for the Real Deal

Address: 2019 Habersham Street

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

This low-key neighborhood spot is a true hidden gem beloved by locals. If you want to taste authentic Lowcountry cooking without tourist crowds, Narobia’s is the place.

Top dishes:

• Smothered shrimp and gravy over creamy grits

• Fried whiting fish with grits and eggs

• Salmon patties with stewed tomatoes

Why it’s a must-visit:

• No frills, just flavor.

• Prices are budget-friendly.

• Perfect place to start your day before sightseeing.

10. Cotton & Rye: Southern Cuisine with an Artisanal Edge

Address: 1801 Habersham Street

Hours: Dinner daily, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Located in a former bank building, Cotton & Rye blends craftsmanship with creativity. Known for curing its own meats and baking bread in-house, this restaurant brings an upscale spin to comfort classics.

Favorites include:

• Cheddar grits with grilled chicken thighs

• House-made pastrami sandwich

• Cast-iron cornbread with sorghum butter

Good to know:

• Menus rotate seasonally.

• Great for foodies who appreciate chef-driven dining.

Conclusion: Savor the Soul of Savannah, One Bite at a Time

Savannah isn’t just a beautiful city—it’s a culinary destination that tells its story through food. Whether you’re feasting on fried chicken at a century-old institution, indulging in elevated Southern cuisine in a historic mansion, or grabbing a flaky biscuit from a cozy bakery, every bite you take reveals a layer of this city’s soul.

From old-school charm to new-school creativity, the best restaurants in Savannah serve more than just meals—they serve memories. So pack your appetite and come hungry. This city is ready to feed you—with love, tradition, and a whole lot of butter.