The Starland District, defined as the stretch between Forsyth Park and Victory Drive, has long been beloved by in-the-know SCAD students and Savannah residents. It’s artsy, funky, walkable, and displays spectacular Victorian architecture. Restaurants in this district often started out as residential homes that have been converted into cozy hotspots, and First Fridays in Starland fill the streets with vendors and musicians with a block party vibe.
The most exciting part of the Starland District to us, of course, is the food. Within a one square mile, 10 delicious restaurants make Starland the off-the-beaten-path place to get your grub on in Savannah.
The Staples
These restaurants have stood the test of time and helped keep this neighborhood afloat through ups and downs.
Elizabeth on 37th (1981)
Elizabeth on 37th has been serving some of the best fine dining in Savannah for nearly 40 years, and this dinner-only spot serves Southern Coastal seasonal fare in a huge old mansion. Go for the chef’s tasting menu–7 courses for $90 per person.
Al Salaam Deli (1999)
Monday through Friday, this unassuming Middle Eastern deli serves up scratch-made gyros, grape leaves, tikka, falafel, and curry (mostly to hungry college students and locals).
Back in the Day Bakery (2002)
This mom-and-pop old-school location has attracted the masses for years, and their 2012 New York Times bestselling cookbook brought their notoriety to a whole new level.
The Starland Cafe (2005)
Fresh, fast, and freaking adorable describes this lunch-only cafe. Located on a residential street, this two-story Victorian blends right in sans the line of customers waiting to counter order their famous Tomato Thai soup, made with roasted squash and coconut milk.
The Revitalizers
The Starland District entered a resurgence when these three beloved locations opened their doors. Today, these restaurants are some of the most popular in town, especially among locals, and double as hangout/work spots for college kids and the creative class.
Butterhead Greens Cafe (2010)
Pressed sandwiches, big salads and housemade soups define this understated cafe known for its versatile mix-and-match options including half sandwiches paired with soup or salad, or half salads paired with their always-present roasted tomato soup or soup of the day.
Green Truck Pub (2010)
Since opening, Green Truck has consistently won “Best Of” accolades, and this year, they took home best gourmet burger, best fries, best farm to table, best pub food, and best veggie burger. ‘Nuff said.
Foxy Loxy Cafe (2011)
Half coffee shop, half Tex-Mex cantina, Foxy slings some of the best tacos in town, and their extensive drinks menu includes beer paired with espresso, 24-hour cold brew, and horchata lattes.
The Newcomers
These hotspots feature some of the best chefs in town, yet have a distinctively chill vibe and reasonable prices. Expect more restaurants to follow in their footsteps and open up shop in Starland!
Cotton & Rye (2015)
Taking over a former gas station, Cotton & Rye is one of the most talked about spots in town. They serve only American wine and beer, and their attention to detail (house grinding beef for burgers, making bread and pasta in-house, and curing their own sausages) has put them on fast track to being one of the best restaurants in Savannah.
Atlantic (2016)
Perhaps one of the most talked about additions to Savannah’s food scene, Atlantic enjoys a clientele made up of mostly locals who come time and again for their housemade pastrami and mushroom bolognese. They’ve also made a commitment to affordability, with all dishes under $20, even their fish of the day.
The Vault (2016)
It’s almost laughable to put The Vault under the newcomer category since it’s led by Savannah restaurant titans Ele and the Chef, the husband-and-wife duo behind Chive, Flying Monk, Ele, and Fire Street Food. Their newest spot, a lovely converted bank painted sky blue, also serves Asian inspired cuisine including sushi, dumplings, stir-fry, and fresh seafood.
There you have it—10 reasons to eat in the Starland District the next time you come to Savannah. Bon Appetit!
