Nestled between the lush squares and cobblestone lanes, Savannah’s South Historic District isn’t just architectural eye candy—it’s home to one of the most enticing food scenes in the Southeast. Here, local food traditions meet creative innovation, serving everything from Southern classics to trendy global fare. Whether you’re after a memorable brunch, a sugar fix, or a fine-dining experience, the South Historic District invites you to eat like a true Savannahan. Grab a fork—here’s your ultimate guide to the neighborhood’s must-visit restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more.
Southern Staples and Standout Restaurants
At the heart of the South Historic District, along Bull Street and Drayton Street, you’ll find a true cross-section of Savannah’s celebrated dining. These main thoroughfares are peppered with storied institutions and charismatic newcomers.
*Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room* (107 W Jones St.)
There’s a reason locals and tourists alike line up outside this iconic spot on Jones Street. Mrs. Wilkes is the place for the quintessential Southern family-style lunch. Fried chicken, cornbread, and sweet tea arrive in heaping portions, served at communal tables that turn strangers into friends. You can’t book ahead, so arrive early and soak up the old Savannah atmosphere. Price: $$
*Noble Fare* (321 Jefferson St.)
A sleek bistro with white-tablecloth service, Noble Fare is perfect for celebrations and date nights. The menu deftly balances French technique and Southern flair—think seared duck breast with blackberry demi-glace, or scallops atop creamy grits. Don’t skip the craft cocktails. Price: $$$
*Treasures on the Bayou* (Corner of E Liberty St. & Drayton St.)
A newer addition to the district, this eatery infuses Creole and Lowcountry flavors into dishes like shrimp étouffée, gumbo, and red rice. The rustic yet elegant decor nods to Savannah’s history. Price: $$
Brunch & Café Culture
Savannah’s shady squares set the stage for lazy mornings at neighborhood cafés and buzzy brunch destinations. The go-to strip for a morning bite? Try anywhere between Gaston and Liberty Streets.
*Clary’s Cafe* (404 Abercorn St.)
Famous for its appearance in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Clary's still serves some of the best breakfast in town. Biscuits, omelets, corned beef hash—you name it, they do it right. The vibe is busted-diner with neighborhood charm, a no-frills gem with fair prices. Price: $
*Collins Quarter* (151 Bull St. near Oglethorpe Ave.)
Airy and always lively, Collins Quarter delivers bright, Aussie-inspired plates like avocado toast and pulled pork eggs benedict. Pair your meal with a lavender mocha or cold brew—the coffee is as noteworthy as the brunch. Price: $$
*Fox & Fig Café* (321 Habersham St.)
Plant-based eaters or anyone looking for a fresh, modern café experience will love Fox & Fig. The coconut cream pancakes win over even the staunchest carnivores, and the cashew-based lattes are a morning must. Price: $$
Sweet Treats and Bakeries
Craving a sugar rush? South Historic District has you covered with bakeries and confectioners dishing out everything from local honey pecan pie to the flakiest croissants.
*Back in the Day Bakery* (2403 Bull St.; just north of the district but worth the stroll)
Local legend Cheryl Day’s bakery is a retro delight, famous for sea salt chocolate chip cookies and dreamy buttermilk biscuits. Don’t leave without a slice of their salted caramel cake. Price: $
*Leopold’s Ice Cream* (212 E Broughton St.)
No food tour of Savannah is complete without a trip to Leopold’s, a legendary soda fountain dating to 1919. Try the signature Tutti Frutti or the Savannah Socialite (chocolate with crunchy pecans and bourbon caramel swirl). The old-school ambiance seals the deal. Price: $
*Le Café Gourmet* (53 Montgomery St.)
A French bakery tucked discreetly near Savannah’s Civic Center, Le Café Gourmet’s croissants, baguettes, and fruit tarts draw rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet breakfast or a luxurious pastry break. Price: $
Food Trucks and Quick Bites
Don’t overlook the food truck scene, particularly around Forsyth Park and the corners of Bull and Gaston Streets. Trucks rotate seasonally, but here are some local favorites:
*Dark Shark Taco Attack*
Catch this truck for punchy, creative tacos—try the blackened shrimp or the “Hotlanta” chicken. It’s an affordable, walkable option when you’re picnicking in Forsyth Park.
*Chazito’s Latin Cuisine*
Chazito’s is beloved for its Cuban sandwiches, yuca fries, and flavorful empanadas. Find their truck at local events and near the park most weekends.
Hidden Gems & Local Traditions
Beyond the hotspots, Savannah’s South Historic District rewards intrepid diners willing to explore sidestreets and historic corners.
*Savannah Coffee Roasters* (215 W Liberty St.)
With a history stretching back nearly a century, this robust café mixes Southern hospitality with top-tier coffee roasted in-house. The sandwich menu, especially the pimento cheese melt, is just as crave-worthy as the pastries. Price: $
*Savannah Seafood Shack* (116 E Broughton St.)
A quick, casual spot famous for its fried seafood cones—think shrimp, oysters, or fish in a handheld paper cone served with crispy fries. It’s a locals’ favorite, perfect after a sun-soaked stroll through the squares. Price: $
Foodie Notes: Clusters and Food Traditions
If you’re planning a food crawl, stick to Bull Street from Forsyth Park north to Liberty Street and zigzag east toward Drayton. This area’s walkability is unbeatable—morning coffee at Fox & Fig, lunch at Mrs. Wilkes, dessert at Leopold’s, and snacks from a food truck by Forsyth—all in one delightful day.
Don’t leave town without sampling a classic bowl of she-crab soup or a savory benedict at brunch, and be sure to grab a bite of fresh praline (sold at nearly every market stall in the district).
Conclusion: Why South Historic District Shines
Charmingly historic and deliciously inventive, Savannah’s South Historic District is where old flavors meet new ideas. It’s a place where food tells stories—of families, of invention, and of an ever-hospitable city that wants you to stay for one more bite.
Whether you have a single night or a leisurely week, you’ll find enough local flavor here to make dining in Savannah’s South Historic District a mouthwatering adventure you’ll never forget.