Which Famous Restaurants in Savannah, GA, Are Worth Visiting?

You'll be able to experience a lot of cool things that Savannah is known for when you visit this beautiful southern city, including its manicured squares, historic homes, and haunted hotels. However, there is something else Savannah is famous for that you absolutely can't miss the chance to experience when you visit on a vacation — the city's fabulous dining scene!

Famous Savannah Restaurants Worth the Hype

From classic Southern restaurants and upscale dining establishments to trendy brunch spots and historic beer halls — these are the most popular restaurants in the Savannah Historic District that are definitely worth grabbing a table at during your trip.

1. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

If you want to enjoy some authentic, non-fussy Southern cuisine while in Savannah, you must visit Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. This famous restaurant was constructed in the 1870s on Jones Street and was run as a boarding house for several years. However, it has been a family-style dining room since 1943. Today, you can still pass Southern favorites around the table between family and friends for a memorable dining experience in Savannah.

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room makes Southern staples like fried chicken, cornbread dressing, gumbo, fried okra, and baked beans. However, their seasonal menu is always subject to change. They also don't take reservations or take-out orders, so you'll need to arrive early (especially on the weekends). Oh, and this restaurant is cash only, so remember to stop by the ATM before your hearty meal!

2. The Olde Pink House

Suppose you're looking for the perfect blend of fine dining and history for a romantic date night or celebratory occasion. In that case, you have to visit The Olde Pink House — one of the most famous restaurants in the Savannah Historic District, located just south of River Street next to Reynolds Square. This historic house was built in the 1780s and has been operating as a restaurant since the 1970s. Their menu focuses on quintessential Southern food with an elegant flair, including she-crab soup, blackened oysters, pecan-crusted chicken, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes.

However, what makes The Olde Pink House one of the best restaurants in Savannah is the ambiance. You'll be seated at a table in one of the rooms of the historic home, adorned with classic artwork and furniture that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. You can even make reservations at Planters Tavern, a one-table wine vault in this popular establishment, for special occasions. If there is one restaurant to check out while you're in Savannah — it’s this one!

3. The Collins Quarter

When it comes to breakfast and brunch in Savannah, The Collins Quarter is easily one of the most famous restaurants. This restaurant was modeled after the foodie scene in Melbourne, Australia, and has two establishments located downtown — one in Forsyth Park and the other on Bull Street.

Fresh, innovative breakfast foods, specialty coffee, and boozy breakfast beverages are at the heart of the menu at this Savannah restaurant. Some favorites include the Bananas Foster French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and Shakshuka — an Israeli dish made with stone-ground grits, sausage, peppers, poached eggs, crumbled feta, and pita bread. If you're in a rush, the location in the park offers a "grab and go" all-day bakery where you can get some coffee and pastries to-go before exploring Savannah!

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4. Alligator Soul Restaurant

Alligator Soul Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah's Historic District. Like many other famous restaurants in Savannah, Alligator Soul serves Southern specialties, but this time, with a Cajun twist. You'll find items like Alligator Boudin Fritters, Brunswick Stew, and New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp on the menu, as well as several cocktails and types of wine.

This restaurant offers more than just a good meal — the atmosphere is really unique as well. Formerly a grain warehouse built in 1885, the entire restaurant is located underground and gives off a romantic, elegant vibe. The restaurant opened in 2003 and is locally owned by Chef Hilary and Maureen Craig.

5. The Grey

The Grey is one of the newer restaurants in Savannah, but it is quickly earning a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Savannah. Located in a renovated 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, the atmosphere at this restaurant is low-key, while the Southern food itself is elevated and upscale.

After honing her culinary skills for many years in New York City, local Savannah Chef Mashama Bailey brought her exceptional talents and scrumptious recipes to Savannah, where she opened The Grey. Her outstanding work earned her the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast Award in 2019. Chef Bailey continues to delight guests with her seasonally inspired, regionally sourced dishes at The Grey. Additionally, her culinary journey and unique approach to cooking were highlighted in an episode of Netflix's "Chef's Table," further cementing her status as a distinguished and influential chef in the culinary world.

6. Husk Savannah

Husk Savannah is one of the best restaurants in Savannah that actually got its start in the neighboring city of Charleston, South Carolina. However, due to its popularity and commitment to elevated southern classics, it's hard not to mention Husk on a list of the most famous restaurants in Savannah!

Husk offers a rotating menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, and you can read about all their suppliers on their website. However, you can always expect to find a section of the menu dedicated to oysters, caviar, and raw seafood, as well as appetizers, main courses, and sides. Husk books out far in advance, so grab your reservations at least a month or two before your trip to Savannah!

7. Crystal Beer Parlor

Are you looking for something more casual than the other restaurants on this list? If so, plan to visit the Crystal Beer Parlor. This establishment has a rich and storied history — before it was Crystal Beer Parlor, it was a grocery store and a speakeasy. Crystal Beer Parlor is rumored to be one of the first dining establishments to serve alcohol after the repeal of Prohibition.

On the bar menu at this casual restaurant, you'll find all the comfort food you'd expect, including wings and pretzels. However, this restaurant serves much more than bar food. You'll also find delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and seafood on the menu. They also serve plenty of draft beer, wine, and cocktails and pride themselves on their collection of rare beers.

Stay with South Key Management to be Near These Popular Restaurants in Savannah

Planning a trip to Savannah soon? We hope you're hungry — and ready to experience some of the best dining experiences of your life at these popular restaurants in Savannah!

If you're still looking for somewhere to stay, we'd love to host you in one of our charming vacation rentals in the heart of Savannah's Historic District. Not only are these rentals in a great location to explore all of the best attractions in Savannah, but they're also within walking distance of many of these popular restaurants — so you can enjoy dining at as many of them as possible!