Historic Savannah Restaurants
A guide to some of my favorite restaurants in Historic Savannah
When I first stepped into Savannah as an undergraduate collegiate, I thought the city was so beautiful. I loved how easy the city was to navigate. Growing up, my family and friends would always joke about how I would get turned around (lost) in my native city of Macon, Georgia. This did not happen to me in Savannah. I learned my way around Savannah’s squares very quickly. I am sure this can be attributed to Savannah being America’s first planned city.
Historians discuss General Sherman’s awe at the natural beauty seen in this city of Savannah. Author John Berendt is known for his novel Midnight in the Garden of good and Evil and he too was mesmerized by Savannah’s charm and beauty. My freshman year as a student at Savannah State University I was enamored by the beauty of Savannah and could easily see how these men were captivated by the city’s landscape. I witnessed the sheer beauty of this city and the hospitality of its people. The city of Savannah truly justifies its moniker of being the Hostess City of the South.
Savannah is teeming with Spanish moss and Southern charm! The streets of the city are rife with statuesque highly symmetrical and well-preserved edifices and tasteful townhouses. The oak-lined streets of this garden-ringed city are lined with cafés, shops, and aromatic restaurants.
The thought of Savannah’s eclectic epicurean scene makes my mouth water, particularly that of Historic Savannah. Foodies would want to take a deep dive because there’s a lot to explore. The city is a dream destination brimming with couples, solo, and family-friendly dining opportunities.
If you get yourself in the downtown district of the Hostess City, here are some must-go restaurants that’ll bring you epic gastronomical pleasures.
The Olde Pink House
It is the best Savannah restaurant in the Historic district!
Located in the heart of Historic Savannah, the restaurant is the city’s only 18th-century mansion. Named after its gorgeous pink stucco, the Olde Pink House is a thing of beauty. Its quaint charm had my family and me smitten at first sight.
Most recently, we were at the Olde Pink House for my birthday. Upon entering, what we saw was nothing short of palatial. The interior was boasting eye-popping décor. From Venetian chandeliers to English antiques, every detail sang of the mansion-turned-restaurant’s affluent history.
We were a family of 5 exploring Historic Savannah, Georgia, so we booked the restaurant’s private dining room in the Arches Bar. The table was lit by a candle, which created an intimate ambiance.
Complementing its stunning interior was its comprehensive menu full of classic and Southern tastes. We were all very overwhelmed with the amount and diversity that graced the menu. But we were able to settle for Braised Pork Shank, Chef’s Fried Chicken, Crispy Fried Lobster Tail, and Crispy Scored Flounder. The portions were humongous and yes, there was a ton of leftovers! However, the restaurant packed it neatly for us to take away.
Verdict
The Olde Pink House was extraordinary and alone made a solid reason for me to revisit Savannah. If you are planning a trip to the city, this restaurant is strictly unmissable.
The Pirates House – ARGGHHH
The Pirates House is every bit as cool as its name!
When off to explore Savannah, do visit this fun-packed, thrilling seaman’s tavern. Its thematic interior was a given, and yet it did not fail to impress.
A stone's throw away from the Savannah River, the restaurant has reserved a gorgeous spot for itself. The former popular inn among sailors and pirates has preserved its nautical vibe even centuries later.
The popularity of this tavern arose with Robert Louis Stevenson's “Treasure Island." It was in the upstairs room of The Pirates House that Captain Flint died while shouting, "Darby, bring aft the rum."
The restaurant is also home to Savannah’s legendary ghosts. So, whether you are a foodie, a ghost hunter, a literati, or a pirate, this restaurant is for you!
Aside from serving a wide range of delicious Southern dishes, just below haunted grounds, the restaurant also entertains as a House of Museum. A leisurely walk unveils peg-beamed rooms, nautical displays, and curio collections. Even the Herb’s House inside the restaurant is said to be the oldest in all of Georgia.
Verdict
The Pirates House offers an exceptionally intriguing dining experience and much more. It’s no wonder why the restaurant is so enthusiastically recommended by Redbook, Food & Wine, and AAA.
The Paris Market Café
When it says Paris, you know it’s going to be chic and elite!
Nestled in the liveliest corner of Broughton Street, The Paris Market boasts the boutique charm you’d expect of a Parisian café. One look at its gorgeous teal-awash walls and I saw why Architectural Digest named it “the Most Beautiful Coffee Shop in Georgia”.
Chic interior and European exterior lend both modern and antique appeal to the two-storied café. The furniture looks like it is taken straight out of a Disney palace, and chandeliers from an epic castle. The tables in the cafe are set with all the accouterments of an elite European dinner party. We were transported to France in a jiffy!
While the boutique is called a café, its menu says more than just coffee and espresso drinks. The selection also includes wine and champagne to pop with delicious sandwiches. Though, we had tea!
Its French-like windows allow people-watching while sipping on a beverage. A small stroll around the boutique and you will find yourself amid a tempting shopping center. It’ll be hard to keep up with your travel budget if you lose control!
Verdict
The Paris Market Café is little Paris right in Historic Savannah. Packed with delicious desserts, nibbles, and beverages, and beautiful trinkets, The Paris Market makes a great spot to explore with a family of five.
The Bohemian Hotel
Home to a riverfront and a rooftop restaurant in Savannah, the Bohemian Hotel offers a dreamy and romantic dining experience.
Wedged between the riverfront and cobbled streets, this littoral hotel is a fine concoction of Bohemian appeal and Marriott’s hospitality. Taking complete advantage of its idyllic location are its two restaurants.
Rocks on the Roof
Buzzing with live music, Rocks on the Roof is a pleasant retreat from the ordinary. Flanking the waterfront, the restaurant offers views that are worth swooning over. It is quiet, chic, and romantic – a welcoming respite for couples and families alike. It definitely lives up to its self-claimed report of being one of the best bars in Savannah. When I hit the rooftop, I followed the routine of selecting tapas, sipping a delicious handcrafted cocktail, and grabbing a seat with views. My experience at Rocks on the Roof was an evening to remember.
Rocks on the River
Ornate with details like driftwood, rough wood, and brick, Rocks on the River boasts a quintessential riverside décor. Its menu is graced by homestyle American food and Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Options are replete with selections like hamburgers, fish, mussels, and steak. The presentation of the food is Instagrammably creative, while its taste is food-blog worthy. The restaurant serves crème de la crème seafood dishes too!
Verdict
Both restaurants are stunning and aromatic with a menu that misses no dish and covers both ends of America. They are an oasis of beautiful sights, delicious craft beverages, and creative dishes.
The Shrimp Factory
The Shrimp Factory photo by Amber Spann
It is, indeed, the perfect spot to watch the ships go by!
The Shrimp Factory sounds and smells like fresh seafood. Lording the picturesque River Street, the restaurant is a viewpoint to englut memorable vistas. Indulging all five senses, the restaurant rewards you with an immersive dining experience.
The locally-owned 20th-century restaurant in downtown Savannah nestles in an olde-world cotton warehouse. Its scrummy coastal cuisine is brimming with dishes like seared sea scallops, fried shrimp, and shrimp chowder. Created off fresh finds, the aqua-inspired palate tastes and looks delicious.
The restaurant is also famous for its live music. However, live music is not an everyday thing. To make sure that you get to groove to the music, you can plan your visit according to this calendar.
Even the beverages at the restaurant have got a kick to them. From the classic shrimp cocktail to draft beers and rum, you get what seems to be an unlimited selection. A premium collection called the Premium Bottle and Craft offers a dynamic range that changes regularly.
It’s recommended not to leave the Factory without tasting its signature drink, the Chatham Artillery Punch. You even get to take the glass home!
Verdict
Sea-foodies will simply fall in love with the Shrimp Factory. I was there for its eponymous shrimp-curated dishes and loved every bite I took. I love their shrimp and grits meal and my kids absolutely adore their complimentary blueberry muffins, which taste like a cross between sweet cornbread muffins and blueberry muffins. We reminisced about the savory taste that lingered on even after when leaving the restaurant. The experience was very fulfilling. It has to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Savannah, and not just in the downtown district.
The Grove, Savannah
Another one of the great restaurants in Historic Savannah with a rooftop bar crowning it would be The Grove. A cool spot to mingle with the locals.
Sophistication meets carefree to create a friendly ambiance at the Grove. The menu entails some gluten-free dishes as well. However, the highlight of the restaurant is its rooftop bar.
Lording the district’s bustling City Market, the rooftop bar acts as a vantage point overlooking the picturesque environs of the district. Designed with patio-poolside furniture, the bar brings refreshing beachy vibes to the rooftop.
The menu here offers an array of drinks, including craft beers, homemade cocktails, and wines. There are small plates and appetizers available to pair with these beverages so you can enjoy your retreat to the fullest.
The bar is also known to host regular booze parties and musical events. Apparently, they are full of the joys of spring!
Verdict
When at the Grove, expect to have a good a time, be it at the sophisticated restaurant or its laid back rooftop bar.
Conclusion: These are just a some the restaurants that top my list as the Best Restaurants in Historic Savannah. There are many more that I need to add
Historic Savannah, the capital Hostess and the Beauty of the city, will surprise you at every step you take. Just when you will think the food scene cannot get any tastier, it will. Just when you imagine dining cannot be more memorable, you will create another gorgeous memory. See the historical sites of Savannah. Taste the food, talk to the people.
