Savannah, Georgia remains high on many travelers’ bucket list. The one time capital of Georgia is full of gorgeous buildings. The charming town has found a way to add modern touches while preserving the city’s rich history.
The dining scene of Savannah has evolved to include upscale restaurants, featuring well trained chefs. Here’s where to find the best dining in Savannah.
Table of Contents
1.Kitchen 320 in Savannah, GA inside the Tryp hotel
Kitchen 320 is located in the Tryp Savannah hotel. Besides outstanding dishes, Kitchen 320 is where to go if you desire a well made cocktail. The bar, features fresh herbs and house made syrups. A Shrimp Salad and Vidalia Onion Tart are made with items sourced locally. My favorite dish I had was the Crab Cake – lump crab that sits atop a creamy grit cake. A Skirt Steak pays homage to southern roots with lovely okra draped across the plate.
Read more details about Kitchen 320 in Savannah here
Visiting Savannah? Check out my 7 reasons to stay at the Tryp Hotel in Savannah
2. The Collins Quarter restaurant in Savannah (locations in the Historic district and Forsyth Park
The Collins Quarter – Hopefully your stay in Savannah includes Brunch. And you must head to The Collins Quarter for their fun and festive brunch. On Sundays, when the clock strived 12:30 they go a bit wild with bells ringing signaling time for booze. But you’ll still want to have their signature coffee drink, the Lavender Mocha (best coffee of my life!), before the Bloody Marys begin flowing. We loved the Swine Time Beni, pictured below, (Brioche French Toast topped with pulled pork) and the Short Rib hash.
3. Husk restaurant Savannah
If there is a perfect restaurant for your first night in Savannah, I believe Husk is it. They took a former mansion and transformed it into the beautiful seafood focused spot. Note the gorgeous bar located upstairs. This is where you want to dine. Sure, if you find yourself dining solo the bar is good choice, but there are also fancy, curved booths that adorn the wall. So ask for this when you make your reservation at Husk Savannah.
Start with a selection of oysters. We tried three different varieties and our server helped navigate us to the ones we would like best based on our preferences. A nice Chenin Blanc compliments them perfectly.
A swordfish entree tasted as good as it looked, but we also quite enjoyed the “Duck two ways” (breast and confit leg). All in all this is one of the most romantic restaurants we have experienced during the several trips we have made to Savannah over the years.
Note that you will need to use street parking, but heads up, metered parking ends at 8 pm in Savannah.
4. 700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park
Another romantic restaurant in Savannah is 700 Drayton. This restaurant has been around for quite some time as it is part of the Mansion on Forsyth. It is a must to diner here if you are staying at the hotel. My recommendation is to go have a drink in the hotel bar first and then head over to restaurant if you are doing dinner.
For us, it wasn’t dinner but brunch for which we dined at the famous Savannah restaurant. Note that brunch is offered daily at the restaurant. We had their brunch on a Friday. Whenever I try to come up with a word to describe this exceptional Savannah restaurant the only one I can come up with is “dreamy”. And no, that’s not the Paloma I had talking. That was one delicious drink, by the way! The vibrant colors that everywhere throughout the restaurant, the relaxing “not rushed” service and of course, comfort food all adds to the dreamy experience.
5. Rhett Restaurant inside the Alida Hotel
For brunch or dinner, Rhett is a solid dining choice when in Savannah. It’s especially wonderful if you are staying at the Alida hotel right on the riverfront in Savannah. Rhett is located on the bottom level, below the lobby. The inside is pretty with dark wood and their bar with tiled floor. I will say it gets quite loud inside the restaurant if it is full. So we opted to sit outside for brunch and it was delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the banana bread. It had a hint of salt and the slices with thick and a bit crunchy on the outer edge. Plus, my Croque Scarlett, hame and cheese topped with a fried egg was delicious and hearty too!
6. A Lure in Savannah
a.Lure is a modern establishment featuring an exposed brick and white tablecloth atmosphere for upscale dining. It is my go to choice for impeccable service and a romantic evening. The haute cuisine shines through with fresh ingredients in every course. Start with the Rabbit Ravioli with bacon and butternut squash or the Lamb carpaccio with blue cheese ice cream. For entrees, the Scallops with a carrot risotto or the Pork Shank are highlights.
7. Common Thread Savannah
This new spot came highly recommend by a trusted Savannah insider. Much like the popular Husk restaurant, Common Thread is located in a renovated home. What’s different about the way this restaurant was renovated and the other Savannah restaurant is that instead of knocking down walls for a cohesive open space, they left the rooms intact, which allows for less seating. We wouldn’t have minded except we were relegated to a back room overlooking the kitchen and seated at a large community table. Not the most romantic dining in Savannah.
But ambiance aside our server was quite knowledgeable about everything on the menu and able to steer me in the direction of a glass of wine I loved! The dishes are creative (just look at those carrots above), albeit price – that dish was $17!
8. B Matthews Savannah restaurant
B. Matthews – This is a trendy spot that features live music on the weekends. Start with one of its creative cocktails. Try the B. Matthew’s margarita. The signature drink is slightly spicy with habanero-infused tequila and refreshing with fresh plum puree. Start with the Okra succotash spring rolls or the Butternut Squash & Shiitake Risotto. The restaurant also does a super weekend brunch.
9. Treylor Park Savannah
Treylor Park – Any child of the eighties or anyone who enjoys kitschy decor will love Treylor Park. Though it is located on River Street, it is a world away from the overpriced, touristy spots littered across River Street. Unique items include the PB&J Wings, Shrimp and Grits Tacos and the Venison Sloppy Joe. Note that they restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so you’ll have to take your chances, but go for an early lunch and you’ll be fine.
10. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar in Savannah
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar– If you love sweets, then a visit to Lulu’s Chocolate Bar is in order when you are in Savannah. Get the chocolate chip cookie cheesecake. But that’s not all the dessert bar has to offer. And it’s open late nights until 1 a.m. to provide that late-night sugar fix. Insider tip: They have dessert cocktails too which are discounted nightly until 7 pm. Hint: got at off peak times to avoid the incredibly long lines at this beloved Savannah dessert restaurant.
Avoid these awful and overhyped restaurants in Savannah:
Local 11 Ten Savannah restaurant– We were so looking forward to this spot for a romantic evening. The menu looked amazing and they have a rooftop bar. However, our extremely condescending server ruined what would have otherwise been a fabulous evening. Don’t waste your money here.
Vinnie Van GoGos Savannah restaurant– Extremely Rude staff. It was packed and just setting my bag down on a bar stool for a minute prompted staff to be quite annoyed with me and let me know. Never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant before. I would never go back here and neither should you.
