Savannah is known for many things like its historical sites, scenic streets, art and culture. But one thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is its food. I have been leading tours in Savannah for over 16 years. I have walked every square, told every story, and eaten at more tables in this city than I can count. People ask me all the time: where should I eat? Or what’s the best local spot? And I always give them the same answer. Not a list of whatever opened last month but rather the places I actually go to.
When you are visiting Savannah, you only have so many meals on a trip, and every one of them should count. So slow down and enjoy the long scrumptious dinners (oh sorry, that’s what we call a lunch) at a leisurely pace. And for supper, head to one of many riverfront restaurants Savannah has to offer.
So let’s explore some of the must-try restaurants in Savannah.
Rise and Shine, Savannah Style @ Two Cracked Eggs
When visitors ask me, “where do locals eat breakfast in Savannah?” My first recommendation is always Two Cracked Eggs. Two Cracked Eggs is where locals start their mornings. Two locations, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu full of properly made Southern breakfast. But the one thing you must order is the cat head biscuit. It is the size of your fist, made from scratch, and it is exactly as good as it sounds. Come early, especially from spring through summer, or expect to wait. You will not regret it either way.
Best suited for: Everyone. Families, solo visitors, first-timers and regulars alike. Affordable, with portions that prepare you for a full day of exploring. Expect longer waits from March through August.
Eat like the Locals @ The Olde Pink House
Set inside an 18th-century mansion on Reynolds Square, The Olde Pink House is the restaurant Savannah built its reputation around. If you are asking, where do the locals eat seafood in Savannah, GA, this is one of two answers. The other is just below.
Their shrimp and grits have taken top honors in the city more than once. The crispy scored flounder and crab stuffed grouper are what regulars come back for. But before any of that, order the BLT Salad. Just trust me on that one.
Best suited for: Couples, first-time visitors, seafood lovers. Upscale and worth every dollar. Book ahead, especially in spring and summer.
Dine with Strangers @ Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
If I had to pick one place in Savannah that every single person must experience, it is Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Over 80 years old and still the best seat at any midday table in the South.
You sit at a communal table with strangers. Around 20 bowls of rotating Southern sides arrive: collard greens, candied yams, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato souffle, cornbread, and more. The menu changes daily. The fried chicken does not. It is, without question, the best fried chicken in Savannah. Most people who try it say it is the best they have had anywhere on earth.
No reservations. The line forms before the doors open. It moves steadily. Mrs. Wilkes is only open for the midday meal, and that is exactly as it should be.
Best suited for: First-time visitors, groups, solo diners, anyone who wants to understand what Southern cooking actually means. Very reasonable for the volume and quality on the table. Lines are longest in spring and summer.
For the deeper story on what you are actually eating and where these dishes come from, read our companion guide to Savannah’s Famous Foods.
Vic’s on the River for Sea Food Lovers
For the best crab cakes in Savannah, head to Vic’s on the River. Set in a 19th-century cotton warehouse on the riverfront, the views alone are worth the reservation. The pan seared sea scallops are what regulars order without looking at anything else on the menu.
When you go, ask to see the map. There is a 160-year-old piece of hand-drawn Civil War history preserved on a wall inside. That is Savannah. History is not behind glass in a museum here. It is in the walls of the places you eat.
For more stories like that, come walk the city with me.
Best suited for: Seafood lovers, anyone wanting a riverfront view with their supper. Upscale. Reservations recommended, especially during summer.
Savannah’s Best Brunch Spot @ The Collins Quarter
Not every great meal in Savannah is a sit-down Southern spread. The Collins Quarter on Bull Street is where locals go for brunch and coffee done properly. The lavender latte has its own reputation. The eggs benedict and French toast are worth the line that forms outside. Come for coffee, stay for the food, and do not skip dessert.
Best suited for: Brunch crowd, coffee lovers, visitors who want something a little different from traditional Southern fare. Mid-range price point.
@anthonykatiekay This biscuit sandwich + that shady patio = your new weekend brunch routine in Savannah GA. Sixby is a must. #savannahrestaurants #savannahrestaurant #savannahfoodie #savannahfoodscene #savannnahga #savannahbrunch #savannahitinerary #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound – Katie Kay
The Last Stop of Every Great Day in Savannah
Every restaurant on this list has dessert. Skip it. Walk to Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street instead. Open since 1919. Twenty-four flavors. A butterfat content higher than anything you have tried before. The Butter Pecan and the Savannah Socialite are the ones to order. Serious chocolate lovers should ask for a milkshake Savannah Dan style. Affordable, and worth every minute of the summer queue outside the door.
Where Locals Eat vs. Where Tourists End Up
The restaurants on this list are not hidden. They are well known because they have earned it. What separates them from the tourist trap is reliability. These kitchens cook the same way in January as they do in July.
The spots along River Street with the big outdoor menus are fine for a drink and some people-watching. But if you want to eat the way Savannah actually eats, the places in this guide are where you go.
Spring and summer bring the longest lines, particularly at Mrs. Wilkes and Leopold’s. Fall and winter are quieter, the pace slows down, and the same great food is served to a smaller, more relaxed crowd. For what to expect from Savannah’s seasons, check out our Savannah weather guide.
Final Thoughts
A great meal in Savannah is not hard to find if you know where to look. The restaurants in this guide have stood the test of time. They have earned loyalty from the people who live here and the return visits of people who came once and booked a flight back.When you are ready to see the city that produced all of this, come take a tour with me. I will show you Savannah the way it was meant to be seen.
