45 Best Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia

From the folksy artwork to the sweet splashes of pastels to the banners hanging from the ceiling, this corner bakery evokes a spirit of days gone by. A great place to start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry, Back in the Day also serves fresh and yummy lunch selections that includes a good variety of both meaty and vegetarian sandwiches. A trip to this cheerful café will undoubtedly remind you, as the slogan goes, to "Slow down and taste the sweet life."

Housed in the modern-art extension of the Telfair Museum, the Jepson Cafe is an exquisite culinary experience. The small dining room is adorned with rotating temporary art installations. Overlooking the Jepson atrium, the space mimics the minimalist–modern feel of the building. Gourmands should look no further for lunch: Start with the tuna poke over sliced avocado, or the fresh summer rolls of local poached shrimp, fresh basil, and a peanut-hoisin sauce. The café uses lots of local purveyors, including Perc coffee, Savannah Bee Company honey, Savannah Tea Room mint tea, and Angel's BBQ for its pork shoulder. The proscuitto, fig, and brie panini is mouthwatering and perfectly melds these salty, sweet, and creamy flavors.

One of the best ice-cream parlors in the area is Leopold's, a Savannah institution since 1919. It's currently owned by Stratton Leopold, grandson of the original owner and the producer of films like Mission: Impossible III. Posters and paraphernalia from his films make for an entertaining sideline to the selection of ice cream made with the old family recipe, methods, and ingredients. Try the delicious lemon custard or honey almond and cream flavors, or unique seasonal inventions like rose petal cream, Guinness, and mint-lime sorbet.

This garage turned art gallery turned restaurant features a playful, Southern-inspired menu with a variety of fresh and beautiful salads and soups, plus a handful of entrées, like the chicken and waffles sandwich or the fried goat cheese salad—both best bets for lunchtime patrons.

Specializing in locally roasted PERC coffee, house-made baked goods, and craft beers, the Coffee Fox is a great stop whether you're on the run or looking to perch. The cold brew will win the hearts of coffee aficionados in the hot summer months. The popular Mexican Mocha is a sweet and spicy twist on the traditional mocha and features local chocolatier Adam Turoni's dark chocolate with a kick.

This staple of the Tybee Island dining scene has successfully updated some island favorites with a twist of contemporary style. The small but flexible menu includes such entrées as an elaborate array of gourmet tacos (a best bet is the one with duck breast, sliced radish, and tomatillo salsa) or the fish with pear puree, cilantro, and chorizo. Side dishes like sweet-potato fries, collard greens, or black beans are wonderful, too. The prices are surprisingly reasonable given the quality. The menu also offers wine and beer pairings with each item. Sunday brunch features local live bluegrass music. There's a small children's menu for younger travelers.

Tucked away in a strip mall on the way out to Tybee Island, this highlight of the local barbecue scene began with legendary pit master Wiley McCrary, who passed away in 2018. His recipes live on in the small space that's intimate and friendly; the staff is like long-lost family. There are only a few tables, so you may have to choose between waiting for a seat and grabbing something to go.

If your taste buds seek something other than standard Southern fare, head to one of Savannah's few Middle Eastern restaurants. Owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team Meqbel and Rose Salameh Al Salaam, the restaurant is celebrated for its perfectly fried falafel, spit-roasted lamb, and hummus and baba ganoush platters. Take time to look around the small space, enticingly papered over with vintage covers of National Geographic, which depict cultures from the world over.

This cozy little spot is a favorite among barbecue fans and a regular stop for foodies. Serving up a simple menu of pork and brisket, either on a bun or with two sides as a plate, the quality and care put into the food is what keeps folks coming back for more. A wide variety of sauces representing all the major Southern styles (including Carolina's mustard base and Memphis's sweet red sauce) make it fun to experiment with flavors, but the house-made hot sauce is a winner. On the side, try the unique take on collard greens (which includes a peanut sauce) or some good old-fashioned mac and cheese. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet tea, or grab a long-neck bottle of Coca-Cola.

Locally owned and operated B&D Burgers is a great bet for a quick, low-key bite to eat with offerings like tempura-battered chicken fingers and a grand assortment of locally themed burgers. The large, two-story dining room is decorated in Lowcountry flair, including faux trophy alligators and nets and buoys, but be encouraged to venture outside; this place has some of the best outdoor dining in the city and the expansive patio is equipped with a video screen for sports events and large umbrellas that protect against the rain and sun.

This natural foods haven has been serving Savannah's organically minded since the 1970s. In the back of this full-fledged grocery and supplement store is a busy deli counter busting out custom sandwiches with meat, vegetarian, and vegan options as well as house-made side dishes, salads, and cakes . Eat at the small counter indoors, at one of the tables out front or—since it's located at the southern end of Forsyth Park—put together a picnic to enjoy on a bench.

This historic storefront has remained in the owner's family for nearly a century, and those familiar with the city may recognize it as the Savannah Tea Room. Although traditional tea service is no longer among the offerings here, you can stock up on local teas at the charming gift shop adjacent the wine bar. Chef Meta Adler has designed a Southern fusion menu with charmers (and fillers) like the Redneck Reuben and the Deviled Eggs. For "supper," the Dixie Chicken and cornmeal waffles can't be beat.

This place is about as low key as it gets, as evidenced by the neon beer signs on the walls and the day-old newspapers doubling as tablecloths. Located just across the bridge from Savannah, Desposito's has been serving up cold beer and fresh fish for decades and the no-nonsense menu offers a small but tempting variety of seafood, as well as options for landlubbers.

A great place to grab a bite after a long day power-lounging on the beach, this beachside eatery is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The menu lists simple favorites like sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood, but all are prepared exceedingly well. The pizza menu includes some interesting choices, including pies topped with salmon or scallops and bacon.

Restauranteurs Ele and Sean Tran brought Asian-style street food to Savannah with their menu that boasts everything from sushi rolls to noodle soups, and some of the best sweet-and-spicy chicken wings in town. Occupying a bright, hypermodern space, this eatery offers an offbeat alternative to the slow-paced Southern Savannah feel. Enjoy a quick meal in the dining room, stop by when you have a late-night craving, or order a few of the small plates to go.

This long-established coffee haunt and art enclave features a steady rotation of local artists. Gallery Espresso is a real neighborhood joint and a popular destination for art students, and the comfortable vintage couches and chairs are a great place to curl up with a book.

Serving one of the best burgers in the state, this casual haunt draws diners from far and wide for its grass-fed beef; vegetarians find satisfaction with the hearty meatless patties. Everything from the coffee to the produce is locally sourced, and even the ketchup is made in-house.

Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for a table or grab a seat at the bar.

Shimmering stained glass, stunning woodwork, and magnificent decor make this old-time pharmacy one of the most handsome settings in town. Delectable sandwiches and salads are the main bill of fare, but for more ambitious selections, opt for the ratatouille and shrimp orzo, served with locally caught wild Georgia shrimp.

This palm-shaded eatery is hands down the best spot in town for vegetarian and vegan options, but there's also more than enough on the menu to keep a meat eater happy—consider the fried chicken tacos or the chicken-and-goat-cheese enchiladas. If you have your mind on a cocktail, don't miss the Palm (made with muddled cucumber) or the Hot Derby (with spicy ginger ale from just over the South Carolina border). There's ample parking and a screen where you can watch the big game.