Located in Sandfly, a historic neighborhood near Isle of Hope that has become a hotspot for restaurants and boutiques, this barbeque joint is a favorite among locals. The casual, cozy eatery features walls lined with license plates from all 50 states and several countries, but the menu is decidedly local, with favorites such as barbeque pork, ribs, smoked sausage and baked beans on the daily menu. The sweet potato fries and Brunswick stew are the best in town. Each table is topped with three bottles of homemade barbeque sauce, allowing everyone from novice barbeque eaters to seasoned spice-mongers to find their favorite flavor.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Sandfly Bar-B-Q has the best Brunswick stew in town, hands down, and also serves up delicious slow-cooked meats and tantalizing sides.
Amy's expert tip: Get your food to go and enjoy a picnic at nearby Wormsloe Plantation, a former colonial estate.
This longtime Savannah favorite first opened its doors in 1933 and holds the distinction of being the city's second oldest restaurant. The original Crystal Beer Parlor was one of Savannah's most popular restaurants and was the first American eating establishment to serve alcohol after the repeal of Prohibition. Despite the restaurant's rich history and popularity, the Crystal Beer Parlor faced tough times and even closed its doors for a number of years. Energized by new owners, the Crystal Beer Parlor reopened in its original location in 2009 and has once again become a Savannah favorite. The restaurant is known for its thick, juicy, freshly made burgers but also receives rave reviews for its seafood, salads and other American-influenced fare. The Crystal Beer Parlor's gorgeous wooden bar is always lively, and the restaurant hosts weekday happy hours and trivia night every Monday.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The Crystal Beer Parlor's been a local favorite since 1933. Go for the great burgers and stay for the lively atmosphere and cool Savannah memorabilia.
Amy's expert tip: Give yourself plenty of time to check out all the cool memorabilia on the Crystal Beer Parlor's walls.
Fresh, flavorful, innovative and beautifully presented — seafood simply doesn't get any better than Noble Fare's near-perfect plates. Amidst an intimate, chandelier-lit setting, diners delight in selections from an ever-changing menu that highlights fresh local ingredients handpicked by passionate owner and chef Patrick McNamara himself. Past standout creations have included the tuna tartar with avocado, pineapple relish and curry oil, the pan-seared scallops over bacon and corn risotto and the raspberry chocolate cake paired with creamy custard. A newly remodeled wine bar on the restaurant's second floor is the perfect spot to grab a drink before dinner or to enjoy on its own.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: If a romantic dinner is on your agenda, be sure to make a reservation at Noble Fare, a charming eatery with superb cuisine.
Amy's expert tip: Seating is limited, so be sure to make a reservation.
For the best French cuisine in Savannah, head to this cozy Parisian bistro and adjoining gastropub on Whitaker Street. The gastropub is located on the site of a former Irish pub and has retained much of the original atmosphere, including tiled floors and wooden partitions. Bistro dining is available in the adjoining room or downstairs in the wine cellar, a romantic, brick-lined space that's perfect for an intimate dinner. Circa's menu includes an array of traditional French appetizers such as escargot, mussels and pat�, along with seasonal entr�es that are inventive and flavorful. Most entr�es are accompanied by a vegetable or starch, but additional sides can be ordered a la carte.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: There's no need to board a transatlantic flight to indulge in authentic French cuisine. Circa 1875's outstanding menu will delight even the most discerning Francophiles.
Amy's expert tip: Save room for one of Circa's traditional French desserts, including profiteroles and creme brulee.
Located in the trendy Sandfly neighborhood near Isle of Hope, Driftaway Cafe serves up seafood in a cozy atmosphere that features a surprisingly lush landscape with a quaint stream. The restaurant boasts a great selection of appetizers, including a fantastic tuna tartare, an ahi seared tataki-style tuna with black and white sesame seeds, diced cucumbers, scallions and a cucumber wasabi cream sauce. The sandwich menu has a variety of choices, including spicy tuna tacos, a Gullah oyster sandwich and a fried, grilled or blackened grouper sandwich. Driftaway also offers a number of classic coastal dishes, including pistachio encrusted salmon, pan roasted salmon and a seafood combo platter with flash fried butterflied shrimp and Gullah fried oysters. There are plenty of sandwiches, salads and entrees for meat eaters, making Driftaway the perfect choice for groups with differing tastes.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Locals flock to Driftaway Café for its inventive seafood dishes like spicy tuna tacos and pistachio-encrusted salmon. If the weather's nice, request a table outside.
Amy's expert tip: Request a seat by the window at the back of the restaurant to enjoy a lovely view of lush greenery and a quaint stream.
With a prime location on Broughton Street, 45 Bistro seems like an obvious choice for fine dining in Savannah. But the elegant restaurant that inhabits the space on the ground level of the Marshall House Hotel often takes a back seat to old Savannah staples and the newer restaurants du jour. Diners should not overlook this gem, which serves up a rotating selection of eclectic, brilliantly executed dishes. Many restaurants excel at preparation, while others have mastered the art of flavor. 45 Bistro takes top honors in both categories, serving dishes that are bursting with flavor and cooked with the utmost care. An attentive staff and extensive wine list make this the perfect spot for a romantic Savannah evening.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: 45 Bistro consistently ranks as one of the city's best fine dining establishments thanks to dishes that are perfectly executed and brimming with flavor.
Amy's expert tip: The melt-in-your-mouth beef Carpaccio appetizer with Dijon aioli, shaved Parmesan, spinach chiffonade and crispy capers might be the best Carpaccio of your life. Don't pass it up.
Legend has it that several ghosts haunt the 18th-century Georgian mansion that is home to the Olde Pink House. While it may be tempting to be on the lookout for those rumored spirits, diners will undoubtedly be distracted by the excellent food and cozy ambience that have made this one of the city's most popular restaurants. The Southern-influenced cuisine is always flavorful and features a large selection of fish, beef, pork and chicken dishes. Among the standout seafood entrees is the crispy scored flounder with apricot shallot sauce, which has been a mainstay on the menu for years. The "BLT" salad, a twist on the traditional BLT sandwich that incorporates fried green tomatoes, crispy bacon and black pepper thyme buttermilk dressing, was featured on the Food Network Show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." The restaurant's signature praline basket filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with berries is the perfect way to end the meal.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: For outstanding Southern cuisine in a lovely setting, check out the Olde Pink House, an upscale eatery housed in one of the city's oldest buildings.
Amy's expert tip: Plan to arrive early and enjoy a drink and music downstairs in Planters Tavern, a cozy, historic bar with exposed brick, fireplaces and beautiful woodwork.
When President Obama visited Savannah a couple of years ago, he ate at only one restaurant: Mrs. Wilkes' Dining House. It's no wonder that the Commander in Chief chose this Jones Street staple, which has been serving family-style meals for decades. With platters of fried chicken and dishes of butter beans, red rice, collard greens, mac and cheese, and candied yams freely flowing around the 10-person shared tables, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room promises great food and equally great conversation from fellow diners who have come from near and far to experience Southern cuisine at its finest. The selection of dishes rotates but is available on the restaurant's website for those looking for specific items.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Forget about that other grand dame of Southern cooking. Locals know that if you want the real deal, you go to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.
Amy's expert tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You may have to wait on Jones Street for a while before getting a coveted spot at one of Mrs. Wilkes' tables.
This romantic, award-winning restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Housed in a restored early 20th-century mansion in Savannah's Thomas Square Streetcar neighborhood, Elizabeth on 37th features a Southern-influenced menu that incorporates fresh, local seafood and produce. The result is perfectly executed, innovative dishes such as spicy Savannah red rice with Georgia shrimp and a double cut Berkshire pork chop with five cheese macaroni and apple-cabbage slaw. The restaurant's wine list is impressive, and wine captains are available to assist with custom pairings. Do not pass on dessert, which includes an assortment of indulgent treats such as a pecan almond torte topped with praline ice cream and bourbon caramel sauce and the restaurant's famous Savannah cream cake, an angel food and sherry laced custard cake with berry sauce and custard sauce.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Southern-inspired haute cuisine in an elegant early 20th-century mansion? It doesn't get any better than Elizabeth on 37th, one of the city's finest restaurants.
Amy's expert tip: Want the ultimate Elizabeth on 37th dining experience? The restaurant offers a seven-course chef's tasting menu for $90 per person. Contact the restaurant ahead of time to inquire about availability.