The Ultimate Guide to Southern Food in Savannah - Best Dishes & Restaurants

1. What Makes Savannah’s Southern Cuisine So Special?

Southern food is rooted in heritage, resilience, and love—but in Savannah, it’s also shaped by coastal influence, local ingredients, and Gullah-Geechee traditions. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Seafood-Driven Flavors: Being near the Atlantic means Savannah menus are packed with fresh shrimp, oysters, and crab.

• Gullah-Geechee Influence: African-American traditions brought deep flavors, rice dishes, and one-pot meals like red rice and gumbo.

• Historic Techniques: Recipes handed down through generations are prepared with care—slow-cooked, deep-fried, or baked just right.

In short, Southern food in Savannah is where tradition meets innovation with every bite.

2. Must-Try Dishes in Savannah

a) Shrimp and Grits

A Southern staple, and perhaps the most iconic dish in Savannah. Stone-ground grits topped with fresh Georgia shrimp, often cooked with bacon, butter, and garlic for depth.

Best Places to Try:

• The Collins Quarter at Forsyth – Their brunch version comes with a unique Aussie twist.

• Vic’s on the River – Classic Lowcountry preparation with a rich, creamy base.

b) Fried Chicken

Golden, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—Southern fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food.

Best Places to Try:

• Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – This iconic family-style restaurant serves a legendary version.

• The Grey – James Beard-awarded restaurant offering a gourmet take.

c) Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)

A coastal feast of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage all boiled together with a heavy dose of seasoning.

Best Place to Try:

• The Crab Shack (Tybee Island) – Rustic seafood heaven with picnic tables and paper napkins.

d) Southern Biscuits with Gravy

Flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy—best enjoyed at breakfast or brunch.

Top Spot:

• Goose Feathers Café – Known for hearty breakfasts and flaky, made-from-scratch biscuits.

e) Pecan Pie & Other Desserts

No Southern meal is complete without dessert. Try pecan pie, peach cobbler, or banana pudding for a sweet finish.

Where to Go:

• Back in the Day Bakery – Award-winning pies, cobblers, and old-fashioned sweets.

• Leopold’s Ice Cream – Not dessert, but Savannah’s most iconic sweet spot since 1919.

3. Best Southern Restaurants in Savannah (Tried & True Favorites)

1. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room

Why go: It’s practically a rite of passage. Only open for lunch, this place serves communal meals with dozens of Southern classics. Expect lines—it’s worth it.

Dish to Try: Everything. Literally.

2. The Grey

Why go: Housed in a restored Greyhound station, this upscale restaurant reimagines Southern dishes under Chef Mashama Bailey’s expert hands.

Dish to Try: Country Captain (curried chicken stew) or Duck Pastrami.

3. Elizabeth on 37th

Why go: Located in a Southern mansion, this fine-dining spot serves elegant interpretations of local classics with fresh herbs and seasonal produce.

Dish to Try: Savannah Red Rice and Georgia Quail.

4. The Olde Pink House

Why go: Historic setting, ghost stories, and Southern elegance. A must for history and food lovers.

Dish to Try: Fried pork chops with sweet potato pancakes.

5. The Collins Quarter

Why go: Brunch haven mixing Southern and Australian influences. Lively, modern, and perfect for food photos.

Dish to Try: Crab cake Benedict or Southern Breakfast Bowl.

6. Crystal Beer Parlor

Why go: Savannah’s oldest restaurant. Casual but packed with charm and flavor.

Dish to Try: Shrimp burger or She Crab Soup.

4. Where to Find Soul Food in Savannah

Soul food and Southern cuisine are close cousins, and Savannah does both beautifully.

Notable Soul Food Spots:

• Geneva’s Famous Chicken & Cornbread Co. – Incredible turkey wings and soulful sides like mac and cheese.

• Narobia’s Grits & Gravy – Hidden gem for hearty breakfasts and affordable comfort food.

• Sisters of the New South – Best for collard greens, smothered pork chops, and sweet tea.

5. Gullah-Geechee Cuisine: A Cultural Taste of Coastal Georgia

The Gullah-Geechee people have preserved African-influenced culinary traditions for centuries, especially in the Lowcountry.

Dishes to Explore:

• Red Rice – Tomato-rich rice dish with sausage, shrimp, or bacon.

• Okra Gumbo – Slow-cooked stew with okra, seafood, and spices.

• Hoppin’ John – Black-eyed peas with rice and pork—traditional for New Year’s good luck.

Where to Go:

• Geechie Rootz (pop-ups and events) and local festivals like the Savannah Black Heritage Festival often feature Gullah flavors.

6. Southern Food Tours in Savannah: Taste It All!

If you want to experience a curated culinary journey, try a guided food tour. You’ll sample dishes, meet local chefs, and learn the history behind Savannah’s cuisine.

Top Food Tours to Consider:

• Savannah Taste Experience – First Squares Food Tour
  Covers 6 restaurants over 3 hours, blending history with bites.

• Southern Flavors Savannah
  Includes soul food tastings, desserts, and drinks.

• Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Tour
  Great for first-timers and groups looking for an intro to Southern dishes.

7. Savannah’s Farmers Markets & Local Food Events

Forsyth Farmers’ Market (Every Saturday)

Perfect for tasting local honey, handmade jams, Southern greens, and fresh produce.

Savannah Food & Wine Festival (Every November)

A must-attend if you’re visiting in fall. Features food tastings, cooking demos, and wine pairings from Savannah’s top chefs.

Lowcountry Oyster Roasts

Usually held during cooler months—great way to mingle with locals and enjoy fresh oysters by the fire.

Conclusion: Your Culinary Journey Awaits

Savannah is one of the South’s most flavorful destinations, offering a rich blend of heritage, community, and mouthwatering food. From crispy fried chicken at a historic inn to soulful Gullah-Geechee dishes by the coast, every meal tells a story.

Whether you're a curious foodie or a longtime Southern cuisine lover, Savannah will capture your heart—and your taste buds. Pack your appetite and explore one plate at a time. Bon appétit, y’all!