Restaurants

Beyond the glitz of food television’s Southern-cliché cooking shows, the realm of eating takes on a sophisticated flare in many of Savannah’s restaurants. In other words, there’s more to Savannah’s cuisine than fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and lots of “y’alls.” While this is a city that thrives on home cooking, there are even more culinary secrets to be found here! Word of the mild climate, romantic aura, and lower cost of living in Savannah has spread like butter on hot biscuits and, as a result, attracted gourmet chefs and creative entrepreneurs to the mix of tradition. The results: trendy cafes in historic facades, high-end restaurants, and enchanting eateries.

So how about the fare? What’s new and what’s Savannah’s claim-to-fame with regards to dining? Apart from the Southern staples like creamy grits, cornbread, and pecan pie, many of Savannah’s acclaimed provisions come from the sea. There’s fresh shrimp steamed and spiced to perfection. There are crab cakes that take the cake. There’s flounder served on an oversized plate, crispy and adorned with apricot glaze. And if your mouth isn’t watering by now, there are hush puppies, made at least a hundred different ways.

So pull out your napkin, or better yet, bring an oversized bib. Buy your travel pants a size larger and with an elastic waist. You’re about to be dazzled.

Overview

If your travels take you to nearby Tybee Island or Hilton Head, South Carolina, note that restaurants in those two locales are discussed in the individual chapters that cover those two island destinations.