Situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, a.Lure offers an upscale ambiance, blending historic and modern touches and classic southern fare - with a playful twist. The farm-to-fork blend of Low-Country fresh seafood is drawn from owner Daniel Berman's memories of home-cooked meals and his appreciation of freshly picked produce. The specialty is seafood but a wide range of meats from steak to pork and chicken is also available.The eclectic menu adds a lighthearted spin to local favorites. The fried green tomatoes appetizer with Cajun remoulade, pickled and grilled green salsa and balsamic vinegar is a winner. The Low Country Boil becomes a southern banquet with the addition of a crab cake, fingerling potatoes, collards, sweet corn soufflé and an Old Bay hollandaise sauce. The chocolate peanut butter s'more - a chocolate torte with peanut butter ganache, homemade marshmallow and toasted marshmallow cream - may just be the most decadent dessert in town.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For your next date night, try a.lure, a sophisticated Historic District restaurant serving Low Country-inspired cuisine - with a twist.
Amy's expert tip: If you're looking for lighter bites, try something from a.lure's extensive bar menu.
Don't let the setting throw you. The Grey - one of Savannah's newest restaurants - has the distinction of serving tasty food backed by an ample wine list, along with Old World hospitality - in the restored comfort of a 1938 art deco Greyhound bus terminal. Owner Johno Morisano teamed up with Chef Mashama Bailey to offer regional produce, seafood and meats - with a touch of nostalgia - in a sleek, upscale setting. The former ticket booth has been converted into an oyster bar and the terminal's former 24-hour restaurant now houses the elegant Diner Bar. The menu is decidedly southern and is divided into four sections: starters, middles, mains and sides, offering an array of tempting options. Among the headliners: baby roasted beets, seafood boudin, clams and dumplings, roasted fish and smoked collards. Lighter fare is available on the Diner Bar menu. Not to be missed are their decadent desserts.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The setting is unusual, the atmosphere is welcoming and the food is delicious. It's the perfect nostalgic place for a romantic date.
Michelle's expert tip: If you'd like to plan a special event at The Grey, the Boiler Room is the perfect place in which to host an intimate gathering.
The award-winning 700 Drayton - one of Savannah's best restaurants - is located in the venerable Mansion on Forsyth Park, showcasing a lavish blend of high ceilings, notable Victorian antiques and striking architecture. Breakfast and Brunch offer a feast of traditional morning favorites along with some southern selections such as shrimp and grits and shellfish chowder. For lunch and dinner you'll find more southern recipes such as collard greens with white bean soup, rigatoni and pork belly, and okra fries. After dinner, climb the leopard-patterned stairway to Casimir Lounge to enjoy live entertainment and a signature cocktail on the rooftop terrace overlooking the park.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: 700 Drayton offers opulence along with fine dining in a romantic setting.
Amy's expert tip: If you're planning to stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, ask about their special packages which include meals at the restaurant.
Old World elegance provides the perfect backdrop to this upscale Italian restaurant which has been a staple on the Savannah scene for more than 30 years. The romantic eatery - tucked into the 19th-century Germania Fire House - specializes in delicious Italian standard fare such as lasagna, spaghetti, chicken parmigiana and linguine primavera. Other favorites include a selection of seafood creations such as their signature crispy scored flounder with apricot shallot sauce, orzo and julienne vegetables, and stuffed salmon with lump crab in a rich cream sauce. A raw and steam bar offers a host of chilled seafood choices such as oysters, shrimp, Dungeness crab and lobster cocktail.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Garibaldi Café is an elegant and romantic eatery offering upscale Italian cuisine and has been a Savannah staple for many years.
Amy's expert tip: If you can't get a table at Garibaldi, check out the Olde Pink House, which is part of the same restaurant group and is larger and accommodates more people. Both restaurants have the same signature dish — the crispy scored flounder with apricot shallot sauce — on the menu.
A farm to table, seasonally inspired menu is the basis of this romantic restaurant located in the basement of a former grain warehouse in the heart of Savannah's Historic District. Opened in 2003, Alligator Soul has quickly become one of the city's most elegant - and romantic - restaurants. The menu changes seasonally and often features "exotic" meat selections such as elk, antelope, pheasant, bison and camel. Oysters on the half shell stuffed with bacon, crawfish and scallions in a creamy sauce are the perfect start for a romantic dinner. Rounding out the menu are frosty cocktails, rich wines and tasty sweet treats.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Alligator Soul's cozy ambiance, personable service and exotic menu sets the stage for a perfect romantic dinner.
Amy's expert tip: The staff is very attentive. If you alert them beforehand that you're celebrating a special milestone, they'll plan something special for you.
Opened in June 2014, this trendy eatery - the brainchild of award-winning owner and Chef Hugh Acheson and Chef Kyle Jacovino - is one of Savannah's most popular restaurants. The ingredients are southern-grown but, from the freshly baked bread, cheeses and aperitifs to the cappuccino, the focus is definitely Italiano. Housed in a refurbished ice factory, the interior showcases marble table tops, high ceilings and reclaimed wood, lending a definite laid-back atmosphere, which in turn, makes it a very inviting place. Depending on the day, this popular café - restaurant can be positively boisterous, but that just adds to the fun.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: It's one of Savannah's newest restaurants and offers a rotating menu with fresh pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and other delights.
Amy's expert tip: On Sunday evenings, you can catch "movies and meatballs classic mobster movies," shown on the rooftop at 7:30 p.m. The current line-up features everything from "The Godfather" to "The Departed."
Savannah's unpretentious cozy French bistro is tucked into the site of a former Irish pub in the Historic District. Warm décor, rich wood and tiled floors pave the way to an exceptional dining experience. Bistro dining takes place on the main level or downstairs in the wine cellar, a dreamy brick-lined area offering the perfect spot for a rendezvous. As you would expect from such a cozy spot, the menu features escargots, pate and mussels along with a roster of delicacies such as crêpes aux crevettes (crepes with shrimp), cassoulet maison (casserole with white beans and sausage) and other flavorful dishes. An extensive wine list and craft beers provide the perfect accompaniment.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: For a romantic ambiance, ask to sit in the wine cellar, guaranteed to set the mood for a memorable night.
Amy's expert tip: Save room for one of their typically French desserts such as rich profiteroles and crème brûlée
Located in the Thomas Square neighborhood, Elizabeth on 37th's haute cuisine is served in an elegant 1900s mansion dotted with rich antiques, Old World trappings and marble fireplaces, leading to the perfect romantic tète-a-tète. Open since 1981, the seasonal menu features fresh local produce, seafood and meats, along with experienced wine stewards to suggest wine pairings. One of the standard entrée favorites is the double cut Berkshire pork chops with five cheese macaroni and apple-slaw cabbage. The fresh coastal grouper Celeste comes with a crisp sesame-almond crust with peanut sauce and roasted potatoes. Deicious desserts include a dense chocolate pecan torte with chocolate whipped cream; Savannah cream cake - angel food with a sherry-laced custard topped with a berry and custard sauce - and a pecan almond torte topped with praline ice cream and bourbon caramel sauce.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: You'll find fine dining, elegance and Old World touches in a stately 20th century mansion. What could be more romantic?
Amy's expert tip: For the ultimate romantic evening, book the seven-course chef's tasting menu for $90 per person. Be sure to call ahead for details and availability.
