Savannah is known as a veritable foodie town.
And since its development, it has been getting better.
From the nation’s comfort food capital to the South’s “best food city,” this is a town that will please any gastronomic taste bud.
With diverse cuisines that go on par with world-class standards, there’s something for everyone in this city.
Dig into extra-crispy fried chicken, real shrimp and grits, mouth-watering barbeque, and much more.
With so many options, we’re here to narrow it down to the top fifteen to save you time and money.
So keep reading to find which hidden gem on this list will provide the best lunch in Savannah.
1. Joe’s At The Jepson
207 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 790-8834
Joe’s is a family-owned gourmet restaurant serving homemade pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and salads.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Indulge in one of the best places to get lunch in Savannah at Joe’s.
The fusions of casual gourmet dishes and relaxed dining are worth the visit.
With high ceilings, tall windows, and beautiful pristine marbles, just sitting here feels like a breath of fresh air.
There are also beautiful views of trees inside and a splatter of relaxing green plants inside.
Furthermore, the menu accentuates and complements the surroundings and is plated beautifully.
It’s also located inside a museum, so you can head over for a bite to eat after your tour.
What to Order
The Tomato Basil Soup is a must-try for that earthy, creamy, and comforting sip.
Pair it with their tender pulled pork sandwiches served with a side of fruits.
2. Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
4 W Broughton St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 233-1748
Chive Sea Bar and Lounge is a local restaurant and bar offering fresh seafood with Asian and Southern flares.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Chive is a perfect brunch spot for those looking for an intimate experience or a casual night with friends.
The charming ambiance is reminiscent of the 1920s art disco era and adds to the casual feel.
Ironically, this restaurant is located on the bustling Broughton Street.
Here, the old meets the new in both vibe and menu items.
Have a drink you’ve never had before at their creative bar and pair it with one of their decadent signature dishes.
If you love seafood and a good cocktail, Chive will guarantee a fantastic lunch in downtown Savannah.
What to Order
We highly recommend trying their Chilean Sea Bass, a beautiful plate of perfectly cooked sea bass on top of the risotto.
3. Crystal Beer Parlor
301 W Jones St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 349-1000
The Crystal Beer Parlor is a family-owned American bistro serving classic Southern-style dishes and beer menus.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
The Crystal Beer Parlor is one of those places you’d go to with friends on the weekend for happy hour.
This cozy, century-old former grocery store has a charming pub vibe from the 1960s, and you don’t want to miss it.
Have a juicy burger, drink some beer, and make good conversations with the people closest to you.
Have a peek at what Southern fun was like a hundred years ago.
What to Order
The Duck Wings on their menu are worth trying, not just for the tender and juicy chicken but for the barbecue sauce it’s smothered in.
Pair it with a pint of beer because wings always go well with beer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
4. Wiley’s Championship BBQ
4700 Highway 80 East
Savannah, GA 31410
(912) 201-3259
Wiley’s Championship BBQ is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving Southern-style barbecue and drinks.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Head over to Wiley’s for a dinner that feels like barbecue heaven.
Their drool-worthy barbecue and award-winning sauces have earned this eatery the title of one of the best rated restaurants in the area.
Everything is served fresh, hot, and in big, Texas-sized portions.
Indulge in stellar fries, juicy burgers, and good old Southern barbecue and hospitality.
Every dish on their menu is a champion of flavor.
What to Order
Have a basket of their pulled pork for that meaty, tender goodness.
It comes with a side of their iconic barbecue sauce.
When mixed with the dry rub on the perfectly-smoked pork, it’s heaven.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront
Also See:
Best Lunch in Atlanta, GA
Best Lunch in Alpharetta
5. Fox & Fig Cafe
321 Habersham St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 297-6759
Fox & Fig Cafe is a family-owned vegan restaurant serving locally-sourced ingredients and coffee.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
For vegans and coffee lovers, this next location is one of the nice Savannah lunch spots for you.
This hip and trendy cafe is everything its food stands for.
You get a menu of creative plant-based goodness with flavors that would make carnivores jealous.
Everything is fresh and locally sourced, down to their coffee beans.
Head outside on a beautiful day to enjoy their aesthetic patio and snap a few pictures for the gram.
What to Order
The Chia Porridge is a staple on their menu you need to try.
The flavors come in savory, tart, tangy, and sweet, with different textures of crunchy and soft that merge well together.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
Related: Best Pizza Places in Savannah
6. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
107 W Jones St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 232-5997
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a family-owned restaurant serving Southern cuisines since 1943.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
If you ask a local what their favorite breakfast spot is, they’ll likely point you to Mrs. Wilkes’.
This is a tiny piece of home in the busy city of Savannah, and it’s where you can relax after a busy week.
Indulge in this home’s comforting, family-friendly ambiance, and have the best Savannah lunch or breakfast.
Everything on their menu is homemade and made from scratch.
There may be a long line outside, but it’s worth the wait.
What to Order
Mrs. Wilkes’ Fried Chicken and Beef Stew are two dishes people would wait in the rain for.
The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside.
The beef stew is a bowl of comfort during a rainy day and is stock-full of comforting herbaceous flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Related: Best Seafood in Savannah
7. Zunzi’s
236 Drayton St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 443-9555
Zunzi’s is an off-beat counter-serve restaurant serving globally-inspired dishes and drinks.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
If you happen to be walking through downtown and see a corner of sunshine, that’s Zunzi’s.
The white exterior and vibrant colors make this eatery stand out among the grey buildings, and it’s hard to miss.
The menu also stands out, with several different components on one plate.
Their sandwiches are always filled with tender meat, fried chicken, or any filling of your choice.
You always get more than what you bargained for here.
What to Order
The Godfather Sandwich is the sandwich of the gods.
It’s filled with tender chicken chunks, fresh veggies, and cheese and smothered in a sweet curry sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Savannah
8. Goose Feathers an Express Cafe & Bakery
39 Barnard St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 233-4683
Goose Feathers has been a cafe and bakery serving an all-day breakfast and lunch menu since 1986.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Step into Goose Feathers, and you’ll feel like you’ve just entered Lower Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in New York.
This cozy cafe is one of the top lunch places near you for croissants, bagel sandwiches, and a hot cup of coffee.
They also offer paninis, burritos, and the most decadent sweet pastries on the block.
What to Order
We highly recommend getting the Egg Croissant, whether it’s for breakfast or lunch.
The savory egg and bacon pair perfectly with the croissant’s croissant’s croissant’s sweet buttery goodness.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection
9. Gryphon Tea Room
337 Bull St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 525-5880
Gryphon Tea Room is a local American cafe serving gourmet dishes and comforting pub grubs since 2003.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
If you’re reading a book but don’t want to leave the cozy library to get lunch, you can have both at Gryphon.
The tea room’s mahogany bookcases and stunning stained glass give off the feeling of Old World elegance.
As elegant as the place is, the menu feels like you’re eating in your grandmother’s kitchen.
It’s simple, delicious, homemade, and every bit as charming as a nostalgic memory.
Have a cup of tea on the patio on a beautiful sunny day, or have a burger at the counter.
Either way, you know where to eat lunch.
What to Order
The salmon is always perfectly cooked and seasoned, with the fats adding that extra flavor.
Don’t miss out on one of their homemade cobbler pies for dessert.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Andaz Savannah – A Concept by Hyatt
10. The Olde Pink House Restaurant
23 Abercorn St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 232-4286
The Olde Pink House Restaurant is an elegant restaurant serving creative Southern-inspired dishes in a cellar tavern.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
This 1771 Georgian mansion-turned restaurant has enough charm for a romantic dining experience.
With stunning crystal chandeliers and fireplaces, this is one of the most beautiful and popular lunch restaurants in Savannah.
The menu features homey Southern classics, such as cheddar cheese grit cakes, shrimp grits, and a full-fried flounder.
Any dish you think of if you’ve died and gone to Southern heaven.
What to Order
Go for a chilled seafood platter filled with fresh seafood with a side of their tangy, savory sauce.
If you’re feeling flush, go extra with the shellfish tower.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah – Tapestry Collection by Hilton
11. Husk – Savannah
12 W Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 349-2600
Husk is a mansion-turned-restaurant in downtown Savannah that serves Southern delicacies and cocktails.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Here’s another fine dining hotspot you might not mind spending a few bucks in.
You’ll feel and taste the essence of Southern history at this spot.
From the old historic mansion to the classic Southern dishes, this is one of the good lunch places you don’t want to miss.
Their menu is traditionally delicious and modernly presented.
As their motto goes, “If it’s ain’t from the South, it ain’t coming through the door,” you’ll get more than your fair share of Southern goodness here.
What to Order
The Smoked Grassroot Pork Loin may be an expensive dish, but every bite is worth it.
It’s infused with smoky, robust, and savory flavors that almost taste like barbecue, but not quite.
The pork is tender and melts in your mouth, and it even comes with a palate cleanser for your next dish.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Olde Harbour Inn, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection
12. Vic’s on the River
26 E Bay St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 721-1000
Vic’s On The River is a fine dining restaurant located inside a 19th-century warehouse and serves classic Southern-style dishes and cocktails.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
Located in a beautiful old cotton warehouse, Vic’s can do more than just charm its visitors.
The restaurant’s big windows and nightly live piano music provide a relaxing evening out.
It’s also overlooking a gorgeous Savannah river, so you get beautiful views of calm rapids and lush trees.
From perfect fried green tomatoes to flaky fish and chips, this restaurant serves you authentic Southern fare the way it should be.
What to Order
Get the tender and decadent filet mignon for your entree, and you won’t regret it.
For dessert, go for the iconic creme brulee or bread pudding.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ballastone Inn
13. The Collins Quarter
151 Bull St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 777-4147
The Collins Quarter is a cafe and bar serving Australian-inspired dishes and alcoholic beverages, and coffee.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
You’ll find a small piece of Australia at the Collins Quarter, and it’s a must-try experience.
The menu is a beautiful and modern, fresh take on the basics.
Everything has a surprising twist, whether you’re having a plate of smashed peas toast, shakshuka, or your typical biscuits and gravy.
What makes this spot different from others is its menu.
They have items that you wouldn’t or couldn’t make at home.
What to Order
Get the OG Hash, which is perfectly grilled, fresh, and juicy.
You get the creamy avocado with hash browns, short ribs, and a lovely accent of tomatoes and mushrooms.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: River Street Inn
14. The Grey
109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 662-5999
The Grey is a family-owned and operated restaurant offering pub grubs and drinks in a country-chic setting.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
It doesn’t get much Southern than a country-chic lodge room and charming hospitality.
This restaurant is located inside a greyhound bus terminal from the 1930s, and they’ve kept much of its retro vibes.
The Grey’s menu stems from deep Southern roots that translate into layered and complex flavors.
With seafood, meats, and fresh vegetables galore, it’s a melting pot of comforting tastes.
What to Order
Go classic with their crispy and flavorful fried chicken, served with a side of small pancakes and syrup.
Taste the magical synergy between sweet and savory as you drizzle the syrup over the chicken.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District
15. Leopold’s Ice Cream
212 E Broughton St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-4442
Leopold’s Ice Cream is a local hotspot for homemade ice cream, soups, and sandwiches. It was founded by a family from Greece in 1919.
Why You Should Get Lunch Here
After having the best lunch in Savannah, it’s only fair to top it off with some ice cream for dessert.
This ice cream parlor is so popular you’ll often see a line stretching far down the block.
They’ve got regular and seasonal flavors, with different themes for different occasions.
The creamy, sweet, and unique flavors they offer are more than enough reasons to visit.
Ice cream is always fun for kids and is just as sensational for adults.
What to Order
We highly recommend trying their Pistachio Ice Cream for a bit of that nutty, sweet flavor and delicious crunch.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Map of Lunch Restaurants in Savannah
15 Best Lunch Spots in Savannah, GA for 2023
- Joe’s At The Jepson
- Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
- Crystal Beer Parlor
- Wiley’s Championship BBQ
- Fox & Fig Cafe
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
- Zunzi’s
- Goose Feathers an Express Cafe & Bakery
- Gryphon Tea Room
- The Olde Pink House Restaurant
- Husk – Savannah
- Vic’s on the River
- The Collins Quarter
- The Grey
- Leopold’s Ice Cream
