If you’re planning a trip to Savannah soon, you’ve likely heard about our city’s incredible foodie scene. While Savannah’s trendy brunch spots and fine-dining establishments often get the most attention, Savannah also has a lot of great lunch restaurants that are perfect for a light meal in the middle of the day or a larger sit-down meal before the dinner crowds arrive.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot for a quick bite or a nice restaurant for a filling meal, this list of the best lunch spots in Savannah is sure to deliver a recommendation that matches your taste and vibe.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah’s lunch scene is defined by classic and modern takes on Southern favorites, including shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and she-crab soup.
- Popular lunch spots for casual dining in Savannah include Crystal Beer Parlor, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, B. Matthew’s Eatery, Collins Quarter, Treylor Park, and Vinnie Van Go-Go’s.
- For a more refined dining experience in Savannah, consider options such as The Olde Pink House, Vic’s on the River, and Chive Seabar and Lounge for a sit-down lunch.
Casual Lunch Spots in Savannah’s Historic District
1. Crystal Beer Parlor
Looking for the best burger in Savannah? Many locals consider Crystal Beer Parlor to be the place to find it! This historic restaurant is open from 11 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday), making it the perfect place to stop for great food and refreshing drinks during the lunch hour. Though the burgers are a favorite, you’ll also find sandwiches, salad, and seafood on the menu.
2. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of Savannah’s most iconic restaurants, serving good old-fashioned Southern food since the 1940s. This cash-only restaurant is openonly for lunch (11 AM to 2 PM) Monday through Friday. The family-style dining room serves Southern staples such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and collard greens (just to name a few!).
3. B. Matthew’s Eatery
B. Matthew’s Eatery is one of Savannah’s most popular restaurants for breakfast and lunch, open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. Though this top-rated Southern restaurant has a lot of breakfast favorites on the menu, such as award-winning biscuits and gravy and omelettes, you’ll also find several lunch options to choose from, including burgers and sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and salads and soups.
4. Collins Quarter
Collins Quarter is another popular brunch spot in Savannah with two locations in the Historic District: one in Forsyth Park and another on Bull Street near Wright Square. Both cafes are open daily until 3 PM and offer a delicious menu with inventive meals, including choices for lunch such as burgers, sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and salads. Collins Quarter also has fantastic drinks and cocktails!
5. Treylor Park
Treylor Park is a local chain restaurant with locations in Savannah and cities in the southeastern United States, including Florida and Tybee Island. Each Treylor Park has a unique atmosphere with a funky vibe, making it a fun spot for a laid-back lunch in Savannah. While here, try one-of-a-kind twists on Southern favorites, such as Savannah Hot Chicken & Waffles and Chicken & Pancake Tacos.
6. Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
Looking for a quick spot to grab lunch on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in Savannah? If so, head to Vinnie Van Go-Go’s in City Market, Savannah’s favorite pizzeria. Whether you’re looking for a whole pizza or a single slice, Vinnie Van Go-Go’s has you covered with delicious thin-crust New York-style pizza. This casual local pizza joint also offers salads and calzones to go along with your pizza.
7. Peregrin
Searching for a boozy weekend lunch in Savannah? Search no further than Peregrin, a beautiful rooftop bar at the top of the Perry Lane Hotel that opens at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Though Peregrin is known for its cocktails, this rooftop bar also offers light bites, including Adelaide’s Chicken Melt, Birria Tacos, and Chicken Wings, making it a great spot for a light lunch.
High-End Lunch Restaurants in Downtown Savannah
8. The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House is one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah, so if you can’t snag a dinner reservation, stopping in for lunch is a fantastic alternative! The Olde Pink House offers a lunch menu featuring Southern favorites, including Fried Chicken and Shrimp and Grits, as well as salads, soups, and light bites. And bonus — the lunch portions are a fraction of the cost of what you’ll pay for dinner!
9. Vic’s on the River
Craving delicious Southern food with spectacular views of the Savannah River? If so, head to Vic’s on the River on River Street for a sit-down lunch! This upscale restaurant opens daily for lunch at 11 AM and serves appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and “surf ‘n turf” entrees, including Braised Beef Short Rib, Pan-Seared Scallops, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, and Vic’s Fried Chicken.
10. Chive Seabar and Lounge
Chive Seabar and Lounge is one of the top places to visit for lunch in Savannah if you are craving fresh and flavorful seafood in a 1920s-inspired sit-down lounge. The lunch menu features appetizers, such as she-crab soup and chilled oysters, as well as lunch specials, including a Grilled Shrimp Cesar Salad, Pan-Seared Snapper Risotto, and Salmon Salad.
Best Southern Comfort Food to Try in Savannah for Lunch
Before heading out to lunch in Savannah, here are some must-try Savannah foodie staples to look for on the menus at these popular restaurants:
- Fried Green Tomatoes — Battered and fried green tomatoes are a popular appetizer at Southern restaurants in Savannah, often served with pimento cheese.
- Fried Chicken — It’s not difficult to find fried chicken in Savannah. You can order it on top of waffles, paired with classic sides, smothered in gravy alongside biscuits, or even inside a taco!
- Shrimp & Grits — Sautéed shrimp and creamy grits (served in a flavorful sauce!) is arguably Savannah’s most popular dish and is a menu staple at almost any restaurant in Savannah.
- She-Crab Soup — A Lowcountry favorite and popular appetizer, this hearty bisque is made with heavy cream, crab or fish stock, and crab meat.
Explore the Best Restaurants in Savannah for Lunch with South Key Management
Food lovers — if lunch is your favorite meal of the day, rest assured you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere delicious to dine in Savannah, Georgia! And, if you’re staying in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, we have good news for you — all of these popular lunch spots in Savannah will be within walking distance of your vacation rental!If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay in Savannah, take a look at our charming collection of condos, townhomes, and homes in the Historic District, hosted by South Key Management. Our vacation homes offer the perfect blend of historic charm and modern conveniences for a fun and relaxing stay in Savannah. Contact us with questions — we can’t wait to host you!
