Savannah Dining Guide

You would expect the restaurants in a historic Southern city like Savannah to offer that region’s famous home-style cooking. The surprise may come when you realize how many contemporary dining options are also available. Here are a few restaurants to check out during your Savannah vacation.

Classics

Elizabeth on 37th

Elizabeth Terry, one of the pioneers of New American cooking, opened her restaurant in 1981. Though she eventually sold it—to two brothers who worked for her—Elizabeth on 37th remains a sensation. It occupies a big neoclassical house, with parlors opening onto glassed porches, oriental rugs and romantic touches throughout.

The preparations are complicated, but highly refined, and the menu changes every day. It might offer inventions like crab cake with creamed corn and tomato-chive butter, or even roast pork with sweet potato flan and Brussels sprout hash. Salads come straight from the garden.

105 E. 37th St. Tel. 912-236-5547. Hours: daily, 6 to 9:30 p.m. elizabethon37th.net

 

• The dining area of Elizabeth on 37th.

Courtesy of Elizabeth on 37th

Olde Pink House

A lavish historic mansion—supposedly haunted—with numerous dining rooms, lounges and even a piano bar, the Olde Pink House is a Savannah institution. The cooking is haute Southern: she-crab soup, stuffed flounder, shrimp and grits, fried green tomato salad. Some may find the menu pricey, but you are paying for atmosphere too—with Georgia heart pine floors, Venetian chandeliers and a gracious Southern welcome.

23 Abercorn St. Tel. 912-232-4286. Hours: Tue. to Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, 5 to 10:30 p.m. for dinner; Sun. and Mon., 5 to 10 p.m.

Next: Down Home and Delicious