Got a sweet tooth in Savannah? In 2025, the city’s dessert scene is more tempting than ever, offering everything from handcrafted pralines to decadent chocolate creations and locally loved ice cream shops. Whether you’re wrapping up a Southern meal or just treating yourself, these top 3 dessert spots are serving up the sweetest bites in town.
#1 Editors Choice
1. Leopold’s Ice Cream
📍 212 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Established in 1919 by Greek immigrant brothers, Leopold’s is more than a dessert shop—it’s a living timepiece. The soda fountain and marble counter were recreated with care when the original store reopened in 2004, offering polished brass fixtures, vintage jars, and the murmur of locals discussing favorite flavors. Despite its popularity, the vibe stays refined yet playful, with long-time employees serving cones across decades of visitors who return for nostalgia and taste alike.
What Makes Their Desserts Legendary
Savannah natives and Southern Living readers alike praise the butter pecan, tutti frutti, and rum ice cream with roasted pecans–flavors unchanged since the 1920s and still made by original recipes. Each scoop is dense, rich, and nostalgic, with flavors aged to perfection. They churn small batches daily using high-quality dairy and Georgia-grown pecans. Many say the texture and flavor persistently outclass modern gelato and soft serve.
Local Favorite Add‑Ons
- Try scooping two flavors in a classic waffle cone, then layering with a house-made soda float—creamy retroness in a glass.
- Visit on a weekend and watch the crowd wait patiently—but truly savor every lick once you’re inside.
Insider Tip
Despite its charm, Leopold’s usually has a line—arrive mid-afternoon (around 3 pm) for shorter waits and fresher scoops. For freedom from the crowds, try the airport shop, which serves the same secret-recipe ice cream without the bench-lined queue.
2. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar (Historic Downtown Savannah)
📍 42 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
Part intimate lounge, part dessert haven, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar delivers on both playful flair and meticulous craftsmanship. As you enter, crimson velvet curtains, candlelit booths, and high-gloss dark wood set the stage. It feels like an upscale speakeasy where dessert is the main event—expect low light, cozy corners, and a menu designed to flirt with your senses. Despite the sensual vibe, the service remains polished and professional, balancing whimsy with precision.
What Makes Lulu’s Desserts Noteworthy
They’re known for decadent classics and creative twists:
- The flourless chocolate torte topped with fresh raspberries is frequently cited as one of the top-five desserts locals have ever tasted.
- Their white chocolate chocolate chip cheesecake inspired near cult devotion on Reddit, described by one commenter as the best dessert they’ve ever eaten.
- Offerings include chocolate peanut butter pie, salted caramel martinis, raspberries-spiked mousse cups, and mini crème brûlées—each rich in texture and layered in flavor.
Local Favorites & Extras
- The Rapture Sundae for two, served with assorted liqueur shots, consistently garners “ultimate indulgence” headlines from visitors.
- Guests often rave about paired dessert martinis like the Salted Caramel Martini, Raspberry Espresso, and inventive non-alcoholic liqueur pairings that elevate the sweet experience.
Insider Tip
Reservations are strongly encouraged for weekend evenings—Lulu’s fills up fast. (They do not accommodate large parties—four is max.) For maximum delight, ask for a booth when ordering the chocolate torte—it frames the dish in perfect romantic ambiance. Regulars also note that mentioning you’re reading a Savannah dessert guide online can sometimes earn you a mocktail or mini bite on the house.
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3. River Street Sweets (River Street, Downtown Savannah)
📍 32 E. Broughton Street (original location)
This bustling candy emporium drips Southern charm—and sugar. Located on the storied River Street, it’s marketed as Savannah’s original candy shop. Bright display cases overflow with pralines, fudge, caramel apples, and gelato. Staff greet visitors at the door with sizzling hot praline samples, setting a tone of welcoming generosity. The vibe is cheerful, nostalgic, and uniquely Savannah—fun for families, tourists, and locals alike.
What Makes Their Desserts Special
- World Famous Pralines: handcrafted since 1973, these buttery Georgia-pecan confections are crunchy, not gummy, and consistently rated among the best in the South.
- House-made gelato and sorbets, including standout flavors like peach, coconut, butter pecan, and pink grapefruit—light, refreshing, and expertly layered in waffle cones. Reviewers praise the swirling technique that blends flavors seamlessly.
- Additional treats like fudge, glazed pecans, chocolate bear claws, and caramel apples round out a menu that feels like a candy-coated treasure trove.
Local Favorite Extras
- Sample the butter pecan bear claw gelato served in a cone—texture and flavor in perfect harmony.
- Holiday shoppers swear by their “Deluxe Grab Basket,” packed with pralines, fudge logs, turtles, and peanut brittle—a memorable gift staple.
Insider Tip
Ask for the hot praline sample when you walk in—it often steers purchases. Visit mid-morning or early evening to beat the largest crowds and enjoy full flavor variety. According to Yelp and TripAdvisor regulars, mentioning you’re in a Savannah dessert guide can occasionally result in a second sample or a mini surprise treat.