Savannah red rice is on many menus, both in hole in the wall joints and fine restaurants. Cooked with tomatoes and Southern seasonings, it's often served with locally caught shrimp or other seafood.
Historic District
The grand historic buildings of Savannah's oldest district have been turned into impressive restaurants where you can enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the south, as well as upmarket takes on their favorite cuisine. Elizabeth on 37th offers specialties such as locally caught blue crabs and flounder, which you can enjoy in the elegant dining room of this early 20th century mansion with its white linen tablecloths and polished silver. The Olde Pink House is an icon of the Historic District, and this cozy restaurant and tavern is decorated with dramatic oil paintings and delicate chandeliers. Enjoy local favorites from shrimp to fried pork chops, served with hearty sides such as mac 'n' cheese.
• Elizabeth on 37th, 105 E 37th Street, Savannah; • Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah;
Midtown
Midtown Savannah has a wide selection of casual and family-friendly joints, and in addition to the fast food favorites, there are many charming, locally owned spots. Joe's Homemade Café is a cute little café that often tops local's lists of favorites, and offers eat-in or takeout salads, paninis, and soups. However, it's the dessert case that brings many people in, with an ever-changing array of tempting homemade cakes that have made this small café into an institution. Around the Midtown area you'll also find lots of Asian restaurants serving authentic dishes, and the Saigon Bistro is famous for its fresh, flavorful menu, which features spicy noodles, steaming bowls of pho, and steamed buns, all made with fresh ingredients and home grown herbs.
• Joe's Homemade Café, 5515 Waters Ave, Savannah; • Saigon Bistro, 5700 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31405.
Oglethorpe Mall area
The area around Oglethorpe Mall is close to many college campuses, so you can expect to find some great cheap eats, fast food joints, and buffets where eager students come to fill up. Try the Sticky Fingers Smokehouse when you are hungry and in a hurry. This small chain offers ribs that fall off the bone, baskets of smoked wings, and plenty of sides to make your meal complete, from the traditional fried okra, to sweet potato fries. Savannah is also a great spot for authentic, spicy Mexican cuisine, and La Parilla has a wide menu and cool atmosphere. You can enjoy their cheap weekly specials, and choose from the menu of fresh fish tacos, sizzling shrimp fajitas, and much more.
• Sticky Fingers Smokehouse, 7921 Abercorn Street, Savannah; • La Parilla, 7804 Abercorn Extension Savannah;
Tybee Island
The beach resort of Tybee Island is a firm favorite with Savannah's locals who want to escape from the city for a short break, and it's just a half hour drive from downtown, so you could simply visit for a delicious seafood dinner. Cocos Sunset Grille offers spectacular views over the marina, and an impressive menu of locally caught seafood, with steamed wild shrimp, Atlantic salmon, fried oysters, and chilled tropical cocktails to accompany your meal. The Crab Shack is easy to find, with a giant plastic crab hanging over the entryway, and you can choose to sit outside on the terrace with a margarita, or enjoy the fun, pirate themed dining room. The menu also revolves around local seafood, with giant shellfish platters a-plenty.
• Cocos Sunset Grille, Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island; • Crab Shack, 40 Estill Hammock Road, Tybee Island; Tel: +1 912 786 9857
