Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, is a culinary paradise that beckons food enthusiasts from around the world. Its unique gastronomy blends Southern charm, coastal influences, and innovative culinary trends to create an unforgettable dining experience. From classic shrimp and grits to innovative gluten-free options, Savannah’s culinary landscape offers a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity.
Visitors can embark on guided food tours to explore local markets, taste a variety of dishes, and learn about the history and culture behind Savannah’s most beloved foods. These culinary adventures provide an immersive experience, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the city’s vibrant food scene.
The city’s diverse culinary offerings cater to every palate. Savannah’s signature dishes, hidden gems, and unique dining experiences await those eager to explore this foodie’s paradise. From casual cafes to upscale fine dining establishments, the city’s restaurants promise to tantalize taste buds and leave visitors craving more.
Discovering Savannah’s Culinary Scene
Savannah’s culinary landscape blends Southern traditions with modern innovations. The city’s food scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors, historical charm, and diverse dining experiences.
History of Southern Cuisine in Savannah
Savannah’s culinary history is deeply rooted in Southern traditions. The city’s cuisine evolved from a blend of African, European, and Native American influences. Early settlers relied on local ingredients like rice, seafood, and vegetables.
Plantation-era foods played a significant role in shaping Savannah’s gastronomy. Dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and peach cobbler became staples. The city’s coastal location contributed to the prominence of seafood in local dishes.
As Savannah grew, its culinary scene expanded. The arrival of new cultures introduced diverse flavors and cooking techniques. This fusion of influences created the unique food landscape enjoyed today.
Celebrated Establishments and Iconic Eateries
Savannah boasts numerous renowned restaurants that showcase the city’s culinary prowess. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room offers traditional Southern fare in a family-style setting. The Olde Pink House serves refined Southern cuisine in an 18th-century mansion.
Local 11ten Food & Wine impresses with its innovative dishes and upscale ambiance. For seafood lovers, Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar is a must-visit. The Grey, housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, presents modern interpretations of Southern classics.
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: Family-style Southern comfort food
• The Olde Pink House: Refined Southern cuisine in historic setting
• Local 11ten Food & Wine: Innovative upscale dining
• Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar: Fresh seafood and raw bar
• The Grey: Modern Southern fare in unique venue
Culinary Experiences: Tours and Events
Savannah offers numerous ways to explore its vibrant food scene. Food tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to taste local specialties while learning about the city’s culinary history. Popular options include Savannah Taste Experience and Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Tour.
The city hosts several food festivals throughout the year. The Savannah Food & Wine Festival celebrates local and international cuisines. The Seafood Festival showcases the region’s fresh seafood offerings.
Cooking classes at local establishments offer hands-on experiences. Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table provides interactive lessons on Southern cooking techniques. These culinary adventures allow visitors to delve deeper into Savannah’s gastronomic heritage.
The Art of Southern Cooking
Southern cooking in Savannah blends traditional flavors with fresh local ingredients. The city’s culinary scene showcases classic comfort foods alongside innovative farm-to-table creations and seafood specialties.
Savannah’s Signature Dishes
Fried chicken reigns supreme in Savannah’s kitchens. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s often served with collard greens and mac and cheese. Shrimp and grits is another local favorite, featuring plump shrimp atop creamy stone-ground grits.
Soul food restaurants offer hearty plates of oxtails, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. For a taste of history, try Hoppin’ John, a rice and pea dish with roots in slavery-era cuisine.
Savannah’s dessert scene shines with peach cobbler, pecan pie, and banana pudding. These sweet treats provide the perfect ending to any Southern meal.
Local Ingredients and Farm-to-Table Movement
Savannah’s chefs embrace locally sourced ingredients, fostering strong relationships with area farmers and producers. This farm-to-table approach ensures fresh, seasonal flavors in many restaurants.
Popular local ingredients include:
- Georgia peaches
- Vidalia onions
- Pecans
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
Farmers’ markets dot the city, offering residents and visitors access to fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams. Many restaurants proudly list their local suppliers on menus, highlighting the connection between farm and plate.
Seafood Specialties in the Lowcountry
Savannah’s coastal location provides access to an abundance of fresh seafood. Lowcountry boil, a one-pot feast of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, is a beloved local tradition.
Oysters are enjoyed raw, steamed, or baked year-round. The Savannah Seafood Shack serves up crispy fish and chips, while upscale restaurants offer elegant preparations of local catches like grouper and snapper.
Crab cakes, made with sweet blue crab meat, are a menu staple. For a unique experience, try she-crab soup, a rich, creamy bisque made with female crab roe.
Indulge in Decadent Savannah Desserts
Savannah’s sweet treats offer a delightful journey for dessert lovers. From traditional Southern confections to innovative creations, the city’s culinary scene satisfies every sweet tooth.
Pralines, Ice Creams, and Beyond
Savannah’s signature pralines are a must-try delicacy. These sweet, nutty confections melt in your mouth with a perfect blend of pecans and caramelized sugar. River Street Sweets, a local institution, crafts some of the finest pralines in the city.
Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah staple since 1919, serves up scoops of creamy goodness. Their Tutti Frutti flavor is a local favorite. For a boozy twist on dessert, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar offers decadent dessert martinis and chocolate-infused cocktails.
Peach pie, a Southern classic, showcases Georgia’s famous fruit in a flaky crust. Many local eateries feature this seasonal delight on their menus.
Dessert Shops and Bakeries
Savannah’s dessert scene extends beyond traditional sweets. Artisanal bakeries and specialty shops offer a wide array of treats. Gourmet macarons in vibrant colors and flavors tempt visitors at several patisseries throughout the historic district.
Cheesecake enthusiasts will find rich, creamy slices at various cafes and restaurants. Some establishments put a Southern spin on this classic dessert with pecan or praline toppings.
Local bakeries craft fresh cookies, cakes, and pastries daily. Many use family recipes passed down through generations, preserving Savannah’s culinary heritage.
For those seeking a cooler treat, gelato shops offer smooth, Italian-style ice cream in both traditional and innovative flavors.
Unique Dining Experiences
Savannah offers a diverse array of culinary adventures that blend Southern charm with innovative flavors. From historic settings to waterfront views, the city’s restaurants provide memorable meals in captivating environments.
Culinary Adventure and Southern Hospitality
The Grey, housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, serves up reimagined Southern cuisine. Chef Mashama Bailey’s menu showcases local ingredients with a modern twist. Diners can enjoy dishes like Country Pastor Pork or Savannah Red Rice in an art deco setting.
The Olde Pink House, set in an 18th-century mansion, offers classic Southern fare with a side of history. Guests can savor She-Crab Soup or Crispy Scored Flounder in candlelit dining rooms or the cozy tavern basement.
For a taste of Savannah’s hospitality, The Collins Quarter combines Australian café culture with Southern flavors. Their Lavender Mocha and Swine Time Benny exemplify their unique approach to brunch and coffee.
Fusion Cuisine and International Flavors
Savannah’s culinary scene embraces global influences, creating exciting fusion dishes. The Pirates’ House, a historic tavern dating back to 1753, blends seafood specialties with international touches. Their Honey Pecan Chicken and Caribbean Jerk Salmon showcase this mix.
Innovative fusion can be found at Ele and the Chef, where Asian and Southern cuisines merge. Dishes like Tempura Fried Okra and Korean BBQ Shrimp & Grits demonstrate their creative approach.
For those seeking pure international flavors, Zunzi’s offers South African-inspired sandwiches. Their “Conquistador” combines chicken, South African sausage, and special sauces for a unique taste experience.
Dining by the Waterfront
Vic’s on the River provides upscale dining with stunning views of the Savannah River. Located in a 19th-century warehouse, Vic’s serves Southern classics like Pecan-Crusted Flounder alongside innovative dishes.
The Wyld Dock Bar offers a casual waterfront experience on the Intracoastal Waterway. Diners can enjoy fresh seafood and craft cocktails while taking in marsh views and coastal breezes.
Huey’s on the River brings New Orleans flair to Savannah’s riverfront. Their beignets and Cajun-inspired dishes provide a taste of the Big Easy with a view of passing ships.
Savannah’s Top Restaurants and Eateries
Savannah’s culinary scene offers a diverse array of dining experiences, from upscale establishments to beloved local haunts. The city’s restaurants showcase Southern flavors, fresh seafood, and innovative culinary techniques.
Pioneering Fine Dining and Casual Eateries
The Grey, housed in a renovated 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, serves modern Southern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The Olde Pink House, set in an 18th-century mansion, offers refined Southern dishes in an elegant atmosphere. For a taste of coastal flavors, Vic’s on the River presents seafood specialties with stunning views of the Savannah River.
Alligator Soul provides an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring exotic meats and vegetarian options. Local 11ten impresses with its contemporary American cuisine and rooftop bar. The Collins Quarter brings Australian café culture to Savannah, offering all-day brunch and dinner options.
Local Favorites and New Discoveries
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves family-style Southern comfort food, attracting locals and tourists alike. The Pirates’ House, a historic tavern dating back to 1753, combines hearty meals with tales of Savannah’s seafaring past. For seafood enthusiasts, The Crab Shack on Tybee Island is a must-visit.
Crystal Beer Parlor, one of Savannah’s oldest restaurants, offers classic pub fare and local brews. Little Duck Diner puts a modern spin on retro diner cuisine. Wiley’s Championship BBQ satisfies barbecue cravings with its award-winning smoked meats.
New additions to the culinary scene, like the casual eatery Cotton & Rye, showcase innovative takes on Southern cuisine. These establishments contribute to Savannah’s evolving food landscape, blending tradition with contemporary tastes.
Farm-to-Table and Local Markets
Savannah’s culinary scene embraces fresh, locally sourced ingredients through farm-to-table dining and vibrant local markets. This commitment to sustainability and quality enhances the city’s food offerings.
The Influence of Farm-to-Table Practices
Farm-to-table dining has transformed Savannah’s restaurant landscape. Chefs prioritize partnerships with local farmers and producers, ensuring the freshest ingredients on diners’ plates. This approach supports the local economy and reduces environmental impact.
Many Savannah restaurants proudly showcase their farm-to-table ethos. Menus often highlight the origins of ingredients, connecting diners to the source of their food. Seasonal offerings reflect the region’s agricultural bounty, from coastal seafood to Georgia peaches.
The farm-to-table movement has also inspired creative culinary techniques. Chefs experiment with preservation methods to extend the use of local produce year-round. Pickling, fermenting, and canning allow restaurants to maintain their commitment to local ingredients even in off-seasons.
Exploring Savannah’s Local Markets
Savannah’s local markets offer a direct connection to the region’s agricultural heritage. The Forsyth Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday, brings together farmers, artisans, and food producers. Visitors can find fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and locally raised meats.
The City Market, a historic four-block open-air marketplace, features local vendors selling fresh foods and artisanal products. It’s a hub for both residents and tourists seeking authentic local flavors.
Specialty shops like Savannah Bee Company showcase locally produced honey and related products. These markets not only provide fresh ingredients but also serve as community gathering spaces, fostering connections between producers and consumers.
Savannah’s markets play a crucial role in educating the public about sustainable food practices. Many offer cooking demonstrations and workshops, helping visitors learn how to incorporate local ingredients into their own kitchens.
Savannah’s Signature Foods
Savannah’s culinary identity is shaped by its coastal location and Southern heritage. The city’s signature dishes showcase fresh seafood, creamy grits, and comforting classics that reflect its rich history and cultural influences.
Savoring the Staples: Grits, Seafood, and More
Shrimp and grits reign supreme in Savannah’s food scene. This iconic dish combines creamy stone-ground grits with succulent local shrimp, often accompanied by smoky bacon and rich gravy. Seafood lovers can indulge in crab cakes made with sweet lump crab meat, delicately seasoned and pan-fried to perfection.
Macaroni and cheese, a Southern favorite, gets a gourmet twist in Savannah’s restaurants. Chefs elevate this comfort food with artisanal cheeses and creative add-ins like lobster or truffle oil.
Fresh catches from nearby waters feature prominently on menus. Look for dishes showcasing local oysters, flounder, and grouper prepared with regional flair.
Tasting the Traditions: Biscuits, Pimento Cheese
Flaky, buttery biscuits are a breakfast staple in Savannah. Enjoy them smothered in creamy sausage gravy or paired with local honey and preserves. These Southern delights are often made from generations-old family recipes.
Pimento cheese, known as the “caviar of the South,” is a beloved spread found on many Savannah menus. This creamy mixture of sharp cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise is perfect on sandwiches or as a dip for crackers.
Traditional Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, pecan pie, and sweet tea are also must-try items. These dishes embody the city’s commitment to preserving its culinary heritage while embracing modern tastes.
