From Foie Gras and Grits to Cashew Cheese Nachos

A Guide to What’s Cooking in Savannah

by Fannie Slater

Aptly dubbed “The Hostess City of the South,” it’s no surprise Savannah, GA, has continued to emerge as a melting pot of culinary charisma. Hosting goes hand in hand with food, after all. Savannah’s restaurant landscape has always been a magnet for tourists — along with the cobblestoned charm of historic River Street, of course — but in the last few years, the city has boasted its fair share of highly-esteemed hubs with which to eat and drink. Some establishments within our roundup have just begun their maiden voyage, while others are not-so-new but still fresh focal points in the food scene with operations that have continued to flourish. Nonetheless, each eatery possesses its own signature flair and flavor that’s currently found its way into the mouths (figuratively and literally) of hungry critics near and far. So, what’s cooking in this fully-bloomed foodie mecca? Keep reading to find out.

The Grey Restaurant

After opening in 2014, the Grey undoubtedly became the centerpiece of Savannah’s dining arena. Things are still going strong in this Greyhound-Bus-Terminal-turnedrestaurant. Today, executive chef Mashama Bailey (a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Southeast) continues to inject her African influence into southern soul food. The result: dynamic mashups like ham hock terrine with fermented collards and pickled beans. Settle in at the diner bar where small plates rule the menu or the main bar where seasonality is so valued that items “vary not only from evening to evening but, often, within the course of an evening’s service.” thegreyrestaurant.com

Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana

Situated in a shipping container surrounded by food trucks in the heart of Savannah’s Starland district, Pizzeria Vittoria is the brainchild of chef and owner Kyle Jacovino. The main attraction at this Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria? Naturallyleavened, three-day fermented dough crafted with local organic grains. The expertly charred pies cook swiftly to say the least (in around 90 seconds) and come out bubbling rounds of beauty. Don’t miss the signature La Diavola — sinfully spicy from peppery salami and marinara spiked with Calabrian chilies — but the classic margherita is equally as majestic to behold. vittoriapizzeria.com

Fox & Fig Café

A premier plant-based kitchen is a breath of fresh air in a city ruled by pork, fried chicken, and more pork. Fox & Fig is a novel dining experience where vegan eats and an elevated coffee bar are the stars of the show. With a hyper-focus on specialty coffees, it’s easy to see why Fox & Fig geared much of their menu toward brunch. If morning meals aren’t your thing, don’t worry; burgers, nachos, and chipotle mac-and-cheese are also on deck. If you’re sticking with the early bird theme, pair the “Proper Breakfast” (fingerlings, grilled asparagus, local greens, and cashew hollandaise) with a spiced lavender mocha. foxandfigcafe.com

700 Drayton

As you walk along the famed Forsyth Park, just past the picturesque water fountain that graces most of Savannah’s tourism brochures, you’ll find The Mansion on Forsyth with its European-style elegance. It’s a relaxing respite within the city that offers guests and the public the opportunity to dine alongside curated art collections at its 700 Drayton Restaurant. Brunch is a crowd favorite with its crab omelet, chicken and waffles, and other-worldly French toast. However, the dinner is prime for those with discerning tastes, including fresh fish cooked to perfection. Sometimes the smaller the menu choices, the better the cuisine. This is the case with 700 Drayton. If you are glutenfree, they offer palatable options. And, did we mention they also have cooking classes?

themansionsavannah.com/dining

Common Thread

This much-anticipated ingredient and seasonally-driven foodie destination is appropriately named, as it was built with the idea in mind of supporting and connecting locals. Also, front and center of the concept: marking familiar Southern fare with fresh, unexpected global touches. Situated in an elegant Victorian home, Common Thread (sister restaurant to everbuzzing Farm Bluffton in neighboring South Carolina) elevates Lowcountry fare to another universe with fanciful dishes like Chinese rice porridge with seaweed butter, fried oysters, and chili sauce. The vegetarian portion of the menu is plentiful, and dessert is a short but sweet list of heavenly bites like hibiscus panna cotta with coconut. commonthreadsavannah. com

Franklin’s

The new kid on the block of the Daniel Reed Group (who brought farm-to-table favorites like Local 11ten Food & Wine to the area) is Franklin’s on West Liberty Street. Named after Franklin Roosevelt, this “all-day express café” dishes out casual but thoughtfully-crafted madeto-order brunch staples and coffee. The airy space gleams with modern, inviting décor and is regularly packed with smiling patrons stuffed with the world’s most scrumptious Croque Monsieur. Peep the retail items for some gourmet goodies and gifts while you sip your lavender rose latte. Come back when you’re off the clock for a decadent coffee cocktail like the Spiked Vanilla Chai with vanilla bean vodka and whipped cream.

ilovefranklins.com

Madame Butterfly

This upscale Korean-inspired steakhouse sits pretty on Congress Street downtown and is equally as praised for its glorious grilled meats as it is for its gorgeous ambiance. The first part of the menu flaunts a series of skewered meats like charred duck breast, but you can also find non-grilled apps like local crab bites and steak tartare. Count on top-notch service and inventive, visually spectacular cocktails like the Coconut Jewel with citrusy sake and lemongrass. Classic, comforting bibimbap is a no-brainer, but grilling your own meat is Madame Butterfly’s real magic. Sides like pickled veggies and kimchi take the interactive experience to the next level. madambutterflysavannah.com