Savannah is a city that takes food seriously. And dinner here can be genuinely great if you know where to go.
I've put together this guide to help you skip the guesswork. Inside, you'll find the best dinner spots in Savannah GA broken down by cuisine, occasion, location, and budget.
Whether you want fine dining, a casual family meal, or the freshest seafood in the South, this blog covers it all.
Thousands of visitors eat in Savannah every year. These are the spots that actually deliver.
Best Dinner Spots in Savannah, GA
The dining scene here covers a lot of ground. You can sit down to a formal Southern meal in a building over 200 years old.
You can grab smoked BBQ at a spot locals have loved for decades. Or order fresh Georgia shrimp right along the river.
This guide covers the best dinner spots in Savannah GA across every category. Fine dining, casual eats, by cuisine, and by location. Everything you need to plan a great meal in one of the South's most loved cities.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Savannah GA
Savannah has some of the best dinner spots in the South. The list below is ranked from the most celebrated and special-occasion worthy down to the best casual and value picks.
1. The Grey Best Overall Fine Dining
Price range: $80 and up per person. Reservations required.
The Grey is the top dinner pick in Savannah, full stop.
It sits inside a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The building alone is worth a visit. The food is even better.
Chef Mashama Bailey, a multiple James Beard Award winner including Outstanding Chef in 2022, has put Savannah on the national map with her Georgia coastal cuisine. The menu changes with the seasons.
Dishes are rich, well-crafted, and full of Southern flavor. Expect grits, smoked fish, and creative small plates.
The kitchen even starts guests with boiled peanuts, a classic Georgia touch that sets the tone. Book well in advance, especially on weekends.
2. Elizabeth's on 37th Best for a Gracious, Old Savannah Experience
Price range: $125 per person prix fixe, with optional wine pairings. Reservations required.
Set inside a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion at 105 East 37th Street, about a mile south of the Historic District. Plan to drive or use a rideshare.
Chef Elizabeth Terry won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast in 1995, and the kitchen still reflects that standard.
The prix fixe menu features pecan-crusted redfish, rich crab bisque, and shortcake that can easily feed two. The menu changes little from year to year. That consistency is the point. Dress the part.
3. Common Thread Best for Seasonal, Farm-Focused Cooking
Price range: $60 to $90 per person. Reservations required.
Located near Forsyth Park on Whitaker Street, this chef-driven spot runs a focused menu built around what local farms bring in each week.
Dishes are creative but not over-complicated. It's also one of the strongest vegetarian options in the city, with dedicated plant-forward plates that change each season.
The tasting menu is popular with food lovers. The space seats around 40 guests, so tables fill fast.
4. Alligator Soul Best for an Intimate Fine-Dining Night
Price range: $50 to $70 per person. Reservations recommended.
Tucked into a brick basement at 114 Barnard Street in the Historic District, Alligator Soul has a dim, cozy atmosphere that works well for a quiet grown-up dinner.
The menu is known for bold flavors and creative Southern dishes. Alligator tenderloin, duck, venison, and fresh Gulf seafood are regulars.
The wine list is solid. Note that the entrance involves steep stairs, so worth knowing if anyone in your group has mobility concerns.
5. Husk Savannah Best for Locally Sourced Southern Food
Price range: $40 to $60 per person. Reservations recommended.
Husk sits in a beautiful historic building on West Oglethorpe Avenue. The kitchen sources ingredients from the Southeast and changes the menu often based on what's fresh.
Think cast iron cornbread, pork belly, and seasonal vegetables. The kitchen works well with vegetarian requests, so ask your server when you sit down.
The cocktail list is strong, and a mint julep pairs well with almost anything on the menu.
6. Local 11ten Best for Rooftop Views and Creative Plates
Price range: $45 to $65 per person. Reservations recommended.
Located at 1110 Bull Street in the Starland District, this spot is best known for its rooftop terrace with views over downtown Savannah at sunset.
Chef Jake Rogers builds the menu around local, seasonal ingredients. The charred squash soup and lamb skewer with chermoula are standouts. The cocktail list is worth exploring.
Note that Savannah summers make rooftop seating uncomfortable from June through August. The inside dining room is a good backup.
7. The Olde Pink House Best for Classic Savannah History and Atmosphere
Price range: $35 to $55 per person. Walk-ins accepted; reservations recommended.
The building on Reynolds Square dates back to 1771. Dining here feels like stepping into Savannah's past. The menu focuses on traditional Southern food done right.
Low Country shrimp, she-crab soup, and pecan-crusted chicken are crowd favorites. The downstairs tavern is a popular lower-key option at a lower price point.
Reservations are a good idea, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
8. Vic's on the River Best for Riverfront Views and Family Dinners
Price range: $35 to $55 per person. Reservations recommended for large groups.
This restaurant sits right along the river at 26 East Bay Street in a historic warehouse space with exposed brick and high ceilings. The menu features Southern and Low Country dishes.
Shrimp and grits in a rosemary BBQ sauce, fried green tomatoes with smoked cheddar grits, and pecan pie are strong choices.
For another riverfront pick, Coastal 15 inside the Bohemian Hotel at 102 West Bay Street serves a Georgia-style gumbo and opens its doors wide to the river breeze.
9. Cotton and Rye Best for Honest Southern Comfort Food
Price range: $25 to $40 per person. Walk-ins are usually accepted.
Located on Whitaker Street near the Starland District, this restaurant has a warm, neighborhood feel.
The fried chicken sandwich, smoked pork ribs, and house-made biscuits are the things to order.
The cocktails are creative and reasonably priced. Portions are generous and prices are fair. Locals love it for a reason.
Best Places for Dinner in Savannah by Cuisine
Savannah has a strong dining scene across many different types of food.
Best Southern Restaurants in Savannah
Southern food is the backbone of Savannah's restaurant scene.
The Olde Pink House, Husk, and Cotton and Rye all serve classic Southern food at a high level. You'll find she-crab soup, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and cornbread at most of these spots.
Southern cooking in Savannah tends to be rich and filling, with many restaurants putting a modern spin on old recipes. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on West Jones Street is also worth mentioning.
Open since 1943, it serves lunch at long communal tables where bowls of fried chicken, yams, collard greens, and hot water cornbread are passed family-style at $35 per person. Lunch only, but it is a Savannah institution.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Savannah
Fresh seafood is easy to find in Savannah thanks to its coastal location. Georgia's proximity to the coast means the seafood here is fresh and plentiful.
The Darling Oyster Bar is a top pick, housed in a restored 130-year-old building near Franklin Square and known for roasted oysters in garlic butter and a Low Country lobster roll.
Shrimp, crab, flounder, and oysters show up across many menus. Low Country boil, made with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, is also popular in this area.
Best Steakhouse in Savannah
A good steakhouse is easy to find in downtown Savannah.
Savannah Chop House on East Bay Street is the go-to option for steak lovers. The dry-aged cuts are high quality, the portions are large, and the bone-in ribeye is the thing to order.
Expect to spend $60 to $90 per person for a full steakhouse dinner.
Best Italian Restaurants in Savannah
Italian food in Savannah ranges from casual pizza spots to sit-down pasta restaurants.
Vinnie Van Go-Go's in the City Market area is the local go-to for New York-style pizza by the slice. Cash only, so plan ahead.
For a sit-down Italian dinner, Leoci's Trattoria on Whitaker Street is a popular pick with a warm atmosphere, a solid pasta menu, and wood-fired dishes that work well for groups.
Expect to spend $30 to $50 per person at Leoci's.
Best BBQ Restaurants in Savannah
Savannah has solid spots if you're craving slow-smoked BBQ.
Angel's BBQ on Montgomery Street is the top active pick. It is a small, no-frills spot that locals love. Portions are big and prices are low, with most plates under $15.
BBQ in Savannah tends to lean toward the Carolina style with vinegar-based sauces.
Wiley's Championship BBQ on Whitemarsh Island is worth the short drive if you want a second option, backed by multiple competition wins.
Best Restaurants for International Cuisine
Savannah also has some solid options for international food beyond Southern cooking.
Zunzi's on York Street is a local institution with South African, Swiss, Italian, and Dutch roots. The Conquistador chicken sandwich on a fresh French roll with their signature sauce is the thing to order.
Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant on Montgomery Street is popular for Cuban food and has loyal regulars. The city has also grown its Thai, Mexican, and Japanese options in recent years.
Best Dinner in Savannah GA for Every Occasion
No matter what you're celebrating or who you're dining with, Savannah has the right spot.
Romantic and Special Occasion Dinners
Savannah sets the mood on its own. The restaurants take it further.
Alligator Soul and Common Thread both have intimate settings that work well for a date night, with low lighting, thoughtful menus, and attentive service.
The Grey is the top pick for a truly special evening. Elizabeth's on 37th adds a Victorian mansion setting that makes any occasion feel more meaningful.
All four require a reservation and business casual dress at minimum. Book as far ahead as possible.
Casual and Family-Friendly Dinners
Not every dinner needs to be formal, and Savannah has solid options for laid-back nights.
Cotton and Rye is a great pick for families who want comfort food without any fuss. Vic's on the
River has a broad menu and river views that work for all ages.
Vinnie Van Go-Go's is a fun, lively spot for pizza and kids tend to love the City Market area around it. Angel's BBQ is perfect for something quick and filling.
Group Dinners and Celebrations
Dining with a big group in Savannah is easy with a little planning.
Vic's on the River handles large parties well. Local 11ten has strong capacity, especially on the rooftop terrace.
The Grey and Husk can both accommodate groups with advance reservations and sometimes offer private dining areas.
Call ahead when dining with six or more people. Most restaurants appreciate at least 48 hours notice for larger parties.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Savannah by Location
Knowing where restaurants are helps you plan your evening around the rest of your trip.
Best Dinner in the Historic District
The Historic District is the heart of Savannah's dining scene. Most of the top restaurants in this guide are located in or near the Historic District, which covers the area between the river and Forsyth Park.
Broughton Street is lined with restaurants from one end to the other and is a great place to start.
The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square, Husk on West Oglethorpe Avenue, and Alligator Soul on Barnard Street are all within easy walking distance of the main squares.
Most downtown hotels put you within a ten-minute walk of most of these spots.
Best Dinner Near River Street
River Street is lively at night with several solid dinner options.
Vic's on the River at 26 East Bay Street is the standout. Coastal 15 inside the Bohemian Hotel at 102 West Bay Street is another good pick with a direct view of the water.
The area also has a mix of casual bars and restaurants if you want to keep the night going after dinner.
Best Dinner Near City Market
City Market is a lively hub with good food options nearby.
The Darling Oyster Bar at Franklin Square is a short walk and a great option for seafood. Vinnie Van Go-Go's is right in the market area.
You'll find a mix of casual and mid-range dinner spots here, and the area is active at night with live music from nearby bars.
Best Dinner in the Starland District
The Starland District has a creative, local feel with some great dinner spots.
This neighborhood runs along Whitaker Street roughly from 39th Street south to 41st Street. It's about a mile south of the Historic District, so a rideshare or a 20-minute walk gets you there.
Local 11ten on Bull Street is the standout dinner option. Cotton and Rye on Whitaker Street is also in this area. It's a good choice if you want to eat somewhere off the tourist path.
Best Dinner Near Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is surrounded by great dinner options for a post-walk meal. The park runs along Whitaker Street between Gaston and Park Avenue.
Common Thread is less than a five-minute walk from the park's north entrance and is the top nearby pick. Elizabeth's on 37th is a short drive further south on 37th Street.
What to Order at Savannah's Best Dinner Restaurants
Knowing what to order helps you get the most out of your dinner experience in Savannah.
Southern Dishes to Try
She-crab soup is a Savannah staple and a great place to start. Shrimp and grits show up on almost every menu and are worth ordering more than once.
Fried chicken and biscuits are done well across the city.
Low Country boil, made with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, is a classic worth trying if you see it on the menu. Boiled peanuts are a true Georgia tradition.
A few restaurants serve them as a free starter, so try them if you get the chance.
Best Seafood to Order
Georgia shrimp are sweet, fresh, and hard to beat. Crab cakes are a popular choice at most upscale spots.
Flounder shows up grilled or pan-seared on many menus. Oysters on the half shell make a solid starter. Ask your server what came in fresh that day before you decide.
Desserts and Drinks
Banana pudding and peach cobbler are the Southern dessert picks to go for. Pecan pie is another solid option at most spots. Leopold's Ice Cream on East Broughton Street has been a
Savannah institution since 1919 and is worth the stop after dinner. Butter pecan is the local favorite.
For drinks, look for bourbon-based cocktails with Southern flavors like peach and honey. Sweet tea is always on the menu if you want something non-alcoholic.
Tips for Choosing the Best Dinner in Savannah GA
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to dining well in Savannah.
- Book ahead. Most top restaurants use OpenTable or Resy. Elizabeth's on 37th, The Grey, and Common Thread often book out two weeks or more on weekends. Aim to reserve at least a week ahead during spring and fall when the city is busiest.
- Walk-ins are fine at casual spots. Cotton and Rye, Angel's BBQ, and Vinnie Van Go-Go's usually have room. Do not count on it at fine dining spots.
- Check the dress code. Elizabeth's on 37th and The Grey expect neat, business casual attire. Common Thread and Alligator Soul are smart casual. Cotton and Rye and Angel's BBQ have no dress code at all.
- Check dining hours. Many fine dining spots stop taking reservations by 9 pm. Look up hours in advance, especially on weeknights.
- Plan your parking. The Historic District and River Street can be tough on busy nights. The Bryan Street Garage and Whitaker Street Garage are the most useful downtown options. If your hotel is downtown, walking to dinner is almost always easier than driving.
- Consider a food tour. The Savannah Taste Experience Food Tour covers well-known spots and hidden gems across the Historic District and Eastside neighborhoods over about three hours. A great option if you want to sample a wide range of restaurants in a short time.
Conclusion
Savannah is one of those cities that stays with you. The food is a big reason why. Every meal here feels like a moment worth slowing down for.
If I had to pick one dinner in Savannah GA to start with, The Grey is the answer. Now it's your turn. Drop your favorite Savannah restaurant in the comments. I'd love to hear where you ate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah GA a good city for vegetarians eating out at dinner?
Yes. Common Thread near Forsyth Park has dedicated plant-forward plates that change each season. Husk is also good about working with vegetarian requests.
What is the average cost of dinner in Savannah GA?
Casual spots like Angel's BBQ and Cotton and Rye run around $15 to $40 per person. Mid-range restaurants like Vic's on the River and Husk land around $35 to $60 per person. Fine dining like The Grey runs $80 and up. Elizabeth's on 37th is $125 per person for the prix fixe, not including drinks.
Do Savannah restaurants accept walk-ins or is a reservation always needed?
Casual spots usually take walk-ins. Fine dining restaurants strongly prefer reservations. Elizabeth's on 37th, The Grey, and Common Thread often book out a week or more on weekends.
Is it safe to walk to dinner in downtown Savannah at night?
Yes. The Historic District is generally safe and well-lit. Stick to the main squares and busy streets like Broughton and Bay and you will be fine.
What is the best area to stay in Savannah if dining is a priority?
The Historic District gives you walking access to most of the restaurants in this guide. A hotel near Forsyth Park puts you close to Common Thread and within a short walk of the main squares.
