Looking for the best restaurants in Savannah’s historic district, and what to try on each menu? Here’s a list of our favorites!
Savannah, Georgia is often called the “Hostess City of the South” for its famous Southern charm and hospitality. This riverside city has a rich history, cobblestone streets, and beautiful square parks – each filled with fascinating tales of the past.
One of its most captivating areas is the Historic District, a quintessentially quaint neighborhood overflowing with that Savannah charm.
The historic homes, churches, and cute shops of this district provide a delightful blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. It casts a spell on visitors as they explore the cobblestone streets.
Savannah also has some of the best restaurants in the South, especially clustered in the Historic District. After exploring Savannah myself on a girls’ trip, I completely fell in love with it!
So I collaborated with some fellow travel blogger friends to share our favorite eateries in this magical city.
Let’s dive in and discover the best of Savannah’s dining!
Contents
BEST RESTAURANTS IN SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Collins Quarter Downtown
For brunch lovers, Collins Quarter on Bull Street is a must-visit in Savannah. Chef Anthony Debreceny opened this charming cafe after living in Savannah a few years. Collins Quarter serves modern Australian cuisine with incredible attention to detail.
I highly recommend eating outside to soak up the pleasant morning breezes. No reservation needed!
With so many tempting choices, you can’t go wrong! Go for decadent dishes like the Swine Time Beni or the Bubble and Squeak. Or try lighter options like the Coconut Chia bowl topped with fresh fruit. I ordered the Salmon Hollandaise and that creamy sauce was top-notch.
Collins Quarter offers unique coffee drinks like Thai coffee, Vietnamese coffee, and house blends in flavors like sweet taro and lavender. Their fresh squeezed juices like strawberry watermelon basil are amazing too. Or stick with traditional Southern sweet tea if you prefer.
Our attentive waiter gave us a complete rundown of the best menu items. The service matched the incredible food! He really elevated our Collins Quarter experience.
Don’t leave Savannah without visiting this gem or its sister cafe in Forsythe Park. Collins Quarter is a must for any brunch lover!
2. Treylor Park – Double Wide
For a fun Southern-inspired brunch, check out Treylor Park (Double Wide) on Bay Street. This spot puts creative twists on down-home favorites.
Reservations aren’t taken, so waits are possible at this popular eatery. But it’s worth it!
I recommend tasty dishes like Hot Chicken Waffles, the Fried Chicken Biscuit, or Avocado Smash. Feeling adventurous? Try the playful PB&J Wings or Treylor Park Nachos.
Walking in truly feels like entering a retro trailer, with checkered tiles, string lights, and a vintage movie playing.
Our server quickly offered spots-on recommendations and served up our drinks fast. We did wait a bit longer for the food, but every bite was so worth it!
With its quirky vibe and inventive Dixie dishes, Treylor Park is a one-of-a-kind brunch stop in Savannah.
3. Fox and Fig
- Recommended by Victoria from Southern Trippers
Looking for one of Savannah’s best restaurants in the Historic District? Check out Fox and Fig – a charming spot perfect for healthy, delicious plant-based eats.
The menu features a variety of incredible vegan dishes you’d never guess were meat and dairy-free.
While the chickpea stew with coconut cream is amazing, the true star is the smoky mac and cheese crafted to perfection with smoked cashew cheese. Drool!
If you want something more indulgent, go for chia porridge or gunslinger pancakes since breakfast is served all day.
And since this cute cafe doubles as one of the best coffee shops in Savannah, don’t skip the drinks menu! Sip signature espresso beverages made with locally roasted coffee from The Coffee Fox. Faves include the spiced lavender mocha and horchata latte.
Visit during off-peak times if you can since Fox and Fig is popular and doesn’t take reservations.
It’s a gem for plant-based fare and espresso in Savannah’s Historic District!
4. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
- Recommended by Alexson from Adventure Together Podcast
No visit to Savannah is complete without stopping by the legendary Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. This former boarding house still serves up home-cooked Southern meals just like owner Selma Wilkes did back in the day.
There are no reservations, so lines start early for the 11am-2pm opening to grab a spot. Using original recipes, the staff dishes out hearty classics family-style to hordes of hungry guests.
You’ll share a table for 10 with other parties and platters of food will be continuously brought out. Meals are cash only at $30 per person.
The wait can take up to an hour and you may even get rained on! But pushing through is so worth it. Once seated, the feast begins! At our table, they served up 36 dishes like fried chicken, greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, pork, biscuits and more – all family style!
This traditional Southern spread is a true Savannah experience. While tiresome for some families, the legendary charm and food at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room makes the wait totally worthwhile. Don’t miss it!
5. a.lure
- Recommended by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering
Located in Savannah’s charming Historic District, a.lure provides a unique fine dining experience. The vibe mixes contemporary and classic for a laidback yet upscale atmosphere.
The menu spotlights local seafood and prime meats with global flavor influences. The food is modern Southern cuisine with a farm-to-table approach.
A clear standout dish were the seared scallops with peas – they rivaled the best New England seafood I’ve tried! Save room for dessert too, like their twist on Southern pecan pie – the chocolate pecan pie. Yum!
a.lure also boasts an extensive wine list, craft beers, and cocktails to pair with your meal.
The service is both knowledgeable and friendly. But reservations are a must since the restaurant is quite cozy.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or festive gathering with friends, a.lure is a superb option. With mouthwatering cuisine, inviting ambiance, and top-notch service, it’s easy to see why a.lure remains one of Savannah’s finest hidden gems!
6. Little Duck Diner
- Recommended by Erin from Savannah First Timer
Looking for a fun and tasty meal in Savannah’s Historic District? Check out the retro-chic Little Duck Diner. This casual spot packs serious flavor into every dish.
Little Duck Diner nails comfort food like their famous Thai tomato soup and gourmet grilled cheeses loaded with avocado or bacon. It’s the ultimate combo on chilly days.
With Vietnamese owners, you’ll find Asian influences in dishes like the playful “Quacko Taco” and protein-packed “Duck Dynasty Bowl”.
The laid-back ambiance matches Little Duck’s friendly service. Sit outdoors amid dapper duck decor or inside the vintage diner setting. Don’t miss those signature souvenir rubber ducks in the cocktails!
Reasonable prices and scrumptious food keep Little Duck popular with tourists and locals alike. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner – no reservations needed.
With yummy bites, cool decor, and even parking below, Little Duck Diner is an ace option for fun times and great grub in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.
7. Graffito
- Recommended by Sam Opp from Find Love and Travel
For a fun and tasty dining experience in Historic Savannah, check out Graffito cafe. This hip spot serves up awesome Neapolitan-style pizza along the picturesque riverfront.
Graffito is decked out in colorful graffiti art by an Atlanta street artist, creating a relaxed, artsy vibe. Stop by for lunch or dinner – they serve up pastas, salads, and pies to please every palate.
Of course, you have to try their specialty – authentic thin-crust pizza fired in a blazing hot oven to perfection. The endless toppings let you customize your pie.
Outdoor seating affords stunning river views, perfect for enjoying Savannah’s beauty along with delicious food and drinks. And you can’t beat the friendly, prompt service.
Graffito takes pizzas seriously, and you can taste the quality. This hip cafe’s cool atmosphere and yummy bites make it a stellar option for groups or families seeking a fun, filling meal with scenery. Don’t miss it on your Savannah travels!
8. District Smokehouse
- Recommended by Eleanor from Elevate Your Travel Co
For mouthwatering BBQ with a view, check out District Smokehouse on Savannah’s scenic riverfront. This casual eatery plates up melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats and classic sides.
Dig into juicy chicken wings, pork belly, piled-high meat platters and more, plus creamy mac and cheese, tangy slaw and other craveable fixings. Wash it down with local brews or house-made root beer.
With globe string lights and waterfront seating, District Smokehouse offers stellar outdoor ambiance for enjoying smoky, saucy fare. The covered bar area and tables keep you comfy.
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and snag waterside seats with Savannah’s bustling riverwalk in sight. Then relax and let the friendly staff deliver hefty plates of Southern comfort food to your table all night.
When a BBQ craving hits, District Smokehouse can’t be beat. Their tender smoked meats and chill vibe create the perfect people-watching pitstop along Savannah’s riverside.
9. Olde Pink House
- Recommended by Sydney from A World in Reach
For an elegant taste of old Savannah, book a table at The Olde Pink House. Housed in a historic pink mansion, this refined restaurant dishes up indulgent Southern cuisine.
Savor regional specialties like crispy fried chicken and collard greens, washed down with their famous sweet “Pink Lady” cocktail. With white tablecloths and attentive service, it’s perfect for a romantic date night or celebrating a 21st birthday in style.
The Olde Pink House is located in Reynolds Square amid other impressive Georgian homes. Reservations are a must at this popular spot. If it’s booked, head down to their cozy tavern for cocktails and the same menu.
From the building’s origins as a private home in the 1700s, The Olde Pink House has embodied Savannah’s gracious past for centuries. Now visitors can experience this historic ambiance while enjoying an upscale Southern meal.
With its charming colonial mansion setting and indulgent regional dishes, The Olde Pink House offers a window into Savannah’s genteel heritage, plus fantastic food and drinks to match the surroundings.
10. The Husk
- Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise
For an unforgettable fine dining experience in Savannah, book a table at Husk. This beloved eatery led by chef Sean Brock delivers modern Southern cuisine bursting with fresh local flavor.
Housed in a historic building, Husk uses seasonal, regional ingredients to put inventive twists on traditional dishes like Shrimp and Grits and Smoked Pork Loin. The menu changes based on what’s fresh and ripe.
Everything from the impeccable service to the artful food presentations make dining at Husk feel special. Snag a table on the charming wrap-around porch if you can.
Husk first wowed diners in Charleston, earning acclaim for its culinary celebration of Southern foodways. Savannah’s location captures the same heritage in a cozy grand home environment.
With its stellar locally-sourced meals and thoughtful hospitality, it’s easy to see why reservations fill up fast. Don’t miss experiencing Husk’s mouthwatering southern flavors and inspired rustic elegance on your visit. This Savannah institution is a true standout.
Conclusion
Savannah’s Historic District serves up as much incredible food as old-world charm. From smokehouse BBQ to upscale Southern cuisine, these restaurants let you experience Savannah’s culinary soul alongside past treasures. Whether you want a romantic night out, fun brunch with friends, or a family-friendly casual meal, options abound for delicious dining with a side of history. Trust me – you can’t go wrong stopping into any of these standout eateries for mouthwatering meals in stunning settings. Let your appetite guide you to discover Savannah’s flavors and what makes this city such an exceptional foodie destination.
FAQS: BEST RESTAURANTS IN SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT
What type of cuisine is Savannah known for?
Savannah is celebrated for its Southern cuisine, featuring a delectable mix of comfort food, fresh seafood, and locally sourced produce. Some signature dishes include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, and Peach Cobbler. The city is also famous for its seafood, particularly oysters and crabs due to its proximity to the coast.
Which restaurants are renowned in Savannah?
Savannah boasts several famous restaurants, including The Olde Pink House, a colonial mansion serving Southern cuisine; Husk, known for its contemporary take on traditional Southern fare; and The Grey, a highly acclaimed restaurant housed in a restored Greyhound bus station. Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlor is another iconic establishment, serving handmade ice cream since 1919.
When should I make restaurant reservations in Savannah?
It’s advisable to make reservations for popular restaurants like The Grey or Husk, as they tend to fill up quickly. Reserving a table several weeks in advance, especially for weekends or during peak tourist seasons, ensures you have a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience in Savannah.
What is the best way to get around Savannah?
Savannah’s historic district is ideal for exploring on foot, given its walkability. The district features beautiful squares, historic homes, and charming cobblestone streets within a compact area, making it easy to navigate. Strolling through the alleys allows you to appreciate the city’s architectural beauty and rich history.
