The Best Restaurants and Bars in Savannah — a local’s guide

📍 Just 2 blocks from our Savannah vacation rentals!
For a romantic night out, this is hard to beat. Elegant but not stuffy, Veratina serves modern Southern with beautiful presentation and a warm atmosphere. The small patio in back feels like a secret garden.

Local tip: Ask for a seat in the courtyard if it’s warm.

Veratina/606 Abercorn St./912.239.0550

A true hidden gem. Tucked away on Jefferson Street, this intimate spot feels more like dining in someone's upscale home than a restaurant. Thoughtfully crafted dishes, attentive service, and perfect for date nights or anniversaries.

We usually book this one when we want something a little quieter and special.

Noble Fare/321 Jefferson St/912.443.3210

Yes, it’s a chain from Charleston — but the Savannah version does its own thing. Housed in a light-filled historic mansion, the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and seasonal.

We love pairing it with a walk through the nearby squares at golden hour.

Husk/12 West Oglethorpe/912.349.2600

Sister restaurant to Husk Charleston — set in a historic Savannah home. The vibe is refined but relaxed, with dishes focused on local seafood and produce. Beautiful cocktails, cozy rooms, and great for foodies who still want comfort

Common Thread/122 E 37th St/912.944.7482

📍 A short walk south of Forsyth Park
Local 11ten lives in a renovated 1950s-era bank and feels like the kind of place locals take each other for a quiet, sophisticated night out. The menu is seasonal and Southern-inspired, with fresh seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and a moody, modern dining room.

Pro tip: Head upstairs after dinner — the rooftop bar, Perch, is perfect for a nightcap under the trees.

Local 11ten/1110 Bull St./912.790.9000

This one's on every foodie’s list for good reason. Housed in a restored Greyhound bus terminal, it’s a stylish, elevated take on coastal Georgia cuisine.
Expect incredible service, creative plates, and a vibe that’s equal parts old Savannah and modern cool.

Reservations are a must — book early if it’s on your list.

The Grey Restaurant/109 Martin Luther King Blvd/912.662.5999

A short drive (or longer walk) from our rentals, but worth the trip. Southern comfort food reimagined — think fried chicken with hot honey glaze, seasonal sides, and the kind of cornbread you’ll talk about all week.

A great option if you’re heading out toward midtown but want a local favorite.

Cotton & Rye/1801 Habersham/912.777.6286

📍 Right in the heart of the historic district
This is the original location of Collins Quarter — stylish, bustling, and perfect for dinner if you want something lively but not too loud. The menu is a creative blend of Australian café fare and elevated comfort food, and the cocktails are as good as the food.

It’s a great choice if you're walking back from downtown shops and want to linger over drinks and dinner without changing clothes.

Collin’s Quarter/151 Bull St./912-777-4147

Nice Little Deli Shop for Lunch

Urban Deli was a vegan spot before new owners came in and transitioned to a deli. They still carry some vegan options, but the sandwiches on their menu are really good. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump from Be Our Gaston! Walkable 0.4 mile

321 Habersham St

Modern Brunch Under the Oaks

Collins Quarter is both a local and tourist favorite, and, with two locations, each has its own vibe. The park location is known for its brunch and outdoor ambiance, while the Bull St. location is more suited for dinner (although they also do breakfast and lunch). Neither accepts reservations for brunch, however, so keep that in mind. Distance: walkable (Forsyth location is 0.3 mile and Bull location is 0.7 mile)

Collins Quarter

Forsyth ~ 621 Drayton ~ 912.298.6544

Downtown ~ 151 Bull St. ~ 912.777.4147

Empanadas and Pastries

You can tell them Kelly and Patrick sent you…that’s how often we’re in here. Patrick is methodically making his way through the empanada menu! This is a really small menu and is perfect if you’re just looking for a quick bite. 0.4 mile walk

Belen de la Cruz/123 E. Liberty

Comfort Food/Extensive Beer Selection

This is a locals’ favorite! Set within a former grocery store, it is one of the oldest dining/bar establishments in the city. With at least 50 beers on tap and a comfort food type menu, it is well worth a visit. Distance: Walkable 0.5 miles

Crystal Beer Parlor/301 West Jones Street/912.349.1000

Meet Strangers Eating True Southern Food

Mrs. Wilkes is a family-style southern eating experiences where you are seated around a table with people in your party, as well people who aren’t. It’s a great way to experience true southern hospitality and cuisine. Menu changes daily. Distance: Walkable 0.3 mile

Mrs. Wilkes/107 West Jones St.

Traditional Deli Sandwiches, as well as a few Breakfast Items

If you’re near Forsyth and wanting a deli sandwich, this is a great option (in addition to Urban Deli)! Or, if you’re wanting a bagel sandwich for breakfast, they’ve got that, too! Closed Saturdays and Sundays, so make sure to get there on a weekday if you’re visiting. 0.6 mile walk

Anita Deli Sandwich/348 Jefferson St/912. 239.4167

Fabulous Poké Bowls

Nom Nom is expensive, BUT Nom Nom is delicious and fresh and you will not be disappointed. I always add “extra protein” because I want to feel really full, which means the price is even higher. But…..it. is. scrumptious. Try the “Hello Sunshine” with extra tuna or salmon and creamy togarashi! Sidenote** I’ve spent lots of time in Hawaii, and I truly think these bowls are better! 1 mile walk

Nom Nom Poke Shop/1821 Bull St/912.777.4074

Modern Tacos in a Lively, Laid-Back Atmosphere with Locals

Bull Street Taco provides an awesome atmosphere and excellent, modern tacos. My personal favorite menu item is the tuna tostada (but ask for the basil crema sauce instead of the one that comes with it!) Everyone I know, though, goes crazy for the red chili tempura cauliflower taco! 0.9 mile walk

Bull Street Taco/1608 Bull Street/912.349.6931

One of the Best Burgers in Savannah

Green Truck has done what so many old, dated fast-food restaurants should do — convert into something unique and modern. When you see the building from the outside, you wouldn’t immediately notice that it is a repurposed fast-food joint. But, take a look and you’ll see that it is. It’s quite cool; the food is delicious; and the atmosphere is interesting. It’s in fierce competition with Smash Burger for best burger in Savannah. Short Uber ride.

Green Truck/2430 Habersham St/912.234.5885

📍 Just off Oglethorpe Square
This is the move when you’re starving and want bold flavors, big portions, and zero fuss. Their South African–inspired sandwiches (especially “The Conquistador”) are famous for a reason. Order at the counter, grab a patio table, and dig in.

Bonus: their signature sauce is so good you’ll want to buy a bottle.

Zunzi’s/236 Drayton St/912.443.9555

Authentic Chinese Food with Two Downtown Locations

This is probably the best Chinese food in the downtown area. I just tried the “Hot Oil Wonton” appetizer, and, oh howdy, that is delicious! The Oglethorpe location is a 0.6 mile walk.

E-Tang/513 E. Oglethorpe and 10 Whitaker

I Feel Like Eating Healthy Food

For the health-conscious clientele, this place is a winner. It’s not exactly a sit-down, dinner-type place due to the atmosphere, but it’s great for lunch. Then again, if you want take-out, it would work for dinner, as well. The menu is jam-packed with one healthy option after another, and, even if you aren’t the healthy type, you’ll find something you like. If you enjoy a spicy kick, definitely try their habanero sauce; it’s awesome! 0.8 mile walk

Kayak Kafé/1 E. Broughton St/912.233.6044

Seriously Good Sushi

My one problem with this place is the lighting. Please, turn it down! It feels like a cafeteria, which is why we never eat inside. We buy the food and take it home because it is really, really good sushi…and I’m a very picky “sushi person.”

Sushi Hana/18 E Broughton St/912.777.5009

Non-Sushi Japanese Food with an American Twist

From the owners of Collin’s Quarter comes Ukiyo, a new Japanese restaurant that focuses on non-sushi items. Honestly, this is nicer than casual, but I didn’t know where else to put it!

I was skeptical at first but I ate there a couple of nights ago, and it was fantastic! We ordered family style so I was able to try a bunch of different things, and I will absolutely be back. Probably best to Uber.

Ukiyo/2224 Bull St/912.428.5683

Modern brunch under the oaks

Collins Quarter is both a local and tourist favorite, and, with two locations, each has its own vibe. The park location is known for its brunch and outdoor ambiance, while the Bull location is more suited for dinner (although they also do breakfast and lunch). Neither accepts reservations for brunch, however, so keep that in mind. Distance: walkable (Forsyth location is 0.3 mile and Bull location is 0.7 mile)

Collins Quarter

Forsyth ~ 621 Drayton ~ 912.298.6544

Downtown ~ 151 Bull St. ~ 912.777.4147

Good old-fashioned American breakfast

This is an old-school breakfast restaurant only a couple of blocks from our house. If you’re the type who orders the typical American breakfast (gluten and all), this is the place for you! It’s also the breakfast diner that you read/see in Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil book/movie. Walkable 0.1 mile

Clary’s/404 Abercorn St/912.233.0402

Great little brunch spot that is super close with a French vibe

Franklin’s is a great spot for both coffee, as well as brunch. My husband recently had the “Croque Madame,” and it was fantastic! It’s a smaller menu, but each item is done really well. Walkable 0.5 mile

Franklin’s/5 West Liberty St./912-200-4045

A brunch menu with something for everyone

J Christopher’s is a chain but still worthy of a visit. It’s a nice brunch spot with a traditional menu, although their tagline is “Familiar food with flair!” Walkable 0.4 mile

J Christopher’s/122 E. Liberty St./912-236-7494

Uber Tasty Traditional Ice Cream on Broughton St.

One of our sons works here, and he swears by the following flavors: Rum Bisque, Frozen Hot Chocolate, and the Savannah Socialite. Did you know Leopold’s invented “Tutti Frutti”? If you’re thinking, “It’s just ice cream; I’ll get Ben & Jerry’s,” you’re wrong. The ice cream is better, AND it’s an experience. Walkable 0.7 mile

Leopold’s/212 E. Broughton St/912.234.4442

Unusual Ice Cream Flavors and Gelato on Bull St.

So, this is another ice cream shop but with a different foundation from Leopold’s. Whereas Leopold’s is your very traditional American ice cream with flavors you’ll recognize, Doki Doki’s flavor selection is a little more diverse, and they also have gelato. Walkable 0.7 mile

Doki Doki/143 Bull St./912-328-5402

If You Love Ice Cream Sandwiches….

This place is located on the west side of Broughton and is very, very popular. If you’ve ever dreamt of customizing an ice cream sandwich, this is the place for you. Walkable 1 mile

The Baked Bear/319 W. Broughton St.

Go-to spot when your sweet tooth calls….

Dimly lit with a cozy, romantic vibe, this dessert lounge offers housemade treats like chocolate crème brûlée, flourless chocolate cake, and towering slices of peanut butter pie — all best enjoyed with a dessert martini or bubbly by the glass. It’s a perfect final stop after dinner downtown, especially if you’re ending the night with someone special.

https://luluschocolatebar.com/ 42 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Upscale Drinks with an Amazing View

This is the bar on the rooftop of the Perry Lane hotel, and what a rooftop view it is! It’s quite possibly one of our favorite places to have a drink in the evening because the sunset is so awesome. Walkable .5 mile

Peregrin/256 E Perry St/912.559.8333

Upscale Cocktails in a Restored Armory

This is a super cool little place with very creative cocktails. If you want to start your night in an historic building with cocktails that are as beautiful as they are tasty, then definitely pay a visit to Artillery! Walkable .5 mile

Artillery/307 Bull St./912-200-4045

Nearby Place that is Open Late for Cocktails and Bites

Just a few blocks away is the Savoy Society, a place that is often frequented by locals. It’s a very laid back atmosphere with some outdoor seating, as well. Walkable .4 mile

Savoy Society/102 E. Liberty/912.912.1545

A Little Taste of London Just Blocks Away

Six Pence, from both the exterior and the interior, transports you across the pond to England. From the food to the beer selection, live your night like a Londoner. Also of note is the ghost who routinely makes an appearance here… We even had some guests, who rent our unit “A Walk in the Park” for a month every year, encounter this ghost on their most recent visit to Six Pence! Walkable .5 mile

Six Pence/245 Bull St./912.233.3151

Excellent Beer Selection Usually with a Food Truck

You will find us here often! Service makes their own beer, and they have something to satisfy everyone’s “beer palate!” From sours, to ipa’s, to stouts, they make it all. They are located in a huge building on the west end of the downtown area, making it a great option for a beer if you’re in that area. There is often a food truck outside, which is great because Service doesn’t have a food menu. Uber or Walk (depending on your comfort level) 1.4 mile

Service Brewing Company/574 Indian St/912. 358.1002

If you haven’t already, take a walk along the Savannah River to watch the massive container ships sail through. It is truly a sight to see; so much so that even adults are mesmerized! It is on the western, Plant Riverside end of the riverwalk, and it is a great place to sit and have a drink while watching the boats pass by. They have a menu, which isn’t extensive, but the food is decent. Uber or Walk 1.4 mile

District Live at Plant Riverside/400 W River St/912.373.9150

First Choice for Beers and the Big Game

Our oldest son went to SCAD and he’s intimately familiar with the Savannah bars that broadcast professional sports. This is his number one choice, primarily because you can usually watch the sport you want, as well as have the sound on. Located in an old theatre, they also have a large menu, so it’s ideal for watching the game and getting lunch/dinner. Walkable .8 mile

Savannah Taphouse/125 E Broughton St/912.201.8277

Second Choice for Beers and the Big Game

Jonesin’ for your favorite team and a beer? This is our second choice. It’s right downtown and, consequently, super convenient. Walkable .7 mile

R&D Burgers/13 E Broughton St/912.339.8060

Third Choice for Beers and the Big Game

McDonough’s is your standard Irish bar, but it’s also an option to watch your favorite team. The volume isn’t always on, which is why it’s not our top choice. Walkable .5 mile

McDonough’s/21 E Mc Donough St/912.233.6136