There are a lot of things to like about beautiful, sultry, romantic Savannah, Georgia. The gorgeous, grassy parks with fountains, statues, walking paths, and an amazing history. The beautifully maintained historic homes surrounded by equally beautiful gardens and landscaping. The scenic Savannah River winding through the city with cobblestoned River Street, complete with interesting shops and restaurants.
Beautiful Savannah
But one of the best things by far in this lovely southern city is the food. Fabulous restaurants offering amazing food are on every corner, many complete with outdoor dining, and as many glasses of sweet iced tea chock full of ice as you desire. Savannah has plenty of culinary choices but the specialty is quite naturally southern cooking of all types. You can’t go wrong with any of the local restaurants but here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- The Forsyth Park Inn. Although this location is a Bed and Breakfast and not a restaurant, you won’t find a better breakfast anywhere in town. As you will need a place to stay while you sample all the culinary delights Savannah has to offer, you might as well stay in one of the most charming locations in the city while you do so. Overlooking Forsyth Park, this beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian mansion is the perfect place. Each morning, a gourmet breakfast is served complete with a beginning buffet of homemade granola or oatmeal, an assortment of freshly baked breakfast breads, muffins, yogurt and juice, then a first course of seasonal fruit, and finally a full, hot breakfast. It’s the perfect way to start your day in Savannah.
Breakfast at the Forsyth Park Inn
- The Pirate’s House. One of the most iconic restaurant locations in Savannah is the fascinating Pirate’s House. Since 1753, The Pirate’s House, a rambling wooden structure located in one of the most historic spots in Georgia, has been located only about a block from the Savannah River and enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Pirates and sailors drank grog, enjoyed a hearty meal, and, unfortunately, were sometimes shanghaied and transported through a tunnel to the river where they were taken aboard ships to complete the crews. Kids will enjoy seeing the original entrance to a tunnel that may have been used for this very purpose. The Pirate’s House is known for great food and one of the best ways to try several different selections is during their renowned brunch which is served daily for lunch.
Lunch buffet at The Pirate’s House.
Dinner is also a great choice with their famous Honey Pecan Fried Chicken. It’s delicious but a huge amount of chicken so it’s easy for two people to share.
Honey Pecan Fried Chicken at The Pirate’s House
- Belford’s of Savannah. This is one of the most perfect places to people watch in all of Savannah. With a large, shaded verandah in a beautiful old brick building in Savannah’s historic district, right in the middle of City Market, you can order a delicious lunch, a big glass of sweet ice tea, and just relax. The building was an important wholesale food company in the early 1900’s and the Belford signs painted on the west side of the building and under the front awning remain, faded by the years. Specialties include crab cakes, shrimp and grits, smoke salmon, and Angus beef steaks but one of my favorites is their shrimp Po’boy sandwich. Lettuce, tomato, a delicious rémoulade, and fresh fried shrimp all piled on a French batarde (crispy roll) combine to create a sublime sandwich.
Shrimp Po’Boy at Belford’s of Savannah
- The Olde Pink House. Savannah is well known for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States with ghosts supposedly prowling everywhere through the historic buildings, and the Olde Pink House is no exception. This 18th century pink stucco mansion was built in 1771 for James Habersham, Jr.; one of Savannah’s founding family members. A great example of Colonial architecture, the building is one of the few to survive the big fire of 1796. The restaurant and cellar tavern beneath are popular destinations for ghost hunters as Habersham supposedly hanged himself in the basement and can be seen wandering around the mansion. Ghosts or not, The Old Pink House has wonderful food and is a perfect location for a romantic evening out. Be sure to order a Pink Lady, their signature drink of lemonade and raspberry vodka. It’s sweet, cold, and a delicious prelude to dinner.
A Pink Lady at The Olde Pink House
For dinner, try the pecan crusted chicken breast which is wonderful, but the real treat is dessert. Their unique Praline Basket is formed from sweetened, diced pecans, and filled with vanilla ice cream and fruit. It’s the perfect finale to your dinner.
Pecan Crusted Chicken at The Olde Pink House
Praline Basket at The Olde Pink House.
5. Spanky’s. You can’t leave Savannah without a stroll along the cobblestones of River Street where you can pick up some local pralines to take home, or some interesting items from the local shops which line the street overlooking the river. While you are there, stop in Spanky’s for a casual dining experience. Voted Best Bar Food in Savannah by Savannah Connect, the restaurant is famous for their chicken fingers and hand-battered, sliced, round potatoes. But my favorite is their Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla. Crispy, fresh, and delicious, it’s the perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla at Spanky’s
So, whatever you are in the mood for can probably be found in one of the many Savannah restaurants. Enjoy your next dining experience there!