Most of us would agree that one of the best things to do when traveling is sampling the local cuisine. In fact, Skift (the largest tourism industry intelligence platform) explains, “In 2012, it was estimated that tourism expenditures on food services in the U.S. topped $201 billion, nearly a quarter of all travel income. That makes food service the highest category of travel spend, according to the University of Florida report: “A Flash of Culinary Tourism.”
To help you sample as many Savannah restaurants as possible when you visit The Hostess City, we’ve created this handy itinerary that allows you to experience 27 restaurants in just three days. Of course, our food tours play a big part in chipping away at this number, and we suspect that you’ll be splitting plates with your travel companions and working up an appetite as you hop from place to place. If you’re looking for the sit-down, 3-hour dining experience at one place, you won’t find it on this itinerary. However, if you’re looking for a way to explore the city on foot, popping in and out of some of the tastiest spots in Savannah that won’t bat an eye if you just order an appetizer or split an entree, then you’ve come to the right place.
Day 1
Breakfast: Goose Feather’s
Since you’ll be sampling several restaurants for lunch on our tour, we encourage you to keep breakfast light and stop by this beloved counter-order bakery just for something to nibble on. Try the sweet, stuffed or savory croissants, écrousant (their specialty pastry doughnut), or daily quiches.
Lunch: First Squares Food Tour
You’ll love the variety on this tour, featuring 7 stops throughout the Historic District, including seafood chowder at Rocks on the River and samples of local honeys and pork belly sliders at The Ordinary Pub spread out over 3 hours and about a mile of walking while hearing stories about our great city.
Appetizer: Treylor Park
This restaurant opened at the end of 2014 to high praise for their funky take on pub food. Split the chicken and pancake tacos or PB&J chicken wings paired with a tire swing cocktail–all adult takes on childhood favorites!
Dinner: The Collins Quarter
Another new addition to Savannah’s growing culinary scene, The Collins Quarter has a welcoming vibe and carefully curated menu. Split the crab cannoli or farmers market platter–an assortment of vegetables prepared in six ways: sauteed, seared, fried, braised, confit, shaved, and pureed. Add duck fat confit potatoes or coconut parsnip mash for added indulgence.
Dessert: Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern
You’ve never had pecan pie quite like the one at Boar’s Head. They add bourbon and chocolate to make this southern favorite even more decadent.
Day 2
Breakfast: The Coffee Fox
Another light breakfast to start the day since you’ll be sampling 6 restaurants this afternoon on our other food tour. Not only will you score one of the best cups of the caffeine of your choice in town, but they also have to-die-for kolaches, a traditional Slovak pastry, alongside other baked treats.
Lunch: Famous & Secret East Side Food Tour
Stray away from downtown and join us off the beaten path through cobblestone alleys to some of the best spots in town. Two of our stops today are considered extremely haunted: The Pirates’ House and 17hundred90 Inn & Restaurant. This savory tour ends sweetly with the world-famous pralines at Savannah Candy Kitchen.
Appetizer: Jazz’d Tapas Bar
Everything on the menu at Jazz’d could technically qualify as an appetizer, so take your pick among their large menu including andouille crawfish cakes, escargot stuffed tomato, or housemade chorizo sliders. We highly recommend one of their flavored martinis, too.
Dinner: Chive Seabar & Lounge
We highly recommend the mussels here, and don’t be shy about asking for extra bread to sop up the unbelievable sauce they’re served in featuring roasted garlic, leeks, turmeric, fennel, cream, and white wine. Amazing!
Dessert: The Distillery Ale House
You need to experience a deep fried MoonPie at least once in your life, and what better time than your culinary vacation to Savannah. As The Distillery’s signature dessert, you’ll get a double chocolate MoonPie battered and deep fried that’s topped with sea salt caramel.
Day 3
Breakfast: Huey’s on the River
We thought you might want to experience a leisurely breakfast since there’s no food tour on the docket today. Huey’s offers riverside views and has a festive New Orleans vibe that makes for a great start to any day. Embrace the culture and order beignets for the table, then dive into a creole or seafood omelette or one of the best shrimp ‘n grits in town.
Lunch: Vic’s on the River
As one of the best places for dinner in town, you’ll feel a little self-indulgent going here for lunch, but isn’t that what this vacation is all about? Sit outside or ask for a window table, then dig into their crab, shrimp and oyster stew or fancy lunch sandwiches like the slow braised short rib or fried green tomato BLT.
Appetizer: Sorry Charlie’s
One word: oysters. Coined “Savannah’s Oyster Bar,” enjoy the daily oyster special or staples including the butter garlic and parmesan, Rockefeller, bourbon BBQ, or Cameron–topped with kale, bacon, jalepeno, and local shrimp. If you’re feeling frisky, order a Bloody Mary oyster shooter!
Dinner: The Grey
This restaurant stole the spotlight in 2015, making tons of best-of lists including the New York Times, Thrillist, Tasting Table, and more–even being named a James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist. Sit at the Diner Bar if you want to keep things light and nibble on a braised beef tongue sandwich or ham and cheese plate. Or, grab a table and go for the monkfish, roasted yardbird, or pork shank.
Dessert: Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
Tonight, you can drink your dessert at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar with their huge and seriously satisfying dessert martinis, including their signature, the Lulutini served with chocolate vodka, Meletti Ciocolatto liqueur, Créme de Cacoa and chocolate. Dozens of other desserts in a glass also await, or split any of their fondue, cheesecakes, and other freshly made desserts if you dare.
Late Night: Churchill’s Pub
Assuming that you’re going to live it up your last night in Savannah, we thought you might work up an appetite for the crazy mac n’ cheeses at Churchill’s Pub. Top the four-cheese, breadcrumbed mound with Hot Georgia Night sausage, andouille, beef short rib, pulled pork, bacon, wild mushrooms, or caramelized onions–or mix and match to go really wild!
So there you have it. 27 restaurants in just three days can be done with food tours, progressive dinners, and lots (and lots!) of walking in between to properly work up an appetite.
Enjoy your culinary adventure in Savannah!
