Savannah is a city that knows comfort food. Whether it’s a plate of buttery shrimp and grits, crispy fried chicken, slow-braised short ribs, or decadent mac and cheese, these spots serve up soul-warming, stick-to-your-ribs goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s a list of the best places in Savannah to indulge in comfort food, each with its own special touch.
#1 Editors Choice
1. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
💰 Mid-range | 🍗 Family-style dining | 🍑 Historic charm
Stepping into Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room feels like walking into a Southern grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The dining room is warm, bustling, and filled with the scent of home-cooked magic. Here, there are no individual meals—just massive platters passed around communal tables, the way real Southern feasts should be. The crowd is a mix of tourists who’ve heard the legends and locals who swear by this place. The walls are lined with history, family photos, and the sense that people have been gathering here for generations.
Why Their Comfort Food is Special:
- Fried Chicken That Sets the Standard – Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, this chicken is so juicy inside that you’ll forget all other fried chicken exists.
- Mac & Cheese That’s Baked to Perfection – Creamy, cheesy, with a buttery, crispy top—every bite melts in your mouth.
- Cornbread That’s the Perfect Balance of Sweet & Savory – Served warm with a side of honey butter, it crumbles just right.
Insider Tip: Get there early—there’s always a line, and they don’t take reservations. Bring cash—they don’t accept credit cards!
2. Sisters of the New South
💰 Casual | 🍗 Fried chicken & soul food | 🍑 Must-try peach cobbler
At Sisters of the New South, there are no gimmicks, no fancy plating—just straight-up Southern comfort, served cafeteria-style. Big portions, bold flavors, and food that reminds you of home—that’s what makes this place legendary. It’s the kind of place where you don’t count calories—you just grab a plate, fill it up, and savor every bite. The warm, welcoming vibe makes it feel like you’re eating in a family kitchen.
Why Their Comfort Food is Special:
- Crispy Fried Chicken That’s Perfectly Seasoned – A classic Southern-style fry, golden and crispy outside, juicy inside.
- Oxtails & Rice That Are Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender – Rich, slow-cooked, and drenched in flavorful gravy.
- Peach Cobbler That’s a Savannah Staple – Warm, gooey peaches with a flaky, buttery crust—pure Southern dessert heaven.
Insider Tip: Always save room for dessert! Their peach cobbler is one of the best in town.
3. The Collins Quarter at Forsyth
💰 Upscale casual | 🥓 Brunch perfection | ☕ Australian-inspired
The prettiest brunch spot in Savannah, The Collins Quarter overlooks Forsyth Park, making it one of the best places to sit outside and soak in the city’s beauty. The space is bright, airy, and buzzing with good energy—the kind of place where brunch turns into a whole event. Expect top-tier coffee, strong cocktails, and dishes that feel indulgent but refined.
Why Their Comfort Food is Special:
- Short Rib Hash That’s So Tender It Falls Apart – Slow-braised beef, crispy potatoes, and a silky poached egg—this dish is rich, filling, and unforgettable.
- Brisket Benedict That’s in a League of Its Own – Smoked brisket, buttery biscuit, velvety hollandaise sauce—it’s decadence in every bite.
- Banana French Toast That Tastes Like Dessert – Thick-cut brioche, caramelized bananas, spiced syrup, and whipped cream—it’s a dream.
Insider Tip: Their Spiced Lavender Mocha is one of the best coffee drinks in Savannah. Try it with your meal!
4. Cotton & Rye
💰 Upscale casual | 🥃 Southern classics | 🍞 House-baked breads
Cotton & Rye takes traditional Southern comfort food and elevates it with modern techniques and high-quality ingredients. The space is sleek and stylish, but still feels welcoming and unpretentious—it’s a perfect date night spot or a place to enjoy a long, leisurely meal with friends.
Why Their Comfort Food is Special:
- Pimento Mac & Cheese That’s Dangerously Addictive – Creamy, cheesy, with just the right amount of heat from the pimento.
- Cornmeal-Crusted Fried Chicken That’s Crunchy & Flavorful – Golden-brown, juicy, and fried to crispy perfection.
- House-Made Sausages That Are Full of Unique Flavors – Always changing, always delicious.
Insider Tip: Order the homemade bread basket—it’s some of the best bread in the city.
5. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant
💰 Mid-range | 🏝 Cuban-Southern fusion | 🎶 Live jazz
While technically a Cuban restaurant, Rancho Alegre weaves Southern comfort food influences into many of its dishes, making it one of the most unique spots in town. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with live Latin jazz on weekends, strong mojitos, and a menu that balances Cuban flavors with Southern soul.
Why Their Comfort Food is Special:
- Oxtail Stew That’s Slow-Cooked Until It Falls Off the Bone – Deep, rich, and served over fluffy rice.
- Fried Pork Chops That Are as Southern as They Are Cuban – Crispy, juicy, and loaded with garlic-lime mojo sauce.
- Sweet Plantains That Are Caramelized to Perfection – Buttery, sweet, and served alongside every meal.
Insider Tip: Come on a Friday or Saturday night for live jazz and an unforgettable meal.
6. Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons
💰 Mid-range | 🍗 Classic comfort food | 🍑 Paula’s flagship restaurant
When you walk into Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons, you immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a Southern grandmother’s kitchen—but make it massive and bustling with energy. The space is warm and welcoming, with a rustic-chic vibe, wooden accents, and big dining rooms that fill up fast. The service is friendly, the portions are huge, and every dish is loaded with the rich flavors you’d expect from a Paula Deen restaurant.
Why Their Southern Food is Special:
- The Fried Chicken is Legendary – Crispy, golden-brown skin, juicy inside, and seasoned just right—the kind of fried chicken that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
- Cheddar Biscuits That Practically Melt in Your Mouth – Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, served fresh out of the oven.
- Gooey Butter Cake That’s Almost Too Good to Be Real – Sweet, dense, and absolutely dripping with buttery goodness—it’s worth every calorie.
Insider Tip: Go for the All-You-Can-Eat Southern Buffet at lunch—it’s the best way to sample all the classics without having to choose just one dish.
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7. Vic’s on the River
💰 Upscale | 🦐 Southern Lowcountry focus | 🌊 Beautiful views
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century cotton warehouse overlooking the Savannah River, Vic’s on the River is the perfect blend of classic Southern elegance and Lowcountry charm. The interior features exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, chandeliers, and tall windows offering stunning water views.
Why Their Southern Food is Special:
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes That Are Pure, Golden Perfection – Made almost entirely of sweet, flaky crab meat, pan-seared to a perfect crisp, and served with a rich creole mustard sauce.
- Shrimp & Grits That Taste Like a Lowcountry Dream – Wild Georgia shrimp tossed in a smoky tasso ham gravy, spooned over creamy stone-ground grits—the perfect mix of buttery, spicy, and rich.
- Fried Green Tomatoes That Are Crispy, Tangy, and Addictive – Layered with house-made pimento cheese and drizzled with a tangy red pepper coulis—a true Southern classic, done right.
8. Common Restaurant
💰 Upscale | 🦪 Locally sourced oysters | 🍷 Expert pairings
Common Restaurant is where classic Southern flavors meet modern sophistication. Located on Broughton Street, Savannah’s bustling historic shopping district, this spot is sleek and stylish, with high ceilings, elegant lighting, and a cozy yet upscale vibe. The space blends warm wood tones, exposed brick, and contemporary accents, making it perfect for a date night or a special celebration.
Why Their Southern Food is Special:
- Sea Island Red Peas & Rice That’s a Love Letter to Gullah-Geechee Cooking – A rich, smoky, slow-cooked dish, topped with buttery seared shrimp and a hint of heat.
- Cornmeal-Dusted Catfish That’s Light, Crisp & Full of Flavor – Served with black-eyed pea succotash and creamy remoulade, giving it the perfect balance of crunch and spice.
- Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip That’s the Ultimate Appetizer – Rich, smoky, slightly spicy, and perfectly creamy, served with crispy house-made crackers.
Insider Tip: Their wine list is top-tier! Ask for a pairing suggestion—the staff is knowledgeable and will match your meal with the perfect glass of wine.
9. Repeal 33
💰 Mid-range to upscale | 🥩 Steakhouse sophistication | 🍸 Craft cocktails
Unlike a traditional Southern restaurant, Repeal 33 leans into high-end, steakhouse-style Southern comfort food, making it a great pick for those who want a balance of indulgence and refinement. Expect perfectly cooked meats, rich Lowcountry flavors, and a whiskey selection that will make any bourbon lover swoon.
Why Their Southern Food is Special:
- Bone-In Pork Chop That’s Smothered in Southern Flavors – Thick, juicy, perfectly seared, and topped with a rich, smoky bacon jam and apple chutney.
- Jumbo Sea Scallops That Are Buttery & Expertly Seared – Served with cheddar grits, crispy pork belly, and a silky brown butter sauce—Lowcountry meets fine dining.
- Fried Chicken Livers That Are a Southern Delicacy – Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, served with a bourbon honey glaze and homemade pickles.
Insider Tip: Order an Old Fashioned! Their house-aged whiskey selection is top-notch, and their bartenders are some of the best in Savannah.