If you've spent any time in the South, you know how closely tied soul food is with the food culture of Savannah. The city's thriving food scene embraces both authentic methods of cooking as well as new, upscale takes on flavors synonymous with the South. With so many restaurants & bars scattered through the historic streets, choosing a place to eat can seem daunting. That's why we compiled a list of the best places to eat Southern food in Savannah.
1. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Photo courtesy of trolleytours.com.
Coming in #1 as a true Savannah staple: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Doors open at 11am sharp on 107 W. Jones Street, one of Savannah’s prettiest moss-dripped streets. Yes, as you may have heard, you will have to wait in line to get into this restaurant. But, we promise that all good things (and fried chicken) come to those who wait. Experience true Southern hospitality in food form while passing plates to one another, Thanksgiving style, at one of their large tables for 10. This family-style meal will have you thinking about Southern Soul Food for days to come.
Dress: Casual
Price: Lunch runs $25 per person and half off for kids under 10.
Info: Ditch the credit card, as this is a cash-only establishment.
Nearby Rentals: Wilkes Pied-a-terre, Wilkes House, Wilkes Three
2. Sisters of the New South
Photo courtesy of connectsavannah.com.
Three words: Real. Southern. Cooking. Sisters of the New South specializes in just that. They are your one-stop-shop for all things southern, dishing up everything from breakfast to fried chicken to a peach cobbler recipe noted in The Culture Trip’s “Top Ten Places to get Peach Cobbler in Georgia.” Hosting a family gathering? Let them cater your event or pick up one of their ready-made pans to bring home.
Dress: Casual
Price: Meals run from $5-10
Info: Eat-in or Takeout
Nearby Rentals: Eleven.twelve, Drayton Place, Parkside Cottage
3. Soho South Cafe
Photo courtesy of sohosouthcafe.com.
Locally known as Savannah’s famous weekly business lunch spot but especially for Sunday brunch! Originally an automotive service station, the beautifully renovated space holds as one of downtown’s restaurants and event venues. The atmosphere is “quirky New York” meets “simply Southern” and is perfect for a casual dining experience or an elevated brunch spot for a girls’ trip. Rent out the entire venue for your next birthday celebration, family gathering, anniversary, or corporate event.
Dress: Casual to business casual.
Price: Meals run around $10-15
Nearby Rentals: Liberty Blue, Gimme Liberty!, Mansion on Madison
4. Olde Pink House Restaurant & Tavern
Photo courtesy of savannahnow.com.
The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah’s most popular restaurants and our favorite for Lowcountry cuisine. Dine in the sophisticated and historic setting of an 18th-century mansion, a national landmark, for either lunch or dinner. Or take things back 200 years and pay a visit to Planter’s Tavern for an evening of candlelit dinner & cocktails in the cellar of the Olde Pink House.
Dress: Dressy casual to semi-formal.
Price: Meals run from $20-50+
Info: Live music nightly. Reservations recommended.
Nearby Rentals: Bay Street Loft, The Metropolitan, Luxe Eleven
5. Alligator Soul
Photo courtesy of Frank DiBona.
Located underground in what was once a grain warehouse, Alligator Soul boasts an elegant downtown dining experience with a focus on local, organic, farm to table meals that emphasize Southern flavors. If you are looking for a true Southern cuisine experience, you are sure to find it here.
Dress: Dressy casual
Price: Meals run from $20-50+
Info: Reservations recommended.
Nearby Rentals: Savannah Skyline, Telfair Loft, Broughton Central
6. The Grey
Photo courtesy of eater.com.
Formerly a Greyhound Bus Terminal built in 1938, The Grey is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Offering a personal take on Southern food from James Beard Award recipient Mashama Bailey, patrons can expect dishes that are layered, Southern, and soulful. While creating an experience focused on old-world hospitality, The Grey is Southern cuisine done right. On the go? Check out their newest addition: The Grey Market.
Dress: Dressy casual to semi-formal.
Price: Meals run from $15-30+
Info: Reservations recommended.
Nearby Rentals: Windrose Apartment Hotel, The Monty