12 Best Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia

The Wyld

$$ | Eastside Fodor's choice
Even regular visitors to Savannah might not have heard of this beloved marsh-side local haunt. The Wyld offers a somewhat upscale twist to dockside dining, evidenced by the cocktail menu featuring lavender bitters, crème de framboise, and house-made ginger beer. The plates are small but memorable; don't miss the fish dip, peel and eat shrimp, or the okra side.

The Wyld Dock Bar

$ | Moon River District Fodor's choice
Enjoy elevated fish-shack food with yacht-rock vibes at this former marina where many of the patrons arrive by water. Order at the counter for a fresh catch of the day prepared perfectly; pair it with flavorful sides like Mexican corn and skillet okra. The craft cocktail set will find their thirst slaked with the famous Painkiller Slushie, though no one will look at you sideways when you order just a good ol' cold beer. Kids of all ages entertain themselves for hours with free cornhole and ring games on the sunset side of breezy Country Club Creek, a tributary of the Herb River.

A-J's Dockside

$$

This island bar and grill resembles a fish camp that was expanded time and time again to accommodate its growing clientele. Colorful and laid-back, the ambience is characteristic of Tybee Island itself, which perhaps explains why it is a favorite among locals, and the food, mostly fresh seafood, is simple and delicious.

1315 Chatham Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-786–9533
Known For
  • spacious patio overlooking the marsh
  • great spot to watch the sunset
  • live entertainment Friday–Sunday

Recommended Fodor's Video

Bubba Gumbo's

$
Watch boats pass and the sun set over Lazaretto Creek while enjoying fried oysters, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, and Lowcountry boil. Fitting right in to Tybee's laid-back beach bum vibe, this seafood shack welcomes boaters, local surfers, and visitors alike inside an unfussy dining room or on the ample porch.
1 Old Tybee Rd., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-786–4445
Known For
  • scenic views
  • casual atmosphere
  • fresh-caught seafood
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.--Thurs.

Desposito's

$ | Whitemarsh Island

This place is about as low key as it gets, as evidenced by the neon beer signs on the walls and the day-old newspapers doubling as tablecloths. Located just across the bridge from Savannah, Desposito's has been serving up cold beer and fresh fish for decades and the no-nonsense menu offers a small but tempting variety of seafood, as well as options for landlubbers.

Fannie's on the Beach

$

A great place to grab a bite after a long day power-lounging on the beach, this beachside eatery is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The menu lists simple favorites like sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood, but all are prepared exceedingly well. The pizza menu includes some interesting choices, including pies topped with salmon or scallops and bacon.

1613 Strand Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-786–6109
Known For
  • great views of the ocean from the third-story deck
  • live music Wednesday to Saturday
  • creative pizzas
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Love's Seafood and Steaks

$$$$ | Southside
Four generations own and operate this charming, family-owned coastal eatery located on the banks of the bucolic Ogeechee River. Suitable for a lunchtime meal or a special occasion dinner, Love's serves up perfectly prepared regional dishes like Lowcountry boil, fried green tomatoes, and its famous bone-in catfish. With water views, casual ambience, and super-friendly service, it's a pleasure to while away a few hours over beers and oysters here.
6817 Chief of Love Rd., Savannah, Georgia, 31419, USA
912-925--3616
Known For
  • Lowcountry boil
  • spectacular sunsets
  • ability to accomodate large groups
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Wed.

North Beach Bar and Grill

$
Between the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and North Beach lies one of the island's most colorful, Caribbean-inspired eateries. The menus feature local and sustainable seafood, including delectable crab cakes and the fresh citrus shrimp salad, along with lots of family-friendly options. Find live music on the large porch on some nights, or grab a seat at the bar for a local beer or frosty mixed drink.

Pearl's Saltwater Grille

$$$ | Moon River District
Seafood specialties and fine steaks are served with golden green views of the Herb River at this longtime local favorite. Parmesan grouper, crab-stuffed flounder, and a "shrimp-three-ways" platter are the crowd pleasers, though there's delicious pasta and steak dishes for turfier appetites. Large tables can accomodate large parties, and an intimate meal at the three-sided bar is a romantic treat.

Salt Island Fish and Beer

$$
This casual eatery specializes in fresh takes on typical beach food, like smoked fish dip made with the local catch, a mahimahi banh mi, shrimp bruschetta, and blue crab poutine. You can still get your favorites, though, as the innovative menu also includes standards like beer-battered flounder and fisherman's stew served over jasmine rice. There are several vegetarian side options that can be made vegan as well, which is rare for a seafood restaurant. Round your meal out with a craft beer or cocktail from the bar.
101 Lovell Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-499--4279
Known For
  • weekday happy-hour specials
  • unique sides
  • fresh, eclectic menu
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

The Crab Shack

$$

"Where the elite eat in their bare feet" is the motto of this laid-back eatery tucked away on a side street just over the bridge to Tybee Island. The beer is cold, the vibe is relaxed, and items like the Lowcountry boil—a huge plate of shrimp, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage—are delicious. Out front is a large pool filled with baby alligators that is a huge hit with kids—a good way to keep them entertained if there's a wait for tables, which is possible on weekends when the weather's nice. Just inside is a huge patio lit with tiki torches and packed with picnic tables. Seating is available in screened-in dining areas if there's rain or sand gnats.

40 Estill Hammock Rd., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-786–9857
Known For
  • scenic views
  • family-friendly environment
  • resident felines and alligators
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen

$$
By Anthony Debreceny, the restaurateur behind downtown Savannah's The Collins Quarter and The Fitzroy, this is the only restaurant on Tybee Island where you can walk straight from your table onto the sand. The cuisine is casual and approachable with elevated takes on fish tacos, a pulled-pork banh mi, and more, served alongside refreshing craft cocktails and local beer offerings.
404 Butler Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
912-472--4484
Known For
  • seafood staples like peel-and-eat shrimp and fresh oysters
  • great location as the only restaurant directly on the beach
  • free covered parking while dining in
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.; closed from Nov.--Feb.