Savannah is renowned for its Southern comfort food, and shrimp & grits reign supreme among locals and visitors alike. From classic Creole-style plates to chef-driven innovations using wild Georgia shrimp over stone‑ground grits, these top three spots serve up the most beloved versions in the city. Ready your fork—here are the three must‑visit restaurants for unforgettable shrimp & grits in Savannah.
#1 Editors Choice
1. B. Matthew’s Eatery (Historic Downtown)
📍 325 E. Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401
Set inside a beautifully preserved 19th-century townhouse, B. Matthew’s indulges diners with exposed brick walls, sparkly chandeliers, and crisp white tables. It maintains an air of relaxed sophistication—artful enough for date nights yet easygoing for families. Brunch-goers spill into the adjacent patio under oak-shaded city blocks, where servers move with the precision of choreographed hospitality.
What Makes Their Shrimp & Grits Exceptional
This rendition earns near-unanimous praise: plump, wild-caught shrimp sautéed with cherry heirloom tomatoes, tasso ham, and collard greens in a silky, wine‑cream sauce. All served atop cheddar-whipped, stone-ground grits—creamy, cheesy, and fatty enough to coat the spoon. Redditors gush that it surpasses legendary local spots like Huey’s and Vic’s.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- At brunch, the shrimp & grits benedict—poached eggs and hollandaise—delivers layered luxe.
- Crab cakes and fried green tomato BLTs are popular first courses to complement the dish.
Insider Tip
B. Matthew’s often sells out of shrimp & grits before mid‑morning on weekends—arrive before 11 a.m. If you dine mid-week, mention Reddit feedback—it sometimes nudges staff to surprise you with extra sauce or pickled greens as a gesture of local appreciation.
2. The Shrimp Factory (River Street, Historic District)
📍 313 East River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Imagine stepping into a cotton warehouse lovingly outfitted for tourists who want real comfort food, not just photo ops. The Shrimp Factory pairs rustic wooden tables, fish-themed décor, and open windows with a glorious view of the Savannah River. There’s live music on certain nights—expect guitar strums, occasional seafaring jokes, and a ghostly apparition named “Joe” rumored to roam upstairs. Yes, it’s kitschy. But the river breeze, low lighting, and maritime kitsch blend into a cheerful setting where shrimp-and-grits fans happily linger.
What Makes Their Shrimp & Grits Stand Out
Their version features jumbo shrimp sautéed in a garlic‑butter‑Chardonnay sauce, accented with fresh tomatoes and scallions, all resting atop custardy, stone-ground grits. What really sets it apart is the surprise crown of candied ham cubes, offering smoky-sweet crunch with each bite. Reviewers rave: Yelp and TripAdvisor users insist this dish is shockingly good for its tourist-trap locale, calling it “surprisingly balanced—rich, buttery, satisfying.”
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- Start with their hush puppies paired with cheesy pimento dip—an unexpectedly addictive combo.
- Seafood lovers love upgrading with their blackened shrimp skewer or adding local oysters if available.
Insider Tip
Ask for a window-side table around sunset—nothing beats shrimp & grits with a river-view cocktail. And don’t forget: the extra sauce request isn’t just polite—it ensures you level up your dish to maximum indulgence. Some regulars have reported receiving extra hush puppies or dipping sauces as a make-good when the line’s long. Just ask nicely.
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3. Alligator Soul (Historic District)
📍 114 Barnard Street (underground level), Savannah, GA 31401
Alligator Soul welcomes you into a cozy subterranean space with polished hardwood floors, artful blue lighting, and an atmosphere that quietly marries Southern elegance with avant‑garde spirit. Diners often remark on the unexpected pairing of local comfort and chef-led innovation—they mention the place almost feels like it’s in two moods at once.
What Makes Their Shrimp & Grits Worth Mentioning
Their take is a layered masterpiece: wild-caught Carolina shrimp coated in lemon‑butter cream with Creole spices, atop creamy stone‑ground grits made richer with smoked gouda and candied bacon. Accents like a red‑onion marmalade or scallions add balance, turning each bite into an orchestral blend of savory, smoky, sweet, and citrus lightness. Food critics chronicle how it flips the traditional dish on its head while keeping it deeply rooted in Southern comfort.
Memorable Extras
- The Duck-Fat Frites with grit-croutons—surprisingly crispy and addictive.
- Their specialty cocktails like Smoke in the Garden mimic the flavor profile with mezcal and herbal bitters for a matching sip.
- Late-night guests sometimes catch impromptu amuse-bouches—the chef’s spontaneous way of showing gratitude for loyal patrons.
Insider Tip
Don’t just reserve—request bar seating inside the open kitchen tunnel. You’ll watch deft plating in real time, catch chefs layering sauce over grits, and occasionally receive a surprise sashimi bite. Regulars say the kitchen might even offer a custom amuse-bouche if they notice you’re raving about the shrimp & grits. It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that reinforces why locals—and critics—return repeatedly.